North-East Oakville Residents' Association

Community Policing Contacts

2010-04-28T15:36:00.003-04:00

If you wish to report a 'non-emergency' problem to the police, you can call 905-825-4747 or 905-825-4777 – do not hesitate to call.

For traffic-related problems (e.g. poor drivers) you can report incidents using the Road Watch form which is available at

http://www.hrps.on.ca/CommunityPolicing/PublicSafetyEducation/Pages/Roadwatch.aspx

Click on Citizen Report Form.

You can reach the Trafalgar Community Policing Committee at

Police Contact: Carla.Draper@haltonpolice.ca
TCPC Chair Janice Wright: jwright70@cogeco.ca

You are also welcome to attend their meetings. They are scheduled to meet the first Thursday of Feb, Apr, Jun, Aug, Oct, Dec in the Library Program Room at Iroquois Ridge Community Centre at 1051 Glenashton Drive @ 6:30 pm.

NEORA Meeting - April 27th, 2010

2010-04-12T10:00:00.000-04:00

We invite everyone to our monthly meeting on Tuesday April 27th at Oakville Town Hall at 7-9PM. Please join us.

Open Invitation to the NEO-RA Annual Meeting

2010-02-18T13:00:00.003-05:00

Please join us at our Annual Meeting on February 24th, 2010 between 7-9PM at the Oakville Town Hall, Committee Room #1. We will review current issues, welcome new members and are seeking people to participate on the council.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Coronation Drive School Udpate

2010-01-12T10:45:00.001-05:00

Local newspapers have reported that funding for the Coronation Drive school has not been approved by the Province and that it will not be built at this time. This should not affect the matter of the separate school board acquiring property.

NEORA Annual Meeting - February 24, 2010

2010-01-12T10:38:00.002-05:00

Please plan to attend our Annual Meeting on Wednesday February 24th at Oakville Town Hall. Time and room details to be announced shortly. This meeting will give you an opportunity to learn about what NEORA has been doing over the last year and our current activities. We welcome new members and suggestions for new activities and issues to address. Bring a neighbour!

NEORA Meeting - January 15th, 2010

2010-01-12T10:36:00.001-05:00

We invite everyone to our monthly meeting on Friday January 15th in Committee Room 1 at Oakville Town Hall at 7-9PM. Please join us.

Coronation Drive School Site OMB Hearing

2010-01-05T08:52:00.001-05:00

The OMB hearing for the school site on Coronation Drive has been deferred again. An OMB hearing was scheduled for the fall but was deferred to March 2010 at the mutual request of the developer and HCDSB to allow mediation on the transfer of ownership of the site from the developer to HDCSB. The parties were delayed in their mediation and have rescheduled their mediation to February 2010 and requested that the OMB defer its hearing to June 2010. The OMB has adjourned the March 2010 hearing as requested but a new date has been scheduled yet.

Oakville Power Plant Information Night Dec 9th

2009-12-07T08:33:00.002-05:00

Citizens for Clean Air (C4CA)

Is Hosting An

Oakville Power Plant Information Night

Wednesday December 9^th 7:30 pm

(Street Captains are invited for 6:45)

John Knox Christian School - 2232 Sheridan Garden Drive

(West side of Ford Drive - Just North of Royal Windsor and Railroad Tracks)

STOP POWER PLANTS

NEAR HOMES AND SCHOOLS!

The Ontario Government has awarded a contract to TransCanada Energy to build a 900MW natural gas-fired power plant within a heavily populated area of Oakville. The plant would be extraordinarily close to homes and schools.

Approximately eleven thousand homes and sixteen schools on the North and South side of the QEW would be less than 3kms from the plant.

Many people have voiced their concerns, including local MPP Kevin Flynn, who says that the plant’s location “defies logic”.

Pollution from the proposed plant would compound the problems of our already over polluted air-shed. The plant would also create noise, vibration, fog, icing and other issues.

According to TransCanada’s press releases it is moving rapidly to start construction … BUT

IT’S NOT TOO LATE FOR YOU TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

MAKE YOUR CONTINUED OPPOSITION TO THIS PLANT KNOWN!

We invite you to attend this Information Night to meet the C4CA Steering Committee and its Sub-Committees and learn more about the power plant, plans to show opposition to this plant, and most importantly how you can help as a concerned citizen.

CITIZENS FOR CLEAN AIR (C4CA) is a coalition of concerned citizens and interested parties that is committed to raising public awareness of the many issues arising from the proposed Oakville power plant. Please join us on December 9.

NEORA Meeting - December 11, 2009

2009-11-30T11:22:00.002-05:00

We invite everyone to join us for a meeting on Friday December 11th in Meeting Room B at Oakville Town Hall at 7-9PM. Please join us.

NEORA Meeting - October 28th, 2009

2009-10-21T09:47:00.002-04:00

We invite you to attend our Fall Meeting that will be held on WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28th 7:00 pm at the ACORN GRILL (the cafeteria) at OAKVILLE TOWN HALL.

Please don't hesitate to contact us with any issues that may affect the residents of North-East Oakville.

NEO-RA's Position on Gas Fired Power Generation Plants

2009-07-21T08:49:00.002-04:00

The North-East Oakville Residents' Association:

Supports a stable electrical grid that meets local electrical demands
Recognizes the benefits from local electrical generation
Is concerned that the proposed locations for the power plant are in a stressed air shed and could negatively affect the air quality of our community
Is concerned that increased air pollution would negatively affect the health and welfare of our community
Supports the Town of Oakville’s bylaw relating to the power plant and the Town’s process to identify appropriate areas for power plants in Oakville and to revise its official plan accordingly
Will participate in the Town’s process as it relates to locations in or near our residential areas
Will not oppose areas from being identified as appropriate for power plants if they are sufficiently distant from residences of North-East Oakville; review and comment on other areas should come from residents local to those areas; we view the proposed TransCanada Site to be sufficiently distant from residences of North- East Oakville
Will encourage all power plant proposals to include offsets for fine particulate matter pollution that exceed the levels that their proposals would create

Minimizing the amount of fine particulate matter pollution to be created by the power plant will minimize the offsets needed to reduce pollution.

Coronation Drive School Site OMB Hearing. Updated July 20, 2009

2009-07-20T21:33:00.003-04:00

The OMB hearing for the school site on Coronation Drive has been deferred to the early part of 2010. The HCDSB and the developer have agreed to mediation.

Rezoning of Driving Range on Joshuas Creek Dr.

2009-06-30T22:50:00.005-04:00

Oakville's Planning and Development Council Meeting of July 6th, 2009 will include a plan to adopt a By-Law to amend the Town's Official Plan and Zoning By-Law to permit employment uses on the lands located South-East of Upper Middle Road and Joshuas Creek Drive.

The following are the proposed by-laws that relate to the rezoning of the driving range on Joshuas Creek Drive:

BY-LAW NUMBER 2009-082

BY-LAW NUMBER 2009-083

Part of the lot facing Upper Middle Road is E1 (Light Employment) and the other half is E2 (General Employment). The E2 part could have heavy industry.

Reference: http://www.oakville.ca/Media_Files/planning08/Part4-1.pdf

Coronation Drive School Site OMB Hearing to Proceed. Updated June 18, 2009

2009-06-18T08:57:00.005-04:00

The Ontario Municipal Board prehearing conference on June 17th, 2009 concluded with a decision to proceed with an OMB hearing.

The developer and the Halton Catholic District School Board were unable to reach a settlement by June 17th, 2009 for transfer of ownership of the remainder of the school site on Coronation Drive.

Upcoming Meetings and Events

2009-06-10T17:36:00.001-04:00

Please check back for information about our next meeting.

