How Do We Improve Downtown Milton?

Few things beat driving down Main St. Milton and seeing the escarpment ahead of me, and tall, stately buildings to either side of me.  The downtown has always had that sort of indescribable homey feeling to it. Its shops, and cafes make it a very desirable street; a draw for a many residents and tourists alike.

There is room to improve.  Mill St. should feel like a part of the downtown; whether that's through something as simple as a  sign saying "this way to more shops/ Restaurants," at the pass through, or finding ways to include the street in festivals and events.  Maybe find a way to make it physically part of the downtown; maybe making another little Square or something near Delacourts in a portion of the parking lots behind.

I'd love to see more variety in terms of shops. Right now Main St, is full of pubs, restuarants, and coffee shops.  I'm a huge fan of  all of those- especially coffee shops; I'd love to see more shops.  I'd use this as an opportunity to get small businesses that offer really funky, trendy stuff- clothing boutiques with designs you wouldn't see anywhere else.  Look for places that make people say when asked: "I got that in Downtown Milton, and there's only one store that carries it."   A good example ofthis would be Locke St in Hamilton; there's such an easy-going vibe there.  And it has a mixture of everything from coffee shops, and bakeries  to jewellery stores.

Pick one day outside of the Market a month and make it a car-free day.   It would be great for people just to wander up and down Main St, and get a sense of the shops down there.  It may even build some community spirit; one of the things Milton is known for.


I would definitely look for ways to incorporate the Arts Centre somehow.  It's supposed to be a centrepiece for those entering Milton, let's use it as one.  It'd be a great opportunity for restaurants along Main St to offer vouchers for a discount on their meals if they show their tickets (or reciepts).  

For me, Downtown Milton has always been vibrant, and friendly; and there has to be a way to keep it that way.  We just have to work on it.

Crown-First Nations Gathering

Yesterday,The First Nations People  met with members of the government, including the Prime Minister, and Governor General in what was known as the Crown-First Nations Gathering or #CFNG as it was known on Twitter.

The day started out with speeches from both the Prime Minister and First Nations Assembly Grand Chief Shawn Atleo.  I watched both speeches, and they felt like two parties at the start of a negotiation.  The Prime Minister said they wouldn't repeal the Indian Act, but would find creative ways to work around it.  The Grand Chief called the Indian Act an obstacle to prosperity; recalling images of a boulder on the highway.

At this point, it's safe to say everyone agrees the Indian Act has been doing more harm than good.  In an ideal world, it would be gone, no matter what had to happen. In hindsight the Indian Act was an ignorant piece of legislation that paved the way for disastrous programs like the Residential schools, and in some ways the Reserve system itself.   It broke the trust between the First Nations, and Europeans- a trust that is only in the early stages of being repaired.

But this isn't an ideal world.  It's a lot messier than that, and the Prime Minister acknowledged that reality, when he referred to the Indian Act as a tree with deep roots that goes back through history.  This legislation has behind it over 140 years (1876) of history, and traditions behind it.  Breaking that is going to prove a huge challenge.  And I don't think you can ignore it; I think they should at least acknowledge .

Not to mention what would happen to the amendments since that legislation was passed, including the Charter of Rights and Freedoms which enshrined what rights granted to Natives under the Indian Act.   I would imagine the constitution would likely have to be reopened, or amended to allow for the changes. At this point realistically repealing the Indian Act wouldn't work unless there was some kind of framework that could potentially replace it.

Harper's so-called "creative ideas" could turn into finding ways to help First Nations to form more partnerships such as those he described in his speech.  Or it could be something like working with First Nations to reform  the Reserve system; making sure all who live on Reserves enjoys the same living conditions as those who live off of them.

The tree that is the Indian Act can't be cut down yet. The thing about trees is they occasionally need pruning, and reshaping to allow for new growth; and that takes creativity and skill.  It may take a while, but I think the Indian Act will in the long term will be repealed.  I just think it's going take a lot of creativity and hard work before that can happen; and it may be a generation from now or more until it does.

Free Advice for the Liberal Party

In a shocking result, the federal Liberals went from Canada's second Party to Canada's third Party. Their stature took a huge hit, and left them asking the question of how to regain their former glory? How do they regain that former second party status?I think I have some free advice if you will from someone who just wants a third choice when we go to the polls in the next federal election.

My first is to redefine yourselves as the ideas party.  What made the party work under Chretien was that you had the ideas to make Canada better, and the financial resources thanks to Paul Martin to make that happen. Become that party again; combine bold ideas and the finances that made them possible.  If you've got the ideas; if you've got the substance then anyone can lead the party.

