tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59855482011-06-08T02:42:50.239-04:00AuroraNetA Weblog dedicated to the ideas and issues surrounding the town of Aurora, Ontario, Canada. The blog is managed by the Bayview Wellington Rate Payers Association and it is our hope that it will become a community forum accessed by all.
Editornoreply@blogger.comBlogger601100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5985548.post-1101770638144638172004-11-29T18:19:00.000-05:002004-11-29T18:23:58.710-05:00CALLING ALL EX - BRITS !
British pensioners living in Canada do not receive an indexed pension from Britain (unlike their American or European counterparts). On Thursday December 2nd, 2004, 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. at the Canadian Royal Legion on Industrial Parkway in Aurora and information meeting will be held on this subject.
Representatives from the Canadian Alliance of British Pensioners will Editornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5985548.post-1101770338147141012004-11-29T18:15:00.000-05:002004-11-29T18:18:58.146-05:00Your help needed on the Hydro One issue
The draft Environmental Study Report (ESR) from Hydro One has now been released. You have a 60- day public review period to submit written comments and questions on the project no later than 4:30 pm, Monday, December 20, 2004.
To oppose this project it is reccomended that you write a letter to the Minister of the Environment and Hydro One no later than Editornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5985548.post-1101770101999524512004-11-29T18:13:00.000-05:002004-11-29T18:15:02.003-05:00The Feds and Hydro One
According to the STOP website "Ottawa's new public health agency has been asked to put a halt to Hydro One's plans for a 230-kilovolt transmission line running from Markham to Newmarket. "
Editornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5985548.post-1096981614824686282004-10-05T09:01:00.000-04:002004-10-05T09:06:54.826-04:00It's Official
Hydro One has made official what we have known for months now. They have chosen Parkway Transformer Station (TS) in Markham to Armitiage TS in Newmarket as the preferred transmission route. It is important to note that "Hydro One will not seek final approvals to construct with the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) until requested to do so by York Region and all affected local distribution Editornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5985548.post-1096651191869818452004-10-01T13:10:00.000-04:002004-10-01T13:19:51.870-04:00Mismanagement not Health Management
One of the tactics that Hydro One is using in the debate over the implementation of the York Region line is to claim that alternate solutions will only result in users paying higher energy costs. This is a way of dividing the community among those who live along the Hydro corridor and those who do not.
Don’t believe everything you read from Hydro One. Hydro Editornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5985548.post-1096604229744382042004-10-01T01:07:00.000-04:002004-10-01T00:17:09.743-04:00Health Questions Continue
The Era Banner has an excellent article on the health issues being raised in the Hydro One debate. There are two key points to note in the article.
There are those who have stated that the York Region Public Health Department has stated that no health risk exists. The articles proves this to be false when it quotes the officer of health as saying, “In fact, we have, toEditornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5985548.post-1096603608811656232004-10-01T01:05:00.000-04:002004-10-01T00:06:48.810-04:00Two Sets of Rules?
There seems to be two sets of rules concerning Councilor Evelyn Buck. There are the rules that the Councilor holds everyone else to, and then there is the self serving agenda that Councilor Buck follows.
When the Councilor decries the lack of adherence to the rules of council, she ignores the fact that she continues to speak out of turn and in one instance even assaulted Editornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5985548.post-1095260535199770492004-09-15T10:52:00.000-04:002004-09-15T11:02:15.200-04:00Admitting you have a problem is the first step
An interesting article appears in the Era Banner regarding the behavior of Aurora Council. Mayor Jones is quoted as saying "The word dysfunctional will come up often".
This has been a point of discussion for years. However, while council recognizes they have a problem they continue to point to each other as the reason. What we end up with is a group Editornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5985548.post-1095099159041891042004-09-13T14:04:00.000-04:002004-09-13T14:12:39.040-04:00The U.S. is listening
California and now Connecticut are setting higher standards for the development of transmission lines. Unfortunately Canada is still lagging behind. You have to ask yourself if the most business friendly nation in the world is setting standards then why is Canada still in a state of denial.
This article from the Middletown Press points out that " A new state law requires Editornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5985548.post-1094681506858054272004-09-08T18:05:00.000-04:002004-09-13T12:22:30.186-04:00Not That I'm Looking a Gift Horse in the Mouth, But...
