Mayor's Report
Seniors' housing project begins construction
By Marolyn Morrison

As the population ages, it is important to plan for the future and ensure that the services our seniors require are available.

The Region of Peel and the Town of Caledon have been working together since January 2003 on a need to expand the seniors housing in Caledon East on Walkers Road. This spring you will see increased activity on this site as the new expansion gets under way and the construction is expected to last 11 to 12 months. This expansion will provide 25 new affordable rental units for seniors, along with a senior's community room and elevator.

Over the last few years, there have been many public meetings to engage and inform the residents of the current building and those in the surrounding community about this project. The public consultation process began in early 2003, led by then Regional Councillor Richard Whitehead. Councillor Nancy Stewart followed and worked closely with regional staff and residents to make this project a reality. Today, I am certain that Nancy would be pleased to see the shovels in the ground and the project becoming tangible.

Regional Councillor Richard Whitehead has picked up where they both left off to see the project to completion over this year.

Since 2003, council and staff have been working hard to see this project through to today. There has been a lengthy public consultation process; a planning assessment to accommodate Abbeyfield on this site; rezoning of the property; selection of the architectural firm; site design approval; and building design approval. This project has many variables and required a solid working relationship and partnership between the mayor, members of council, Town staff and regional staff. This project is now near completion because everyone worked so well together towards a common goal.

To many this time line may seem extensive, but in order to complete all necessary approvals, it was required - after all, we are not above the law. The Town requires all permits and approvals no matter if the project is a Town project or a private project. The rules apply equally to everyone.

Considering all the steps in this project, I am pleased that we accomplished all that we have in this time period.

This project is very exciting as it will not only provide more housing opportunities for our seniors to be able to live close to family and friends, but a partnership was struck between the region and the Abbeyfield Society of Caledon to build an abbeyfield on site at Walkers Road. Abbeyfield is an organization that specializes in providing housing for seniors with individual living quarters and shared common areas. This type of housing allows seniors to live independently longer. For more information regarding Abbeyfield, please visit www.abbeyfield.ca.

I look forward to the official opening and the residents moving into their new home. I am certain that they will enjoy their new surroundings and the company of others around them. This is a community within a community and I am so pleased that more of our seniors will be afforded an opportunity to stay within our Town. Seniors are an integral part of any community and I look forward to working with them to make Caledon the best place to live, work and raise a family.

For more information on the expansion of the Walkers Road Senior's Building, please visit www.peelregion. ca or call 905-453- 2500, ext. 3549.