Publications
Spring 2004 Ward 2 Newsletter
date posted: 2004-04-01
Hello and Thank You!
This is the first opportunity I have had since last November’s municipal elections to say a very sincere Thank You for re-electing me as your Ward 2 Councillor by such a decisive margin. Election campaigns are exhausting yet exhilarating; rewarding yet humbling. To the more than 2000 people with whom I spoke at your doors - for your comments, encouragement and suggestions - I say thank you. And to the amazing team of campaign workers who braved miserable weather, and walked many kilometers to knock on doors and deliver election pamphlets - my sincere gratitude.
I would like to renew my commitment to the residents of Ward 2 to be open and accessible to you - I will continue to work full time on your behalf as your Ward 2 Councillor.
And Now For Ward 2 News
The following are the Committees and positions to which I have been appointed by Council this term.
• Chair - Budget Committee
• Trustee - Richmond Hill Public Library
• Chair - Richvale Community Centre Steering Committee
• Co-Chair - Mayor's Charity Golf Tournament
• Member - Downtown Task Force
• Member - Audit Committee
• Member - Committee of the Whole
• Seniors Liaison
• Chair - Library Services Committee
2004 Budget and Taxes
As noted above, Council elected me as the new Budget Committee Chair, an appointment which I was honoured to accept. The challenges facing all municipalities in Ontario are identical to those we face here in Richmond Hill; namely the rising costs of providing services, downloading from higher levels of government, and a shrinking revenue base. Municipalities have only two basic sources of revenues namely, user fees and property taxes - yet the Town provides services which affect us each and every day. From garbage collection to parks to clean water to libraries to roads and snowplowing to streetlights to seniors programs - every resident benefits/receives services from the Town.
In the last twelve years Richmond Hill taxes have increased in total less than 1%. Markham, for example, has increased its property taxes over the same period by over 30%! Clearly the past practice of zero or minimum increases to property taxes cannot be maintained. In many parts of Ward 2, the infrastructure such as sewers, water
mains, roads and ditches is aging and must be repaired or replaced. In the newer parts of the Ward, residents are demanding that parks and trails be built. The balance Council must strike is one of implementing reasonable cost efficiency measures which mitigate tax increases while providing for the continued high level of municipal services residents have come to enjoy and expect in Richmond Hill.
At this writing, Council is reviewing a draft budget put forth by staff which calls for a 12.5% increase in property taxes. We are systematically reviewing each department’s expenditures for savings opportunities. The budget deliberations should be concluded by the end of March.
Property Assessments - 2004
Many residents have expressed alarm at the increase in this year’s property tax assessment. The average increase in assessment across the entire Town is approximately 15%. Property tax rates are adjusted to reflect this so that the average increase is revenue neutral. For homes which receive an increase in assessment greater than the average of approximately 15% there will be an increase and similarly an assessment increase of less than 15% will see a decrease in property taxes.
Homeowners may obtain information on their assessments by contacting MPAC (Municipal Property Assessment Corporation) at 905-508-4013.
Newkirk Road Area Odours and Emissions
Last Fall, I organized an area residents meeting with the Ministry of Environment (MOE) to hear the results of tests conducted in 2003 on odours and emissions in the Newkirk Road area. Also in attendance was Mr. Frank Klees, MPP, Oak Ridges. MOE staff indicated in their presentation that no provincial standards were exceeded in any of their tests nor did the prime sources of odours breach any provincial standards.
One business, a plastics company, which was the source of many complaints; was charged with violating emission standards, found guilty and received a small fine, and is now out of business.
An identifiable source of odours remains Gamma Foundries. This company has committed to the MOE that it will install by this Spring new emissions control systems which it expects will reduce the odours in the area. MOE has been asked to conduct follow-up testing once this equipment has been installed.
It has taken over 2 years to get information from MOE on the complaints I brought forth on behalf of area residents. I encourage you to continue to report complaints of odours or emissions to the MOE to Mr. Peter Balaban, District Manager at 905-427-5610 or toll free: 1-800-376-4547, e-mail: balabape@ene.gov.on.ca
A copy of the report from MOE was finally received in late January and they will provide a copy on request. Please contact Mr. Balaban, District Manager at the number listed above.
Lastly, Mr. Klees and I committed to a follow-up meeting of residents and the MOE this Fall to determine the success of the new equipment at Gamma Foundries as well as to afford residents an opportunity for follow-up with MOE.
