Georgetown Hospital Tax Levy

On Monday night at our Halton Hills Town Council Meeting a delegation from Halton Health Care made a presentation asking us to consider making a contribution of $4.546million towards an addition to the Georgetown Hospital.
Pictured here are the front entrance and the ambulance entrance to the Georgetown Hospital. The hospital dates back to 1961 and the Bennett wing was added in 1985.

The expansion that is proposed is to create space for the CT Scanner and expand the emergency and imaging departments.
This request raises many questions, some of which can be answered here and others that are more complex but should be considered.
The first question is why would a municipal government be asked to finance a medical facility when it is clearly not part of the municipal mandate? The answer is that this has become part of the new landscape in Ontario where growth is rampant and the province simply does not have a business plan that deals witht his issue. I participated in a forum hosted by Halton Region 3 years ago where municipal and provincial political leaders tried to figure out some of the financial issues that were causing us so many headaches. It was clearly pointed out by Mayor Hazel McCallion that the province needs a business plan. Unfortunately the provincial government continues to work in silos called ministries and they do not have a consolidated plan. Health care costs are out of control but we are continuing doing the same thing expecting a different result.

Unfortunately a place like Milton that is the fastest growing municipality in Canada can't get their hospital expansion. Therefore the chances of Georgetown getting anyone's attention is pretty slim. In other words, we can wait it out or we can pay for it ourselves. The choice is ours. It was estimated that we might wait 8 to 10 years.

The next question is, do we really need it? The CT Scanner is considered today to be an essential tool in diagnosis. In the past year 1500 patients were transferred from Georgetown Hospital to other hospitals to get CT Scans. Over 500 of those were emergency patients. There would of course be a large number of other scans done for patients who were referred by their family doctors or specialists. Undoubtedly we could use the scanner but on the other hand, people are accessing scans by travelling to other hospitals.

It is interesting to note however that most of the other hospitals that we Georgetowners use have capital campaigns and have secured funding from their home municipalities. So their residents are paying for something that we are using. That is an important consideration when we gripe that out of towners are using our ER. Our hospital is not a full service hospital so we are quite dependent on the other hospitals in the system. The City of Burlington has committed $60 million to their hospital and the Town of Oakville has committed $170 million to the new Oakville hospital. Milton will commit funds but we don't know how much yet. In that context you can see that $4.5 is not an outrageous amount in order to get ready access to a CT Scanner and a much improved ER. But it is a lot to us since we are small and not growing much at this time.

I would be interested in your opinion on this matter. It will be debated by council at our meeting on Monday January 24th at 6:30pm. I have also asked that information be posted on the town's website and hopefully there will also be a place on the website where you can leave your comments.

New Acton Library Tour

On Thursday, members of Council were given an opportunity to tour the construction site also known as the New Acton Library.

The tour began in the current library that was built in the 1960's. One could immediately see the problems inherent in the design of the existing facility. The stairs are the biggest problem. Parents with strollers are really challenged and anyone with mobility issues would find access to any part of the library very difficult. The cramped space is also clearly a problem.

In contrast, the new library pictured above is on one level and is airy and welcoming. Although there is lots of finishing work to be done, it already looks terrific. The natural wood ceiling, stone accent walls, gas fireplace and natural light flooding the entire space combine to give a warm ambiance throughout.

It is expected that the new library will be open to the public at the end of February. I expect that this will become a new cherished focal point for the people of Acton. The only problem I see is that more people will want to come and just stay by the fireplace. I bet that applications to work there will also skyrocket.

Minister of Transportation in Halton Hills

On Friday afternoon we had the privilege of having Kathleen Wynne, Minister of Transportation for the Province of Ontario visit Halton Hills. She was primarily here for a "Meet and Greet" organized by the Wellington-Halton Hills Liberal Party. However, in advance of that event we were able to book a meeting with the Minister at our town hall in order to present the Minister with our point of view on several local transportation issues.

Pictured here is Minister Wynne in the centre of the table. Also in attendance were members of the senior management team and Mitch Zamojc, Commissioner of Public Works at Halton Region. Councillors Somerville, Johnson, Kentner, Robson, Lewis and myself were part of the discussion that was led by Mayor Bonnette.

Approximately 10 issues were covered including the GO Transit Expansion to Acton, increased funding for ActiVan, Active transportation issues, and perhaps most important - our position and concerns with respect to the preferred route for the Greater Tororto Area West Corridor - a proposed new 400 series highway.

