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David Crombie gives lessons on idealism in politics By Dominik Kurek OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF A four-part speaker series exploring ideals in Canadian politics got underway Feb. 22 with a man many would call an idealist. David Crombie spoke to about 50 people at St. Jude's Anglican Church during the first instalment of the Wither Idealism? speaker series. A former mayor of Toronto and a cabinet minister under former prime minister Joe Clark, Crombie also headed the Royal Commission on the Future of Toronto's Waterfront. That work has since expanded to 40 municipalities and 11 conservation areas and led to the creation of waterfront trails along Lake Ontario. Crombie said there are several prerequisites for political idealism. One must believe in what they are doing, must have dialogue with others and possess a sense of history -- as well as a sense of humour. "If you're actually going to do something, you better believe your own story," he said. "When you really believe it, then, when the strong winds blow, you'll be able to stick to it." Crombie shared four stories about his time in politics. When he first became mayor of Toronto in 1972, Crombie said the city was built on the American model, which meant the downtown core was not for living. People were to live in the suburbs and work in the city. However, Crombie said he saw it was not working so he and council worked on a new downtown strategic plan. They needed time, so council adopted a 45-foot height bylaw for two years, meaning no building could be built taller than 45 feet, except for hospitals and schools. "The reaction of the land developers, the reaction of the labour units, the reaction of the newspapers was overwhelming." Crombie said within the week, reports were accusing him of taking bread out of the mouths of widows and orphans and he had been dubbed stone-hearted. However, Crombie said he knew it had to be done and in 1976 the city adopted a new downtown plan that included housing and mixed-use buildings, creating a vibrant city centre. Crombie also spoke about the revitalization of the waterfront in Toronto. In 1988, Crombie headed the waterfront commission, which partnered with the Province. The group established an eco-system approach to the revitalization. It became about understanding the consequences of actions and bringing people closer to the water so they would better value it. See Pushing page 5 3 · Friday, February 24, 2012 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.insideHALTON.com Inside Opinion.............................................6 Artscene..........................................25 Worship..........................................26 Sports..............................................27 Classified........................................35 Full Delivery: New Homes, Dell, Bad Boy, 2001 Audio, Rabba Fine Foods Partial Delivery: Michael's, The Brick, Bass Pro Shops, Q.S.I. For home delivery & customer service call (905) 845-9742 Mon., Tues. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Wed., Thu., and Fri. 9 a.m.-7 p.m. (open for calls only after 5 p.m.) Closed Sat. and Sun. New subscriptions call (905) 845-9742 or subscribe online @ www.oakvillebeaver.com Henderson Partners, LLP Announces Robyn Pangman CA, Principal Henderson Partners, LLP is delighted to announce Robyn Pangman's promotion to Principal effective January 2012. Last chance! Sale ends Feb 29, 2012 BARNBOARD . CAMLEN . SILKROUTE Just when you were starting to feel comfortable... Something better came along! And it's on sale, save 20% and more on all inhouse furniture. Order any piece not in-stock and save the taxes... We'll even store it for you! Robyn joined Henderson Partners in early 2008 as a manager in assurance and advisory. Robyn graduated from Dalhousie University in 2001 with her Bachelor of Commerce Degree, and following extensive travel, joined PricewaterhouseCoopers in Edinburgh, Scotland where she obtained her CA designation in 2007. She subsequently obtained the Canadian CA designation when she returned to Canada in 2008. Robyn's specialty is assurance and advisory services, working closely with small and mid-sized companies, their owners and their families. Her assurance clients range from small not-for-profit organizations to large manufacturing companies. As a Firm, we continue to focus on helping our clients pursue opportunities , navigate challenges, create value and leave a legacy. The promotion of Robyn to Principal strengthens our team as we continue to provide exceptional service to our clients. www.murrons.com 215 Lakeshore Road. E. Oakville 905.338.5181 Tax and Estate Planning | Assurance | Advisory | Wealth Stewardship www.hendersonpartnersllp.ca | 224 Kerr Street | Oakville | 905-829-3701 We sell the most homes in Canada. Let us help you sell yours. www.remaxaboutowne.com Aboutowne Reality Corp., Brokerage 905-338-9000 (Downtown Office) 905-842-7000 (Uptown Office) Independently owned and operated.