Library Consultation

  I went to the afternoon meeting yesterday, and was pleased to see many other of my fellow Miltonians there too.  It felt forced, and the consultants certainly had a lot to do with that vibe; saying they had no real interest in the building's future- granted they are outside consultants, did they really need to voice that sentiment out loud?  But I digress...

It's impossible to keep it as a central branch, and we all understand that.  Taking that out of the equation the options are: we sell it or lease it, take it down, or keep it as a branch.  One of my favourite options out of those presented yesterday was the idea of the Milton Christian School moving there.  Milton Public Library was once the Bruce St. school, it seems oddly poetic that it become one again.  Another is some kind  of Youth/Seniors centre mix.  Somebody pointed out the two groups have a lot to learn from one another- in a neighbourhood that has a lot of seniors in it- why not give it to somebody who would use it?

Ideally I would keep it as a Branch library.  Milton is growing; arguably it could support a branch in that location.  Taking into account intensification the question that kept crossing my mind was: if you're putting extra people into that area, then why take a service away? It makes no sense.   If it stays there, I wouldn't cut it to the proposed 6,000 sq ft.  I would cut it in half to 8,000 sq ft instead. 

Whatever decision this council finally comes to on the Bruce St Library  it shouldn't be bound by past mistakes. And in hindsight it was a mistake to open a new one, without questioning what would happen to the old one.  But, we still have time to correct it.  

Remembrance Day and Afghanistan

When I was young, I was always aware of Remembrance Day.  I remember lots of cold November Sundays marching in the parade with Girl Guides, and gathering around the cenotaph.  In school, I can recall yearly assemblies held- often with Veterans in to speak to us; they brought the history to life.

Now, as I've grown older I've become more aware of that history.  What Canadian soldiers did in both world wars was nothing short of heroic.  In W.W. I the French, and English tried to take Vimy Ridge, and failed.  But the Canadians succeeded, and have been honoured for it with a monument on French soil.  In W.W. II, Canadians landed on Juno Beach on D-Day, and ended up gaining the most ground of any allied forces in Occupied France.  They fought through Italy, and in Holland when the Nazis finally surrendered their hold on that country, they did so to a Canadian General.  This is just some of what we are honouring as we pause today- at the eleventh hour, of the eleventh day, of the eleventh month for two minutes of silence.  We will remember them.

In remembering the past today, let's also spare a thought for the future.  Canada is still fighting a war  in Afghanistan; our soldiers trying to bring the same values to that country, others defended on our behalf so long ago.  I have been fortunate enough in the course of my job to meet a Veteran of that conflict.  He served one tour there, and would consider serving another.  For me, that has put a face on the conflict happening half a world away. 

At 11am I thought of the soldiers fighting in Afghanistan, and I thought of the younger faces I saw at the cenotaph. I hope we will listen to the stories of the Afghan Veterans as surely as we listen to the older gentlemen. Because in listening that's the only way we learn.

Spare a thought today or any day for those who fought for our freedom, and those who continue fighting for it.

What an Election!!

This is shaping up to be quite the election  40 candidates have registered for 8 ward seats, 2 regional council seats, and Mayor's chair.  And I find myself in the interesting  position of having met them all.  All are passionate, and believe in Milton, and believe they can make difference.

The general issues I see cropping up are: hospital expansion, growth, and the whole notion of an "new milton, old milton." idea. The hospital expansion comes down to money of course.  Some believe it's about pledging- $60 million over 30 years in order to show the province we're serious.  Others believe in fundraising, and that a tax increase should be the last option.   I've said before in other entries, a good thing to keep in mind is that nothing can be done about the hospital, without provincial consent... something that isn't gauranteed.

Growth I think will always be an issue here.  Town Council has just approved Boyne development, the size of which will see Milton double.  The new council will have to grapple with concerns dealing with building infrastrucutre, and financing it.  Council will also have to deal with the continuing consequences of too much growth too soon, and finish catching the infrastructure up with the rest of subdivisions.

