Canada Day July 1, is one of my favourite holidays. It's the one day where the chest swells with pride, and it's okay to stand up and say "I am Canadian" out loud. In Milton it's even more meaningful than just a long weekend- it's a day where the past meets the future.
The day starts off with honouring the past- a Veterans Breakfast. The Breakfast is followed by a quick wreath-laying ceremony at the cenotaph, and then a parade over to the fairgrounds. The other main event is the Citizenship ceremony at centre stage.
Last year was my first year as a member of the organizing committee; my second as the Looking out over the crowd I was reminded of how great a country this is. In the crowd sat people from all over the world; many countries less prosperous than this one. Many have fled war, and all have worked hard to at last become Canadians- to vote, be able to go to school; to do so much we take for granted. It made me appreciate the fact that I just happened to be born in Canada, and can do all that even more than I do already.
Friday July 1, is Canada Day. Come out and celebrate with the committee at the Milton Fairgrounds. See the Milton Canada Day website for a full schedule of events, and a bus schedule for the "event shuttle."
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Monday, June 27, 2011
Building What? Together
The province released its "Building Together" Plan a document that spells out the plan for infrastructure for the next 10 years. It reads like an election platform, rather than a policy document- as if someone said let's throw this one at the wall to see if it sticks. If it does, then maybe we'll get re-elected??
Most importantly for Milton there was no firm commitment for a hospital expansion. The section of the report applicable to that: Completing the 27 major hospital projects under construction, and continuing to invest in hospital expansions and redevelopment projects, subject to fiscal capacity. The plan also indicates the province will commit to 3-5 expansions/ redevelopment projects... subject to fiscal capacity- a phrase that will get them out of a lot of promises.
My understanding of the funding process is that prior to the release of the provincial government's latest budget, Milton along with other municipalities made a presentation to the province on why they deserve funding for the hospital or infrastructure project. That list was then wheedled down to 50 deserving communities, which, was supposed to be released before legislature was prorogued. This document doesn't spell out many specifics, and that not only hurts Milton, but all Ontarians.
Another disappointment to Milton: the post-secondary education portion of the plan. Recently the province decided that it should have the only say on where satellite campuses should go. Never mind the needs of an institution. Never mind the fact Laurier has land, and a willing partner in Sheridan College or the fact the town is the fastest growing in t he country, and among the youngest. the province still needs to say "yes." There are provisions in the plan for more universities and colleges, but again, as with healthcare they're vague.
It's a contradiction too. The Liberals want 407 expansion, Essex-Windsor highway- both will make it easier for commercial traffic to cross the borders. They want to add to the HOV (High Occupancy Vehicle) lanes, and build at least 500 centreline-kilometres of highway where warranted by growth and demand. What happened to the environmentally friendly Liberals? The ones that created Metrolinx, worked with the City of Toronto to change Transit City? Giving us still more ways to put more cars on the road, goes counterpoint to that doesn't it. Speaking of Transit, this is where Milton does get something: A promise of trains that are at least 12 cars. Something that should probably have happened around a decade ago.
I know this is a ten year plan, and a lot can change in a decade; subject to fiscal capacity. But where's the vision? Where's the creativity? The Progressive Conservatives have policy for families that can be clearly applied to their everyday lives. The Liberals- at least the ones who are in the provincial government right now are vague. Why not have a plan that would make that phrase "subject to fiscal capacity" a thing of the past?
This plan is unimaginative. Ontario is facing a multi-billion dollar shortfall, failing infrastructure, and an aging population. What's needed is creative ideas that will solve problems. The Liberals want to build together. Build what together? Because you're going to need to be a lot more specific than this.
Most importantly for Milton there was no firm commitment for a hospital expansion. The section of the report applicable to that: Completing the 27 major hospital projects under construction, and continuing to invest in hospital expansions and redevelopment projects, subject to fiscal capacity. The plan also indicates the province will commit to 3-5 expansions/ redevelopment projects... subject to fiscal capacity- a phrase that will get them out of a lot of promises.
