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1 2 The Canadian Statesman, Bowmanville, Wednesday, June 1,1994 Section Two fit Canadian §>mm Former Publishers • Rev. W. R. Climie, 1854 -1878 • M. A. James, 1878 -1935 • George W. James, 1935 -1957 Produced weekly by James Publishing Company Limited P.O. Box 190,62 King St. W., Bowmanville, Ontario L1C 3K9 905-623-3303 Fax 905-623-6161 For 140 Years, Our First Concern Has Been Our Community Publisher-John M. James Assoc. Publisher - Richard A. James Plant Manager - Donald J. Bishop Ad. Manager - Brian G. Purdy Editor - Peter Parrott Production Rick Patterson, Laurens Kaldeway, Doug Lugtenburg, Sharon McMullen, Barb Patterson, Ralph Rozema, Jim Snoek, Vance Sutherland, Jim Tuuramo Advertising Editorial Laverne Morrison, Eva Westermann Brad Kelly, Lorraine Manfredo, Laura J. Richards' Office Angela Luscher, Junia Hodge, Grace McGregor, Nancy Pleasance-Sturman, Marilyn Rutherford Streamlining the Planning Process Two events which took place last week at the Durham Region headquarters in Whitby were truly a study in contrasts. First, the Ontario Municipal Board ended (for now) its deliberations on the proposed new shopping plaza in west Bowmanville. But, the expected end to the hearings did not occur. Proceedings are slated to resume again in November. Secondly, Oshawa MPP Allan Pilkey visited the regional council chambers to announce that the Durham Region would henceforth be granted permission to approve the Official Plans of area municipalities and also Official Plan amendments. Previously, such planning approvals required a time-consuming final step which consisted of a review by the provincial level of government Pilkey's announcement represents a step towards the streamlining of the municipal planning process. The Ontario Municipal Board Hearing on the proposed Bowmanville shopping mall shows just how long that process can take if it encounters the maximum number of hurdles. The Ontario Municipal Board Hearing opened in late January and (with numerous interruptions) continued until late last week. Now, it appears that the hearing will be adjourned until November. And, due to the magnitude of the hearing, it's unlikely that any snap decision will be rendered. So, it could take several more months before the actual decision of the OMB members is announced. In other words, even if the shopping mall receives a favorable hearing, it could take until next year before construction can start Streamlining the process of doing business with municipal governments is a new buzzword among municipal politicians. Whether or not you believe the recession is over, the marketplace remains highly competitive. And no municipality wants to be seen as a place where it is difficult to do business. Such a reputation will just drive investment and jobs elsewhere. In a meeting with local business leaders earlier this spring, Garington Mayor Diane Harare announced this municipality is putting in place a "one-stop shopping" process for anyone hoping to do business here. This means entrepreneurs could meet regularly with representatives of all municipal departments in order to iron out obstacles and determine exactly what approvals would be needed. There would be no shuffling of business people from one department to another. The Clarington municipality desperately needs to become open to business possibilities. For years, the town has suffered from an imbalance between commercial/industrial growth and residential development The latest batch of building statistics show that there is little change in the trend. As of the end of April, building permits have been issued to projects valued at $27.7 million. And, of those projects, $24.7 million represents the value of residential development. While it's great to see home-builders becoming more active again, the fact remains that it is not desirable for Garington to become a bedroom community. All of that residential construction needs some counter-balancing commercial opportunities. Commercial development can create local jobs, add to the tax base, and even ease traffic congestion if fewer residents are forced to commute to out-of-town employment. If ever we needed à streamlining of the planning process, that time is now. With the new initiatives outlined for Garington and the announcement from Mr. Pilkey, the planning process should become more efficient. But, businesses shouldn't expect clear sailing in every project Whenever a business attempts to introduce a major new project, there will almost always be two sides to the issue. If a major new development is proposed, there will be citizens concerned over that development's impact on issues such as traffic, the environment, and the general quality of life in the community. The interests of everyone must be taken into account, since municipal governments must represent the entire community. Indeed, public consultation on planning matters is a legal requirement. And, if matters cannot be resolved at the local level, then there is the option of a hearing before the Ontario Municipal Board which (aside from the provincial cabinet) has. the final say in planning matters. As always, it will be a delicate balance to ensure that a municipality encourages needed growth in residential and commercial development, but still ensures that those who oppose such development have their say. If the public process can be followed, but somehow speeded up, it would surely be a major victory for all concerned. Praise for Student Workers Dear Peter: The Community Care program is fortunate to have received a SEED grant through Employment and Immigration Immigration Canada to hire a student this summer. In the process of doing the hiring we have reviewed many resumes and interviewed eleven of the students. We were very impressed with all of the students who applied. The skills and enthusiasm that they each possess would make them a terrific asset to any company or organization. organization. I would like to encourage anyone who might need some extra help over the summer months to call Dan Munns at the Student Employment Office, 623-9221 and discuss their needs. Hiring a student benefits everyone, everyone, the employer, the student and the community. Yours sincerely, Roxy Barnes, Administrator We could Have jLtsT n» SoWBb OUZ U£Abs ^ \ ° UT / F'&URebWesL/cxjLb \ APPeal meeny tb RE/We - , Aunia^rry Jk Catholics Urged to Contact their MPPs over Same Sex Bill "1 p WeAsked... What is your opinion regarding the bill offering equal rights to same-sex couples? .. .And You Said \ r , Ÿfl Amanda Westlake Bowmanville "I think it's fine because I have friends who are in same sex relation- ships." Sharon Hillyer Bowmanville "I agree with it. I have friends who are gay and I think they deserve a fair shake." Betty Bishop Bowmanville "I don't agree with it. I think it's wrong. I don't think they should get benefits." Leigh MacArthur Bowmanville "The government . should do what their constituents elected them to do. The members should listen listen to the public. If the majority feel it should be passed, they should pass it." Next week's question: What do you think of the idea of Quebec separating?