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Saturday, June 16, 2012
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Affordable housing key, sessions find PRIORITY REACH THOSE IN NEED: PROUDFOOT BY ADAM MC LEAN
amclean@yrmg.com
“Poverty sucks,” exclaimed United Way of York Region CEO Daniele Zanotti. “And being poor in York Region sucks even more,” he added, following two hours of discussion during the United Way of York Region Meeting House session in Richmond Hill Thursday night. Social challenges, ranging from affordable housing, elder abuse, youth engagement, community activism and an overall struggle to make ends meet, were addressed as future concerns, as the town grows. The meeting was the fifth and final instalment in the series entitled “… more than roads, sewers, stores and schools”. The forum allows United Way to hear from residents, organizations and agencies in the region’s five growth areas. Participants explored social pressures and challenges as well as services, supports, resources, facilities and networking opportunities that can be built upon during the next 20 years, as Richmond Hill’s population is forecast grow by another 55,000 residents. Information collected at the five meetings will be included in a United Way report this fall, which will be followed by a second round of meetings. These next meetings will bring together parties addressing a particular issue to formulate a tangible plan to better serve the needs of the community. On affordable housing, Mr. Zanotti said it will be important to bring together developers and residents in need of affordable housing to develop real options. After five meetings affordable housing seems to be the core issue across the region, Mr. Zanotti said. “Now we ask: How do we change policy? Build a better affordable housing framework? See NEXT STEPS, page 2.
STAFF PHOTO/STEVE SOMERVILLE
Elisabet Kun (left) and Grace Rossetti of the Richmond Hill Garden and Horticultural Society inspect planters delivered by parks and recreation department staff to the new Oak Ridges Community Centre. Horticulture volunteers plant hundreds of large and small containers blooming throughout the town and staff water them all summer long.
Flowers bloom throughout town, at new facility You see colourful hanging baskets, large planters and triple-decker plant stands along Yonge Street, Major Mackenzie Drive and in front of every town facility. Ever wonder who is responsible? These green, floral planters are a labour of love for members of the Richmond Hill Garden and Horticultural Society. Earlier this spring, about 50 members devoted almost 200 hours over seven days to plant 334 hanging baskets, 434 barrels and 34 long boxes, also transplanting more than 400 plants to larger pots. Elisabet Kun was the co-ordinator and team leader of this effort and the results can
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be seen adding a splash of colour in every corner of town. The most recent flower installation was this week at the brand new Oak Ridges Community Centre, getting the building ready for the official opening set for next Saturday. Residents have been able to use the facility on the shores of Lake Wilcox since May 22, but the grand opening will be another fun opportunity to have a look at the sixlane leisure pool and slide, spacious fitness studio, gym, kitchen and program rooms. Free festivities run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with official welcome by the mayor and
councillors at 11 a.m., with music provided by the Richmond Hill Centennial Pipe Band and highlighted by a release of butterflies. There will be children’s entertainment, a barbecue lunch courtesy of the Oak Ridges Lions Club (while quantities last, nominal fee charged), fitness demonstrations, crafts, eco centre tours and more. The centre is at 12895 Bayview Ave., just south of Bethesda Sideroad. Learn more by visiting richmondhill.ca/ORCC or call 905-773-4630. — Marney Beck
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