Chamber reiterates call for more population growth
By ALAN LICZYK Staff Reporter

Two weeks after Caledon council voted to keep its current population forecasts, the Caledon Chamber of Commerce came back to council last Tuesday once again calling for increased growth.

Kelly Darnley, president and chief executive officer of the Chamber, said the population figures should be increased prior to 2021. She explained individual discussions she had with councillors weren't reflective in the Nov. 6 vote to keep the population forecasts status quo.

Adding only 1,500 more people in Bolton until 2021 doesn't mean moderate growth, she said.

She added to wait for funding is not being proactive because growth pressures will continue.

"This is not a Solmar issue," she said, referring to the developer who wants to build more housing in Bolton. "This is a community-base issue."

The Chamber will continue its mandate to support business, she also commented.

Councillor Jason Payne said he, too, is scared of tax increases. He doesn't want to be in Mississauga's situation.

Darnley responded every councillor, including the mayor, said population in Bolton needs to be higher but not before 2021.

Councillor Richard Paterak said he's interested in the entire well-being of the Town, adding they have to fulfil commitments in other parts of the Town.

Councillor Annette Groves asked Darnley why more of the Chamber's members aren't coming forward.

Darnley replied their members have a general fear of a public backlash in the newspapers. They believe coming to council wouldn't benefit him.

Groves said it's unfortunate the businesses have fear. She believes the Town needs a good balance between business and residents. She added the Nov. 6 vote sent the wrong message to the business community.

"We have a great quality of life here," she commented.

She noted she's been asked by people where's the indoor soccer facility, where's the second arena for Bolton, where's the bypass.

Councillor Gord McClure said first growth has to go to Ward 2. He believes there should be more than 500 homes a year for Caledon.

"We shouldn't stunt our growth," he said.

Councillor Doug Beffort told darnley he's respects her focus, but he pointed out more than 90 per cent of respondents told council to hold the line on population.

Mayor Marolyn Morrison said there are wonderful infill opportunities in Bolton and an opportunity for more than 1,500 people in population. She added if they remove the 2021 population forecast then the 2031 population forecast of 108,000 can float down in 10 years.

"I don't think we're ready for that," she said.

Payne and Morrison disagreed on how Bolton has been treated by the municipality. Payne said Bolton has been "abused" because the Town didn't do proper phasing. Morrison replied Bolton hasn't been abused because much of the development was approved by the Ontario Municipal Board.