mayor gord krantz

URGENT NOTICE FOR PEOPLE IN CLARK / BENNETT AREA

Mike Cluett

158PM UPDATE

As at 1300 hours, Union Gas advises that approximately 400 homes have service restored. They hope to have the remainder completed this afternoon.
 
 
 

815AM UPDATE

Just received a call from Hawthorne Village PS and school classes are on for today despite the fire damage and Union Gas workers across the street. 

745AM UPDATE

It looks like half the homes have been brought back online throughout the night by Union Gas workers.  Many of you have emailed me around 2 or 3 AM saying that they were there…wow thats amazing.  Union Gas stated this morning they are looking at getting everyone back up by later on this morning.  If someone can stay home today as they go around or if you can have a neighbour with your key it could speed things up.  If not, they will leave a contact number and as soon as you get home … call and they will have someone out very soon.

Again, I will try to find out how we can help this family out because I along with other people have been blown away by the tweets, emails and phone calls of concern and support fo this family, especially at this time of year.  I was just on air with Scott Fox from Z1035 Morning Show (click HERE for the interview)and HE’S been called as well by hundreds of people on how they can help out.  THIS is why Milton is the best place in the world!  Updates will be coming soon.

1149PM UPDATE

Some gas services have been restored for homes in the affected area.  I was at the warming centre at EC Drury earlier this evening and spoke with the represetnatives at Union Gas.  The number of homes affected are approximately 500, instead of the originally reported 1200.  They are running into some delays due to water in the pipelines that has to be removed.

Ive asked them to send me updates as the process goes and I’ll do my best to update this site as it comes in.

I spoke with Regional Chair Gary Carr (who is at the warming station as we speak) and he updated me that the union gas worker who was injured suffered second degree burns to his face and is at Milton Hospital with family.  Everything looks good so far.

I also wanted to say big thanks to other Milton Councillors who came out to the warming station to lend a hand.  Regional Councillor Colin Best, Ward 2 Councillor Greg Nelson and Ward 8 Councillor Zeeshan Hamid.  We have a great team and this just proves it more.

AGAIN…there is a warming centre at EC Drury set up for people with no heat and they will put families up at the Best Western overnight so please, if you are at home and its cold especially with small children, head out to that area.  Union Gas is doing what they can to get people up and running and it might be by the early hours of the morning before all service is restored.

Stay tuned!

806PM UPDATE

Ive uploaded CHCH News coverage of todays events.  They were there on the scene and did extensive coverage of today’s fire and have an interview with the home owner as well.  Great Job CHCH News.

 

Regarding homes that are currently in the process of having their gas turned off, PLEASE NOTE that there is a warming centre at EC Drury School on Ontario Street.  It will get cold tonight and if youre by yourself, or dont think you can stay warm PLEASE go to the warming centre.  Better safe than sorry.

More updates to come.

737PM UPDATE

For some more information on today’s events go to MILTONSEARCH.COM and their coverage of the fire.  Between tweets of todays events, phone calls from obviously stressed out and scared residents in Ward 6, its been a busy day.  Many people have been asking how they can help this family out.  From what Ive been told by Councillor Colin Best is that the Red Cross has been called in and taking care of the immediate needs of the family.  I should have more information tomorrow on how you can help out.

From the last news release I’ve received Mayor Gord Krantz is still on the scene from about 630PM onwards reviewing the progress.  Thanks to everyone who tweeted, re-tweeted updates from myself and others on the scene and for your generous inquiries to help people out.  THIS is what makes Milton the best place in the world.

Say a prayer for the family involved and I will have some more information tomorrow.

721PM UPDATE

NEWS RELEASE

December 15, 2010

Structural fire contained in Milton’s Beaty neighbourhood 

On Wednesday, December 15, 2010 at approximately 2:30 p.m., a structural fire occurred at the intersection of Clark Avenue and Bennett Blvd in Milton. The fire is suspected to have been caused by damage to a natural gas line.

The fire has now been extinguished by the Milton Fire Department, and the area is safe for residents.

Three of nine interconnected townhomes at the intersection of Clark and Bennett have been affected by the fire. Approximately 10 to 20 homes in the area were evacuated.

