Mayor Ann Lawlor's August 2024 Message

HALTON HILLS, ON – Originally published in Halton Hills Today.

September is always a busy time of year and the Town calendar this year is jam packed with everything from new recreation programs to long range transportation planning, preparing for infill housing and designating our valuable heritage buildings.

Town Councillors had a meeting break this summer but were back with sleeves rolled up in late August for a Council meeting. Here are a few of the items that were on the agenda:

Hide House Heritage Challenge

The Hide House in Acton has been identified as a rare surviving example of a late-nineteenth century Victorian industrial warehouse, the only one of its kind in Halton Hills and the only remaining building associated with the former Beardmore industrial complex. Associated with the development of the tanning industry, the Hide House is a significant landmark in the community and is physically, functionally, and historically linked to its surroundings. It defines the character of the area.

Legal counsel on behalf of the owners of the Hide House wrote and spoke to Council that they object to Council’s intent to designate the building under the Ontario Heritage Act. While Council affirmed designation of this significant structure, the owners can appeal Council’s decision to the Ontario Land Tribunal. (It should be noted that designation does not prevent an owner in making changes to the property. Identified heritage features can be altered as part of a development or building application.)

Going My Way??

Council approved the development of a new Mobility Master Plan and will be looking for your input over the next several months. The project will: assess the travel needs of residents and provide travel mode choices including walking, cycling, driving and transit; foster a healthy community by supporting active lifestyles; support economic growth in industrial/commercial areas by providing appropriate routes for truck traffic; and identify key infrastructure requirements to build and maintain road and transportation systems for the years 2026 to 2051.

Stay tuned for opportunities to give us your thoughts about getting in, out and around Town. As we grow, it’s going to get busier!

Adding More Living Quarters

At the direction of the Province, the Town is looking to expand opportunities for Additional Residential Units in our community. Units added to existing homes could help create more rental housing or add separate accommodations for extended family members. Those interested in adding another residential unit should think about the location (within or detached from the main dwelling), and how much it could cost. Lot standards (including height, coverage and setbacks from property lines) will be considered when an application is brought forward to the Town for review. Find more at Let’s Talk Halton Hills – Additional Residential Units.

I have run out of space but hope to see everyone at September’s special events including the Terry Fox Run, Walk or Run for Georgetown Hospital and of course the Georgetown and Acton Fall Fairs!

Please keep an eye out for our kids as they head back to school.