Hi everyone
As the Wilmot elections are fully underway I will be updating and blogging directly from my election website until October 25th.
Please visit www.elliotfung.ca and show your support for the campaign!
Thanks!
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Wilmot Aquatic Centre is a reality in 2011!
Next time you drive past our magnificent Wilmot Recreation Complex you may likely see a new set of construction vehicles, barriers, workers and signs; last week at Council Phase II of our recreation complex was given a resounding green light!
At a cost of about $11.6, the new aquatics centre with competition swim lanes, warm-up pool, walking track, seniors and youth centres (and much more!) is expected to be complete by the fall of 2011. Most importantly, it is being constructed debt-free and without borrowing or reduction of other municipal programs.
I'm looking forward to using this facility with my kids! On top of spending time on the ice, I know they'll be spending lots of time in the pool as well!
Sunday, June 6, 2010
New Dundee Park Improvement Open House
The New Dundee Parks Improvement Committee will be hosting an informal Open House (drop-in format) to collect additional feedback on the upgrades to our Community Park. Based on feedback from the community already provided, they will also like to present some improved diagrams that have incorporated ideas such as repositioning some of the new features including the walking path, parking areas, new trees and multi-use pad to better service our community, events and user groups. We value your input and opinion!
Contact the committee at:
http://abetterplacetoplay.ca/contact.html
Please join them on Tuesday June 22nd from 6pm-8pm.
There have been some questions and comments raised about how the different features of the park improvments can be altered to better service the community needs - through additional feedback and communication we will ensure that appropriate solutions are found for all.
Contact the committee at:
http://abetterplacetoplay.ca/contact.html
Please join them on Tuesday June 22nd from 6pm-8pm.
There have been some questions and comments raised about how the different features of the park improvments can be altered to better service the community needs - through additional feedback and communication we will ensure that appropriate solutions are found for all.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Congratulations to the New Dundee community on a fantastic Victoria Day!
What a weekend! There are certainly lots of people hurting from some sunburns and the heat; we couldn't have hoped for better weather for the Victoria Day celebrations this year.
We should all give a big thanks to the Victoria Day committee for putting together such a great day, including the events at the park, the parade (with the new route!) and everything in between. So much work goes in to planning and organizing this event and it's such an important day for our community.
Kudos also goes out to the construction crews who are working on our major road upgrades as well; I'm sure everyone noticed how the roads were prepped and smoothed to get ready for the day.
Well done!
We should all give a big thanks to the Victoria Day committee for putting together such a great day, including the events at the park, the parade (with the new route!) and everything in between. So much work goes in to planning and organizing this event and it's such an important day for our community.
Kudos also goes out to the construction crews who are working on our major road upgrades as well; I'm sure everyone noticed how the roads were prepped and smoothed to get ready for the day.
Well done!
Monday, May 17, 2010
The "Summer of Road Work" has begun!
As the seasons change, we all look forward to the summer...which of course means road-work season! Work has begun on the Bridge St./Queen St. reconstructions in Dundee. Thanks to everyone in the village for your patience this summer as we see the much-needed work done to our main roads!
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
New Dundee and Mannheim need a NEW LIBRARY!
It is no secret that this corner of the Township is in dire need of a new library facility. The current facility is too small for amount of users who frequent the public library and doesn't provide appropriate space for programming. Our current facility is not accessible for those with walkers, wheelchairs and strollers and is limited with stacks because of its size.
Did you know that the New Dundee library is the only Regional library in the Township that we don't own? Currently, the Region of Waterloo pays the rental costs for the facility, however the Township owns the Baden and New Hamburg locations.
Over the past year and a half, I have been working closely with Township and Regional library staff to locate a NEW library facility for our community. I have made this a priority to have completed before this term of council ends in 2010.
So far, we have made site visits to 4 potential new library sites but not yet found a final location. We need a location which is central, large, has adequate lighting and is available for sale or rent.
