Darren Yourk Dec 15, 2006
WAINFLEET'S MAYOR-ELECT BARB HENDERSON WANTS TO DEVELOP A SOLUTION TO THE WATER/SEWAGE PROBLEM ALONG THE TOWNSHIP'S LAKESHORE.
The Port Colborne Wainfleet Chamber of Commerce held its quarterly mayors' breakfast in the Country Store Kettle & Grill on Main Street last Thursday morning, giving the two mayors a chance to share their visions for the four-year term ahead.
"Look forward to some big things happening," he said. "We have a strong, passionate council that is excited to get to work."
Among council's first business in the new year will be sitting down to develop a set of priorities based on the recently-completed Community Strategic Plan. Judging by Badawey's comments at the breakfast, industrial growth will top the to do list.
"Port Colborne can be a distribution mecca," he said. "We already have the transportation infrastructure in place."
The Port mayor said he plans to push the federal and provincial governments to declare the region a free trade zone, allowing goods to cross the border in both directions without facing tariffs or taxes of any kind.
"It has been a successful strategy in other parts of the country and it would give Niagara the boost it needs to get industrial growth rolling in the area," he said.
Badawey said the city is also prepared to tackle waterfront and Main Street revitalization.
"People aren't proud of what we have now because it's a bit tired," he said. "We want this area to look a heck of a lot better. We need to be proud of our gateway. Old Humberstone is a key part of attracting people to Port Colborne and keeping them here, so this has to be a priority."
The mayor also tackled the multi-use centre issue, saying council needs direction from residents before it can move forward.
"There are a lot of opinions out there on it, but I've said all along there is no multi-use centre right now to give an opinion on," Badawey said.
"Lets get everyone involved in the discussion. If people want the same level of service -- two arenas and a pool -- we have to decide the best way to continue to provide that. Where is it going to be built? We need to have a community discussion so council can move forward in a transparent fashion with direction from residents."
Badawey congratulated Henderson on her election win, bringing a warm round of applause from those in attendance.
"Enjoy it. This is the last time they'll clap for you," Badawey said as the room broke out in laughter.
Henderson opened her remarks by talking about her new job.
"I feel honoured to be the first woman elected as mayor for the Township of Wainfleet," she said. "We (Wainfleet council) will face many challenges in our term of office as we endeavor to provide the leadership entrusted to us by the citizens, but I'm confident we will rise to the occasion."
Henderson and her council have their hands fall already with the lakeshore water/sewer issue. The Region is currently accepting tenders for the municipal sewer and water lines to Port Colborne solution, but Henderson said the Region is "also willing to accept proposals based on alternative services" that will address the contaminated water issue.
The Township is also preparing to fight the Reeb Quarry application by Orangeville-based MAQ Aggregates.
"The OMB hearing has been set for May 15 and will be approximately four weeks in length," Henderson said.
The Region, Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority, Wainfleet Township, The City of Port Colborne, Hard Rock Paving and large numbers of area residents have all issued objections to the proposal.
Henderson mentioned Rockwell Developments proposal to turn the former Easter Seals Society campground into a 80-unit condominium complex as another big Wainfleet issue.
"Amendments to the Township's official plan and zoning bylaw are needed for this proposal to be approved," Henderson said.
A public meeting on the issue was held Tuesday night.
Valerie Johnson Dec 15, 2006
If public opinion at Tuesday night's council meeting was any indication, the owners of the former Lakewood Camp are going to have a hard time convincing residents an 81-house subdivision is right for the township.
There wasn't a seat left empty as Wainfleet council held a public meeting under the planning act in a effort to gather input, from both the developer and the public, about the proposed development of the former Easter Seals camp on the Wainfleet lakeshore.
In order to build 81 houses on the 50.1 acre site as planned, the developers will need approval for both an official plan and a zoning bylaw amendment.
Michael Krickland, architect for Lakewood Beach Developments, gave a brief overview of the plans for the site to the crowd.
"This is a fabulous opportunity," he said. "We do this with a lot of regard and trepidation."
The crowd groaned loudly when Krickland said the plan places an emphasis "on tranquility, privacy and views."
The beach cottages will be two storeys, with about 1,800 to 2,500 square feet of floor space. They will be raised from the ground to allow for occasional lake rising.
"They are held up high enough so when there is a wave rush the ground floor is above the maximum height of the waves," Krickland said.
He said 10-foot hedges will separate each house, giving more privacy.
"You won't see it as a cluster of buildings," he said. "Every cottage has a view."
There are also 13 estate lots facing Lakeshore Road.
According to the design primer, 53 per cent of the site will remain undeveloped. The beach occupies nine acres of the site and the developers are also dedicating another nine acres to "natural regeneration" areas.
"We're planning to come here and plant native species and let them grow wild," Krickland said.
Eight-and-a-half acres will be saved to create a toad habitat to help preserve the Fowler's Toad.
The Fowler's Toad is a threatened species in Ontario. The toads have established sustainable populations at only three areas on the Lake Erie shoreline- Rondeau, Long Point, and Point Abino. The toads need access to the beach and sand dunes, but an increase in human use of their chosen habitat has caused their numbers to decline.
