Latest news with #IainLovatt
Hamilton Spectator
31-07-2025
- Automotive
- Hamilton Spectator
Major Drop in Speeding Recorded as Stouffville's Speed Enforcement Cameras Expand
● Speeding infractions in community safety zones monitored by automated speed enforcement cameras dropped by 50 percent between March and June. ● Average speeds fell month-over-month, with 16 percent fewer drivers exceeding the posted limit. ● The highest fine to date was $4,152 for a driver clocked at 210 km/h in a 40 km/h zone. ● Four new ASE cameras will be activated in mid-August. ● A more detailed mid-year report on the program is expected in October, with a full-year review scheduled for April 2026. In a surprise announcement, the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville has released data showing a significant decline in speeding within areas monitored by its automated speed enforcement (ASE) camera program. The preliminary results were expected later this year . Between March and June, the number of speeding infractions recorded in monitored community safety zones (CSZs) dropped by 50 percent. The Town also reported a 16 percent reduction in the rate of drivers exceeding posted speed limits, alongside a consistent month-over-month decrease in average speeds. According to the Town, 90 percent of tickets were issued between 5 a.m. and 8 p.m. The highest fine levied so far, a staggering $4,152, was tied to a vehicle recorded travelling 210 km/h in a 40 km/h zone. 'The program launched…with pole-mounted cameras at eight approved locations throughout Stouffville,' a Town press release stated. 'The initiative is part of the Town's broader commitment to road safety, particularly in areas often frequented by children and seniors.' The number of cameras is set to grow, as four new ASE locations are scheduled to go live in mid-August: Residents are also being reminded that the Town does not request payment for ASE tickets by phone, email, or text message. Official ticket notices are issued solely by letter mail, and any requests for payment through other means should be treated as suspicious. Revenue details from the program were not shared, but a mid-year report with some preliminary figures is expected to be presented to Council in October. According to the Town, revenue generated through ASE is used to offset program operating costs, with any surplus funds supporting additional road safety initiatives. 'While these early indicators are promising, they do not yet reflect long-term or seasonal trends,' the release added. 'A comprehensive, year-one report will be presented to Council in April 2026, with a mid-year, 6-month report in October… As compliance improves, revenues are expected to decline, allowing the program to remain revenue neutral.' Mayor Iain Lovatt welcomed the early results, saying the program is 'influencing driver behaviour in the right direction.' 'By focusing on education and enforcement, we are seeing real improvements in compliance with speed limits near our schools and in our neighbourhoods.' he said in the press release. 'Ultimately, this is about protecting people.' Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Hamilton Spectator
18-07-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Province Seeks Feedback on Proposed MZO for Sandiford Seniors Complex
The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH) has posted a Minister's Zoning Order (MZO) request to the Environmental Registry of Ontario regarding a proposed seniors living centre by Gottardo Construction and the Sheriff Corporation. Their currently vacant 1.38-hectare property is located at 188 Sandiford Dr., at the northwest corner of Sandiford and Hoover Park drives. The MZO would permit full residential dwellings by eliminating existing zoning restrictions that limit electrical capacity to 219 volts. That cap has prevented the inclusion of full kitchens and laundry facilities within individual units, ensuring the development remained consistent with the parcel's designated institutional uses. As described by the Ministry, an MZO 'regulates the use of land and the erection, location, and use of any building or structure on the land, and prevails over the existing municipal zoning by-law to the extent there is any conflict.' If approved, the Zoning Order would allow complete residential units and independent living, which are otherwise not permitted under the property's Employment Business Park designation, as outlined in the Town's Official Plan. The new permission would effectively bypass the need for Gottardo to secure an Official Plan Amendment for the change. The MZO request met the Ministry's intake thresholds with an endorsement from Stouffville Mayor Iain Lovatt. A similar process occurred last November when the Mon Sheong Foundation sought an MZO to upzone and expand its own seniors facility on a neighbouring site. Only mayors who have been granted Strong Mayor Powers can personally endorse MZO requests over a Council resolution. While early expectations suggested Gottardo's request might intensify the site, the proposed upzoning will not increase the 212 unit count already approved by Stouffville's Council in 2023. 