I was very impressed with the Minister and her almost instantaneous grasp of the issues. It must be extremely difficult to put herself into the local context when she visits municipalities all across Ontario. Her responses are always reasonable given that she can't simply make up new policies on the fly. However she will tell you if she can help or she can't help. It is very much appreciated that we get a straight answer so that we don't have false hope or start down a pathway that won't lead anywhere in the end.

As part of our meeting I was able to raise the issue of how the Ontario Highway Traffic Act needs to be brought in line with the new emphasis on Active Transportation, particularly as it relates to encouraging pedestrian activity. I have been thinking about this for a couple of years. It was frustrating when Main Street Georgetown was reconstructed with obvious crosswalks that pedestrians could not be given the priority many thought they had. Many people assumed that they had the right of way at the crosswalk whereas in fact the cars have the right of way. We, as a municipality do not have the authority to give the pedestrians the right of way unless we put up those huge, over the road, flashing lights such as they have in Acton.

I have observed in other countries and provinces that municipalities can create situations where pedestrians have the right of way and I would like to have the option here. The Minister was quick to say that this is definately something that they are hoping to address and would welcome further input. Commissioner Zamojc also indicated that this is subject of that the GTA Commissioners are also exploring. I was very encouraged and I will be pursuing this further with the Ministry.

The Minister graciously allowed me to get a picture of the two of us. The Minister is on the right side.

If you have comments about pedestrian priority or any other transportation issues I would like to hear your point of view or suggestion.

Magic on Main Street

Congratulations to the Georgetown BIA for organizing a great Christmas event in Downtown Georgetown. Throngs of children swarmed Santa who was wearing his very best suit for the occasion. As you can see, Santa had a castle created and donated by Blake Smith of Lasting Impressions. Blake is super creative with his balloon art and is now an international award winner. I am always delighted to see what he comes up with for occasions such as this. Santa himself was absolutely charming with the children.

Mr. Nutcracker roamed the streets and chatted with anyone who was willing to look up, look way up.

Another huge hit was the horse drawn wagon ride which attracted a steady line up of eager families. Even Santa couldn't resist the opportunity and was given the special privilege of sitting up front.

There were lots of activities for children in the stores and treats for everyone outside. The bells at Knox church set the tone and later the Georgetown Choral Society enlivened the street with their rendition of favourite songs of the season. Kids, old and young were roasting marshmellows over hot coals and elves were dashing about handing out candy.

This was the third espisode of Holiday Magic on Main and it was by far the most successful in terms of attracting participants and keeping them entertained for several hours. It was blessed with perfect weather - invigorating would be a good description. I recall the first year as bone numbing and challenging. This was a great beginning to the Christmas season downtown. Thanks to the BIA for providing such a great family event for the enjoyment of the community.

Quarry Expansion Public Meeting

Last night I attended the second public meeting for the Dufferin Aggregates application to expand their licenced extraction area at the Acton Quarry. Dufferin submitted their application in March 2009 and are expecting to have a decision made by next summer.

There were only about 25 members of the public in attendance which was surprisingly few given the huge public response to applications in Caledon and Burlington. Perhaps there are significant differences amongst the 3 applications that make them unique.

Public comments last night centred on vibration and private well disturbances from the existing quarry. There were virtually no comments about the affects from an expansion of the operation. In fact the term expansion is misleading as what is being requested does not boost the daily operation but rather, it extends the life of the quarry by expanding the area that can be extracted.

Haul routes are always an issue but in this case there are no new haul routes proposed. The routes that are currently in use are certainly troublesome to those who own houses along the routes. The route along Maple Avenue to River Drive runs right through the middle of residential Georgetown and we would dearly love to eliminate that. This could be done if there was a reasonable alternative available. Unfortunately we don't have one at this time.

For me there are 2 important issues in considering the Dufferin application - perpetual water pumping and the World Biosphere.

The first issue came to light last night via a casual comment. It would seem that part of the plan may involve a need to perpetually pump water in order to balance the water in the 2 watersheds the quarry sits atop. The quarry is on the great divide between the Credit River (Black Creek) and the 16 Mile Creek watersheds. Once the excavation goes deep enough it disturbs the distribution of water so that it is thought that too much water will go to Black Creek and not enough to 16 Mile Creek. The solution is to pump the water back to where it naturally goes now. The catch is that this is no temporary measure. If it is required then it will need to continue forever.

