November 2010 Update

Hi everyone,

It has been a while since our last update so we have a bit of catching up to do.

First off, thanks to all candidates for Ward 36 Councillor who participated in the CCQLD-organized all-candidates debate prior to the recent municipal election, and to all CCQLD members who came out to make their views heard. The event showed once again how strongly members of our community feel about ensuring responsible development on the Quarry Lands. Congratulations go out to the winning candidate Gary Crawford, who takes over as Councillor from the retiring Brian Ashton on Dec. 1.

The CCQLD executive met with Gary shortly after the election to further brief him on relevant issues and the Quarry lands process to date. Gary has also met already with Brian Ashton and Derek Ballantyne, the head of Build Toronto. As a reminder, Build Toronto is responsible for the second-largest piece of land on the full 49-acre site. We have been concerned that, like the private developer GCD, Build Toronto may also be seeking to maximize value through inappropriate high density development on their lands. We are hoping to meet with Mr. Ballantyne in the near future and will keep everyone posted.

Gerrard Clonmore Developments (GCD) and city planners also have been in touch in recent weeks. We are told that the door has been opened to some new site plan ideas that are a departure from the relatively narrow adjustments both parties were directed to discuss coming out of this summer's Ontario Municipal Board decision. We will stay in touch with the planning department and will pass on any new information as soon as it becomes available. As
always, we continue to stress the importance of community input and consultation as critical elements within any productive planning process.

A final note: We're finally moving ahead with ordering the next batch of lawn signs. For those of you who have already put your names on the list, we will be in touch once the signs arrive. If you haven't asked for a sign but would like one, please make an email request to karen.direkze@rogers.com. Signs cost $10, to be paid upon pick-up. In coming weeks we will also be sending out a save-the-date notice for our Annual General Meeting in January -- stay tuned for more information on both fronts.

Thanks as always for your support.

CCQLD Board of Directors