Mayor Ann Lawlor's May 2024 Message

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

The May 6 meeting of town council was a long one, with subjects ranging from fireworks to heritage preservation to more changes in our provincial planning regulations.

As reported in HaltonHillsToday, the fireworks discussion sparked a lively debate, with council narrowly recommending a ban on sales and private fireworks after September 1, 2024.

A slight majority concluded that the negative effects on animals, the environment and human health trumped the pleasures of setting off the explosions. Major (high level) public fireworks displays would continue to be allowed by the Town through a permit application.

A final decision on the motion will occur at the May 27 council meeting, when Halton Hills could join Brampton, Caledon and Milton with private fireworks bans.

Heritage buildings are a passion of mine; I appreciate the architectural variety, the interesting streetscapes and the unique community stories embedded in the bricks and boards. Our council wants to preserve special heritage homes and commercial properties and staff are working against a provincial deadline of December 31, 2024 to designate and thereby help secure as many as possible.

The amount of special heritage properties in Halton Hills numbers in the hundreds, and the length of time required to prepare designation reports is considerable. Staff and the Heritage Committee have completed reports for only about 10 per cent of the total.

Therefore, council was very disappointed to hear this week from the Provincial Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism that despite our request, there would be no extension of the December deadline. While designation activity can continue, the Town will soon lose the 60-day hold on demolition of properties that were previously on the Heritage Register.

Is preserving heritage buildings something you care about? I’d be glad to know your thoughts.

Housing is a major focus of Town planning and yet another regulation change is now being considered. To encourage the construction of more housing, the province has ruled that in Ontario’s urban areas, up to three dwelling units may be permitted on a lot. Town staff are now reviewing options and creating standards for additional residential units in buildings that are detached from the main residential structure.

Check out the Town’s online conversation site, Let’sTalkHaltonHills.ca, to learn more and weigh in on how to add more housing in existing neighbourhoods. A formal public consultation and council report is planned.

Finally, until May 13, we’re seeking great ideas to make Georgetown’s Cedarvale Park playground replacement even more amazing. The 40-acre park was once home to Cedarvale Farm, which marked the southern edge of Georgetown. Today, the park includes the playground, soccer fields, an off-leash dog park, disc golf, picnic shelter, access to the Hungry Hollow Trail network, and open green space.

The proposed playground design incorporates a wide range of play experiences, encourages inclusive, collaborative play, and includes zones with a rope/net jungle climber, sensory stimulation (rocking, swinging, spinning), sand and water play zone, structure with climbers to slides, nature themes and music.

Visit Let’sTalkHaltonHills.ca and let us know your thoughts!