Public Input sought
There are lots of ways to make your voice heard!
We are currently reviewing the Parks & Recreation Master Plan and your opinion will help shape the future of Parks & Rec.. The link to the survey is provided here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/3P9S9XP
The ward boundaries were recently reviewed and tonight it is expected that council will seek the public’s input as well as recommend “Option 1”. This option was designed by an Alliston councillor and it divides the wards mostly on the basis of population. The four criteria for ward creation are:
- Representation by population;
- Representation of communities of interest and neighbourhoods;
- Recognition of distinct geographic and infrastructure elements; and,
- Recognition of population trends and future population growth.
It is my belief that the “Representation of communities of interest and neighbourhoods” is not being respected as there will not be any councillors that will represent the rural wards exclusively. Ward 7 will start at County Road 1 (Hockley Road) and extend to the 4th Line (Mill Street). It will encompass the rural area north of Tottenham, the old part of Tottenham, the new subdivision on the north side of Mill Street, and the new subdivision in Beeton. That is many distinct communities of interest to represent-Rural Beeton, Rural Tottenham, Beeton, and Tottenham. Ward 8 will then be the 4th Line south to Highway 9. This process began because of a public petition that was signed by 1% of the population (that’s 99% who didn’t ask for this to be reviewed). They asked for the wards to be reviewed. When I voted to undertake this process without a consultant, it was to try to balance the current population imbalances by making reasonable adjustments. This is a complete redo of the wards for the south and will have far-reaching impacts. Want a road in the rural area done? So do the voters in town, and there are more of them! You will have a chance to say something at the Public Input session. I will let you know when it is scheduled.
There is a public information meeting on Thursday July 6th from 7:00-8:30 p.m. at Tottenham Community Fitness Centre for a proposed wireless telecommunications facility at 1986 Sideroad 15. For more information, please contact the Planning Department at 705-435-3900
Road Closure 3rd Line Reconstruction continuing. The 3rd Line will be closed for 4 months as Stage #2 of the Reconstruction of the road continues. Detour routes will be to the north onto 4th Line and south to the 2nd Line. Local traffic will be allowed. The CP rail crossing will also be updated at this time to current standards.
Revenue Generation Task Force is looking for committee members.
The mandate of this Committee is to investigate options to generate revenue from sources other than taxation and resident user fees.
Revenue Generation Task Force-Application-Form 2014-2018
Upcoming Events
This is a busy time of year with all sorts of fun events around town to attend. You can bookmark http://discovernewtecumseth.ca/events to find out what’s happening around town.
June 16-18th is the Tottenham Blue Grass Festival
I will be attending a free square dance event on Wednesday June 14th at the parking lot across from the Blue Sky Restaurant, starting at 7 p.m. I will also be at the Opening Ceremonies on Friday night at 6:30 p.m. and Saturday I will be spending the day enjoying the music with my family. I hope to see you there and please come say hi if you see me!
The grand opening on Saturday June 17th at 11 a.m. at Dinoland,
Dinoland is a kids indoor play area in Tottenham located on Industrial Parkway.
The Rurban Food Truck rally in Alliston on June 17th from 12:00-4:00 p.m.
If you haven’t been before, a bunch of food trucks are brought in and you can have a drink and some food while enjoying the farmers market.
Mayor’s Breakfast June 15th at the Gibson Centre.
The event begins at 7:30 a.m. Jody Levac, CEO of Stevenson Memorial Hospital will provide an update on their redevelopment progress and speak about their campaign “Because of You, We Can.” For tickets please contact Katie Bashaw at 705-435-3900 Ext. 1230 or email KBagshaw@newtecumseth.ca
July 1st, Canada Day festivities in New Tecumseth
The festivities in New Tecumseth will be extra grand this because of the sesqucentennial (or sesqui for short). As with previous years, you can find me cooking and serving hotdogs after the opening ceremonies which begin at 1 p.m.. There will also be lots of kids activities, a free swim at the Rotary pool from 11:00-8:00 p.m., inflatables, crafts, etc. Fireworks and live bands will happen that evening at Tottenham Conservation Area.
If you have any interesting news or a business you would like to let Ward 7 residents know about, email me info@shiraward7.ca