'This request is being made to expedite approvals for this proposal that would provide additional options for seniors housing,' the Ministry stated. 'This MZO request would allow up to 212 units providing a range of care services to its residents either directly through its staff or indirectly through another provider within the already permitted six-storey senior's care facility.' According to a June 2023 staff report , current zoning permits two six-storey buildings connected by a single-storey amenity structure. The approved Zoning By-law Amendment allows the buildings to reach just under 20 metres in height, excluding rooftop mechanical and servicing elements. The MZO request does not seek to alter height permissions. The applicant's approved proposal includes 94 independent, 66 independent-supported, and 52 assisted living units, offering a variety of care levels for the centre's future residents. Including studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units, a total of 242 beds were permitted. Those unit types could be altered should MMAH approve the MZO to allow for complete independent dwellings, though any changes would depend on finalized terms. 'Those changes depend on if the Minister allows a certain percentage to be upzoned, or if they allow the whole thing,' said Commissioner of Development Services Dwayne Tapp in comments to Bullet Point News. 'But it could result in a permission that allows for individual independent dwelling units for a hundred percent of the site.' Gottardo's 2023 application planned to deliver 153 parking spaces. That parking rate was well above the Town's institutional standard of one space per three beds, which mandated a total of 81 spaces. However, if units were reclassified as independent residential dwellings not requiring care services, a higher parking standard may apply. Stouffville's Comprehensive Zoning By-law requires 1.25 resident spaces and 0.25 visitor spaces per standard apartment unit. If required, changes could be addressed through an updated site plan application, and Tapp noted that a final zoning review also occurs at the building permit stage. Should the MZO allow for Gottardo's project to maintain its institutional land-use designation while also permitting independent residential units, the builder could avoid the need to increase its parking provision. According to the Ministry, the MZO request does not include any terms specifying parking standards. 'Parking requirements are based on use. If these units are still considered institutional following implementation of the MZO, those rates will not require changes' Tapp told us. 'If the institutional designation no longer applies, Staff may interpret these units as complete residential dwellings and require the full 1.25 spaces.' The Ministry is asking the public to weigh in on whether the requested MZO should move forward and to flag any potential concerns to help inform its decision making. Residents and other stakeholders will have until August 9, 2025 to offer comments, which can be submitted through the Environmental Registry of Ontario website . Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Hamilton Spectator
18-07-2025
- Health
- Hamilton Spectator
Mon Sheong Granted Final Town Approval to Open New Long-Term Care Centre
● The Town of Stouffville presented Mon Sheong Foundation with a final Certificate of Occupancy for its new 224-bed Dr. Paul Woo Long-Term Care Centre. ● The new site adds to Mon Sheong's presence in the community, bringing its total long-term care bed count in Stouffville to 554. ● Occupancy of the facility will begin in the coming weeks, prioritizing crisis care patients whose needs cannot be met at home. ● Mayor Iain Lovatt and Members of Council attended the ceremony, praising the speed and quality of the project. ● Mon Sheong leadership credited Council and Town Staff for helping complete the build in under two years. ● Lovatt appeared to reference a pending Minister's Zoning Order to expand seniors housing on the site, indicating the proposal is poised to move forward with Provincial support. The Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville formally presented the Mon Sheong Foundation with its final Certificate of Occupancy on Wednesday for the new Dr. Paul Woo Long-Term Care Centre, located on Sandiford Drive. Mayor Iain Lovatt, along with Councillors Maurice Smith and Richard Bartley and several members of the Town's senior staff, joined Mon Sheong board directors, management, and ambassadors at the event. The facility includes 224 long-term care beds, prioritized for crisis care patients whose medical and support needs can no longer be met at home. Combined with Mon Sheong's existing facility already in operation, the organization has now delivered a total of 554 long-term care beds in Stouffville. 'Our new facility is named after the late Dr. Paul Woo, a resident of Stouffville and a cherished and inspiring member of the Mon Sheong family,' said Mon Sheong Foundation Board President Garth Low. 