ward 6 milton
Milton Community Police Committee Update
As regular readers of the blog will know, I am a member of the Milton Community Policing Committee (MCPC)and we have monthly meetings about community outreach with the Halton Police Department and promote programs to help raise awareness of safety / crime issues in Halton.
Its been reported recently that despite the massive growth in the area, Halton remains the safest community in Canada. I think that’s a direct result of the officers in Halton and the great job they do.
During our meeting last night, they reported on some recent statistics of different crimes that are on the rise. A majority of them included car theft / property theft from peoples driveways.
In the last couple of weeks, Halton Police have had several incidences of vehicle theft as people start their cars in the morning and leave them unattended. Its important for people to realize that even though our community is “safe” there are still people from both inside and outside the region who are on the prowl looking for opportunities.
The MO of many of them are driving around neighbourhoods looking for unattended cars that are running, quickly checking to see if they are unlocked and driving off with them. The best line of defense is to either not let your car warm up unattended and unlocked or invest in an automatic car starter that locks the doors while its running.
Another disturbing trend is property theft from vehicles. People leave valuables like cell phones, wallets, laptops etc in plain view and that’s just too much of a temptation for criminals to do the quick smash and grab. The Halton Regional Police force are now embarking on a campaign to help raise awareness of this called “Lock it or lose it”
From the Halton Police website:
Lock It or Lose It
With the holiday season on the horizon, the Halton Regional Police Service would like to remind citizens to be cognizant and diligent by locking their vehicles and hiding valuable items.
Adhering to the following proactive recommendations may deter thieves from stealing your valuables:
1. Locking your vehicle and removing all valuable items from plain view. Items such as: GPS units, laptops, wallets, cellular phones and any other item of monetary value.
2. Simply locking your vehicle while valuable items are still visible inside provides a false sense of security. Thieves will smash the windows in order to gain quick access to these valuables.
3. Be particularly cognizant when purchasing expensive electronic equipment and then storing it in your vehicle. The best alternative is to transport these items directly to your home. If this is not a feasible option, lock the valuable item in the trunk of your vehicle.
4. Do not leave your vehicle running, unlocked and unattended while warming up in the driveway. Thieves have stolen vehicles from various driveways while they have been left operating unattended.
Don’t enable these thieves to steal your valuable items. Remove the opportunity and reduce your likelihood of being victimized.
Anyone with suspect information or information pertaining to any thefts is asked to call the Burlington Criminal Investigations office at 905-825-4747 extension 2316 or anonymously via Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.
One of the things that the MCPC will be doing in the coming weeks is handing out brochures with this information at high traffic areas like shopping malls, GO Station, grocery stores etc to help remind people to be aware of the surroundings and to do what they can to make it difficult for these types of crimes to happen. We will be working with the principals of Milton schools to see if they can help distribute this information as well so it gets in the hands of people.
The Committee is always looking for more volunteers to help out and to join us and help take part in initiatives like this to help raise awareness in our own neighbourhoods. There have been quite a few new people joining us and we’re always looking for more. There are a lot of ideas that we would like to implement and the more people we have helping us out the better. Send me an email mike@mikecluett.ca if you are interested in joining the MCPC. We meet monthly and combined with our activities its not a lot of time to spend, but it is worthwhile.
You can find out more about the programs of the Halton Police on their website www.haltonpolice.ca
Halton MPP Says Provincial Government “evasive” when it comes to MDH
Flipping through the online version of the Halton Compass, I came across an article in the November 11th edition about Halton MPP Ted Chudleigh asking the Health Minister Deb Matthews and anyone else involved about answers to Milton’s questions … when are we getting the hospital?
He wasn’t too impressed with the ministers answers during a committee meeting. The video below the article is of the exchange (courtesy of Ted Chudleighs website)
Chudleigh Says Liberals evasive on Milton Hospital
According to Halton MPP Ted Chudleigh, Minister of Health Deborah Matthews has more moves than a prize-fighting boxer when it comes to dealing with the expansion of Milton District Hospital.
“She bobbed and weaved so much in answering a question (about the hospital) today that she again provided no concrete answer to a legitimate question.” fumed Chudleigh on November 2.
Chudleigh asked why the Ministry has been spending millions on consultants but has been pleading poor when it comes to providing the funds necessary to expand Milton’s small hospital.
“Minister Matthews dodged, went off topic and dodged again.” said Chudleigh. “Her refusal to answer a legitimate question in the Legislature should anger Miltonians and all Ontarioians.”
Chudleigh explained that Milton’s hospital was built with a population of 30,000 in mind. The town now boasts more than 90.000 residents and the population keeps rising, and is expected to grow more than 180,000 in another decade.