My second idea is about who could make it happen. I think Shelia Copps would make a great President.  From everything I read/see/ and hear of her in the media, I think she's got the spine to make the necessary changes, and really crack the whip so to speak.  She could also help interim leader Bob Rae get some attention for the party; something that's hard with the Liberals at its third-party ranking.

And as for the leadership; I'd close the door on Bob Rae running. Rae was Ontario's former Premier in the early '90'sbest known for "Rae Days-" which were days Public Sector Workers (nurses, teachers, and doctors) took off without pay.  Many still remember what conditions were like under his Premiership, and I think were he to take the permanent leadership of the federal Liberal Party, Ontario would be dead to the Liberals for the duration.  And one thing all political parties know is that you need Ontario and its 100+ electoral seats to have any chance at winning a federal election.

If not Rae, then who?
I would go for a complete unknown quantity.  Someone younger that could energize the party, and reach out, and engage Canadian youth.  I'd pick someone who is unattached to either Chretien or Paul Martin; someone who is unafraid to break some of the well established  traditions and make their own.  It should be someone who maybe has their own ideas, and their own way of doing things.  An ambitious job description? Yes, but if the party wants to succeed and perhaps win the next federal election.

This has been some free advice for the Liberals; take it for what it's worth.  Wanted, or notI have plenty more where this comes from, so stay tuned.

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The Velodrome Part #2: Has the Province Done Its Homework?

"What do Mississauga, Vaughn, and Hamilton know that we don't? Or what do we in Milton know that the others don't?"

A friend of mine asked me these questions as we waited for a Special Council Meeting to begin on the Velodrome.   We didn't know the answers then, but they're starting to come out now.  Last week Paul Henderson- Olympic Sailor, and lobbyist for Toronto's failed 1996 Olympic Bid, came out with a warning that he thought the Games would come in over budget.  He is now among critics who think the Games' budget could come out over its $1.4 billion budget.


Milton has definitely done its homework on this project.  My guess is Town Staff has checked the numbers many times trying to figure how this would work without impacting the tax base. And it likely will work with the support of Mattamy and their private partners.  But just because Milton has done its homework, and due diligence in having a project that won't impact the tax base, doesn't mean other levels of government have done theirs.

And perhaps that's what Mississauga, Vaughn, and Hamilton know that we don't.  Maybe they've realized that a certain provincial government having trouble balancing its books, hasn't.  Maybe the other municipalities have realized the province has failed to take into account the need for extra public transit between venues, or venues that have been moved, or roads that need to be built/ closed down for transporting the athletes.  And they want no part of it; who can blame them? Usually when the Province errs, it's the municipality that ends up paying the price.

I'm still in favour of the velodrome.  I support it as an idea that would turn the spotlight on Milton in a positive way.  But when someone like Paul Henderson with his credibility says the Games could turn out to be over budget maybe we should pause and listen.  Maybe it's time to question the Province on its finances for the Games; How are we going to pay for the additional transit? (Milton still only has rush hour Go service), Are you going to be able to afford the needed university campus? and if so will it be "shovel-ready" by 2015.  What about the cost to provincial roads?  Has that been taken into account?

Henderson's comments on the Pan Am games make me wonder if the Province has done its homework on its portion of the budget.  I think the time has come for someone to ask.

Rob Ford & The Toronto Star

There's something refreshing about a politician who picks their stance on an issue, and sticks to it.  That's what Rob Ford continues to do with Toronto Star.  The newspaper printed a  2010 story about Ford and a possible physical confrontation with a high-school football player over a bad performance on the field.  It even says witnesses interviewed even disagree on what actually happened that day. The story was proven wrong by the Globe & Mail, and the Star hasn't apologized for their error.

And the newspaper is supposedly paying the price.  Ford has cut off all access to himself and will not grant them an interview until they apologize for the story.  According to the Star as well, they have allegedly not been getting the news releases on the  Mayor's appearances and schedule from his office.  Being a journalist, this should be a space where I rant on about the freedom of the press to say whatever we want.  But frankly on this one I agree with Mayor Ford.

I agree with Ford because as a Journalist I'm well aware that my professional reputation rests on my stories, and the facts contained in them.  If I'm unable to confirm a fact or figure; or in this case someone's eye witness account it doesn't go into the story, period.  If I publish something that has been clearly proven wrong such as this has been by the Globe & Mail, then I would have no problem admitting I'm wrong. It might stink having to swallow my pride but I'd admit it, and apologize.

