Mayor’s column March 2018
There has been a lot of discussion lately and concerns with respect to downtown Acton; particularly the BIA area. The Town continues to work closely with the Acton BIA Board. What you may not know is the Town has made significant improvements in downtown, both in terms of staff resources and financial investments. This includes the completion of the BIA’s new strategic plan, new logo, marketing plan and a new website.
In 2014, the Town introduced a Community Improvement Plan which encourages commercial property owners and businesses to make investments in their properties by providing financial incentives. To date, we have given close to $150,000 to these incentives in Acton alone and about equal amounts to Georgetown businesses.
What is important to know is the Town does not own downtown properties; therefore we have no control on the landlords rent. No doubt it is a challenge, but we can help by supporting the present downtown shops and restaurants. There is some relief coming its way as I know of a few more empty stores are going to be leased.
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There is good news on the Acton industrial side. This includes the Futura development. Their first building is almost complete. That is the building along Highway 7 en route to McMillans. This is the first phase of a 30 million dollar investment creating jobs. Also, GEO Foundations and Purity Life are expanding. Together they are adding another $3.5 million investing in Acton.
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I get many questions on when the road widening is going to start on Trafalgar Road, here is the latest. Since this is a Regional Road, it isn’t under the Town’s jurisdiction and it is managed and operated by Halton Region.
The Region has completed the Environmental Assessment Study for the widening of Trafalgar Road to 4 lanes from Steeles Avenue to Highway 7. The study included a combination of on-road bike lanes and multi-use paths and sidewalks throughout the corridor and 2 grade separations for the railway corridors. The project will be completed in 2 phases. The first phase will be from Steeles Avenue to 10 Sideroad. The design for this section is underway and expected commencement of construction is in 2018. The second phase will be from 10 Sideroad to Highway 7. This portion of the corridor is still pending the MOECC approval due to a pending Part II order. It is anticipated that the construction for this portion will commence in 2020. The construction of the 2 grade separations are to commence in 2021.
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Congratulations to Gerry Kentner for being selected Georgetown’s Citizen of the Year. She has been a tireless volunteer over the years and most notably she introduced Light up the Hills to our community.
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Congratulations also to the Rotary Club of Acton who are celebrating 70 years. They have also done great work in our community.
Congratulations and best wishes to long time serving employee Bill (Crocodile) Carney. Your 27 years of services has been appreciated by the Town of Halton Hills.
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Congratulations to Dennis Norton 2018 Georgetown Hockey Heritage Award winner.
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Keeping it real! I can be reached by telephone at 905-873-2601, ext. 2342 or by email at mayor@haltonhills.ca or read my blog at www.rickbonnette.blogspot.com. You can also follow me on twitter at: @RickBonnette1
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