Lots to celebrate in 2007, and mayor looks forward to more in '08
Mayor's Report
By Marolyn Morrison

On behalf of the members of council and the staff at the Town of Caledon, I would like to sincerely wish you and yours Season's Greetings and all the best for 2008.

Please join us Jan. 6, between 1 and 4 p.m. for Winter Fest. This annual, fun-filled event is open to all Caledon residents. The day's festivities include a free family swim, skate and refreshments. We hope to see you there.

This time of year often allows for reflection, and I would like to share with you some of the great highlights of 2007.

In the fall of 2006, the municipal election brought us four new councillors. We rolled up our sleeves and began work on our second Caledon Community Work Plan (CCWP). The CCWP was comprised of actionable items that are championed by council members. It provides direction for each department and aids during the formation of our annual budgets. The CCWP does more then set goals and the vision for the Town; it also acts as a record of our accomplishments, and thus makes us more accountable to our residents and businesses. To view the CCWP, please visit our Web site at www.caledon.ca

During this past year, we have had much to celebrate. The opening of the new arena in Caledon East, the TransCanada Bridge across Highway 10, the addition of a youth gymnasium to the Caledon Centre for Recreation and Wellness and more.

The Economic Development and Communications (ED&C) team at the Town of Caledon continues to win prominent national and international marketing awards, heightening the awareness of the municipality's attractiveness for investment. In 2007 ED&C added to their trophy case, winning five major marketing awards from two leading economic development organizations - the Economic Developers Association of Canada and the International Economic Development Council.

ED&C's efforts to retain and attract new business is evident, we have had a remarkable year. 3.655 million square feet of new non-residential floor space has been added to Caledon's inventory, 96per cent applied to industrial properties; 4per cent to commercial properties. Together these figures represent a 444per cent increase over 2006 - the greatest amount of nonresidential construction activity in Caledon - ever. Resulting in the creation of 353 new jobs!

Great strides have also been made in response to the demand for more family physicians in our community with three new physicians starting their practice here in 2007, and there are more on the way.

During my column last week, I shared with you the goals and aspirations of the 14 municipalities, known as the Greater Toronto Countryside Mayors Alliance (GTCMA) for 2008. During this past year, I was honoured when my colleagues selected me to Chair this organization. I am certain that this group's momentum will demand great things for our municipalities in 2008 and I look forward to charging the way. ]

In August, I was elected by all single tier and regional municipalities at the annual Association of Ontario Municipalities (AMO) conference to the AMO Board to represent them.

This is a wonderful opportunity for the Town of Caledon and the Region of Peel. Great things are under way and as we proceed. I look forward to sharing our many accomplishments with you.

As we embark on 2008, I am eager to see the newest community in Caledon come on stream. The new Mayfield West community is located on Kennedy Road, just North of Mayfield Road. Development is anticipated to occur in 2008. This community will house approximately 9,000 residents with 450 acres of employment lands.

We will continue to be an environmentally proactive municipality that strives to balance a live, work community. I am excited to share our future success with you and hope to see you at Winter Fest. From my family to yours, a Happy New Year.