'As the medical director of Mon Sheong's Richmond Hill Long-Term Care Centre for nearly two decades, Dr. Woo worked tirelessly to establish an excellent medical care network and nurture a professional and compassionate team.' 'Dr. Woo died in April 2024, and to acknowledge his inspiring leadership and dedication to our community, we hope to honour his memory by providing resident-centered care services that reflect his spirit of dedication and care,' Low added. Board Chairman Tim Kwan credited Stouffville's Council, Commissioner of Development Services Dwayne Tapp, and Chief Building Official George Zacharakis for their roles in fast-tracking the project, which was completed in under two years. It's a feat he says was unheard of by Ontario's Ministry of Long-Term Care. 'We went as fast as we could,' Kwan said during the event, noting the project broke ground in August 2023. 'When our CEO, Stephanie Wong, advised the Ministry they were ready…they asked for an explanation how we could build so fast .' Kwan highlighted several features of the new facility, including airport-style body temperature scanners at the entrance and resident floors to screen for illness, high-filtration air purification systems on every level, and private washrooms in every room. He also touched on the large number of tablets Mon Sheong has purchased for residents, which he said will be especially helpful in entertaining those with dementia. 'With this ceremony, we hope to express our gratitude to His Worship, Mayor Lovatt, Town Council, and officials of the municipal offices for working tirelessly by our side,' Low said in his concluding remarks. 'It is our honour to receive this Certificate of Occupancy from the Town, signaling the start of a new chapter in our friendship.' Lovatt commended Kwan, the Mon Sheong team, and the many construction workers and tradespeople involved. 'In February, a number of us walked through this building when it was concrete walls and dust,' he said. 'To see the transformation since February, to a point where you can start receiving patients next week, is truly incredible.' The Mayor also pointed to a growing waitlist of more than 1,100 people hoping to secure a place in the new facility, calling it a clear indication of the urgent need to eliminate barriers at both the provincial and local levels to accelerate timelines for new long-term care beds. Appearing to allude to a controversial Minister's Zoning Order he endorsed last year for expanded seniors housing on the Mon Sheong lands, Lovatt said he recently spoke with Premier Doug Ford about the proposal. 'There's a whole other project that we have planned for this site, and we're going to get that unstuck and get that moving,' Lovatt told Kwan. 'We are so happy that you chose Stouffville, and we have big plans… There's a lot more to do.' Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Hamilton Spectator
30-05-2025
- Politics
- Hamilton Spectator
Stouffville May Escalate Push to Open Protected Lands for Additional Housing
● Stouffville's Council will debate a proposal June 4 requesting expanded housing permissions on Oak Ridges Moraine and Greenbelt lands from the Ontario government. ● The recommendations encourage the Province to allow two Additional Residential Units (ARUs) per rural property. ● Currently, ARUs are restricted in key environmental zones like Oak Ridges Moraine Natural Core and Linkage areas and the Greenbelt's Natural Heritage System. ● Staff say expanded ARUs could support multi-generational living, affordable housing, and secondary income for rural residents. ● Critics have condemned such expansion of development permissions, saying they threaten conservation efforts. ● The report also recommends broader reforms to conservation area governance, including streamlined processes for minor amendments and expansion of land uses. ● If approved, the Town will submit the request to Provincial ministers and circulate it to other affected municipalities. Stouffville is weighing a bold step that could reshape housing rules on some of Ontario's most protected lands. On June 4, Council will debate a proposal to formally ask the Province to ease development restrictions within the Oak Ridges Moraine and Greenbelt. A report prepared in response to a February 2025 Strong Mayor directive from Mayor Iain Lovatt recommends the Province amend both the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan (ORMCP) and the Greenbelt Plan to allow for up to two Additional Residential Units (ARUs) on Stouffville's rural properties. The proposed request would build on Council's April endorsement of a resolution from the Township of Adjala-Tosorontio, which urged the Province to generally amend restrictions preventing property owners on Oak Ridges Moraine lands from building ARUs. Under Ontario's Planning Act, an ARU refers to a second or third self-contained living space. These units can be located within a primary residence or in a detached accessory structure and are permitted on properties with a detached, semi-detached, or townhouse-style home. The proposal would apply across all land designations within the Oak Ridges Moraine and Greenbelt, including the Moraine's Natural Core and Linkage areas, and the Greenbelt's Natural Heritage System, where ARUs are currently prohibited. Each ARU would function independently, with its own kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping area, and would be required to meet all applicable building and fire code standards. 