CCRBB face councillors in discussion on development and growth issues
By Bill Rea

There wasn't much resolved, but both sides seemed to think they were able to get their views aired regarding Bolton's development future last Thursday.

Members of the recentlyformed Coalition of Concerned Residents and Businesses of Bolton (CCRBB) were able to face Caledon councillors and senior staff over their conflicting views of what the population of Bolton and south Albion should be from now until 2021.

"I believe we finally got our point across," commented CCRBB Chair Greg Pannia, although he also said he was unhappy at the time it took to get such a meeting. "I'm disappointed it took this long to get this far," he commented, adding he hoped concerns would be heard faster in future.

He also pointed out there are a number of coalitions in existence in Caledon, indicating to him there are many unhappy people out there. He said he intends to extend a proverbial olive branch to these groups.

He also said CCRBB plans to make a delegation today (Thursday) before Peel Regional councillors.

Mayor Marolyn Morrison also seemed to think the session went well.

"I hope people listened to what is possible under the parameters," she remarked, adding if people did listen, then something was accomplished.

Morrison stressed these are not simple issues, and it's important that people understand the process that has to be followed.

"It's not cut and dry. That's the problem," she said. "I don't think there's a perfect solution."

There are concerns in the Bolton business community that more population is needed in the immediate area to help support the existing business base. But Morrison wasn't convinced that population projections are responsible for that. She pointed out the economy is in rough shape, and that's causing problems for business. The community improvement plan for Bolton will help, she added.

Nick Acocella of CCRBB told the meeting the main concern is the Bolton and south Albion area is slated to get little or no population growth for the next 13 years.

He added the growth planned for Mayfield West is not going to do a lot for the Bolton business climate. "The physical distance between our two communities is just too great," he declared.

Acocella also said the Town is expanding its urban boundaries, but without a residential component. "Where's the logic here?" he wondered.

Pannia stressed the group has done its research, and has come up with a plan that he sad does not put off their concerns until 2021.

"Bolton is the economic hub of Caledon," he reminded councillors.

Town CAO Doug Barnes observed that only about 20 per cent of Caledon's labour force works in town. He also pointed out detached homes make up about 90 per cent of Caledon's housing stock, as opposed to about 67 per cent in Brampton, with housing prices quite a bit higher here. "We don't have a housing stock for an industrial labour force," he said.

Barnes also said the Town's Official Plan sets a population target of 84,444 for 2021, and that's still in effect. Numbers have been re-allocated, but he said the forecasted growth in Bolton was realized quickly because of rulings from the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB).

Barnes also said there are growth opportunities in Bolton, with the potential for some 1,600 units.

He also asked if the majority of residents shop outside the area, and if they do, would a greater population help. he also asked how to go about getting people to shop locally.

Strategic initiatives, he said, include creating bolton as a destination, with features like a farmers' market, etc., expanding the Business Improvement Area (BIA), etc.