No Settlement for Coronation Drive School Site Update June 9, 2009

2009-06-09T09:03:00.001-04:00

The developer and the Halton Catholic District School Board were unable to reach a settlement by June 5, 2009 for transfer of ownership of the remainder of the school site on Coronation Drive. HCDSB has again reiterated its intent to acquire this property. The OMB prehearing is scheduled to continue June 17, 2009 at 10:00am in the Trafalgar Room in Oakville's Town Hall, 1225 Trafalgar Rd.

Power Plant and Clarkson Air Shed Update June 9, 2009

2009-06-09T08:58:00.005-04:00

It is often hard to get objective information on polarizing issues. With the proposed power plant in the south-east Oakville or south Mississauga, there is information from the parties responding to OPA the request and from opponents to a power plant in this area. While NEO-RA cannot speak to the accuracy of the information from various sources, we think it useful to provide access to this information.

The following study was commissioned by the Ontario government:

Part 2 http://www.ene.gov.on.ca/envision/techdocs/6031e.pdf

Part 2 Addendum http://www.ene.gov.on.ca/publications/7074e.pdf

Part 3 http://www.ene.gov.on.ca/publications/7074e.pdf

Halton presentation:
http://www.halton.ca/council/documents/HSS_May1.pdf

For information from other residents’ associations visit:
http://miranet.ca/ or

http://tcra.ca/ or

http://www.cmgra.org/ or

http://www.jcri.org/

For the TransCanada proposal visit:
http://www.transcanada.com/company/oakville.html

Upper Middle Road and Ninth Line Expansion Update June 9, 2009

2009-06-09T08:52:00.001-04:00

Upper Middle Road and Ninth Line are Halton Region roads. Halton Region has proposed to widen Ninth Line from 2 lanes to 4 lanes from Upper Middle Road to Dundas Road along with ancillary widening of Upper Middle Road at Ninth Line. Halton Region also has preliminary plans to widen Upper Middle Road from Ninth Line / Ford Drive to Grand Boulevard from 4 lanes to 6 lanes. Halton Region has no plans at present to widen Upper Middle Road from Grand Boulevard to Trafalgar Road.

The following is the submission that NEO-RA made to Halton Region in May 2009:

1. Our residents’ association supports the expansion of Ninth Line to four lanes of traffic.

2. Our residents’ association supports a sidewalk on one side of Ninth Line. Sidewalks on both sides appear unnecessary to us. If land is being expropriated from the west side of Ninth Line for a second sidewalk, this would be destructive to the existing natural area, causing us to be opposed to a second sidewalk. We would be indifferent to having a second sidewalk if the bulk of the expropriated land was from the east side of Ninth Line.

3. Our residents’ association wants the Crusaders Rugby Club to be able to continue to use its existing fields. The proposal expropriates land from the west side of Ninth Line. The president of the Crusaders Rugby Club indicated that the Region’s proposal would forfeit the club’s use of two of its three fields. This club provides valuable recreation facilities for our community, the Town of Oakville and the broader area. We request that the Region move the expropriation to the east side of Ninth Line sufficiently to avoid the club losing use of fields or otherwise facilitate shifting the affected fields to avoid their loss; perhaps a bend in the road would suffice to accommodate the preservation of the club.

4. Our residents’ association does not support the proposed changes to the Upper Middle Road intersection. The proposal presented on April 21, 2009 had Upper Middle Road widened:

Westbound, east of Ninth Line: from 3 lanes of traffic to 6 lanes of traffic

Eastbound, east of Ninth Line: from 3 lanes of traffic to 4 lanes of traffic

Total east of Ninth Line: from 6 lanes of traffic to 10 lanes of traffic

Westbound, west of Ninth Line: from 2 lanes of traffic to 4 lanes of traffic

Eastbound, east of Ninth Line: from 4 lanes of traffic to 5 lanes of traffic

Total west of Ninth Line: from 6 lanes of traffic to 9 lanes of traffic

This is proposal would be an unnecessarily massive expansion of the intersection. This proposal is based on having 3 lanes of through traffic in each direction; each approach only connects with 2 lanes of through traffic, making 3 lanes unnecessary (correcting this overbuild will eliminate two lanes of traffic, one each way). The proposal also has two turn lanes on the east side of Ninth Line turning left from Upper Middle Road onto Ford Drive; we don’t see why more than the one existing lane is required. Further, the proposed right-hand turn lane from Upper Middle Road onto Ninth Line seems unnecessary as there is no back-up of traffic on Ninth Line that would suggest a need for this turn lane (this will be even more so the case once Ninth Line is widened).

The existing 6 lanes on the east side of Ninth Line are sufficient. We recognize that there is a reasonable argument for a right hand turn lane going north onto Ninth Line, making it 7 lanes, but given the tight space constraints this seems to be an unnecessary luxury. Clearly the other 3 new lanes are completely unwarranted.

On the west side of Ninth Line, the merge lane for right turns from Ninth Line causes us much concern; if this lane is to be constructed we insist that it be as short as possible and that it must be eliminated well before Joshuas Creek Drive and further that there not be any right hand turn lane created onto Joshuas Creek Drive; an extended merge lane up to Joshuas Creek Drive will invite commuter traffic to infiltrate the residential area, this we most strongly oppose. The existing 6 lanes on the west side of Ninth Line are sufficient. We recognize the merit of a very short merge lane for right turns from Ninth Line, making it 7 lanes, provided this new lane is as short as possible. Clearly the other 2 new lanes are not needed.

5. The idea of having 3 through lanes on Upper Middle Road perhaps arises from a planning proposal to expand Upper Middle Road to 6 lanes of traffic from Ninth Line to Grand Boulevard. Such an expansion has not been approved and will be opposed by our residents’ association as it is completely unnecessary given the lanes are not proposed to be through lanes in either direction. Further, the west-bound lane would invite commuter infiltration of our neighbourhoods (via Joshuas Creek Drive and Grand Boulevard) and thus would be irresponsible to construct (the residents and the Town would thrown by the Region into an ongoing traffic battle). The only thing this west-bound lane would add is queuing space on Upper Middle Road (in the middle of a natural area) that is in addition to the existing queuing space on Ford Drive and the QEW ramp; damaging our neighbourhoods and a natural area is too expensive a price to pay for merely adding queuing space that won’t enhance traffic flow (other than that which would be pushed through our residential streets).

6. The planning proposal to add these lanes of traffic to Upper Middle Drive between Joshuas Creek Drive and Grand Boulevard is particularly disturbing to our residents’ association and will be vigorously opposed. This proposal is disturbing for several reasons: (i) it will push a bigger and busier roadway closer to existing homes that face Upper Middle Road causing an impairment to the enjoyment of these residents of their property; (ii) it will necessitate destruction of part of Iroquois Shore Woods which will adversely impact this stressed woodland well beyond the portion that the Region plans to directly destroy; and (iii) will invite commuter infiltration of our neighbourhoods via Grand Boulevard. Damaging the enjoyment of residents of their property and our neighbourhoods as well as destroying and damaging another natural area is far too expensive a price to pay for merely adding queuing space westbound and an empty lane eastbound.

7. Our residents’ association wants the existing Glenburnie School to continue to be viable on its existing site. This school is a long term contributor to our community. The massive widening of Upper Middle Road jeopardizes the viability of Glenburnie School as significant property is proposed to be expropriated from the school; parking lot space will be lost, tree rows will be lost, open space will be lost and the road will be pushed up very near to the buildings. Additionally, the ability of traffic to enter and exit the school will be impaired if Upper Middle Road becomes a massive 10 lanes of traffic at the school entrance. It is a bad deal to jeopardize the continued viability of a valued member of our community for some empty lanes.

8. Our residents’ association wants the exiting natural area north of Upper Middle Road, west of Ninth Line to be preserved. Adding empty lanes and queuing lanes does nothing to improve traffic flows. Why pave over this natural area for no benefit? Having queuing lanes in the middle of a natural area seems particularly ridiculous (emissions from idling automobiles are not good for the health of this natural area or the neighbouring residents).