'The majority of the Town's rural residents are unable to utilize Federal and Provincial incentives to build even a single ARU,' the report explains. 'Allowing for ARUs more broadly would accommodate multi-family residential units on the same lot, allowing older residents to stay in their homes longer, and allow younger families to live in their own units and save money to afford their own home.' 'ARUs can also provide a source of secondary income and contribute to the provision of more affordable housing options within the Town,' the report adds. The recommendations seek to align ARU permissions in the conservation lands with the recently adopted Provincial Planning Statement, 2024 (PPS 2024). That policy document permits up to two ARUs per lot in prime agricultural areas, but only outside protected conservation plan boundaries. This allowance would come with some conditions. When two units are proposed, at least one must be located within or attached to the main home. Guidelines stipulate that ARUs must not interfere with farm operations and must be supported by suitable water and sewage infrastructure. Units must also be of 'limited scale' and situated close to existing homes or farm buildings to avoid unnecessary loss of agricultural land. The Staff report does not advise specific size or scale limits for new accessory structures intended for the ARUs. Instead, it recommends the Province provide general guidance to ensure new development remains appropriately scaled and compatible with the area's rural and environmentally sensitive context. 'Given the environmental sensitivity associated with lands within the Provincial plan areas, it may also be appropriate to include additional development criteria for permitting ARUs to ensure the objectives of the ORMCP and Greenbelt Plan are maintained,' Staff explain. In addition to size considerations, potential criteria could include setbacks from key natural heritage and hydrologic features, as well as vegetation protection zones. 'My Strong Mayor directive was catalyzed by a number of residents facing intergenerational housing inequity who struggle to support their families due to Provincial policy limitations,' Lovatt said in comments to Bullet Point News. 'With a municipality made up of 90% protected lands, reasonable reform is required to address the challenges Stouffville families are facing.' 'This directive does not seek to eliminate protections of the Greenbelt or the ORM, rather it seeks to allow specific permissions at a local level to address our unique realities,' he added. Critics, however, remain opposed to expanding housing and development permissions within the protected areas. The Greenbelt Alliance, a coalition of more than 100 organizations that describes itself as a 'watchdog and defender of Ontario's innovative Greenbelt,' has recently raised concerns about the growing push for ARUs from municipalities within the ORMCP area. 'It takes unwavering vigilance to protect the Greenbelt. Most municipalities think their land is unique. A protected landscape can't be piecemealed by political flow everywhere,' they wrote in an April 13 post on X. Bullet Point News reached out to the umbrella group for comment on the Staff report but did not receive a response by deadline. Beyond ARU permissions, the report proposes a series of broader land use policy reforms intended to update governance within the conservation areas. These changes are designed to grant municipalities greater flexibility in addressing local planning needs. Staff recommend that the Province establish a process for municipalities to make minor amendments to the Oak Ridges Moraine and Greenbelt plans without triggering a full provincial review. They also call for a more efficient and clear method for evaluating whether prime agricultural lands can be reclassified as rural. Further recommendations include expanding permissions for small-scale commercial, industrial, and institutional uses within the Greenbelt Plan and ORMCP, and enabling the development of public service facilities—such as fire stations, community centres, and parks—in areas where such development is currently restricted. Town Staff are also requesting a formal process for settlement area expansions into the conservation plan zones where justified by local municipalities. The report calls for the Ontario government to 'expedite the review of these Provincial plans, as opposed to waiting until the mandated 10-year review (anticipated by 2027), to establish a consistent planning framework and ARU permissions across the province and help facilitate the development of needed housing.' If endorsed by Council next week, the Town would submit its request to Ontario's Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, as well as the Ministers of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, and Red Tape Reduction. The report would also be circulated to other municipalities within the Oak Ridges Moraine and Greenbelt areas. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Hamilton Spectator
