.I don't do gushing. Where gushing happens, I wish to be someplace else. Gush and upchuck are synonymous in my book.
I have something to tell so unbelievably exciting, my main problem will be to refrain from gushing.
The Town is to receive a gift. A parcel of land, twenty times the size of Mosley park, is to be ours.
A wildlife park , interpretative trails, a child care facility, classrooms for children, a cafe /restaurant / banquet facility will all be accommodated.
Three soccer fields with artificial turf and lighting are planned.
A swallows nesting place, song bird meadow, snake hibernatum, turtle pond, fox habitat , deer foraging area , interpretive trails are part of the package. .
An outdoor farmers market and craft fair are potentials .
Wooded areas, wetlands , with the East Holland river running through the property form the ambiance.
Year round programs and banquet facilities will be available.
Parking for 491 cars in the hydro corridor traversing the south-west corner of the property.
And finally, a foundation to be set up to provide for self-sufficient operation .
An application was before Council last night for a change in zoning.
The land is part of a larger parcel, currently designated as a settlement area of Oak Ridges Moraine. Currently zoned to accommodate six residences and a multiple residential building for farm workers, the smaller parcel will be severed and rezoned to public open space with buildings as described above, on the table land on the east side of Bayview Avenue frontage, north of the Vandorf Sideroad.
Residents within the required radius had been notified Numbers attended the planning meeting.
One woman indicated firm opposition because of lights and increased traffic.
Another expressed concern about lights.
Frank Stronach is our benefactor. Fortune and Canada have smiled upon Mr. Stronach. His intent is to return something to the community which has been home to his children and his grandchildren.
I find the sentiment admirable.
We must celebrate the advent with all the grace and dignity of which we are capable.
I am happy to be the bearer of the good news.The press were not in attendance.
If Blog could sing, the song would be.
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
Let nothing you dismay.
A wonderful project to meet many needs
Is sent along its way
With joyful approval and appreciation.
Holy Doodle!
ReplyDeleteThe zoning application has been posted a few times on the Town's Noticeboard in the paper, so this info has been out there.
ReplyDeleteI guess the Catholic parish's loss is the whole Town's gain. (Frank Stronach wanted to build a new church for Our Lady of Grace in that area at no cost to the diocese, but they said 'no thanks'. There was talk of not wanting to accept his non-negotiable, Austrian-style ecclesiastical design)
I think this will be a great amenity (several, in fact) for the town's residents. Maybe Mayor Dawe can get Mr Stronach on board to help make the Heritage Park a reality, too.
Well said Councillor Buck.
ReplyDeleteCouldn't have said it any better.
Such a gift.
Thank You Mr. Stronach.
ReplyDeleteFrankly, magnificent!
I am really pleased that he didn't follow the example of the guy who built that Cathedral south of here. It was pretty well neglected until the housing went up around it. Sad. There was the one visit from the Pope but basically the gates were usually chained.
ReplyDeleteI checked out the plan and the location is absolutely perfect for the way the town is developing. What a super present which we didn't do anything to deserve!
ReplyDeletePlease assure me that all of the councillors were polite and grateful. No talk about suitable jobs or quality of life. Just gracious acceptance all around the table.
ReplyDeleteQuestion for Clarification, please
ReplyDeleteIf Aurora has a Public Relations Department, why do we learn about important events like this on Blogs? Last year we heard the date for the tree lighting from Christopher. I have no problem getting information this way but resent paying a growing # of staff for the job.