News & ViewsINVESTING IN OUR TOWNRichmond Hill Council is responsible for the planning and development of property, roads, sewers, water, garbage, parks and recreation, fire services, libraries, community centres. Education and health are mainly Provincial responsibilities. In November 2001, Richmond Hill sold their hydro facility for $141 million and consulted the public on how to invest the proceeds. Considered our ‘Hydro Legacy Funds’, we grappled with everything from, buy back the hydro, protect our tax dollar, invest in education, give money to the hospital, buy land on the Oak Ridges Moraine, support youth services, a long term care facility, transit, and find a new home for the food bank… etc.” Council approved banking the money in six different reserve funds for future use:
It is my view that the "Community Vitality and Economic Vitality" Reserve fund of $40 million may be used to purchase lands on the Oak Ridges Moraine and also may be used to build a Theatre/Arts Centre in the centre of Town (either at Major Mackenzie and Yonge or at Wright St. in the old Village). These Town owned properties should be developed for the benefit of the public and our downtown core. York Central Hospital needs money for equipment not funded by the Province which I would support for the immediate benefit of our residents. Council should decide soon. Stay tuned. YONGE STREET DEVELOPMENTNow that the Major Mack Hotel has been demolished, Council must decide the merits of a proposal for retail/ high density residential development. Residents have met with Council and developers and have advocated for development which complements our Historic Village, enhances local pedestrian life and still supports the transit initiatives of York Region. Unfortunately, I have just learned that the developers will be taking their application to the Ontario Municipal Board for a decision. If you would like to be heard regarding this development, a Special Council meeting will be held on: or the Clerk’s Department for more information at 905-771-8800. Another high density development for Yonge St. is also going to the Ontario Municipal Board. A 14 storey apartment complex has been proposed for the corner of Harding Ave. on the east side of Yonge St. just south of the Village Core. Council denied this application for a number of reasons, including a previous OMB ruling to allow only 8 storeys, density concerns and architectural design. (It looks like a space ship launch in my view.) Going to the Ontario Municipal Board is a gamble and not always a relief. In my opinion, we need the OMB to determine that the Town has met its responsibilities under Provincial Planning Law, the developers must have submitted all relevant documents and have allowed sufficient time for the Town to make a decision. (Currently, a developer can appeal to the OMB within 90 days of submitting a proposal.) Unless these criteria have been met, the OMB should refuse to hear the application. It is usually a disappointment when the OMB decides the planning of our Town. HIGH DENSITY & TRANSIT $$$York Region has budgeted $50 million for a "quick start" rapid transit program. These funds are to be matched by the Federal and Provincial governments. The "quick start" bus rapid transit plan for Yonge St. should be operational by Fall 2004. It will offer service every 10 minutes during rush hours and every 15–30 minutes over the full 18 hours of service each day. It is expected to shift over 7,000 commuter trips per day from cars to public transit. Everyone realizes that transit is only viable if convenient, safe, comfortable, and fast. Higher densities are supportive, but densities which overwhelm an established community have been and should be, denied. Densities will increase along Yonge St. and "core areas" like Hwy. 7/Yonge but each application must be considered on its own merit. HEALTH—LOCAL INITIATIVESSARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) has been contained. Thank you to our health care professionals. You faced unknown risks, set aside your fears, and showed true courage by doing your job. You’re terrific!! Now, West Nile Virus must also be contained. York Region continues with its larviciding program to kill mosquitoes before they reproduce. The larvicide is not sprayed but is pellets dropped into storm basins. Approved by all levels of government, the pellets and method is considered safe for humans and animals. Since mosquitoes may be carriers of West Nile Virus it is important to protect ourselves. For information call: GARBAGEThe Town is responsible for garbage pickup and the Region is responsible for disposal. Each municipality in York Region has different bylaws regarding garbage pickup. We need a more comprehensive approach. I support a three bag/bin limit with $2 fees for additional bags. This is currently accepted by 6 of the 9 municipalities across York Region. The 5 bag per residence limit recently approved by Council is simply not in the public’s or the environment’s best interest. FAST FACTS for SENIORSSeniors (60 years of age and older) could have a wait time of at least 3 to 7 years for subsidized housing in York Region! If you are a Senior and think you will need housing assistance, you may want to get your name on the waiting list now. For more information call me at 905-771-2498 or call York Region Housing toll free: 1-866-308-2226 and ask to be put on the Centralized Wait List for subsidized housing. Approximately 45% of the Region’s conventional buses are now equipped with low floors or ramps so it is easier for seniors and people with physical disabilities to board. All new buses are wheelchair accessible. ENERGY EFFICIENCIES
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