My understanding of the funding process is that prior to the release of the provincial government's latest budget, Milton along with other municipalities made a presentation to the province on why they deserve funding for the hospital or infrastructure project. That list was then wheedled down to 50 deserving communities, which, was supposed to be released before legislature was prorogued. This document doesn't spell out many specifics, and that not only hurts Milton, but all Ontarians.
Another disappointment to Milton: the post-secondary education portion of the plan. Recently the province decided that it should have the only say on where satellite campuses should go. Never mind the needs of an institution. Never mind the fact Laurier has land, and a willing partner in Sheridan College or the fact the town is the fastest growing in t he country, and among the youngest. the province still needs to say "yes." There are provisions in the plan for more universities and colleges, but again, as with healthcare they're vague.
It's a contradiction too. The Liberals want 407 expansion, Essex-Windsor highway- both will make it easier for commercial traffic to cross the borders. They want to add to the HOV (High Occupancy Vehicle) lanes, and build at least 500 centreline-kilometres of highway where warranted by growth and demand. What happened to the environmentally friendly Liberals? The ones that created Metrolinx, worked with the City of Toronto to change Transit City? Giving us still more ways to put more cars on the road, goes counterpoint to that doesn't it. Speaking of Transit, this is where Milton does get something: A promise of trains that are at least 12 cars. Something that should probably have happened around a decade ago.
I know this is a ten year plan, and a lot can change in a decade; subject to fiscal capacity. But where's the vision? Where's the creativity? The Progressive Conservatives have policy for families that can be clearly applied to their everyday lives. The Liberals- at least the ones who are in the provincial government right now are vague. Why not have a plan that would make that phrase "subject to fiscal capacity" a thing of the past?
This plan is unimaginative. Ontario is facing a multi-billion dollar shortfall, failing infrastructure, and an aging population. What's needed is creative ideas that will solve problems. The Liberals want to build together. Build what together? Because you're going to need to be a lot more specific than this.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
At Last it's over!
Just after 8pm tonight- 57 hours after it began the House of Commons passed legislation that will send Postal workers back to work as soon as Monday. The parties will go to binding arbitration and be asked to present their 'best offers' to an arbitrator, and that arbitrator will decide the final contract.
The N.D.P. caused the filibuster. They objected to the legislation; specifically the raise being lower than negotiated, and to the fact it was "best offer" presentation to the arbitrator. They saw a negotiated settlement as being the only option for an outcome. And so they stalled- and every last MP got their chance to speak. In one way it was democracy in action; a party of ideals, and principles standing up for them; a rare occurrence when policies can be boiled down to an easy to remember catchphrase. In another it was insanity- saying the same thing over, and over again.
It was the binding arbitration that caused all the debate; the N.D.P. saw it as undermining the negotiating process; they were content to let the strike continue for a while and give it a chance. The government saw the possible costs to the economy- according to Minister Raitt between $9-31 million/ week, and that was enough to force action on the government's part.
The N.D.P. has always been the party of organized labour, advocating for union, and workers' right. Unions need to evolve; most sectors have half-decent working conditions, and fair wages. As the workforce ages, why not shift focus to longer-term pensions and health benefits instead of the wage increase. No matter the rules and legislation there will be unfairness in the labour world, so unions will always be needed. They just need to shift their focus.
The N.D.P. caused the filibuster. They objected to the legislation; specifically the raise being lower than negotiated, and to the fact it was "best offer" presentation to the arbitrator. They saw a negotiated settlement as being the only option for an outcome. And so they stalled- and every last MP got their chance to speak. In one way it was democracy in action; a party of ideals, and principles standing up for them; a rare occurrence when policies can be boiled down to an easy to remember catchphrase. In another it was insanity- saying the same thing over, and over again.
It was the binding arbitration that caused all the debate; the N.D.P. saw it as undermining the negotiating process; they were content to let the strike continue for a while and give it a chance. The government saw the possible costs to the economy- according to Minister Raitt between $9-31 million/ week, and that was enough to force action on the government's part.
The N.D.P. has always been the party of organized labour, advocating for union, and workers' right. Unions need to evolve; most sectors have half-decent working conditions, and fair wages. As the workforce ages, why not shift focus to longer-term pensions and health benefits instead of the wage increase. No matter the rules and legislation there will be unfairness in the labour world, so unions will always be needed. They just need to shift their focus.
