Bullet Point News Stouffville

10/05/2023

From the Town's Federal Housing Accelerator Fund application and Development Charges By-Law review to increases in parking permit fees across municipal lots, we break down all you need to from last night's Council meeting.

See our piece below:
https://stouffville.bulletpointnews.ca/local-news/council-october-4-2023

Here’s everything you need to know from Council's meeting last night.

10/04/2023

York Region Transit will seek approval for Stouffville service improvements through York Region's 2024 budget process, including greater bus frequency and two-way Route 9 service.

YRT's detailed proposals & Council's discussion are covered below:
https://stouffville.bulletpointnews.ca/local-news/yrt-transit-initiatives-2024/

Notable support was received for increased weekday bus frequency and two-way service along Route 9.

10/03/2023

YouSpoken founder & mental health advocate Thivya Jeyapalan helped bring "Bracelets of Hope" to Stouffville's Leisure Centre last weekend.

They collected feedback on bolstering local mental health supports and plan on presenting it to Council.

https://stouffville.bulletpointnews.ca/local-news/bracelets-of-hope-2/

The group collected recommendations for enhancing mental health supports within the Stouffville community.

10/02/2023

Town Staff released a mid-year financial report showing well-controlled spending against the Town’s 2023 budget.

However, low capital spending and minimal Development Charges revenue have raised eyebrows.

We break down the report in our piece below:
https://stouffville.bulletpointnews.ca/local-news/stouffvilles-mid-year-financials-show-below-budget-spending/

Operating $868,000 below budget, with just $7.8 million spent on capital projects.

09/29/2023

Following the success of their inaugural 2022 program, the Whitchurch-Stouffville Minor Hockey Association’s Kids First Fund is bringing another year of Learn to Skate lessons for children aged 8 to 14.

Learn all about the program & how to register here:
https://stouffville.bulletpointnews.ca/local-news/learn-to-skate-2

Lessons provide children who are unsure about playing hockey an opportunity to experience the game.

09/28/2023

Councillors & residents held little back during last night's public meeting, which presented a major infill development proposal in the Cam Fella community.

We cover their feedback and the Westfield Estates Ratepayers Association presentation in detail:
https://stouffville.bulletpointnews.ca/local-news/cam-fella-public-meeting/

Speakers held little back as they addressed Frontdoor Developments representatives at public meeting.

09/27/2023

Today's Council meeting went for nearly two hours thanks to a somewhat dense agenda and plenty of discussion.

We summarize their debates and decisions in our piece below and will bring additional coverage of a few items soon.

https://stouffville.bulletpointnews.ca/local-news/council-sep-27-2023/

Here are the top items and issues covered during today’s meeting.

09/25/2023

YouSpoken will be hosting Bracelets of Hope on September 30 at the Leisure Centre in commemoration of National Su***de Prevention Month.

We spoke with 16 year-old YouSpoken founder Thivya Jeyapalan about the organization and their event.

Read more:
https://stouffville.bulletpointnews.ca/local-news/bracelets-of-hope/

***dePreventionMonth ***dePrevention

We spoke with YouSpoken founder Thivya Jeyapalan about their September 30 event at the Leisure Centre.

09/20/2023

A public meeting planned for Sep. 27 will present a significant development application in the Cam Fella area. Frontdoor Developments Inc. wants to replace 11 single detached homes with 119 townhouses & 32 single-detached houses.

Read more here:
https://stouffville.bulletpointnews.ca/local-news/cam-fella-infill-development-would-increase-site-density-significantly

Public meeting presenting the 268-296/316-386 Cam Fella project coming September 27.

09/15/2023

YRDSB trustees kicked off the 2023-2024 school year's first meeting of the whole on Tuesday, ratifying a collective agreement & approving past meeting minutes.

Education Director Bill Cober also provided an informative report, which we cover below:

New school year will centre student achievement around reading, writing, and math.

09/14/2023

Andrea Smith has been named this year's Terry Fox Run Ambassador as the community gets ready for the always popular event on Sunday.