9. The activity at the Ninth Line and Upper Middle Road intersection provides an opportunity to improve signalling by allowing an advanced green right hand turn from Upper Middle Road onto Ford Drive that corresponds with the advanced green left hand turn from Upper Middle Road onto Ninth Line. This right turn from Upper Middle Road onto Ford Drive has substantial volumes in the morning rush, forcing motorists to stop before turning right slows traffic. We note that the two left hand turn lanes proposed for Upper Middle Road east of Ninth Line would negate this suggested signalling improvement (we oppose increasing from one to two left hand turn lanes on Upper Middle Road east of Ninth Line).

10. Our residents’ association would like more information on the proposed changes to the Dundas Street intersection. We caution that westbound traffic on Dundas Street already stagnates between the 403 and Ninth Line. It appears dangerous to give Ninth Line additional emphasis as a traffic corridor without addressing the problem with westbound Dundas Street traffic at Ninth Line; what is the bigger plan?

Livable Oakville Public Events

2009-05-12T14:11:00.002-04:00

The following meetings are part of the process to adopt Livable Oakville - the new official plan. Learn more about the draft official plan.

Livable Oakville Wards 5&6 meeting is on Wednesday May 13th, at Town Hall, Committee Room 1 (opens at 6:30pm, presentation at 7:15pm).

Highlights of the draft new official plan will be displayed and presented. Planning staff will be on hand to share information, answer questions and receive public comments.

Livable Oakville statutory open house is on May 21, 2009 at Town Hall, Committee Room 1 (opens at 6:30pm, presentation at 7:15pm).

Livable Oakville statutory public meeting is on June 2, 2009 at 7:00pm at Town Hall, Council Chambers.

Click here for the full schedule.

Town Wins Creekbank Appeal at OMB Hearing

2009-05-08T15:38:00.001-04:00

News release provided by the Town of Oakville:

Oakville, May 7, 2009
The Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) upheld the Town of Oakville’s position in an employment lands conversion case that ended last week.

The decision released Wednesday, dismissed an application by Creekbank Properties (Oakville) Ltd. to build three high-rise residential buildings and a four to five storey building on the former Park Plaza/Ramada Inn site near Oakville Place, west of the North Service Road and south of Oakville Place Drive.

“This is a significant win for Oakville. Retaining valuable employment land for the Town is vital to the economic growth of Oakville,” Mayor Rob Burton said. “The OMB decision enforces Council’s goal to seek opportunities for business development as we move towards a sustainable knowledge-based economy.”

The Provincial Policy Statement and the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe requires the protection of employment areas. The Town was successful in confirming that this is an employment area. For that reason, the OMB concluded that allowing Creekbank to build a residential development would require the lands to be converted to non-employment, which is not consistent with provincial policy.

The Town has just released its draft Economic Development Strategy which focuses on three goals: to attract knowledge-based industries in the professional services, advanced manufacturing and life sciences sectors; to respond to the needs of the business community in order to foster business retention and expansion; and to explore international business opportunities.

“By preserving these lands, the Town will be able to create a vibrant employment community that reflects the vision of both the Town and our residents,” said Jane Clohecy, Planning and Development Commissioner.

In addition, one of the six major studies supporting the Town’s forthcoming Livable Oakville official plan was a comprehensive employment land review. This review enables the Town to establish policies for protecting employment lands in order to meet the Town’s future business needs.

The Town of Oakville has a total employment land supply of almost 2,000 net hectares. Approximately 1,500 net hectares is located in south Oakville along the QEW and is nearing full capacity. The remainder, just over 500 net hectares, is planned for north Oakville.

UPDATE May 6, 2009 – Coronation Drive School Site

2009-05-06T09:50:00.001-04:00

The OMB held its Prehearing Conference on May 5, 2009 relating to the Coronation Drive school site. The Prehearing Conference had the developer, Ashley Oaks, and the HCDSB as parties along with the Region of Halton and the Town of Oakville. NEO-RA was given participant status.

HCDSB already owns the ‘north’ portion of the school site. Ashley Oaks owns the larger ‘south’ portion of the school site. HCDSB has rights to acquire the Ashley Oaks portion of the school site. The HCDSB representative reiterated that the HCDSB does want the site and that it requires the site. It seems that both parties now want to complete a transaction. In March 2009 HCDSB made an offer to purchase which was not accepted. In May 2009 Ashley Oaks made a “Section 30” offer, which would transfer ownership to HCDSB but defer the setting of the price through a predetermined process; this offer was not accepted. At the OMB Prehearing Conference, the parties indicated their desire to conclude a transaction. Ashley Oaks agreed to extend its “Section 30” offer to June 3rd 2009; this extension meets the time requirement that HCDSB requested in order to have sufficient time to work through its approval process.

If the extended Ashley Oaks is accepted by June 3rd, the school site will be with HCDSB (next step would be for HCDSB to build a school on it). If it is not accepted, the OMB Prehearing Conference will resume on June 17, 2009.

Coronation Drive School Site – OMB Prehearing Conference

2009-04-27T10:45:00.000-04:00

May 5, 2009 10:00am, Oakville Town Hall, Trafalgar Room

NEO-RA received notice from the developer that owns part of the school site on Coronation Drive of an Ontario Municipal Board Prehearing Conference. The developer, Ashley Oaks Homes, has appealed to the OMB “from the failure of the Town of Oakville to make a decision respecting a proposed plan of subdivision” and in particular “from Council’s refusal or neglect to enact a proposed amendment … to permit the development of a subdivision consisting of 28 detached dwellings”.

The first public hearing had been held as the Town was required to hold (October 1, 2008). The next step was for the Town to review and prepare a report and for this to be presented to Town council at a second public hearing. Thereafter a third hearing would occur where the council would vote on the application. Thereafter there could be an appeal to the OMB.

The developer appears to have appealed to the OMB at this time due to the amount of time that has passed without the next step occurring. It appears that the goal is to force the Town to move the process along with completing its report and having the second public hearing.

It is our hope the HCDSB will purchase the lot from Ashley Oaks. Thus we are hoping that the Town will deny the application for the subdivision. This appears likely given that the Town has a letter from HCDSB that they intend to build a school in 2011.

Members can contact the HCDSB and its trustees to encourage them to purchase the lot and to build a school and at a minimum to persist in retaining its right to purchase the lot. Members can contact their Town councillors to reiterate the community’s support for HCDSB retaining its right to purchase the lot.

NEO-RA will have representatives at the May 5, 2009 OMB Prehearing Conference.

Mid-Block Crossings in Ward 6

2009-04-27T10:20:00.014-04:00

The Town of Oakville has planned four “mid-block crossings” in Ward 6 to be built this spring (perhaps a fifth to be added). These were highlighted in the Fall 2008 issue of “Let’s Talk Oakville”. The “mid-block crossings” are intended to ease pedestrian traffic without impeding vehicle traffic including road maintenance, emergency and transit vehicles. The features include: an island for pedestrians to use in completing the crossing; and existing curbs being cut to allow strollers, wheelchairs and bikes to cross to the island. Vehicles retain the right-of-way and there are no speed zone changes. There is signage warning vehicles of the crossing and there are no parking zones for the benefit of the pedestrians. Where space permits, bike lanes are persevered through the crossing.

NEO-RA has suggested to the Town that signage on the islands be kept low enough to avoid hiding pedestrians to vehicles or creating blind spots.

NEO-RA has requested that the Town provide final plans for our review and to consult with nearby residents before proceeding with rumble strips or other noisy or disruptive features. Residents should be involved as it is easier to make a suggested change before it is built than after.