I have been approached over the past six months from numerous people about the former TD Bank building on Queen Street as a potential library facility. This site does appear to be an ideal building and location for us; we have been in discussion with TD since they announced that the bank was going to close last year. While efforts to save the branch in New Dundee were unsuccessful, we may be able to realize a new library instead.
I hope to see a recommendation come to Council this year as to a new location for the New Dundee Library branch - which will also include impacts to the municipal budget with the purchase price and renovations. I hope to make this a reality soon!
Did you know that the New Dundee library is the only Regional library in the Township that we don't own? Currently, the Region of Waterloo pays the rental costs for the facility, however the Township owns the Baden and New Hamburg locations.
Over the past year and a half, I have been working closely with Township and Regional library staff to locate a NEW library facility for our community. I have made this a priority to have completed before this term of council ends in 2010.
So far, we have made site visits to 4 potential new library sites but not yet found a final location. We need a location which is central, large, has adequate lighting and is available for sale or rent.
I have been approached over the past six months from numerous people about the former TD Bank building on Queen Street as a potential library facility. This site does appear to be an ideal building and location for us; we have been in discussion with TD since they announced that the bank was going to close last year. While efforts to save the branch in New Dundee were unsuccessful, we may be able to realize a new library instead.
I hope to see a recommendation come to Council this year as to a new location for the New Dundee Library branch - which will also include impacts to the municipal budget with the purchase price and renovations. I hope to make this a reality soon!
What's going to happen to the New Dundee Creamery?
I can only be honest when I say that I am continually frustrated with the situation we face with the site of the former New Dundee Creamery at the corner of Bridge St. and Queen St.'s. I would never have guessed that seven years after first taking on the challenge of cleaning up the site we would still be looking at a vacant and underdeveloped lot.
Many people have asked me over the years what is going on with the site. It is good to point out a few things;
- contrary to some thoughts, the property is not owned by the Township of Wilmot and never has been. It is still owned entirely by Parmalat Corp. based out of Italy.
- The site is currently zoned "Light Industrial"
- I and the Township are not privy to any information regarding the environmental situation of the site, however I understand the site to be up to environmental standards for its' current use.
A group of concerned citizens met with staff and members of Council, along with our MPP and MP over a year ago to see what could be done to clean up the site. Since then, I have personally been in contact with senior executives from Parmalat Canada through phone and email conversations as well as meetings that I have personally chaired. Progress has been slow, yet Parmalat has shown a sincere interest in seeing the property off of their books and potentially into the hands of the Township. Everyone recognizes that even though the building is down, it remains a scar on the community; the site has much more potential than what it is currently being used for, it is a large open space in the centre of town which could be put to much better use as a green space, arboretum, the possibilities are many.
As a gesture of goodwill, Parmalat did do a good job of keeping the site clean of debris and maintaining the weeds and grass over the past season. I passed on my thanks to them yet encouraged them to continue to work towards a more permanent solution to my concerns.
I will continue to work with all parties to fix the problem once and for all. I sincerely appreciate the patience that many of you have shown over the years and the persistence that some concerned residents have shown in working to get the site in a more desireable state.
Many people have asked me over the years what is going on with the site. It is good to point out a few things;
- contrary to some thoughts, the property is not owned by the Township of Wilmot and never has been. It is still owned entirely by Parmalat Corp. based out of Italy.
- The site is currently zoned "Light Industrial"
- I and the Township are not privy to any information regarding the environmental situation of the site, however I understand the site to be up to environmental standards for its' current use.
A group of concerned citizens met with staff and members of Council, along with our MPP and MP over a year ago to see what could be done to clean up the site. Since then, I have personally been in contact with senior executives from Parmalat Canada through phone and email conversations as well as meetings that I have personally chaired. Progress has been slow, yet Parmalat has shown a sincere interest in seeing the property off of their books and potentially into the hands of the Township. Everyone recognizes that even though the building is down, it remains a scar on the community; the site has much more potential than what it is currently being used for, it is a large open space in the centre of town which could be put to much better use as a green space, arboretum, the possibilities are many.