I know the terms of "new milton" and "old milton" are ways of geographically designating the town; ways to describe where we live, and where we work. But are they more? Could they be used to do divide people.  And speaking of "old"- the matter of St. Paul's is still on the front burner.  But it's doing the job getting people talking about what we kind of Milton we want.  What kind of identity do we want? Do we want to keep the gorgeous downtown full of life, and restaurants along Main St? Or do we want to become another Mississauga?

There are a lot of issues for the upcoming council to decide.  But before they make their decisions, we need to do our research, and vote.
 

St. Paul's

I have an attachment to St. Paul's Church.  My grandparents were members there, my parents were married there.  I spent happy sleepovers throughout my time in girl guides there- the place is full of happy memories for me, as I'm sure it is for at least half the town. These happy memories, and emotions made it difficult for me to hear on Canada Day that there was a fire at this beloved Milton landmark.

Shock was what I felt when I first heard it, followed in typical reporter fashion by the need to do the story.  I did the story, and frankly I'm sceptical that the cause was electrical in nature.  For the last two years the place has been involved in a redevelopment idea- to take down the old church, and in its place put a life-lease condominum as well as new worship space.  It is a decision that has caused much argument among the congregation, and town at large.  It was recently announced St. Paul's had plans to apply for a demolition permit- the matter is being heard before Heritage Milton tomorrow (Thursday).  The situation makes me ask- if the whole situation doesn't sew the seeds of suspicion on the fire's cause, then what does?  I don't think the church should really blame the rest of us for concluding there is a possibility it was arson.

Looking at it without emotion, and in purely practical terms, there are legitmate arguments on both sides.  On the one side is heritage- the place has been a part of Milton for about as long as Milton has existed.  It's dominated that part of downtown, and it's hard to imagine that part of downtown without it.  It has the fabled "rose window" as well as several from World War One.  This kind of history is hard to find, can we really afford to lose that?  If it gets designation, I think it's worth looking at the downtown as some kind of heritage district.

On the other hand.  There is no denying progress.  St. Paul's is part of the area targted for intensification- more seniors housing would fit well there.  Damage from the fire is said to be in the six figure range- Would it cost more to fix the damage, and the pre-existing structural problems than it would to just take it down and start again?

I'm a history lover.  I would love to see the place saved.  I can't really picture what downtown Milton would look like without it.  But the reality is, it may happen.  I hope before a final decision is made, they discover what exactly happened in the fire, be it electrical or something more sinister.  

Lifting The Curtain

In this week's Halton Compass, I did a story on Ted Chudleigh's nomination as the Progressive Conservative (PC) candidate in next year's provincial election.  In town for the meeting, and events related to the ongoing fight against  the HST was PC Leader Tim Hudak.  Following the formal part of the meeting, my colleague from the Champion and I were offered time with the leader... we're reporters and it's not everyday we're offered time with the leader of the opposition, and someone who could potentially be the next Premier of Ontario.  So we took it, and my colleauge's article is also in this week's Champion.  He chose to focus on the hospital, and the local funding' portion. 

But here's where we differ. I read the situation in a completely different manner.  The way I read it was here was a man who is probably 1 year out from fighting a provincial election.  Hudak wants to make frontline healthcare a priority, but admits he needs a better business environment if the province is to continue its financial recovery.  And on some level I think he realizes financially the needed financial committment may not be possible.  He wants to disband the LHINS (Local Health Integrated Network) but doesn't know what if anything to replace them with.

Call me an eternal optimist, but I think we should take a wait-and see approach before we discount the DC idea.  It's a long time between now and next October.

Milton District Hospital: Devil's Advocate

As some of you know I've been spending time lately in the role of devil's advocate asking the question: What if the Province says  "No" to Milton's hospital expansion? Given the extremely unpopular nature of the question I've had varying degrees of success in actually getting answers as you can imagine.