Grand Boulevard at Falgarwood Trail system

From the Town: “More detailed review of this site indicates that a mid block crossing treatment here with physical features (i.e. raised median) would not be appropriate due to the alignment of the pathways and the driveway location at 1106 Grand Boulevard. We would likely review this location for potential enhanced lane markings and signage to highlight the crossing location. Trail users coming from the north side of Grand should be directed to the intersection of the Grand and Lancaster via the existing sidewalk. This crossing location would align with the trail on the south side of Grand.” Parking restrictions at this site were not available.

North Ridge Trail at Hydro One Corridor

The crossing will be nearer to the Grace Drive end of the corridor. North Ridge Trail is wide enough for bike lanes to continue uninterrupted through the crossing. There is a substantial no parking zone for this crossing. NEO-RA will be requesting that the Town designate this crossing a school zone with the speed limit reduced to 40 km/h given the heavy elementary student traffic that crosses North Ridge Trail at this point (see St. Marguerite D’Youville CS in upper right of photograph; also used by Joshua Creek PS students).

Bayshire Drive at Bayshire Woods Park

From the Town: “Most locations will see a raised curbed median. The Bayshire location is challenged due to the relatively narrow pavement width of 8 metres and required 1.8m median for bike refuge. This leaves a sub-standard width for winter plowing operations. Therefore the proposed curbs will be semi-mountable to allow the plows to ride up slightly through the median section. Consequently, and due to the relatively narrow width the median platform will be hard surfaced with coloured/patterned concrete. Most other locations where we have a wider road platform and a resulting wider crossing median we can provide a low maintenance landscaping treatment.” Parking restrictions at this site were not available.

Glenashton Boulevard at Morrison Valley North Trail system

No picture or details yet available for this crossing but it is at the trail between 8th Line and Trafalgar Road.

Public Information Centre For Ninth Line Improvements

2009-04-15T08:33:00.002-04:00

An information meeting will be held on Tuesday April 21st, 2009 in the Trafalgar Room at Oakville's Town Hall with regards to:

Public Information Centre - Class Environmental Assessment Study
Ninth Line Transportation Corridor Improvements - Dundas Street to Upper Middle Road.

6:30 pm to 7:00 pm - Drop-In Centre
7:00 pm - Presentation followed by question/answer session.

For more info please click: http://www.halton.ca/council/calendar/

Highlights from the April 8th, 2009 meeting with TransCanada.

2009-04-11T11:43:00.011-04:00

NEO-RA held a meeting with TransCanada on April 8th, 2009 to gather information with regards to the proposed Oakville gas powered electricity generation plant.

Please click below for the meeting notes and answers to questions provided by NEO-RA:

TransCanada will be holding an open house in Oakville on April 14th.
Oakville Generating Station Open House #1
Tuesday April 14th, 2009, 4 – 8 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Oakville Centre
590 Argus Road, Oakville

Proposed TransCanada Generating Station in Oakville Update March 27, 2009

2009-04-07T09:36:00.000-04:00

TransCanada will be commencing environmental studies associated with its proposed Oakville Generating Station (OGS) in the coming weeks. TransCanada is holding a public open house on Tuesday, April 14th to in order to share information and gather public input about the proposed OGS and these studies. Please click on the notices below.

For more information please click:

http://www.transcanada.com/company/oakville.html

Halton Regional Police Service - Crime prevention suggestions for Halton residents, in relation to residential break and enters.

2009-04-05T22:53:00.014-04:00

A message from Councillor Max Khan on April 3rd, 2009:
"Over the past few days, there has been a significant increase in the number of residential break and enters throughout Oakville. I spoke to the Halton Regional Police Services this evening and was advised that , today alone, there were 4 such incidents in Oakville. Please review the attached Press Release that sets out some precautionary measures that ought to be implemented. "

Press Releases by the Halton Regional Police Service

Police seek male culprit for break and enters to three residences in the Town of Oakville.

On Friday April 3, 2009, at 11:00 AM, a male culprit attended a residence located on Pinery Crescent in the Town of Oakville. The male person rang the door bell and upon getting no response from an occupant he forced open the front door. A female resident was home at this time and hid in a bedroom and contacted the Halton Regional Police Service.

Due to recent increase in the number of break and enters in the Town of Oakville plainclothes officers were already on patrol in the area. Officers attended the scene quickly and observed the culprit getting into a motor vehicle parked out front of the residence. The culprit quickly drove off and was followed by plainclothes police officers to nearby Park Lane Road where he abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot through backyards.

A short time later the male culprit went to a second residence located on Kathleen Crescent in the Town of Oakville. The male culprit forced open the front door of the residence and took a set of car keys that were in close proximity to the front door. A male resident was home at this time and he immediately notified police as he observed the culprit run out of the residence.

The male culprit was observed running towards a ravine area near Laurelwood Drive, but was able to make good his escape. Investigators believe that the male culprit then went to a residence on Laurelwood Drive and found an unlocked garage door and hid inside the garage to elude the responding police officers.

No citizens were directly harmed or accosted in these three break and enter incidents. Police investigators have identified the male culprit responsible for these incidents and obtained arrest warrants for the offences of:

- Breaking and entering and commit theft, contrary to the Criminal Code. (* 2 Counts)

- Breaking and entering with intent to commit theft, contrary to the Criminal Code.

- Possession of stolen property, contrary to the Criminal Code.

Charged: Michael Brian HEWITT (35 years old) of no fixed address in the City of Toronto. The Halton Regional Police Service would like to remind the public to be vigilant in observing and reporting of any suspicious persons or motor vehicles that may be involved in day time residential break and enters of this nature.

The investigation into the recent rash of Break and Enters in the Town of Oakville is ongoing and it continues to be a high priority. The Halton Regional Police Service wants to remind residents of some key crime prevention strategies regarding this recent increase in break and enters that can minimize their risk of being victimized:

- Store any large amounts of currency or valuable jewellery, particularly family heirlooms, in a safe, secure, and hidden location.

- A safety deposit box is the preferred location to store such valuables. - Maintain an up to date list of all valuable electronic equipment including the make, model, and serial number for each item. Store the list somewhere other than your home computer.

- Ensure your exterior doors are as secure as possible, with up to date locking systems.

- Ensure that their home does not show obvious signs of being unoccupied, such as uncollected newspapers or mail.

For additional crime prevention tips residents are encouraged to visits the Halton Regional Police website @ http://www.hrps.on.ca/ . The Safety and Security Tips can be found under the Community Policing tab on the home page. Residents without access to the internet can contact their nearest police division within Halton Region and ask to speak to the Community Support Officer.

If you observe anything that you feel might be of a suspicious nature in relation to these incidents, please contact the police at (905) 878-5511. If it is an emergency situation, including a crime in progress, use the 911 emergency telephone system to contact police. Anyone with information only is asked to contact the Oakville Criminal Investigations Bureau at (905) 825-4777 Ext 2215 or by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS

Construction at Joshua Creek PS: Done? Almost

2009-04-04T16:37:00.004-04:00

The new additions are finally completed at Joshua Creek PS. They were scheduled to be completed August 31, 2008 but were not ready until March 23, 2009; a 7 month miss on a plan approved in April 2008 to be completed in four months. Hopefully these new classrooms will be a positive to the learning environment at Joshua Creek PS for many years to come.

Both the north and the south parking lots are now useable. This should alleviate some parking pressures. There are to be an additional 10 permanent parking spaces added to the existing parking lots (timing is unknown).

Additionally, the school now has two drop off zones, the original drop-off zone in the north parking lot as well as a new drop off zone in the south parking lot. The addition of a second drop off zone was required by the Town of Oakville in conjunction with approval of the expansion of the school. From the Town of Oakville:

“The Site Plan Committee's request for a second drop-off area was accommodated on the approved site plan drawing. Drop-off areas are designated on the north side and south side of the school building.......
directing parents to use these drop-off areas is an operational function to be addressed by the school and school board.”

