Network of trails for Waterloo

Today there is a a great article in The Record about TTAC's (Trails and Transportation Advisory Committee) to start the creation of a trails network in Waterloo. What is missing from the article is the rest of the proposed networks. These will be posted shortly.

Politicians should show leadership with Wilmot line

Wilmot Council had every right the pave the Wilmot line, even without fair and open public notice to its own constituents. Unfortunately they did so without regard for the City of Waterloo’s concerns.

To set the record straight, starting is 2004 the City of Waterloo undertook a number of key initiatives when it approved the West End developments, which also involved Wilmot County. 1) It set out a process with the Region and the Townships of Wilmot, Woolwich and Wellesley to establish a long term vision for the area, which led to the establishment of the Laurel Creek Environmentally Sensitive Landscape (ESL). 2) It required the developers to build an internal collector road to Columbia Street to prevent the Wilmot Line from becoming the primary access road into the subdivisions. 3) It provided an alternative access to the developments so that Columbia Street would not need to be connected to the Wilmot Line, by pushing ahead with a new road parallel to the Wilmot Line between Columbia and Erb street. 4) It implemented traffic count monitoring, so that should traffic on the Northern part of the Wilmot line exceed 1000 cars per day, steps could be taken to prevent traffic from exceeding 1000 per day.

Wilmot and Waterloo are neighbours. They should be working together to address the traffic, environmental and others issues between them, and not playing coy with intentions. With the Region growing as it is, especially the commercial development on Ira Needles Blvd, and more and more people wanting walk, cycle or ski in parts of the Laurel Creek ESL, traffic will increase. It’s time to put together a plan for the entire community rather than acting unilaterally. The political leaders need to talk to each other and come to a common understanding on how to ensure the long term environmental integrity of the Laurel Creak Headwaters Environmentally Sensitive Landscape along the Wilmot Line and some of the most sensitive parts of the Waterloo Moraine.

It’s time for a community discussion.

Sailing school celebrates 50 years

Many of you know that I am an active sailor, and have been quite involved with the local Conestoga Sailing Club at Conestogo Lake.

This Saturday we are celebrating our 50th anniversary. 1:00 to 4:00 pm, with greetings at 2:0 pm, followed be treats and sailing. The public is welcome to attend. Both The Record and The Waterloo Chronicle have written a story.

The clubs website has driving instructions and more information about the club. Feel free o come and enjoy the afternoon. I will be taking people out for a sail.

Financial Planning needed for LRT

On June 1st I spoke at Waterloo Regional Council about the need for a referendum, and that regional Council should be listening carefully to what the public has been saying, there has been plenty of opportunity for input, address the concerns and then make a decision. Much of what gets presented to the public refers to the BRT/LRT as a tax increase. No wonder people say no! Instead, they should be looking at ways to mitigate the costs, such as dedicating cost savings to the LRT, or re-prioritizing costs from other areas. It looks like this is finally starting to happen.

Regional Council needs to get the financing team in place to figure out how to pay for this without assuming everything can be done through tax increases.

My speaking notes are here.

Contempt of Parliament

I have heard many comments that Canadians do not want this election, and that we should concentrate our efforts on the economy. Whereas I do agree that we should ensure that the economy gets the proper attention, there is something far more important that needs to be considered, and that is respect for government, the institutions and the people.

As a municipal Councillor, I have learned how important it is to have respect for the governing institutions, and for the other politicians around the table. As a group, we are elected by the public to govern. The only way we can govern effectively is if we, as politicians, can engage in respectful and truthful discussion, given that each person has the best interests of the community at their heart. Yes, it comes to a vote at the end, but the process and respect for the process are of paramount importance.

This past Sunday The National had a good news clip about how our parliament works, being undertaken by the Munk School of Global Affairs. It is just a 3 minutes long, and there is a 15 second advertisement the start.

Its worthwhile to watch the clip before the election.

Clay and Glass

A few exciting things are happening at The Clay and Glass.

The current exhibition, Brash Sophistication, Two American Pop Artists Redefine Minimalism opened last month. A great video was put together during the opening including clips where the artists explain their work. It is quite interesting. Admission is free.

Secondly, The Clay and Glass will be holding its Earth Light Fire Gala on Saturday March 19th. Its a celebration and and promises to be a fun and memorable night out. For tickets, contact the gallery directly at 519 746 182 , or email me at jan@dailly.ca and I can arrange the tickets for you.

7 years as Councillor

After 7 years, today is my last day as Councillor for the City of Waterloo. Last night I made my closing comments in Council. My speaking notes are below. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time on Council as the city moved from the dark days of RIM Park to the thriving community we have now. I am both proud and privileged to have been your representative during these times. We have a great and active community, and it have been a pleasure to work with everyone who want to make us a better place to work, live and play.

Many have asked what I will do doing next. I have made no decisions yet, other than find a "paid leadership position". I do hope to keep involved in some way in the municipal level, and who knows what opportunities will present themselves. In the meantime, I am becoming board member at The Clay and Glass and on the GRCA, and have applied to be on the City of Waterloo Trails and Transportation committee.

I wish the current Council the best of success. Thank you to all.