Congregational Meeting
February 2004
"Who Needs Affordable Housing in Halton?.......WE ALL DO!"
"A healthy community needs a sufficient
supply of affordable housing.."
HALTON TOWN HALL GROUP
Extra seating was required to accommodate the attendees at our 45th Annual
Congregational Meeting in February. Under the direction of Wayne Barrett,
an enthusiastic audience was provided with a detailed presentation of
the Senior Citizen's Affordable complex, complete with revised architectural
drawings, Site Plan and sketches.
Wayne deftly responded to a flurry of questions from the floor. Current structural configuration features a 4-storey edifice capable of accommodating 57 Mixed Units (1/2 BR plus 3 town-houses) including provision for transition housing and ample parking. Ownership and Management of the Project will be effected through a Non-Profit Corporation consisting of a Board of Directors. When the mortgage expires (e.g. - after 35 years), unencumbered ownership of the land (and building) would be restored to the Church.
There was a motion presented to the members of the congregation to approve
the construction of an affordable Senior Citizen's Housing complex on
existing St. Andrew's property generally in conformance with Site Plans
and sketches as presented. Voting was conducted by secret ballot, and
a 2/3 majority was required for successful adoption of the resolution.
Over Seventy-five percent (75.3%) of the eligible voters responded favourably
to the motion.
A second motion was presented and consequently carried which approved
the creation of a Non-Profit Corporation to own and manage the Project
and further stipulated that a majority of the Directors of said Corporation
shall be members of the United Church of Canada.
These motions were submitted to the Dufferin-Peel Presbytery Pastoral
Oversight Committee for their approval, and will be considered at their
April meetings.
There have been changes on the Federal and Provincial political stages,
which, hopefully will bode well for the Housing challenges which this
country faces. Prime Minister Paul Martin appears to a least be more aware
of affordable and social housing issues - the $320 Million committed by
the Feds for a National Housing Program in the last budget has been frozen,
and, he said he would look into it. Nonetheless, constant pressure from
lobby groups, citizens and local organizations will be required to "get
things done.
We are in the final stages of preparing the Business Plan required by CMHC, and we will be acquiring consultants to carry out Storm Water and Drainage analysis in conjunction with the preparation of a re-zoning application. There are still a great many "t's" to be crossed and "i's" to be dotted, but, the willingness of the members of this congregation to continue with this worthy project is inspiring and uplifting.
Thank you for your continued endorsement!
Grant Greenaway, Chair;
Wayne Barrett; John Day; Jerry Ford; Brian Heinmiller; Read Whatmough
Bill McMaster, Secretary