The new drop off zone in the south parking lot should alleviate some of the congestion in the north parking lot by spreading out the traffic as well as making better use of the second exit of the site.

Another aspect of the construction is that the four-pack of portables in the south corner of the property were to be removed. They are not gone yet. The Town of Oakville received a communication from Halton District School Board that they won’t be removed until the summer months. We have been told that they will be gone by September 2009. We hope that they will be removed sooner than later. The students have had a restricted school yard since September 2008 and using the limited school yard for storing vacated portables is clearly not best for the school body.

It would also be nice for the neighbouring homeowners to be rid of these vacated portables after enduring a long construction period. The construction was to have been completed August 31, 2008 with these four portables removed by that time, if the HDSB uses the school yard as a storage site for vacated portables it will aggravate the delay. Immediate removal of these vacated portables would help make up for the 7 month miss. We will be requesting that the HDSB remove these four vacated portables immediately.

HDSB Decisions for Ward 4: Impact on Ward 6

2009-04-02T19:08:00.001-04:00

In late March 2009 HDSB decided to build a new elementary school in Palermo to open September 2010. This school will be dual-track, English track and French Immersion track. As reported by the Oakville Beaver:

“To alleviate over-crowding at Ecole Forest Trail Public School, and avoid the need for the board to make costly relocations of portables, French immersion students in Grades 1 to 3 who will eventually move to the Palermo school will be temporarily housed at Lorne Skuce [Public] School for the 2009/2010 academic year. That school, located on Ridge Drive is currently acting as a holding school for students awaiting renovation of Montclair [Public School], but will be vacant next September.”

This makes it a priority for HDSB to be able to vacate Lorne Skuce PS for September 2009. This could affect our Ward 6 Munn’s PS (which is in Ward 5 like Lorne Skuce PS). Munn’s PS is supposed to get an addition built by September 2009 but this might be not get construction priority from HDSB relative to the construction at Montclair PS since Montclair PS needs to be done in order to vacate Lorne Skuce PS.

The good news is that the construction at Montclair PS and Munn’s PS were awarded to different firms (PM Contracting for Montclair PS and STF Construction for Munn’s PS). Of course, we know nothing of the other projects of these firms or how they are resourced. We do know that this project is already 2 months delayed and that the additions at Joshua Creek PS were finished 7 months behind schedule.

Delays at Munn’s PS could mean a few things. One possibility is that there would be more portables at Munn’s PS during delayed construction and having the school year progress while the school is under construction (this is what occurred at Joshua Creek PS). Another possibility is that some students from Munn’s PS would be sent to Lorne Skuce PS for 2009/2010. Why? If Munn’s PS isn’t ready it doesn’t have the capacity and HDSB might say, “Since we’re bussing these kids anyway and we’ve got capacity at Lorne Skuce PS and its FI too, so that’s what we’re doing.”

Of course, if HDSB makes a mess of Munn’s PS, it may cause continued low French immersion participation from Ward 6 (relative to other Oakville wards). This could have repercussions on enrolment at other Ward 6 schools.

NOTE: the size for the Palermo school is 440-students, which is much smaller than the 700-student size that Superintendent Parfeniuk stated was what HDSB builds when he rejected building a new school for Ward 6 (we couldn’t fill a 700-student school but we could have filled a 500-student school), but it is similarly sized to the 504-students for the Clearview school approved earlier this year. Its 500-student schools for Ward 3 and Ward 4 but not for Ward 6.

What are no parking and no stopping zones?

2009-04-02T19:07:00.002-04:00

We’ve corresponded with Town of Oakville staff to help clarify this question.

At schools, recreation centres and commercial sites there will be no parking zones and sometimes no stopping zones. These zones may be on the site and/or on neighbouring streets.

No parking zones (a “P” with a line through it) mean that vehicles can be in these zones but must be manned in a “standing” position, that is, the driver must be in the vehicle ready to move it. You cause a violation if you leave your vehicle parked in the zone.

No stopping zones (a stop sign with a line through it) are more restrictive than no parking zones in that the vehicle is not allowed to stop in these zones even if the driver remains in the vehicle ready to move it.

No parking zones are often in place for fire routes. It is the responsibility of the facility operator to maintain an unobstructed fire route so that it is accessible for fire department vehicles. For example, at a school, the school administration is responsible for having operational protocols in place, such as informing parents of the requirement to remain with their vehicle and to be prepared to vacate the area, using by-law enforcement in dealing with infractions, etc.

No stopping zones or no parking zones on Town streets are not the responsibility of the facility operator but rather fall to by-law enforcement.

If you are concerned with non-compliance in no stopping zones or no parking zones, contact the facility operator or Town by-law enforcement. The Town of Oakville directs that, if you observe a vehicle parking in a prohibited area (signed "No Parking" or "No Stopping"), you can call the Town during regular business hours ( Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, 905-845-6601) to request that a Parking Control Officer be dispatched and after hours and on weekends a Parking Control Officer can be dispatched through Halton Regional Police Services (call 905-878-5511).

Subsidizing Developers in Halton Rejected By Halton Regional Council April 1, 2009

2009-03-31T14:02:00.009-04:00

A message from Councillor Tom Adams:

"Dear Residents, I wish to thank the literally hundreds of you that responded to the request for your comments on the proposed Recession Recovery By-Law that would have suspended the collection of the April 1, 2009 indexing portion of development charges at the Region of Halton until Sept.30, 2009. Your individual messages of opposition combined to create over 500 messages that poured in over just 24 hours. Each of you assisted us in turning the tide to stop the Recession Recovery By-Law from proceeding at Halton Regional council today. In my opinion, your hundreds of emails helped create an awareness in the rest of Regional Council that the general public do not support subsidies to the development community. Mayor Rob Burton played a key role today by moving an amendment that deleted the section of the original motion that would otherwise have created the $3.3 million development subsidy. His amendment was supported by every member of Regional Council after a great deal of discussion and debate. I thank him for his leadership in this matter. Once again, thank you for your enormous support. Regards, Tom "

Election of the New NEO-RA Council March 24th, 2009

2009-03-27T15:20:00.003-04:00

The North-East Oakville Residents' Association was pleased to hold its first General Annual Meeting and elections on March 24th, 2009.

We would like to thank Oakvillegreen President Liz Benneian for the wonderful informative presentation at the meeting. We also would like to thank town councillors Tom Adams and Max Khan for attending and answering many of our questions.

Many thanks to everyone who volunteered their time and participated on the council during the past year and a big welcome to Don McMartin and Laura Smythe who joined the new NEO-RA council for the first time.

The newly elected NEO-RA council members are: Michael Hawkins (Chairperson), John Paulic (Vice-Chairperson), Addy El-Rayes (Secretary), Joanne Chow (Membership), Gabriella Filler (Communications), Patrick Kinsie, Don McMartin, Niklas Moeller, Michael Parsons and Laura Smythe.

We welcome everyone's participation and we look forward to an exciting year.

Please click below for the minutes of the first annual general meeting:

HDSB Developments

2009-03-23T09:44:00.007-04:00

An update on recent correspondence and developments with the HDSB.

The following is a motion from the Halton District School Board meeting minutes from March 4th, 2009 meeting regarding Munn's Public School.

"M09-0063 D Danielli / K. Bateman-Olmstead
Be it resolved that the Halton District School Board accept the tender from STF
Construction in the amount of $3,164,303 as contained in Tender No. T09-10 for
Munn’s Public School in Oakville, Ontario, and
Be it resolved that the Halton District School Board approve a budget of
$3,747,146 for the construction of the addition/renovation and that this project is
financed by Primary Class Size Capital ( $1,640,000) and Proceeds of Disposition
($380,000), as approved by the Ministry. The additional costs of $1,727,146 to
be financed through;
• Good Places to Learn (GPL) $500,000; and/or
• Renewal/Proceeds of Disposition $1,227,146, subject to Ministry approval.
Carried."

