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The SPIRIT Newsletter - March 2016
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Hundreds show up for Public Meeting re Proposed Kleinburg Developments
Vaughan Council Chambers had standing room only for Feb 2’s Public Meeting addressing development proposals for 30 Nashville and the 3 properties on Stegman’s Mill in Kleinburg.  With the exception of 3 depositions made in favour of the development on Stegman’s Mill (including one from one of the owners selling to the developer), there were an overwhelming number of depositions opposed to the size and scale of the developments proposed for 30 Nashville and the 3 properties on Stegman’s Mill. 
 
Council definitely heard what Kleinburg residents were saying.  In fact, Councillor Alan Shefman directly asked the representative for the developer on Stegman’s Mill why they would even submit an application that does not meet the standards set out in the Official Plan.  Both our local Councillor, Marilyn Iafrate and Regional Councillor Michael Di Biase expressed concern.
 
A recent report to Vaughan Council (vaughan.ca/council/minutes_agendas/AgendaItems/Finance0229_16_5.pdf), revealed that the total cost to date of developing the Vaughan Official Plan 2010 is 18 million dollars!!!  We certainly hope that after all the time and money spent, Council and the City will start sticking to the official plan they developed and approved.

Councillors fight for Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) Reform
A group of Golden Horseshoe-area councillors have formed a working group to advocate for OMB Reform.  The group includes councillors from Newmarket, Georgina, Markham, Kitchener, Brantford, Cambridge and Vaughan (Thornhill councillor, Alan Shefman and our local councillor, Marilyn Iafrate, have both joined the group). 
 
Aurora town councillor, Michael Thompson, says “We want to have a stronger adherence to the official plans that we create.  Municipalities create official plans, the Province approves that plan, but at the end of the day, the OMB overturns decisions that adhere to the official plan.”  Vaughan councillors are very reluctant to go to the OMB to defend the official plan for Kleinburg.  They are not confident they will win.  Like Kleinburg, all of these municipalities struggle with this issue.  Hopefully this group can have an impact before it is too late for Kleinburg to benefit!

Hold the Date - KARA's 2016 AGM

Wednesday May 4th - Kleinburg Public School
Please hold the date for KARA’s upcoming Annual General Meeting to be held at Kleinburg Public School on Wed, May 4 at 7 p.m.  KARA’s 2016 nominating committee is seeking qualified volunteer Directors to serve on KARA’s Board.  The committee is actively looking to boost our Board with interested and dedicated Kleinburg and Nashville residents who are able to volunteer up to 8 hours per month to our resident group.  Please send a letter of intent with a current resume to kara@kara-inc.ca or to PO Box 202 Kleinburg by March 16, 2016 c/o Nominating Committee.

Development Corner

Development proposed for property across from and just north of the RBC branch parking lot -> 10565 Islington
There is a development application which will be submitted shortly with the City for a development just across the street and north of the RBC branch parking lot on Islington Avenue.  The proposed development is for a three storey, multi-unit mixed-use building (2 commercial and 22 residential units) with underground parking.  It would replace the current single family home.  It is anticipated that the developer will submit an application to the City in Spring 2016.

 

General Store in Kleinburg -> 10483 Islington Ave. (formerly Jeremy's)
You have probably noticed that the wall is falling down at the General Store in Kleinburg at 10483 Islington Avenue. As part of new construction, renovations and excavation activities, the existing foundation was disturbed and part of the southeast corner of the brick portion of the building was damaged.  As a result, the City issued an Order to Remedy an Unsafe Building and Cultural Heritage staff were contacted by Building Standards staff for guidance.  A site visit with the owner was held the next day and the owner agreed to immediately retain an engineer that specializes in heritage architecture to ensure the protection of the heritage building and to  oversee the restoration to its previous condition. Since that time, restoration work has begun to return the building to a safe state and original condition.  The owner is planning to renovate this building to accommodate a restaurant.   

Articles in Vaughan Citizen
 

Traffic Corner

What is happening in our area
  • The Ministry of Transportation has suspended its work on the environmental assessment of the GTA West  Transportation Corridor (proposed Highway 413). The project will be reviewed and an update will be provided in spring 2016.  This is the highway that is proposed for just north of Kleinburg.
  • The Region is working on synchronizing traffic lights to improve traffic flow.  They plan to look at Islington between Major Mack and Hwy 7 this year.
  • The Transportation Minister says that Highway 427 widening and extension to Major Mack will likely start in 2017.  The project entails widening to 8 lanes between Albion and Hwy 7, widening and extending to 6 lanes between Hwy 7 and Rutherford, and extending to 4 lanes between Rutherford and Major Mack.  The extension is scheduled to open in 2020
  • Expect an update in the Spring on plans to beef up service on the Barrie GO train line - expect mid-day, off-peak, weekend and weeknight service in the next couple of years.  Ultimately, this line will be running electrified trains in both directions every 15 minutes.