Does it really take over 6 months to build a park? Construction on Civic Square Park began in April of this year. Residents were thrilled that the vacant lot we had been looking at for 7 years was about to become the park that it was originally intended to be.
Six months later the park is only half complete. Summer is over and we have given Editornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5985548.post-1094680700177939592004-09-08T17:55:00.000-04:002004-09-08T17:58:20.176-04:00Sign the Petition
As many of you know STOP has been very active in collecting signatures opposing the proposed Hydro One expansion. You can read about the petition in the Era Banner or sign the petition on-line at the STOP web site.
Editornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5985548.post-1094680475462173312004-09-08T17:51:00.000-04:002004-09-08T17:54:35.463-04:00The Fight Continues
The Toronto Star has an excellent article on the state of the current Hydro One debate.
The article quotes Dr. Magda Havas, a Trent University professor as stating "Associations (between EMF and childhood leukemia) are no longer questioned by the scientific community," "Men and women who have cancer and (are) exposed to a magnetic field are likely to have a cancer that's much Editornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5985548.post-1093269069574913052004-08-23T09:43:00.000-04:002004-08-23T09:53:17.560-04:00Task Force News
The Markham-Aurora Hydro One Task Force has been created and is comprised of individuals from local government, community groups and technical experts. The mandate of the task force is "To provide the necessary support, including financial, technical, legal, communications and political support, to oppose the proposed expansion of the existing transmission lines within an Editornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5985548.post-1093267527918217892004-08-23T09:22:00.000-04:002004-08-23T09:25:27.920-04:00Online Petition
The public response to the Hydro One project has been incredible. STOP continues to sign up members and local government has been moved to act. Work is still to be done however so please visit the STOP website and complete the petition.
Editornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5985548.post-1093267204519454662004-08-23T09:09:00.000-04:002004-08-23T09:21:08.150-04:00California Update
The California Public Utilities Commission approved a controversial PG&E power line project. The project will see the construction of a 27 mile, 230,000-volt line.
Of note to Ontario residents are the following:
In response to health concerns PG&E will bury the lines 11 feet underground, more than twice the depth of the original plan.To quote resident Carol Eejima, a resident Editornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5985548.post-1093268568615315682004-08-23T08:37:00.000-04:002004-08-23T09:42:48.616-04:00The Legal Work Begins
Phyllis Morris has a posting on her site of the Gowlings legal opinion letter ( An opinion paid for and authorized by the Markham Task Force).
The Era Banner is reporting that "Lawyers battling Hydro One's plans to install high-capacity transmission towers from Markham to Newmarket say the environmental assessment process for the project is flawed and should be suspended. "
Editornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5985548.post-1091381019292741472004-08-01T13:20:00.000-04:002004-08-01T13:23:39.293-04:00Connecticut Debates EMF Issue
This article from the MiddleTown Press discusses an ongoing debate in Connecticut regarding burying power lines. As seems to be par for the course those involved are getting frustrated at the volume of conflicting information. A new state law requires electric lines 345 kilovolts or greater to be placed underground when they are near residential areas, schools, Editornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5985548.post-1090347950405380982004-07-20T14:24:00.000-04:002004-07-20T14:25:50.406-04:00California set to Decide on EMF’s
The San Franciso Examiner is reporting that “on AUG. 19 the California Public Utilities Commission is expected to announce its decision on whether more consideration should be given to the possible effects of electromagnetic fields when approving power-transmission projects.” This would be America's first-ever official statement that EMFs could contribute to Editornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5985548.post-1090347725046177182004-07-20T14:21:00.000-04:002004-07-20T14:22:05.046-04:00Motion Passed
At the July 13 council meeting a motion was passed that sees Aurora opposed to the Hydro One expansion project. In an often emotional and spirited discussion council elected to make changes to the original motion in order to ensure that there was no doubt about the opposition to the project. The Era Banner has an article about the meeting.
Editornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5985548.post-1090347645989728252004-07-20T14:16:00.000-04:002004-07-20T14:20:45.990-04:00Why not Unanimous?