Postridge Park Tree Planting Event

2009-03-15T21:37:00.000-04:00

Oakvillegreen has organized a tree planting event on Saturday May 23rd from 10am to 12pm at Postridge Park (Postridge Dr. & North Ridge Trail). Oakvillegreen will be planting 75 trees and shrubs over near the trailhead and playground. Join with your neighbours, friends and Oakvillegreen on the 23rd along with some Home Depot employees and other Ground Breaker volunteers. Shovels and gloves will be provided.

If you would like to be involved in this event please RSVP to mail@neora.org so we can forward you the Ground Breakers Planting Guide from Oakvillegreen.

Halton Region councillors hike their salaries.

2009-03-02T19:19:00.002-05:00

For more info click on the link below to the article from the Toronto Star:

http://www.thestar.com/article/594549

Skateboard Park Open House on March 11, 2009

2009-03-02T12:01:00.014-05:00

The Town of Oakville is hosting a public open house on Wednesday March 11, 2009 with regards to the new skateboard park development at Glenashton Park/Iroquois Ridge Community Centre. For more information and to provide comments to the Town of Oakville please click on the notice below.

Pile of Topsoil at South-West Corner of Meadowridge and Dundas

2009-02-13T18:16:00.002-05:00

A note regarding this pile of soil from our town councilor Max Khan on February 12, 2009:

"Councillor Adams and I have received several complaints from homeowners in relation to the piles of topsoil being stored on Meadowridge Drive (near Dundas). The builder/developer is allowed, as of right, to keep such piles as construction in the area continues. Aside from being an eyesore, the soil also causes muddy run-offs when it rains. To alleviate this concern, we have instructed the builder/developer to seed and sod the stockpile so as to avoid further erosion and run-offs."

Vandalism to Pinery Park Trees

2009-02-13T18:03:00.008-05:00

Our association is sad to report the vandalism of the trees at Pinery Park. The following pictures are just an example of the damage.

If you have any information with regards to the vandalism to the Pinery Park Trees that occured February 6th or 7th please contact the Halton Regional Police Service http://www.hrps.on.ca/ or call 905-825-4747 with any information or contact Crime Stoppers http://www.haltoncrimestoppers.com/ or call 1-800-222-TIPS.

New Skateboarding Park at Glenashton Park/Iroquois Ridge Community Centre

2009-01-26T15:24:00.005-05:00

A skateboarding park will be developed soon at the Glenashton Park/Iroquois Ridge Community Centre. This development is part of the implementation of the Town of Oakville's Parks, Recreation, Culture & Library Master Plan approved in 2006.

The following is a response to questions and comments from our association to the Town of Oakville regarding the new park:

1. The facility hours will be consistent with the Town's Park By-law. This means that no one should be in the park (Glen Ashton or the Skateboard) between dusk and 6am. This will be regulated by installation of appropriate signage.

2. We do not plan to directly fence or gate this facility. The main reason for this is based on past experience of fencing and gating park amenities. Generally speaking, a fence will not deter users who are motivated and generally defiant. If there is someone motivated to use the park after hours they will figure out a way (i.e. damage, cut or jump the fence). Signage is the most appropriate method of control.

3. We have appropriately positioned the skateboard pad near the Community Centre building to utilize security lighting installed on the building. It is not intended to be directly lit at this would encourage after hours use. This also works well in case the Town wishes to install a camera to monitor the park. This is something that is done in many of our typical parks.

4. We believe that proper placement of the park is the best method of sound and safety control. For your reference I have attached a map illustrating the location of the skateboard park (noted as a red star). As you may notice, we believe this the best possible location on the site as it is centrally located and a good distance from private residences.

5. This facility is intended for skateboard use only. The design specification are directed towards use by skateboards. The facility will be signed appropriately to indicate it's intended use and any prohibited use (i.e BMX). The sign will also include hours of operation and contact information."

"monitoring will be the key to proper maintenance and in dealing with site specific issues."

For more information regarding the new skateboarding park please visit http://www.oakville.ca/ Comments or questions can be directed to floconte@oakville.ca at the Town's Parks and Open Space Department before March 20th, 2009.

News on Munn’s Public School Additions 01/25/2009

2009-01-25T19:35:00.006-05:00

At the January 21, 2009 meeting of the HDSB, Superintendent Cullen reported to the trustees on the addition to Munn’s PS as well as construction at the other schools affected by PARC16B (Sunningdale and Montclair). Superintendent Cullen reported that they have been able to take care of most concerns of principals and school councils. Superintendent Cullen reported that they would be taking back revised plans to school councils one more time before sending plans for the additions out for tender. Superintendent Cullen reported that a large portion of comments concerned traffic and access and that they looked into putting ‘new school’ traffic features into ‘old schools’ where possible. Superintendent Cullen reported that they have consulted comments from the community so that they move in the right direction. This interaction and consultation, if true, sounds good and would be a great improvement over how HDSB handled the additions onto Joshua Creek PS (presented without consultation and in fact they mislead as to where the addition would be put, which wasn’t known until the Town of Oakville distributed notices).

Superintendent Cullen reported that accepted tenders would be announced in February 2009. Trustees put a halt on Superintendent Cullen by asking him to bring back to trustees the plans that HDSB will be putting out to tender, before it is put out to tender. Superintendent Cullen did not intend to consult with trustees before putting the plans out to tender but rather just show them after they went out to tender. We commend the proactive effort of the trustees in this regard.

If you have comment or concerns with the plans for the addition at Munn’s PS or other related construction activity (e.g., parking lots, tree removals), you now have a window of opportunity to provide feedback to your school council, HDSB planning department or to the HDSB trustees. Next chance to comment is the Town’s Site Plan Committee meeting that will approve the plan submitted by HDSB.

Prince Michael Drive Condo Development Notice For Water and Wastewater Servicing Capacity

2008-12-31T09:50:00.009-05:00

The Town of Oakville's Planning and Development Council approved the report to remove the Holding Symbol "H" for the condo development on Prince Michael Drive during it's meeting on January 12, 2009.

"The Holding Provision "H" was incorporated into the Zoning By-Law to ensure that adequate water and waste water servicing capacity is available for the proposed development. The effect of the removal is to allow for the subject lands to be developed with the approved high density residential development"

For more information please click on the notice below:

Parking at a School: Don’t Park Where You Shouldn’t

2008-12-12T08:31:00.003-05:00

There is street parking by parents at our local schools in both no stopping zones and no parking zones. This illegal street parking is worst at drop-off and pick-up, the very times when there are many students walking about. These zones prohibit stopping and parking for the safety of the students. Please park responsibly at our schools by obeying the parking zoning.

NEO-RA has requested that the Town of Oakville monitor and enforce parking in front of Joshua Creek PS and St. Marguerite D’Youville CS. We support the Town enforcing its parking zonings. The Town is experience parking problems at other schools besides ours.

Our members are mostly parents. We appreciate the difficulties that inadequate parking facilities impose on us. Please speak up and let your school and school board know about inadequate parking facilities (there are links at bottom of this page). Try to find workarounds and co-operate with the efforts of your school councils.

At Joshua Creek PS, the HDSB has allowed its construction activity to reduce onsite parking spaces. We are requesting that these reductions be eliminated in whole or in part as soon as possible to make use of the onsite parking.

We are also requesting that the HDSB provide a drop-off area for Falgarwood PS.