Non-life threatening injuries were sustained by one Union Gas worker, who is currently in hospital.

As part of the repair process, natural gas service to approximately 500 customers in the area may be temporarily interrupted. The natural gas supply has been shut off to the affected residential area of Yates Blvd to the north, Thompson Road to the west, Clark Blvd to the south and Bennett and McDowell Avenues to the east.

Please note that Union Gas representatives will need to enter affected homes and businesses to safely turn on all natural gas appliances and equipment. Union Gas employees or their representatives showing proper identification will be going door-to-door to do this. If residents cannot be at home, please consider leaving a key and access instructions with a neighbour.

In the unlikely event that your home has no heat and you do not have friends or family nearby to visit, Halton Region has opened a warming centre in the auditorium of E.C. Drury High School at 215 Ontario Street South in Milton. The centre will be open as long as needed. Families are advised to bring books, activities, etc., to keep children entertained during their time at the centre. No pets will be allowed in the warming centre.

Please ensure at least one member of your household remains at home as Union Gas representatives need to turn on all natural gas appliances and equipment in affected homes in order to restore gas service.

For continued updates, contact 311 or visit www.milton.ca until the situation has been resolved. For Union Gas customer service, call 1-877-969-0999.

– 30 –

For further information, please contact:         On Duty Staff Sergeant

                                                                        Halton Regional Police Service
905-825-4777 ext. 2400

                                                                        Andrea Stass

                                                                        Manager, Public Affairs and Media Relations

                                                                        Union Gas Limited

                                                                        519-365-1010

What to do for New Years?

Mike Cluett

As 2010 draws to a close and 2011 is rushing quickly towards us, I wanted to point out a couple of fun events happening at the Town of Milton on both New Years Eve and New Years Day!

Join Mayor Gord Krantz, Milton Historical Society and members of town council at Victoria Park to “SING OUT THE OLD & RING IN THE NEW” for an old fashioned New Years Eve celebration.  Bundle up and bring your voices and instruments to sing carols and some holiday cheer.  The Mayor and a special citizen will ring in the New Year at midnight.  We will be gathering around 1130PM on Friday December 31st in Victoria Park which is right beside Milton Town Hall.

If you cant make it that late, you can join us the next day at Milton Town Hall for the Annual New Years Levee.  Join the Mayor and members of council from 2PM to 4PM for some refreshments (courtesy of Troy’s Diner, Tim Horton’s and La Rose Bakery) while the Milton Seniors SONG SPINNERS entertains the crowd with seasonal numbers.

For more information you can email me, contact any member of council or call (519) 853-3772

There are a lot of things to do in Milton this holiday season so please join us in celebrating 2010 and looking forward to a great, prosperous and healthy 2011!

Volunteer Opportunities Available

Mike Cluett

Volunteer Opportunities: Committee/Board Vacancies

The Town of Milton invites you to help guide decisions and provide input to issues affecting your community, by volunteering for one of the following committees.

Volunteers for these Committees will be required to serve a four-year term, which runs concurrent with the term of Milton Council.

Eligibility

Qualified applicant(s) must be a resident of Milton, or an owner or tenant of land in the municipality, or the spouse of such an owner or tenant, or employee(s) of a business located in the municipality or student(s) attending a school located in the Town of Milton and must be a minimum of 18 years of age on the date of appointment. However, general qualifications may apply on certain committees. Age qualification may be waived by Council on certain committees.

How to apply

A separate application form must be submitted for each committee for which you wish to apply.

Application forms are available online or from the Office of the Town Clerk, Town of Milton, 150 Mary Street, Milton, ON, L9T 6Z5 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Completed application forms must be received at the Office of the Town Clerk no later than Thursday, December 9, 2010 at 4:30 p.m.

You may be required to attend an interview.  Applicants for Committees with daytime meetings may have daytime interviews. To be eligible for appointment, you must be a qualified elector in the Town of Milton; however the age qualification may be waived on certain committees.

Vacancies

Committee Of Adjustment And Consent

The mandate of this 5-member committee, established under the Planning Act, is to make decisions regarding minor variances to the Town of Milton’s Comprehensive Zoning By-law, as well as changes to legal non-conforming uses.  The Committee also makes decisions on land division/severance (consent) applications to create new lots and easements or adjust lot line boundaries and it also acts as the Property Standards Committee, on as ‘as required’ basis.

