The SPIRIT Newsletter - May 2016
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KARA's 40th Annual General Meeting (AGM)

KARA’s 40th AGM took place on May 4 in the Kleinburg Public School Gym. The meeting included presentations on the volume of proposed development for the Kleinburg core which does not fall into accordance with Vaughan’s Official Plan 2010, and a presentation from Fusion Gardening®.

KARA would like to thank Regional Councillors Michael DiBiase and Mario Ferri for coming out and taking questions and in particular we would like to thank Ward 1 Councillor Marilyn Iafrate for her enthusiastic effort and integrity to recognize the work, money and credence put into official plans, and for her willingness to go to the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) Reform Summit and voice the community’s distress over the uncertainty that the OMB process can inflict on our planning. We need more support for this from Vaughan City Council - there is a definite lack of support for following the City’s Official Plan. It is time to stop fearing the OMB and start calling for OMB reform.

In April, Council approved a resolution to request the Government of Ontario, in its review of the OMB, to consider the serious administrative and jurisdictional concerns being raised by municipalities. To sign the online petition in support of this review, go to gopetition.com/petitions/omb-reform1.html.

Vaughan Council votes not to support Ontario Natural Heritage

The Province of Ontario has officially asked Vaughan to take steps to bring the natural heritage policies and schedules in the Vaughan Official Plan (VOP2010) into effect. The province requires the protection of the natural heritage in our area to ensure long term ecological prosperity in Ontario (see Provincial Policy Statement 2014 - mah.gov.on.ca/AssetFactory.aspx?did=10584). Unfortunately, against the recommendation of the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing and their own staff, Vaughan City Council voted to defer the implementation of this protection for several years.

There is a good Toronto Star article on this issue - thestar.com/news/gta/2016/05/09/vaughan-blasted-for-troubling-environment-record.html – it states that “ Worst of all, critics say, is that instead of taking a stand against developers trying to exploit protected lands, Vaughan council appears to be lobbying for them.” Also from the article – “Maria Augimeri, a Toronto councillor and chair of the Toronto and Region Conservation Agency, said that while Vaughan’s actions may seem local, they are having an impact beyond its borders.” … “When a rogue municipality runs afoul of due consideration for the environment, we all suffer,” she said. “

This is how Vaughan Council voted with respect to the recommendations on protection for our natural heritage network:

In support of recommendations: Councillors Shefman and Iafrate, Mayor Bevilacqua
Against the recommendations: Councillors Racco-Yeung, DeFrancesca, Carella, Rosati, DiBiase, Ferri

Our council voted against 6 to 3.

Development Corner

Development proposed for Doctor's House

There is a proposed addition to the Doctor’s House in the works. It is 70 -72 room addition that will be located on the current back parking lot. Approximately 255 parking spaces will be provided, much of it under the existing parking lot and new building.

A full parking study will be done which will take into account the inn and the banquet hall. A section of the addition is proposed at 4 storeys (which is not in keeping with the Vaughan Official Plan 2010 (VOP2010)). The 4^th floor is proposed as a demonstration kitchen for guests. KARA has opposed height deviations for any and all development that contravenes the height requirements of VOP2010 and the municipal by-laws.

Concerns have been raised regarding traffic – it would be nice to ensure that adequate space is provided for buses to turn around on-site, in order to take the traffic congestion off of Nashville Road. It would also be safer to provide adequate on-site parking for the yoga studio. Congestion on Nashville Road diminishes the public realm and reduces pedestrian safety.

This development will be very beneficial in supporting the businesses in Kleinburg. They are hoping to complete the design and City approvals in 2016 with construction projected to start in early 2017.

Public Information Centre - Hwy 427 Extension to Major Mack

Thurs May 26, 4 to 8 pm - Le Jardin Conference Centre, Venetian Room

The Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO) is proceeding with the implementation of the Highway 427 Expansion project. The public is invited to attend a Public Information Centre (PIC) to learn about the project. The PIC will be an informal drop-in centre and will be held as follows:

Thursday May 26, 4 pm to 8 pm
Le Jardin Conference & Event Centre, Venetian Room
8440 Highway 27

This project includes the widening of the existing Highway 427 from south of Albion Road to Highway 7 and the extension of Highway 427 from Highway 7 to Major Mackenzie Drive. Representatives from the MTO and Consultant Team will be available to answer questions, discuss the next steps in this project and receive your input.

