Presidents Message
At our AGM on September 26th, our guest speaker Councillor Pat Mullin gave us a very comprehensive update on the activities affecting our community, Boyd Upper gave us some history and an update on the Power Plant and your Directors were elected. As your new President I will review our last year’s activities and give you a heads up on this year’s plans.
One of the most important objectives of our Association is to bring together the residents of Whiteoaks and Lorne Park through community spirited events for the betterment of the community.
This year we organised two events that certainly met that objective:
Our second annual Pumpkin Parade where many of you brought your carved jack lanterns to the Whiteoaks Park the day after Halloween. There were hundreds and we laid them along the pathways forming a great colourful spectacle for people young and old who walked the magic pathway in awe of the imagination and creativity.
Yes we will do this again this year on November 1st the day after Halloween – so start designing.
Another community spirited event is our annual BIG HUG for the Whiteoaks Park where we pull out the dreaded and very invasive Garlic Mustard plant and plant new trees provided by the City. This year we had a record turnout and I thank the City for providing the bags, shovels and of course the trees. This park, not boarded by streets is a hidden gem and must be treasured, so on May 12 at 2pm we will again give the park a BIG HUG. See you there.
A second objective for the Association is to keep members advised on activities in the area and take actions that will make the community a better and safer place to live. We were very active in having the Power Plant stopped and are now turning our attention to the contentious issue of Cell Towers. We attended both public meetings and have written a Position Paper (see article on Cell Towers) and forwarded it to Councillor Pat Mullin in support of her actions – she has just tabled a Resolution (which includes a request for a six month moratorium) calling for a Protocol for the City. I do not believe that we will stop them but the City must have control before they are erected to manage location, distance from our residences, the health and aesthetic issues associated with these towers.
On your behalf we are involved in many initiatives and will endeavour to keep you informed of these activities though our Newsletter and our website at www.whiteoakslornepark.com.
Any input is always welcome from our members.
Eric Smith
President