Applicants should have the ability to read architectural drawings and survey plans, a thorough knowledge of the community, and an interest in its growth and development.  Members will also be required to review planning reports and comments and make site inspections, prior to each meeting.

  • Members needed:  5 citizens
  • Meeting Schedule: Monthly, Thursday evenings
  • Contact: Betty Cunningham, Committee Secretary, 905-878-7252 ext. 2315 or Betty.Cunningham@milton.ca

Board Of Management For The Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA)

The mandate of the Board of Management for the Downtown Business Improvement Area as established by Milton Council, in accordance with By-law No. 112-77, is for the improvement, beautification and maintenance of municipally-owned lands, buildings and structures in the area designated as the Downtown Business Improvement Area and to promote the designated area as a business or shopping area.

To qualify to sit as a Member on the Board of the D.B.I.A., the member shall be assessed for business assessment in respect of land in the Improvement Area, or nominees of Corporations so assessed.

  • Members needed:  7 citizens
  • Contact:  Jacquelyn Garrard, Executive Director, Milton D.B.I.A., 905-876-2773 or jgarrard@downtownmilton.com

Community Services Advisory Committee

The mandate of this committee is to provide a forum for public input and consultation on a broad range of programs and services delivered by the Town of Milton. The role is an advisory and consultative one, providing input to Milton Council vis-à-vis the respective Standing Committee of Council on issues that are of a “community service nature” with respect to the program areas of Community Services.  The Community Services Advisory Committee also reviews and makes recommendations to Milton Council with respect to the Milton Community Fund program.

  • Members needed:  8 citizens
  • Contact: Bev McCarthy, Committee Secretary, 905-878-7252 ext. 2580 or at Bev.McCarthy@milton.ca

Heritage Milton

The mandate of this committee is to provide advice and assistance to Milton Council, the Department of Planning and Development and private property owners on matters relating to the conservation of the community’s historic building and architectural heritage.

  • Members needed:  7 citizens
  • Meeting Schedule: evenings on the first Thursday of every month
  • Contact: Anne Fisher, Planner, 905-878-7252 ext. 2565 or at Anne.Fisher@milton.ca

Milton Accessibility Advisory Committee

The Milton Accessibility Advisory Committee was created under the authority of the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2001. This committee’s mandate is to advise and assist the Town, in promoting and facilitating an inclusive and barrier-free Town for Citizens of all abilities, including persons with disabilities

  • Members needed: 8 citizens with a minimum of 5 citizens with disabilities
  • Note: Committee meetings are generally held during the business day
  • Contact:  Darren Cooper, Coordinator Accessibility, 905-878-7252 ext. 2534 or Darren.Cooper@milton.ca

Milton Public Library Board

The Milton Public Library Board manages and controls the Milton Public Library system, in accordance with the Public Libraries Act and as authorized by Milton Council in accordance with By-law No. 15-74.  In summary, the Library Board’s mandate is to provide a comprehensive and efficient public library system, with services that reflect the community’s needs via the establishment of policies leading to the successful operation of the system.

  • Members needed:  7 citizens
  • Contact:  Leslie Fitch, CEO/Chief Librarian, 905-875-2665 ext. 3252 or leslie.fitch@mpl.on.ca

Milton Transit Advisory Committee

This committee’s mandate is to report to Town Council on matters concerning public transit within the Town of Milton including the review and operation of transit routes, budgets and long range planning for the transit system. The Committee will provide a review and monitoring function for Council and work with staff representatives to ensure the future success of Milton Transit.

  • Members needed:  4 citizens
  • Note: Committee meetings are generally held during the business day
  • Contact: Tony D’Alessandro, Coordinator of Transit, 905-878-7252 ext. 2548 or Tony.Dalessandro@milton.ca

Milton Trails Advisory Committee

This committee’s mandate is to provide an advisory and consultative role to Town Council concerning the design, development and promotion of trails in the Town of Milton, using the Trails Master Plan as its guiding document.