Registration and donations are still open, learn more and find out how to participate in our article below:
https://stouffville.bulletpointnews.ca/local-news/terryfox-2023

Local event has raised nearly $43,000 of $70,000 fundraising goal.

09/14/2023

Last night, Council returned from their summer recess and endorsed Mayor Lovatt's submission of a Town pledge to meet the province's target of building 6,500 new homes by 2031.

Councillor Sherban was the only member in opposition to the pledge.

Here are the top issues and decisions from last night’s Council meeting.

09/13/2023

The Whitchurch-Stouffville Food Bank is conducting a fundraiser to support the expansion of their facility & meet increasing demand.

They hope to raise $50,000 for these much needed renovations by Oct. 15.

Learn more about their efforts below:

Fundraiser looks to raise $50,000 for renovations by October 15.

09/12/2023

Stouffville's U14 Mustangs put their progress and resilience on full display last Thursday, holding Vaughan—one of the best teams in the York Region league—to a 1-1 draw.

Check out our coverage of their match below:

The local soccer squad continues to improve as the season's conclusion nears.

09/12/2023

Stouffville has 10,929 units in its development pipeline—well above the provincial target of building 6,500 new dwellings by 2031. However, concerns remain over the Town’s ability to fund servicing & community amenities to support such rapid growth.

Read more in our article below:

Number Well Above Provincial Goal of 6,500 Dwellings by 2031

09/11/2023

The Stouffville Spirit put on quite the show for hundreds of fans at their Saturday home opener against the Aurora Tigers.

They won a decisive 7-3 victory in a physical bout filled with big hits and plenty of scraps.

See our coverage here:

Local Junior A hockey squad wins 7-3 in a crowd-pleasing showing

09/08/2023

In Bullet Point News' second Mental Health Spotlight, Sue Morrison, a certified addiction and mental health counsellor based in Stouffville, delves into the topic of understanding and overcoming addiction. Sue Morrison practices at White Brick Therapy in Stouffville, and her expertise contributes to a healthier, more supportive community for those navigating the complex landscape of mental health.

Watch short clips of Sue's interview, and read more about our Mental Health Spotlight at https://stouffville.bulletpointnews.ca/community-life/understanding-addiction/

Sue Morrison White Brick Therapy

09/08/2023

- Following the success of the Water Watch Portal, Stouffville is reading a November launch for the new CityView online licensing and permitting portal.

- “With CityView permits and inspections, the entire permit process, from initial application to certificate of occupancy or use, will be seamlessly digitized,” the Town has explained. “This shift promises heightened accuracy, consistency, and citizen satisfaction.”

- The Town is promising a lineup of other online services, with details to come in the near future.

- Stouffville is also initiating a five-year Information Technology (IT) Strategic Plan that will look to improve residents’ interactions and experiences with the Town.

- The IT Strategic Plan aims to harness the power of technology to enhance productivity, services, processes, and interactions between residents and staff, as explained on the Town’s website.

- “We’re bidding farewell to outdated technology and paper-based systems, ushering in a new era of efficiency and convenience,” the Town has declared.

- For residents who have suggestions on how digital and online technologies can enhance Town services, they are encouraged to submit their ideas through Stouffville’s online IT survey.

- Community members can also provide their thoughts by emailing Becky Jamieson, Stouffville’s Director of Corporate Services.

09/08/2023

Stouffville is preparing a November launch for an online licensing and permitting portal. the Town has explained, “This shift promises heightened accuracy, consistency, and citizen satisfaction.”

The Town is promising a lineup of other online services, with details to come in the near future. Stouffville is also initiating a five-year Information Technology (IT) Strategic Plan that will look to improve residents’ interactions and experiences with the Town.

Read the full article here: https://stouffville.bulletpointnews.ca/community-life/it-plan/

Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville

New permitting tool follows Water Watch Portal successes, streamlines process

09/07/2023

Town Staff recommend Stouffville commits to the Ontario government's housing target of 6,500 new dwellings by 2031. While financial uncertainties remain, Council will debate the pledge at their meeting on September 13.