Update on Coronation Drive School Lot 12/12/2008

2008-12-12T08:27:00.001-05:00

The school lot is in two pieces, the ‘north’ portion needed its price set and was in arbitration in November 2008. The ‘south’ portion remains with the developer. It has been communicated that HCDSB intends to acquire the entire school lot. However, the acquisition of the ‘south’ portion remains outstanding. We continue to encourage the HCDSB to acquire the entire lot as soon as possible.

The following update was obtained at the end of November: “The HCDSB is finalizing the arbitration agreement on the first parcel of land. Once this is signed, the Board will commence with the process regarding discussions with respect to the acquisition of the Ashley Oaks lands.”

On the other side: “Thank you for your inquiry; I regret to inform you that HCDSB has never made any intent to purchase our property.” … and … “We can not wait forever, and I hope you and our neighbours will understand that we must do something with it.”

Congratulations to Trustee Bruce Jones

2008-12-12T07:46:00.000-05:00

Our residents’ association would like to congratulate Trustee Bruce Jones on his recent elevation to Chair of the Halton District School Board. We wish trustee Jones success in his new role at the HDSB. We look forward to working with trustee Jones through his new role on improving the public education system for students in our ward.

News From the November 26, 2008 NEO-RA Meeting

2008-11-28T13:48:00.000-05:00

We had our regular Council meeting followed by a discussion with Mayor Burton. We were pleased with the opportunity to hear from Mayor Burton on the activities and direction of Town Council and the Region of Halton: thank you Mayor for the information and the discussion.

You can view Mayor Burton’s 2008 Status Report and remarks at:
http://www.oakville.ca/ca08sept.htm (September 29, 2008, Item 1)
http://www.oakville.ca/08statusreportremarks.htm

Town Councillor Tom Adams joined the discussion and assisted with various questions and was helpful as always.

At the regular Council meeting we were pleased to welcome John Paulic as a new Councillor. Other business included establishing two new committees:

Dundas Noise Committee
Munn’s PS Addition Committee

Our next meeting will be in the evening of January 28, 2009. Please check back for time and place.

Munn’s Public School Addition Committee

2008-11-28T13:45:00.000-05:00

The purpose of this committee is to delegate the HDSB in support of the planned addition to Munn’s PS. NEO-RA supports an addition being built onto Munn’s PS. This addition is to be put forward for approval by the HDSB in January 2009. Our committee may consider including in its delegation a recommendation for revisions to plans. Niklas Moeller is chairperson of this committee. Please email us if you want to participate in the activities of this committee.

Dundas Noise Committee

2008-11-28T13:38:00.004-05:00

The purpose of the committee is to address the concerns of the residents along Dundas Street with regards to noise pollution. John Paulic is the chairpersons of this committee and is joined by Addy El-Rayes and Nancy Pavao. Please email us if you want to participate in the activities of this committee.

News From the October 29, 2008 NEO-RA Meeting

2008-11-04T08:52:00.001-05:00

We were pleased to host a presentation by Town Councillor Tom Adams last week for public consultation on the Town of Oakville’s 2009 budget. Councillor Adams is the Chair of the Town’s 2009 Budget Committee. Councillor Adams was joined by Patti Elliott-Spencer, Director of Finance & Treasurer: thank you to both for a worthwhile presentation and discussion.

The preliminary budget forecast shows a 10.23% increase in the Town’s portion of the 2009 tax levy. The total property tax is split between education, Region of Halton and the Town. The weighted increase in the 2009 tax levy will depend on the changes in all of these components. The Town is looking to significantly lower this preliminary increase. The Town is looking for feedback from the public on spending priorities and otherwise, so if you have views, don’t keep them to yourself.

You can find information and the schedule at: www.oakville.ca/2009budget.htm
You can submit to: budget2009@oakville.ca

Our next meeting will be in the evening of November 26, 2008. On this evening we will be hosting Mayor Burton. Mayor Burton will update us on Town Council’s plans for the future, and he wants to hear what type of future we envision for Oakville. Please check back for time and place.

Town’s Fall Newsletter

2008-11-04T08:30:00.004-05:00

Last week you will have received in the mail the Town’s fall newsletter, a glossy magazine entitled “Let’s Talk Oakville”. There’s lots of good information to read. We were pleased that Councillor’s Adams and Khan arranged for our residents’ association to be introduced in this newsletter (see it on page 27).

The mid-block trail crossings (page 26) is an item of interest:
- Fifteen are coming in the spring of 2009
- Five are coming to our Ward 6, and maybe a sixth
- The purpose is to facilitate pedestrian crossings with minimal traffic interruption
- Sample picture is illustrated
- North Ridge Trail crossing may or may not be useful in addressing crossing needs for school children attending St. Marguerite d’Youville CS and Joshua Creek PS; we will need to learn more

The update on school planning for Coronation Drive (page 28) is not complete. Our understanding is:
- Arbitration on the price of the one part of the school lot is currently in progress between HCDSB and the one developer
- The other part of the school lot has not been released by the HCDSB and the HCDSB has indicated that it intends to purchase it but this has yet to occur; the developer who owns this part has an application with the Town to rezone and subdivide this part for housing; HCDSB opposed this application; NEORA opposed this application; next step with Town is statutory public meeting which has not yet been scheduled; this developer has filed an appeal with the OMB
- To get a school on the site, the HCDSB needs to acquire the property, approve a school and arrange for funding
- Things are more complex than the article suggests; nothing has changed relative to our other posting: http://neo-ra.blogspot.com/2008/10/coronation-drive-school-site-update.html

Update on the Halton District School Board Long Term Accomodation Plan

2008-10-09T10:06:00.004-04:00

The HDSB held a public meeting in Oakville on October 2nd, 2008 for review of its Long Term Accommodation Plan.

The plan seems to be more of the same for Halton public elementary schools with schools designed for approximately 500 students being upsized with classrooms to hold about 700 students … and then portables added to accommodate excess enrolment. This puts stress on the ability of schools to deliver programs (overcrowding infringes on ability to have special use classrooms such as music, art, technology) and denies students a desired level of access to common facilities (gymnasium, library, computers). This plan seems to be driven by the monetary consideration that it is more efficient cost-wise to run more students through the same common facilities: the Superintendent of Business Services expressed how little it costs HDSB for construction if he takes a school for 500 students and adds on classrooms to fit in another 200 students.

There is a cost-quality equation. As parents we’d like programs to be delivered to our children and for them to receive reasonable access to school facilities: we don’t think programs and access to facilities should be compromised because our families live in new developments. The HDSB has not communicated whether they have other priorities or if there is a lack of funding that is at odds with delivering this quality of education to new schools, maybe it’s both.

Note on Full-time Kindergarten

The Superintendent of Business Services indicated that the Province has asked the HDSB to revise its submission for new elementary schools by increasing school size to accommodate full-time kindergarten. The impression left was that this was a good indicator of where the Province is headed on this issue. He also noted that the HDSB had yet to decide (or perhaps it will be the Province’s decision) whether full-time kindergarten would be administered under the Day Nurseries Act or the Education Act: this would affect student-teacher ratios and space per student, among other things.

Presently, there are 32 kindergarten classes in the HDSB and HCDSB schools that serve Ward 6 Oakville: 9 Joshua Creek PS, 4 Falgarwood PS, 5 Sheridan PS (18 HDSB); 5 St. Marguerite d’Youville CS, 6 St. Andrew CS, 3 Holy Family CS (14 HCDSB). This means 16 new classes for our schools. Given that most of these schools already have portables, this means many more portables and more stress on program delivery and denial of access to common facilities.

If full-time kindergarten is phased in, schools like Joshua Creek PS may be put near the end of the list as it may not have room for additional portables, or else further boundary changes would be needed. Other schools with portables may also be put near the end of the list as the additional classes from implementation in these schools mean additional portables which are an additional cost compared to implementing in underutilized schools in other communities within Halton. For parents who want full-time kindergarten this would mean another programming shortfall.