  • Members needed:  6 citizens
  • Contact: Karen McKinnon, Committee Secretary, 905-878-7252 ext. 2185 or Karen.McKinnon@milton.ca

Bob Young talks about “Milton Tiger Cats”

Mike Cluett

Earlier today on AM 900 CHML, Hamilton TigerCat Caretaker Bob Young was being interviewd by Bill Kelly to talk about the next steps in dealing with Hamilton City Council’s decision for the west harbour location, what the future holds for the TigerCats and possible locations if they have to move.

Young mentioned that his goal is STILL work at keeping the team in Hamilton.  There is way too much history of that franchise in Steeltown to let it go easily and he will do what he can to work with council provided they come with a viable option that is acceptable to the TigerCats.

Here is a link to the CHML story with audio of the interview with Bill Kelly today.  Bob mentions Milton TigerCats roughly 7 minutes into the audio.

You can check out the Fan Page of “MILTON TIGERCATS” on Facebook as well by clicking on the logo to the left.  There are over 60 members so far and growing daily and you can stay tuned to www.mikecluett.ca for more updates on the situation.

You can also find some more local and national coverage of the TigerCats possible move to Milton here with a recap of Bob Youngs interview with TSN on Saturday night (The Cats WON by the way!!)  That link is from the National Post.

OSKEE WEE WEE!  I’ll see you at the doors.

Whirlwind 24 hours

Mike Cluett

To say the last 24 hours in the life of Mike Cluett was busy, would be a big stretch. 

In between my full time job at Greenlawn Canada, there have been a whirlwind number of phone calls to media outlets in the Greater Milton …er Toronto Area talking about a little thing known as moving the Tiger Cats to Milton, I havent been able to do much else.  I have been able to get to most of them, but not all, so as long as the discussion is going I’m available to talk.

I have received a lot of responses on this blog, through email, Twitter and on Facebook from both sides (mostly positive and encouraging responses) from people both inside and outside Milton.

As I mentioned earlier on I had been interviewed by CHCH News from Hamilton about this movement that was shown on the news at 6pm, 11pm and even on CHCH Morning Live along with Mayor Gord Krantz explaining the rationale of TiCats owner Bob Young considering Milton as an option.

If all else fails in Hamilton (that is still up for debate and not over by a long shot) we hope that the ownership of the CFL franchise can see the potential benefits of moving their team here to Milton.  Nothing regarding numbers, costs, business plans have been formally discussed but we wanted to get the discussion going.  Earlier this week I had read the letter Bob Young sent to Hamilton City Council about backing out of discussions for the Pan Am stadium and playing out the remaining years at Ivor Wynne before choosing another locale.

Being a TiCats fan, I want them to stay in Hamilton.  Thats my preferred choice and I hope between all the parties involved they can come to some sort of resolution in the matter and keep the team in Steel Town.  Baring all of that, we want them to know theres a potential home for them in Milton.

So the debate will continue for the next while and I hope that some see the potential benefits to Milton and the surrounding area by getting this put together.  There is no chance this will come to a resolution anytime soon, but we can only hope.

Locally, there was an article in today’s Champion talking about municipal candidates taking to the Internet to reach voters, spark discussion on issues and keeping people informed.  You can view that article by Christina Commisso (herself on Twitter) here.

I’ll keep everybody posted on whats going on with the Cats, how the reaction is coming in and what might happen in the future.  To those people visiting my blog and website for the first time, thanks for coming…I hope you stick around.

Until then, I’ll see you at the doors.

Oskee wee wee!

Milton TigerCats? Its Possible & Here’s How

Mike Cluett

Town Of Milton Should Pursue Pan Am Stadium and Tiger Cats CFL Franchise

The City of Hamilton and the Hamilton Tiger Cats franchise are embroiled in a controversy that might result in the beloved CFL franchise to leave Hamilton forever. 

At the heart of the dispute is the location of the stadium to be constructed for the 2015 Pan Am Games, a stadium that would end up being the home of the Tiger Cats franchise.  Caretaker Bob Young, successful Hamilton businessman and the person responsible for bringing the Ti Cats back from the brink of bankruptcy over the past several years, wants to build a stadium on an east mountain location in Hamilton.  By having the stadium there, it would be able to locate a state of the art facility as well as much needed parking that their current location at Ivor Wynne doesn’t allow for. 

