Publications
Winter 2008 Ward 2 Newsletter
date posted: 2008-12-11
It's hard to believe but it is already that time of the year when friends and families can pause and reflect on the past year and to enjoy the festive season. As always, there are a number of items of interest which I would like to share with residents of Ward 2.
Crosby Park
Let's start off with a final report on the Crosby Park project - the first fully accessible park in Richmond Hill and one of the best anywhere! Residents from the neighbourhood as well as all of Richmond Hill have flocked to the park since it was completed in early Summer. Despite the wet summer, the waterplay/splash pad (the first in the old part of Town) was a popular feature. The largest play structure in Southern Ontario, the accessible swings, walking trail, and picnic tables were well used. And, over 2,000 residents joined us as we celebrated the grand re-opening of Crosby Park on September 6th.
I am very proud to have led this initiative to successful completion. I would like to thank the sponsors and donors as well as Town Council and staff for helping make my dream and that of others a reality. A special thanks goes to Barry Munro and Laura Smith of the Richmond Hill Mobility Foundation for their hard work and commitment.
Richmond Hill Centre For The Performing Arts
And now on to another and possibly crowning jewel in the many fine amenities our Town has to offer, namely, the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts.
As the Chairman of the Steering Committee for the largest project in Town history, I can tell you that the excitement about our theatre is everywhere. Despite some delays due to poor weather and equipment delivery issues, the Centre is now on target to open in early 2009. Council will be announcing the official opening date very soon. From that day forward, the theatre will be very busy featuring well known Canadian and international performers, as well as local artists and dance groups.
Check out the website at www.richmondhill.ca/theatre and pick a show for all the family to enjoy. The theatre has 631 seats in an intimate setting, (trust me there really are no bad seats!).
There is ample parking, a multi-purpose/rehearsal room, and a fly-tower to accommodate major performances. The original school house at the corner of Yonge St. and Wright St. has been carefully restored and incorporated into the theatre complex.
The grand opening of our Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts is only weeks away - in the words of the great vaudeville performer Al Jolson "You ain't seen nothing yet!"
There are several projects in Ward 2 which are or soon will be underway. Here are brief updates on some of them:
- St. Marks Bridge - The pedestrian bridge connecting the walkway on the east side of German Mills Creek and Unity Park has been on hold pending the construction of a Regional Water line. Construction of the bridge should begin next Spring.
- Dove Park - The conversion of the baseball diamond to a junior soccer field was completed and the full park will be in use next Spring.
- Newberry Park - Local residents will know how extensive this project was as the Town gave in to Mother Nature by removing a ball diamond and soccer field and replacing them with a naturalized Wetland complex. Additional plantings will take place next year.
- The road reconstruction and watermain replacement project for Benfer Rd., Bent Cr., Maralim Rd., Maramak Rd., Fernleigh Cir. North and South, and Fesserton Rd. has just been approved to go forward in 2009.
- Sadly, the end of an era and the loss of a community icon has been approved by a Council majority. The Lions Hall, despite considerable opposition, has been deemed to have come to the end of its usefulness and will be demolished next year. There are no plans at this time to replace the hall nor are there any plans to dispose of the land it occupies.
Baymills Ratepayers Group
Are always looking for new members, This dedicated group of residents in the Elgin Mills Rd. and Bayview Ave. area have had substantive input into several projects such as the new Montessori School on Elgin Mills Rd. at Edward St. For information, please contact Baymills R.P.A. by e-mail at baymillsrpa@yahoo.ca.
Mayor's Charity Golf Tournament
Every Fall, it is my pleasure as Co-Chair of the Annual Mayor's Charity Golf Tournament to announce another record setting amount of money raised - and this year we did it again. A total of $108,000 was donated to Hill House Hospice, The Krasman Centre and Lymphoma Foundation of Canada. In the last 15 years we have raised nearly $900,000 for charities here in Richmond Hill!
Next year, we hope to hit the 1 million dollar mark. For information, please contact me at the office.
Pictured here is Arnie at the Mayor's Charity Golf Tournament with hockey legend, Johnny Bower
2009 Property Assessment Notices
were delivered this Fall to all homes in Richmond Hill. The new assessments will be phased in over 4 years and reflect the value of your home on January 1, 2008. You can get information on your own home and can compare it to others in your area free of charge by contacting the Municipal Assessment Corporation (MPAC) at 1-866-296-6722 or visit www.mpac.ca.
19th Avenue Improvements
Earlier this Fall I introduced a motion at Council calling on the Region of York to accelerate their plans to improve 19th Avenue. We have now been advised that design work on the section from Yonge St. to Bayview Ave. is underway and construction could begin in late 2009. We have also asked that some interim attention be given to pedestrian safety in the section near Yonge St.
Another overdue improvement in the area is now underway as the Jefferson Forest subdivision will soon have access to 19th Avenue. Construction of new homes and streets in the southern section is now proceeding. This will permit alternate routes in and out of this large subdivision.
Gells Road and Skopit Road Reconstruction
Residents on these streets should have received notification of the delays in completing these road reconstruction projects. I appreciate the patience residents displayed during a long wet construction period. Unfortunately the weather closed in and the project will not be completed till next Spring. Should residents encounter any problems related to the project (especially with your driveways), please contact Grant Taylor at 905-771-8800 ext. 3549.
Crosby Heights Public School is getting ready to celebrate its 50th Anniversary in 2009. The celebration takes place from May 21 to May 23, 2009 and will feature a family fun day, alumni band, open house and a street dance. If you know of any graduates of Crosby Heights, the anniversary hotline is 905-884-5281, ext. 507 or e-mail is crosbyrocks@hotmail.com. The Committee is looking for mementos or photos and any help with the event will be appreciated. I look forward to seeing you next year at the celebration.
Crosby Heights is also actively raising money to upgrade its playground equipment. Please help this very worthwhile project meet its goal of having new playground equipment in place in time for the 50th Anniversary. If you would like to donate to or sponsor the project, please contact the Community Coordinator, Pam Hazelton at 905-884-5281 ext. 506 or by e-mail at cc2.crosby.heights@yrdsb.edu.on.ca. Tax deductible receipts are available. I would appreciate the support of the community for this school initiative.
Large Appliance Pickup
Some years ago I asked Council to approve a free pick-up program for large appliances. This program rids us of unnecessary and irresponsible dumping on our streets and ensures that old fridges stoves, etc. are properly disposed of and re-cycled. Now you can schedule your appliance pick-up on-line at www.richmondhill.ca/appliance or call 905-884-8013. Please help keep our neighbourhood clean by scheduling a free pick-up - don't just abandon these items on the curb!
And in closing; I have enjoyed meeting residents and hearing your views at the various community meetings and events I attended throughout the year - Thank you!
Please take a moment to think of our brave Canadian men and women who serve in our Armed Forces so we can enjoy our freedoms at home.
Thank you for taking the time to read my newsletter.
As always, I can be reached at 905-771-2535, awarner@richmondhill.ca, or visit my web site at www.arniewarner.on.ca.