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27| The IFP -H alton H ills | T hursday,July 12,2018 theifp.ca It's been five years in the making, and Halton Hills finally has a concrete plan for what Georgetown will look like in the coming years. Council officially passed the Vision George- town Secondary Plan, which is an extensive plan- ning document that out- lines the details of how the downtown core is set to de- velop in the coming decade. "It could have been a knock-down-drag-out fight the whole time and it wasn't," said Mayor Rick Bonnette, who thanked the public for the countless in- put sessions over the past five years of planning the project. "I know it wasn't easy," he said. "There were lots of conflicting opinions." Nick MacDonald, with Meridian Planning Con- sultants, gave a delegation to council on the final ad- justments to the plan be- fore it was passed. The major change is the mapping of the community core, which after recent talks with residents was changed to accommodate a more linear north-south corridor. There were also chang- es to a storm water drain- age area, which was given a new planning classifica- tion as a storm water con- veyance corridor. "You're taking out a lot of prime real estate," said Coun. Bryan Lewis, asking if they could divert the wa- ter across Trafalgar Road "rather than take this land out of use." The plans show how the town will best accommo- date a growth of 18,000 resi- dents, by allocating medi- um and high-density hous- ing areas and helping to make a livable, walkable community by mandating connected linear parks and community hub areas in the downtown. The devel- opment of the area span- ning from Eighth Line to Trafalgar Road, stretching from Stewarttown to Ash- grove is set to accommo- date 1,700 jobs as well. The secondary plan in- cludes 6,600 new housing units, and 57 per cent of the 1,000 acres in the town will be allocated public space. MacDonald said that the housing density is a bit lower than the region man- date. "This is kind of a histor- ic meeting for us," said Coun. Jane Fogal, express- ing relief that affordable housing was incorporated into the plan at the last minute. "Thank goodness it was caught." "This is the most com- prehensive planning exer- cise that this town has ever had," said Bonnette. "I think it's going to be worth all the effort." The plan, which is avail- able on the town's website, was passed unanimously. COUNCIL Council passes Vision Georgetown secondary plan ALEXANDRA HECK aheck@metroland.com A map of the proposed 1,000 acres area to be developed into housing, parks, schools and other serices in order to accomodate provincially mandated growth. Town of Halton Hills Jane Fogal FreeSeminars LIVeEntertainment GetinformationonHealth,Housing, Finance,Travel andEntertainment 905-842-6591 orToll-Free1-800-693-7986 ext. 740698 (Nancy) or 740699 (Heidy) EXHIBITORS: For information on how to showcase your business call Brought to you by Metroland Media Group What do you do that is unique and ideal for Retirees or soon to be Retirees?What do you do that is unique and ideal for Retirees or soon to be Retirees? EXHIBITORSWANTED! Indoors at the ROYALBOTANICAL GARDENS 680 Plains Rd. W., Burlington RBG Auditorium Live Entertainment from THE ToronTo All STAr BiG BAnd C A N A D A ' S F I F T Y P L U S N E W S M A G A Z I N E Free Admission Free lootbags Free Parking (first 750) Meet face to facewithhundredsofpotential clients! Presented by SundaySeptember9, 2018 • 10am-4pm Enjoy the Music of dr. J www.cbi.ca 318 Guelph St, Unit 2/3 Georgetown, ON As of July 1, 2018, Ross Physiotherapy Solutions is changing our name to CBI Health Centre. Our name is changing but our great people and our commitment to providing you the best possible care remains the same. We will continue to operate as we have for the past 19 years. Same fantastic staff with the same commitment to you, your family and loved ones. Call us at 905.873.7677 or book an appointment online at www.cbi.ca! CBI Health Centre - Georgetown New OptOmetry Office in DOwntOwn GeOrGetOwn Dr. Ben Giddens Dr. Andrea Kozma Dr. Stephanie Britton has opened a 2nd location at the mill Street medical centre. DOwntOwn GeOrGetOwn 83 mill St | 905 873 1867 metrO plaza 371 mountainview rd S | 905 873 1861 family eye care ServiceS Day, Evening and Saturday Hours | Same day appointments for urgent eye care. Please phone. GIDDENS OPTOMETRY