We cover the related report in detail in our piece below:

New report recommendations look to facilitate the building of 6,500 new dwellings by 2031

09/07/2023

- To help address Ontario’s growing housing crisis, the provincial government has assigned a housing target of 6,500 new homes to be built in Stouffville by the end of 2031.

- Mayor Iain Lovatt recently told Bullet Point News that the Town would not commit to a target it can not achieve, and Town Staff have concluded that delivering on the province’s timeline for 6,500 new units is possible.

- Staff are therefore recommending Council endorse the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville Municipal Housing Pledge (the Pledge), committing Stouffville to the housing target and outlining mechanisms to help achieve it.

- Stouffville’s current Growth Management Strategy provides a lower growth rate between 2021 and 2031, however pace is expected to increase significantly between 2041 and 2051.

- “Staff do not recommend adjustments to the Town’s overall population allocation to accommodate the Province’s Housing Target,” a recent report explains.

- “Rather, staff suggest that it would be more appropriate to accommodate a faster rate of growth in the earlier years of the planning horizon to reach the 6,500 units.”

- Beyond the Town’s new Official Plan, which will see significant density increases across various parts of Stouffville, the Pledge commits to facilitating additional residential units and housing types in all residential zones.

- While the Pledge also promises to speed up development approval processes, it highlights the fact that meeting these targets is not fully within the municipality’s control.

- Read the full article at https://stouffville.bulletpointnews.ca/realestate/housing-target/

#2031

09/07/2023

- Mayor Iain Lovatt is hosting an open, in-person forum for local residents on September 26.

- The Town Hall begins at 7 p.m. in Council Chambers.

- Due to limited seating, interested community members should RSVP by contacting Mayor Lovatt’s office via email.

- With a substantial agenda expected for Council’s return on September 13, there should be plenty to discuss.

-“This is an opportunity to come out and ask me questions about the town, and for me to listen to what you like, what you don’t, and what you think we should start doing, stop doing or keep doing,” Lovatt said in a recent social media post.

- Council Chambers is located within Stouffville’s Municipal Offices building at 111 Sandford Drive. Parking is available on-site.

09/07/2023

- Markham-Stouffville MPP Paul Calandra has been named Ontario’s new Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, leaving his previous position as Minister of Long Term Care.

- Calandra assumed the new role following former Minister Steve Clark’s resignation stemming from the Ontario government’s controversial moves to open Greenbelt parcels for development.

- Premier Doug Ford praised Calandra for his work as Minister of Long Term Care at a press conference today, stating he has “every confidence that Minister Calandra will deliver.”

- Ford has already tasked Calandra with a considerable undertaking, announcing today that the Ontario government will begin reviewing approximately 700 Greenbelt parcels for future development.

- When the Greenbelt was first introduced, boundary reviews were legislated every ten years. The next review was due in 2025.

- Suggesting each site will have to “stand on their own merit,” Ford will leave final decisions over land swap approvals in Calandra’s hands.

- Ontario’s Premier did not provide details on what those merits may be or how long the review will take, saying they are putting the process together now.

- “Minister Calandra will spend coming days and weeks working with officials to design and launch this review,” Ford said.

- Opposition members have already sounded alarms over the review: Green Party leader Mike Schreiner says he believes Premier Ford has declared “open season” on the Greenbelt, while NDP leader Marit Stiles called it “a sham.”

- Minister Calandra did not release a statement or respond to our request for comment by time of publishing

09/07/2023

- In anticipation of the growth projected through 2051, Stouffville is updating its Water and Wastewater Master Plan to help identify related long-term infrastructure needs and servicing strategies.

- In updating the document to reflect current priorities and the state of our existing infrastructure, the Master Plan will help ensure sustainable and safe water and wastewater services while guiding future capital projects.

- For residents who wish to engage in this process, the Town has organized a second online Public Information Centre (PIC), scheduled to run from Wednesday, September 6, to Wednesday, September 20.

