Glenway Community Update - Sept 28, 2011

I wanted to provide an update on some of the progress that has been made on the Glenway file at council last evening.

First, and most importantly, I was happy that my colleagues ratified the proposal from staff to hire an outside consultant to help augment the staff resources on this file. In my mind, this was a crucial first decision made by Council. They made a clear statement that they would ensure the Town would commit the needed resources to handle the application from the outset so that we’re not looking back in a few months wondering if there is more we could have done.

Second, I put forward a notice of motion that I would be consulting the neighbourhood on their thoughts and ideas on how best to implement a task force, committee or working group made up of Glenway residents that will help provide guidance on this file. I always believe it is crucial to help let the community guide the process. I will work with you, the residents of Glenway, to establish a process to enhance public consultation. It is a process I have been working on for some time and I will continue to roll out this process so that when we receive an application we can rely on some of the incredible talent we have in our community. We have business leaders, engineers, lawyers and so many others that can help guide this process.

Finally, I want to address a question that has arisen regarding transparency. Last week Councillor DiMuccio proposed a resolution that in my mind was fraught with issues and I did not support it. When first presented it engaged Councillors and residents in an RFP process which I and other Councillors indicated was contrary Judge Bellamy’s recommendations that came out of the MFP Scandal in the City of Toronto.  I will also be careful to never expose our town, and your tax dollars, to litigation. I also indicated at that meeting and last evening, that I as the Ward 7 Councillor who was elected by Glenway residents, would be bringing forward a proposal for further community engagement as I have concerns that task force the Councillor proposed had potential issues related to how this case may eventually be heard at the OMB. The public engagement that I would like to see is also much broader in scope, it would seek input from residents on items such as maintenance of the country club lands once it closes, exploring all legal avenues and any other areas of concern – not just a task force overseeing the consultant. Community engagement must be robust.  I was also disappointed that Councillor DiMuccio did not support the recommendation to hire a consultant to help the Glenway Community fight the proposed development.

It is imperative that decisions and strategies are not made in haste. We cannot afford to find ourselves in a position where decisions and strategies can put at jeopardy our position at the OMB should we end up there.

In the coming weeks I will issue a survey on my website seeking your feedback on how we can have greater public participation/guidance. This needs to evolve with resident input. It is also crucial we get all of this in place prior to an application being submitted, so we must be nimble and work together.

I trust this update has been helpful in addressing some of the issues. I am very happy about the progress we have made. It was another step in the process in defending our towns official plan. Appreciate the support of the Mayor, Regional Councillor and Ward Councillors for their support of this file.

Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or comments.