Most say "No" isn't an option; MPP Ted Chudleigh says he can't conceive of a case where Milton wouldn't be near the top of the priority list.  One councillor backs him up saying the province can't say no.  The same councillor also says we're not even on the desired  priority list.  So my question still stands, what if the province says no" to Hospital expansion?.

The Case for a hospital: Milton, a community with a population of around 75 thousand by now is being served by a hospital built to serve 35,000.  The facilities there have according to a LHIN report reached the end of their working lives- so if there is room for expansion in existing facilities, chances are it would cost much less to build a new one, than to update the technology.  And let's say we've raised our part of the required funds making our request even harder to say no to.  That's a pretty powerful case- and when put this way, with the addition of the growth reports it could make a new expanded hospital for Milton a near certainty.

But it's not.  And here I come to the case against it.  The case against it boils down to money- it does make the world go around.  And right now there isn't enough of it, making for some interesting, if controversial decisions.  From a provincial perspective, I'm looking at Milton, and I'm looking at Oakville and I'm thinking a hospital with state-of-the art techonlogy is being built at Dundas and 3rd line- new facilities at Milton aren't exactly critical, despite what town council says.

Another scenario under the "no" perspective is the possibility there will be a new provincial government next year under the Progressive Conservatives.  Chudleigh says he'd fight for funding for this project, and I believe him.  But the possibility still exists a Progressive Conservative government could get elected, and then realize the books are in much worse shape than they've been briefed.  And then they'll have to make cutbacks.

The case for a hospital is a strong one- an expanded population, and out-of-date facilities.  We should go for the new hospital, but I also think we have to consider the question: "what if the province says no?"

Milton District Hospital Part #2: "Show Me The Money"

I was at Milton Council meeting last night and they had a presentation by Halton Health Services on the expansion project at Milton Hospital.  They're calling for a full-service expansion on the Milton site they hope will be the same level as the new Oakville Hospital.  The presentation backed a motion proposed by Councillor Cindy Lunau, part of which deals with raising money reads: "including a special tax levy on the municipal property bill in the 2011 budget considerations." 

In their presentation, and when pressed afterwards they didn't say exactly how much they need; they couldn't because of the tendering process going on with the Oakville site.  I understand, but it made me uneasy.  I thought; you're here, asking for my money, and can't tell me how much you want- or really for what you want it for? other than the idea it's going to be for a "full-service hospital". It struck me as a little odd to say the least.  I would've liked to see a range.

Halton Health Services (HHS) is planning 10 years in advance.  Five years from now the new Oakville hospital will be finished- so we're looking at possibly 2020, or later.  Given the 10- year planning schedule, all variables including the possibility of switching governments mid-stream, why don't we take a step back? I know... we need the hospital now. You really won't get much argument from me on that, after all town isn't getting smaller. But shouldn't we at least take our time, and have a long look at how much this is going to cost- how long are we going to see this possible charge on our property tax bill?

Another problem with this is the province; they are the final judge on healthcare. Potentially after all this fundraising they could still say no.  There are other places competing for the same money- yes, Milton is the fastest-growing municipality in the country and that should count for something.  But in a province that is cash strapped, and seeing  a year-long infrastructure audit the possibility of a "no" answer exists... even though I've been told by sources that failure in getting the expansion done, simply isn't an option.

The province could also say "yes," but scenario.  The but could place limits on the expansion in terms of departments.  Yes, you can have your expansion- but only with the ER, Maternity, and  some day surgeries.  Everything else should go to Oakville.

I completely agree that we need an expanded hospital- the population of Milton is nearing 100,000.  But don't we owe it to future and current residents that we achieve it, in a financially responsible way?  Let's take a step back, get more information and look at our options.  More information never hurt anyone.

Regional Transit

I was at a presentation given by the Region on its transportation plan until 2031.  It was interesting- improvements to area roads, and the addition of high-speed bus lines along Trafalgar and Dundas.  But the one thing that was missing was the idea of regional transit.  I asked afterwards, the response was no actual region-wide transit has been planned.  The alternative: coordinating municipal transit systems.

