FCM part 2

Some regular readers to the Blog and newspapers will know that I have the good fortune to sit on a group called FCM. FCM is short for the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, a group that is the Municipal voice on national and international issues. FCM represents over 90% of the Canadian population and is members are the Municipalities. The Board members are elected each year at the annual conference and some organisations have appointed members. For example the City of Toronto by virtue of its size as our largest city has 2 members appointed.
The photo above is me doing a International Press Conference with past President Jean Perrault after FCM passed the halton HIlls Buy American resolution.

The elections are held at the AGM and Board members like me are elected by fellow Mayors and Councillors. We sit on a variety of committees and try to make sure that the voices of the cities, town, villages, rural and remote areas of the country are heard in Ottawa and with Federal agencies.

For example I have sat on the Municipal Infrastructure and Transportation Policy, International Relations committee, Rural Forum, and Conference Planning. I have worked with the Municipal Finance and Intergovernmental Arrangements when Halton Hills was fighting, along with FCM, the Provinces and everyone who understood the issue, on the “Buy American/Fair Trade” issue.

At the past conference I helped with other members of the Increasing women’s participation in Municipal government committee to raise awareness of a scholarship FCM offers to young women who may be interested in a career in politics. We managed to raise over $3400 to the scholarship.

This year I have the good fortune to be appointed by President Hans Cunningham (BC) to be the Vice Chair of the Social Economic Development Committee. The Committee will be Chaired by Councillor Ben Henderson (Edmonton) and Jocelyne Guertin, Conseillère, Ville de Laval, QC will be the other Vice Chair.
What does the committee do? From the Policy guide this is what it says the committee is charged with.

FCM Policies and Strategies
• Community infrastructure
• Affordable housing
• Homelessness
• Immigration
• Diversity, culture, and heritage
• Healthy communities and child care
• Municipal-Aboriginal relations
• FCM’s Quality of Life Reporting System

Here is more on the SED committee
http://www.fcm.ca//CMFiles/SEDPolicyStatement20101KFJ-762010-3696.pdf

We have heard the use of the term Infrastructure deficit. It describes how funding from all orders (especially Provincial and Federal) have resulted in Canada having a 123 BILLION dollar shortfall in what is needed to get our roads, bridges, rail and waterways up to today’s standard.

We also face a Social Infrastructure Deficit, which is the drop off or reduction of social services to those most vulnerable in our society. The Federal and Provincial Governments were for many years building affordable housing for those that can’t afford to buy or who live below the poverty line. One of our key policies is that the delivery of Social Services should be at the Federal and Provincial level instead of on the backs of homeowners via the property tax.
One thing that happens is the Municipal governments across the country step in to provide services that ultimately should be provided by the other orders of government.
FCM has released a Comprehensive Housing Strategy that has been received and like Haltons is award winning, also strategies and policies on Poverty, homeless, immigration and inclusiveness. Halton region is expected to double in size the next 20 years and we need to be planning and making sure we have the services here we need and our citizens require.
FCM will continue to advocate for the social fabric of our country. By working with the Federal Government we can continue to advocate for all our citizens. We can build a much better country. I look forward to working with my colleagues from across the country on the great work this committee does.

New Acton Library... Believe It!

One of the exciting projects underway right now here in Halton Hills is the new branch of the Acton Library. The new branch is being built beside the old one on a scenic site nestled amongst the trees at River Street and main Street North. A site we heard from the people that they wanted to see the library remain. I agree.

The Acton library branch was built as a centennial project in commemoration of Canada’s 100 Birthday in 1967. Like a lot of buildings at the time it was built with a entrance way and then 2 sets of stairs going up and down. This design of building is difficult for us to renovate and to make accessible for people with accessibility issues.

We had a girl from Acton come to our Council meeting and plead with us to make sure we made the building fully accessible. Sidney Weaver, who is an ambassador for the March of Dimes asked us to consider not only her needs with accessibility, but also young Moms with strollers, seniors and everyone in the community. She wanted the library to be fully accessible. Council listened and the Acton Library will be in compliance with the OADA (Ontarians with Disability Act) as well as it will be a place of civic pride and distinctive here in town.

The funding came from the Stimulus Fund set up by the Federal and Provincial Governments to help keep Canada working during the economic recession that started in 2008. Originally the funding was 1/3 for each partner with the Towns share being 1.8 Million for a 4.1 Million dollar project. Our share is a bit more then 1/3 as we had to incorporate the OADA requirements as well as some work for the conservation authorities with a retaining wall. This library will also be built to a LEEDS Silver and will be using a geothermal heat and cooling system.