Markham council made a strong statement when they voted unanimously to approve a motion against the proposed Hydro One expansion plan. While Aurora council passed a strongly worded motion in its opposition to the project, and there is no doubt about that opposition, the motion was not unanimously approved. Why was Aurora council not able to make the same sort of statement? Editornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5985548.post-1088522268344059052004-06-29T11:06:00.000-04:002004-06-29T11:19:07.150-04:00Town Council Responds
We would like to thank the Mayor and all councilors for responding to our inquiry regarding their position on the Hydro One power line expansion project. Below are the replies:
Tim Jones - “ Mayor Jones feels that until Aurora Council has attended a public meeting that is being co-ordinated through Aurora Hydro on this issue to become educated on the facts and concerns, itEditornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5985548.post-1087331709855105282004-06-15T16:28:00.000-04:002004-06-15T16:35:09.856-04:00Power Play
If you have been keeping up to date with the Hydro One issue discussed below, then the following article in the Globe and Mail may be of interest.
The article points out that Ontario power demand will grow by 80 percent over the next 15 years. This demand coupled with a projected $40-billion worth of investment will see Ontario become a major electricity hub for North America.
It Editornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5985548.post-1087181690524160742004-06-13T22:51:00.000-04:002004-06-13T22:54:50.523-04:00Stand Up Council, Stand Up Please
Markham council introduced a motion opposing the construction of the proposed Hydro One transmission lines through their region. The motion received unanimous support from councilors. To date Aurora council is yet to vote on or even discuss such a motion. As a result citizens are left to wonder where their elected officials stand on this issue. Do you supportEditornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5985548.post-1087178240021891272004-06-13T21:55:00.000-04:002004-06-13T21:57:20.020-04:00Public Meeting or Public Beating?
The Era Banner reviews the public meeting held this week with residents of Aurora and Hydro One regarding the proposed expansion of the power transmission system through Aurora. Not only did the public turn out and fill the council chambers, they came with full voice and demanded to be heard.
Hydro One indicated that the proposed line was not a final solutionEditornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5985548.post-1087177329756294082004-06-13T21:36:00.000-04:002004-06-13T21:44:04.940-04:00STOP
Stop Transmission lines Over People (STOP), a residential group has been formed to oppose the Hydro ONE proposal to construct a 230kV double circuit line from either the Parkway Transformer Station (TS) in Markham or the Claireville TS in Vaughan to the Armitage TS in Newmarket.
STOP firmly believes that the Project threatens the livelihood of the communities affected, including threats to Editornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5985548.post-1087176971096808832004-06-13T21:33:00.000-04:002004-06-15T09:01:32.293-04:00Hydro One, EMF's and Aurora
As many of you know Hydro One has plans to place 230-kilovolt power lines in existing transmission corridors running north through Markham and Aurora to Newmarket. The proposal would see the existing 80 foot towers replaced with 135 foot towers. Instead of the current distance between towers of 1200 Feet the new distance would be 800 feet. This document provides an Editornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5985548.post-1078023133657638552004-02-28T21:52:00.000-05:002004-02-28T21:55:07.140-05:00Rec Centre a Go
Quoting from the Era Banner "Elation from Tuesday's 6-2 decision in favour of a $22-million recreation centre in Aurora may be tempered once residents receive their tax bills.
For a home assessed at $250,000, property owners can expect to have $70 a year added to their tax bill for the next 20 years to pay for the state-of-the-art facility in the town's east end. "
John West andEditornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5985548.post-1077725123086368572004-02-25T11:05:00.000-05:002004-02-25T13:57:29.450-05:00Four out of Nine?!
Well last week a posting urged you to get involved in the budget process. Unfortunately Town Council didn't take my advice. At a special committee meeting called to discuss the new Rec complex only 3 councilors and the mayor attended.
Evelyn Buck, Wendy Gaertner and Nigel Kean were in attendance along with Mayor Jones.
While we can excuse one or two individuals for Editornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5985548.post-1076710070407174452004-02-13T17:07:00.000-05:002004-02-13T17:10:23.653-05:00Budget Time
Over the next few weeks Aurora Council will be debating over spending $25-$30 million on projects around town. What does this mean and how are the decisions being made? Attend upcoming Council meetings to find out.
Think these decisions won't cause a rise in your taxes? Think again. Stay informed and get involved or don't complain when the tax bill comes.
