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Councillor Fonseca Provides Airport Noise Update

5/1/2017

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​Mississauga Ward 3 Councillor Chris Fonseca provided the following update to the Rockwood Homeowners' Association on Monday, May 1st, 2017. Please note the following airport construction update:

I received the following information from the GTAA regarding CENAC, recent updates on airport construction, aircraft noise initiatives and opportunities for community members to participate.
 
I draw your attention to these key dates: 
  1. May 4th — GTAA AGM - details below. Please plan to attend and share.
  2. May 16th — Phase 2 construction is scheduled to cease.  I will be requesting written confirmation. Please note, the GTAA has yet to provide information on an announced Phase 3 of construction in the Fall.  I will be raising this at the May 4th AGM.
  3. May 27th — HOLD the date for a community meeting.  Confirmation and details to follow.  Please plan to attend and share.
  4. May 31st - Deadline to apply for the GTAA Residents Reference Panel.  This is your opportunity to give input into how airport operations impact you, noise mitigation and noise sharing.  Please note, I was informed by Hillary Marshall and Robyn Connelly that 20,000 notices were sent out to impacted neighborhoods, inviting residents to participate on this panel. There will be 36 residents chosen.    If you are interested in sitting on this panel and have not received the invitation, please let me know. I will be advocating for representation on this panel from all Ward 3 communities impacted by the airport operations.
  5. May 31st - Extended deadline to give input into the Toronto Airport Airspace Review (TorontoAirspaceReview@askhelios.com).  This is a SEPARATE and independent study, although funded by NAVCAN, from the GTAA study.  It is your opportunity to give input into how airport operations impact you, noise mitigation and noise sharing.
  6. July 31st - Deadline to take the GTAA online survey on Noise Fairness & Airport Growth, online survey on Noise Fairness & Airport Growth. 
 
I will be encouraging as many people as possible to provide input via the online surveys, applying to sit on the Residential Reference Panel, as well as attend the GTAA AGM on May 4th and May 27th (TBC) meeting.
 
I continue to request that the GTAA and NAVCAN be transparent, accountable and much more timely in their communications.
 
I will also continue to advocate for all Ward 3 residents and communities impacted by airport operations and make it clear that current operations, regardless of construction, are not sustainable.  As well as any airport operations moving forward, should remain at 3-5% (what was in place for many years prior to the construction) use yearly of the north/south runways, no departure operations on 33R, and no extension of the night flight formula.
 
Respectfully,
Councillor Chris Fonseca, Ward 3
300 City Centre Drive
Mississauga, Ontario  L5B 3C1
Telephone: 905-896-5300
Fax: 905-896-5463
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Have You Heard? Rockwood Village to Experience Increased Air Traffic Until End Of Month

4/16/2017

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Have you noticed increased air traffic above Rockwood Village lately? As Toronto Pearson International Airport resurfaces one runway, residents can expect increased air traffic until the end of April. Learn more about ongoing changes at the Community Environment and Noise Advisory Committee (CENAC) meeting happening this Wednesday, April 19th at 6:00 p.m., GTAA Admin. Building, 3111 Convair Drive, Pearson Boardrooms A&B. For meeting details, please visit the Toronto Pearson International Airport website. 

If you cannot attend the meeting, please note that members of the Rockwood Homeowners' Association will be attending as per usual, and questions about the meeting or air traffic in Rockwood Village can be sent to the Rockwood Homeowners' Association here.

To file a noise complaint, please visit the Toronto Pearson International Airport website. 
May 2nd, 2017 Update: The Greater Toronto Airport Authority has provided the following update to residents in regards to ongoing construction and noise issues in the Rockwood Village community. 
May 2nd, 2017 Update: Peter Fonseca, Member of Parliament for Mississauga East—Cooksville has provided the following update to residents in regards to ongoing construction and noise issues in the Rockwood Village community. 
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Coyotes Trolling Rockwood

2/26/2017

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During the last week of January, Mississauga Animal Services conducted a door-to-door canvas of streets in our neighborhood. Those who answered the door were informed that there had been two recent incidents, in broad daylight, of coyotes breaching fences and attacking small pets. In one such incident the residents were present and witnessed the attack. Those who were not home received a package containing brochures that included two pieces of material specific to coyotes.

As coyote sightings are most prevalent at dusk, sightings during the day are a cause for concern. Rockwood is an area with close proximity to a large population of coyotes that live in the ravine. For many years, they have regularly been spotted in the fields north of Audubon. Also, the hydro lines create a natural pathway for coyotes to gain access to a broader feeding area. Residents who live south of Audubon or in areas adjacent to the ravine, and the hydro fields, are all too aware that coyotes often wander on their streets or properties, but generally at night.