In my opinion forever is something that is hard to contemplate. When we think back in history, the Romans had an empire 2000 years ago and the world has been in constant turmoil ever since. That amount of time is a flash in the pan compared to "forever". Think of what can happen in a 1000 year time span - things that can disrupt economies and nations such as world wars and the plagues. If our part of the world experiences a major disruption will the pumping continue on?

Should we be concerned about how this is going to work so far into the future? I think the answer is yes and so this possibility of requiring perpetual pumping concerns me. The need for perpetual pumping is being studied and I will certainly be watching for the recommendation.

My second concern is about the World Biosphere known as the Niagara Escarpment. It strikes me as strange that we, as a province, take the Niagara Escarpment seriously enough to have it protected through the Niagara Escarpment Plan and yet there is absolutely no limit to the amount of quarrying that can take place there. Incrementally it is being eaten away. Is the plan to let it all disappear except for the face? Or will there ever be a limit to the extraction at which point we say 'enough is enough'?

We use aggregate to support growth and the case is always made that this aggregate is close to market making it the cheapest source. Also, it is noted that the shorter the distance to market, the less fumes go into the atmosphere from the trucks. However, not every growth centre has a convenient escarpment in its back yard and yet they seem to overcome the economics of longer haulage routes. It is all really just a question of priorities.

I don't know when this question will be dealt with but at some point I believe we, the people of Ontario, will say enough is enough. The government will never act on its own. It will be up to the people to express their will.

If you have comments about the Dufferin application they should be addressed via email to nancy.mott-allen@ontario.ca She is the planner leading the joint agency review team (JART). The report is available on the Niagara Escarpment website. http://www.escarpment.org/applications/amendments/proposed/index.php#acton quarry

Your comments or questions are always welcome via this blog.

Local Jazz and Dinner Sold Out Performances

This past weekend the Bach Chorale made a musical leap from Bach to jazz and show tunes. The performance was a lot of fun for the sold out crowd. The Bach Chorale is under the leadership of Georgetown resident and concert pianist Ron Greidanus. Ron is in the centre picture playing the piano while a choir member performs an outstanding version of "Cry Me A River".
The evening features dinner prepared by local resident Yvonne Oldaker and is served by members of the choir. Throughout the dinner various members stop serving and start singing. All of this takes place in a truly unique older home on Main Street South in Georgetown. It is a casual setting with tables set up in 3 different rooms. The audience is encouraged to wander back and forth between rooms to mingle with other attendees and catch various performances.
Dinner itself began with champagne and appetizers. Multiple courses followed including a choice of Coq au Vin or Boeuf a la Julia Child.
Pictured below are desserts from one of two differnt dessert trolleys.
This particular evening was an unusual one with respect to the musical selections. However, the same type of evening happens at Christmas and features music from the group's
classical repertoire. At Christmas the house itself is sumptuously decorated and is a visual treat all by itself.
I would recommend the Bach Chorale to anyone who appreciates classical music and enjoys the gift of live performance.
For future opportunities to hear the Bach Chorale please visit http://www.georgetownbachchorale.com/.

Election Over and The Work Begins

On Monday the Ward 3 councillors, Moya Johnson, Dave Kentner and myself, Jane Fogal were all returned to office with strong endorsements from the electorate. Congratulations to my colleagues on their very robust election campaigns. The hard work obviously paid off.
Now that the Election is Monday's news, we are right back to work. We all talked to many people during the campaign and numerous issues were raised.

For example the pictures on the left are of the railroad underpass at McNabb/John Street, the town owned land at the corner of McNabb and Mill Street and the disappearing sidewalk on McNabb Street. Residents have raised these 3 locations as safety issues that they want the town to address.

Councillor Kentner is organizing a meeting of staff, councillors and concerned residents that will likely happen on November 16th in the morning. Any resident is welcome to attend this meeting and should confirm the date and time by contacting Councillor Kentner 905 877 6710.

This is one example of how councillors work with staff to address resident concerns. Yesterday I attended a similar meeting at Gardiner
Public School with the Ward 4 Councillors and the Mayor. In that case we were investigating the possible need for an additional crossing guard.

These are typical concerns that are raised by the public during an election campaign and throughout the term. If you have a concern you can call the Town directly or you can contact any of your councillors.