Bayview North Trails
This Spring, the Town will hold public information meetings on the exciting proposals to bring about improvements to the valleylands in Ward 2 east of Bayview Avenue, along with a trail system to connect these areas and permit everyone to enjoy the natural heritage features. Look for notices of dates and places later this Spring.
New Garbage Bag Limit
This is a reminder to all residents of the new limit of 5 bags or containers of garbage which may be placed at the curb each week. The details of this new limit are outlined in the 2004 Engineering and Public Works calendar which was delivered in December to each home. A $2.00 per bag tag system has been introduced for those who wish to conduct clean-ups. Tags may be purchased at Town buildings and must be affixed to all bags/containers over the weekly limit of 5. Managing the costs of waste both to the pocket book and the environment is the responsibility of every one of us. The Town will begin an active enforcement of its by-laws for those who do not respect the 5 bag limit.
Richmond Rose Public School
In February, I arranged a meeting with the Parent Council at Richmond Rose Public School along with Principal Honsberger. Joining me was Sgt. Reid of the York Regional Police and a member of the Town’s Engineering Department.
Some parents of children attending this school have been clearly identified as the source of inappropriate driving habits and unsafe maneuvers in front of the school on Frank Endean Road.
The safety of the children is paramount in everyone’s mind and accordingly the Police will be stepping up their enforcement activities in the area of the school. Drivers are advised that following a fair notice period, that the Police will have a visible presence in the area and will actively issue tickets for violations.
The staff of the school, the Parent Council, Town representatives, and the Police all agreed on this course of action. I urge everyone who drives near school zones to respect the signs and speed limits and most importantly to protect our children.
Tridel Application
The application by Tridel for a 12 storey condominium at the site of the old Major Mack Hotel has been appealed to the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) following a decisive vote last Fall on a motion I brought forward outlining guidelines for reasonable development of the site.
Council has retained a team of leading experts to defend its position at the OMB and they are now analyzing a revised proposal by Tridel. I believe that Council approved a fair and reasonable “vision” for this site that will permit responsible development which respects the village core and surrounding neighbourhoods.
There has been a request by the Town for an evening session of the OMB, likely in June, to permit interested area residents to participate and make their views known.
I will keep local residents up to date with mailings and newspaper columns as this appeal proceeds over the next few months to the June hearing dates.
Dunlop Street Seniors Please Note
It took some time, but thanks to your suggestions the sidewalk on Dunlop Street near Yonge Street now goes “around” that hydro pole and makes access as well as snowplowing a lot easier! This Spring, the control box at the south-east corner of Yonge Street and Dunlop Street will be moved. Thanks for your suggestions.
Beaverton Road Reconstruction
This major local improvement project has been approved by Council and the tender has been awarded. The project includes replacement of sewers and watermains, as well as a complete re-construction of the road, and the addition of a sidewalk. As always, in major projects like this, residents can expect disruption, noise and some inconvenience; however, the results will, I trust, be worth it.
Our Lady Help of Christians Elementary School
As many residents in the Farmstead Road area know, the new separate school was intended to be built adjacent to Silver Stream Public School and the Rouge Woods Community Centre.
The separate school board and the developer could not agree on a purchase price and the new school will now be built near the intersection of Toporowski Avenue and Redstone Road. The developer has now applied to build homes on the Farmstead Road property. Once there is a proposal that meets Town standards available, I will ensure that an information meeting is held to show the plan to area residents.
The Mounties Are Coming!
Mark the date of Sunday, June 13, 2004 in your calendars and let all your friends and family know that the world renowned RCMP Musical Ride is coming to Richmond Hill. This spectacle will be held at the beautifully upgraded Richmond Green. Watch for details later this Spring (in local papers and on my web-site). Two performances will be held.
Upcoming Meetings for Residents
| 650 Elgin Mills Road East - | March 11, 2004 @ 7:30 pm Elgin Barrow Arena Richmond Hill Room 43 Church Street South |
| Bayview North Trails - | Spring - TBA |
| Newkirk Road Issues - | Fall - TBA |
| Farmstead Road Subdivision - | Spring - TBA |
| Newkirk Road Bingo Hall - | TBA |
| ROPA (Regional Official Plan Amendment #43) - March 22 | |
| York Region South Services Centre 50 High Tech Road Richmond Hill |
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| ROPA (Regional Official Plan Amendment #43) - March 31 | |
| Richmond Hill Municipal Offices 225 East Beaver Creek Road |
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Mayor’s Charity Golf Tournament
As Co-chair I am very pleased to announce that this year’s recipient charities will be Alzheimer's Association of York Region and the York South Association for Community Living. If you would like information on sponsorship, please call me.