AGM minutes

Minutes of the B.V.R.A. Annual General Meeting: 2009

7:00 p.m. Thursday June l8 2009 at the Walton Memorial United Church

*NOTE: Prior to the start of the meeting Sara Alexander tendered her resignation in writing and is no longer a Director.*

Attending: Mike Lansdowne, Lorraine Quast, Brian Miller, Dale and Joanne Walden,

Michael Glynne, Laurie McGuinn

The meeting began at 7:00 p.m. with Brian Miller chairing the meeting.

Brian welcomed the audience to our 6 th annual general meeting and introduced the current members of the Board and welcomed our guest speakers, Mayor Rob Burton and Constable Jennifer Dewar.

Brian polled the audience to determine how they learned of the meeting, whether it was our printed flyer, adds in the Oakville Beaver, our web site, etc.

Brian advised that memberships would be on sale this evening at the rate of $20.00 which would purchase a two year, rather than the usual one year membership.

Agenda:.

Brian discussed two topics, the Amica Development and Bronte Village Mall Redevelopment

Amica: Brian advised that Amica is a company which provides luxury rental accommodations for seniors with their most Bronte project located at Bronte Road, west side near Sovereign St. Town council approved the application. The historic red brick house currently on site is being relocated to Jones St. in the future. There is an OMB appeal in the system and we have no date on which that decision will be rendered at this time. Brian explained that he belonged to a focus group which assisted in the design of the complex. He still from time to time meets with that group and they wish to ensure that the complex is built to the specifications to which they agreed. Questions came from the audience concerning why the application is at the OMB and how many units there will be available. An audience member advised that there are 900 signatures on a petition which stated their opposition to the project. It is the member's view that this is the reason why the OMB is hearing the matter. An audience member asked if there were other senior residences planned for the community. ( The Moldenhaur application on Lakeshore at Jones St. was mentioned)

Bronte Village Mall application: Brian discussed this application at great length. Brian advised that he again, was part of a focus group which had met with the developers to discuss the plans for the mall however he did so as a resident and not as the BVRA president. He indicated that he had participated in the Bronte Village Revitalization Study as well and so did most of the other members of the focus group. Brian explained what the mission of that group entailed. He described how the group came together and how they operated. He advised the audience that the application for this proposal pre dates OP amendment 275 so that there were no height restrictions, etc. placed on the developer for that site. He outlined a number of issues the group focused on which include:

l. Business aspect: what must be offered in order to attract business to Bronte and assist them so that they flourish?

2. How can they respect the recommendations of the BVRS?

3. Parking: underground parking was considered but as it is very expensive, they determined they must have a “trade off” and have some surface parking.

4. How much land should be devoted to residential and how much to office space, to businesses, green space etc.

5. Heights of buildings were considered.

6. Space for arts groups was desired

7. Shadow impacts should be considered on neighbouring properties

The focus group tried to keep all of these issues in mind during the process according to Brian. The key was to keep Sobey's grocery store in the area; all were agreed on that. Retail space had to remain flexible. Brian discussed how the live/work footprints are too small in the focus group's opinion and they are not working. Parking was an issue with those types of units in Bronte. They wanted to attract good quality vendors. Brian explained that there is a lack of professional office space here in Bronte for accountants, medical office space, etc. Brian's personal view was that there should be more office space and less residential space as those workers walk in Bronte, eat lunch here, shop here, etc during their lunch hours. Most of the group came to agree with this idea. It was important that a restaurant be located there and a public space was very important. A town square was required where local events could be held and people could gather. There would be a glass atrium where sunlight streams through and creates a lovely space for the cold months in which people can gather. A park will be situated where the present small park exists and the gas station will be expropriated in order to enlarge the park. The plans call for townhouses and 6 and 8 storey buildings along Sovereign St. and the 21 storey tower on Bronte Road provide residential units. The group felt the tower should have a boutique hotel in it to bring tourists to Bronte on a regular basis all year round.

He added that the BVRS revealed that it was important to keep the village character along Lakeshore Road and it was his view that the height is mitigated because that tower stretches along Sovereign St. and not on Lakeshore. He added that the tower is across the street from a high rise apartment building. They want to have green roofs on some of the tall buildings to minimize the impact on neighbours.

An audience member asked about affordable housing in this application. Brian explained that other condos in Bronte are very expensive. He explained that in this new complex, there would be affordable units with a series of price points starting at $300.00.00 to $350,000.00. An audience member commented that she wants to stay in Bronte however everything is expensive however she does not want to be in an apartment. She does not want to leave Bronte but there is no affordable housing in Bronte. She lives in a house too big for herself but this application certainly is not resolving these issues for her. The once quaint streets are no longer quaint according to her. The townhouses are not an option for 70 year olds as there are too many stairs. Brian responded to these statements by stating that affordable housing exists in that complex and it will help people stay in Bronte but one must be willing to move into that complex.

