Service demands dominate Nobleton meet and greet session

February 25, 2014 · 0 Comments

By Mark Pavilons
Nobleton residents would like some more amenities and services, but the reality is, they’re not high on King Township’s list of priorities.
That was the message that filled the air at Nobleton Library last Wednesday evening, during the informal Meet the Mayor & Ward Councillors evening.
A good crowd of roughly 50 residents turned to meet and get some face time with Mayor Steve Pellegrini and Councillor Peter Grandilli.
Pellegrini said the crowd was mixed between newcomers and long-time residents who all engaged in some lively discussions.
On their minds were issues relating to hard services such as sewers, traffic lights and street lights.
Residents have been anxious for lights at the intersection of Greenside Drive and King Road, as well as Park Heights and Highway 27. In discussions with York Region, they are examining the road warrants and it’s just a matter of when, according to the mayor.
Sewer installation in the older part of Nobleton have been taking a bit longer than expected, since work crews hit water when they were digging, and this delayed things.
Residents asked about the speed humps on Hill Farm, which were removed for the winter. Pellegrini noted these were temporary measures and they are looking at a more permanent solution.
This year’s winter, one of the worst in decades, has resulted in literally piles of snow on streets and in subdivisions. In order to fully remove them all, they have to be loaded and dumped, and that would require costly rental of loaders and dump trucks.
Some of the newer residents wanted services similar to what they were used to in larger urban centres to the south. The mayor pointed out many move to King to escape the city and you simply won’t see the same level of services as other cities. King will only grow to 35,000.
The mayor pointed out there are a lot of competing priorities and it’s sorted out at budget time each year. While he admitted some neighbourhood streets aren’t particularly well lit, it’s not high on the Township’s priority list.
Residents wanted to know about the status of a new park in the Hambly subdivision. The mayor said staff are working on a plan and it will be made public shortly.
Others asked about box stores, plazas and streetlights.
The plaza that is home to John’s No Frills is expanding, and will soon welcome the LCBO and Scotiabank, along with other retail. The neighbouring plaza to the north has been given a face lift and it’s hoped the old Foodland space will be occupied.
Some residents are concerned about potential truck traffic from the new Canadian tire warehouse in Bolton. Pellegrini asked Regional staff who noted the bulk of the traffic this facility will generate will head southbound, with only a small amount headed north, and possibly through Nobleton. York has looked into it and are in touch with their Peel Region counterparts as the project develops.
The mayor is pleased that residents take the time to attend these sessions, as it provides a great opportunity for taxpayers to get answers, understand the process and meet their elected officials.
The next meet and greet session will take place March 19 at the Schomberg Library on Main Street, with Councillor Bill Cober. It runs 6:30 to 8 p.m.