Yes, it is Municipal Election time and the signs are sprouting. As you may have noted, I have some of mine up and others will be coming shortly. These signs generate mixed feelings.

I have received lots of positive comments, however, others are not as appreciative -- seeing them simply as clutter.

Many candidates are in favour as they create name awareness -- particularly important for people running for the first time and needing to get their name in front of the voters. A lot of voters appreciate them for the same reason.

I can also appreciate the alternate point of view, since they do clutter up our streets leading up to the election.

However, I feel they are an important part of the process. Signs also make it clear that an election is coming and hopefully this will encourage more people to get out a vote.

It is important to note that there are two sets of by-laws that govern signage –one from the Town and one from the Region.

The Town of Aurora by-law (#4897-07) governs the size of signs and states that Election Signs may be erected once the Candidate has files a nomination and must comply with other relevant sign legislation.

The Regional by-law (R-1232-2000-074) is a little more detailed. For example, there is a defined start date -- no signs can be put on regional roads (i.e. Bathurst Street) until 6 weeks before the election -- plus there are restrictions as to how many signs can go out and where they can be located.

Both the Town and the Region stipulate that all signs must be removed within 4 days (72 hours) after the election.

Today, I personally spoke with Mr. John Popple, Manager of By-Law Services, Town of Aurora, about the issue of signs because I wanted to ensure that our team is complying with all rules as outlined by both the town and the Region. He assured me that the signs we have placed so far are in accordance with the rules and regulations. We will continue to abide by these rules.

It is my hope that Election Signs will be seen as a rather small inconvenience in the service of democracy.

Lastly, if you would like a sign for your home or business please let us know.

If you are not on the Voters’ List you will not be able to vote in the upcoming Municipal Election. You can follow this link to the Town’s website to get information on getting on the list. Also you can check here if you are on the list.

Please contact me at geoff@geoffdawe.com if you need some help with this.

Or, If you don’t like the facts, change the story!

My Promenade Pantomime post had barely gone up on Friday morning when I got an email response to it. (Thank you for reading). Unfortunately, the person who sent me the email either did not understand the point of the post, or is trying to deliberately misrepresent it.  You decide:

Here is the email (with the sender’s identity removed):

“Your article raises issues whether you understand this case.

Do you not know that it is the developers who are seeking to have the Official Plan designation of 188 acres changed from rural to urban expansion involving nearly a thousand houses?

You would allow that to happen?”


My post was addressing the fact that Town does not respond in a timely manner, leading to expensive OMB hearings. The most recent decision on this matter was released August 12, 2010 (from which my post quoted). Don’t you think that if this was a positive decision for the Town it would have been shouted from the roof-tops?

It is interesting to note that the date for the preconference hearing is November 15, with a full hearing scheduled for 2011. How convenient that the heart of this matter will not be addressed until well after the Municipal elections.

Is it simply a coincidence that no one is looking for a front-page photo-op on this issue?

My Perspective

Just because you don’t like the facts does not invalidate them. And the facts seem to be that Aurora has a history of missing deadlines.

Contrary to what my correspondents seems to suggest, abiding by and working within the rules does not indicate that I support development or developers. It does indicates that I respect the rules and that every party has rights under those rules. Both developers and citizens. My goal is to always respect those rights and work with all parties to get the best result for the citizens of Aurora. I am neither for or against developers – I am for Aurora.


My Commitment

If elected Mayor, we will deal with issues in a timely manner and we will work within the rules.

The lead editorial of the August 26th edition of the The Era / The Banner is titled: “Early involvement vital to success”. The issue is identified as “Eleventh-hour opposition has driven up costs, delayed municipal projects.”

This editorial concisely contrasts Newmarket and East Gwillimbury with Aurora.

Both Newmarket and East Gwillimbury have been cited as commencing their projects in a timely manner and have obviously been active in getting their residents and local business owners involved early in the process.

Compare that to the Aurora example, the Nokiidaa Trail. “Aurora spent an extra $80,000 on a consultant, who worked to appease the small, but vocal group, and the cost for the final stage has now more than doubled.”

With respect to Newmarket, the editorial went on to state:

”With debate came compromise. It’s the way local government should work.

“While not everyone is completely satisfied as work begins, the community as a whole has taken ownership of its new park, which can only work to ensure it is well used when completed.”

My Perspective

This editorial is relating two basic truths: start early and involve (listen to!) as many people as possible. An approach that just makes sense. An approach that helps keep costs in control and will achieve a more balanced solution for Aurora.

My Commitment

If elected Mayor, I commit to dealing with issues in a timely manner and actively solicit the broadest possible input from all interested community members so that we don’t get hijacked by small vocal special interest groups.

Just a quick post to thank those people who came up to me at the Farmer's Market this morning to offer me their support. 

I am getting a sense that more people are getting involved in this Municipal election and I find that very encouraging!