The library has a banner across the door stating “New Acton Library…Believe it” I talked to a retired library worker and she said “I never thought I would see it in my lifetime..” The branch was originally scheduled to be replaced in around 2013 but with the Georgetown branch and the need for arenas it probably would have been pushed back.

leathertown Fest/MasoniCHiP

The 19th Leathertown Festival was held yesterday turning downtown Acton into the “Big easy”. The theme this year was “New Orleans”. Mill Street was renamed “Bourbon Street” Beads and masks were seen everywhere to go with the face painting, street magicians and music.
Hats off to the group of volunteers who put it all together. The Acton BIA has worked hard on the festival and it is great fun! A little rain did not dampen our spirits! Here is a great shot of Mayor Rick and Councillor Jon Hurst at the opening ceremonies.
I was assisting in a program that to me is a great endeavour, the MasoniCHiP program which was held at the Salvation Army Thrift Store sponsored by Dr Chan.
The MasoniCHiP program has been in Ontario for a few years after having been in the US. It is a Child ID kit that includes, photos, movie clip, a bite plate, DNA general description and biometric fingerprints. All on a CD that if needed can be uploaded in minutes. The only record kept is the permission slip. All of the information is returned to the parent or the guardian.
It is unfortunate that nowadays we need to protect our children this way. The innocent days of my youth when kids could play outside and wander around from breakfast to dinner seem long gone.
The Grand Lodge of Ontario has endorsed and asked the various districts to host clinics where we can have the kits done for the parents. There is a lot of preparation goes into each event. Form the location, advertising, set up with power and of course ensuring the confidentiality of each child who comes in. Every person working the clinic has received a Police Clearance and everyone carries the letters with them in case they are asked for by any parent or guardian.
The children are weighed; there height taken and then they head in to see a Dentist who has donated his or her time to help out. A bite plate is done and is placed with the kit. For the young ones a DNA cheek swab is done.
Next the volunteers input all the information including any special instructions and identifying marks. The kids always love the fingerprints especially as it does not involve ink! Then the photos and a video is made asking a set of questions the Police can use if need be.
The parents review the information and it is then uploaded onto a CD. Dated with the child’s name and then, the computer wipe out all the information. The parents are reminded to keep the CD in a safe place at home. If it is ever needed every minute counts. The only cost ever asked for is a voluntary donation or in the case yesterday it was sponsored.
Yesterday we did kits for 87 kids, the total for Wellington District is 788 over the last couple of years. The total in Ontario is 32,662. Just think over 32,000 children have kits that can be used if they are needed. The next clinic in this area is in Milton in late September, we have done one each year at the Erin Fall fair. I am not sure yet but will keep you posted. The photo is of gavin WHite on the scales as Dad does the paperwork.
As the slogan says “Masons helping you protect the ones you love”

A Crisis in farming

I wrote yesterday about the agricultural community and how it could be impacted by a new provincial highway in Halton Hills. The highway would start at about Tremaine, cross Regional Road 25 and work its way across the south of Halton Hills and cross into Peel at about Winston Churchill and 10 SR.
An 8 lane 400 series highway would be devastating to this area. Not just to the farming community but to the rural residents as well. Tremendous strain would be put on any and all the farmers who are still working the land to sell to developers. The developers would argue that with a road like that there they should be building houses, commercial areas and urban services. The Town would be under pressure to rezone and change the classification of the land. One thing that people can do is ask for there land use to change. If it does not meet the current rules an amendment to the present uses can be applied for and dealt with publicly.
The public process will involve public meetings where everyone is allowed to state their thoughts or concerns with what is planned. All questions have to be addressed. No matter which way we decide, those in favour or those opposed can appeal our decision to the OMB (Ontario Municipal Board). The OMB will look at it and decide on the merits of whether the plans meet “good planning”.

The whole of agriculture has been under stress in the GTA. Halton Hills has worked with the agricultural community to try and make sure their industry remains vibrant and sustainable. We have for the last 4 years hosted Farm meetings where we present what is going on in the Town, but more importantly listen to what is on there minds and how we can assist. We gather anything additional information we may need and report back to the agricultural community.
Farming has been under pressure here as the average age of farmers has increased to about 55. Add to that the next generation is frequently looking for work off the farm. Also with fewer farmers the infrastructure they require starts leaving, such as equipment and tractor dealers, Mobile vets, seed stores and corn dryers. Add in the speculators who look to buy up land and hope they can grow houses, the increased traffic on our rural roads and a disconnect with a populace that will buy any food item not even thinking as to its origin. It doesn’t help when a dozen years ago the Ministry of Agriculture closed the Georgetown office and moved to Guelph.
I was born on a farm, My Dad studied agriculture in college and we had a dairy herd, pigs and cash crops. My Grandfather had a fruit farm just outside of Brookville and grew a variety of fresh berries and vegetables he took to market.
I am proud to sit on 3 organisations that work on rural issues. As a member of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Rural Forum I deal with issues on a national scale affecting all aspects of rural Canadian life. We have repeatedly asked for a Rural Secretariat at the federal Cabinet so there is always a champion at the Cabinet table.