Since there is no plan to control the coyote population, you need to be aware of the danger of leaving small pets and children unattended when they are outdoors. You should also ensure that ​your pets are properly vaccinated and always check your yard before letting your pet outside at night. While walking your dog, keep it on a short leash.

Most important in keeping coyotes away from residential areas is to make sure that they are not able to find food. Do not leave food for pets outside, do clean up bird feeder grains that fall on the ground and store all garbage and compost in containers. The City recommends a solid six inch fence with mesh underground to prevent burrowing, and light sensors and sprinkler systems to keep coyotes out of your property.

Coyotes will avoid scary situations. For personal safety when walking, particularly at night, bring a flashlight or an umbrella. If you see a coyote, wave your arms, flash the umbrella, and shout to startle and scare it away.

If you see unusual coyote activity, call Animal Services at 905-896-5858. If in immediate danger, call 911. For additional information visit: mypetmississauga.ca
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Short-term ACCOMMODATION open house

2/26/2017

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Use Airbnb in the City of Mississauga? The City will be hosting an open house to present ideas and receive feedback from residents on how to regulate short-term accommodations such as Airbnb. For more information on the open-house, please see the notice featured below.
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City of Mississauga Stormwater Home Visit Program

2/19/2017

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By: Victoria Kramkowski, Stormwater Charge Program Coordinator, City of Mississauga
Many residents of Mississauga have been affected by flooding or know someone who has. The City of Mississauga is doing its part by upgrading and improving the storm sewers, ditches, stormwater ponds, creeks and other components that form our stormwater system. However, there are changes, some of them very small, which can be made by property owners to also reduce their risk of flooding. Some of these changes – such as downspout disconnections, rain barrels, rain gardens, improved grading and soakaway pits – can even have multiple benefits for a home, such as improved curb appeal and lower water bills when irrigating lawns and gardens.
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As a result, the City of Mississauga is launching a Stormwater Home Visit Pilot Program, beginning in May 2017, in order to give site-specific guidance to interested homeowners on how they can better manage stormwater on their property. By request of the property owner, a qualified professional will conduct a home visit lasting between 45 minutes and one hour. During the home visit, they will identify potential flood risks for your home and discuss opportunities to reduce these risks and implement other stormwater management best practices on your property that complement your priorities for your home. Participants can also receive a free rain barrel for their participation and will be provided with a follow-up report that summarizes the home visit recommendations and provides resources to help homeowners put these recommendations into action.

Participation in the Stormwater Home Visit Program is FREE. The pilot program is limited to 100 homes in Mississauga and registration will begin in Spring 2017. If you wish to be notified as soon as registration is launched for the Stormwater Home Visit Program, please email your name, address and contact information to stormwater@mississauga.ca or call 311 (or 905-615-4311 outside of City of Mississauga limits) and ask to be added to the Stormwater Home Visit Program notification list. Being added to the notification list does not register you for a home visit or commit you to having one, but it will ensure that staff will send you an email as soon as registration for the program is open.  Questions about the Stormwater Home Visit Program can also be directed to stormwater@mississauga.ca.
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Free BBQ and Fun Swim

5/29/2016

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Join Ward 3 Councillor Chris Fonseca at her free BBQ and fun swim on Sunday, July 3rd from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. at Applewood Outdoor Pool located at 3119 Constitution Boulevard. Open to all residents, halal and vegetarian options will be available and parents can come to watch a car seat clinic for their children. 

For more information on the event, please contact Councillor Chris Fonseca on her website: www.chrisfonseca.ca.
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Lack of Inventory generates “Bidding Wars”

5/9/2016

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Author: Dale Biason, Salesperson, Royal LePage Signature Realty and Director on the Rockwood Homeowners' Association

It is definitely a seller’s market.  With very few homes on the market, properties are being sold quickly as buyer’s rush to secure a purchase in a very competitive environment.  

There are so few listings that the majority of properties that come on the market are being auctioned to the highest bidder in what real estate agents refer to as “A Call For Offers.”    

A call works like this: when the listing is posted, it includes a date that the seller will review any offers. On the date that the offer is reviewed, the seller hopes that there will be more than one offer to initiate a bidding war.  With few listings, this is almost a guaranteed.  This being said, sometimes homes do not draw many offers or any at all as the buyers are not prepared to pay more than the asking prices.  In other words, the price is already at or above market value.  The trick is that the listing price needs to be less than the anticipated purchase price or market value to create more interest and therefore more offers.    

For the seller who is eager to take an offer, they may also accept a Bully offer prior to the offer date.  In this case, the Seller advises in advance that he may consider a pre-emptive offer, otherwise, all agents who have shown or booked an appointment must be advised that the offer date has changed.

In the case of multiple offers, a seller can expect a firm offer, without conditions on financing or inspection, if a pre-sale inspection report for is provided to prospective buyers to review before submitting an offer.    

According to the Toronto Real Estate Board, there were only 977 active listings in all of Peel this March, which was down 10 percent from the 1085 at the same time last year.  The number of days on the market also declined from 24 to 14.  Not surprisingly, the ask to sell ratio has increased from 98 percent to 100.2 percent and March is just the start of the spring selling season.  

This year, we are seeing offers come in more than 10 percent over asking price with as many as 30 buyers competing for the same property.  The problem with this lop sided market is that there is no inventory. Lack of available properties is creating a frenzy for those looking to move.    

Generally, agents advise their clients to sell before they buy.  In this market, a seller might be better advised to buy first, unless their expectations for price are unreasonable or if there are other issues which might prevent a quick sale.  
​This article was originally published in the Summer 2016 issue of the Rockwood Homeowners' Association quarterly newsletter, The Rockwood Times.
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“Ask Joe”Your Neighbourhood  Handyman

5/9/2016

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Hi Joe,

I remember you had a recipe for achieving a green lawn using simple household products.   I wrote it down somewhere but lost it!  I did try it and it worked very well.  Any chance you can reprint that recipe?
​
- Carol 
Hi Carol,

I’m happy to help you, neighbour. If you follow the recipe below, you should have the greenest grass on the street without using harsh chemicals and expensive fertilizers. First of all you need to buy a sprayer that fits onto the end of a garden hose. (see photo).  Mix the following ingredients in the sprayer and spray your grass every 3-4 weeks dispensing at a rate of one sprayer bottle per ten gallons of water:​
  1. One bottle of regular beer
  2. One bottle of regular pop
  3. ½ cup of liquid dishwashing soap (do not use anti-bacterial soap)
  4. ½ cup mouthwash
 
Spray this when the weather is warm or hot.   The beer and pop contain yeast and sugars that will help break   down dead grass.  The liquid soap acts as a bonding and wetting agent to help the formula penetrate the roots. The mouthwash kills bugs and grubs.  Remember:  do NOT use antibacterial liquid soap as it will kill off microbes in the soil that are of great importance.

- Joe
​This article was originally published in the Summer 2016 issue of the Rockwood Homeowners' Association quarterly newsletter, The Rockwood Times.  Have a question for Joe? Please submit your questions to rha.executive@gmail.com with the subject line: "Ask Joe".
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Eastgate Parkway Bus Route ... a Bust?

5/9/2016

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Representatives from the City of Mississauga provide an update to Rockwood Village residents at the RHA's 2012 Annual General Meeting. Photo courtesy of Wayne Gilbert.
If you are travelling along Eastgate Parkway during rush hour, you already know that the volume of traffic is overwhelming.  From Rockwood, a trip to Hurontario along Eastgate with merging onto the 403 takes at least half an hour. Traffic is bumper to bumper all the way at least until you reach Mavis Road.  

After several years of construction along Eastgate Parkway, the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) is now up and running but the buses are empty. There are no cars in any of the parking lots and the stations seem to be deserted.  

According to some, the BRT is already a white elephant even though it will not be completed until 2017.  Gil Penalosa, a renowned city planner, and previously a business planner with the City of Mississauga, believes this is an example of “doing the right thing, but not doing things right.”

Years before Rockwood was built, the City’s vision for a light transit line was along the north side of Burnhamthorpe Road.  Proof of that vision is the empty swath of land that forms Rockwood’s southern border. According to Penalosa, a transitway  along Burnhamthorpe, which is considered the main access road across the city, would have made more sense. Penalosa believes that the Burnhamthorpe corridor would have connected more people to key destinations.  

The explosion of industry along Eglinton has created longer commute times for employees, many of whom live in the west side of Mississauga. A bus route to service these commuters seemed to make sense; but according to Penalosa, 95 percent of workers in the 905 drive to work.  

When completed, the BRT will hook up with Metrolinx and continue into Etobicoke. Perhaps, when all the stations are completed, ridership will be more convenient for commuters and as a result will reduce drive times for those who occasionally want to access the 403 in rush hour. Otherwise, this whole experiment has been a costly mistake. 
This article was originally published in the Summer 2016 issue of the Rockwood Homeowners' Association quarterly newsletter, The Rockwood Times.
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MiWAy makes changes and undergoes makeover

5/9/2016

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Transit users should be informed of MiWay construction and service changes.  With construction already underway since April 11, the Square One Terminal for buses has closed, and the bus stops are relocated along Rathburn Road. Services still available include the ticket booth, washrooms, customer service, and the north and south doors.  

Drivers should be aware of expected traffic delays in and around the Rathburn Road area near Square One until September 5 when construction is completed.  

Route changes to our local 26 and 76 bus routes are already underway. 

As of April 11, Route 26, which previously served Burnhamthorpe Road and turned north to loop into the Square One transit terminal, will now only run along Burnhamthorpe both east and west from Islington subway station to South Common Mall, bypassing the Square One transit terminal.  

To travel to the Square One bus terminal, transit users can now hop on the 76, which will run all day during weekdays between the Square One bus terminal and Islington subway station. On weekends, the 26 bus will run along Burnhamthorpe and through the Square One bus terminal.

​For more information on MiWay routes and construction, please visit the MiWay website linked here. 
​This article was originally published in the Summer 2016 issue of the Rockwood Homeowners' Association quarterly newsletter, The Rockwood Times.
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Mississauga Considering Seceding from Peel Region 

5/9/2016

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Brampton Mayor Linda Jeffrey, Photo courtesy of: The Canadian Press/Nathan Denette
Mayor Crombie, backed by City Council, has commissioned a study to review the feasibility of the City of Mississauga leaving the Peel Region. The Region of Peel, comprised of Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon, was formed in 1974 to assist emerging municipalities by sharing costs.  In two-tier regional governments, municipalities only contribute taxes to the region for the services provided at that level.

For example, policing in Peel is handled and paid for by the region. However, other services, such as Parks and Recreation, Mississauga collects its’ own taxes for its own municipal government. Seceding would bring everything under one roof, controlled by one council, so Mississauga would have nothing to do with the other municipalities.  

Now that Mississauga is the third largest city in Ontario and the sixth largest city in Canada, Crombie feels we should be making our own decisions as a city. Although any such decision would have to be approved by the Province, it may be difficult from a political standpoint for them to say no.  

This is not a new idea. Former Mayor, Hazel McCallion, had been pushing Queen’s Park for separation since 2004, arguing that Mississauga was too big to be a part of a two-tiered system, and that it is paying too large a share of the costs.  Back in 2004 McCallion told CBC news that a report prepared by chartered accountants found that Mississauga was paying $19 million to cover services in Brampton and another $6 million for Caledon. Some councillors have recently questioned why we should be paying to maintain Caledon’s rural roads.  

In a recent press release Crombie stated, “We are currently undertaking a review of the governance of the Region of Peel, and I think it is important that Council and the residents of Mississauga understand what Regional governance means for them and whether a change would mean a better deal for Mississauga.” If the results of the review are positive for leaving Peel, the issue will be put forth to residents as a referendum in the Municipal Election in 2018.  

​Brampton Mayor, Linda Jeffrey, says, “Mississauga’s growth and development is a direct result of the city’s participation in the Region of Peel and the billions of dollars contributed by Brampton taxpayers. Seeking to leave the region is not only disingenuous, but a frivolous use of Brampton, Caledon and Mississauga taxpayers’ money.” She went on to say that if Mississauga goes on its own, “Brampton expects to be compensated for its decades of investment to the regional system” and that “Brampton was there to help Mississauga as it grew and built out and that, now as infrastructure investments are needed in Brampton, it wants to cut and run.” 
​​This article was originally published in the Summer 2016 issue of the Rockwood Homeowners' Association quarterly newsletter, The Rockwood Times.
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So, who is running City Hall?

5/9/2016

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While both the RHA, PDOC and many individuals delivered compelling arguments against the Forest Park Development, none spoke more directly to the underlying issues of who is really in charge at City Hall, than Gord McLean.  The following is his address to City Council:

My wife Christine and I have resided in the condominium town home community situated at 4165 Fieldgate Dr. for the past 22 years. We both appreciate the well established, family-oriented, character of both our complex and the unique surrounding Rockwood neighborhood. Although I’ve long endeavored to give back to our community, including serving as a founding Director of the RHA, tonight I come before you as the current President of Peel Condominium Corp. 180. Many of our unit owners are highly apprehensive regarding what they believe will be negative ramifications of the application before you. Question as to this development were raised at our last three AGM’s. Though clearly out of order, they were allowed because it was adjudged wrong to see good neighbors understandably upset and not hear-out and consider their concerns.  

Over the past three years, I’ve attended four local public meetings, all attended by hundreds of your fellow citizens, and heard the same fears City government will act in an arbitrary manner contrary to their interests and making a mockery of its Official Plan that they accepted at its face value. Even perceptions of injustice should rightly concern you since they serve to undermine the basis of our civil society: the reciprocal relationship between governed and governing where the former pay required levies and abide by the rule of law and the latter pledge to act justly, conscientiously and, overall, in the best interests of those governed.    

This is Canada, where if you keep your end of this societal deal, you’re not to fear to the actions of the State.  

How we’ve reached a point where this isn’t so falls into two general areas. 

First, there’s the proposal for an untried and bizarre development experiment where existing rental properties and small condominium units - primarily one bedroom and thus alien to the surrounding family-oriented neighborhood, are to exist cheek-by-jowl, sharing amenities and presumably lying down together in peace and harmony like the proverbial lion and lamb. Suffice to say, residents in the impacted area have no wish to be de facto lab rats in an experiment as to the possible results of a mutant form of high density development on an established community.  

Second, I doubt city staff have generally failed to act with integrity and professionalism. Rather, I believe they’ve been asked the wrong question and one that rightly falls to our elected representatives as opposed to members of the public service. Setting aside the disingenuousness of Council sending Staff to look for areas to increase density while still finalizing the details of an Official Plan the public was falsely led to believe was black letter law settling such questions for the foreseeable future, the Corporate Report before you is a wholly technical answer that ignores the morality, the right and wrong, of shoe-horning this development into our neighborhood. It’s your responsibility, not theirs, to adjudge the social impact of the proposal. All Staff has really told you is you have the collective vocal capacity to yell fire in a crowded theater. The wisdom and propriety of doing so is entirely Council’s to decide.  

Skilled lawyers are said not to ask questions to which they don’t already know the answer. Here, it’s gone a step further and staff have effectively been asked a question where a righteous answer is impossible under their appropriate limitations. Throwing-up your hands crying `the bureaucrats have spoken’ abrogates due responsibility while offering the appearance of a Kangaroo Court’s manipulated pre-determined outcomes. 

Councillor Fonseca has made it clear that she is adamant this is not the appropriate development for this neighborhood. Unless any among you truly believe your colleague to be other than an honest, perceptive and conscientious representative of our neighborhood, conscience should dictate you support her in this matter.  

Reject this Application because to rule otherwise betrays our community’s demonstrated good citizenship. Reject this Application because to rule otherwise undermines Mississauga’s Official Plan as well as your own integrity. Reject it because it seeks to bend existing law to self-evidently offend social justice and because, as Dr. King wisely counseled, “I would agree with St. Augustine that an unjust law is no law at all.” 

​ As always, we welcome your comments, questions and any concerns you may wish to share. Please email to rha.executive@ gmail.com.
​This article was originally published in the Summer 2016 issue of the Rockwood Homeowners' Association quarterly newsletter, The Rockwood Times.
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City Approves Forest Park 

5/9/2016

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On Monday, March 21, 2016, the City Planning Committee heard all the arguments against the Forest Park Development Plan, and then voted 7-2 to approve. Councillor Chris Fonseca and Councillor Karen Ras voted against the application. The Mayor left the Council Meeting before the vote was taken.

The bottom line was that, since the City Planners had already approved the plan, the developer indicated that they would take the City to the Ontario Municipal Board. In essence, the Council would be reversing the decision of its own staff. The legal council for the City, when questioned by Councillor Carolyn Parish, advised that fighting the decision at OMB would cost the City upwards of $200,000.  

​On these grounds, and faced with the fact that their track record was not good when fighting OMB, Council approved the development, with some conditions. The conditions included a list of upgrades to the existing buildings and removing paid parking prior to moving forward with the final plans. 
​This article was originally published in the Summer 2016 issue of the Rockwood Homeowners' Association quarterly newsletter, The Rockwood Times.
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Mayor Crombie to attend AGM 

5/8/2016

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Mayor Bonnie Crombie will be the keynote speaker at the Annual General Meeting of the RHA.  In order to accommodate the Mayor’s schedule, the date has been moved to 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 17, at the  Knights of Columbus Hall. 

Other speakers will include Chris Fonseca, our Ward 3 Councillor, and Sabrina Selvaggi, from the Toronto Region Conservation Authority (TRCA). This is an opportunity to come out, meet your municipal representatives, and engage yourself into the community. As always, there will be plenty of opportunity for questions and have your say. 

A very short part of the program will be the RHA nominations and elections for the 2016/17 Board of Directors.   We are still looking for someone to step forward and fill the role of President. If you are interested, or know the perfect candidate, please drop us a note at rha.executive@ gmail.com. No experience required, the only pre-requisite is that you must be a homeowner in Rockwood Village.
​This article was originally published in the Summer 2016 issue of the Rockwood Homeowners' Association quarterly newsletter, The Rockwood Times.
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REport Dismisses Resident Concerns

3/17/2016

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The City's Planning Committee met Monday, February 22 to hear the case for Forest Park Development. RHA, PDOC, and residents put forward cases that contradicted a report from Planning Department to support the plan for two new condo apartments. The Planning Department Report basically dismissed all issues raised by concerned parties as not persuasive enough to decline the project, making the case for residents almost impossible. 
This article was originally published in the Spring 2016 issue of the Rockwood Homeowners' Association quarterly newsletter, The Rockwood Times.
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Storm Water Charges for 2016

3/17/2016

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As announced last year, a storm water charge will be added to your water bill starting on the first billing period of 2016. While the rates are fixed for the year, they will be billed as a daily rate. For example, a medium-sized house is assessed at $100 per year.  If the billing period is 60 days (since the last bill) the rate charged would be 27 cents per day (this is a leap year so $100/366) for 60 days = $16.39.  If the next billing period were 65 days, the charge would be $17.76.

You can check your rate by using the estimator tool on the City of Mississauga website linked here. 
This article was originally published in the Spring 2016 issue of the Rockwood Homeowners' Association quarterly newsletter, The Rockwood Times.
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Development May Become a Reality

3/17/2016

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On Wednesday, January 13, the City put residents on notice that the Forest Park Development, will in some form, become a reality. While we may lobby City Hall and the Planning Department with every legitimate argument, the reality is that the Province and the City are hungry for development. Even if the City accepts our plea to nix this development, it will go to OMB (Ontario Municipal Board) and, in all probability, it will get the green light.

The province is pushing municipalities to look for the opportunity to increase density in areas that could accommodate some intensification, and that already have transportation and other infrastructure. Mississauga is looking for new revenue streams, and new development equals more revenue. City representatives came to the meeting and told us that from their perspective Ward 3 has all the right services in place to move forward with encouraging new development.  

Mississauga is looking at development in every potential space they can identify for intensification.  This includes the land around Rockwood Mall, The Kingsbury Plaza and every apartment building with some currently unused land.  

Intensification of plaza property may be anything from adding residential units in the parking lot to tearing down the existing plaza and replacing it with retail, condos above the stores, and possibly satellite buildings or town homes. This is currently underway at Humbertown Plaza in Etobicoke at Royal York and Dundas. Adding new development around existing apartment buildings is exactly what is planned for Forest Park and what has already been approved for 1315 Bough Beeches.  

If by some chance we win the “battle” over Forest Park, it looks like OMB may win the “war” again. 

​As always, we welcome your comments, questions and any concerns you may wish to share in over 3,000 newsletters distributed quarterly in your Rockwood neighborhood, please forward your information to rha.executive@gmail.com.
This article was originally published in the Spring 2016 issue of the Rockwood Homeowners' Association quarterly newsletter, The Rockwood Times.
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No Changes to Land Transfer Tax 

3/17/2016

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As reported in our last newsletter, the Ontario Municipal Board was considering the possibility of allowing the municipalities to add a tax on top of the Ontario Land Transfer Tax.  This practice is currently allowed only in the City of Toronto. Shortly after the article was published, the OMB announced that it would not allow municipalities, including the City of Mississauga, to add any surcharge to the current Land Transfer Tax paid by a home buyer.

This is good news for buyers and sellers and will keep Mississauga properties more attractive to those willing to move a block west of the Etobicoke border, in order to save from $6.00 - 16,000 on the cost of the Land Transfer fees. 
This article was originally published in the Spring 2016 issue of the Rockwood Homeowners' Association quarterly newsletter, The Rockwood Times.
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Size does Matter 

3/17/2016

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Are your new carts too big or too small? No problem, you can exchange them for larger or smaller units at no charge, between April 1 and April 30. After May 1st, an exchange fee of $25.00 per cart will be charged to cover the cost of pick up, cleaning, and delivery of new ones. Contact the Region of Peel by phone: 905-791-7800, by email linked here, or on their website at www.peelregion.ca.

​If you have excess garbage, it must be tagged and set beside your bin for curbside pick up. Tags cost $5.00 for a strip of 5 and can be purchased on line using a credit card linked here. Alternately, you can purchase them at the Burnhamthorpe Community Centre, the Burnhamthorpe Library or the Fewster Community Recycling Centre. Of course, you can also take your additional waste to the Recycling Centre; however, there is a minimum charge of $5.00 and you will need proof of residence in Mississauga.

locations to purchase garbage tags:

Burnhamthorpe Community Centre
1500 Gulleden Drive, Mississauga, ON, L4X 2T7
Burnhamthorpe Library
3650 Dixie Rd. Suite 101 L4Y 3V9

​There will still be exemption dates when you can place an unlimited amount of acceptable garbage at the curb on scheduled collection days. These will be following Victoria Day, Labour Day, and the Christmas holidays. There is no limit to the number of clear or blue recycling bags that can be placed at the curb. Excess bags of recyclables or organics do not need to be tagged. The former replaced bins will not be collected until later this spring. As of now, timing has not been confirmed. However, they can be taken to the Fewster Recycling Centre at your convenience.    

You can keep your old bins. The Region of Peel is suggesting that you consider re-purposing them. Green bins would be ideal to store pet food, birdseed, sand or walkway salt. Blue or grey boxes could hold yard waste, or store household items such as seasonal decorations.

If your carts are damaged, broken, lost or stolen, they will be repaired or replaced, free of charge, except in the case of negligence. ​
This article was originally published in the Spring 2016 issue of the Rockwood Homeowners' Association quarterly newsletter, The Rockwood Times.
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Forest Park Study Concerns Ignored 

3/17/2016

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​On January 13, Ward 3 Councillor Chris Fonseca invited residents to a meeting using the subject line "Re: Forest Park Circle - Capacity Study Community Meeting".  Residents packed the auditorium at Tomken Arena in expectation of the City’s comment on the status of the proposed Forest Park development.

The audience was walked through a presentation by various Planning Department members that basically concluded that Ward 3 has sufficient capacity to add additional new development and that, as a result, the City is actively looking at opportunities to intensify properties within Ward 3.  To this end, the expectation was that attendees would act as a focus group for visioning of future development and stakeholders were being encouraged to participate in a steering committee.
​
This article was originally published in the Spring 2016 issue of the Rockwood Homeowners' Association quarterly newsletter, The Rockwood Times. ​
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When Noise Disturbs Residents - Noise By-Laws 

3/17/2016

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The Rockwood Homeowners Association occasionally receives complaints and requests for help when noise created  by residents disturbs other residents.  Noise disturbances usually falls into three categories: 1) Noise created by humans (yard entertainment, gatherings, plying music, singing, conversations) 2) Noise created by household maintenance/renovation activities (grass mowing, cutting,  hammering etc.) and 3) Noise created by domestic animals.

All Residents believe that their home is their castle.  Some think they may enjoy any activity at any time. This could be possible if their house is located far from other dwellings but not in densely populated Mississauga, particularly, Rockwood Village.

All residents want to live in a nice neighbourhood, surrounded by respectful people, entitled to “peaceful enjoyment” of their premises. While for some, enjoyment of premises is hosting loud parties outside, where for others, enjoyment is relaxing on the lounger in the backyard or an armchair inside. How can every resident enjoy their own “castle”?  In answer to this question, the City of Mississauga enacted two noise regulations (by-laws), “Noise Control By-law 360-79” and “Nuisance Noise Control By-law 785-80”. The bylaws outline the permitted and non-permitted times for noise.   The Nuisance Noise Control By- Law states that “No person shall in the City of Mississauga create, cause or permit any unusual noise or noises likely to disturb the inhabitants.”  This covers almost everything that is loud and bothers your neighbour.  Included is: a) any sound or noise in such volume as to annoy or disturb the peace, quiet, comfort or repose of any individual in any dwelling house, apartment house, hotel or any other type of residence. (b) the grating, grinding or rattling, screaming, screeching or similar noise or sound caused by the operation of a motor of any kind which by reason of the condition of disrepair or maladjustment create the unusual noise. (c) crying, shouting or loud speaking in or adjacent to any public street or place, or near private swimming pools.  

The majority of noise complaints are not investigated however, when a complaint is reported, a letter is sent to the person(s) creating the noise to advise them that they are required to restrict the noise within the timeframes permitted. When a noise complaint is registered, the complainant will also be sent a letter and information package including a log sheet which is required to document the noise.  The complainant is required to document the time that the noise starts and ends, the dates and type of noise. The complainant must return the log sheet with at least 3-4 weeks of detailed notes along with all other requested information within the package. If the matter proceeds to a form of legal action, the complainant may become involved in the process. This is necessary as the complainant is essentially the witness to the violation.

Noise Restricted Hours - Some Examples • Persistent barking, whining or other persistent pet noise are prohibited at anytime • Firecrackers are prohibited at most times with a few exceptions on May 24th and July 1st. • Yelling, shouting, hooting, whistling, singing in any public street or near private swimming pools from 11 p.m. to 7am  (9 a.m. Sunday) • Operation of any powered or non-powered tool for domestic purposes other than snow removal prohibited 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. (9 a.m. Sunday) • Operation of any construction equipment, prohibited 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. and all day on Sundays and Holidays  Please refer to the bylaws for more information about the types of noise and the prohibited periods of time on the city’s website at www.mississauga.ca

To register a noise complaint, contact our Citizen Contact Centre at 311 if within City limits or 905-615-4311 if outside City limits.Report excessive noise online- www.mississauga.ca/portal/services/reportexcessivenoise  or by email at : bylaw.enforcement@mississauga.ca. 

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Forecast Indicates Prices will Continue to Rise

3/17/2016

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Photo courtesy of www.DaleBiason.com
This year I predict that we will see larger four bedroom homes, that are properly marketed, (dressed to kill) sell in the high $900’s.  This is based on recent sales of a semi at $700,000 and a town home for $580,000.  Based on those numbers, it seems logical that a 2500 sq. ft. detached should be selling north of $900.  That being said, its what’s inside that counts.  To reach the target price, the home should be significantly updated, and show well.

A consultation with a home stager could help you identify things that may detract buyers, and provide options to add thousands to your sale price.  

In the last 180 days, the median sale of a 4 bedroom home in Rockwood was $844,000.  The Royal LePage pricing survey “forecasts that prices in central Toronto will continue to rise, predicting 5.5 per cent year-overyear growth across housing categories during 2016”.  Using this calculation our median price this year should be $890,420.  Since the median includes small houses, larger houses, homes that need repair and those that are all dressed up, these support the prediction for escalating prices in Rockwood.  As for the million dollar neighbourhood, we are there. Two homes in the original Rockwood area sold over 1 million last year.  We are seeing consistent 1 million plus homes sold in the area south of the Longo Plaza.

The traditional selling season for homes in Rockwood is only a month away.  Once we pass Easter Weekend, the end of March this year, hopefully we will see a few more listings come onto the market. Right now there are only 5 listings, and all are listed well over last year’s pricing. 
This article was originally published in the Spring 2016 issue of the Rockwood Homeowners' Association quarterly newsletter, The Rockwood Times.
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Hidden Gem Lies in Rockwood Village

3/17/2016

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Photo courtesy of Studio 89 and Sulayma Hassan Photography.
​Author: Nicole Danesi, Digital Coordinator and Secretary
Rockwood Homeowners' Association

Just outside the borders of our Rockwood Village community is a tiny café located in an unassuming strip mall. Hidden in between storefronts, offices, and even next to an international all-Canadian coffee chain, Studio 89 is what I like to think of as Mississauga’s hidden gem. On a recent weekday trip to Studio 89, I was reminded of its uniqueness and impressed yet again by its overall purpose within our community. Studio 89 isn’t just a café, it’s a social enterprise working to educate people about social issues, provide a creative space for arts and culture, and give young people an opportunity to do some good. But on top of all that, the café acts as a creative community hub where people can gather to grab a fair trade coffee, listen to an all-candidate political debate, or use the space to learn about each other and the world around us through their endless community programming.

When I popped by recently on a Wednesday afternoon, I was surprised to see the number of regulars who stopped by to get their mid-day caffeine boost and the number of young people who are given the opportunity to contribute in the shop.

A stone’s thrown away from Rockwood Village, the café is located near the intersection of Eglinton Avenue and Tomken Road at 1065 Canadian Place, Unit 104. Although I don’t visit nearly enough as I wish, I think Studio 89 is changing the way in which we see business as a place for social ventures, and for that, it is one of my favourite unofficial Rockwood Village places to be.
This article was originally published in the Spring 2016 issue of the Rockwood Homeowners' Association quarterly newsletter, The Rockwood Times. 
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“Ask Joe” Your Neighbourhood Handyman

3/17/2016

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Dear Joe, 

With the mild weather last weekend I took the opportunity to go out and collect some garbage that had gathered around my fence and bushes in my backyard.  I was a little shocked to see that many of my plants are already starting to “spring” up. This week is so cold I am worried that they will all freeze and die. What should I do?  

​ - Mary on Marblethorn
Hi Mary,

If your greenery is already up, don’t worry, and don’t do anything to try and help them from freezing. They may bloom a earlier than normal this year, if the warm weather returns, of if we get back to seasonal temperatures, they may bloom pretty much on schedule. Horticulturists advise not to cover shoots with any kind of mulch in an effort to protect them.  Mother Nature will take care of them.

- Joe
Have a question for Joe? Email your queries to rha.executive@gmail.com.
This article was originally published in the Spring 2016 issue of the Rockwood Homeowners' Association quarterly newsletter, The Rockwood Times.
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Forest Park INC. Development Proposal Update‏

2/16/2016

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Please be advised the City of Mississauga planning department has endorsed the proposed development by Forest Park Circle Ltd. at 1850 Rathburn Rd. E. 4100 Ponytrail Drive. The application will be on the Planning and Development Committee meeting in Council Chambers at 7:00 p.m. on February 22, 2016. For the full agenda and application documents, please click here, or for further information provided by Ward 3 Councillor Chris Fonseca, please click here.

If you would like to speak at the Planning and Development Committee meeting, please email mumtaz.alikhan@mississauga.ca before Friday, February 19, 2016. 
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