Post from AuroranetEditornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5985548.post-1076564010381567782004-02-12T00:33:00.000-05:002004-02-12T00:36:00.873-05:00You Asked For It, You Got It
Now be nice kids! I have added a comments section that many of you have requested. It's very basic but will do the job. And hey, we're a community website. We work to a budget.
Please use the comments to be constructive and let's not turn it into a place to vent. I can't edit the comments so... you abuse it, you lose it.
Enjoy!Editornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5985548.post-1076565488347959702004-02-12T00:00:00.000-05:002004-02-12T01:00:38.560-05:00Budget? What Budget?
This article in the Era Banner covers what went on during the Town Council debate around the new seniors building and recreation centre. Costs seem to be 30% over the budget mandated at the beginning of the project. Debate is ongoing as to how to proceed. Options include scaling down expectations, hiking taxes or canceling projects. It should be an interesting few weeks.Editornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5985548.post-1075663079789327352004-02-01T14:17:00.000-05:002004-02-01T14:20:16.153-05:00Spend Our Money!
Throughout 2002, the Bayview-Wellington Ratepayers Association worked with the Home Depot to come up with a design for the site at Bayview and Wellington that would meet the needs of local residents. The Home Depot agreed to make many concessions that were unprecedented in their previous dealings with local community groups. Items included lighting and noise restrictions, Editornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5985548.post-1075662755701650712004-02-01T14:12:00.000-05:002004-02-01T14:17:15.780-05:00GET INVOLVED Aurora Needs You!
I have included a link to the town web site and some information below on how to apply for the various committees available to citizens. Allot of decisions are made about your neighborhoods here so please get involved!
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From the Town Web Site
In the spirit of open and accessible local government, Town Editornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5985548.post-1075587733815240322004-01-31T17:22:00.000-05:002004-01-31T17:25:08.873-05:00Keep Aurora Clean
The Mayor is looking for ideas when it comes to keeping our town clear of litter. He has been meeting with local business and citizens to discuss and promote ways of sprucing things up around town. In a well attended meeting in December a number of creative ideas were raised.
The next meeting is planned for Feb 16th at 5p.m. at the Town Hall. The Mayor has asked that we Editornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5985548.post-1074722053289267602004-01-21T17:25:00.000-05:002004-01-21T17:28:43.593-05:00We're Back!
The postings dropped off over the last few weeks due to the holidays and a new addition in the family. But things are getting back to normal and we will begin with regular updates.
So far the site has been well received. We have had some very positive feedback from local citizens and councilors. Thank you to all for your feedback. It is greatly appreciated and hopefully we can Editornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5985548.post-1074723866385462512004-01-21T17:24:00.000-05:002004-01-21T17:27:06.200-05:00The Kids are Wired
A great article appears in the Toronto Star regarding an innovative program at Northern Lights Public School in Aurora. The program provides Grade 8 students with the latest in technology in order to help them research, plan and collaborate on projects.
I wonder if they are reading our site ;)Editornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5985548.post-1074723568291704132004-01-21T17:19:00.000-05:002004-01-21T17:21:29.686-05:00Can't We All Get Along?
Two rather opinionated articles appear in the Era Banner regarding the off-site "workshop" held by Aurora Council.
The feedback that we have been getting is not centered on who was right or who was wrong on this issue. The concern from citizens has been focused on the fact that one month into the new council's mandate it is already apparent that a split is occurring. Editornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5985548.post-1074722973885708212004-01-21T17:09:00.000-05:002004-01-21T17:12:52.340-05:00Aurora in the National Spotlight
This site is dedicated to local issues, however we thought we would include a note on Federal politics.
Why? Well it's not everyday you see the Mayor on the national news standing beside a potential candidate for PM. Belinda Stronach announced she is running for leadership of the newly formed Conservative party.
While we won't comment on her politics here, we doEditornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5985548.post-1074722459264654362004-01-21T17:00:00.000-05:002004-01-21T17:03:00.890-05:00How Do You Stay Informed?
Keeping up with local issues is not the easiest thing to do. We all like to see more openness in government and be included in the process, but the big question is how?
Last Saturday council held meetings on the 2004 budget. Anyone was allowed to request delegate status and speak to issues that will have a great impact on their taxes. I found out about the meetings Editornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5985548.post-1072206285960753562003-12-23T14:04:00.000-05:002003-12-23T14:05:01.860-05:00Let's Call it a "Spirited" Debate
While we are willing to give the new council the benefit of the doubt with regard to their first public dust up, the Era Banner reports on a rather heated council meeting.
