TCRA, working in the best interests of the community, takes certain positions and appropriate action on some of the issues of local concern and on those which, while not in the TCRA area, have a major impact on the Town (e.g. Sharkey's).  We are doing this on your behalf, and we need and are always interested in your comments, pro or con.  Following are some of the current "issues" with TCRA's comments on them (place your cursor on the issue[s] of interest).  Whether you agree or disagree, please let us know what you think.

Variance to Zoning By-laws

The TCRA is concerned with the high volume of requests for variances being made to the Town for substantial deviations from the Zoning By-laws.  We are particularly concerned when such requests are made for new construction since it is our belief that the owner and architect should be able to design a house within code or seek a different lot.  TCRA is making its concerns known to the Town and attends the Committee of Adjustment meetings whenever possible to state our position and support or oppose the request.  

These variance requests are heard by and decided upon by the Committee of Adjustment, a legislated body (ie: unelected) appointed by Town Council but answering only to (guess!) the omnipotent OMB.

Zoning Anomalies

The TCRA is concerned about zoning anomalies which continue to crop up and catch everyone by surprise.  A prime example is the Sharkey's site which had some ambiguous zoning which ended up at the OMB seeking resolution.  We have seen older neighbourhoods where one or two properties are zoned differently than the majority.  The building site at the northeast corner of Reynolds and Randall is another example.  How many more of these "time bombs" exist?  We are trying to pressure Council and the Planning Department to review their zoning drawings and address such anomalies.

Noise By-law

The TCRA has made input to the committee working on this by-law stating that while the TCRA is in favour of changes to and modernization of the existing by-law, we wish to see a by-law that erpresents common sense and is enforceable.  Therefore we are not in favour of a quiet zone around the hospital.  The hospital is a sealed unit and makes its own share of noise through its air conditioning units on the roofs and the flow of ambulances into and out of the hospital.  We are in favour of the restrictions of the time of operation for new construction and believe those same restrictions should apply to renovations as they are substantial and prevalent.

Ward Boundaries

The TCRA is in favour of the status quo on Ward Boundaries.  We do not believe that anything is gained by realigning the ward boundaries into a northerly/southerly direction and would be concerned that such a change would put the councillors in a constant conflict of interest situation.  We have made our views known and will continue to do so.

Development Charges

The TCRA is concerned that the current level of Development Charges and the manner in which they are assessed does not cover the cost of new facilities in the new developments.  This then puts an unfair burden on our area taxpayers to fund the shortfalls.  We are supporting Council's efforts in this area and monitoring the situation.

Oakville Hydro

The TCRA is concerned that Oakville Hydro is using our streets for major power corridors to the downtown core.  We are concerned that new developments have their power and other facilities supplied underground and believe that Hydro should be seriously considering burying the lines on their major corridors.  We are having discussions with Hydro and will take this to Council.

We are also concerned with the aggressive pruning of trees on our streets to accommodate the ever-increasing power lines running through them.  Trees are being irreparably damaged or, at a minimum being turned from a thing of beauty to an eyesore.

Hospital

It is a given fact that the hospital will be moving to a new site some time in the not-too-distant future.  We are concerned with what, if anything, of a medical facility will be left behind.  Ideally we would like some form of emergency facility but this may not be practical.  We are keeping in close touch with all of the stakeholders.

We are also concerned, long term, with what happens to the hospital lands when the facility is relocated to North Oakville.  We are going to be lobbying the Town and the Planning Department to enusre that the lands are properly zoned and any development is suitable for the neighbourhood.

Old High School

The fate of the old Oakville Trafalgar High School is a controversial one. The facility and land is owned by the hospital. Since it is no longer going to be used in a hospital expansion and since studies have shown that the cost of renovating / converting the space into offices is prohibitive, the hospital has no interest in the facility. They are under obligation to maintain the exterior visage but nothing more. The TCRA is seeking consensus solutions to this problem and are concerned that the building could become an eyesore and a hazard. We welcome innovative solutions.

School Closings

We are keeping in touch with all of the various parties until some guidelines are communicated from the Government. Our position is that we must keep one of the two schools and both if there are ways to enhance the enrollment.

The TCRA was invited at an early stage by the developer to participate in this development. We were grateful for his cooperative nature and we believe that the end result is a valuable addition to the neighbourhood and an example of how development and residential associations can work productively together. There remains one building to be completed and we remain in communication with the developer.

OMB Reform

After the Sharkey's disappointment, we are pleased to see the OMB reform committee of the Town Council actively at work. We will support their activities in any way possible.

Navy & Robinson

There have been suggestions floating around for a number of years about possible redevelopment of this piece of land. We do not want to see another Sharkey's or any form of over-development not in keeping with the local neighbourhood. We will support the efforts of the local Residents' Association who lead the activities with respect to this development.