Monday, June 20, 2011
What's in a Library Building?
I went last week to the information session on Bruce St. Library. I was at the afternoon session and there was a pretty decent crowd for that one I watched the presentation, which, went through the three options, and made a recommendation. Those options are: to sell it outright, lease it, or put another library branch in the building. The Consultants recommended the Town maintain ownership, and lease it to another organization, entirely ruling out the possibility of having another small branch at the Bruce St. location
On the open market the consultant estimates the buildings at 45 Bruce St, and 407 Pine St would get at least $3 million each. And that's without a bidding war- I can see that could present a huge temptation; sell off the property get the $6 million or more, use the money to service a few debts, maybe put some of it towards that hospital expansion. Leasing would create a consistent revenue stream, and put the building to good use.
I got the feeling from the presentation though, the consultants still didn't see the consequences of removing the library from the neighbourhood.. I think the Town, and consultants underestimated the success of the petition to save Bruce St, or this issue would generate such a buzz among the people. It's clear from the over 1,000 signatures there is some desire for Bruce St. as a branch library, and hopefully Council will listen and make something happen. It doesn't make sense to put an increased population in that area through intensification and then take an amenity like a library away. I'd imagine that proximity to a library would be a huge draw to move to an area and could increase the real estate values.
In the absence of more branch libraries in the west end it only makes sense to leave a branch library along Main St. With the movement of the main Library out to its Main and Thompson location, and the Beatty Branch it could appear as if the resource distribution is unfair and make people who live in the core feel like they don't matter. When Council considers the consultants' presentation, they should consider the petition, and make those people feel like they matter.
On the open market the consultant estimates the buildings at 45 Bruce St, and 407 Pine St would get at least $3 million each. And that's without a bidding war- I can see that could present a huge temptation; sell off the property get the $6 million or more, use the money to service a few debts, maybe put some of it towards that hospital expansion. Leasing would create a consistent revenue stream, and put the building to good use.
I got the feeling from the presentation though, the consultants still didn't see the consequences of removing the library from the neighbourhood.. I think the Town, and consultants underestimated the success of the petition to save Bruce St, or this issue would generate such a buzz among the people. It's clear from the over 1,000 signatures there is some desire for Bruce St. as a branch library, and hopefully Council will listen and make something happen. It doesn't make sense to put an increased population in that area through intensification and then take an amenity like a library away. I'd imagine that proximity to a library would be a huge draw to move to an area and could increase the real estate values.
In the absence of more branch libraries in the west end it only makes sense to leave a branch library along Main St. With the movement of the main Library out to its Main and Thompson location, and the Beatty Branch it could appear as if the resource distribution is unfair and make people who live in the core feel like they don't matter. When Council considers the consultants' presentation, they should consider the petition, and make those people feel like they matter.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
New Writing Gig
I was contacted by the editor at T-Post Magazine and asked to be a contributor, and today have had my first article published. Their concept: make T-shirts out of today's news stories. Writers submit articles, and readers can vote, comment or just "like it." Every month editors select pieces from their top 10, and the winners will have their article put on a T-shirt. Writers and graphic artists get paid $1200.
So check out my article: Break from Your Cell, and vote. Keep watching the site for new articles from me.
So check out my article: Break from Your Cell, and vote. Keep watching the site for new articles from me.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Saving St. Paul's: A Step in the right direction
St. Paul's Church will be restored. In a close vote of 174-151, the congregation voted for restoration, instead of demolition. It was the right thing to do; St Paul's has been around for over a century. It is a Milton landmark; its church tower keeping watch over Main St for as long as many can remember.
But is this the end? The church faces an up-hill climb. First it has to present to the Halton Presbytery a financial plan on how to pay for the repairs; a total bill of possibly as much as $1.5 million. And then they have to raise the money; by no means an easy task. But there is enough willpower here to do it; most of us have fond memories of the place- I've said before I remember sleepovers for Girl Guides; it's seen its share of life's milestones. The last time I was there, was a Leona Boyd Concert; she, and a guitarist sat in chairs at the front of room- it was as if the audience settled in for story time or something. It was her first concert on the comeback trail. It's played a big enough role in many people's lives there is a strength of sentimentality that would fuel fundraising efforts.