Now to an extent I understand the reasons.  The logistics alone of setting up a region-wide system. would be a big challenge.  A region this size- stretching from the shores of Lake Ontario, as far north as I think #7 highway and across four municipalities. The smaller population in the northern parts of Halton region might not make for high ridership.

The costs for setting up such a system would be high, with likely not a lot of pay-off.  Transit hardly ever makes money.  I've often thought of public transit as a "if you build it, they will come" scenario.  In other words I think  if you planned it, and executed it well, making it affordable people would take it.  I know I would. There were times when I went to Sheridan in Oakville I would've gladly leftt the car at home in favour of the bus.  But I couldn't because I would've had to first take the bus into Peel, then down to Oakville.  It's slightly better now, but still the only way to Oakville is an over-priced Go Bus that goes down Hwy 25 to the commuter lot at Bronte.   I don't know about you, but I want a better way.

Milton District Hospital

I've interviewed nine candidates so far, and this is probably the #1 issue. It affects us all, and ironically enough it's also the one thing that Milton Council can do little about, because the province looks after healthcare services, and decides who gets a new hospital. The LHIN (Local Health Integrated Network) for Halton- Peel has agreed with a recommendation that facilities at Milton have reached the end of their working life. And nobody can argue with that- how many of us have stories of being stuck in cramped waiting rooms? Additionally an argument can be made, that medicine has so advanced in the decades since the first expansion, and the hospital doesn't have the infrastructure to support the technology.


But it gets more complicated. The Region of Halton is a player in this as well, and has to balance not only Milton and its sudden growth spurt, but the needs of Oakville, Burlington and Halton Hills. Oakville is getting a new hospital at Third Line and Derry, a facility that I've been told will serve all of Halton Region. I've also heard that after that hospital is completed, then they'll move onto Milton, and Georgetown. So Milton has a bit of a wait.

And I know... nobody wants to wait. Especially since growth will continue and really at some point something has to give- physically that facility may not be able to support the town's needs. With that in mind, questions have been raised over how to fund a new hospital, particularly over using the money which, was put into a GTA pool. In theory it's a good idea that could go a long way to paying for a new hospital. But is putting aside money for a long-term goal, instead of toward improving town facilities and other badly needed infrastructure now a good idea? No. I think it's a bad idea because it's a big gamble. Yes we'll have the money set aside for a new hospital, but the province can still say 'no.' And then we'll have saved all this money for nothing.

Does having the money set aside for the new hospital make it harder for the provincial government to say no? It probably does. The province has limited resources and, looking at it from their point of view, if there are limited resources, two hospitals being built 20 minutes apart, one meant to serve 150 thousand people, the other a few million, then the resources are going first into the hospital meant to serve a few million.

Even though control rests in other levels of government, Milton isn't powerless in this situation. We should be lobbying our MPP/MP (Ted Chudleigh, and Lisa Raitt), bringing up the issue with our local councillors, and candidates as a way of keeping the pressure on. And fundraising is a good idea- the first expansion would probably not have been built if it weren't for community support. One of the candidates observed that you don't understand how Milton has grown until you live here. And that's true- we just need to make the provincial government understand that.

Development Potentially Done Right

I was at a meeting of Milton Heights landowners last week (article in this week's Compass).  A developer unveilled a concept of what the area could look like- 1200 home subdivision made up of a variety of housing (townhouses, single family, as well as some condos).  They want to respect the history, and natural features of the area, and build around what's there already.  It was a short presentation, followed by a Question and answer session.

The discussion was heated, and the residents passionate.  But I was struck by a couple of things.  The first were the concerns raised.  They were over potential traffic problems through the area, not the fact it was being developed.  The residents seemed okay with that part of it.  I think maybe because the meeting itself made them feel empowered, like they were taking responsibility for how it would look. 