As a gesture of goodwill, Parmalat did do a good job of keeping the site clean of debris and maintaining the weeds and grass over the past season. I passed on my thanks to them yet encouraged them to continue to work towards a more permanent solution to my concerns.
I will continue to work with all parties to fix the problem once and for all. I sincerely appreciate the patience that many of you have shown over the years and the persistence that some concerned residents have shown in working to get the site in a more desireable state.
It's an election year...but let's get to work!
On January 4th, people all across Ontario began registering as candidates for the fall 2010 Municipal elections. Without a doubt, municipal government is an extremely important and yet often overlooked level of government that people should pay more attention to.
It was three years ago that the current council began its' work. That means there is almost one year left in the term.
As a Councillor, I have made a decision to focus on the remaining 10 months of my term and to do the job that I was elected to do three years ago. Over the next 10 months, we have a lot of work that needs to be done; we have only begun work on the 2010 budget, a budget that will see impacts to roadwork, recreational infrastructure, services and programs throughout the Township of Wilmot.
I have always said that being on Council is a job that you can only do as long as you love doing it. I absolutely love serving this community and doing the work that I've been elected twice to do. It is extremely rewarding and I want to continue to be a great role model for my children.
It is a fact that I have not yet made a decision as to the direction I will take in the fall of 2010. My wife Amy and I will sit down together closer to the summer and consider what is best for our family, my career and the Township. Having said that I also see a few risks in registering as a candidate this early as well as a risk declaring an intention not to seek re-election: as there is still 10 months left in this term I want to be able to focus on doing my job for as long as possible and I don't want people to interpret decisions I make actions I take to be part of a grand re-election plan. Accordingly, let's focus on working, and not politicking.
There are a number of projects that i have taken on and have a particular interest in which I would like to focus on over the next 6 months. To be fair to the community and to myself, I have to focus on finishishing what I started!
It was three years ago that the current council began its' work. That means there is almost one year left in the term.
As a Councillor, I have made a decision to focus on the remaining 10 months of my term and to do the job that I was elected to do three years ago. Over the next 10 months, we have a lot of work that needs to be done; we have only begun work on the 2010 budget, a budget that will see impacts to roadwork, recreational infrastructure, services and programs throughout the Township of Wilmot.
I have always said that being on Council is a job that you can only do as long as you love doing it. I absolutely love serving this community and doing the work that I've been elected twice to do. It is extremely rewarding and I want to continue to be a great role model for my children.
It is a fact that I have not yet made a decision as to the direction I will take in the fall of 2010. My wife Amy and I will sit down together closer to the summer and consider what is best for our family, my career and the Township. Having said that I also see a few risks in registering as a candidate this early as well as a risk declaring an intention not to seek re-election: as there is still 10 months left in this term I want to be able to focus on doing my job for as long as possible and I don't want people to interpret decisions I make actions I take to be part of a grand re-election plan. Accordingly, let's focus on working, and not politicking.
There are a number of projects that i have taken on and have a particular interest in which I would like to focus on over the next 6 months. To be fair to the community and to myself, I have to focus on finishishing what I started!
Saturday, January 2, 2010
The Olympic Flame comes to New Dundee!
Well, this isn't Wilmot Council related, but it is exciting none-the-less! Just a few photos of the flame as it came past the Baptist Church on December 27th, 2009.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
What's the plan for our gravel roads?
At the regular council meeting on November 23rd Wilmot Council had one of the most rigorous debates and discussions on the condition and future of our gravel roads in the last 6 years.
A delegation from the Bean Rd. (west) area made a very well researched presentation highlighting the concerns they have with the condition of their road. We heard and saw issues about the quality of the road materials and base as well as the future plans Wilmot has for the road itself. Currently, Bean Rd. (west) is identified on our 10-year capital plan for tar & chipping in seven years.