Whether they decide on an off site bonding weekend, Saturday meetings at town hall or group therapy sessions we trust that council will return in the new year having reflected on their electionEditornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5985548.post-1072205924222897292003-12-17T13:52:00.000-05:002003-12-23T13:58:59.396-05:00The Results are In
While it did not have the drama of the Florida presidential recount, the Aurora municipal recount did take place as requested by council. As expected the recounted ballots changed little with differences of a handful of votes and no change in those elected.
Those on council voting for the recount reasoned that any challenge to the electoral process should be taken seriously.Editornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5985548.post-1069820856068553662003-11-25T23:27:00.000-05:002003-11-27T08:28:11.623-05:00Recount!
Questions around the municipal election process were raised at Aurora Town Council this evening. While there is no indication of willful misconduct or of erroneous results, the integrity of the process was called into question. Citing a need to validate the legitimacy of the newly elected council a vote of 6-3 was passed calling for an official recount.
The Era Banner report.Editornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5985548.post-1069820519711409952003-11-25T23:21:00.000-05:002003-11-25T23:22:08.166-05:00Moraine Promises Chopped
As The Era Banner reports the new Liberal government took less then two weeks to reverse their position on freezing development on the Oak Ridges Moraine.
What does this mean for the position Aurora Council took on this issue?Editornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5985548.post-1069823125868406422003-11-25T12:01:00.000-05:002003-11-26T00:05:50.256-05:00Sugar Money
As outlined in a posting below, Auroras' Nicholas Dodds initiated a fight to force school boards to disclose agreements made with pop companies.
Well the numbers are in and the Toronto Star is reporting that York Region's public board makes $700,000 a year, plus a $138,000 annual signing bonus in its contract with Pepsi.
Editornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5985548.post-1069428161500503642003-11-21T10:22:00.000-05:002003-11-21T10:27:17.183-05:00Community Rink
We received an email from a citizen in the Bayview Wellington area requesting information on an outdoor rink at the McMaster Ave Len Chapman Park. Town Hall has indicated that they cannot service the rink however facilities are available if local citizens wish to take up the cause.
Please Contact Us and we will try and link up any interested individuals.Editornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5985548.post-1068817245972938472003-11-14T08:40:00.000-05:002003-11-14T08:42:19.303-05:00Recreation Centre Public Open House
On October 28, 2003 Council endorsed the continued refinement of a Schematic Design for the proposed Recreation Centre on the Burnett Lands off of Wellington Street
A Public Open House Planning Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, November 18, 2003, 7:00 p.m. in the Holland Meeting Room, Town Hall to assist staff in the development of a Concept Plan to be Editornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5985548.post-1068816988363783662003-11-14T08:36:00.000-05:002003-11-14T08:36:33.760-05:00The Pepsi Challenge
Auroras' fifteen-year-old Nicholas Dodds and his father Jack initiated a fight to force school boards to disclose agreements with pop companies that allow the soft-drink makers to put vending machines in public schools. Last week the Ontario privacy commission ordered York and Peel public school boards to reveal details of their contracts with Pepsi and Coke, respectively. Editornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5985548.post-1068565770248465622003-11-11T10:49:00.000-05:002003-11-11T10:49:34.756-05:00Some Familiar Faces
The makeup of the new Aurora council certainly indicates that voters were looking for change. Four of the newly elected councilors did not sit on the previous council.
While half of the council will change it should be noted that Wendy Gaertner is the only one who does not have prior experience sitting on council.
Congratulations to all those who ran and all those who won. Editornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5985548.post-1068565211737178092003-11-11T10:40:00.000-05:002003-11-11T10:40:16.356-05:00We Think He Was Kidding
The Aurora Mayoral race saw Tim Jones win a third consecutive term with a victory of over 2,000 votes. While a victory for Mayor Jones was not surprising, the Era Banner reports an rather unusual comment from challenger Homer Farsad. The article states Mr Farsad is "contemplating asking for a recount, saying Mr. Jones' victory was hard to believe".
The lack of local Editornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5985548.post-1068566509541772412003-11-11T09:56:00.000-05:002003-11-11T11:01:54.543-05:00Citizen Journalism
The concept of "citizen journalism" is discussed in this article by Steve Outing.