The Star's claims that it hasn't been receiving press releases and media advisories from Mayor Ford's office rings completely bogus to me. The Toronto Star is one of Canada's leading daily newspapers, you can't tell me their journalists don't have their "anonymous sources" in the Mayor's Office, or one or two councillors who might happen to be at the same events as Mr. Ford that are talking to the newspaper or willing to share their schedules.

I haven't been at this media business very long, but I have realized two things especially when it comes to politicians; it's about relationships, and access. You have to have one to get the other; if your relationship sours with someone then it's  pretty much game over on the access side of things.

This whole story seems to be a self-made one for the Star designed to try and sell newspapers and it leaves a bad taste in my mouth.  Today's installment was a transcript of an interview Mr. Ford gave to Am640's John Oakley about his apparent "boycott" of the paper.  Ford said he encourages people to read the Globe & Mail, and the Sun instead of the Star.   He also told a story about how they had a party for his newly departed Press Secretary for council, and the media but the Toronto Star were the only ones who didn't show up.

That was the newspaper's choice; and they shouldn't complain about being excluded. It's time the Star either  stayed quiet and take the consequences of its actions- and maybe someday when the Mayor is in a kinder mood have its access restored. Or they could just buck up, admit they were wrong, and apologize. 

Milton's Velodrome Quest

I've been following the Velodrome saga for a while.  I did some reporting for Hamilton's Open File website, and in following affairs in the steel city, watched parts of a committee meeting on their attempts to nail down city funding for the project.  As we all know by now Hamilton city council failed to approve the required money.  As the saying goes; whenever one door closes, another opens.

When Milton was first talking about bidding for it I was skeptical.  I was convinced the Toronto bid team were just playing municipalities off against each other in an effort to get what they wanted from Hamilton.   In reading the report, I'm here today to say it looks like I was wrong.  Milton is serious about this, and has gotten some serious money on the table from top private donors; I've been told there are some in town who see this as a money making opportunity.  If it can be done with minimal impact to the tax base, then more power to them


The more I keep reading about it, the more I'm excited about it.  Among the suggested sites for it is the likely future Milton Education Village out at the corner of  Tremaine Rd, and Derry.  And it's got Wilfrid Laurier University's  full backing.  The University realizes the potential uses of the velodrome as a multi-use facility  to live on well after the Games. Should the velodrome go ahead, it will mean the certain approval for Wilfrid Laurier to begin work on its Milton Campus; a major change for this community.

Should Milton be successful it would put us on the map, as not just the town southwest of Toronto.  Instead it would become the cycling capital of Canada, and a headquarters to the Ontario Cycling Association.  The association looks upon this as a legacy that might not occur again in Canada's most populated area for decades.  And indeed, this is a chance of a lifetime, and it's taken guts to after it.  That's something I applaud Council for; it's been a while since an idea from any level of government has caught my imagination.  But a caution; for every one person such as myself, there are others who are a little bit more cynical, and see the weaknesses in it.

However despite the positive vibes, and energy coming from Milton on this it I don't think it's over.  Hamilton could be gearing up for a fight; Councilor McHattie would like to see the City continue its quest for the velodrome.  According to the motion seen here, he feels the city could raise an additional $5 million through the sale of lands in the West Harbour area of the city. It hasn't yet been before council, and in reading the blog, there's no guarantee it will be, but the idea is there  Milton could be in for a fight, but it's winnable.

A Sympathetic Ear

A good cup of coffee was always worth the wait; it's a policy that has found me standing in line for many a cold morning.   This morning at the Athenian was no different as I stood huddled in my coat just inside the front door.  The lineup was moving quickly; before I knew it, I was inside, undoing my zipper against the warmth. 

I looked around; the place was packed; all the easy chairs, couches, and tables taken, and the place abuzz with conversation.  Only one seat remained at a table in a darkened corner, and even that had an occupant; Odysseus, the mysterious hero newly back from his years of travel.  I stepped up ordering my coffee;  the barrista followed my gaze;
"He comes here everyday, and sits staring sightlessly out the window for hours."
"What does he take in his coffee? I ask.  If I was going to have to sit with him, I may as well bring him something  The server poured his to order, and I balanced them both making my way to the table.

"Is this seat taken?" I ask to be nice.  He motioned to the chair;
"By all means, take it" I set his coffee in front of him, and busied myself settling in.  I shrugged out of my coat, draping it over the back of the chair.  My gloves I shoved in  the coat sleeves with my hat.  I nervously ran a hand through my hair.  At last I was ready to begin drinking my coffee.  I gingerly sipped at first, savouring the fragrant aroma, and the smooth taste.  As I did so I contemplated my table mate;  He just sat there; staring sightlessly his facial expression blank.  On a closer look his face was lightly scarred under one eye- I wondered briefly how he got that.  After a few minutes he let out a sigh so full of  frustration, and sadness that it invited conversation.