For the past four years, Wilmot has been working off of a 10-year plan for all of our capital projects, including road work. This allows us to properly and responsibly plan and budget for projects for subsequent years. In addition to the 10-year plan, Council also adopted a standardized matrix that is used to rate and compare each of our roads against the other - which is designed to help eliminate a level of arbitrariness in deciding when to tar & chip any specific road. I remember quite well that when I joined council the existing road-work plan had most of the roadwork taking place in the north of the Township and moving south. The matrix and the plan have eliminated this and we now are better equipped to pave a road with better data and reasons before us.
Having said that, something just isn't right on Bean Rd. and it is incumbent on us to find out what that is and have it fixed. I look forward to working with my colleagues and my neighbours to solve this problem once and for all - as a follow up to the council meeting we are meeting with the delegation in the next week to figure this all out.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Frequently Asked Questions: New Dundee Parks Improvement Project: Part II
"Will there be a Public Meeting to discuss the features of the project?"
A few people have asked committee members about a public meeting to formally collect feedback on the park and ball diamond designs - I think an opportunity to have formal public input would be beneficial and welcomed by many; we are currently discussing the logistics of holding a Public Information Centre (PIC) in the New Year to collect feedback and enhancements. More information will certainly follow on this.
"I have sent emails to the contacts on the fundraising brochure but have had no response."
It came to my attention this morning that in addition to some of the contact information on the community fundraising brochures being incorrect, my own address was incorrect. This mistake is extremely unfortunate. Please note that my correct email address is elliot.fung@wilmot.ca. If you have sent me an email and I have not responded, please forward it to the address mentioned above.
"Are the features and design on the "Concept Diagrams" final, can they be changed? "
Everyone's comments and feedback are welcomed and encouraged. Please either pass them on to any member of the committee (list located on the back of the brochure) or contact myself or Rick Berry directly. For example, the "Concept Diagram" for the community park includes the features that I and the Township felt were potential enhancements; feedback and comments from user groups had been received in the past which helped to generate these ideas. For instance, is the placement and size of the pathway and playground set in stone? Not at all! While the total amount of funding is static, the placement, size etc. of feature enhancements are certainly open to consideration.
A few people have asked committee members about a public meeting to formally collect feedback on the park and ball diamond designs - I think an opportunity to have formal public input would be beneficial and welcomed by many; we are currently discussing the logistics of holding a Public Information Centre (PIC) in the New Year to collect feedback and enhancements. More information will certainly follow on this.
"I have sent emails to the contacts on the fundraising brochure but have had no response."
It came to my attention this morning that in addition to some of the contact information on the community fundraising brochures being incorrect, my own address was incorrect. This mistake is extremely unfortunate. Please note that my correct email address is elliot.fung@wilmot.ca. If you have sent me an email and I have not responded, please forward it to the address mentioned above.
"Are the features and design on the "Concept Diagrams" final, can they be changed? "
Everyone's comments and feedback are welcomed and encouraged. Please either pass them on to any member of the committee (list located on the back of the brochure) or contact myself or Rick Berry directly. For example, the "Concept Diagram" for the community park includes the features that I and the Township felt were potential enhancements; feedback and comments from user groups had been received in the past which helped to generate these ideas. For instance, is the placement and size of the pathway and playground set in stone? Not at all! While the total amount of funding is static, the placement, size etc. of feature enhancements are certainly open to consideration.
Fire Services in rural communities
With the recent tragedy on the Wilmot Line, the issue of a more unified fire and emergency services response in the Region of Waterloo is being discussed.
The response time (19 minutes) for the Baden Fire Department to get from their homes, to the station, and to the property on the Wilmot line was amazing and the volunteers should be proud.
At issue is not our emergency services response times, but the decision on who is the most appropriate "first responder" to a 911 call. Does anyone agree that it makes sense that just because you live in one Municipality the emergency services from that Municipality should be dispatched, even if the emergency services from a neighboring community could be mere minutes away? Of course not; the safety of our community, citizens and property is paramount to defined borders.
Wilmot Council has initiated a discussion to redefine the emergency response agreements between our neighboring Municipalities for the increased safety of our residents...which of course is the most responsible and reasonable thing to do.
