Councillor Ward 2 Arnie Warner

Publications

Winter 2009 Ward 2 Newsletter

date posted: 2010-01-13

As we move into the festive season and on to a brand New Year, it is a good time to look back on events of 2009 and update residents of Ward 2 on news and activities in the Ward and our Town.

Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts

If you have not yet visited this gem in our village core, then you are missing not only a beautiful multi-purpose Performing Arts Centre but some of the finest entertainment around. The Centre opened on February 28th this year and immediately became a hit. From dance recitals to multicultural events; from high school musicals to art exhibits; from receptions to summer jazz concerts outdoors in the plaza; from live theatre to performances by major artists; our theatre is receiving rave reviews. In fact, at a recent concert by musical legend Art Garfunkel, he commented on the superior quality of the acoustics for patrons and performers - high praise indeed! For information on the Centre and upcoming per f o rman c e s, please visit www. richmondhill.ca or pick up a brochure at the Centre at 10268 Yonge St.



Skopit Park

As residents in the area know, improvements were made to the walkways, park and play areas this Fall. The swing sets which were removed will be replaced with new swings in the Spring. I understand the inconvenience to neighbors due to firstly the road reconstruction, then the park work; however, the outcome is an improvement to the park and the neighborhood. Thank you for your patience.

Infrastructure Projects

As everyone well knows, we are in the midst of a global recession. Throughout the free world, governments moved to stimulate the economy by taking a number of extraordinary steps. In Canada, Ontario, and Richmond Hill, major infrastructure projects were announced. Richmond Hill was well positioned to respond decisively to the requests for stimulus spending by the higher levels of government. Why were we ready? Simply put, we were prepared for this possibility. As Budget Chair for a number of years, I advocated for a four year budget cycle as well as a 10 year capital works program which is reviewed and updated each year. At the beginning of this term of Council, the Town adopted this approach to budgets and we were then able to respond quickly when we were asked to participate in infrastructure projects.

We also have reserves of funds to utilize and that comes from good fiscal management by the Town. The infrastructure projects which the Town is managing means we are benefitting from the infusion of monies from the Provincial and Federal governments and in joint projects we are contributing only one third of the total costs; a tremendous advantage to tax payers in Richmond Hill. All of the infrastructure improvements are being funded by the Town from financial reserves and will not affect your property taxes.

The following are examples of how the various stimulus funds are being spent to improve the infrastructure in our Town and in Ward 2. (*) denotes projects in Ward 2.

These are just some of the projects now underway in Richmond Hill - there are more. Next year (2010) will see a great deal of construction throughout our Town and with it will come the inconvenience of such construction. The outcome; however, will benefit residents everywhere. I am particularly pleased with the number of projects in Ward 2 which we were able to move forward as a result of the infusion of funds from the higher levels of government.

The Town will also continue its annual program of improvements to various parks and facilities as well as road overlay programs, sidewalk improvements etc.

19th Avenue

On behalf of residents in this area, I have continued to press the Region of York to move forward on the reconstruction of 19th Avenue between Yonge St. and Bayview Ave. The latest information is that construction will begin in 2010 and will likely be completed in 2011. The Town of Richmond Hill is responsible for constructing sidewalks on this road. Funds for this have been established in our budget and the sidewalks will be included in the overall project.

Baymills Ratepayers Association

This group continues to be active in our community. Not only do they provide regular and valuable feedback to me as your Councillor, they hold an annual picnic, publish a newsletter, and update members on local matters of interest via e-mail. If you live in the vicinity of Bayview Ave. and Elgin Mills Rd., please consider joining this Association. For information contact the association at baymillsrpa04@yahoo.ca

Off-leash Dog Park

Richmond Hill's first off-leash dog park opened this Fall at the southwest corner of Tower Hill Road and Yonge St. (behind the Canadian Tire Store). The park is a one year pilot project and will be evaluated to determine its popularity and continued use. Kudos to the residents (and their pooches) for working with the Town to help establish and design the park. Take your doggie for a run and meet folks from all over Town!

Crosby Heights Public School

In the late Spring, Crosby Heights Public School celebrated its 50th Anniversary. I was proud to participate in the opening ceremonies as a guest of honor and to attend the activities throughout the day especially since our children attended Crosby Heights. Congratulations to the parents, staff and students for all their hard work in organizing such a great celebration. Let's hope this neighborhood icon enjoys another 50 years of success.

Town Hall Relocation

The possible relocation of the municipal offices from the present location at 225 East Beaver Creek Rd. has been a topic of discussion for years. Last year, Council commissioned a study to determine the feasibility of such a move to bring the Town Hall to the south-west corner of Major Mackenzie Dr. and Yonge St. The study concluded that the move is feasible; however the costs would be significant. Council then supported my motion to engage the public and seek feedback from residents on the initiative. Following public meetings and an on-line survey, the outcome of the public opinion and input was not decisive. Many residents felt that they needed more information before deciding; particularly related to costs, financing of the project, possible public private partnerships, and the impact on property taxes. I agree that Council is not yet in an informed position to make a decision that could lead to expenditures of over 100 million dollars. The next step will be additional research on how such a venture could be funded and how other municipalities have built their new Town Halls.

The Town owns the land adjacent to Central Library and I support some form of municipal presence there in addition to the library. Whether or not it becomes the site for a new Town Hall will depend on the alternatives which should emerge from the next stage of analysis. The ultimate decision will have to make good sense from many perspectives, not the least of which will be the financial implications.

