Publications
Spring 2001 Ward 2 Newsletter
date posted: 2001-04-01
THANK YOU
for taking the time to read my first Ward 2 newsletter. Since being sworn in as your Councillor in December, I have been involved in many activities and would like to report to you on a number of them. Please note that I can be reached most days at the Town offices at 905-771-2535 or via e-mail at aaw@town.richmond-hill.on.ca. I am also pleased to advise that I now have a web site www.arniewarner.on.ca where I will be posting information and updates on a regular basis. I look forward to hearing from the residents of the Ward.
NO MUNICIPAL TAX INCREASE
Council recently approved the 2001 budget in which the municipal tax rate was kept to the same level as last year ..... and this rate is actually 3% lower than the tax rate of 1999. Richmond Hill has now achieved a record of ten consecutive years of zero % or lower increases in the municipal portion of your tax bill. Council has also approved a 2.5% decrease in your municipal water and sewage treatment bill for this year.As to what the future holds for municipal taxes, there will undoubtedly be pressure on our tax rate as the costs of garbage collection and disposal mount particularly following the closure of the Keele Valley landfill site in 2002.
NEWKIRK ROAD RECONSTRUCTION
Get ready for a long summer of traffic disruption, noise, and dust as Newkirk Road is completely reconstructed from Elgin Mills Road south to Centre Street. This road reconstruction project is one of the largest ever undertaken by the Town and is scheduled to be completed by the end of the year. There will inevitably be delays in travelling the roads in this area as construction proceeds. As well, neighbouring streets will likely be affected by this project. However, the end result will be a greatly improved street benefiting all residents and businesses in the area. We appreciate your patience and understanding during construction.
NEW COMMUNITY CENTRE
The Rouge Woods Community Centre and Bocci Ball Court is fast approaching completion. This modern new facility will be opening in late Spring and is located on Shirley Drive in Silver Stream Park. Summer programs are already being developed. Watch for more information on my website, or on the Town website, in the Liberal Newspaper in the next few months.
AMOS WRIGHT HERITAGE CENTRE
This historical building and property which is located on Church Street North in the Old Village Core will be undergoing improvements to the exterior of the building to improve its accessibility to the grounds and gardens. Work should be completed by mid-Summer.
2001 PROPERTY ASSESSMENT
Many residents of Ward 2 received new property assessment notices which contained significant increases in the assessed value of your home. Although the appeal deadline for this year has passed, you can still request a review of your new assessment if you feel it is incorrect. The Ontario Property Assessment corporation (OPAC) is responsible for assessing property in Ontario. For information please contact OPAC at 1-800-263-3224 or visit their website at www.opac.on.ca
NEW PARK OPENS THIS SPRING
The beautiful Headwaters Park is scheduled to open this Spring. The name of this park reflects its location at the ?headwaters?or beginning of the Rouge river system. The park features sports facilities, walkways, and natural areas and will be another jewel in the network of natural areas and recreational facilities in our Town.
COMMUNITIES IN BLOOM
This is another exciting initiative in which everyone in our community can participate. Richmond Hill is competing against other similar sized municipalities throughout Canada. I will be nominating gardens and properties throughout the Ward for the front garden recognition program. If you would like to be involved or need more information, please contact the Communities in Bloom Information Hotline at 905-771-5466 or visit the Town's website at www.town.richmond-hill.on.ca
COMMUNITY HOME ASSISTANCE TO SENIORS (CHATS)
This not-for-profit organization has recently published a new Seniors Resource Directory. If you would like information on CHATS, please call them toll free at 1-800-273-0908.
ELVIS WILL SOON BE IN THE BUILDING
Hometown boy Elvis Stojko returns for the 3rd Annual Mayor's Gala of Figure Skating Dinner and Show on Saturday, May 5 at the Elgin Barrow Arena. This year's show promises to be even better than the last and proceeds will go to a number of local charities and organizations. If you haven't yet purchased your tickets, call Ticketmaster at 416-807-8000. Tickets are $25 for the show only or, if you want to make an evening of it, you can purchase dinner and show tickets for $125 each by calling 905-508-4000.
MAJOR MACK HOTEL SITE
I am pleased to advise local area residents and businesses that we were successful in removing the broken down van from the Yonge Street entrance and the derelict shack at the Church Street entrance as well as much of the debris near the building.
BAYVIEW AVENUE/MAJOR MACKENZIE DRIVE COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT
The major commercial development at the northeast corner of Major Mackenzie Drive and Bayview Avenue will include a major retailer - Wal Mart, a national grocery chain store, as well as other businesses. This development was approved last year by the previous Town Council and confirmed at the Ontario Municipal Board. There can be no doubt that this development will add to the ongoing traffic woes in the area. I will work with staff and the developers to try to mitigate the impacts of this traffic on residential streets.
MAYOR'S CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT
As Co-Chair of this event I am pleased to announce that this year, we will surpass the quarter million dollar mark in monies raised to date for local charities and it?s only our 8th year!. For sponsorship information, please call me at 905-771-2535.
DID YOU KNOW?
That Ward 2 is home to the first industrial area established in the Town in the Newkirk Road, Ohio Road, Enford Road area?
DATES TO REMEMBER
Census Day - May 15th
National Public Works Week May 20 - 26
Heritage Village Day - June 9