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Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "THE DICE WILL BE CAST": 


What became of the 80 plus acres of land that Frank Stronach was prepared to give to the town?

Is this history, while we get dragged through a couple of acres of wildlife reserve that will cost millions?

If I appear confused it's because I am.

Posted by Anonymous to  Our Town and Its Business at 22 June 2016 at 21:13

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The Stronach proposal came to Council twice in the last term. It did not return a third time. 

The first presentation was a beautiful thing. A large acreage of land, predominantly forested, to include a restaurant, a gift shop,an education centre and a foundation fund established to manage a new amenity for the enjoyment and education of the community. 

For some reason ,it was not immediately, graciously and enthusiastically,except for myself, accepted. 

The plan was referred to staff. 

No new town department needed. No disputes about user fees. Some pay, some don't. No political involvement.

At some point, it was never clear where or when,  concern must have been expressed about the restaurant, gift store and other amenities . When the plan came back to Council a second time ,they were no longer included.  I expressed disappointment. 

A report from a citizens' advisory committee which included Mr. Tomlinson and Mr.Wehrenburg  recommended the plan be referred to their committee  for approval before being considered  by Council for approval. 

Mr Tomlinson's particular interest was the Wild Life Reserve at town expense. Mr. Wehrenberg's all-consuming interest was the trail system .

Council accepted the committee's recommendation. No explanation offered. I never understood 

why Aurora would view a gift that way. 

I may not have been the only one with  that reaction. 

To this day, as far as I know, the Stronach offer was not made a third time.