Traffic, youth and business among top Bolton issues
By MARK PAVILONS Editor

Traffic, youth and attracting business to Bolton were among the top issues voiced by the two candidates vying for Ward 5's regional council seat.

Annette Groves and Kelly Darnley squared off at the Bolton all-candidates' meeting last Wednesday night, presented by the Kinsmen Club of Bolton.

Groves said it has been her pleasure to serve on council for the past six years, noting there are still a number of challenges facing Bolton. The traffic woes are well documented and travel times for residents and commuters have grown exponentially. She supports community based programs and is concerned over the imbalance between residential and commercial growth. There's a pressing need to serve both seniors and youth of the area.

Kelly Darnley, a 32-year resident, noted Bolton is where her heart is and she wants to be part of the solution. She considers herself as a "doer," as well as mother and volunteer. In her 10 years as CEO of the Caledon Chamber of Commerce, she worked with council and staff to creatively solve problems. She knows how to achieve success and lauded the partnering of the MP, MPP and Chamber offices to serve constituents and offer a one-stop service.

As an urban community, Bolton needs better sidewalks, street lighting and traffic solutions, she observed. Prompted by her frustration and a lack of accomplishments, she hopes to direct her energy at the council table.

Questions

When asked about the unbalanced tax ratio between residential and commercial, Groves said the economic development office needs to attract even more business to offset the property taxes.

Darnley noted the ED office needs more support from council, and had been largely ignored in the past. Enhanced support and funding is needed to attract the type of businesses Bolton needs.

One resident complained about the poor air quality on Bolton's south hill, and the odors emanating from Effem Foods' facilities.

Groves said the Ministry of the Environment monitored air quality recently and the data will be released in the new year. Effem has upgraded its filters and continues to improve its operations, she said.

Darnley noted for Ontario's "greenest" community, we tend to drive too much and we need to get out of our cars. Effem, she noted, has been open and receptive to community concerns and is constantly improving.

When asked about youth violence, Darnley said the answer rests with the community and parents need to get involved. Everyone needs to work together to keep our young people safe. She would seek input from the youth of the area.

Groves noted the key is talking to youth and being receptive to their concerns. She's a firm believer in encouraging youth involvement.

Regarding a vision for growth in Bolton, Groves said the area has faced rapid growth, creating many challenges. We need to focus on more employment lands.

Darnley echoed those sentiments, noting there's no greater priority than making the inventory of commercial land in Bolton available. Long-range planning is also required to bring in more jobs and benefit the community.

Area Candidates The four neophytes competing

for the post of area councillor all seem to be on the same page when it comes to grass roots solutions.

Egle Boudreau said we all need to work together to achieve common goals in Bolton. She's been active in the community, along with her two daughters and she shares concerns about ward issues. Talk is cheap, and she vows to do her best to achieve what the community wants.

Self-proclaimed "community activist" Sandy Forester said tax reform is needed and she feels Bolton is under-represented on council. She supports the speedy completion of the BAR, and is also concerned about the environment, Oak Ridges Moraine, groundwater and pedestrian safety. She favors longer crossings of Regional Road 50 as well as sidewalk improvements, which she lobbied for, and achieved, in her neighbourhood.

Sports enthusiast Jason Payne has volunteered with the Bolton Wanderers. He said one of his skills is fundraising and he hopes to help council secure the necessary funding for community projects. Communication with the public is vital, and he vows not only to keep his constituents informed through regularly meetings, but will respond to calls promptly.

Sandro Scerni, who served six years as the separate school board trustee, said he likes being part of the process and wants to work to improve the quality of life for Bolton residents. He has volunteered as a coach, on the library board and with the Knights of Columbus.

Questions

When asked about the extension of Highway 427, Boudreau said she'd like to see access to Bolton to alleviate commuting times.

Forester said she favours bringing the highway north to meet Highway 9, providing a type of bypass, but not directly impacting Bolton.

Scerni said it's a great idea, but he'd like to see local infrastructure in place before the highway is redirected.

Payne also agrees the highway should connect to Highway 9, to alleviate the pressure of truck traffic on Bolton.

One resident asked what transit options the would-be councillors would consider.

Forester said it would be wonderful if Bolton had public transit and she'd like to explore the matter.

Scerni said he'd like to see some partnership in this regard, and if there's a willing private company, "let them try it."

Payne said he supports a public/private strategy and a GTA-wide initiative would help the matter.

Boudreau said she'd first like to get input from Bolton residents to see whether they favour enhanced GO, a GO train or public transit.

On youth, Scerni noted there are several ways to approach them. Parents need to be more involved and foot patrols by local OPP officers would create higher visibility and perhaps curb things like vandalism. He would support a youth dropin centre in Bolton.

Payne said he'd like to see greater OPP presence in the neighbourhoods. He's also a believer in engaging youth in sports and social activities.

Boudreau said young people have to be made accountable and responsible and more programs geared to youth are required.

Forester said there are some good school programs, but perhaps more are needed to keep youth involved. She'd also like to see more police foot patrols, especially at night.

All four candidates supported more recreational facilities, a drop-in centre and soliciting feedback from the youth themselves.