What a Monday Night at Council......

Long Night at the Council of the Whole — But Every Minute Worth It

I attended Monday night’s Council of the Whole meeting, which stretched until 11:20 PM — a long night, but absolutely worth every minute. The evening was packed with important discussions, culminating in a pivotal moment that I believe will resonate for years to come.

At the conclusion of the Official Community Plan (OCP) presentation, discussion, and the adoption of the preferred option, the Mayor made a statement that truly stood out. Paraphrasing his words: he questioned the province’s projections—specifically, the claim of 3,760 new homes needed over the next twenty years.

In his view, the OCP should be rooted in the real, tangible needs of our community, not some arbitrary figure pulled out of thin air. This is a powerful moment. It signals that we have an advocate in leadership who recognizes the importance of realistic planning. Now, the challenge is to rally behind that voice and ensure it influences the direction of our community’s future. Time will tell how this crucial debate unfolds.

Active Transportation Plan Sparks Concern and Debate

The agenda also featured the Active Transportation (Cycling) Plan, which drew a large audience of residents and a representative from the local business community. It was clear that many residents are fiercely opposed to the proposed complete removal of parking along Monterey and St. Ann’s. Having personally experienced the loss of parking in front of my home during the Hampshire Hill renovation, I fully sympathize.

What’s appears to be overlooked is that many residents—particularly seniors and families without laneways or driveways—depend heavily on street parking. Where will they park? These are not just minor inconveniences; they are issues that deeply affect daily life, property values, and the ability to age comfortably in place. The plan’s potential to reduce individual property values by an estimated $100,000 and eliminate direct access to homes by car is alarming. It also neglects the vital role that parking plays in supporting local businesses and visitors to our Village.

A Call for Thoughtful Review and Genuine Community Engagement

I want to be clear: I’m not opposed to progress or improving active transportation options. But the current proposal, if implemented without proper consultation and safeguards, risks causing serious unintended consequences across many neighbourhoods.

This plan must undergo a comprehensive review—one that considers route options, costs, and the needs of the disabled, pedestrians, and local businesses. Extensive community engagement is essential to avoid overreach and ensure solutions that are fair and sustainable.

Residents Are Concerned—and Quite Rightly So

There’s a palpable sense of worry among residents. And honestly, I don’t blame them. The potential impacts—diminished property values, reduced livability, and threats to the health of our local business community—are too significant to ignore.

What I found particularly disappointing was the lack of representation from the cycling community at the meeting. Only one person spoke up in support, which I think is a missed opportunity to hear diverse perspectives on how to create a balanced, inclusive transportation plan.

In Summary

Monday’s meeting underscored the importance of listening to the community, grounding plans in reality, and proceeding with caution. Leadership has an opportunity to steer us toward solutions that truly serve the needs of residents, seniors, businesses, and commuters alike.

The coming weeks and months will be critical as we continue to push for a balanced approach—one that respects our neighbourhoods’ character and preserves the vitality of our community for generations to come.

This represents my own opinions and interpretations.