Publications
Winter 2001 Ward 2 Newsletter
date posted: 2001-12-01
HOLIDAY GREETINGS
As we enter the holiday season for people of many different faiths and cultures, I would like to extend my very best wishes for a safe and happy festive season and for peace and prosperity in the New Year. Please take a moment to remember that there are Canadians who will not be at home with their families but instead will be in distant places protecting our freedom.
THANK YOU
My first year as your Councillor has proven to be interesting and eventful. I would like to thank those constituents who have called me for assistance or information. Since being elected last year, I have worked full-time as your local Councillor. I am in my office most days, and do my best to return every call within one business day.
Please call 905-771-2535 if you wish to speak to me or send an e-mail to me at awarner@richmondhill.ca.
TOWN ACTIVITIES
Recently I was asked what a Councillor does other than attend meetings. When I thought of this question, it occurred to me that the last year has been full of community activities and appearances - here are a sampling of these.
| February March April May June July August September October November |
- Winter Carnival Opening - Volunteer Recognition Awards Night - Sports for Kids Gala - Bert Cook Fire Hall Official Opening - Heritage Village Day - Tree Planting in local ravine - Canada Day - Co-hosted public meeting on Buttonville Airport - Communities in Bloom - Judges Dinner - Co-Captain - Ride for Heart and Stroke - Headwaters Park Official Opening - Official Opening - Rouge Woods Community Centre - Public Meeting - Gamma Foundries - 25th Anniversary of Richvale Community Centre - Conservation Authority Fundraiser - Remembrance Day Service - Festival of Lights - Richmond Hill Santa Claus Parade |
I believe it is important to attend community events and to meet as many people as possible.
MAYOR'S CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT
As Co-chair of this terrific charity event, I was very proud to assist Mayor Bell in presenting $50,000 to this year's recipient charities, Yellow Brick House and The Autism Society. The golf tournament also made a special contribution to the funds raised by Town Staff in support of various charities related to the tragedy in New York City on September 11th. The Mayor's Golf Tournament has donated $300,000 to local charities over the last 8 years. If you would like sponsorship information, please call me.
NEW YORK DISASTER RELIEF
Town Staff and Council through various initiatives recently forwarded $50,000 to relief efforts in New York following the September 11th terrorists attacks. All citizens of Richmond Hill should be proud of the way our staff supports worthy causes in the Community. The United Way, Richmond Hill Food Bank and Hill House Hospice also are supported by Town staff.
NEWKIRK ROAD
The long Summer and Fall of noise, dust, and construction delays is now near its end. The results of this major reconstruction project are clearly evident and will greatly improve traffic flow through the area. I have asked for consideration in the upcoming budget for improvements to the streetscaping and to Newkirk Park to compliment this project. I am hopeful that some of those will be approved and implemented next Spring. An entrance feature at Elgin Mills Rd. will complement the improvements underway at the Curtain Club.
2002 MUNICIPAL TAXES
After 11 straight years of no increases, the need to continue to provide municipal services such as snow plowing, parks maintenance, garbage collection, and road improvements while maintaining taxes at the current level is going to be a difficult challenge. Detailed budget deliberations are well underway. Some costs to the Town have increased and newly opened facilities such as fire halls and community centres means staff and operating costs must be funded from the tax base.
Council will do its best to manage its resources in an effective and efficient manner. Our stated objective is to minimize any increases to the municipal tax base.
GO STATION PARKING
A long time problem has been the lack of parking at the GO Station on Newkirk Road. This year, with Mayor Bell's assistance and the support of Council, one of my priorities for the Ward was addressed, namely the acquisition of the vacant lots on Newkirk Road and Centre Street.
Although the final closing has not taken place at this writing, the Town has contributed a portion of the purchase price with GO Transit to acquire this property. Once the final closing takes place, planning to ease the parking and traffic congestion in this area will begin.
WAL MART DEVELOPMENT
After months of discussions with the developer of the commercial property at Bayview and Major Mackenzie, I recommended to Council that a limited number of signs on the buildings be permitted, however the illuminated signs must be turned off when the stores are not open.
I have emphasized in these negotiations the expectation we have that businesses which locate on this site must be good neighbours to the surrounding residential areas, and I believe they will endeavour to respect the neighbourhood.
BEVERLEY ACRES PUBLIC SCHOOL
I would like to congratulate the students and staff of this school for the publication of a special book Le Livre de la Paix (The Book of Peace). This is a collection of poems, letters and messages of condolence and peace dedicated to the victims of the New York City terrorists attacks. I was proud and honoured to receive a copy of this beautiful collection of thoughtful messages by the students.
And on that note....
and
HAPPY NEW YEAR