While Mr. Outings' claim that citizen web sites are a threat to local newspapers may be a bit of an exaggeration we do believe that sites such as ours can be a compliment to local media.Editornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5985548.post-1068573313107289502003-11-11T09:49:00.000-05:002003-11-11T12:58:16.283-05:0032 Per Cent
Ron Wallace provides a great wrap up of the municipal election results at AuroraOnline.
Perhaps the most disappointing part of the election was the fact that only 32 per cent of eligible voters turned out.Editornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5985548.post-1068243473468025942003-11-07T17:17:00.000-05:002003-11-07T17:17:57.320-05:00Do I have To Choose 8?
When voting on November 10 it is important to remember that you need not vote for 8 candidates, even though 8 councilors will be elected. Voting only for those candidates you support will make your vote more effective. Often individuals feel the need to pad the ballot with candidates they are not familiar with, just to ensure they have selected a total of 8. This type Editornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5985548.post-1068243036788987972003-11-07T17:10:00.000-05:002003-11-07T17:10:40.750-05:00What's Going on Behind Those Doors?
The Era Banner has an excellent article on town councils' in-camera meetings, which are closed to the public. While these meetings are often called for legitimate reasons they can, as the article describes, involve issues that should be discussed in public. Openness is an issue at all levels of government whether it be local, provincial or federal.Editornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5985548.post-1068053830504597912003-11-06T23:08:00.000-05:002003-11-06T23:09:15.390-05:00Candidate Endorsement
The Bayview Wellington Ratepayers Association’s executive committee is pleased to endorse several candidates for Aurora Council in the upcoming municipal election. Candidates Nigel Kean, Phyllis Morris, Vince Piron, Damir Vrancic and Al Wilson receive our formal endorsement. Our association has chosen to endorse these candidates based on their demonstrated willingness to Editornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5985548.post-1068178030822847512003-11-06T23:07:00.000-05:002003-11-08T11:49:56.170-05:00Flip Flops Are In Fashion
Looks like some members of Aurora council aren't the only ones who have mastered the art of the "flip flop". The McGuinty government is now backtracking on the Moraine promises made during the election. The Toronto Star reports on the latest.Editornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5985548.post-1068052196197628092003-11-05T12:09:00.000-05:002003-11-05T12:10:56.126-05:00Moraine Development Freeze
The Toronto Star is reporting that the Ontario government has imposed a temporary freeze today on development of the Oak Ridges Moraine.
Uncertainty around the provincial government policy was cited as the reason for the flip flop of several Aurora councilors in a recent local vote on the moraine issue.Editornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5985548.post-1067270661175985562003-10-27T11:04:00.000-05:002003-10-27T11:04:22.286-05:00Where do they stand?
Still not sure which candidates are behind your issues in the local election? On Thursday October 30th the second all candidates meeting will take place.
The first all candidates meeting proved to be a lively affair with local citizens grilling the hopefuls on past indiscretions and future plans.Editornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5985548.post-1067270199575960322003-10-27T10:56:00.000-05:002003-10-27T10:56:39.933-05:00What a difference a day makes!
The Aurora council voted by a 7-2 margin to take steps to protect the Oak Ridges Moraine from over development. However when it came time to make their choices official, councilors George Timpson and Betty Pedersen flipped on the issue.Editornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5985548.post-1067268973301786682003-10-27T10:36:00.000-05:002003-10-27T10:39:18.306-05:00Citizen Blog
The online news business has introduced plenty of buzzwords over the last decade. Among the latest crop is "participatory journalism" -- the idea that citizens can be empowered to publish their own "personal journalism," alongside (and complementary to) professional reporters.
Steve Outing discusses how local citizens are getting involved in reporting looking issues thanks to Editornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5985548.post-1067013173240523342003-10-24T12:32:00.000-04:002003-10-24T12:32:53.176-04:00Welcome!
This blog is dedicated to the ideas and issues surrounding the town of Aurora, Ontario, Canada.
The blog is managed by the Bayview Wellington rate payers association and it is our hope that it will become a community forum accessed by all.
This is a non-profit community forum that will be used to provide a central discussion point for local citizens.Editornoreply@blogger.com