THE WEST HARBOUR RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION FEBRUARY - MARCH REPORT

Dear Members:

1. The Daniels proposal to redevelop Sharkeys continues to be a hot topic around our community. In early February a “Daniels” flyer was dropped off to many homes offering interested condominium purchasers an opportunity to contact the company and enquire about prospective accommodation in the tower. To many, this information inferred that that the approvals were in place for this development to proceed. We report that NO APPROVALS HAVE BEEN GRANTED BY THE TOWN’S PLANNING DEPARTMENT OR BY MEMBERS OF COUNCIL. A Public Information meeting was held on February 12 at the Town of Oakville, with close to 200 residents attending from various parts of the community. All but one who spoke expressed significant concern and opposition regarding the proposed height of the tower (19 storeys from Forsythe Street).

Since that meeting the Town Planners have now proposed a “Charette” in late March – a focus group setting with the developer and some prospective purchasers, town planners, local architects, and representatives from each of the four residents’ associations. Through this workshop environment the intention of this meeting is to create a “plan” that will be more in keeping with the character and heritage of our downtown area.

Your committee wishes to clearly state that while we are not opposed to redevelopment of the site, we do have significant concerns about the breach of the guidelines under the Official Plan and the Halton Conservation Authority, and the precedent that it will likely establish for other parts of our downtown community. At this stage three other resident’s association’s boards or memberships have also expressed opposition to the proposal.

Following the “Charette”, a further Public Information Meeting will be held. We will report on all progress and meeting information when dates are confirmed by the Town.

2. Further news on The Water Treatment Plant which we mentioned will be witnessing some changes in 2003. Representatives from the Regional Municipality of Halton met with a few interested neighbours on Saturday March 1, explaining early plans to upgrade the facility, and offering a tour of the plant. Reports from those who attended were positive suggesting that at this time with no planned increase in the capacity of the plant, it is hoped that there will be no plant expansion beyond the current footprint. However, the MOE requires upgrades with the installation of equipment for improved disinfection and some changes to the plant’s sedimentation process. While this project will likely begin in the Spring, the public will be invited to participate at a meeting in early April to review the plans, the construction phase and schedule, and have an opportunity to discuss visual impediments and landscaping proposals. The Region is encouraging the formation of a Resident’s Liaison Committee to work through this process of change – please contact committee member Jim Brophy at 905-337-3483 (mbrophy25@cogeco.ca) if you are interested in participating. Our thanks goes to the Region for their proactive approach to this proposal.

3. The WHRA Board met recently with members of MPAC regarding our concerns about some questionable increases in the June 2001 assessment of homes in the West Harbour area. We have produced a report which is available on our Website – under the heading CURRENT VALUE ASSESSMENT UPDATE. It is important to register your Request for Reconsideration and your Appeal before the end of March, 2003. We hope the information we have provided is helpful.

Your WHRA Committee – March 2, 2003