According to Chudleigh, the people of Milton have waited three years for action to be taken on the expansion of Milton’s hospital. The money frittered away on consultants, as detailed in the Ontario Auditor’s Report, would have easily paid for the complete and necessary expansion of the Milton facility, he said.
“It’s pretty clear,” Chudleigh said. “that the health care of Miltonians is less important to a Liberal government than transferring taxpayer’s money into the hands of their friends.”
Ted has spoken out many times over the last few years at the provincial level about the needs of Milton’s healthcare needs. Here is an example of Ted in action.
During the last municipal campaign, the hospital was obviously one of the big issues. I had stated, along with pretty much everyone who’s name was on a ballot, that the new Milton Town Council would do what they could to raise this issue with the provincial government. I used the words “get off their duff” (believe me I wanted to use stronger words than that) when it comes to the expansion of our hospital. Give us an answer either way so we can start planning at the local level when it comes to funding ideas for our portion. This inaction isn’t helping Miltonians at all.
We need to put some more pressure on the provincial government. Sending copies of reports and statements by council to anyone with an “@ontario.ca” email address isnt cutting it. The provincial government spends its days telling municipalities like Milton and other surrounding communities that we have to grow by “X” amount in the next 10 years…but provides no financial assistance to get it done. Just do it we’re told.
As this new council gets ready to go, we need to put together a plan that will help raise awareness of this inside the provincial government. Many thanks to Halton MPP Ted Chudleigh for raising the issue in the provincial legislature on a regular basis. Mr Chudleighs been known for time to time for ruffling a few feathers in the provincial government and I’m sure this isn’t the last time he’ll speak out about it.
Something has to be done. A long time ago. Its starts with a loud voice…then it turns into more.
Public Consultation for High School Boundaries
Thanks to “daycaremom” from the Hawthorne Villager for posting this information.
On Thursday November 25th, there will be a public consultation meeting at Milton District High School regarding the school boundaries for public high schools in Milton. As many in our ward are aware of, a new high school is being constructed at Louis St Laurent and 4th Line. When that school and other new ones that will be constructed come online, the school board will be looking into boundary changes.
Public Consultation For New High School in Milton (SRA 105)
The Halton District School Board invites the public to attend a Public Consultation Meeting to review and provide feedback on various boundary change scenarios for the public secondary schools in Milton. This consultation will take place on:
Thursday, November 25th, 2010 @ 7PM – Milton District High School 396 Williams Avenue, Milton ON
Halton District School Board staff will present information concerning each of the scenarios and parents/guardians will participate in discussions about each option. Staff will be on hand to answer questions.
Here is the link to the HDSB website for all the information you’ll need. On the right hand side you will see the link to the proposed boundaries in different scenarios. In each of these scenarios, you will see that our ward and most of Hawthorne Village itself will be attending the new school when its constructed. It is still important to be informed and if you have children that will be attending high school in the coming years, you should still attend. I might not be able to make it due to other commitments but I’m sure there will be a report from those in attendance coming shortly.
Milton Santa Claus Parade 2010
It was a little chilly but still an entertaining day on Main Street in Milton. Thousands of people despite the cold wind and the snow earlier on in the day made their way to downtown Milton for its annual Santa Claus Parade. Over 50 floats made their way down Main Street to sing songs, dance, and promote a wonderful family oriented holiday season.
MiltonToday TV was there live online … I didn’t get a chance to go over and say HI but they apparently did a very good job broadcasting the parade online. I’ll have to go check them out. From where we were (in front of Knox Presp. Church) you could see the MiltonToday HQ. Milton’s parade gets better and better as the years go on and this one didnt disappoint. Mrs. Claus apparently needed some extra time to get her make up ready according to one of the parade marshals Colin Best but it took only about 2 hours for the parade be completed.
Troy’s Diner had an amazing float and a collection of dancers that knocked the socks off of a lot of people along the parade route. Speaking with Tiger Ali Singh at Troy’s later this evening, he said next year was going to be bigger … and better. “TIGER STYLE” as he put it. You know its going to be big!
The Shriners as always did an amazing job. Anthony now wants to see if he can ride those motorized scooters around soon. Im almost afraid of what he would do in one of those. The dancers from all the different groups looked cold but were still going strong at the half way point in the parade. The parade was full of energy and shouts of “MERRY CHRISTMAS” can be heard all over the route.
Here are just some of the pictures we took along the parade route. We had a fabulous time and congratulations to the organizational committee for another well done event.
Volunteer Opportunities Available
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.
- Committee of Adjustment and Consent
- Community Services Advisory Committee
- Downtown Business Improvement Area
- Heritage Milton
- Milton Accessibility Advisory Committee
- Milton Public Library Board
- Milton Transit Advisory Committee
- Trails Advisory Committee
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