Publications
Spring 2003 Ward 2 Newsletter
date posted: 2003-04-01
WELCOME TO SPRING
It seems that Spring has finally arrived after a long, cold Winter. Now that the snow has disappeared, Town staff will begin the annual clean up of Town properties and streets. There are many items of interest I would like to report to residents of Ward 2, so please read on...
2003 TAXES
After many hours of budget debates, Council finally approved the 2003 budget and a very modest property tax increase of 1.52%. While no one likes to see taxes go up, this increase is well below the rate of inflation and is one of the lowest increases anywhere in Ontario. To put it in perspective, this year’s tax increase on a home assessed at $336,000 amounts to $14 per year or approximately 4¢ per day. By far the largest component of the Town’s budget are salaries; from fire fighters to parks workers, to public works staff; to librarians; Town staff provide a high level of service to residents every day.
HOW DO THE RESIDENTS OF WARD 2 BENEFIT?
We will see significant improvements throughout the Ward as the year progresses. Here are just some of the projects which are included in the 2003 budget:
- Osiris Drive will be totally reconstructed to urban standards including new watermains, sewers and sidewalks;
- Balkan Road will similarly be re-built as will Niblock Street;
- Gentry Crescent - after waiting for years, residents of Gentry Crescent will see their road re-built including sidewalks;
- Crosby Avenue - watermains will be replaced this Summer between the tracks and Yonge Street following a number of breaks over the last few years. The road will then be resurfaced in 2004.
- Ponds at Frank Endean Road - I am very pleased to announce that the first phase of cleaning up and re-vitalizing these ponds will take place this year. Improvements will include stabilizing the banks, planting ground cover and vegetation, building walkways and seating areas. Also, look for improvements to be made at the corner of Frank Endean Road and Major Mackenzie Drive as part of this project.
- Headford Park will be built this Summer at Shirley Drive and Major Mackenzie Drive.
ELSEWHERE IN TOWN
Council approved, as part of the budget, the construction of a second arena at Richmond Green; a complete up-grading of the Richvale Community Centre and Pool, including the construction of a brand new tot pool, as well as road reconstruction projects in other parts of Town.
SPEAKING OF ROAD CONSTRUCTION
As noted above, there will be extensive construction taking place on several roads. With projects of this size there are always problems of noise, dust, mud and inconvenience. We also expect several road closings will take place to permit construction to proceed. Residents of the affected areas will be notified of any closings and residents of nearby streets may also experience increased traffic due to detours. The final outcome of these projects will enhance the neighbourhoods.
RESIDENT'S MEETINGS
Many thanks to those residents who have attended meetings of local interest or the Ward 2 Open House I hosted in February. Later this Spring, I will hold similar meetings with residents in the Seniors’ buildings in the Ward. Notice of dates and times will appear in each of the Seniors’ buildings.
PARKS
The revitalization of Newkirk Park will take place this year now that the road and street plantings have been completed. Look for an “entrance feature” at Newkirk Road and Elgin Mills Road announcing entry to the newly named “Newkirk Business Park”. Council supported my request for funding in the budget, to design and complete a similar upgrade to Sussex Park from Crosby Avenue to Centre Street. When these two parks are completed and the new walkway behind the GO parking lot is completed, there will be a continuous green space and walking path from Elgin Mills Road to Major Mackenzie Drive.
GO STATION PARKING
Early this Spring, the new parking lot will be completed and new traffic signals will be installed on Newkirk Road to control traffic in the area of the GO Station. Once the lights are operational, parking will be prohibited on Newkirk Road as well as Centre Street.
PROCEEDS OF THE SALE OF RICHMOND HILL HYDRO
After extensive consultation with residents of Richmond Hill, as well as a number of special interest groups, Council will be holding a special public meeting on April 10th at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at 225 East Beaver Creek Road, to consider a report which calls for careful management of the 141 million dollars which was received by the Town when Richmond Hill Hydro was sold. I do not support recent suggestions to send cheques to
everyone in Town or to embark on some sort of spending spree. I do believe that we can enhance the quality of life for residents now and in the future, by protecting these funds, investing wisely for the future and ensuring that the aging infrastructure in the Town does
not become a serious financial burden on taxpayers. I appreciate the many calls and letters I received, which called for fiscal prudence and responsibility in managing this money wisely. I heard you and I listened!
OUR LADY HELP OF CHRISTIANS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
I am advised that the York Catholic District School Board has now decided to close this school once a new one is built on Farmstead Road near Shirley Drive. I will be keeping track of the progress of this project particularly as to the disposition of the old school property. Plans call for the new school to open in September 2004. For further information, please contact Ann Stong, Trustee for Richmond Hill at the York Catholic District School Board at 416-221-5051 ext. 7129.
COMMUNITIES IN BLOOM
Once again, Richmond Hill has entered the National Competition to beautify and enhance the quality of life in our Town. This worthwhile project involves many community groups and activities. Once again this year, I will be supporting the efforts of the Richmond Hill Cubs and Scouts, as they plant thousands of young seedlings in our valleylands. Communities in Bloom is an opportunity to make your home and your Town beautiful - get involved! If you would like more information, please call my office or visit the Town’s website at www.richmondhill.ca.