Krickland said there will also be public access to the beach, making it available to the entire township.
Despite all assurances the property will be beautiful and useful to the township, residents Lee and Jeff Bott, as well as many others, aren't convinced.
If the development goes through, the Botts, who have lived on Lakeshore Road for 23 years, will be bordered by it on three sides.
Lee Bott made a passionate plea to council to really consider all the implications of allowing so many houses on so little property.
She noted under the current bylaw at least one acre is required to build. If council grants approval to the developer's application, they will be able to build on a lots smaller than one third of an acre.
She's worried allowing one developer to bend the rules will set a precedent, forever changing the Wainfleet landscape.
"It's not just me." Bott said as she read three letters, one from a Burnaby Road resident and two from seasonal cottagers who could not be present at the meeting. "We are all really, really upset. This is not why we moved to the lakeshore of Wainfleet."
"This area should remain country and not become a city," she said as she read from one of the letters.
Bott noted there are 10 farms within a two mile radius and said such intense urbanization of the area is against the "culture" and the "character" of a township that prides itself on agriculture and natural surroundings.
"I will not be able to see the lake, I will not be able to hear the lake. Everything I moved here for will be gone," she said.
Bott brought with her a petition, which was still being signed by residents as it circulated through council chambers as the meeting continued.
She said it's also not wise to put the houses so close to the lake, regardless of whether they are raised or not. "In 1985, I had five foot waves in my back yard, hitting my back deck." Bott and area neighbour Mary Jane Paul both had concerns about the sewage and water treatment system the developers plan to use.
The developers had spoken of using a Zenon system but no one was clear on what that entailed. Bott did some of her own research and said the only Zenon system she could find in the Region was at a golf course.
"It's a bull rush field," Bott said, igniting concerns from others about increased mosquito populations, West Nile Virus and smell.
Paul owns a farm directly across from the site.
"I have to stay about 400 feet from my neighbours property line with my manure pile. That treatment plant is less than 40 feet from my property line. I'm downwind. Is my livingroom going to smell like sewage?" she said.
Tom Smart, a planner for Lakewood Developments, said the treatment system they will use is not an open system like the one at the golf course.
"It is a self contained unit," he said. "It will not bother the neighbours. There is no lagoon so there will be no mosquitoes."
Several residents also raised concerns about a proposed public boat ramp, which if built according to plan, would run right down the Casey drain.
The area already floods several times a year and they worried any construction on it would cause increased flooding. They were also concerned about where the public would park to use the boat ramp.
Smart said the boat ramp is not part of the official application. It was something the developers added in as an extra feature. "If the municipality doesn't want it, it doesn't happen."
Town clerk and planner Michael Benner said planning staff will take all the information gathered and return to council in the new year with a recommendation on the application. The Township is still waiting for comments from several agencies, including the Region's planning department, the Ministry of the Environment, the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority. The Township is also still accepting written input from the public.
Easter Seals opened Lakewood Camp in 1953. They announced the sale of the camp last December. Easter Seals said it was able to serve the same number of children at its two remaining camps, Merrywood, near Perth and Woodeden, near London. Net proceeds from the sale were to be invested into programs and services including the further revitalization of the two sites.
Darren Yourk Dec 15, 2006
Mayors look ahead to next four years
Port Colborne Mayor Vance Badawey and Wainfleet Mayor Barb Henderson got their respective mayoral terms rolling last week over breakfast with the movers and shakers of their respective business communities.
The Port Colborne Wainfleet Chamber of Commerce held its quarterly mayors' breakfast in the Country Store Kettle & Grill on Main Street last Thursday morning, giving the two mayors a chance to share their visions for the four-year term ahead.
Badawey noted it was almost three years to the day he last spoke at a mayors' breakfast and he was excited to be back at the helm of Port Colborne with a proactive council.
"Look forward to some big things happening," he said. "We have a strong, passionate council that is excited to get to work."
Among council's first business in the new year will be sitting down to develop a set of priorities based on the recently-completed Community Strategic Plan. Judging by Badawey's comments at the breakfast, industrial growth will top the to do list.
"Port Colborne can be a distribution mecca," he said. "We already have the transportation infrastructure in place."
The Port mayor said he plans to push the federal and provincial governments to declare the region a free trade zone, allowing goods to cross the border in both directions without facing tariffs or taxes of any kind.
"It has been a successful strategy in other parts of the country and it would give Niagara the boost it needs to get industrial growth rolling in the area," he said.
Badawey said the city is also prepared to tackle waterfront and Main Street revitalization.
"We've been talking about it for some time. Now it's time to move forward," he said. "Let's not sit around and dream about it. Let's get moving."
Badawey said injecting new life into the city's Main Street area would benefit the entire city in the long run.
"People aren't proud of what we have now because it's a bit tired," he said. "We want this area to look a heck of a lot better. We need to be proud of our gateway. Old Humberstone is a key part of attracting people to Port Colborne and keeping them here, so this has to be a priority."
The mayor also tackled the multi-use centre issue, saying council needs direction from residents before it can move forward.
"There are a lot of opinions out there on it, but I've said all along there is no multi-use centre right now to give an opinion on," Badawey said.