The response time (19 minutes) for the Baden Fire Department to get from their homes, to the station, and to the property on the Wilmot line was amazing and the volunteers should be proud.
At issue is not our emergency services response times, but the decision on who is the most appropriate "first responder" to a 911 call. Does anyone agree that it makes sense that just because you live in one Municipality the emergency services from that Municipality should be dispatched, even if the emergency services from a neighboring community could be mere minutes away? Of course not; the safety of our community, citizens and property is paramount to defined borders.
Wilmot Council has initiated a discussion to redefine the emergency response agreements between our neighboring Municipalities for the increased safety of our residents...which of course is the most responsible and reasonable thing to do.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Rural road conditions...
This time of year always sparks an increase in calls from people with concerns about the condition of their roads - the wet weaterh will often affect the condition of our rural roads. I recently met with a group of residents of a particular road in the south-west corner of the Township who have been living with very difficult conditions of their road for quite a number of years.
The challenge is: when I got home that night I received a phone call from another resident who lives on another road in the area, who asserted that his road was in far worse condition. I agree with both sides, that their roads need some immediate care and attention.
We as a Township need to do a number of things better. The first thing is we need to make it far more public and clear what our 10-year plans are. Often times when residents call with concerns about their roads they are surprised to hear that we have short and long range plans to work on a particular road.
The second thing is that we need to better understand the specific issues of each road in particular areas and what causes the issues we see; is the gravel that we used "dirty"? Is there a better time to grade the road? Should we limit the tonnage that travels on a particular road?
These are some things that we need to address to solve some of our rural road issues.
The challenge is: when I got home that night I received a phone call from another resident who lives on another road in the area, who asserted that his road was in far worse condition. I agree with both sides, that their roads need some immediate care and attention.
We as a Township need to do a number of things better. The first thing is we need to make it far more public and clear what our 10-year plans are. Often times when residents call with concerns about their roads they are surprised to hear that we have short and long range plans to work on a particular road.
The second thing is that we need to better understand the specific issues of each road in particular areas and what causes the issues we see; is the gravel that we used "dirty"? Is there a better time to grade the road? Should we limit the tonnage that travels on a particular road?
These are some things that we need to address to solve some of our rural road issues.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Park Sod-Turning/Kick-Off tomorrow!
I hope to see everyone at the New Dundee Community Centre tomorrow for the New Dundee Parks Improvement Project community sod-turning and kick-off!
At 2pm a community bbq will begin hosted by the fundraising committee. Donations are kindly accepted.
At 2:30 we will have a special program; unveling of the fundraising thermometer, a special announcement and a sod-turning with special guests and dignitaries.
See everyone tomorrow!
At 2pm a community bbq will begin hosted by the fundraising committee. Donations are kindly accepted.
At 2:30 we will have a special program; unveling of the fundraising thermometer, a special announcement and a sod-turning with special guests and dignitaries.
See everyone tomorrow!
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
New Dundee Park Improvement Concept Diagrams!
Monday, September 21, 2009
Rural road conditions
As we move into another fall season where wet weather persists, I often notice an increase of calls with concerns about the condition of some of our rural roads.
As a representative of a rural ward, our rural road infrastructure has always been at the forefront of my mind during annual reviews and budget discussions - in the past few years we have seen a great increase in road improvements in our rural area however the increase hasn't yet solved all of our road issues.
Tonight I was called by a resident whom I've spoken with in the past; his road was in terrible shape, and when I drove out to see for myself I had to agree. We must focus on improving the condition of our rural road network to ensure the safety and fair treatment of our residents.
As a representative of a rural ward, our rural road infrastructure has always been at the forefront of my mind during annual reviews and budget discussions - in the past few years we have seen a great increase in road improvements in our rural area however the increase hasn't yet solved all of our road issues.
Tonight I was called by a resident whom I've spoken with in the past; his road was in terrible shape, and when I drove out to see for myself I had to agree. We must focus on improving the condition of our rural road network to ensure the safety and fair treatment of our residents.
New Dundee Parks Improvement Project Sod-Turning/Kick-Off!