174-151; a 23 vote difference. Is this a strong enough majority to back a move restore it? Or is it more reflective of an obliviously split congregation. The plan to redevelop the site, the fire, and all that it's accompanied both has caused a lot of anger and bitterness amongst the congregation. It's the Presbytery's final decision- and 23 votes may not be enough to sway them towards keeping the building. And given the time this has taken to solve it; at least the last 4 years; probably longer it's likely they're going to end to it one way or the other. Shifting the focus inside the congregation; the close vote could also indicate the faction who want it taken down has gained strength.
I'm aware the situation at St. Paul's has caused many to leave the congregation. Its possible preservation could be enough to lure people back to fight for it. It also indicates that last year when Ward #3 councillor Cindy Lunau urged them to re-think the move to demolish, some people listened. Whatever the reason, a Milton landmark, and a piece of the past is about to be saved. In my book when that happens, it's something to celebrate.
But is this the end? The church faces an up-hill climb. First it has to present to the Halton Presbytery a financial plan on how to pay for the repairs; a total bill of possibly as much as $1.5 million. And then they have to raise the money; by no means an easy task. But there is enough willpower here to do it; most of us have fond memories of the place- I've said before I remember sleepovers for Girl Guides; it's seen its share of life's milestones. The last time I was there, was a Leona Boyd Concert; she, and a guitarist sat in chairs at the front of room- it was as if the audience settled in for story time or something. It was her first concert on the comeback trail. It's played a big enough role in many people's lives there is a strength of sentimentality that would fuel fundraising efforts.
174-151; a 23 vote difference. Is this a strong enough majority to back a move restore it? Or is it more reflective of an obliviously split congregation. The plan to redevelop the site, the fire, and all that it's accompanied both has caused a lot of anger and bitterness amongst the congregation. It's the Presbytery's final decision- and 23 votes may not be enough to sway them towards keeping the building. And given the time this has taken to solve it; at least the last 4 years; probably longer it's likely they're going to end to it one way or the other. Shifting the focus inside the congregation; the close vote could also indicate the faction who want it taken down has gained strength.
I'm aware the situation at St. Paul's has caused many to leave the congregation. Its possible preservation could be enough to lure people back to fight for it. It also indicates that last year when Ward #3 councillor Cindy Lunau urged them to re-think the move to demolish, some people listened. Whatever the reason, a Milton landmark, and a piece of the past is about to be saved. In my book when that happens, it's something to celebrate.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
The Protesting Page
It's a free country- we can do whatever we want, say whatever we want. We have the right to peacefully protest including holding up an octagonal sign saying "Stop Harper" when the man is sitting less than 10 feet away. That's what Senate Page Brigette Depape did at the Throne Speech. She was of course ushered by security out of the Senate, and promptly fired.
There is a time, and a place for that kind of thing. In this case, it was likely outside on the lawns of Parliament Hill- would that have created the stir? No probably not. But keep in mind there was a news release on the one-woman show before the speech, combine that with facebook, and other methods of social networking; she might have had something there. But instead, she disrupted what was a rather important occasion.
What I'm having trouble wrapping my mind around is why now? She worked in the senate for a year; and had four before that to protest. If she felt that strongly why did she wait until now? She was a Senate Page; someone that can bend the ear of some powerful people- why not try and talk to Majory LeBreton- the Government leader in the Senate, and a cabinet minister to boot or any one of the senators from any party. A healthy exchange of ideas never hurt anyone; she could have even changed somebody's mind about an issue and made a difference.
The other issue I have is her call for a so-called "Arab spring." She needs to put it into perspective- what many are fighting for in the Middle East, is democracy- the right to have a voice and be heard by their governments. Guess what Brigette? We already have that- it's alive and kicking; that's why you weren't thrown in jail the minute after you produced that sign asking us to "Stop Harper."