"Lets get everyone involved in the discussion. If people want the same level of service -- two arenas and a pool -- we have to decide the best way to continue to provide that. Where is it going to be built? We need to have a community discussion so council can move forward in a transparent fashion with direction from residents."
Badawey congratulated Henderson on her election win, bringing a warm round of applause from those in attendance.
"Enjoy it. This is the last time they'll clap for you," Badawey said as the room broke out in laughter.
Henderson opened her remarks by talking about her new job.
"I feel honoured to be the first woman elected as mayor for the Township of Wainfleet," she said. "We (Wainfleet council) will face many challenges in our term of office as we endeavor to provide the leadership entrusted to us by the citizens, but I'm confident we will rise to the occasion."
Henderson and her council have their hands fall already with the lakeshore water/sewer issue. The Region is currently accepting tenders for the municipal sewer and water lines to Port Colborne solution, but Henderson said the Region is "also willing to accept proposals based on alternative services" that will address the contaminated water issue.
The Township is also preparing to fight the Reeb Quarry application by Orangeville-based MAQ Aggregates.
"The OMB hearing has been set for May 15 and will be approximately four weeks in length," Henderson said.
The Region, Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority, Wainfleet Township, The City of Port Colborne, Hard Rock Paving and large numbers of area residents have all issued objections to the proposal.
Henderson mentioned Rockwell Developments proposal to turn the former Easter Seals Society campground into a 80-unit condominium complex as another big Wainfleet issue.
"Amendments to the Township's official plan and zoning bylaw are needed for this proposal to be approved," Henderson said.
A public meeting on the issue was held Tuesday night.
ANGUS SCOTT Local News - December 15, 2006
ONE VOICE; REGIONAL CHAIR OUTLINES FOUR-YEAR AGENDA AT INAUGURAL MEETING
With a heavy emphasis on the need for unity, regional Chair Peter Partington outlined an ambitious four-year agenda.
Partington and the rest of the newly elected regional council were sworn into office on Thursday afternoon by Justice Barry H. Matheson, in a formal event which involved the Niagara Regional Police honour guard, mounted unit and Male Chorus.
"These initiatives, and so many others I do not have time to mention here today, may seem daunting," said Partington during his inaugural remarks. "I am however convinced we can accomplish them if we, as a regional council, bring our wealth of ideas together to build on the successes of past councils."
Stressing the need for the region to speak with one voice, Partington said doing so will pay dividends in the future as it has in the past.
"That is not to say that we are not and will not be of many minds, and that is a good thing and that is where the work comes," said Partington.
Niagara is "more than the sum of its parts, but at the same time it is the sum of its parts," he said.
If council remembers those two ideas, "which are not mutually exclusive, then this council will help make Niagara one of the greatest regions on the continent," he said.
Partington said the one voice approach "continues to win the attention and respect of the provincial and federal governments."
Among those successes are the provincial decision to expand Highway 406 and its commitment to design further expansion to East Main Street; a recognition in the province's Places to Grow plan of Niagara's Grow South strategy and the designation of Welland as a Gateway Economic Centre.
Other successes include the confirmation of the region's goal to create a Gateway Economic Zone in Niagara Falls/Fort Erie and designation of St. Catharines as an Urban Growth Centre; provincial approval of plans to build a new community hospital in St. Catharines, along with a regional cancer centre and long-term mental health facility.
Partington also spoke about the launch of the Niagara Specialized Transit Service and provincial acknowledgment that the Niagara/GTA Corridor is the top highway priority in Ontario.
Partington promised to work with local municipalities and senior levels of government on initiatives that "build on Niagara's potential by expanding our transportation infrastructure, and through an ever-greater focus on economic development and community development."
Among the projects he set out as priorities was the further expansion of the 406 to four lanes, ultimately all the way south down Highway 140 to Port Colborne, and the need to accelerate the environmental assessment process for the Niagara/GTA corridor.
He also outlined a proposal to explore linking the 406/140 to the QEW. "This will be a Niagara Region project, and a good example of 'putting our money where our mouth is' while we work with the province on other transportation initiatives," he said.
Partington also said Niagara must continue to lobby for the introduction of GO Transit into Niagara by 2008, and should build on the specialized transit system by working with municipal transit providers to establish an intermunicipal transit system that can be accessed by everyone.
On economic development, he said Niagara must work with the province to alleviate the "unfair burden on our property taxpayers under the current tax system," and as part of that should seek to establish Niagara as a pilot site to use the Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund as a tool to "reduce the tax burden in a region with a lower-than-average household income and a higher share of seniors on fixed incomes."
A more diversified economy, including manufacturing and new 'knowledge" industries must be pursued, said Partington, as well as ensuring Niagara is known as a business community and not just as a tourism destination.
Community development, in the areas of Niagara Regional Housing, continued partnering with Hamilton to establish, "cost-effective and sensible system for dealing with solid waste," and promotion of healthier lifestyles among Niagara residents are also priorities, he said.
"We should do everything we can to build on Niagara's history and our heritage," said Partington, noting the arts community can do much to enrich the lives of Niagara residents.
He also said Niagara must start planning for the commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812 and two centuries of peace with our American neighbours "in a style that builds a lasting legacy for future generations."
