To say that the potential velodrome is a hot topic in Milton and the surrounding areas would be an understatement to say the least.
Here are just a few items. This is on top of the dozens of emails that I personally have received and speaking with many of my council colleauges they have recevied a number of them from people in their ward.
MILTON CANADIAN CHAMPION – Have your say on velodrome
There’s still time to have your say on the proposed Pan Am velodrome leading up to town council’s decision on the project Monday.While the deadline for input to the Town on the indoor cycling facility ended Wednesday, an open house has been organized by councillors Colin Best and Mike Cluett this Thursday at the Milton Sports Centre.
The Velodrome Business Plan Open House will be held in Room 3 from 7 to 9 p.m.
At the open house, you’ll be able to find out more about the proposal, get your questions answered and have your concerns and comments heard by councillors in attendance.
Of course, constituents at any time can contact their councillors about the issue, or write a letter to the editor. But time is running out.We believe it’s just as important for those who support the velodrome proposal to speak up than it is for those against it to make their views known. That way, councillors can better gauge residents’ feelings on the issue.
Town council has a big decision to make next week. Learn all the facts, determine your stance and make your opinion known.
This is going to be an information/open house to provide Miltonians with information about the soon to be released business plan for the Milton Velodrome. Its not a “town sanctioned” event but both Colin and I feel its important to get as much information out as possible to provide Miltonians with as much facts as possible and another way to give us what they are thinking as well.
The Town of Milton had a feedback form where Milton residents could send in their input/comments/concerns to be included with the business plan but I wanted to make sure we give people another opportunity for feedback. I hope that I will see you there on Thursday at 7pm.
In the letters to the editor today, world famous cyclist Curt Harnett expressed his views and support of the Milton Velodrome project for the 2015 PAN AM games.
This next one is from the Hamilton Community News Kevin Werner
Milton prepared to cross finish line
By Kevin Werner, News Staff
Toronto 2015 Pan Am officials have given Milton councillors to the end of January to determine if they want to take a spin on a potential velodrome facility.
Pan Am officials have extended their original Jan. 24 deadline for a week to so Milton politicians can present the $40-million facility plans to the public for a last review.
“We wanted to give the public some in put,” said Councillor Colin Best. “We also wanted to have more time to review the business plan for the facility. We don’t want to rush it.”
The town has also been encouraging its residents to submit their views on the velodrome through the municipality’s website.
Best said the Toronto 2015 Pan Am organizing committee agreed to extend the deadline forMilton.
“They said ‘We’re the only game in town,’” said Best.
Hamilton councillors last fall took themselves out of the velodrome race when they refused to increase the city’s $5 million contribution for a permanent, nearly $50-million facility that was planned for Mohawk College’s Fennel campus. Over the last few months Mayor Bob Bratina, and businessman Mark Chamberlain have been touting a potential private investor who could help fund the velodrome facility and bring it back to Hamilton. But the Toronto 2015 Pan Am Games committee late last year officially made Milton its preferred location for the facility.
The town is holding an information session for the public Jan. 26 starting at 7 p.m. at the Milton Sports Park, located at 605 Santa Maria Boulevard.
The council meeting to debate the business plan is set for 7 p.m., Jan. 30 at Milton Town Hall.
“I expect (the council meeting) to last quite a bit longer,” said Best.
Councillor Mike Cluett said the information session’s main goal is to clarify the cost of the velodrome for the public, and the legacy component of the facility once the Pan Am Games are completed.
As part of the 120,000-square-foot facility, there is expected to be space for three full-sized gyms within the interior of the banked oval track.
“We want to make sure there is not going to be a long-term impact to taxpayers,” said Cluett. “We do have some questions about the financing.”
A financing plan for the velodrome identifies the majority of the municipality’s share of $17.6 million would come from private sources. For instance, Mattamy Homes President and Chief Executive Officer Peter Gilgan is contributing $7 million, and another $2 million for the facility’s naming rights. Gilgan and TD Canada Trust president Tim Hockey have agreed to a $3 million fundraising campaign.
On top of the municipality’s share, there is also a $2.2 million cost for parking and site servicing. The province is contributing $22 million.
As to whether Milton politicians will approve the velodrome business plan, both Cluett and Best pointed to council’s 9-2 vote in support for the facility in December, when Milton became Toronto 2015’s preferred location.
“It seems to fit into our town’s plans,” said Best.
MILTON CANADIAN CHAMPION – Letter to Editor
Location of Milton ideal for velodrome project
Dear Editor:
Growing up, I got involved in the sport of cycling as a way to increase my fitness levels during the summer while I pursued my childhood dream of playing in the NHL.
Ultimately, I ended up choosing cycling over hockey, participated in four Olympic Games (1984, 1988, 1992, 1996) and was fortunate to bring home three Olympic medals as a track (velodrome) cyclist.
I’m excited by the initiative shown by Milton’s town council and very encouraged by the support shown by the local community, in particular Peter Gilgan, for his commitment to the velodrome project. As a town that prides itself on being ‘Right in the Heart of it All’, Milton serves as the ideal location for such a project.
You don’t have to look further than Calgary and its speed skating oval — a legacy from the 1988 Olympic Winter Games — to appreciate what world-class facilities can bring to a community. Once seen as a potential “white elephant,” the Oval continues to provide Calgary with the ability to lay claim to being the development venue for numerous world champions and Olympic medalists; athletes from around the world who train at the Calgary Oval and make Calgary their adopted home.
What you might not see, however, is the potential that a facility holds in building community spirit. It’s essential to view the Milton velodrome as an integral component of your community; to see it in the same way as you’d see a swimming pool or hockey arena — a place where people gather and celebrate sport, and an asset that helps to fuel the continued growth of Milton. It would be a venue for community activity and fitness, and also would be the place where the seeds for future Pan Am and Olympic champions are sown.
Curt Harnett, Olympian, GTA
And others have chimed in about the issue today. I hope that his concerns will be addressed by our open house on Thursday.
MILTON CANADIAN CHAMPION – Letter to Editor
Poll should be done on velodrome issue
Dear Editor:
I’m very pleased the Town asked the people of Milton for input as far as the velodrome is concerned.
This should be done any time there’s a decision involving large expenditures.
But more time should have been given for the people to respond with their input.
For people who don’t have access to the Internet, a telephone number should have been made available.
The questions about such matters should be in the form a poll or survey asking people yes or no.
Agostino Galioto, Milton
Here are some other links to Letters to the Milton Canadian Champion on the velodrome issue.
Town Leaders Should Tread More Cautiously