President’s Message
As
indicated in last month’s newsletter, we are actively campaigning to
stop the proposed trucking of sludge from the Highland Creek Treatment
Plant. For over 35 years, sludge at the plant has been disposed of by
incinerating on site at the plant. Unfortunately, the equipment used for
this process has reached the end of its life and must be replaced. A 6
year study by the city that included an Environmental Assessment
identified the preferred option to dispose of the sludge from the plant
as incineration. In 2010, City Council rejected this proposal and
suggested instead that the sludge be transported by trucks (5 trucks per
day every day) through the community to as yet to be determined sites.
Planning and Conservation Chair Paul Lewkowicz along with other members
of the executive have been gathering signatures petitioning the City to
reverse their earlier decision and install a new incinerator process at
the plant. Paul has also been working with Barbara McElgunn of the
Highland Creek Neighbourhood Liaison Committee in making deputations and
presenting the petition to various City Committees. The matter was due
to go to the Executive Committee on November 21 and to full Council on
November 29-30. Please continue to collect signatures, even in
December, as this will strengthen future efforts. You can also request a
lawn sign stating “Say No to City Council on Trucking of Toxic Sewage
Sludge” by e-mailing
planning@ccranews.com. The results of the City’s decision will be
posted on our website. Paul has a more detailed article in this
newsletter about this issue.
Meetings are being held on a regular basis to discuss next year’s
schedule of community events. Representatives from the City of Toronto,
West Rouge Sports and Rec. Assoc. West Rouge Community Assoc. as well as
the Port Union Seniors are in attendance. The list of next year’s
community events and activities is included in this newsletter. Many
of these events held in our community are the result of dedicated
volunteers within our community coming forward to assist in making them
happen. If anyone is interested in volunteering to help us with any of
the upcoming events for next year, please do not hesitate to get in
touch with either the Port Union Rec. Centre or the West Rouge Rec.
Centre or anyone on the CCRA executive.
On
Sunday December 11th, our annual Community Carol Concert
will be held at St Dunstan’s Church on Lawson Road starting at 7:30
p.m. This is a community event for all families. Following the
concert, refreshments will be served in the adjacent church hall.
Planning for our 16th Annual Winterfest to be held on
Saturday January 28th, 2012 is well underway. More
details about this event will be in the January newsletter.
With
the Christmas season approaching, many of us will be gathering with
family and friends to enjoy the festivities. It is a time to appreciate
the peace and stability of our country and that we live in one of the
best communities in Toronto. We have a strong active community
association and residents who take pride in our community.
All
of the executive join in wishing you a Peaceful and Joyous Festive
Season and Best Wishes for the New Year.
Jeff
Forsyth
President