Niagara should join other Canadian and American municipalities as an active member of the International Association of Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Mayors, a binational organization which works with federal, provincial and state governments to promote the economic and environmental interests of its member communities.
"As a region with shores along two of the greatest freshwater lakes in the world, and with two internationally renowned connecting channels - the Niagara River and Welland Canal - contributing so much to our heritage and our economy, it is high time we take our place at the table with this organization," said Partington.
The chair's speech followed his formal election to the position by regional council, and the appointment of former St. Catharines mayor Tim Rgby to replace Partington as one of that city's regional councillors. Rigby, who ran for council and lost on Nov. 13, had the next highest vote total in the municipal election. The appointment was made at the request of St. Catharines council.
Partington's speech earned him a standing ovation from council and spectators and praise afterwards from south Niagara's mayors.
Welland Mayor Damian Goulbourne, who seconded Partington's nomination, said the chair has been a "strong advocate" for Niagara and has supported Welland on issues that have gone to the province. "He truly understands he's got a tough job balancing the needs of all 12 municipalities," said Goulbourne. "He is the right man for the job to lead Niagara."
Goulbourne said Partington's agenda is achievable.
Wainfleet Mayor Barbara Henderson and Pelham's Mayor David Augustyn, newcomers to the regional stage, both expressed approval of Partington's one voice strategy.
"His remarks were inspiring," said Henderson. "I like the one voice method of getting things done in the region of Niagara."
"There seems to be a realization around this council chamber that what is good for Pelham, is also good for Port Colborne and is good for St. Catharines," said Augustyn. "That's what the chair was saying. By working together we can achieve our individual goals, but we can also achieve our collective goals."
BY KAESHA FORAND Local News December 14, 2006 Updated
TRIBUNE STAFF
WAINFLEET
Wainfleet residents voiced their objections Tuesday to a proposed 81-home development they claim will change the rural landscape forever.
The public meeting in Wainfleet council chambers was held under the Planning Act to give residents the opportunity to voice their concerns about a proposed development at the former Easter Seals Society Campground.
About 100 residents filled council chambers for answers from developer Lakewood Beach Properties Ltd.
"Future development should reflect our heritage as an agricultural community," Lee Bott, who lives beside the property, said. "We have 10 farms within a two-mile radius of Lakewood Camp. Believe it or not, they are our farms and they have been there for centuries."
Bott continued to read from a letter from another lakeshore resident asking council to reject the proposal
"A development of this kind would only add to the urbanization of our township," the letter said.
"This development also goes against all we have in this community: building on properties less than one acre, building at a time where septic is an issue, building when a boil water advisory is on.
What gives here? This only proves the whole water and sewer issue was just a ploy to develop the lakeshore – not septic issues,"
The proposed development could be serviced with an internal Zenon water and sanitary system.
"If the town develops its own systems, the developers will hook onto that system," Kirkland said of a possible future water and sewer pipeline.
"When you come to the site to visit it, you won’t see it as a cluster of buildings, you’ll see it as an extensive landscape system," Kirkland said of the proposed 1,800- and 2,500-square-foot beach cottages, villas and estate lots – all of which will be separated by 10-foot hedges.
Mary Jane Hall, who lives across the street from the property, wondered why council would move forward with a temporary system to service the sewage for 80 homes.
"You’re saying this is temporary until such time that they hook up to Port Colborne. So, you don’t really know if this is going to be a temporary situation."
The former Easter Seal Society campground was vacant for one year before the Easter Seals Society put it up for sale.
The Township of Wainfleet with the Region of Niagara and the Niagara Conservation Authority placed an offer of $2.5 million on the property with the hope of it remaining public park lands. A higher offer from the developer was accepted and the property was acquired in September.
During a 10-minute power-point presentation, architect Michael Kirkland provided a breakdown of the proposed 51-acre property including 8.5 acres set aside for the Fowler’s Toad, nine acres of beach area and nine acres of land for natural regeneration.
Residents and council questioned many other issues including traffic, the Casey drain, a proposed boat dock, the Carolinian forest, noise, safety and policing to name a few.
Tom Smart, director of BLS Planning Associates Inc. in St. Catharines responded to the many questions.
In response to Mayor Barbara Henderson’s concerns regarding the high water mark, Smart replied they are working on moving the high water mark on paper because the units will be raised.
Smart said the water system will be self-contained in a building with no odours and won’t disturb neighbours.
In regards to the toads, he said developers are working closely with the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Niagara Conservation Authority on toad habitat. They are also undertaking an Environmental Impact Study.
In the Official Plan, 20.9 acres is currently zoned Lakeshore Residential, 20.2 acres is designated rural and the developers are asking that half of that be designated Lakeshore Residential.
Council did not make a decision on the matter and staff have asked for comments from the Ministry of Environment, Regional Health Department, District School Board of Niagara, Wainfleet Works Department, Wainfleet Fire Department, Niagara Conservation Authority, Regional Planning Department, Niagara Catholic District School Board, Wainfleet Drainage Department and property owners within 400 feet of the site.
Township clerk and planner Mike Brenner stressed "no decision has been made."
He said staff are still waiting for comments from the Region of Niagara, the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Natural Resources.
