I wanted to give you an update on the Mount Albert Community Park on Main Street. Work is now underway to make considerable improvements and add new features. Council has approved a budget of over $1 million dollars to invest in our park to modernize and improve it. When I ran for council, I campaigned on downtown revitalization and this is a significant step in the right direction.
It is important to note that prior to the last election, the Mount Albert Lions Club pledged to raise $75,000 to help build a skateboard park. This was in line with their desire to work on youth initiatives. When town staff and council started working on plans for the Mount Albert Park improvements, we factored in what the Lions had pledged and that allowed us to do even more.
I have heard suggestions that tax dollars went into the funding of skate board park in Holland Landing but we in Mount Albert had to raise funds for our own park. That is just not the case. I just want to be crystal clear that the Lions Club pledge for Mount Albert Park came first – before we had plans to make upgrades. With the Lions Club money we were able to stretch our budget even further. This is not a case of wanting to fund one skate board park and not another. The town remains grateful of the support from the Lions Club and we thank them for being great community builders!
Most importantly, both parks were upgraded with zero impact to the tax base. Your tax rate was NOT raised to fund these parks. The town council approved the use of money from development charges to make these much needed upgrades to our parks. Development charges are what the town receives when new housing subdivisions are built.
As well, the renovations of the Mount Albert Community Park will not interfere with Sports Day. Staff worked with the Sports Day committee in its planning.
I am looking forward to our new and improved park. I know we will be proud of our park and it will be enjoyed by the residents of Mount Albert for many years to come. It will be a place where new memories are made!
For more information click here: http://www.eastgwillimbury.ca/About_Us/Public_Notices/Projects/New_Parks_and_Trails/Mount_Albert_Community_Centre_Park_Redevelopment.htm
Feel free to reach out to me with follow up questions at scrone@eastgwillimbury.ca or call me at 289-716-4210