Traffic Corner

What is happening in our area

There are two items worth noting which will affect traffic in our area:

There will be temporary sequential closures of Stegman’s Mill Road from Ravendale to Kipling to allow construction of services to the new subdivision that will be going in at Stegman’s Mill and Kipling. The closures will start July 5th, 2016 and go to November 25th, 2016. The detour will be Hwy 27, Kirby Rd, and Weston Rd. Additional delays are expected at a number of intersections.

York Region is recommending an exclusive right turn lane, a through lane and an exclusive left turn lane on eastbound Nashville Road, if possible, at the intersection of Highway 27 and Nashville Road. Capital Planning and Delivery must now review the proposed project and consider design options, retain a consultant, complete the design, acquire property and permits, and relocate utilities. The project would probably commence in 2017 at the very earliest, depending upon the extent of works and the cost estimates.

In honour of the 50th Anniversary of the Binder Twine Festival, the Binder Twine Committee is planning and preparing to celebrate at this year’s festival and we need your help! There's a lot of Binder Twine Festival treasures out there and we are organizing 4 contests to encourage you to share. Please send your entries (with your name and description) to 2016bt50@gmail.com . The top photo, memorabilia and trivia entries will be published in this year's festival program and on the website. You can win a fabulous prize too!

Binder Twine Festival Photo Contest - Do you have a great photo taken at Binder Twine? We would love to see it! Any year, any theme.

 Binder Twine Festival Memorabilia Contest - We’re looking for great Binder Twine history. Artifacts, articles and any treasure. Did you keep an item that you made for the annual Binder Twine craft contest? Take a photo of your piece and send it in. The top entries will have an opportunity to be on display Festival day.

 Binder Twine Festival Trivia Contest - The Early Days .

Where was the site of the first Binder Twine Nights and the 1967 Festival?
 Who was responsible for spearheading the Binder Twine Festival for the Kleinburg Centennial project?
 What steam engine once played at the corner of Islington Avenue & Nashville Road during the festival?
 Which community group organized the 'games of chance' in the field behind the Gulf station? 
How much money did the 1967 Binder Twine Festival raise?

 Binder Twine Festival Posts - Forward your fondest, best, funniest memories of past Binder Twine Festivals – we will post them to Facebook and Twitter. 

Kline House needs you!!!

The Kleinburg Old Boys are looking for some new faces to assist with the supervision of the Kline House when it is open as an Historical Collection and Binder Twine Display on weekends.

Volunteering once or twice a year, from 1:00 to 4:00 pm, would be helpful. You will be amazed as to what you will learn about Kleinburg and the surrounding area, as well as the interesting visitors that you will meet. If interested, contact Pam Schwenger at kleinburgkids@sympatico.ca or 647-222-6866.

Youth Bike Summit

by Cassandra Iacovelli

On Wednesday, May 4th, York Region held its first Youth Bike Summit for high school students across the Region. Coming away from this event, students learned the importance of advocacy, community involvement, and making a difference in small steps. Through speakers and workshop programs, students built a knowledge about active transportation and the efforts required by residents and governments to build the Region's infrastructure.

In my own experience, I did not only learn about how to make a difference, but who can make a difference. Making a difference is not just for adults. I saw large groups of kids my own age who were interested, passionate and able to make a difference. I now understand what I can do to help improve life in my community.

Kleinburg is a special place. Many of us live within 5 kilometres of the core. But, how many of us walk into town? How many ride our bikes? Why not? It would help get some of those cars out of the busy core. If you see a young woman riding into town this summer, that will be me. I hope I’ll see you walking and riding too.

Kleinburg Leo Club

Paint Nite Fundraiser - Friday June 10

Exhibitions:

50/50/50 Exhibition Program— Jun 4 2016 to Jan 8 2017
A Foundation for Fifty Years: McMichael Masterworks—Nov 18, 2015 to December 2016
Reframing Canadian Art—Mar 5 to Dec 2016
Field Trip: Sarah Anne Johnson—Mar 5 to June 5, 2016

ArtVenture Children’s Art Classes:
Summer Camp—July 4 to August 26, Ages 5-15

To register for programs, call 905.893.1121 ext 2216 or visit mcmichael.com for more info.

2016 Woodbridge Horticultural Society Garden Tour—Saturday, June 25th from 10 am until 3 pm (rain or shine). Four of the eight gardens on this year's Garden Tour are here in Kleinburg! Tickets are $10/person and can be purchased on the day of the Tour at the Wallace House, 137 Woodbridge Avenue, or in advance by contacting John at 416 859-8727 or Mary at 905 856-6907. All proceeds help to pay for the Society's Community Projects.