Brenner said a number of comments for and against the proposed development have also been received.
Local News December 14, 2006
TRIBUNE STAFF
RECALLING BLIZZARD OF '77
The Tribune is publishing a 30th anniversary Blizzard of '77 special edition on Tuesday, Jan. 30 , 2007.
We are asking for readers to submit personal recollections of the event - where they were, how they coped, what they learned from the experience. Also being sought photographs that were taken at the time.
Written submissions of up to 300 words are requested from local readers; many will be published in their entirety while excerpts from others may be used.
KAESHA FORAND
Local News - December 06 , 2006
BARB HENDERSON WANTS TOWNSHIP TO REALIZE ITS FULL POTENTIAL
MAYOR BARBARA HENDERSON IS NOT ONLY LOOKING TO LEAD WAINFLEET TO 2010, BUT ALSO WANTS THE DIVERSE TOWNSHIP TO REALIZE ITS FULL POTENTIAL IN THE 21ST CENTURY WHILE MAINTAINING STRONG RURAL TIES AND TRADITIONS.
"EACH MEMBER OF THIS COUNCIL COMES FROM A DIFFERENT BACKGROUND AND BRINGS A VARIETY OF LIFE SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE THAT WILL ENABLE EACH OF US TO SERVE OUR COMMUNITY," HENDERSON SAID AFTER BEING SWORN IN FOR HER SECOND TERM ON COUNCIL.
HENDERSON IS WAINFLEET'S FIRST FEMALE MAYOR AND SAID SHE WAS "HONOURED AND HUMBLED," DURING LAST NIGHT'S INAUGURAL MEETING.
"I STRONGLY BELIEVE WAINFLEET HAS A BRIGHT FUTURE AND THAT TOGETHER, WITH A TEAM APPROACH TO LEADERSHIP, WE CAN MAKE IT HAPPEN WITH SHARED VISIONS, SHARED HOPE AND SHARED PRIDE."
THE NO. 1 ISSUE ON HENDERSON'S AGENDA IS TO SEEK ALTERNATIVE SOLUTIONS TO THE PROPOSED WATER/SEWER PIPELINE, WHICH SHE SAID WILL TAKE A BETTER PART OF HER FIRST TERM AS MAYOR.
SHE ALSO HIGHLIGHTED OTHER CONCERNS INCLUDING DEVELOPING STRONG TIES WITH THE UPPER LEVELS OF GOVERNMENT, EVALUATING SHARED SERVICING WITH NEIGHBOURING MUNICIPALITIES, ADDRESSING DEVELOPMENT, UPGRADING AND MAINTAINING EXISTING INFRASTRUCTURE AND COMPLETING THE NORTH EAST COMMUNITY AND LAKESHORE AREA SECONDARY PLANS.
ANOTHER ISSUE IS, "PERHAPS, MOST IMPORTANTLY, THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AN OPEN, TRANSPARENT GOVERNMENT THAT WILL COMMUNICATE WITH OUR CITIZENS AS EQUALS."
HENDERSON WELCOMED NEWLY ELECTED ALDS. TED HESSELS, RON KRAMER AND INCUMBENTS RUDY WARKENTIN AND EVAN MAIN AS SHE STRESSED THE IMPORTANCE OF HAVING A STRONG TEAM.
"CERTAINLY THE ISSUES WE WILL FACE WILL BE CHALLENGING AND WE WILL STRUGGLE WITH OUR CHOICES.
"BUT WE MUST AT ALL TIMES BE COGNIZANT OF THE WHOLE PICTURE, OF WHAT WILL AND WILL NOT BE IN THE BEST INTEREST OF WAINFLEET AND ITS CITIZENS."
THE FOLLOWING ARE WAINFLEET'S APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES:
LABOUR RELATIONS, FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION:
ALD. TED HESSELS AND MAYOR BARB HENDERSON.
PUBLIC WORKS AND RECREATION STRATEGIC PLANNING WAINFLEET WATER AND WASTEWATER STUDY:
ALD. TED HESSELS AND MAYOR BARB HENDERSON.
COMMUNITY POLICING JOINT SERVICES:
ALD. RON KRAMER AND MAYOR BARB HENDERSON.
PORT COLBORNE-WAINFLEET CHAMBER OF COMMERCE:
ALD. RON KRAMER.
WAINFLEET PUBLIC LIBRARY:
ALD. RON KRAMER.
WELLAND RIVER KEEPERS:
ALD. RON KRAMER.
COURT OF REVISION
ALD. EVAN MAIN.
NIAGARA CENTRAL AIRPORT COMMISSION PLANNING:
ALD. EVAN MAIN.
WORKPLACE HEALTH AND SAFETY, COUNCIL OPENINGS:
ALD. EVAN MAIN.
DOCTOR RECRUITMENT/HEALTH AND WELLNESS:
ALD. RUDY WARKENTIN.
MUNICIPAL ADVISORY GROUP (TRANSPORTATION STUDY):
ALD. RUDY WARKENTIN.
STRATEGIC PLANNING, SENIORS:
ALD. RUDY WARKENTIN.
LIVESTOCK EVALUATOR:
GARRY BALICKI.