Brian utilized much more than his allotted time for his presentation on the two topics therefore Laurie advised the audience that the BVRA have not endorsed this development; Brian is merely informing us as a resident himself and a participant on a focus group and not as the president of the BVRA. Laurie advised that we realize there will be a lot of objection to this development and the BVRA has not taken a vote from the membership to show whether we should object to it or support it. We should not see Brian's presentation as an endorsement of the project; we will attend the public meetings and we will canvas our membership for their views on whether or not the BVRA will support the project.

Brian explained he supports the project but that many of the members of the Board have already indicated they will not support it.

Audience member stated she had a statement and question for Mayor Rob Burton.

He advised she should ask it.

Questions to the Mayor:

Audience member:spoke regarding the Coronation Park development. She stated that the houses will conform to the zoning of that area; price point not known at this time. Prices likely to be very high. Secondly she claims that when someone sells their house for $350,000, units can be bought for that price in the Sobey's plaza but then maintenance fees would be very expensive in that complex.. Thirdly she said that the retail space is a concern to her. Brian Miller said that the footprint would be flexible so that they could accommodate a number of different businesses with different needs.

Another audience member said that traffic impact studies should be done; congestion is terrible. Brian responded that traffic studies were not provided to the focus group.

An audience member advised that a 21 storey building in Bronte is unwelcome. It has lost it's village character.The Mayor was asked for his comments.

Mayor Burton explained that Bronte has changed significantly from 50 years ago. Residents wanted a plan to control development. On Monday a new official plan will be struck. It is clear, strong and defensible. Developers have already indicated they will appeal it. He claims that there were many meetings in Bronte regarding the official plan. Transportation studies were done. It was concluded that if you want more people and vitality, you needed more transportation, you had to improve the roadways, build a bridge etc. and this end, in 2011 the Wyecroft bridge construction will begin. He admits he has driven in Bronte and found traffic just inches along at times. People complain about the traffic jams to him all the time and his solution is to build more capacity. On the issue of height, he stated that the 21 storey tower is not part of the plan. The maximum height he thinks will be allowed is l0 stories to which the audience applauded.

Intensification zones were created according to the Mayor; therefore we will protect our stable neighborhoods. He highlighted the intensification zones. He feels we have a strong position at the OMB and we are undefeated to date at the OMB.

An audience member asked what is happening on the south side of Lakeshore Road . Mayor Burton explained that the Palm Place units are not selling. He hears that prices are dropping. It is lakefront so not cheap so she should not expect the prices to fall so far as to be considered affordable housing. The Quad developers stated that they will be coming in for their building permit in a few weeks. A public information meeting will be held in the fall regarding the Sobey's plaza development and the Mayor encouraged all to attend that meeting however he had no date at that time for the actual meeting.

Audience member asks what the waterfront plans are. The Mayor states the park will be built soon and one can view the drawings on the town's web site and added that at the social on Saturday with Al and Ralph you can ask them at that time about the plans. He encouraged people at attend and meet their councillors.

Audience member asked about the Moldenhaeur project. The Mayor said that he spoke to the planning staff today and he states in the event the project does not conform to the new op they will oppose it. Dale Walden asked if the application was posted. The Mayor replied that he does not know. Audience members asked where specifically this is located and Dale advised this is on the north side of Lakeshore near Jones.

An audience member states she wants to know what kind of art space will be available in Sobeys. She wants cheap studios available for artists. Brian states one of the focus group members was vehement that this was needed and they supported it strongly as a group.

Audience member commented that the QE school may possibly have enough room for artists space there.

Audience comment: height is a huge concern for the community. She feels we should not object to the application just because height is an issue. She wants something built and doesn't want to hold up progress because of height. She is tired of seeing nothing developed in Bronte.

Brian concluded his portion of the presentations and requested everyone to send comments to the BVRA in order to know how the members wish the Board to pursue the matter.

Village constable Dewar was introduced:

She advised of her new office space at the Lighthouse Restaurant. She states she is a community contact and is available for all police related issues. No problem is too small or too big. She rides a bike in the summer; her goal is to know everyone in the community; she is out in the village and seeking to get to know the community and the people and is very approachable by anyone. She invites all to approach her and introduce yourself and discuss any police issues whatsoever. She is happy to say that Bronte is the safest part of Oakville in almost every level of crime.

Audience member asked about office hours. The Constable says she is around at night; focusing on the Pizza Pizza problems, etc. She can adjust her hours. She has no set office hours. When she is not there, policing is done by 2 to 5 other officers south of the QEW. There is always coverage.

Audience member said the youth centre was never to cause problems when it was proposed and now that it has, kids hang around very late; noise is terrible, tires are constantly screeching, and he feels the youth centre is disruptive to residents. The constable said she should be told of these complaints. She is gathering information right now and not doing anything specific. She can have her fellow officers hang out in the area to determine which kids are the problems, etc. She will make it a priority. She attends the youth centre often. She should be called whenever residents feel there is a disturbance caused by the youth centre. She emphasized that she must be called if she is going to deal with an issue otherwise how would she be aware that there is a concern. She indicated she was leaving business cards and if someone did not wish to speak up at the meeting they should take her card and call in private.