Everyone is invited to join us at the New Dundee Community Centre on Sunday September 27th for a Community Sod-turning and community bbq!
2:00pm - Community BBQ, donations kindly accepted!
2:30pm - Community Sod-Turning - BYOS (Bring Your Own Shovels!) We want everyone to participate in this exciting event, so don't forget your shovels!
We will also be unveiling the Community fundraising themometer!
This kick-off will officially kick-off the fundraising activities for the fundraising committee. If you have questions or would like to volunteer, please let me know!
2:00pm - Community BBQ, donations kindly accepted!
2:30pm - Community Sod-Turning - BYOS (Bring Your Own Shovels!) We want everyone to participate in this exciting event, so don't forget your shovels!
We will also be unveiling the Community fundraising themometer!
This kick-off will officially kick-off the fundraising activities for the fundraising committee. If you have questions or would like to volunteer, please let me know!
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Wilmot Recreation Complex Phase II - Public Information Centre!
It was great seeing lots of people out this evening at our Wilmot Recreation Complex for the Public Information Centre for Phase II. The public had an opportunity to view and make comments on the designs for our new aquatics centre which includes an 8-lap competitive swim pool, a leisure/therapy pool, indoor walking/running track, seniors active living centre and youth centres. I heard lots of valuable feedback ranging from accessibility, parking, and even a few questions on the park developments in New Dundee!
Council will consider the final designs on September 14th and we hope to have shovels in the ground in the spring of 2010!
Council will consider the final designs on September 14th and we hope to have shovels in the ground in the spring of 2010!
Monday, August 24, 2009
Frequently Asked Questions: New Dundee Park Improvement Project
Over the past few weeks there have been a number of common questions on the New Dundee Park Improvement Project. As I hear and receive them, I will try to post some of the most common questions here. If you have a question and do not see it on this site, please let me know!
"When will renderings or concept drawings be available for the project?"
A landscape architect is creating concept drawings for us so that we can better envision the potential design of the future parks (both the Community Park and the Ball Diamond). They will be available in early September.
"When will construction take place?"
Construction will begin as soon as we can (hopefully) in the fall of 2009 and must be completed by March 2011 (as per the funding agreements).
"What is being considered as part of the Community Park upgrades?"
The Tennis courts will receive proper court surfacing to repair the damaged surface, which is a liability issue; a brand new toddler/children's playground will be built and relocated in the park to replace the existing playground; a multi-use sports court will be constructed that will allow for games such as basketball, road hockey and potential flooding in the winter for outdoor skating; aesthetic enhancements such as benches, flower gardens, trees and landscaping; a small parking area near the Bandshell so that visitors and users don't have to park on the streets or on the grass.
"Why can't this money go towards other projects such as the library?"
To qualify for funding, the projects needed to be considered "shovel-ready", and only parks and recreation projects qualified. The Township portion of the funding ($100,000.00) was allocated to resolving two of the known liabilities that already exist - safety concerns with the existing ball diamond and the children's playground. The library is being considered as a separate project and Council, Municipal and Regional Staff are working together to properly address our library needs in the very near future. Stay tuned for more information in the near future!
"Will any parkland be sold for development?"
No parkland will be sold for development in New Dundee - in fact, this project significantly increases the acreage of usable parkland in New Dundee .
"When will renderings or concept drawings be available for the project?"
A landscape architect is creating concept drawings for us so that we can better envision the potential design of the future parks (both the Community Park and the Ball Diamond). They will be available in early September.
"When will construction take place?"
Construction will begin as soon as we can (hopefully) in the fall of 2009 and must be completed by March 2011 (as per the funding agreements).
"What is being considered as part of the Community Park upgrades?"
The Tennis courts will receive proper court surfacing to repair the damaged surface, which is a liability issue; a brand new toddler/children's playground will be built and relocated in the park to replace the existing playground; a multi-use sports court will be constructed that will allow for games such as basketball, road hockey and potential flooding in the winter for outdoor skating; aesthetic enhancements such as benches, flower gardens, trees and landscaping; a small parking area near the Bandshell so that visitors and users don't have to park on the streets or on the grass.
