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Regional Councillor Report
Submitted by: Colleen Jordan, Regional Councillor Wards 3 & 4
Date: Oct. 12, 2004
Regional Council - Sept. 29, 2004
A presentation by the Urban Development Institute, on the
Malone Given Parsons Ltd study of the GTA - Hamilton Land Supply
Analysis & Implementing the Provincial Growth Management
Strategy analyzed the
supply of land that would be available should the Province's
Places to Grow assumptions of intensification be implemented.
The study indicated a shortfall of some 31,770 hectares in the
total land requirements by the year 2031. The presenters
indicated that their analysis indicated that Durham Region could
be poised to become a strategic employment centre in the G.T.A.
UDI were generally supportive of the provincial strategy and made
a number of recommendations for implementation; including the
province clearly defining infrastructure opportunities to channel
growth to defined areas, nodes and corridors and establishing an
infrastructure and land use planning strategy for a period of
thirty to fifty years.
Confirmation of Region's Triple A Credit Rating
Standard & Poor's review has reconfirmed the Region's triple A
credit rating with a stable outlook. Based on their review
of the Region's credit fundamentals it was determined that
Durham's major strengths were; very strong liquidity levels, low
but increasing debt levels,
healthy operating and after capital results and a strong and
growing local economy. The prudent policies for financing
capital, strong reserves and flexibility to deal with cost
pressures were positive indicators. In future it will be
increasingly important to prudently manage capital expenditures
and debt while maintaining strong levels within the Region's
reserves and reserve funds.
The Triple "A" rating has been achieved by only a select
group of Ontario municipalities and is instrumental in reducing
debenture debt borrowing costs for the Region and its area
municipalities.
Consolidated Budget Status Report to August 31, 2004
Break even positions are projected for general tax operations and
solid waste management, based on the available information to
August. The water supply system and sanitary sewage
systems are projected to have a surplus of $150,000 and
$325,000.00 due to unanticipated growth in customers.
Payment of Property Taxes for the 407 ETR
Council endorsed a motion initiated by the Region of Peel calling
on the province to repeal sections of the Assessment Act that
currently exempt lands owned by the 407 ETR from payment of
property taxes.
Council endorsed the motion due to the substantial potential tax
revenues involved, the additional strain placed on municipal
infrastructure due to the presence of the 407 and also due to the
fact that other for profit commercial enterprises are liable for
property
taxes.
T.R.C.A - Sept. 24, 2004
A preview of the documentary to commemorate Hurricane Hazel's 50th
anniversary was shown to the Board. Information may also be
viewed at www.hurricanehazel.com
Jim Bruce from Water & Soil Conservation Authority provided a presentation which highlighted the potential for future disasters
due to changing climatic patterns, aging infrastructure and the larger
population and property now at risk. His presentation showed
charts that indicated heavy rainfall periods have occurred more
frequently during recent years.
He also noted that hurricanes are not classified by the amount of
rainfall occurring which in our areas may in fact be the more
serious determinant of damage.
His presentation highlighted the importance of Conservation
Authorities and the work done to protect communities by mapping
flood vulnerable areas, water source protection plans, erosion
control etc. This work is essential in protecting our
greenspace and natural biodiversity as well as protecting human
health and safety.
Colleen Jordan
Regional Councillor
Wards 3 & 4
Res: (905) 427-5084
Town:
Fax:
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