NEWKIRK ROAD ISSUES
Following many discussions, meetings and complaints on behalf of area residents, I recently sought assistance from Mr. Frank Klees, M.P.P. Oak Ridges, to request a better response from the Ministry of the Environment (MOEE), to address complaints of odours and fumes
emanating from certain factories. Last Fall, some seventeen plants were inspected by MOEE and orders were issued to several of these factories. At this writing, I have been assured that more vigorous actions will be taken by the Ministry to pinpoint the source of the complaints and to ensure compliance with orders which have been issued. I urge area residents to not only call me, but to report complaints of odours, fumes or emissions to:
Mr. Dave Fumerton, Area Supervisor
York-Durham District
Ministry of the Environment
(Daytime) 905-427-5626 or 1-800-376-4547.
After hours and on week ends, please call 1-800-268-6060.
Mr. Klees may be reached at 905-707-3160.
This has been a process which has taken too long and has been frustrating for area residents. I would like to acknowledge Mr. Klees assistance in getting this issue the kind of attention it deserves and I repeat the commitment I have made to neighbours of these factories; when we get information/results of the MOEE investigations, I will ensure that you know the outcome!
OTHER TOWN BEAUTIFICATION PROJECTS
I have been spear-heading a Town wide clean up program. That’s why the large appliance pick-up was re-instated. The Town has also initiated other actions. We have removed illegal signs, charged property owners who do not maintain their properties, joined in Pitch-In Canada Week and enlisted the support of schools. We sponsor Arbor Week and shortly, we will introduce an anti-litter campaign. Keeping our Town clean is expensive to you as a taxpayer and it is everyone’s responsibility to help keep Richmond Hill clean and beautiful.
FRONT YARD PARKING
As part of the clean-up campaign and in response to numerous complaints, I asked staff to report on this problem and in November a special public meeting was held. On Wednesday, April 9, a staff report will be brought to a Council Public Meeting which will address the problem of people parking on front lawns. The report calls for a consistent approach to a by-law which will be applied across the Town - simply put - “you cannot park on your front lawn!”
Once approved, By-law Enforcement staff will be able to respond to legitimate complaints about front yard parking and offenders may be charged. Many thanks to the residents who have discussed their complaints with me. Neighbours and neighbourhoods deserve respect; a new By-law will go a long way to help in this regard.
ADULT ENTERTAINMENT PARLOR HEARING
Late in 2002 and again in January, seven of your nine elected Members of Council accepted their responsibility of sitting as a licensing tribunal to hear an application to open an Adult
Entertainment Parlour at the old Legion Hall site on Ohio Road. Our decision was decisive and unanimous - the application was denied.
While the Town’s by-laws permit a maximum of two such businesses in the Enford Road/Ohio Road area, the licensing requirements are stringent. In the opinion of the Tribunal which I was part of, we felt the applicant did not meet these requirements. At this point in time, the applicant is pursuing a judicial review of the decision.
DID YOU KNOW
...that the grand re-opening of Richmond Green is scheduled for July 1, 2003. Come and help us celebrate Canada’s Birthday, the Town’s 130th Birthday and the grand re-opening of this magnificent new park.
WEST NILE VIRUS
In response to the concerns of Health officials, the Town, along with other municipalities and the Region of York is actively planning to participate in a number of measures to control the primary means of spreading this virus - namely mosquitoes. This virus was confirmed as
having reached Richmond Hill late last year and with mosquito season not far away, the potential for more cases is real.
Area residents are urged to eliminate sources of standing water such as tires or swimming pool covers where mosquitos might breed. In addition, the York Region Health Department is requesting that residents report dead birds (which carry the virus) to the Health Connection Line at 1-800-361-5653. You may also call this number if you have any questions about the West Nile Virus.
ROAD WATCH
As I indicated in previous newsletters, I am a Council advisor to this citizen based program to address dangerous and/or speeding drivers on our residential streets. On April 12 at 10:00 a.m. the Road Watch Program will be officially launched by the Committee, Council and the York Regional Police at Hillcrest Mall. Everyone is invited to attend.
Road Watch forms will be available at Town facilities and on our website at www.richmondhill.ca and citizens may submit these at a number of drop off points throughout the Town. Now you can take action to help make our streets safer. Road Watch complaints are handled by the Police and owners of reported cars will receive a letter of warning if they are reported by a citizen. Subsequent complaints may result in more severe consequences.
Special congratulations to the citizens on the Road Watch Committee who have worked very hard to raise funds and bring this community driven program to this point. ROAD WATCH!...GET INVOLVED.
MAJOR MACK HOTEL SITE
There have been a variety of proposals put forth over the last several years to redevelop this eyesore on Yonge Street. As this newsletter goes to print, we have been notified that a formal proposal to bring a strong residential presence to the site, will be submitted. To ensure that area residents are fully informed on the nature and details of the proposal, I will be hosting an information meeting along with Planning Department Staff to discuss this application.
When: Wednesday, April 23, 2003
Where: Lions Hall, 106 Centre Street East
Time: 7:00 p.m.
ELECTIONS 2003
This November 10th, municipal elections will be held in Ontario. At this writing, I have not yet decided whether I will run again for a position on Council. I do appreciate the interest residents have shown and I will announce my intentions at an appropriate time.
IN THE MEANTIME...
I continue to work full-time as your Ward 2 Councillor. I am in my office most days, and yes, to the surprise of many callers, I answer my own phone. I try to return or acknowledge calls within one business day.