"Why can't this money go towards other projects such as the library?"
To qualify for funding, the projects needed to be considered "shovel-ready", and only parks and recreation projects qualified. The Township portion of the funding ($100,000.00) was allocated to resolving two of the known liabilities that already exist - safety concerns with the existing ball diamond and the children's playground. The library is being considered as a separate project and Council, Municipal and Regional Staff are working together to properly address our library needs in the very near future. Stay tuned for more information in the near future!
"Will any parkland be sold for development?"
No parkland will be sold for development in New Dundee - in fact, this project significantly increases the acreage of usable parkland in New Dundee .
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
August 10th Council Meeting - Wilmot Recreation Complex Phase II is kicking off...
The opportunity that Wilmot has been given to build Phase II of our Wilmot Recreation Complex is a gift not to be taken lightly.
Phase II, including an aquatics centre, Youth centre, indoor walking track and Seniors centre will cost just over $9,000,000.00 and thanks to Federal and Provincial funding as well as sound financial planning on behalf of Wilmot Council and staff, it will be built without debenturing or having to increase tax revenues.
At the Budget Ad-Hoc meeting on August 10th, there was a discussion over whether or not to re-hire our Project Manager from Phase I and the Grandstand projects. Over the years, Wilmot has built a good working relationship with this management team - and most importantly the project management team provides a consistent and reliable service which is below costs compared to others in the industry. There is certain perceptions about deficiencies with these buildings, many of which I do not share.
The debate at Council is not about whether or not to tender for the service; the debate is about whether or not Council has faith and confidence in the project management team. As a steward of the Township, when embarking on a $9,000,000.00 project I do not want a Project Manager promising to deliver on something and cutting corners and sacrificing quality to make it happen; I want a Project Manager who has the professionalism and courtesy to say to me that the project is at risk or timelines are delayed due to certain specific and valid reasons. That way, I can work with the PM to identify risks, challenges and mitigation strategies instead of forcing them to a schedule that can jeopardize the entire project. I feel with our PM we have this type of reliable team on board to help Wilmot realize the dream of Phase II in a timely yet efficient and open manner.
Phase II, including an aquatics centre, Youth centre, indoor walking track and Seniors centre will cost just over $9,000,000.00 and thanks to Federal and Provincial funding as well as sound financial planning on behalf of Wilmot Council and staff, it will be built without debenturing or having to increase tax revenues.
At the Budget Ad-Hoc meeting on August 10th, there was a discussion over whether or not to re-hire our Project Manager from Phase I and the Grandstand projects. Over the years, Wilmot has built a good working relationship with this management team - and most importantly the project management team provides a consistent and reliable service which is below costs compared to others in the industry. There is certain perceptions about deficiencies with these buildings, many of which I do not share.
The debate at Council is not about whether or not to tender for the service; the debate is about whether or not Council has faith and confidence in the project management team. As a steward of the Township, when embarking on a $9,000,000.00 project I do not want a Project Manager promising to deliver on something and cutting corners and sacrificing quality to make it happen; I want a Project Manager who has the professionalism and courtesy to say to me that the project is at risk or timelines are delayed due to certain specific and valid reasons. That way, I can work with the PM to identify risks, challenges and mitigation strategies instead of forcing them to a schedule that can jeopardize the entire project. I feel with our PM we have this type of reliable team on board to help Wilmot realize the dream of Phase II in a timely yet efficient and open manner.
New Dundee Parks in 2010: Newer, Bigger and Better!
After years of hard work and persistence, New Dundee will not only be home to the premier ball diamonds in Wilmot, but will also have a community park that will be the envy of many.
As reported in the New Hamburg Independent and the Kitchener Record over the last few months, Wilmot Township applied through the Federal and Provincial government “Recreation Infrastructure Program” for assistance in funding an ambitious and exciting park project in New Dundee. This application was submitted through a partnership with the New Dundee Minor Ball Association and was supported both by our Member of Provincial Parliament Leeanna Pendergast and our Member of Parliament Harold Albrecht.
