THE WEST HARBOUR RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION JANUARY REPORT

Dear Members:

1. As we noted in our December report the Sharkey’s redevelopment proposal was recently submitted to the Town – as we also mentioned, our committee’s research has concluded that the plans for this site are not in keeping with the WHRA’s vision, nor do they meet any of the guidelines of the Town’s Official Plan, Zoning By-laws, and the Halton Conservation Authority. A separate report was made available on our website www.oakville-whra.com (menu option – Sharkey’s Redevelopment) with more details regarding this decision.

As anticipated, the Daniels Group will be seeking amendments to both the Official Plan and current By-laws relating to this site. A Public meeting is planned for 7:00 PM at the Oakville Trafalgar Room – Town of Oakville – Wednesday February 12^th. This meeting will be hosted by the Planning Services Department, and is your first opportunity to speak to the proposal.

As we have also stated, the WHRA committee is unanimously opposed to the proposed application by the Daniels Group. And while many residents responded to a survey we conducted in the fall of 2002, and expressed concerns about the proposed height of the project, the committee fully understands that there are members in favour of the proposal as well as those opposed to it. You are welcome to express your views either way by responding on our Web-site (Menu item – Sharkey’s response). If you wish the committee to speak on your behalf on the 12^th, please indicate so. As we noted above, you do have the opportunity to comment on the project that evening.

2. Your committee is preparing a letter to be submitted to Brewers Retail with a proposal to “dress up” the exterior of the Beer Store to be more in keeping with the “residential” setting of the West Harbour – their initial feedback has indicated that an exterior refurbishment is being planned in the future. We will let you know just what that means in an upcoming report, once we have heard from the company.

3. As we mentioned in December The Water Treatment Plant will be witnessing some changes in 2003 – with the installation of equipment for improved disinfection and some upgrades to the plant’s sedimentation process. While plans are to begin this project in the Spring, the public will be invited to a meeting in mid-February to review the plans, and discuss landscaping proposals. It has also been suggested by the Region that a small sub-committee be formed – please contact committee member Jim Brophy at 905-337-3483 (mbrophy25@cogeco.ca) if you are interested in participating.

4. The new Market Value Assessment dated June 2001 has caused concern amongst a number of residents in the WHR area, particularly some of the substantial increases from the previous valuations in June 1999. We have completed our research on this topic and invite you to visit the website (menu item Market Value Assessment). As well as some statistics, it also offers some possible justification for individual appeals. Thank you to a number of our resident members who submitted input to help us with this study.

Your WHRA Committee – January 25, 2003