LIBRARY BOARD:
GEORGE CSUKA, LYNN HUNT, ALD. RON KRAMER, RHODA WILLS AND PATRICIA WILSON.
COMMITTEE OF ADJUSTMENT:
CHRIS DERUITER, HARRY FLAGG, FAY OWEN, PAUL MCLELLAN AND EARL SIBBALD.
MARK TAYTI
LOCAL NEWS DECEMBER 08, 2006
MAYORS' BREAKFAST PUTS MAIN ISSUES ON THE MENU
THERE ARE BOUND TO BE SOME CHANGES ON THE MUNICIPAL LANDSCAPE AS PORT COLBORNE MAYOR VANCE BADAWEY AND WAINFLEET MAYOR BARB HENDERSON MOVE INTO 2007.
THAT WAS THE MESSAGE DELIVERED BY THE TWO NEW MAYORS THURSDAY AT THE PORT COLBORNE-WAINFLEET CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MAYOR'S BREAKFAST AT THE COUNTRY STORE KETTLE AND GRILL.
"LOOK FORWARD TO SOME BIG THINGS HAPPENING," BADAWEY SAID. "WE HAVE A STRONG COUNCIL THAT IS READY TO GET TO WORK."
BADAWEY SAID COUNCIL WILL SIT DOWN EARLY IN THE NEW YEAR AND SET PRIORITIES, USING THE COMMUNITY STRATEGIC PLAN AS PART OF THE PLANNING PROCESS.
"INDUSTRIAL GROWTH IS AT THE TOP OF THE LIST," HE SAID, ADDING THAT MULTI-MODAL TRANSPORTATION LINKS CAN HELP THE CITY REACH OUT TO INTERNATIONAL MARKETS.
"WE CAN IN FACT BE A DISTRIBUTION MECCA - A HUB," BADAWEY SAID OF THE CITY'S LINKS TO WATER, RAIL AND HIGHWAYS.
BADAWEY SAID HE WILL BE LOBBYING THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO MAKE NIAGARA A FREE TRADE ZONE.
"IT WILL ELEVATE NIAGARA AND GIVE IT THE BOOST IT DESERVES," HE SAID.
WATERFRONT REVITALIZATION IS ANOTHER PRIORITY ON THE MAYOR'S TO-DO LIST.
"IT'S TIME NOW TO ACT," HE SAID. "THE KEY IS TO MOVE FORWARD AND NOT JUST TALK ABOUT IT." BADAWEY ALSO PLEDGED HIS COUNCIL'S COMMITMENT TO THE OLD HUMBERSTONE AREA AND EMPHASIZED THE IMPORTANCE OF AN ATTRACTIVE GATEWAY.
"WE NEED TO BE PROUD OF OUR GATEWAY, I DON'T THINK WE ARE PROUD NOW - IT'S A BIT TIRED. WE WANT IT TO LOOK A WHOLE LOT BETTER."
BADAWEY SAID IT IS IMPORTANT THE GATEWAY ASSOCIATION (FORMERLY THE OLDE HUMBERSTONE MERCHANT'S ASSOCIATION) WORKS WITH THE DOWNTOWN BIA ON A PROJECT THAT IS MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL.
RESOLVING ALL OUTSTANDING ISSUES WITH RESPECT TO THE MULTI-USE SPORTS COMPLEX IS ANOTHER THING BADAWEY HAS VOWED.
"WHERE IS IT GOING TO GO? WHAT IS IT GOING TO COST? DO WE REPLACE (THE TWO ARENAS AND THE POOL) OR DO WE FIX THEM? LET'S GET OUR FEET BACK ON THE GROUND. IT IS THE COMMUNITY THAT IS BUILDING IT. NOT THE MAYOR. NOT THE COUNCIL."
HE SAID THE PREVIOUS COUNCIL DID A GOOD JOB OF PUTTING A NUMBER OF INITIATIVES IN PLAY.
"THE KEY NOW IS TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP UP."
WAINFLEET MAYOR BARB HENDERSON SAID SHE IS HONOURED TO BE WAINFLEET'S FIRST FEMALE MAYOR, BUT TOLD THE CHAMBER MEMBERS THAT THE TOWNSHIP FACES MANY CHALLENGES.
"IN 2007, THE TOWNSHIP OF WAINFLEET WILL BE UNDERGOING SOME INTERNAL STAFF CHANGES IN ORDER TO SPREAD THE WORKLOAD MORE EFFICIENTLY AMONG CURRENT STAFF," SHE SAID.
HENDERSON SAID THE REGION IS WILLING TO ACCEPT PROPOSALS BASED ON "ALTERNATIVE SERVICES" WHERE THE LAKESHORE SEWER AND WATER PROJECT IS CONCERNED.
LAND USE POLICIES ARE ALSO BEING REVIEWED FOR THE NORTHEAST SECONDARY PLAN. HENDERSON SAID A MEETING WILL BE HELD IN THE NEW YEAR TO RECEIVE PUBLIC INPUT.