"I know exactly how you feel," my one sentence brought him out of his daze.  His gaze switched to me expectantly.  He picked up the coffee I brought him, and sipped it.  I continued:

"Life can be frustrating sometimes- like hitting your head repeatedly against a brick wall without a helmet.  Take me for instance.  It feels like I've been searching for a job for most of my adult life- certainly as long you've been away.

"I started off working in retail; a clerk at a video store.  That job was the most fun; I got paid to watch movies, talk about movies.  Who wouldn't want to do that?" That got a response from him:

"I'd love a job like that."

"I know.  That lasted two years, and helped me pay for a year at Sheridan doing their New Media Journalism program.  I loved every minute of it; it was exactly what I wanted to do with my life.  I remember we had to do an internship, and I did mine at a radio station, overnight in Toronto."

"That must have been exciting," he commented.

"It wasn't really.  Toronto can be surprisingly dull during the overnight hours, which, is odd considering the amount of murders, etc. you hear about in the media.  The best part of that was watching the morning show come in, and set up; it was like watching a well-oiled machine.  I learned a lot form that, and it gave me a taste for radio.  I'd love to work at a radio station someday."

"Oh."  He sipped the coffee again, and made me think he was lapsing into silence.  He swallowed;

"Continue."

"After Sheridan, I volunteered at my local cable station.  That lasted a few months; and got me doing some on-camera and voice over work.  It led me to my first paying gig as print reporter.  I couldn't believe my luck! I was paid to do what I love for a living.  I made the front pages frequently- one time even occupying it fully."  I sipped my coffee, letting him take those achievements in.

"Your family must have been thrilled to see your name in print."

"They were.  My grandmother even kept all of my clippings."   I thought of the pile on a shelf in my home office; I should really do something with those; put them in a binder or portfolio or something.

"And then..." He prompted me.

"I worked at that for a year, and decided to begin looking elsewhere.  And I found it, funny enough through that job.  There was this crew wearing black T-shirts around with cameras taping everything, so I grabbed a business card and before I knew it I was working for them writing their magazine.  The company opened a television station and I was in charge of scheduling the studio time, news crew shoots, and producing as well as writing the news."

"That must have been a lot of work,"

"It was.  But it was fun and I worked with some amazing  people; we made a great time.  We did some really cool stuff."

"I'm sure you did.  A career in television... wow.  I couldn't do it."

"Yes you could.  You're handsome enough, trust me."  He smiled;

"Thank you for the compliment.  You speak of it in the past tense what happened..."

"It closed up a while back.  It was a start-up company, there were money issues.  It sucked; because that job was the closest I'd gotten to a full-time job."

"I see.  That's tough luck.  What have you done since?"  He showed genuine interest for the first time in our conversation.  I sipped coffee for a moment.

"I'm back to freelancing again; this time for an online news organization.  And now it looks like that's closing too."  I drained the cup, and sat back.

"Actually now I've come to think of it; every place I've worked  now closed."

"You sound as cursed by bad luck as I was in my travels," he commented.

"I prefer to think of it as simply there was only really one of me. And they couldn't survive after I left, so they closed.  It helps my ego." We laughed at my joke. 

"I see. He drained his cup;

"Where have you been applying to so far?"

"Here and there.  Do you know I've sent at least a dozen resumes into the CBC since June and I haven't heard a thing back? You'd think somebody would get the hint already."

 He shrugged his shoulders;"You may hear back.  Government runs on its own time lines."

"True.  CTV on the other hand has called me back.  Two months after I applied for a job in Regina they called asking me for links to reports I'd done, and photos. of me  So I am getting somewhere."

"It seems like it.  It also seems like you've got the right attitude.  Apply for anything, anywhere and you never know where life will take you."

"Well that's the general plan anyway.  After all I've got nothing to lose right?"

"Exactly.  That was my attitude- and I ended up seeing the world."  He drained his coffee and rose;

"Well, I should get going.  I have to be at work."

"It was good talking to you- I had fun.  Maybe next time you can talk about your troubles.  There's gotta be a few stories there."

He shrugged: "It was good talking to you too.  We all need a sympathetic ear every so often."  I watched him leave.  The server came over to her table;

"That was the most animated I've seen him weeks.  What did you do?" 

I smiled: "I told him a story.  He listened; it worked for both of us."  The server poured me another coffee;

"It's on the house.  You've done a good deed.  I can't get him to say two words to me."

"Thanks."  I stayed for a few more minutes sipping it gently before leaving myself.