There is a time, and a place for that kind of thing. In this case, it was likely outside on the lawns of Parliament Hill- would that have created the stir? No probably not. But keep in mind there was a news release on the one-woman show before the speech, combine that with facebook, and other methods of social networking; she might have had something there. But instead, she disrupted what was a rather important occasion.
What I'm having trouble wrapping my mind around is why now? She worked in the senate for a year; and had four before that to protest. If she felt that strongly why did she wait until now? She was a Senate Page; someone that can bend the ear of some powerful people- why not try and talk to Majory LeBreton- the Government leader in the Senate, and a cabinet minister to boot or any one of the senators from any party. A healthy exchange of ideas never hurt anyone; she could have even changed somebody's mind about an issue and made a difference.
The other issue I have is her call for a so-called "Arab spring." She needs to put it into perspective- what many are fighting for in the Middle East, is democracy- the right to have a voice and be heard by their governments. Guess what Brigette? We already have that- it's alive and kicking; that's why you weren't thrown in jail the minute after you produced that sign asking us to "Stop Harper."
Saturday, June 4, 2011
To fund or not... We may not know the answer until after the election
Premier Dalton McGuinty prorogued the provincial legislature until after this October's election. He did it without a whisper of opposition, without an outcry from the public. It also happened without the release of the list of who gets what infrastructure money over the next 10 years. Milton's hopes for a hospital expansion have to wait another few months yet, and that's not right.
Milton has been fighting for its expansion for the last 15 years or more, and the need has become critical in the last five. The pressure reached a fever pitch with the Friends of Milton District Hospital postcard campaign, and most recently with the petition that got 6 thousand signatures and was presented by MPP Ted Chudleigh at Queen's Park, and the rally held at Milton's Victoria Park.
Milton was supposed to be on a list of 50 communities slated to be released this month. But that may not come out now until after the October election. I doubt we were even on it. I was able to cover the Mayor's Breakfast a while back, and the special guest was Infrastructure Minister Bob Charielli. Ted Chudleigh was seated near the front of the room to hear the Minister go after both Tim Hudak, and himself in what was an extremely partisan speech. It left me the impression that it was vaguely personal- Chudleigh had been a pain in the Liberals' backside, and they were going to do and say whatever they had to, in order to stop the P.C.'s from taking the riding again. And if that meant denying a town that so obviously needs expanded hospital facilities, then so be it... the election campaign is on- all's fair in love and elections. The hospital may be dangled like a carrot to get us voting Liberal.
An expanded hospital has become a vital need for Milton. There is no room for proper surgical waiting areas, and the infrastructure that could support the latest equipment (sterilizers) has reached the end of its useful life. In the fairly recent experiences I've had, the great staff are doing their best with what they have. But I'm sure even they grow as frustrated as various councilors are.
I think the only thing to be done is to give up. Give up fighting this government- wait until the next one is elected; because I believe it will be Progressive Conservative. Having toured the facilities, I think Hudak has a much better grasp of what Milton needs than the Premier ever would. And if he doesn't give Milton the money, then Chudleigh could become as big a pain in Hudak's rear end as he is to the Liberals.
Milton has been fighting for its expansion for the last 15 years or more, and the need has become critical in the last five. The pressure reached a fever pitch with the Friends of Milton District Hospital postcard campaign, and most recently with the petition that got 6 thousand signatures and was presented by MPP Ted Chudleigh at Queen's Park, and the rally held at Milton's Victoria Park.
Milton was supposed to be on a list of 50 communities slated to be released this month. But that may not come out now until after the October election. I doubt we were even on it. I was able to cover the Mayor's Breakfast a while back, and the special guest was Infrastructure Minister Bob Charielli. Ted Chudleigh was seated near the front of the room to hear the Minister go after both Tim Hudak, and himself in what was an extremely partisan speech. It left me the impression that it was vaguely personal- Chudleigh had been a pain in the Liberals' backside, and they were going to do and say whatever they had to, in order to stop the P.C.'s from taking the riding again. And if that meant denying a town that so obviously needs expanded hospital facilities, then so be it... the election campaign is on- all's fair in love and elections. The hospital may be dangled like a carrot to get us voting Liberal.