THE TOWNSHIP IS ALSO GEARING UP FOR A FIGHT WITH MAW AGGREGATE OVER THE REEB QUARRY APPLICATION. A HEARING WILL BE HELD MAY 15 AND IS EXPECTED TO LAST FOUR WEEKS, SHE ADDED. DEVELOPMENT OF THE FORMER LAKEWOOD CAMP FOR CRIPPLED CHILDREN WAS ANOTHER TOPIC OF DISCUSSION. "THIS PROPOSAL WILL INVOLVE THE CONSTRUCTION OF 80 SINGLE-FAMILY UNITS, ALL OF WHICH WILL BE SERVICED BY A PRIVATE WATER AND SEWER SYSTEM DEVELOPED BY THE ZENON CORPORATION."
HENDERSON SAID A PUBLIC MEETING ON THE PROJECT IS SCHEDULED FOR DEC. 12 IN COUNCIL CHAMBERS.
LOCAL NEWS DECEMBER 08 , 2006
WAINFLEET
MAYOR BARBARA HENDERSON IS NOT ONLY LOOKING TO LEAD WAINFLEET TO 2010, BUT ALSO WANTS THE DIVERSE TOWNSHIP TO REALIZE ITS FULL POTENTIAL IN THE 21ST CENTURY WHILE MAINTAINING STRONG RURAL TIES AND TRADITIONS.
"EACH MEMBER OF THIS COUNCIL COMES FROM A DIFFERENT BACKGROUND AND BRINGS A VARIETY OF LIFE SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE THAT WILL ENABLE EACH OF US TO SERVE OUR COMMUNITY," HENDERSON SAID AFTER BEING SWORN IN FOR HER SECOND TERM ON COUNCIL.
HENDERSON IS WAINFLEET'S FIRST FEMALE MAYOR AND SAID SHE WAS "HONOURED AND HUMBLED," DURING TUESDAY'S INAUGURAL MEETING.
WELLAND - JOHN BELCASTRO HAS BEEN ELECTED AS THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE NIAGARA CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD, WHILE ED NIEUWESTEEG WILL TAKE ON THE ROLE OF VICE-CHAIR.
THE BOARD HELD ITS INAUGURAL MEETING TUESDAY NIGHT AT NOTRE DAME COLLEGE, WHICH WAS ONLY FITTING AFTER BELCASTRO WAS ELECTED, AS HE IS A FORMER PRINCIPAL OF THE SCHOOL.
BEFORE THE MUNICIPAL ELECTION, BELCASTRO WAS THE VICE-CHAIR OF THE BOARD. NOW, WITH ANOTHER TERM TO LOOK FORWARD TO, BELCASTRO SAID HE WAS PLEASED THE CONFIDENCE HIS FELLOW TRUSTEES HAD SHOWN IN HIS ABILITIES BY ELECTING HIM AS CHAIR.
OF HIS PRIORITIES, THE CHAIR SAID, FIRST AND FOREMOST, THE BOARD MUST ENSURE THAT CATHOLICITY CONTINUE TO PLAY A ROLE IN THE CHARACTER BUILDING AND EDUCATION OF ITS STUDENTS.
"SECONDLY, WE MUST CONTINUE TO BUILD ON PAST SUCCESS WITH STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS," HE SAID.
Editorial DECEMBER 06 , 2006
THREE OF NIAGARA SOUTH'S FOUR MAYORS LAID OUT THEMES FOR THE NEW FOUR-YEAR TERMS OF THEIR COUNCILS AT INAUGURAL MEETINGS MONDAY.
AS EXPECTED MAYORS DAVE AUGUSTYN OF PELHAM, VANCE BADAWEY OF PORT COLBORNE AND DAMIAN GOULBOURNE OF WELLAND TOUCHED ON THE CHALLENGES FACED BY THEIR INDIVIDUAL COMMUNITIES.
PELHAM, FOR EXAMPLE, MUST GET PAST GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENCES BASED ON A RURAL AND URBAN SPLIT.
"WHILE WE CAN SAVOUR OUR DISTINCTIONS AND OUR HISTORY AND BE PROUD OF OUR COMMUNITY WITHIN A COMMUNITY, NOW IS THE TIME FOR US TO EMBRACE OUR ENTIRE TOWN OF PELHAM," THE NEW MAYOR TOLD ABOUT 100 PEOPLE AT THE NO. 1 FIRE HALL ON HIGHWAY 20.
AUGUSTYN LISTED SEVEN AREAS COUNCIL WILL CONCENTRATE ON BUT THEY REFLECT THE OVERALL CHALLENGE FACING PELHAM - HOW TO RETAIN ITS SMALL-TOWN FLAVOUR WHILE ACCOMMODATING A GROWING URBAN POPULATION.
BADAWEY, WHO TOOK OVER AS MAYOR AFTER A ONE-TERM ABSENCE, SAID HE WANTS TO CONTINUE A MOMENTUM.
"PEOPLE FROM ALL OVER SIMPLY EXPECT GOOD THINGS TO COME OUT OF PORT COLBORNE - A COMMUNITY THAT ACHIEVES MORE THAN ONE WOULD EXPECT FROM A COMMUNITY OUR SIZE."
IT IS MORE THAN A BOAST BY A BOOSTER. PORT COLBORNE HAS A RECORD OF ACCOMPLISHMENT. IT CAN BE TRACED BACK MORE THAN A DECADE AS THE CITY STRUGGLED TOWARD RECOVERY FROM BLOWS FROM THE LOSS OF INDUSTRIES.
