The Halton Hills Council agenda was a busy one this week, with some of the following items on the agenda:
The Power of One
April 14-20 is Volunteer Week in Canada and our community has hundreds of volunteers to celebrate. Each one of them contributes their time and talents freely and when the hours and efforts are added up, the impact is huge!
We had the honour of celebrating one such outstanding volunteer who contributes to our Halton Hills municipal seniors’ programs. Florence Riehl has become a fixture at the Hillsview Active Living Centre in Georgetown. Florence's volunteer career, spanning virtually every aspect of the seniors' organization, earned her the prestigious Ontario Seniors Achievement Award for 2023.
The impact of volunteerism also extends far beyond the boundaries of municipal programs. Our community thrives thanks to the vast volunteer army associated with non-profit organizations — from minor sports to service clubs, arts and cultural groups to environmental organizations, and social service to health charities.
Many volunteers will say they met their best friends through a common cause or volunteer activity. That is certainly true for me! Community connections through volunteering can create friendships, bonds between neighbours and a fondness and deeper ties to our town.
Mayor’s Priorities
I am spearheading three special initiatives for success in this term of council and beyond. We’ll be inviting businesses, groups and the public to weigh in on these new projects. Stay tuned!
The first, a major environmental project, will help clean up, restore and celebrate some of our natural landscapes and waterways. We know that pollution is seeping into our creeks and salt is souring our wells. Fairy Lake in Acton is often closed for swimming. The Town will now take action by dusting off an old report and implementing the Black Creek Subwatershed Study. The impact will be felt particularly in Acton and north-west Esquesing Township.
Secondly, to modernize Georgetown’s central commercial corridor, we will create a vision and plan for revitalization, including residential development, along suburban Guelph Street.
The third priority is to implement the plan for the new community being built at the southwest edge of Georgetown (now called Vision Georgetown). Shovels will soon be in the ground to prepare for thousands of new residents to move in over the next decade.
Heritage Designation of Knox Church in Norval
The Presbyterian congregation first founded close to 185 years ago has held its last service in Norval and the property is being sold. Members of Halton Hills Council, worried that the beautiful heritage building could be at risk, voted to designate the structure. Designation is the only tool available to council to ensure that our heritage buildings and community character are protected.
Pitch in for Earth Week
Earth Week is April 20-27 and the Town hopes everyone will pitch in to spruce up Halton Hills. Check out the Town website to find out more about community clean up events, free mulch, bike swaps, eco films and bird-friendly planting. We’re also giving out $50 vouchers as a discount for new trees that you purchase to plant in your yard!
Lots to celebrate in our Town - volunteers, fresh projects and preserving our heritage and environment for us all.