Fusion Gardening® coming to Kleinburg
Fusion Gardening® is an emerging trend in landscape design that works in harmony with the natural conditions of your property. This style of gardening will reduce maintenance and watering needs, while achieving the results you desire.
 
Things to Consider for a Fusion Garden
  • Your wants and needs:  Your landscape is an extension of your home; think about how you would like to use the space.
  • Creating form:  Define the space. Patios, hedge rows, pathways and gazebos are some features that provide structure to your landscape, direct flow of movement and create individual spaces for dining or relaxing. 
  • Infusing your style:  What’s your style? Straight lines and square corners suit more formal tastes, while winding pathways and curved gardens and patios offer a casual atmosphere.
  • Adding focal features: Focal features create interest and draw the eye through the landscape. Artistic touches can be functional as well. Rain chains that direct the flow of rainwater are a beautiful addition to any property.

The Regional Municipality of York’s Fusion Gardening® program will be launching in the spring of 2016. To learn more about the program, go to fusiongardening.ca or visit your local garden centre.
 

Kleinburg Teen earns Title

Hanna Begovic awarded "Miss Teenage Ontario"
On January 24th 2016, seventeen-year-old Hanna Begovic was awarded the prestigious title of “Miss Teenage Ontario. ” Fifty-two Ontario Teens across the province competed in vying for this prestigious title. Miss Begovic moves on to compete in Miss Teenage Canada in July.
 
“The entire experience was exciting for me, and the moment when they called my name was unlike anything else I’ve ever experienced in my life. I applied for the Pageant thinking it would be a fun experience, but I had no idea about all the work that was involved. A huge part of the competition is your social platform. This is a cause or a social issue you feel strongly about, and you personally want to work towards changing,” said Miss Begovic.
 
Begovic’s social platform focused around providing children with the opportunity to express their individuality and creativity through Art education.

Congratulations Hanna!
 

Binder Twine AGM and Winter Party
At the annual Binder Twine Festival's AGM/Winter Party held on February 4th, the celebrations began for the festival as this year marks Binder Twine's 50th.  To the delight of many was the Winter Party Quilt which was made from a few of the abundant quilt squares entered in the 2015 Quilt Square Contest.  This year's festival volunteer winner of the Winter Party Quilt was Sharon Felice.  Sharon was ecstatic and commented, "Have bought numerous (raffle quilt) tickets since I moved here 17 years ago.  Can't believe I was so lucky to finally win a Winter Party Quilt, and such a special one.  Will treasure it always and promised my granddaughter she will be the next recipient”.   Congratulations Sharon!
(photo by Lea Rutherford)

Water Usage by Kleinburg Residents
Did you know Kleinburg residents are among the highest water users in York Region?
  • Try to only water your lawn if it hasn’t rained within the last week. This will help the roots to grow deeper into the ground and become better established.
  • To be sure that you’re only using what you need, book a consultation with a Water Smart Irrigation Professional (horttrades.com/wsip-6). They can determine if your landscape is getting the right amount of water to stay beautiful and healthy.  

Exhibitions:

  • For Every Season—Oct 24 2015  to May 9 2016
  • A Foundation for Fifty Years:  McMichael Masterworks—Nov 18, 2015 to December 2016
  • On Paper—Feb 6, 2016  to May 1, 2016
  •  Field Trip: Sarah Anne Johnson—Mar 5, 2016  to June 5, 2016
 
March Break:
  • March Break Madness—Sunday, March 13 & Wednesday, March 16 to Friday, March 18
  • March Break Camp, Ages 5-12—Mon March 14 to Fri March 18, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
  • March Break Mini-Camp, Ages 4-6—Wed March 16 to Fri March 18, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
  • Teen Digital Photography, Ages 13-15—Mon March 14 & Tues March 15, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
  • Paper Work, Ages 7-10—Monday, March 14 & Tuesday, March 15, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm  
 
Adult Lectures:
  • Emily Carr’s Pause with Sarah Milroy
  • Gallery Talk: Sanavik’s Story with Sheila Butler  …see website for dates and times
 
Adult Art Classes and Studios:
  • Painting Studio, Beginner Class
  • Watercolour Studio, Begin./Int. Class
  • Master Class: Contemporary Landscape Painting  …see website for dates and times
 
 
To register for programs, call 905.893.1121 ext 2209 or visit mcmichael.com for gallery hours and more info on exhibitions and programs.
 

