Minutes from the Barrie Downtown Neighbourhood Association

Long Term Planning/Property Standards Committee

Held March 3, 2010

Barrie City Hall: Sir Robert Barrie Room

Meeting commenced at 7 p.m

Present:        Cindy, Evan, Lorna, John, Bryan & Jayne

· The agenda for the evening was presented as follows:

-Finalize Mission Statement /Goals/Objectives/I Believe.

-Update from John on Property Standards procedures.

-Plan for presentation from Property Standards staff representatives for General Meeting in the

  Spring.

-Updates – success on Mary Street.

-Maple Avenue – next committee of Adjustments

-New Business/comments.

-Set date for next meeting.

·         The ensuing discussions went as follows:

·         It was decided that it would be the job of the Steering Committee to develop a mission statement outlining the goals and objectives for the Long Term Planning/Property Standards Committee.   It would be a good idea to check out the Crime Prevention’s mission statement on the BDNA website.

·         John suggested that that our Role-Purpose statement should be short and concise.

·         Discussion continued resulting in an agreement that people should be more aware of what is happening in the neighbourhoods in which they live, and be better informed of the building codes.  This would empower them to attain the goals they need and want.  Projects would then become more specific, such as planting trees, etc.

·         We believe that the City of Barrie should develop, and that growth is expected, and we are not against this. The provincial mandate must develop in a manner that has respect for urban growth, and redevelopment to respect the integrity of existing neighbourhoods and their residents, and their properties.  PLACES TO GROW needs to be supervised from the neighbourhoods.

·         Cindy pointed out that we need to prevent slum landlords from abusing the property by-laws and allowing properties to deteriorate.  Low income people should not be subjected to sub-standard living conditions, as this is intolerable.  We need to build within guidelines that enhance neighbourhoods.  Committee of adjustments needs to get on with the agenda.

·         Bryan said that in Newmarket every 4^th home in special development areas (mostly townhouses) are rental assisted for lower income people. This results in the lower income people trying much harder to maintain their properties to their neighbours’ higher standards.

·         We need to develop good urban design standards and controls that resolve in a positive visual impact promoting pleasant external facades consistent with the neighbourhood.

·         Our goal is to beautify and enhance the environment and design a much more pleasant space with trees and planters.  Enforce present by-laws on absentee landlords.

·         John informed us that any complaint made to the City is strictly confidential.  They do not divulge who the complainants are. The city seems to be reactive and not proactive.  We should try to change that.

·         Home Depot has a program to aid in charitable work using their products.  Cindy suggested that maybe we could choose Elizabeth Fry as a first makeover project.  Youth can do their community service for school by helping out with painting shutters, planting shrubs and doing maintenance work.  This is the type of project we could plan for the fall, and we would need to push for volunteers.  Committees could cross pollinate.

·         We are planning a general meeting for sometime in the spring.  We will invite representatives from other groups such as Allandale, the BIA and the HNS to attend. Once we have a time and place we will advertise in the media.

·         John informed us that Lake Simcoe Conservation has funding for planting trees in parkettes, if you live in certain areas neighbouring the lake.

·         The next meeting is scheduled to take place on April 21^st, 2010.

The meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.