The Road So Far

The Road So Far

Projects, Goals and Objectives

Recreation Centre

Since elected in 2010, 2104 and again in 2022, I have promised to find a way to deliver a new recreation centre, including swimming pool, in a financially responsible manner. Our multi-use recreation centre is now open, with swimming pool, walking track, as well as an 'STEM focused' style library branch and community meeting place. Most importantly, the cost of building this facility will be funded through development fees collected from new home builds, and sits on 8 hectares of land fully funded by park levies. Land and building fully funded without the need for Georgina tax dollars.

Fire Services and Facilities

Our council has been diligent in ensuring that our emergency services will be available when needed. During twelve years on council, we made improvements to our fire equipment, to ensure the safety of our firefighters, and to make sure that they have the tools to assist us when needed. As we've grown, we've increased the number of firefighters and prevention staff. The town has rebuilt the Pefferlaw Fire Hall, to meet current safety standards. A new fire hall for south Keswick will be next, and land has been secured, right next to the new rec centre. The Sutton Fire Hall is scheduled for renovation or relocation (2-4 years) pending further investigation.

Water: clean and safe

A clean and safe water supply is of utmost importance for all residents. We need to ensure that everyone has access to clean water, no matter where they live in Georgina.

We also need to protect our source water in Lake Simcoe, as well as the ground water that many people access via private wells. Environmental protections must remain strong and enforced resolutely.

Housing

Finding a place to live has become increasingly difficult for many of our residents. We need to create opportunities for new styles of housing, that are affordable to purchase or rent. Whether it be for young families purchasing their first home, or seniors that wish to downsize, we need to have options available here in Georgina, so that our residents can stay here and continue to enjoy everything our town has to offer. This is why I chose to serve on the Official Plan Committee as the Vice Chair for 3 years while I was on a break from council. That committee recommended adjustments that allow for new housing types to be built in appropriate areas along the Woodbine corridor.

This term, my focus was on affordable housing. Working together with the mayor, and with the unanimous support of Georgina's council, York Region will build an 86 unit multi-level affordable housing building in central Keswick, including 8000 square feet of community space. Fully funded by York Region, and CMHC, this building is a start to the goal of having housing affordability in Georgina.

There is much more to do, and I'm ready to face those challenges.

Customer Service Improvements

In 2017, the town implemented a number of customer service improvements, including a new customer service hub in our civic centre. This initiative streamlines inquiries through one central department, delivering one-stop shopping for many resident inquiries.

In 2026 the new civic centre opened to the public. Fully accessible, this building will provide services to all of our residents for many years to come. We've also embarked on a new system for managing building department requests, which will make the process of getting a building permit easier, and more streamlined.

The covid pandemic interrupted many services causing some disconnect, and we are actively rebuilding and reconnecting with our residents.

Community Parks and Equipment

During my first term of council, staff created a full inventory of our parks and equipment. Since that time, our council has been diligent in following a repair and replacement schedule for our neighbourhood parks. Each year, we replace or repair the parks all over Georgina, starting with the facilities in most need. Having this master document to work from has provided us with better facilities, and more responsible government.

Sports Fields and one day...Sports Dome?

We have an inventory of some of the best sports fields in York Region. Our soccer and baseball fields at the ROC are kept to the highest standards and are in continual use by our residents both children and adults. After years living through the pandemic, and the years that followed, we all need to get outside and reconnect.

At my request, a sports dome has been added to our development charges strategy. Funding this future build with growth dollars will ensure that we have the facilities we need as our community matures. This is the same way that we funded the multi-use recreation centre, with no cost to the taxpayer for the build and land costs.

What's next?

There are many other great projects that have been completed or are upcoming, there is always work to be done. In the meantime, if you'd like more information on a specific topic, have questions, or if you have suggestions on how our town should move forward, please contact me at naomidavison1@msn.com or 289-716-0196.