So many times lately development has just sort of been there- subdivisions growing in practically overnight, with existing residents having no say whatsoever.  And now here are people who are having a say in development.  And on the flip side, a set of developers who appear so far at least willing to listen is a rare thing.  The process gave credibility to putting into the development process a measure of public consultation.

The second thing I was struck by was the development itself.  It isn't just cookie-cutter houses, sitting side-by-side.  There is opportunity here for variety, and an opportunity to create a very unique looking part of Milton.  And I think the residents realize this, and will fight for it. If this level of public consultation is kept up throughout the process, then this could be an example of development done right, and an inspiration to the rest of us to speak up when development hits our end of town.

Intensification& Growth

As election issues they'll be dealt with in separate entries, but for this one, they're linked.  Intensification is a process mandated by the province, to put a certain amount of jobs and people per hectare in areas called UGCS, or Urban Growth Centres.  Milton's UGC stretches the length of Main St, from Bronte, on out to Thompson Road, and Ontario St as far south as Allendale.  Milton's number is to reach is 200 persons and jobs/ hectare.  Now this process is scheduled to take place between 2014-2031, and the matter returns to Council in June, 2010 for final approval.

Now onto growth- something that is happening at a near record pace in town.  At tonight's Planning and adminstration meeting, there is on the agenda an item dealing with Mattamy Homes' plan to build a new 473 new homes on the northwest corner of St. Laurent Blvd, and 25 Highway.  Also plans for two 10 storey-condos in the Fourth Line, and Derry Rd area.

In my ideal world, I'd throw up the yellow card to growth until we sort out what's going to happen with the UGC.  A portion of it, is on a floodplain- and it's my understanding certain conditions must be met in order to remove that designation.  Another issue dealing with the UGC is that great view of the escarpment. Everyone loves the view- complete with the historic buildings lining both sides of Main St.  Now how do we preserve it?  That is undecided as yet.  And this one I'd argue deals directly with proposal for the 10 storey condominiums- once those are built, how is anyone going to be able to see the escarpment from behind or beside them?

Building height is another potentially thorny issue. There was talk at the last council meeting of the concept of bonusing- in other words if builders meet certain conditions they would be allowed to add height to their building.  Exact specifics as to the conditions placed on this haven't been discussed yet. 

Discussions have started on these issues, but nothing has really been decided yet.  While we're talking about intensification, growth is still ongoing- and the pace is picking up.  I think we should slow it down for a bit- deal with intensification issues first.  Maybe instead of saying "yes" to Mattamy, Say yes, but only build half.  Maybe say yes to the 10-storey condo, but come back with the design for an 8-storey. 

I'm not against growth- it's brought many advantages to Milton, and I think if done just right intensification could make Milton even better than it is now.  But if growth is allowed to continue at such a fast pace, while the town deals with intensification; it won't be long before the town is unrecognizable, and we're all left asking the question: "How did we end up here?"

Follow The Changing Ward Boundaries

Thanks to a ward boundary review, the boundaries in the town of Milton have changed for this upcoming municipal election October 25th.  The boundary review happens every two elections, and in this case three new wards have been added. The other major change, is there will be eight councillors representing eight different wards.  More on the candidates, as we make our way towards election day.

The eight new ward boundaries are as follows:
Ward 1: North  401, South: Lower Base, West: Bell School Line, and east to: ninth line.
Your Current Councillors: Rick Day, and Brian Penman.  At the Regional Level: Barry Lee, who is also the regional councillor for ward 3.
Candidates so far:  Andrew Salmons
Update,27/4/10: Martin Capper

Ward 2: north: #5 Side Road, South: Derry Road, east: Fourth Line, and west: Tremaine Road
Your Current Councillors: At the municipal level: Mike Boughton, and Greg Nelson.  At the regional level your councillor is Colin Best, who also serves as the regional councillor for ward 4.
Candidates so far: Mike Boughton, Greg Nelson, and Jennifer Smith.