Kleinburg Tennis Club - Online Registration now available. There will be no mailers this year for registration. Please visit kleinburgtennis.com for more information and registration form.

Nashville Conservation Reserve - The Nashville Conservation Reserve is a parcel of lands along the Humber river stretching almost from Nashville to Bolton. If you would like to learn about reptiles and amphibians here in York Region, then come to the first, free Nature Education Event held by the new Stewardship Committee of the Nashville Conservation Reserve on May 28 from 6:30-8pm at the Visitors’ Centre at the Cold Creek Conservation Area in King Township. Designed for those 14 years and older, there will be a presentation from Ontario Nature followed by a short, easy walk to locate animals nearby.
For more info - hvhta.ca/2016/05/reptiles-and-amphibians-and-apps/.

Kleinburg Bridge Club— The Club held their 2nd Annual Tournament on May 14th at Kleinburg Library. There were 11 tables of bridge followed by lunch. Winners: Patti & Bill Cragg –1st; Deanne Dennison & Paul Stanbury –2nd; Bob Harper & Alvin Murphy –3rd; Gloria Sargent & Shirley Zilio –4th and Pat Platt & June Gileo –5th. The club meets every Thur afternoon at 1 p.m. at the library for bridge and every Mon afternoon at 1 p.m. at the library for Mahjong. Anyone interested in either should call: Coreen Beesley at 905-893-1593 or Ann Wood at 905-880-0251.

Humber Valley Heritage Trail Association - Members of the HVHTA lead hikes through natural forests and meadowlands in and around Kleinburg and Area. For more info about each hike see our website at hvhta.ca or email us at hvhtak@gmail.com.

May 22 - Early Bird Hike in Happy Valley Forest (2 hrs - 6:30 am start)

June 18 - Glen Haffy Conservations Area Hike (2 to 2.5 hrs - 10 am start)

2016 Binder Twine Festival’s Raffle Quilt - Now on display at the Kleinburg branch of the Royal Bank and on the Festival's website www.bindertwine.ca is this year's Binder Twine Raffle Quilt. On Canada Day, the quilt will be on display on the front porch of Hawthorne House. Once again, another one of a kind treasure has been sewn and stitched, so thank you to everyone who has contributed. This year's raffle quilt is a queen size sampler and dust cover valued at $1,800.00.

Tickets are $2.00 or 3 for $5.00 and are available for purchase at Kleinburg RBC, Kleinburg Pharmacy & Hawthorne House. This is an excellent opportunity to win a piece of Kleinburg Binder Twine history.

2016 Binder Twine Quilt Square Contest - Fabric bundles with information sheets for this year's Quilt Square Contest are available at the Kleinburg Public Library (Main Desk). This year's fabric colours are red & white. The date to return your quilt square(s) for judging is Saturday August 20^th.

KARA® is a Registered Trademark

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The KARA Board generally meets on the third Thursday of each month in Kline House, 8 Nashville Road, at 7:00 p.m. If you would like to attend, or make a presentation, this can be arranged with the courtesy of a request in advance to KARA@kara-inc.ca. Local organizations are invited to submit material for publication in the Community Events and Community Clubs sections. Please include the name and phone number of a contact for follow up. Material will be edited to suit the newsletter and cannot be returned. Do you have community news? Let us know and, if space permits, we will include it. Next Issue: June 2016. Submission deadline: May 15, 2016

To receive The Spirit via email, sign up here. Help us save money and trees!!! For now, all P.O. Boxes in Kleinburg Post Office, & the rural route, continue to receive the printed version of The Spirit (except those not accepting unaddressed mail). Over time, we intend to move more communications online.

Thank you to the 2016 Sponsors of The Spirit :

Kleinburg Binder Twine Festival
Advantage Physiotherapy
Avenue Cibi e Vini
Avlyn Gardens Ristorante
Chartreuse Restaurant
Dr. Marsha Lomis - Psychologist
Green Apple Dental Centre
Femme Inc.
Kalthoff Decorators
Kleinburg Family Health Centre
Kleinburg Pharmacy
RBC Royal Bank
The Doctor’s House

If you are interested in sponsoring The Spirit, please contact KARA - KARA@kara-inc.ca.

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Kleinburg and Area Ratepayers' Association (KARA) · P.O. Box 202 · Kleinburg, On L0J 1C0 · Canada