Tony Van Bynen

Now the cost for proposed renovations to the Old Town Hall is estimated to be $8.4 million, up from the $6 million estimate as recently as November last year. It begs the question, what is an appropriate investment in this building to best serve the community? Here is the background.

Should we redevelop our downtown parking lot to include a community-gathering place as an extension of our Fairy Lake Park and trail system? Doing so would change the availability of parking somewhat and has raised some concerns.

We have seen a lot of discussion about the need for a women’s shelter in northern York Region and now things are beginning to gel so that it may become a reality soon. A blue ribbon committee is at work to determine the best way to solve the problem. It’s a project that I feel is important. I need your thoughts, your ideas and your help.

How do they work and are they really a solution? My files go back over 5 years and I truly appreciate the concerns raised by our residents. Like many of my neighbours, I can hear the Go Train whistles from my house starting with the first southbound train 6:15 in the morning. Here is an update on the issue.

On January 05, 2009 we received a comprehensive staff report that recommended reducing the current container/bag limit of three (3) per residential unit (which has been in place since 2002) to two (2) containers/bags for garbage to be sent to landfill sites. There still is the option to place up to five (5) bags for pickup but a fee of $2.40 would apply for every bag over the two (2) bag limit. There is no limit on the number of Green Bins and Blue Boxes.

With all this economic uncertainty, 2010 will without doubt be a very challenging year for all of us. Probably more than we have seen in decades. That makes it particularly difficult for us in terms of planning our service levels and the related costs in providing them. I need your input.

Newmarket has been designated as one of four Urban Growth Centres in York Region. With that come as many benefits as do challenges. Along with the creation of jobs, particularly in manufacturing industries, the sense of community also needs to be preserved.

Starting in the fall of 2009 (and subject to funding) there will be a lot of construction along Yonge Street and Davis Drive. The plan is to widen both corridors to accommodate dedicated lanes for the Viva Rapid Transit Buses as well as address long standing road capacity issues. It can also be an opportunity to create positive growth for Newmarket's main arteries.