An expanded hospital has become a vital need for Milton. There is no room for proper surgical waiting areas, and the infrastructure that could support the latest equipment (sterilizers) has reached the end of its useful life. In the fairly recent experiences I've had, the great staff are doing their best with what they have. But I'm sure even they grow as frustrated as various councilors are.
I think the only thing to be done is to give up. Give up fighting this government- wait until the next one is elected; because I believe it will be Progressive Conservative. Having toured the facilities, I think Hudak has a much better grasp of what Milton needs than the Premier ever would. And if he doesn't give Milton the money, then Chudleigh could become as big a pain in Hudak's rear end as he is to the Liberals.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Bruce St. Library: The Sequel
The idea of a new central library isn't new; it's been part of Milton's Destiny 2, and part of a library master plan. What surprised everyone, was the rate of Milton's growth and the fact the money came for it in the first place.The money came through the Conservatives' Economic Action plan; stimulus money given by the Conservative government for infrastructure projects such as the Milton Arts Centre.
I have been covering the story for the last year; ever since the decision was made to close the building. As part of my job I was able to interview Head Librarian Leslie Fitch. The one thing that amazed me about it was the vibe she didn't care what the closure would do to the neighbourhood. She had a bright, shiny, new toy in the new library- what happened after the building closed didn't matter.
In doing research on it, and talking to people it seemed nobody spoke up on behalf of the Library board. Nobody asked the question: "What do we do when the building is closed?" Nobody asked if it was even possible to keep it open. There is a pretty strong argument for keeping it open at least as a smaller branch. The area is going to be intensified- why add in a few thousand people and take away a service? I'd imagine the convenience of having a service such as a library close by would be a big draw for people moving to the area.
And I know there are Councillors who believe we can't support two libraries 2 km's apart from each other. Try telling that to seniors who live in the surrounding apartment buildings, or downtown along Millside drive. I think we can. When the new central branch opens all Library services will have effectively moved to the east side of Milton- so what about the west half of town? Bruce St. is probably closer for people living off the northern part of Scott Blvd. Or what about living in the apartment buildings Bronte South of Main St. It's closer for them too. And I know, the average answer is; they can take the bus. But there are people in town who don't have the money for a bus.
There have been options proposed for the building including the future home of a school, and some kind of mixed use building for both youth and seniors. I just don't want to see the possibility of a branch library discounted. Of those offered I like the school idea the best; that's what the building once was.
If you feel the same way, there's an information session at the Milton Seniors Centre on June 16, 2011 at 7pm. Hope to see you there!
I have been covering the story for the last year; ever since the decision was made to close the building. As part of my job I was able to interview Head Librarian Leslie Fitch. The one thing that amazed me about it was the vibe she didn't care what the closure would do to the neighbourhood. She had a bright, shiny, new toy in the new library- what happened after the building closed didn't matter.
In doing research on it, and talking to people it seemed nobody spoke up on behalf of the Library board. Nobody asked the question: "What do we do when the building is closed?" Nobody asked if it was even possible to keep it open. There is a pretty strong argument for keeping it open at least as a smaller branch. The area is going to be intensified- why add in a few thousand people and take away a service? I'd imagine the convenience of having a service such as a library close by would be a big draw for people moving to the area.
And I know there are Councillors who believe we can't support two libraries 2 km's apart from each other. Try telling that to seniors who live in the surrounding apartment buildings, or downtown along Millside drive. I think we can. When the new central branch opens all Library services will have effectively moved to the east side of Milton- so what about the west half of town? Bruce St. is probably closer for people living off the northern part of Scott Blvd. Or what about living in the apartment buildings Bronte South of Main St. It's closer for them too. And I know, the average answer is; they can take the bus. But there are people in town who don't have the money for a bus.
There have been options proposed for the building including the future home of a school, and some kind of mixed use building for both youth and seniors. I just don't want to see the possibility of a branch library discounted. Of those offered I like the school idea the best; that's what the building once was.
If you feel the same way, there's an information session at the Milton Seniors Centre on June 16, 2011 at 7pm. Hope to see you there!
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