The City of Hamilton wants to locate the new stadium at the west harbour location of Hamilton near Barton and Bay Street.  For several months now there have been negotiations between the City of Hamilton and the Tiger Cats franchise to come to a solution and none has been met.  Yesterday, the owner of the Tiger Cats Bob Young, issued a letter saying that seeing how they can’t come to a resolution on the location, he notified the Mayor and City Council that they will play out the remainder of this season and 2011 and find another location, possibly outside Hamilton.

The Tiger Cats have been a part of Hamilton for over a hundred years and this would deal a severe blow to the local economy.  Both sides seem steadfast in their ideas and it looks like the Tiger Cats CFL franchise will be looking for a new home.  Personally as a Tiger Cats fan for many years, it would be heart breaking to see them move to other locations including Quebec or Moncton NB.  I would like to provide the Tiger Cats owners and the Pan Am officials a backup plan…a plan that can work for all parties involved.

This is where Milton comes in.  The Town of Milton has the available land to house such a facility available for Pan Am officials and the Tiger Cats to consider.  There are many benefits for all parties involved to consider Milton as a viable location for the Pan Am games AND becoming the new home for the Tiger Cats Franchise.  The potential location would be on the west side of the 401 Industrial Park in Milton.

By having it there the games and the franchise have easy highway access to Toronto (45 minutes) downtown Kitchener / Waterloo / Cambridge (30 minutes) and residents of Hamilton as well (30 minutes)

Here’s how it can work.

Why Milton as a Pan Am Games partner? 

  • Willing host
  • Proposed site could be easily rezoned for stadium purpose
  • Located 20 to 40 minutes from all other Pan Am Games venues
  • Located on west side of Greater Toronto Area
  • Located 20 minutes from Pearson International Airport
  • Proposed stadium site is located on with easy access to Highway 401, North America’s busiest superhighway
  • Proposed site alongside Highway 401 would make it highest visibility Pan Am venue in Canada
  • Located 20 minutes from Q.E.W. and 10 minutes from Highway 407
  • Located in an area with more than six million Ontarians
  • Well supported by local hotels, restaurants, general goods merchants and service industry; high-quality municipal services, well-trained workforce
  • Easy media access

Why Milton as a Hamilton Tiger-Cats partner?

  • Willing host
  • Most Milton CFL fans are Hamilton Tiger-Cat supporters
  • Proposed site could be easily rezoned for stadium purpose
  • Proposed site still reasonably close for many current seasons’ ticket holders to commute to
  • Proposed site alongside Highway 401 would make it highest visibility CFL stadium in Canada
  • Located 20 minutes from Pearson International Airport
  • Located on and easy access to Highway 401, North America’s busiest superhighway
  • Located 20 minutes from Q.E.W. and 10 minutes from Highway 407
  • Located in an area with more than six million Ontarians
  • Well supported by local hotels, restaurants, general goods merchants and service industry; high-quality municipal services, well-trained workforce
  • Easy media access

 Why west side of 401 Industrial Park?

  • Proposed site could be easily rezoned for stadium purpose
  • Located 20 minutes from Pearson International Airport
  • Located on and easy access to Highway 401, North America’s busiest superhighway
  • Located 20 minutes from Q.E.W. and 10 minutes from Highway 407
  • Located in an area with more than six million Ontarians
  • Well supported by local hotels, restaurants, general goods merchants and service industry; high-quality municipal services, well-trained workforce

I talked directly with Milton Mayor Gord Krantz early this morning, he will be directing town staff and the economic development department to work on getting a preliminary proposal prepared for review and possibly present to the Pan Am officials and the Tiger Cats franchise.  The Town of Milton is no stranger to the Pan Am committee as just recently they were involved with other municipalities to look at Milton being an option to have locations for the Pan Am games in 2015.

Milton has been Canada’s fastest growing municipality for the last 3 years and will be the “go to” location for businesses from around the region, the province and the country.  We have the ability to take on something like this and put Milton further on the map.

Nothing is written in stone but the play has been called and the time clock is running.  Can a Hail Mary save the Tiger Cats franchise and keep it in southern Ontario or will an icon in Canadian sports history be forever lost.

Stay tuned, this will be a fun ride.  I’ll see you at the doors.