Ward 5 – Councillor Report – February 2012

Development: On January 19, 2012, the Province of Ontario held a Technical Briefing, at the Nottawasaga Inn, on the Amendments to the Growth Plan. I made a reservation to attend, however my reservation was cancelled. Attendance was limited to 300 and the Province only allowed four members of the Township of Springwater to attend. The Mayor, Deputy Mayor and two members of the Planning Department attended. I have received feedback on their interpretation of the information presented. At this time, there are no clear conclusions of the Amendments to the Growth Plans and the affects on Midhurst. The Province has issued a revised version of Amendment #1 to the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe.

Go to https://www.placestogrow.ca/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9&Itemid=14&lang=eng 

The Province’s appeal of the Midhurst Secondary Plan is still before the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB). It is unknown what affect the amendments will have on the appeal. The Province gave no indication as to what will happen in relation to their appeal. I did attend the luncheon where the Minister of Infrastructure, Bob Chiarelli related the Province’s vision of the Growth Plan Amendments and the impacts on the County of Simcoe. He stated to the effect that: the Cities of Barrie and Orillia will be allowed to grow and, urban sprawl will be contained. One interpretation is that the policy will increase density in the identified growth areas.

Apparently, there are residents who have read the Ratepayer’s notices on the community mailboxes and are just learning of the magnitude of the planned development for Midhurst. If you are talking to anyone who is not aware of the planned development, please inform them that the Township has created a website to keep residents updated www.springwater.ca or call 705-728-4784. They should also read the Springwater Newspaper and the Midhurst Community Newsletter, which is available at Ye Old General Store.

Midves Development: A staff report on the planned development at the end of Midves Court will be on the Planning Agenda on January 30, 2012. The report will consist of a staff recommendation for a future public meeting. The public meeting will give residents an opportunity to provide input.

Noise Bylaw: The latest draft Noise Bylaw will be on the Council Agenda Monday February 6, 2012. You can view it at www.springwater.ca . Your feedback is always appreciated.

Chief Administrative Officer (CAO): Mr. Robert Brindley, has been hired as the new Township CAO. Robert has 25 years of municipal experience. His experience will make him an important asset with all the changes that are on the horizon.

Taxpayers Participation: Do not take it for granted that your views and/or concerns are known or understood. Communicate routinely with members of Council or Township staff. Remember to include your name, address and telephone number on all your correspondence. Residents need to attend Council and Planning meetings. Your participation and attendance demonstrates taxpayers’ expectations for accountable and responsible governance. If you are at Council for an award or deputation stay and witness how staff and Council conduct business on your behalf.

IMPORTANT DATES

Council Meetings: 5:30 p.m. Monday, February 6th & 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, February 21st at the Township of Springwater Administrative Building, 2231 Nursery Road.

Planning: 5:30 p.m. Thursday, March 1st at the Township of Springwater Administrative Building, 2231 Nursery Road.

Committee Meetings: For time and dates go to www.Springwater.ca

Constituent BCC Email List: If you are a resident of Ward 5 and wish to keep informed of the ongoing important community issues, send an email to me at JackHanna@bell.net to be added to my growing BCC Constituent Email List.

It is necessary to submit the above information by January 27, 2012 to make the February edition of the Midhurst Community Newsletter. There may be other issues that arise following my submission and prior to the publishing of the Newsletter. Please let me know if you have any concerns that are not answered.

Jack Hanna

Councillor Ward 5