Susan DiMarco, Regional Councillor

As your Regional Councillor and a fellow Bramptonian, I am committed to seeing Brampton grow and prosper with the right balance of development, services, and quality of life. Your input is crucial to the future direction of the City. I encourage you to read this ward report, find out what’s happening in your community and around the region, and get involved.

The Honourable Albina Guarnieri, Minister of Veterans Affairs declared 2005 the Year of the Veteran. It is time for youth to “surrender their time, volunteer their hearts, and take one year to fully remember a century of sacrifice.” Canadians have been celebrating, honouring, remembering, and teaching the next generation about the contributions and sacrifices of our veterans. Brampton has many veterans who we are proud to say are a great asset to our City. Every year is an important year to honour veterans and their service, and 2005 is especially meaningful because it marks the 60 anniversary of the end of World War II.

There was much ado when the new Flower City Seniors Recreation Centre opened in September. Judging by the fast growing membership at the Centre, these types of recreation centres are much needed in our community. The Centre enhances the quality of life of adults 55 years and older, by providing a friendly meeting place, and a variety of affordable leisure programs. The facilities are fully accessible. Brampton Transit and Peel Region’s Transhelp offer transportation right to the front door. For more information, read the full article about the Flower City Seniors Recreation Centre inside this ward report, or call (905) 874-3500.

The City of Brampton has plans for several recreation centres which will attract residents and sports enthusiasts from across the region. Construction of the new Dixie/Sandalwood Recreation Centre is underway and major renovations are in store for Earnscliffe and Century Gardens. The City has just embarked upon the development of a Parks, Culture and Recreation Master Plan that will identify community needs, demands and future trends in recreation and leisure activities.

The City of Brampton Parks and Recreation department, in cooperation with the Brampton Skateboard Association, has built and now maintains five skateboard parks including The Fairgrounds Park and South Fletcher’s Sportsplex Park. Equipment is inspected four times a day to maintain high safety standards. Check out the quarter pipes, fly bridge/jump boxes, grinding boxes and rails, banks and ledges at different parks. For more information, call (905) 874-2000.

Over the last few months, Kennedy Road South area (between Clarence St. and Steeles Ave.) has been the subject of a comprehensive revitalization study that considers higher-end land use. Currently you’ll find donut shops, taverns, automotive outlets, a carwash, and various sized retail stores there. The City wants to encourage and assist property owners to improve their premises, increase business, attain high-quality development, and enhance the streetscape design in this area. As far as retail goes, many residents would like to see a more organized, people friendly environment with planted boulevards, better signage, ease of access, and general cleanliness. The study’s findings, residential and business input will influence future planning for Kennedy Road South.

The Region of Peel in conjunction with the City of Brampton has made improvements at the intersection of Steeles Avenue and Hurontario Street. There are dual left-turn lanes in all directions at the intersection to improve traffic flow, and construction of a five metre wide median along Hurontario Street with landscaping and streetscaping features. This major road improvement is almost done and we appreciate your continued patience through the final phase.

I would like to thank you for your support. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns you may have.