Bishop House: Museum, Archives and National Historic Site is very pleased to announce that PortsToronto (formerly known as the Toronto Port Authority), the owner and operator of Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, has come onboard as a Platinum Sponsor of our 2015 Victory Dance Gala.
Dollars raised through the Gala, which serves as Bishop House's major fundraiser for the year, support the important exhibitions, educational programmes and work with local Veterans that Bishop House undertakes as part of our ongoing operational activities. The staff, volunteers and thousands of people who visit Bishop House each year are deeply appreciative of this important contribution by Ports Toronto.
By Anne Finlay-Stewart
Budget – Take One
The 2015 Owen Sound budget marathon has begun.
"I don't want any of you to go away not understanding. Please ask questions,"
Owen Sound City Manager Ruth Coursey encouraged the new mayor, four rookie councillors and two vets at Wednesday's opening meeting.
The draft operating budget of $27.5 million prepared by staff maintains the current level of service, but would require a 5.3% increase in the city's portion of the property tax bill. Any service cuts will be selected by council and Wayne Ritchie, long time Director of Finance, suggested there will not be a single initiative for reducing the budget that will not receive push back from some ratepayers.
This summary report has been sent directly to Mayors, Deputy Mayors and CAO's of Owen Sound, Georgian Bluffs, Chatsworth and Meaford.
The report is also available on the Chamber's website www.oschamber.com direct link to article http://www.oschamber.com/advocacy-opinion.cfm
By Anne Finlay-Stewart
The meeting began with the room full and single-minded. They had come to bury development charges, not to praise them.
Gary Scandlan had no doubt been in such a situation many times. The consultant from Watson and Associates gave a clear and concise summary of the purpose and limits of development charges (DCs) and the policy matters and calculations involved, but those who were waiting to speak already knew their response.
Essentially all the speakers – developers, real estate agents and investors, and sub-trades – spoke as one: development charges will stifle the new building that will grow the city's tax base. One-time charges will send new growth and long-term taxpayers to other municipalities. Some doubted the consultant's projections of growth and capital expenses; others questioned the expense or need for the consultant's work.
The recently created Owen Sound Community Association presented the results of an on-line poll, which although statistically insignificant included comments both for and against DC increases.
This document was issued by the City of Owen Sound, ahead of a public meeting scheduled for January 12.
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