The Villager 2016 May

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May 2016

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Local businesses . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19-21 Community events. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Ward 4: key projects and issues Ron Stevens is the councillor for Ward 4 in Severn Township. This is his 2nd term. In our interview with Ron, we talked about several projects and issues, most notably the new community centre, including discussions about what might be included in this facility; residential development and resulting challenges the township faces; and the new school. Ron said there’s little to say about the new school other than he’s pleased with the progress. The school is a merging of Ardtrea and Cumberland Beach public schools. Students, particularly those who attend Ardtrea Public School, will be happy to say good-bye to the portables. Ron says the new school will be ready by spring of 2017. Questions abound around the future community centre and it continues to be a topic of interest to residents. The Villager has reported several times that the community centre location will soon be revealed but, unfortunately we have nothing new to report. Ron understands that residents are eager to know more, but he says there is still some significant work to be done. He said that council is confident that the residents will be pleased with the location but until the agreement with the developer is signed off and the land has been officially transferred to the township, they cannot disclose the location. Sometimes legal and municipal protocol can be frustrating but

An important feature in this community, small parks give waterfront access to backlot (non-waterfront) residents in Ward 4. Ron added that it is council’s responsibility to do this the right way. Ron pointed out that although all age groups will be users, two user groups that stand out are children/youth and seniors. Kids need a place to hang out, a centre with indoor and outdoor activities and facilities, learning opportunities, clubs, summer camp, and more. As for seniors, some residents who live in Ward 4 currently belong to the seniors club in Washago with meetings and activities at that community centre. Ron said there is a very long waiting list for the Washago Seniors Club, leaving

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no nearby opportunities for many seniors. The new Ward 4 centre needs to address those seniors’ needs. The primary user groups are, of course, important in the ongoing discussions about what the Ward 4 community centre might include. In previous discussions with members of council, some of the components discussed have been a fullsize gymnasium/hall, a kitchen similar to the Washago centre, outdoor features for sporting activities, even a library. Over the next several months, staff and council, with Continued on page 8

705.326.8523 markgoode.ca mark@markgoode.ca

180 Memorial Ave., Orillia


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The Villager 2016 May by Villager Community News - Issuu