Community Forum

November 2011

This was the third Community Forum and initially there were no items on the Agenda. I had a few questions that I asked in a “positive, forward-thinking way”! It looked like we were finally at a point where the Forum would move in the direction Amanda Levy, the facilitator, and Council had hoped.

Mayor Dennis Lever welcomed everyone and updated those present on any results from the topics raised at the previous Community Forum.
· Microphones in Council Chambers: these had been installed.
· Railway Crossing on Hume and Watson Roads: a traffic survey was still being done.
· Cameras at MTO Parking Lots: Councillor Susan Fielding had agreed to contact the appropriate people with this request. Apparently, it is illegal to actually leave vehicles overnight in the car parks. The person she spoke to was surprised to hear about the number of stolen cars and break-ins. The final answer seemed to be that they would not be installing cameras at the car parks.
· Carrol Pond: Gamsby and Mannerow would be coming to Council in December to discuss this matter.
· Decks in Millcreek: this was private land and the owner(s) established the criteria for decks.
· MNR Remapping: the changes were very minor.
· Concession 7: this was still being discussed at Council and they were waiting for recommendations from the Road Superintendent.

Amanda welcomed everyone and said that it seemed that we had finally reached the point where this Forum and future ones would deal more with the future of Puslinch and how to make it a better place to live. Amanda provided a list of possible topics for discussion and suggested that we pick 5 of them. We would then be divided into groups of 5 or 6 for a10 minute round table discussion. After that, one person from each table would give a brief presentation on what had been discussed and provide some realistic ideas.

The topics were: Changing demographics, well being, life style, recreation, health, safety, land use, communications, community, seniors, juniors, transportation, economic development. A show of hands selected recreation, land use, transportation and community.

Before the Round Table discussions began, I raised my two points – both of which were directed at the Mayor. The first related to in camera meetings. I noticed that there had been a decline in the number. I know that one can’t predict when an in camera meeting will be needed but I was trying to get Council to take a closer look at the need for what they were discussing in camera – seems I have succeeded! However, I asked that they be careful not to slip up and discuss matters in open Council that should be in camera (there had been one such incidence). The second point I made was that I hoped the Mayor would, in the future, try and attend more functions within the community. My point was that it was important for the event to receive the recognition from the Mayor and Council and it also showed that the Mayor was involved in the community. Dennis said that he was surprised to hear this comment as he did attend a lot in the community. If he is invited to something he will go – so the key is to formally invite the Mayor if we want him to support the community.

Round Table discussions:
Recreation (and Life Style): This group focused on the trails (or lack of Township-owned ones) in the Township.
· There are some trails in the Township but they are owned by Conservation Authorities or the GRCA.
· It was suggested that we try and link all the trails within the Township and connect to those on the boundaries.
· This would involve getting permission to use private land from owners.
· It was suggested that we map out where we would like the trails to go and look at approaching the owners.
· Hopefully this can be built on at the next Forum in January.

There is the Wellington County Trail Guide that shows all the trails and is updated every 5 years (a new one has just come out). All the trails are on public land. Perhaps we would have some new trails for the next publication in 5 years.

Seniors: This group focused on what there was for Seniors to do in the Township.
· What age does “senior” kick in?
· Decided it was commonly 60 or 65.
· What did the Township already offer?
· Euchre was very popular though a lot of the players were from outside Puslinch!
· We also had the Senior’s lunches during the year.
· Would like to see more variety: bus trips, hiking groups, etc.
· Perhaps an organization could be formed.

Land Use: This group looked at housing for Seniors and future industrial development.
· Would like to see something more conducive to Seniors.
· Dennis explained that the Province did not permit multi-unit development in rural areas.
· What would happen when Nicholas Beaver was full?
· Where would another Industrial Park be developed?

Community Building: this group looked at making residents feel like part of a family.
· There was already a very strong community spirit in Puslinch with the Santa Claus Parade and Fall Fair.
· How could they improve matters?
· Needed to identify new programs.
· Computer courses at the library?
· Needed input from the community.
· Better advertising of events.
· Councillor Susan Fielding sent out an e-mail update several times a year to over 300 residents.
· There were some residents who didn’t have computers.
· Notices are put in the Puslinch Pioneer but perhaps they need to be better highlighted.

Transportation: This group looked at the lack of public transit in the Township.
· No means of public transportation in the Township is a big handicap for Seniors.
· Wellington North has a heavily subsidized private transit system.
· Perhaps join with Cambridge and Flamborough (Hamilton) to provide some sort of transit system.
· Need to move the work force within the Township.

Dennis wrapped up the meeting and thanked everyone for attending. He suggested that we try and build on the ideas presented for the next Forum, which is January 12, 2012.

Sandra Solomon