Community Environmental Centre

Richmond Hill Council has been advocating for a Community Environmental Centre (CEC) for several years. Responsibility for such a centre rests with the Region of York. Thanks to another government infrastructure stimulus grant, the Region of York is now fast tracking the design and construction of a centre for Richmond Hill residents. Soon, we will be able to drop off hazardous materials, re-cycling, electronics etc. here in Town. The Centre will be located next to the Town's Operations and Works Yards on Elgin Mills Rd. between Bayview Ave. and Leslie St. Construction should begin next Spring.

Crosby Park - Something For Everyone

Many residents will know how proud I am of the project I led to rebuild Crosby Park to make all of the park fully accessible to people of all ages and abilities. Earlier this year, the Town received Provincial recognition for our efforts and the success of the project. Residents from all over Richmond Hill have enjoyed the facilities, water play and play structures. Next year, we will upgrade the tennis courts, soccer field, and the field house making the park complex even better. The Crosby Park family events have proven to be so popular, there will now be a Family Fun Day annually to be held each September. Crosby Park - what a success story!

Several years ago, I challenged Town staff to bring the already excellent customer service they provide to an even higher level. Residents of Richmond Hill should and do expect prompt, efficient, and friendly responses to questions and complaints ranging from parking tickets to snow removal to garbage pick up to registering for swim classes. The Town provides you with a myriad of services on a daily basis.

Since that challenge was issued Council and staff have worked towards a "one window approach" to customer service. Now called Access Richmond Hill, we continue to add more services to the call centre number and to serve residents who visit the Town offices. If you have an enquiry about any of the services provided by the Town, please call 905-771-8800 and a staff member of Access Richmond Hill will help you. Many of the Town services are provided by visiting our offices at 225 East Beaver Creek Rd. Translation services are available to those residents who need assistance in dealing with Town Staff.

In addition to the services and assistance provided by Access Richmond Hill, Ward 2 residents are always welcome to contact me directly at 905-771-2535 or at awarner@richmondhill.ca.

Holiday Closures

Town offices will be closed from twelve noon Thursday, December 24, 2009 to Monday, January 4, 2010; however, Access Richmond Hill will remain open and available during normal business hours. And of course, garbage collection (subject to the holiday schedule in your waste management calendar), snow plowing and emergency services will still be available.

Waste Management Calendars

These calendars were distributed the week of December 7th by Canada Post. If you did not receive your copy, please call my office at 905-771-2535 and we will be happy to send one to you.

The calendar has important information and schedules for waste management, yard waste, re-cycling, and appliance pick up guidelines.

Please refer to it throughout the year and help keep our Town beautiful by following the schedules in the calendar.

St. Marks Bridge

After several years of delays due to sewer/water main reconstruction, the bridge and walkway are complete providing safe pedestrian access across the German Mills Creek to and from Unity Park and the St. Marks buildings and Major Mackenzie Drive.

Residents Meetings and Updates

Throughout my term as a Councillor, I have held many information sessions on roads and parks projects as well as significant re-development proposals. More of these will take place in the New Year. Residents' meetings are informal and informative and often lead to significant changes and improvements to the projects being discussed. I encourage residents to attend these sessions and I value the feedback you provide.

Official Plan

Your Council embarked on a multi-year program to update its Strategic Plan and Official Plan. The approach we developed was "The People Plan". Yes, the new strategic plan and now the official plan are being developed with the assistance and consultation of the people of Richmond Hill. Our new vision is "Richmond Hill, where people come together to build our community". This vision statement was developed in large part by residents of our Town. There will be more public sessions in the new year as we move towards a new Official Plan, one which will guide the growth of our Town for years to come.

Dorothy Price Park

The Town will be retrofitting and updating the park on Pugsley Ave. between Bedford Park Avenue and Dunlop Street. I would like to invite area residents to contact me directly and let me know what changes or improvements you would like to see take place. I will bring your ideas forward to our parks design staff and try to include your suggestions in the changes which will take place next Spring. The initial work will be done this Winter.

Mayor's Charity Golf Tournament

Sixteen years ago with the support of then Mayor Bill Bell, the Mayor's Charity Golf Tournament was founded by Lynton Friedberg, Bruce Gilmor and myself. We knew we wanted to organize a fun event and to help raise money for local charities. Over the years, from a somewhat modest beginning, this charity golf tournament has grown to be one of the most popular and successful events in Southern Ontario.

As the Co-Chair it was an honor and a special privilege to announce that this year we reached a memorable milestone - we have raised an astounding $1 million dollars.

What makes this tournament special are the people who work so hard to make it a success - our presenting sponsor RBC Royal Bank, our volunteers, our organizing committee, and of course our golfers and sponsors.

All of us are proud that the monies raised have been donated to local charities; over 30 of them; and the money makes a difference to people right here in Richmond Hill. This remarkable accomplishment is one that has brought a great deal of satisfaction and pride to all of us who have been associated with such a worthy event.

"Person of the Year"

I was surprised yet honored to learn that the Richmond Hill Post has selected me as Person of the Year in Richmond Hill. In what has been an extremely difficult year; this recognition is humbling and rewarding. Serving the residents of Ward 2 and Richmond Hill is an honor and a privilege, one I do not take lightly nor do I serve you for personal recognition.

To view the Post article, go to www.postcity.com and click on the Richmond Hill edition. And thank you to those who have taken the time to contact me following the release of the December edition.

In Closing

Each year I close my last newsletter of the year with a greeting of peace and good will. And so once again, regardless of how you celebrate this holiday season; I wish you ...

For 2010, may we all experience prosperity and good health and may we see peace come to troubled lands throughout the world. As you enjoy your holiday celebration, please remember to say thanks for our brave Canadian women and men who defend our freedoms abroad so we can enjoy them here at home in Canada. Thank you for taking the time to read my newsletter.

Peace.

As always, I can be reached at 905-771-2535 or awarner@richmondhill.ca or visit my website at www.arniewarner.on.ca