date posted: 2002-04-01
This is the Spring newsletter and I promise, that there really will be a Spring this year!
2002 TAXES
This year saw the first increase in municipal taxes in ll years - a modest 2.65%. The reality is that growth in the Town's assessment base can no longer offset the ever-increasing costs of providing services to our residents. In the next few years, we will continue to face significant pressures in the Town's budget as the costs to maintain our roads, parks, snowplowing, water, recreation and most particularly garbage collection and disposal services, increase. A typical home in Richmond Hill assessed at $250,000 will experience an increase in taxes this year of approximately $20 dollars. Here is a breakdown of how much some of our important municipal services costs the average homeowner per day.
........of note:
- snow windrow removal services for seniors remain;
-pick up of large appliances will be reinstated in the second half of the year;
-no reductions to any levels of service are contemplated.
WHAT'S IN IT FOR WARD 2?
The following are some of the benefits and projects planned for Ward 2:
COMMUNITY PLANTINGS
During the first week of May, I hosted several community planting and clean up days in the valleylands adjacent to Apple Grove Parkette and Newcastle Crescent. Congratulations to area residents who attended our second community event, and planted over 450 shrubs and trees in the valley. And how about the 350 young members of the Richmond Hill Ventures, Scouts, Cubs and Beavers who on the May 4th weekend, planted an astonishing 3000 seedlings in the valleylands next to Headwaters Park. I also want to thank the area high school students who spent hours in torrential rains, planting trees on the south side of Redstone Road. And to cap it off...Rouge Woods Community Centre was the site of this years Comin' Up Roses Fair on May 5th - Congratulations to everyone who participated..
ANOTHER THANK YOU
To the residents of Belvedere Crescent and Versailles Court, thanks to your overwhelming support, we were able to persuade CN to withdraw it's application to sever additional lands on Centre Street near the railroad tracks.
GO PARKING - NEWKIRK ROAD
As I reported previously, the Town assisted in the purchase of the vacant lot on Newkirk Road across from the GO Station. A temporary lot was opened in January and a permanent lot is expected to be completed by the end of the year. Commuter parking on Centre Street is now prohibited and once the new lot is completed, Town staff will assess the need for on-street parking on Newkirk.
UPCOMING PUBLIC MEETINGS
On Thursday, June 6th I will be hosting a residents' meeting for those people living in the vicinity of Newkirk Park. We will be seeking feedback on some interesting proposals to revitalize this green space. On June 13th a meeting will be held for Crosby Avenue residents affected by a proposal to deal with the sidewalks on the south side between Yonge Street and Pugsley Avenue, and yes; - the flooding on Crosby near Yonge which occurs during every heavy rainfall will finally be dealt with.
ROAD WATCH
A Road Watch program is being introduced in Richmond Hill. This is a community based initiative that involves awareness, education and enforcement techniques and is intended to reduce dangerous or aggressive driving. Public participation is encouraged through the use of citizen report forms to identify dangerous drivers to police. A Road Watch Committee consisting of staff, police, members of the public and Councillors is now being formed. I have been appointed to this committee by Council. Please watch the local paper for news on this community initiative.
COMMUNITIES IN BLOOM 2002
Once again, Richmond Hill is competing in the National Competition. Events are planned for the whole year including the front garden recognition program. Everyone is encouraged to participate in this program to improve and beautify the appearance of our Town.
SPEAKING OF BEAUTIFYING OUR TOWN
One of the most common complaints I receive relates to garbage, yard waste, and large appliances being left on boulevards especially on non pick-up days. If you need a waste collection schedule, please call Karen at (905) 771-8800 Ext. 3140 and we will be happy to send one to you. Later this year, the Town will reinstate its pick up of large appliances, however residents will be expected to adhere to the pick up schedule. Please respect your neighbours and our community and put your garbage and waste out on the correct collection days and in the appropriate containers.
PROCEEDS OF RICHMOND HILL HYDRO
In the near future, Council will begin its consultations with residents as to how the approximately 140 million dollars received from the sale of Richmond Hill Hydro should be spent or invested. Although a number of suggestions have already been "floated", as your local Councillor I have no preconceived notions as to how these monies should be handled. It is important that your elected representatives hear the thoughts of our constituents on this matter.
SENIOR'S FIRE EDUCATION PROGRAM
Following two serious incidents during the Winter involving residents of seniors buildings in the Ward 2, I met with the Fire Chief to explore how to protect and assist these important members of our community. In the last few months a series of presentations were held in each of the seniors buildings in the Ward to ensure that every resident had the opportunity to participate. The Fire Department will continue to take a special interest in this vulnerable group including more presentations if needed. As well, brochures/newsletters on the topic of fire safety and prevention will be provided.
STREETLIGHTS
The Town has established targets to repair or replace faulty streetlights. Most repairs simply require a bulb to be replaced. Residents can help by calling (905) 884-8013 to report a streetlight which is not working and can expect repairs in most cases to be completed in less than 10 days. The Town maintains nearly 12,000 streetlights and we appreciate the help of our residents in reporting malfunctions.
DID YOU KNOW?....
Richmond Hill hosts one of the biggest Canada Day Fireworks Displays in Ontario? This years' celebrations and events take place throughout the day, Monday, July 1, at Richmond Green. See you there!!
AND FINALLY...
I continue to work full time as your Ward 2 Councillor and am in my office most days. I welcome your calls and do my best to return every call within one (1) business day. My telephone number and e-mail address are at the bottom of this newsletter.
HAVE A GREAT SUMMER!