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2016 Year in Review: June

January 13, 2017   ·   0 Comments

June 2, 2016

•  Orangeville council abolished its finance and administrative committee on May 30, abandoning a process that has been a part of the municipality’s budget deliberations for quite some time.

The significant change follows two years in which budget debates have been presided over by Coun. Nick Garisto as committee chair. In the position he was the lead councillor for all things related to the budget process – running the meetings, leading strategic initiatives and bringing forth his own ideas on how to best allocate annual tax dollars.

The motion to dissolve the finance committee was brought forth by councillor Sylvia Bradley, who felt budget deliberations would be more efficient if they were conducted in regular council sessions and chaired by the mayor.

•  Construction began on the Headwaters Health Care Centre’s expansion and renovation project on May 26.

Members of the facility’s board of directors, staff, physicians, local dignitaries, volunteers and members of the community gathered for the official groundbreaking ceremony at Headwaters site on Rolling Hills Drive in Orangeville.

The expansion and renovation project is expected to meet the growing health care needs of the community and bring greater access to much needed medical services close to home.

•  Members of the local hospital gala committee presented a cheque for $287,780.69 to the Headwaters Health Care Foundation following the overwhelming success of this year’s ‘Get Down and Derby’ event – the 19th annual dinner and auction held in support of the local hospital based in Orangeville.

The proceeds of this annual signature fundraising event goes towards the purchase of priority medical equipment.

June 9, 2016

•  Westside Secondary School’s second-annual Diversity Walk on June 3 saw Conservative MP for Dufferin-Caledon, David Tilson, speak to students about his recent change of heart on transgender issues.

Mr. Tilson said the diversity walk is a great idea to draw attention to the need for equality.

“Our society has evolved over time for not only those of us who are gay, but those of us who are transgender. I don’t think there’s as much resistance as there was in the past.”

Teachers and students walked around the school’s field wearing colourful clothing in support of equality for everyone.

June 16, 2016

• Orangeville’s Westminster United Church is continuing its renovation phases by remodeling its sanctuary, making it comfortable for the physically challenged and modernizing the building.

The renovation is part of an ongoing effort to modernize the building. In recent years new washrooms have been installed, the entrance way renewed, the parking lot paved and an entrance off Broadway secured. An elevator has been installed, which allows for easier access to the facility’s sanctuary.

Total costs for the project come to approximately $385,000.

June 23, 2016

•  Backyard fire use was once again on the agenda at Orangeville Town Council on June 20 and was a hot topic amongst those in attendance.

The gallery was packed full of passionate citizens who were both for and against the practice of enjoying a bonfire on their personal properties. Mayor Jeremy Williams explained to all in the gallery that the purpose of the event was to conduct a listening exercise. Council was trying to make a decision that would be in the best interests of all.

The review of the regulatory bylaw was opened as a result of complaints received last summer concerning the use of a popular local restaurants wood-fired pizza oven.

•  The County of Dufferin’s financial situation is in wonderful shape, thanks to strong financial decision-making and the experienced members that make up county council.

The financial assets of the county have increased by $3.3 million since the 2014 results were posted. In addition, net debt decreased by $4.3 million. The summary package provided to council also highlighted a strong operating surplus of over $2.1 million in 2015, while expenses for the year were also well managed, coming in $1.1 million under budget.

•  The Town of Orangeville’s auditors presented their findings on the municipality’s financial situation at a recent council meeting, noting there had been a marked improvement in the Town’s net debt over the past three years.

According to the Town of Orangeville’s treasurer Marc Villeneuve, the decrease in net deb is driven by an increase in the municipality’s annual surplus. Other highlights from the report show that discretionary reserves (water and sewer, roads and other general government items) have increased over the past few years, while obligatory reserves (transportation grants, gas tax funds and development charges) have doubled since 2011.

•  The Dufferin Relay for Life was a great success once again in 2016, with 180 participants raising over $79,000 at the sixth-annual event.

Once again held at the Orangeville Agricultural Society fairgrounds, the Dufferin team has now raised well over $500,000 for research for the Canadian Cancer Society since its launch in 2011.

•  The Orangeville Jr. B Northmen wrapped up their regular season on June 20 with a 4-3 loss to the Elora Mohawks, but still went on to clinch the Mid West conference of the Ontario Jr. B Lacrosse League with an incredible record of 18 wins and just 2 losses.

June 30, 2016

•  The new McDonald’s store, located on Riddell Road, opened to the public on July 1. The expansion means Orangeville now has three McDonald’s locations, with the newest restaurant joining the ones located on Broadway and inside Walmart on First Street.

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