Ward 3: north: Highway 7, south: Derry Road, east: Tremaine Road, west: Milborough Town Line. 
Current Councillors: Cindy Lunau and Jan Mowbray.
Nobody has declared so far for ward #3. 

Ward #4: north: Steeles Ave, south: CP railway, east: fourth line, west: Ontario St
Current Councillors: Wendy Schau, and Paul Scherer.  Wendy Schau isn't running.
Candidates so far: Carey de Pass.

Ward #5: north: CP railway, south: Derry Rd, east: Fourth Line, west: Ontario St.
This is the first of four new wards, there are no councillors at the moment
Candidates so far: Arnold Huffman, and Mike Bugala

Ward #6: north: Derry Rd, south: Britainnia road, east: fourth line, west Thompson Rd
The second of four new wards, there are no current councillors
Candidates so far: Mike Cluett

Ward #7: north: Derry Rd, south: Britannia Rd, east: Thompson Rd, west: First Line
The third of four new wards, there are no current councillors.
Candidates so far: Rick Di Lorenzo, Paul Virdo, Marshall Horner and Mahammed Khan

Ward #8: north: Steeles Ave, south: Britannia Rd, east: CP railway, and west: Bell School Line
Candidates so far: Zeeshan Hamid, and Jeffery Belo

The regional councillors have been re-distributed as well.  The one regional seat represents 1,6,7,and 8.  Running for this seat so far is Tony Lambert.  The other regional seat represents: 2,3,4 and 5.  Running for this  so far are Jan Mowbray, and Colin Best.

Candidates for Mayor so far are Gerry Marsh (officially), and Gord Krantz (unofficially).

To see a full ward map please visit: Milton's New Ward Boundaries

To see a list of individuals who have formally declared their candidacy please see: Candidate List.  Check back often, as this is sujbect to change depending on new candidates.

MPL- Bruce Street

Milton Public Library's Bruce Street location is slated to close.  For those that don't know, it's the current central branch for the library, and it's due to close a year from now when the new library/visual arts centre/ theater is complete.  The building itself is located just off Ontario St, behind the Seniors apartments, and has been a part of Milton for... as long as I can remember.  Before it was a library, it was a school known as Bruce Street school, a fact attested to by the prescence of the bell out front.

I'm a total sentimentalist.  It's the library where I enjoyed book clubs over the summer when I was  younger, and a place where I can still gladly disappear in for an hour or so.  But I see why we need a new central branch.  We need it to reunite all facilities under one location- staff and services, and the chance to enlarge the collections, as well as provide bigger facilities for a growing population... all of those factors can't be denied.

But taking into account the growing population I think Milton can support three branches.  Follow my logic for a moment. The town will grow south to Britannia, to use the Beatty Branch, and the new main library will serve as the hub for all branches.  But what will all the folks who live downtown do? What will the people who live in the seniors apartments along Milside, and further west of Bronte do? What about those who live on Bronte? I know the answer to that will be drive or take the bus.  But what about people who  rely mostly on walking to get around? What about people who can't afford to take a car, or even bus fare.  Do they have to go without library facilities? I don't think that's fair.

I've been told by the Head Librarian the decision to close the facility has been in the works for over a decade.  And I wonder at the fact, that nobody in that time has ever looked at the officials plans and said: fine- build a beautiful new central library in the east end- but we're going to build more subdivisons in the west end, what are they going to use?? Why not keep the Bruce Street location open for them?

To be fair there are some good ideas being discussed for the building following its closure.  The region is talking about re-locating the seniors centre over there, after the lease expires next year.  Another purpose is a youth centre.  I'd favour the youth centre, or some kind of mixed use with a small resource or library component.

Despite the possibilities for the building, I think it's wrong to entirely discount the possibility of keeping it as an extra branch whatever its size.  Whatever its purpose, the building could be a centrepice for the area.