Pan Am velodrome big issue going into new year
Mayor hopes to see funding commitment for indoor cycling track
From Christina Commisso, Milton Canadian Champion
Mayor Gord Krantz says he has learned more about velodromes in the latter part of 2011 than in his whole life.
That learning curve is expected to continue into this year, as the velodrome is one of many Milton projects on the agenda for 2012.
The long-serving Milton mayor told the Champion in a recent interview that he hopes to see a funding commitment for the indoor cycling track this year — one of his many New Year’s wishes.
“This is a huge international sport and it’s growing. There will be 20 to 25 international meets in Canada each year, and they could happen right here,” he said.
Tourism boom could erupt
The 74-year-old mayor said if the velodrome business plan is approved by Milton council and construction is given a green light, he envisions a hotel or two popping up in the immediate area and a tourism boom for the town. “Tourism is a huge industry in Canada, and we’re looking for our piece of that industry.”
The velodrome is closely tied to the Milton Education Village (MEV). The 150-acre parcel of land at Derry and Tremaine roads will serve as home to the cycling track and to a Laurier University satellite campus if Milton gets its way.
Krantz said he was hoping to see more movement on the MEV campus in 2011, “but I’m far from being naïve,” he said.
“The Province has a cash crunch issue…I can’t blame them for being a little cautious,” adding that he’d like to see the funding come through in the next couple of years.
“Where else are they going to get 150 acres of free land? The Province is roughly 60,000 (post-secondary) spaces short and here we are ready and able and willing to help.”
Mayor wishes for ground-breaking
The mayor’s final wish for the new year is a ground-breaking for the Milton District Hospital expansion, a long-awaited promise that came to fruition this past summer.
As for predictions for 2012, the mayor said one thing will be inevitable in Milton — traffic.
“I’ll apologize for that in advance,” said Krantz, pointing to the Main Street grade separation just east of Ontario Street. “It’s going to cause a disruption and I’ll be the first one to acknowledge that.”
Asked why the Town didn’t plan the construction pre-population boom when the traffic impact would be less intense, Krantz said there was simply no way to fund the $50 million, four-year project.
“Development charges are paying for a huge portion of the project,” he said.
Krantz said while Milton is far-removed from the financial crises taking place around the globe, he believes the Town could feel some of the pinch.
“The federal and provincial governments can have an indirect impact,” he said, adding that he wouldn’t be surprised if certain government services are downloaded to the municipal level.