BADAWEY TOUCHED ON WHERE THE CITY HAS TO GO - REVIVAL OF OLD HUMBERSTONE, A MULTI-USE COMMUNITY CENTRE AND ATTRACTING INDUSTRY.
IN WELLAND, RETURNING MAYOR GOULBOURNE HAS A CITY STARTING FURTHER BACK BUT ONE HE SAYS IS AT A TURNING POINT.
"AT THIS MOMENT, I LOOK INTO THE FUTURE AND I KNOW THAT THE FOUNDATION IS IN PLACE TO BUILD A BETTER WELLAND."
HE SUGGESTED ANNIVERSARIES OF THE FOUNDING OF WELLAND AND ITS MARKET COULD ACT AS SPURS. HE SAW THE NEED TO DRAW INDUSTRY, DOCTORS AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING.
UNLIKE THE MAYORS OF PELHAM AND PORT COLBORNE, HE STRESSED A DRIVE TO RETAIN YOUNG PEOPLE.
"COUNCIL, STAFF AND THE COMMUNITY WILL BE PRESENTED WITH SEVERAL OPPORTUNITIES TO MAKE DECISIONS THAT WILL ENABLE US TO KEEP OUR CHILDREN HERE IN WELLAND," HE SAID.
EACH OF THE THREE MAYORS, OF COURSE, WAS ADDRESSING THE NEEDS OF HIS COMMUNITY. WAINFLEET MAYOR BARBARA HENDERSON WOULD DO THE SAME AT HER INAUGURAL.
HOWEVER, MANY ISSUES - RECREATION CENTRES, HOUSING, LIFESTYLE, ATTRACTING INDUSTRY - CAN OVERLAP AND SUPPLEMENT EACH OTHER.
WE HOPE THROUGH THEIR ROLES AS REGIONAL COUNCILLORS AND AS GOOD NEIGHBOURS, THE MAYORS LOOK BEYOND THEIR BORDER ROADS AND ACROSS THEIR FENCES.
THEY MAY FIND SHARED PROJECTS COULD HELP THEM REACH THEIR GOALS.
Local News - December 01, 2006
INTO A GREENER FUTURE IN TWO YEARS.
Wainfleet Mayor Gord Harry provided an update on the regional project during Tuesday's last council meeting of this term.
The turbines will stand 100 meters high and the propellers will have a wingspan of 82 meters.
The five turbines are expected to produce 10 megawatts by converting wind kinetic energy into mechanical energy which will tie into the grid.
Harry said as long as the province gives the $22 million project the green light, construction should begin in two years.
The agreement was reached between St. Catharines based Rankin Construction and the Niagara Region on Nov 9. The turbines will be located in the far western end of Wainfleet, close to the Haldimand County boundary. They will be one kilometre back from Lake Erie.
The location in Wainfleet was chosen after two years of extensive wind monitoring revealed Wainfleet had one of the best wind regimes in the region.
"The Lake Erie shoreline is the predominant area mainly because of the prevailing winds," said Ian Neville, commissioner of public works for the region of Niagara.
Neville said the turbines produce green, renewable energy.
Editorial DECEMBER 02 , 2006
I have a two-fold reason for writing this letter.
1. To state publicly that my name should never have appeared Friday, Nov. 17 on page A4 in the article "Wainfleet considers 10-year growth plan" since I had e-mailed Michael Benner, township clerk and planner, to withdraw my name from any connection to the township's Northeast Secondary Plan.
The reason for not wanting my name associated with the plan is I am opposed to the proposed subdivision in the Deeks and Lambert roads area planned by Frank Memme and looking at the zoning changes this Northeast Secondary Plan features, I believe will give the developer what he needs to build an 18-home subdivision in Wainfleet.
I have secured signed petitions against it, therefore would feel a hypocrite.
2. Wainfleet resident Lee Bott, who submitted her letter "Housing project 'wrong'" is the second reason I write. She intelligently spells out exactly what heavy pressures and stress country and nature loving people are forced to live with.
"When asked about animals, the developers replied 'the animals will migrate elsewhere.'"
She said the rezoning vote takes place at Wainfleet on Dec. 12, referring to the former Lakewood Camp development.
Thorold once had a vast farmland, wetland and open space heritage. I was born and lived there. St. Catharines had the same God given grace, Fonthill, Welland, etc.
Today, when passing through Thorold, one is confronted with the sea of identical homes built of vinyl siding and brick, which are crammed together in the name of Confederation Heights.
It is time to fight back by joining forces to give our elected politicians, who work for us, and the developers a message that we want them to stop killing nature for future generations and us, and to the developers as quoted in Bott's letter regarding the selfish and inhumane treatment of innocent wildlife, that we have had it.
The public can give their opinions on the Northeast Secondary Plan in an open house slated for December or January in Wainfleet. Please look for it and attend.
It is a popular way of thinking to worry about future residents coming but what about the quality of life for the taxpayers that are already here?
Faye Suthons
Wainfleet
They are listening and know we aren't going away!
Here's hoping for some changes to the problems .
