Record numbers take seats on town committees

By Adam McLean

Residents have shown a keen community interest this year, as 50 members for town committees were selected from a record number of applicants.

Roughly 160 residents came forward at the municipality’s behest to serve and represent their neighbours through various committees including, accessibility advisory group, Oak Ridges Community Centre and Park committee, Richmond Hill Public Library board and the committee of adjustment.

The number of applications was “significantly higher” than previous years, a fact welcomed by the mayor.

“It was great to have so many people come forward to offer their support in helping to build and strengthen the community by becoming part of the decision-making process that happens at the local government level,” said Mayor Dave Barrow. “We believe our recent civic engagement project – People Plan Richmond Hill – really helped kick-start residents and engage them in what’s going on in Richmond Hill.”

Each town committee guides council regarding decisions or issues pertaining to that committee’s area of expertise.

Following an open house meeting last fall and formal application process, many candidates were interviewed by council for acceptance.

One of those candidates selected to the committee of adjustment following an interview was Alex Wilton. Out of 28 applicants, Mr. Wilton was one of only five accepted to the committee.

The committee of adjustment is authorized by the Ontario Planning Act to handle minor variances under zoning bylaws such as extensions or enlargements of homes or variations of existing legal non-conforming uses and gives consent to an owner of land who wishes to sell, convey or transfer part of their land.

It is the only town committee offering compensation, with members paid $150 per meeting and the chairperson earning more.

A Richmond Hill resident since 1965, Mr. Wilton had his own property issues with the town and would-be developers recently, regarding proposed infill development plans for his street near Mill Pond.

The fight to maintain the integrity of his neighbourhood, combined with experience building homes and formerly working as manager of distribution services with Toronto Hydro, makes issues like minor variance and neighbourhood integrity familiar to the father of two sons.

“Two years ago I had never done much for the town except complain, so I took part in the people plan [public input] and that made me take a greater interest in not only what happens on my street,” said Mr. Wilton.

Lobbying the town to take developers building homes on his street to the Ontario Municipal Board, followed by active participation in the town’s people plan and official plan process, Mr. Wilton became a familiar face at council and was approached by town staff to become a committee member.

At the time, Mr. Wilton admitted he didn’t know such committees existed, but with a little research and after attending an information session, Mr. Wilton saw the adjustment committee as an ideal fit.

“I’m glad they decided to take me up on my offer and I like that they meet regularly (every three weeks),” said Mr. Wilton.

“It’s early days, I have no great expectations to turn the world upside down at this point, but I’m committed to learning quickly and assisting as best I can,” he added.

For Frank Mastroianni, joining a committee has always been on his political agenda.

The 26-year-old lifelong resident and political science graduate has eyed a committee spot for many years and his position on the Heritage Richmond Hill committee comes on the heels of his Ward 6 candidacy in last October’s municipal election.

While he failed to land the post of councillor, he is now the ward’s representative on the town’s heritage committee and was one of eight accepted from 20 applicants.

As his first committee position, Mr. Mastroianni hopes to learn a great deal and help strengthen Richmond Hill’s roots for future generations to enjoy.

“Our history is a fundamental aspect of what makes our town great. It’s important to see where we have come from as a community and I want to help make heritage awareness and protection a mainstay in our town,” he said.

For a list of committees and members visit www.richmondhill.ca/committees

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