I also sit as a alternate on the Greater Toronto Area Agriculture Action Committee (GTAAAC). This group was formed out of the Green belt decision and the Province started to recognise the difficulties that farming was having in a near urban setting. We have just finished our studies and are starting to prioritize our goals. We also remind people that local food is available here all year round and to look for local first. http://www.gtalocalfood.ca/
At Halton Region I am a member of the Halton Agricultural Advisory Committee, this group is composed of farmers from across the region and represent a variety of different groups such as the cattlemen’s association, Pork producers, Junior farmers, Halton Federation of Agriculture and many more. This group is an advisory group to Council and assists Halton Region with policy directions. We review every planning application in the rural area and provide feedback and comments. Halton Region on the request of HAAC worked with them to became the first Region to use “Local Food Plus” in our facilities.

I know we can’t wave a magic wand and provide all the assistance the farming community will ask for. But I do know that at Halton Hills Council we have always tried to work with the farming groups and understand there needs. We have tried to listen and we have advocated on their behalf. By working together we can hope to achieve a permanent sustainable and vibrant agricultural area in Halton.

The road to hell…

is paved with good intentions…
I have updated this posting as the GTA West is getting closer to having comments filed with the MTO.
The MTO has picked the worst possible solution and have ignored reality and obvious ones.
They have ignored that they could build out 401 from Tremaine over to Winston Churchill with 12 lanes by going to a urban cross section instead of a rural cross section. That means they need no more road width and can build it in there present road allowance.
They have also ignored the fact that GO will be coming to Kitchener and have not provided for increased rail traffic.
It is the same old "paving paradise".

While the land in that area is under tremendous pressure from developers. It is still productive farmland. It will be under more pressure if it is near a major highway and the developers will push for housing.
My vision is for crops of wheat, corn or beans not houses!

A year ago they had 2 options for us to cinsider. What they did was pick them both!
At Council we voted the other night to adamantly oppose the 4-3 option. The 4-2 can bring a needed bypass to Norval.
The 4-3 may end up bringing some economic development to Halton HIlls but at what price?

My vision is for a sustainable agricultural area in Halton HIlls, not freeways or more then likely toll roads across our remainging farm land.


What it means to Halton HIlls is that our farmland south of 10 SR will be effectively frozen for 3 to 5 years. Also all the houses and businesses in this area will have to have MTO approval for any application they wish to file. How would you feel if it was your land?

We wil be out with post cards preaddressed to the Minsiter, Look for us around town th enext few weeks.
Here was the original posting.

Over the last couple of years the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) has been looking at options to move goods, people and services across the gridlock that is southern Ontario. A variety of areas were looked at and it was focused down on a couple. One that will have an impact on us will be the GTA West Corridor study.


The GTA west study has looked at a variety of options that impact us here in Halton Hills from a northern route across the of the GTA to connect basically, Kitchener with the 400. This first option would be located north of Acton and would be a 8 lane 400 series highways. It would traverse the Niagara Escarpment, the Greenbelt and the Oak Ridges Moraine. There have been a lot of concerns from Guelph Eramosa mayor Chris White as it would wipe out a large swath of the best farmland in the area and could have a detrimental effect on the greenbelted farmers. The study is not recommending it go forward.
Two options are going going forward and I will summarize them below. The first one would start at the 401/407 (option 4-2) and then head north and cross into Brampton around 10 SR. This is a study area that is similar to what has been looked at by a separate study called HPBATS or the Halton peel Border Area Transportation Study. This study came out of the regions Official Plan as Peel and Brampton had appealed it as we did not agree with there vision of solving traffic from the rapid growth was to dump it into our area.
I was one of the first at Council to object to how they were advertising in our papers requesting the area east of Trafalgar south of Georgetown be frozen while they figured it out. Even a meeting with the Peel Regional Chair showed there desire to ram this threw. Peel would not even talk about the Norval bypass but they finally saw the light! I am glad all of Council showed the same concern and we have taken a long time to get to today’s MOU of working together. This route may have a great benefit to Halton Hills as we could have greater exposure on a 400 series highway for our industrial area. Mayor Rick and I have attended a multitude of meetings and open houses on this one and will keep working on it. It has a price tag of over 600 million. Not one cent has been assigned.
The one with the most dramatic impact on us would start around the 401 at Tremaine Road across the bottom of Halton Hills, cross into Brampton and connect north in a area around Mayfield. This is the option 4-3 written about in the local papers. http://www.insidehalton.com/community/haltonhills/article/853565
This route would cut across all of our agriculture area and would be the deathknell of our farming community in the south part of Halton Hills. A 400 series highway would put tremendous pressure for the area to be urbanised. To have the straight rows of corn and soybeans to be replaced by rows of houses, cars and big box stores. The area would be lost forever and our rich history of farming would be lost. There are some who would benefit as they could flip there land to other speculators. The land owners of today would not as this would be a 20 to 30 year plan.
Our Council is sending a strong message of opposition to this plan to the MTO and the Ontario government. We need to hear from you and your thoughts. Some people have taken the time to write us and the papers about it. Comments and concerns can be sent to any of us and also should be sent to the study team. More information can be found at http://www.gta-west.com My fear as it relieves a choke point at tremaine on the 401 is that the staff at the Province will think it is a wonderful thing to have 12 lanes of traffic there.
I will have more on agriculture tomorrow.