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CORPORATION OF THE TOWN OF NEWCASTLE
40 TEMPERANCE STREET
BOWMANVILLE, ONTARIO
LiC3A6 TELEPHONE 623-3379
REPORT TO THE GENERAL PURPOSE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE
MEETING HELD JULY 16 1984
ADMIN. 60 - 84
SUBJECT: BASELINE ROAD EAST
RECOMMENDATIONS:
It is respectfully recommended that the General Purpose and Administration
Committee recommend to Council the following:
1. That this report be received for information;
2. That the Mayor, on behalf of the Corporation, write to the Minister
of Municipal Affairs and Housing and request the Minister reconsider
the possibility of funding Community Improvements Projects which
involve industrial areas;
3. That the development of Community Improvement Policies for
incorporation in appropriate planning documents be considered
in conjunction with the 1985 work program for the Planning Department.
BACKGROUND AND COMMENT:
Some time ago Council requested that a report be brought forward on the
availability of financial assistance towards the improvement of Baseline
Road East. Staff, in conjunction with the Regional Economic
Development Department canvassed both provincial and federal programs.
At this time, aside from Ministry of Transportation and Communications subsidy,
there does not appear to be funds available through any senior government
program which would assist in the reconstruction of Baseline Road East
or the general improvement of the neighbourhood. At the same time, the
Town has acknowledged a need to improve this road by the inclusion of the
project in the Five -Year Capital forecast in the years 1987 and 1988.
The expenditures have been estimated in the neighbourhood of $600,000
to upgrade the road and storm sewers.
ADMIN. 60 - 84
This figure does not include any upgrading of sanitary or water
services. While there is an Industrial Development Reserve Account
#5001-899-4-3 which has a current balance of $407,317.14, staff
strongly feel that unless matching funds can be found from the
senior government levels it is ill-advised to spend monies on the
improvement of the road. The recommendations outlined in this report
are an attempt to create a program at the provincial level which will
lead to the possible funding of the road improvements.
The most promising program that may be activated is through the Ministry
of Municipal Affairs and Housing. Approximately two years ago
consultants studied the possibility of providing a program geared towards
the improvement of industrial areas. The consultants recommended that
the provincial government sponsor such a program. Unfortunately it was
the government's position at that time not to provide such funding.
At the same time it was made quite clear that the government would
consider this program in subsequent years. In discussing this issue with
representatives of other municipalities, I believe there is a sufficient
core of interest in the program at this point in time to merit the
reconsideration of such funds by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs
and Housing.
If the Ministry decides to fund any program under the Community Improvement
sections of the Planning Act it will be necessary to have community
improvement policies in our Official Plan documents. Thereafter
community improvement plans would be required prior to provincial funding.
At the same time, it is anticipated that the Five -Year Capital Forecast
will continue to include the improvements to the Baseline Road East.
If Council wishes to accelerate the reconstruction, it is possible to
move the project forward on the Five -Year Capital Forecast.
Respectfully submitted,
DSJ:nof David 0ohnston, M.C.I.P.,
Chief Administrative Officer