02-05-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Stouffville Scraps Original Dome Deal, Signs New Partner for Ballantrae Sports Complex
● Stouffville has signed a new deal with Mentana Group for the long-awaited Ballantrae sports dome. ● The Town officially ended its agreement with Ballantrae Sports Group, the original proponent contracted to deliver the project. ● Mentana's updated plans feature a FIFA-sized soccer pitch, multi-use courts, and fitness facilities. ● Construction is expected to begin in late summer 2025, with the facility opening in 2026. ● The original project stalled for two years, leaving residents frustrated by the visible lack of progress and loss of parkland and two sports fields. ● The Town says the updated plan will help address community demand for indoor sports space and prioritizes local group access. After years of stalled progress and growing community frustration, Stouffville has scrapped its original deal and is moving forward with a new partner to deliver the long-awaited Ballantrae Multi-Sport Complex in Ballantrae Park. The Town formally announced the end of its agreement with Ballantrae Sports Group, the initial proponent contracted to build the facility. A new partnership with Mentana Group—a firm the Town credits with successful delivery of high-quality community sports and recreation infrastructure—was finalized today. Design work is now underway, and construction is expected to begin late this summer. Plans for the dome complex include a versatile layout capable of supporting a wide range of sports and community programming. The official opening is anticipated sometime in 2026, with a more detailed timeline expected in the coming months. 'At a high level, it will include a FIFA regulation soccer pitch which can be divided into smaller indoor turf fields, multi-use courts, fitness spaces, and amenities designed for all ages and abilities,' a recent Stouffville press release explains. New conceptual renderings reveal Mentana's vision for the 'Air Dome Sportszone,' which includes a restaurant, gym, and lobby with timber accents and large exterior and interior windows. 'We made a commitment to this community, and we have worked diligently to honour it,' Stouffville Mayor Iain Lovatt said in a Friday press release. 'After exhausting every option with the previous leaseholder, it became clear that a new direction was required to ensure the delivery of this much-needed facility.' The original project broke ground in April 2023, with hopes of opening that fall. First contemplated during the early days of Lovatt's first mayoral term, the development struggled to gain momentum and ultimately stalled. In the interim, the site saw the removal of an existing soccer field and baseball diamond, as well as the clearing of trees. A significant portion of Ballantrae Park has remained fenced off in anticipation of construction, exacerbating community frustration over the lack of visible progress. During an April 29, 2025, town hall meeting, one resident voiced concerns about the long-delayed project and diminishing access to youth sports facilities. 'What's the update on that?' she asked. 'With this, with Soccer City being sold, our kids have less and less opportunities to play these sports because the facilities are not available.' Lovatt acknowledged those concerns and pointed to the ongoing work with Mentana Group. 'We are very frustrated…with what's happened with the vision for the dome,' he said. 'Our goal is to see the dome come to completion. If for some reason it doesn't, we will be taking legal action against [Ballantrae Sports Group]. They would need to restore [the park] back to the way it was before.' While some community members have questioned the decision to replace public parkland with the privately operated sports dome, the Town continues to stress the need for expanded indoor sports infrastructure. 'Our sports organizations are growing, and they need additional facilities to expand their own programming. This is an efficient way of delivering that space,' Rob Braid, the Town's Commissioner of Community Services, told Bullet Point News. 'I think it's going to be a phenomenal addition to the community.' Braid noted that Mentana will not be charged for use of the land, but preferred, protected rates will be offered to local sports organizations. Some facility use will also be made available for Stouffville's recreation programming at no cost to the Town. Usage fees for other community bookings will be set by the dome's operators. As Stouffville takes a second swing at delivering the new community asset, all eyes will be on whether the new plan—and new partnership—can deliver where the previous one fell short.
