Tuesday, March 15, 2022, 7:00 – 9:00 pm
LIVE meeting at the Fox and Fiddle
Present: John Keating, Peter Norman, Margaret Smith, Brigid Higgins, Marie Goldthorp, Dave Meslin, Nicholas Gallant (Councillor Ana Bailão’s office), Harry Lay, Roya Raoufi, Orianna Polo (MP Julie Dzerowicz’s office) MP Julie Dzerowicz
1 – Reports from local representatives
- MP Julie Dzerowicz – Julie had just returned from Ottawa, where MPs attended an address by video link from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. He appealed for more help from Canada to defend his country against the Russian invasion. Julie noted that Canada has made contributions to help Ukraine and will make more. She said the biggest problem is getting aid to the parts of the country that need it the most.
2 – Projects and events
- Regal Heights Review update – Brigid Higgins noted that work is underway on the second edition of the review, with some articles already written and more assigned. Once again, it will be printed and distributed via Canada Post.
- Maple syrup update – John reported that the weather was a bit uncooperative this spring, but production of maple syrup from local trees is well underway. A public boil-down event is planned for early April. This year, two people from neighbourhoods south of Regal Heights are also involved. John hopes that the idea of community maple syrup is beginning to spread outside our neighbourhood.
- The Laneway Project kick-off – The Laneway Project, a private organization that works to make derelict laneways into usable public space, will be working on the laneway behind the Dufferin-St. Clair Library. The first virtual public meeting will be April 4 at 6pm. Register for this e-meeting at https://www.thelanewayproject.ca/laneway-parking-2022-regal-heights.
- Proposed Queen’s Jubilee event, June 5 – The Northcliffe Village Residents’ Association proposed a public event June 5 to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, marking 70 years on the throne. They asked the RHRA to get involved and potentially co-host it. After some discussion, the executive agreed to help organize and fund the event. The cost to the RHRA is likely to be about $600. If you would like to volunteer to help organize this event contact John Keating at rhra@regalheights
3 – Communications and Planning
- Communications – Peter reported that RHRA communications continues to keep residents informed of upcoming events and information through the email distribution, social media and the website. New residents are encouraged to sign up for the email distribution in order to get plugged in. They can do so on our website HERE. Peter provided an update from the COA tracker including “yes” decisions on the application for a two storey addition at 75 Regal Road and the application for a third storey addition at 48 Mount Royal. Additional dates have been set for the continuation of the 2 Regal Road hearing on May 30 and 31s. Peter also mentioned a new application at 68 Regal Road (beside the school) for a property severance leading to the addition of one new single family dwelling. There is a hearing coming up on April 13 for the third storey addition application at 35 Thome. See the COA tracker on the website for all the details.
4 – Police Community Partnership
Deferred.
5 – Street Beautification Programs
- Gardening update– Deferred
6 – Community Welcome Project
- Harry reported that the association continues to reach out to people moving into the area, offering an information package to welcome them the neighbourhood. House prices in the area continue to rise rapidly.
7 – Finances:
| February 2022 | March 2022 | |
| Operating Fund | $4,948.86 | $4,948.86 |
| Heritage Fund | $276 | $276 |
| Street Sale Fund | $192 | $192 |
| Petty Cash | $18.35 | $18.35 |
| TOTAL | $5,475.21 | $5,475.21 |
8 – Farewell to Dave Meslin
For several months, Dave has been splitting his time between Regal Heights and the community of Euginia, just north of Flesherton. He is now moving out of Regal Heights to live in Euginia full time.
Members of the executive thanked Dave for the energy, ideas and leadership he brought to the RHRA and to the community over the past several years. He will be missed.