The project includes building two fully serviced baseball diamonds on the designated Township land at our Community Centre. Our exiting Community Park will see major upgrades; the construction of a new and enhanced toddler/children’s playground closer to the park gates, building a multi-use sports court to accommodate basketball and outdoor hockey, resurfacing the tennis courts with proper tennis court surface, a small parking area near the Heritage Bandshell and other esthetic enhancements such as landscaping and additional trees. With these upgrades we will add acres to the New Dundee park system.
This entire project will cost $648,000.00. Both the Federal and Provincial governments have contributed $216,000.00 each, the Township has allocated $100,000.00 and through a partnership with New Dundee Minor Ball the remaining funds will be raised through fundraising. Construction will begin in late 2009.
I am very excited about this project, and proud to see that it will be a reality after so many years of working to improve our park system. I am looking forward to the continuing the great community collaboration over the next year as we enhance our parks together. New Dundee Minor Ball has established a series of committees that will be reaching out to recruit members and get the projects off the ground.
An official community kickoff will be held later this fall and I look forward to seeing everyone there to support this exciting and ambitious project!
As reported in the New Hamburg Independent and the Kitchener Record over the last few months, Wilmot Township applied through the Federal and Provincial government “Recreation Infrastructure Program” for assistance in funding an ambitious and exciting park project in New Dundee. This application was submitted through a partnership with the New Dundee Minor Ball Association and was supported both by our Member of Provincial Parliament Leeanna Pendergast and our Member of Parliament Harold Albrecht.
The project includes building two fully serviced baseball diamonds on the designated Township land at our Community Centre. Our exiting Community Park will see major upgrades; the construction of a new and enhanced toddler/children’s playground closer to the park gates, building a multi-use sports court to accommodate basketball and outdoor hockey, resurfacing the tennis courts with proper tennis court surface, a small parking area near the Heritage Bandshell and other esthetic enhancements such as landscaping and additional trees. With these upgrades we will add acres to the New Dundee park system.
This entire project will cost $648,000.00. Both the Federal and Provincial governments have contributed $216,000.00 each, the Township has allocated $100,000.00 and through a partnership with New Dundee Minor Ball the remaining funds will be raised through fundraising. Construction will begin in late 2009.
I am very excited about this project, and proud to see that it will be a reality after so many years of working to improve our park system. I am looking forward to the continuing the great community collaboration over the next year as we enhance our parks together. New Dundee Minor Ball has established a series of committees that will be reaching out to recruit members and get the projects off the ground.
An official community kickoff will be held later this fall and I look forward to seeing everyone there to support this exciting and ambitious project!
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Ward 1 gets a blog!
Our community is priveleged, our people are strong and over the past few years, together, we have made a difference. Yet there is still lots of work to be done.
I did not join Wilmot Council to oppose any person or for the wrong reasons; I joined Wilmot Council because I believe in the power of community and that great things can happen when a community works together. Most importantly, I enjoy making a difference in my community.
Welcome to my Blog - if you are from New Dundee, Mannheim, Punky Doodles Corners or anywhere else in Wilmot Township I hope you find the information found here interesting, informative and engaging. I welcome any feedback, questions and comments.
Feel free to subscribe to this blog, or check it regularly. I will be updating it as events happen, sometimes a few times within the week.
Together, we can make a difference!
Elliot
I did not join Wilmot Council to oppose any person or for the wrong reasons; I joined Wilmot Council because I believe in the power of community and that great things can happen when a community works together. Most importantly, I enjoy making a difference in my community.
Welcome to my Blog - if you are from New Dundee, Mannheim, Punky Doodles Corners or anywhere else in Wilmot Township I hope you find the information found here interesting, informative and engaging. I welcome any feedback, questions and comments.
Feel free to subscribe to this blog, or check it regularly. I will be updating it as events happen, sometimes a few times within the week.
Together, we can make a difference!
Elliot
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