- The first PIC, conducted around this time last year, introduced the study, detailed the processes and timelines involved, and presented information about the study area and existing infrastructure. It can be found here.

- The upcoming second and final PIC will unveil key findings from the study and present recommended water and wastewater strategies under consideration for integration into the updated Master Plan.

- Starting September 6, community members can explore the project’s website to delve deeper into these recommendations and contribute their comments.

- Residents can also submit feedback to Stouffville’s Manager of Engineering Services, Dave Kenth, and the project team via email.

09/06/2023

Mayor Lovatt is hosting an open town hall for Stouffville residents on September 26. The event will take place in Council Chambers at 7 p.m., and an RSVP is required to attend.

Learn more about the meeting and how to participate here:

RSVPs are necessary, takes place in Council Chambers starting at 7 p.m.

09/05/2023

Markham-Stouffville MPP Paul Calandra has changed portfolios and will now serve as Ontario's Minister of Municipal Affairs & Housing.

He will oversee a new provincial review of approximately 700 Greenbelt parcels for future development.

Learn more here:

The Markham-Stouffville representative takes over the role following Steve Clark's resignation.

08/31/2023

Latcham Art Centre recently opened “Relative Gradient,” a new exhibition showcasing quillwork by Lenape and Potawatomi artist Vanessa Dion Fletcher. “Relative Gradient” comprises artworks that push the boundaries of contemporary quillwork, reimagining the surface embroidery technique into textile design and vinyl imagery.

Vanessa Dion Fletcher will be accompanied by curator Tyler Durbano for an Artist Talk at Latcham on Thursday, September 21, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Latcham Art Centre is situated within the Leisure Centre at 2 Park Drive, and admission to the event is free. The exhibition will be open for viewing until Saturday, October 14.

Read more at https://stouffville.bulletpointnews.ca/arts-and-culture/relative-gradient/

Latcham Art Centre Vanessa Dion Fletcher

The new exhibition is on display until Saturday, October 14.

08/30/2023

The Whitchurch-Stouffville Legacy Fund Board of Directors, with Mayor Lovatt and his office, recently announced the 2023 Community Impact Awards winners. Each award is a tribute to remarkable community members who contribute to the spirit and quality of life in Stouffville.

Award recipients include Jim Mason from Stouffville Cares, the Street Art Seniors of Stouffville, the Latcham Art Gallery, Margaret Wallace, and Jennifer Onlock, Dr. Don Petrie, Diane Ward and Loops, and King Cole Ducks.

Read more at https://stouffville.bulletpointnews.ca/community-life/community-awards/

Latcham Art Centre King Cole Ducks

Winners will receive their awards at the upcoming Gala .

08/29/2023

York Region Food Network (YRFN) began coordinating food drives and serving as a liaison between food banks and York Region agencies in 1986. Through their Good Food Box program, YRFN purchases fresh produce at wholesale prices, repackages it into Good Food Boxes for local distribution, and passes those savings on to customers.

Recent local partnerships have allowed YRFN to add two new pickup locations, one in Stouffville and another in Richmond Hill.
In Stouffville, YRFN is working with the Hummingbird Hub and The ABLE Network, with St. James Presbyterian Church hosting the new pickup location at 6432 Main Street.

Read more at https://stouffville.bulletpointnews.ca/community-life/food-box/

York Region Food Network Hummingbird Hub The ABLE Network

YRFN is working with Hummingbird Hub, ABLE Network, and St. James Presbyterian Church.

08/28/2023

The Stouffville U14 Mustangs displayed strong play against Richmond Hill in an away soccer match last Thursday, August 24th.

Despite Richmond Hill scoring first, Stouffville performed well on both sides of the ball throughout the first half. Stouffville pushed hard to equalize, but Richmond Hill’s long-range shot just over Jalen Banks’ head sealed their 3-1 victory.

Read for more game details at https://stouffville.bulletpointnews.ca/sports/mustangs-fall/

Stouffville Soccer Inter Academy Toronto

The local soccer squad is now preparing for a Thursday away contest against Unionville Milliken.