Our next guest the Youth Centre coordinator, Kim Lavecchia asked if she could speak to this issue:

Kim Lavecchia has been with the centre for three months now and from her experience, youth have always hung out here. That is why the centre exists and in her view, it keeps people off the street. In the first three months there were over 200 youth registered, most from Bronte. The centre is working very well in her opinion and it will continue to work. If the kids are a problem, Kim told the crowd they should call the police. She added that the constable hangs out with the kids often and if there are problems, she should be the one who gets involved. She claims that all issues are controllable if you contact the right person. She states there are good kids who enjoy the centre and the people who cause problems are likely not using the centre; they are just adults or older kids who are disruptive and if residents call the police they will be able to control the problem instead of blaming the children using the youth centre. The centre is open 5 days per week Tues to Sat. Programs are held there; Friday and Sat. nights are busy nights. There are lots of offerings such as pool tables,t.v. cooking and baking classes, etc.

The youth centre is located at Lakeshore and East St in the Bronte plaza storefront across the street from Tim Hortons.

The President of the BIA asked if there is a link between the trouble with kids in community and the youth attending the centre. An audience member stated they have lived here for l0 years and the problem is greater now than it was before. Constable Dewar stated that as years go by there are lots more kids coming into Bronte who party here but do not live in Bronte and that in her view the problems are not caused by the kids at the youth centre. The age group at the youth centre is between l3 and l5 and there are more older youth arriving now to party and hang around Bronte from other parts of town; who do not live in Bronte.

Audience member who states she lived here for 3 years…she finds there is no connection between youth centres and trouble causing youths. She finds adults keep her up at 3 am just as much as youth can.

Laurie McGuinn did a short presentation:

Laurie states that Moldenhaur has made an 8 storey application for a seniors home on Lakeshore Road which is going to the OMB. We have no other news on the proposal at this time.

3047 Lakeshore application; 24 townhouses planned and the town denied the development. It has also gone to the OMB. A pre hearing was held June 1 at which time the OMB stated the applicant must start all over again as they did not follow procedure.

Petro refinery update: the stacks being dismantled.

BVRA was recently involved with the Shell Park Trail. There was a walkway there; the town wanted to pave the walkway; the BVFA strongly opposed the walkway and eventually the Town opted to return the pathway to the original natural pathway.

South Shell Park update: (adjacent to Great Lakes Blvd. :) half a park is being built right now.

A resident said he read recently that town council had to take lots of money away from other areas and as a result the Shell Park would lose funding. There were no other comments made. The BVRA wanted a passive park with lots of walkways and natural pathways, no playgrounds were wanted.

Dusking Wing Way update: the area was zoned medium density and the applicant will build 64 townhouses. The site plan was approved.

Dale Walden advised that South Shell Park is a separate item from the park that exists. Part of the park is now open and you can bike through the west end. There was l.5 million dollars slotted for that park and it has now been pulled. Dale said that if you have travelled near Burloak the roads have been updated and are almost finished. The construction is now heading eastwards from Mississaga to Great Lakes . On June 25 there will be a public information meeting regarding the next phase…medians, lights, locations, etc. If you have input Dale advised that you should attend.

Audience asked if we expected that Palm Place would just be abandoned. Brian answered that he thinks not. When economy improves; things will begin again.

Audience member states she is concerned about air pollution. Air smells bad and wants to know if any other people are worried. There was no discussion following this comment.

Lorraine Quast addressed the audience and requested that people ensure they advise the BVRA how they wish the BVRA to pursue the proposal for the Bronte Mall. She indicated this is in her view, the largest development in Bronte to date and will be the most significant because of it's location and position in the community. She emphasized that if the BVRA hears that you support the project we will make that known to the town and if the membership rejects the development, that we will pursue that position with the town however it is vital that members let the Board know their views on the project and we should be hearing from them now as meetings will be coming up in the near future and the BVRA needs to know the position it will take.

Treasurer report: Financial statements were given out. Joanne Walden states that as of March 31 we had $2800.12 in the bank. A motion was made to accept the financial statement. It was seconded and passed.

Mike Lansdown then conducted the election of the Board members:

He indicated he is a member; not currently on the Board.

Positions available: he advised that of the 9 positions, 5 positions need to be filled including President. President is a two year term; the description of that position requires that you spend one year on the board before you can be the President of the Board. Brian Miller was not contested therefore Brian Miller as president is acclaimed.

Dale Walden's position stands for election and is open. No nominations were received, Mike Glynn and John Leard respectively made the motion and seconded it. Dale assumes his past positions.

Two positions: Director at large: Mike Lansdown voted to the position.

Corporate secretary: no nominations; position will be held open; to be filled at any time.