Take 5—For over 45 years, Kleinburg moms have met on Wed mornings to share a cup of coffee and have a chat with others from the area. Please join us for a relaxing break at the Kline House. Babysitting provided for  children. For more information, call Megan O’Connor at 705-427-2559 or megangilbert@yahoo.com . 
 
Kleinburg Leo Club - The Club is recruiting members 18-30 years old who are committed to serving the community! To join,  email kyarecruitment@outlook.com. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram @kleinburgleos.
 
Kleinburg Bridge Club— Club meets Thurs afternoons at 1 pm in Kleinburg Library.  On Mon afternoons we play Euchre and Mahjong starting a 1 pm in the library.  Anyone interested in learning Euchre or Mahjong is welcome to join.  Call Margaret (905-552-5464) for Mahjong or Coreen (905-893-1593) for Euchre.  We will hold our 2nd Annual Bridge Tournament on May 14 at  10 am in the library.  To register call Coreen (905-893-1593) or Ann (905-880-0251).  Please register (with a partner) early as we have limited space available.
 
Rotary Club of Kleinburg, Nobleton, Schomberg - The Club meets Wed at 6:30 pm at Longchamps Pub. Interested members of the community are always welcome and new members are even more welcome. For more info - Roy Vokes, President - rotary@agorafinancial.ca  or  905-558-3070 (B).
 
Humber Valley Heritage Trail Association - Members of the HVHTA lead hikes through natural forests and meadowlands in and around Kleinburg and Area. For more info about each hike see our website at hvhta.ca or email us at hvhtak@gmail.com.
Mar 5 - Hal Jackman Forest Walk  (4-6 kms, 2-3 hrs - 9:30 am start)
 
Apr 23 - Palgrave to Bolton Hike  (8 or 15.5 kms hike, 2.5 or 5 hrs - 9:30 am start)
 
Kleinburg Tennis Club - Online Registration available March 15, 2016. Early bird deadline ends April 30, 2016.  There will be no mailers this year for registration. Please visit kleinburgtennis.com for more information and registration form.
 
Canadian Federation of University Women - Next meeting March 22, 7:30 pm at Pierre Berton Library. Representative from Empowerment Through Achievement Vaughan will speak to the group. All are welcome! 
You are invited to attend the 2016 Spring Dinner:
Date:  Tuesday April 19, 2016
Place:  Da Vinci Banquet Hall,
Time:  Doors open 5:30 pm - hors d’oeuvres served and bar open. Dinner at 6:30 pm - three course sit-down dinner will be served.
Cost:  $50 per person (supports Education Fund)
Guest Speaker:  Dr. John Steckley
Topic:  Aboriginal Languages
 
For tickets, please contact Marlene at (905) 832-1014 or Joan at (905) 893-8081.
 

 

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The KARA Board generally meets on the third Thursday of each month in Kline House, 8 Nashville Road, at 7:00 p.m. If you would like to attend, or make a presentation, this can be arranged with the courtesy of a request in advance to KARA@kara-inc.ca. Local organizations are invited to submit material for publication in the Community Events and Community Clubs sections. Please include the name and phone number of a contact for follow up. Material will be edited to suit the newsletter and cannot be returned.  Do you have community news? Let us know and, if space permits, we will include it.  Next Issue:  April 2016.  Submission deadline:  March 15, 2016

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Thank you to the 2016 Sponsors of The Spirit :

 

Kleinburg Binder Twine Festival
Advantage Physiotherapy 
Avenue Cibi e Vini
Avlyn Gardens Ristorante 
Chartreuse Restaurant 
Dr. Marsha Lomis - Psychologist
Green Apple Dental Centre 
Femme Inc.
Kalthoff Decorators 
Kleinburg Family Health Centre
Kleinburg Pharmacy 
RBC Royal Bank 
The Doctor’s House


If you are interested in sponsoring The Spirit, please contact KARA - KARA@kara-inc.ca.