For more information and feedback forms please click on the link below:
http://www.haltondsb.on.ca/main.aspx?sMenuKey=1300&sMenuID=1300&sParentID=70&sPageID=567

Coronation Drive School Site Update

2008-10-06T10:09:00.004-04:00

Summary from Town meeting of October 1, 2008 regarding application to rezone and subdivide school site on Coronation Drive

Related posts:
Email from HCDSB Trustee Pauline Houlahan
Presentation by Our Residents’ Association
Application to Rezone and Subdivide and Our Petition to the Town

The Town meeting was well attended. Our residents’ association was represented. We voiced:
- Opposition to the application to rezone and subdivide the school site;
- The need for more school capacity in our community;
- Support of the HCDSB retaining its rights to this school site;
- Our hope that the HCDSB would build a school at this site; and
- Support for these positions by submitting 490 signed petitions from our community.

A few notes for information:
- The school site consists of two lots owned by two different developers.
- The smaller portion is nearer North Ridge Trail (the “north lot”). It was communicated that this north lot is owned by the HCDSB and that they are commencing arbitration late October 2008 to set the price that the HCDSB will pay that developer.
- The developer who owns the larger portion (the “south lot”) has applied for its lot to be subdivided and rezoned. The developer indicated that it has attempted to sell the south lot to the HCDSB and is still eager to sell it to the HCDSB. If the HCDSB doesn’t want the lot, the developer would like it released for housing rather than let it stagnate: summarized by the wish that the HCDSB “fish or cut bait”.
- The HCDSB has communicated to the Town that they are not releasing their rights to purchase the south lot and that they intend to purchase it.
- It was stated that the HCDSB intends to construct a school on this site in 2010-2011. Please note that the HCDSB will want to know that they will have the students to use the school before they’ll build a school. While there is no guarantee of a school even if the HCDSB purchases the site, there definitely won’t be a school if they don’t.

- There are two more steps in the Town process.

o Next step is a statuary public meeting where Town staff will report to Town councillors on the application.

o Following that, at a later meeting Town councillors will vote on the application.

o The dates for these meetings is not known (perhaps several months to the next and again to the last). Additional petitions will be collected and submitted at the next Town meeting to add to our total.

- Earlier this year the developer filed an appeal with the Ontario Municipal Board concerning this application. This could be heard as early as mid-November 2008 but perhaps not until sometime in 2009. The OMB has the authority to overrule a decision by the Town.

There are three things running together: the arbitration on the north lot; the Town process; and the appeal to the OMB. The arbitration on the north lot is relevant as it will be an indicator for determining the price of the larger south lot.

It is easy to say that the HCDSB should just buy the south lot and be done with it, but that is too narrow a look. The whole subdivision was divvied up many years ago for various uses and the school boards were given the right to purchase specific lots from the developers and the developers were able to build on other lots. Our subdivision is nearing completion but there are still a large number of residents yet to move into their homes or for their homes to still be completed or even started. Beyond legal rights, it is just plain reasonable that if HCDSB needs more time to determine whether they want a school on this site, they should be given some more time. After all, it is a long term decision and we don’t want our school boards being forced to make premature decisions that might lead to school sites being released that should have been retained.

There is no need for antagonism towards any party. The HCDSB is looking after its interests. The developer is looking after its interests. Our community is looking after its interests. The Town and the Province have processes for these matters to be resolved. Our residents’ association will continue to participate in these processes. We encourage all residents to participate in these processes.

In the meantime, please take up Trustee Pauline Houlahan’s invitation to contact her and her fellow Oakville Trustees with your comments. We will gladly assist the HCDSB in demonstrating the need for a Catholic elementary school so that they can move beyond acquiring a school site and onto building a school.

Email to NEO-RA from HCDSB Trustee Pauline Houlahan

2008-10-06T10:07:00.009-04:00

Please click below for the Email from HCDSB Trustee Pauline Houlahan:

HCDSB Trustees for Oakville Email Addresses are as follows:

Pauline Houlahan houlahanp@hcdsb.org
Anthony Danko dankoa@hcdsb.org
Ed Viana vianae@hcdsb.org
Alice Anne LeMay lemaya@hcdsb.org

Coronation Dr. School Lot Presentation by NEO-RA to the Town of Oakville on October 1st, 2008

2008-10-06T10:03:00.007-04:00

Please click below for the Presentation by Our Residents’ Association:

Petition Regarding The Coronation Dr. School Lot

2008-10-06T08:00:00.002-04:00

The Town of Oakville hosted a Public Information Meeting on October 1st, 2008 with regards to the Coronation Drive school lot rezoning and subdivision applicatoin. Please check back for information about the next Town of Oakville public meeting with regards to this application.

For more information regarding the application

please visit: http://www.oakville.ca/16544.htm

Please click on the notice below.

NEO-RA is circulating a petition to be sent to the Town of Oakville opposing the application to have the Coronation Drive lot currently zoned for schools subdivided to allow the construction of 28 homes and rezoned to allow greater density. Please sign this petition (email, mail and fax instructions are on the petition).

Join the Association!

2008-10-05T18:00:00.000-04:00

Join with your friends and neighbours to help address issues vital to our community. We welcome involvement at all levels. If you simply wish to become a member, you can sign up for a two-year membership for $20 per household (or more if you wish). Funds collected from membership are used to support the group's activities including meeting facilities, material costs, printing and other activities.

To join NEO-RA you need to reside within the area bounded by: Burnhamthorpe Road, Trafalgar Road, Queen Elizabeth Way and Ninth Line. Please visit http://www.oakville.ca/resassoc.htm for our associations boundaries.

Please email us at membership@neora.org or simply mail us a cheque for $20 payable to North-East Oakville Residents’ Association along with your name, address and email address to:

North-East Oakville Residents’ Association
c/o Michael Hawkins
2203 North Ridge Trail
Oakville, Ontario
L6H 6W2

NEO-RA Purpose

2008-10-05T17:20:00.000-04:00

The North-East Oakville Residents' Association was formed on May 13, 2008. The purpose of NEO-RA is to further the community interests of North-East Oakville. For complete details please click on our purpose policy....

To Lose Driving Range at Joshuas Creek Drive & Upper Middle Road

2008-10-03T19:29:00.003-04:00

Public Information Meeting October 6th, 2008

The Town of Oakville held a public information meeting regarding the application to amend the Town's Official Plan and Zoning By-Law to permit employment uses on the lands located south-east of Upper Middle Road and Joshuas Creek Drive.

The meeting was hosted by the Town of Oakville's Planning and Development Council on Monday October 6th, 2008.

For more information regarding the application please visit: http://www.oakville.ca/16905.htm

Please click on the notice below.

Review of The Halton District School Board's Long-Term Accommodation Plan

2008-10-02T19:30:00.005-04:00

The Halton District School Board hosted a public meeting to review and provide feedback on the Long-Term Accommodation Plan for Oakville on October 2, 2008 at the Iroquois Ridge High School. This plan addresses the accommodation needs of students in elementary and secondary schools.

For more information and feedback forms please visit:
*****Revised Information*****
http://www.haltondsb.on.ca/main.aspx?sMenuKey=1300&sMenuID=1300&sParentID=70&sPageID=567

Prince Michael Drive Condo's Site Plan Committee Meeting Sept.16th

2008-09-05T18:30:00.003-04:00

The site plan application for the Prince Michael Dr. construction of eight residential townhouses (60 units) and two 8 storey condominum apartment buildings (375 units) was heard by the Town of Oakville's Site Plan Committe Meeting on Tuesday, September 16th, 2008. Please click below for more information....

NEO-RA By-Laws

2008-07-07T21:07:00.016-04:00

By-Laws

Please click on each link individually for our By-Laws:

Please click below for our Privacy Policy: