December 2009 | news
15
2009
LRT route to Mill Woods approved
I am happy to report that Council has approved the proposed route for the southeast LRT extension to Mill Woods. This is the biggest step the City has made toward making LRT in Mill Woods a reality since the area was developed 30 years ago.
LRT has been my top priority since I first ran for Council in 2004. It has incredible potential to re-shape our city now and for the future, and I think today will stand as a landmark decision by Council.
The route to Mill Woods is the result of a motion I made to expedite route planning for an extension to Mill Woods. City staff have been evaluating possible routes for over a year, and have consulted with hundreds of citizens. I think we’ve picked the best possible route, and I’m excited to get started on the next steps.
08
2009
Council sets 2010 budget
At about noon today, Council approved the budget for 2010. We kept to our guideline of a 5% tax increase (3% for City operations, plus a dedicated 2% for neighbourhood renewal). The average household will see a tax increase of about $94 in 2010, or under $8 per month.
I’m very proud of this budget. We were fiscally responsible in a difficult time, but we didn’t sacrifice the services our citizens rely on. We found money to restore the swimming pool hours we had reduced earlier this year, and we ensured that the libraries won’t have to reduce hours. We also found some efficiencies and new revenue to cover an increase in the Police Service budget, so we won’t have to reduce police presence in the city.
Some other highlights of this year’s budget include enhancements to Transit, fire rescue, crime prevention, and neighbourhood renewal.
07
2009
Transit driver assaulted - pushing for solutions
My thoughts and prayers are with Transit driver Tom Bregg and his family this week. Tom is the driver who was assaulted last Thursday morning during rush hour. I wish Tom and his family peace as they cope with this tragedy.
I think we need to get tougher on attacks against Transit operators. The Criminal Code needs to recognize that an attack on an operator compromises the safety of passengers and people on the road. The consequences of an attack on a driver are far more severe than just the assault itself.
I’m working with Councillor Leibovici to ask Council to endorse a proposed change to the Criminal Code to address this issue.
