Council discusses public spaces, safety zones, speed enforcement plans
On October 16, Stouffville Council addressed several key topics, including enhancing public spaces, community safety zones, and the automated speed enforcement program.
Mayor Iain Lovatt announced that the town received a $188,000 grant from the Canadian Urban Institute. He expressed gratitude, noting that the funds would go towards enhancing public spaces, fostering community vibrancy, and strengthening social cohesion.
The U-11 and U-13 girls Select Fastpitch Softball teams (photos below) were recognized for their achievements. In August, the U 13 Stouffville Sharks won the gold in the Provincial Championship Tournament, and the U 11 Sharks won the silver medal. Team Manager Jenny Cairney said that the best part of the last two years had been seeing the team grow and improve. She recalled one of the best moments. Lovatt praised both teams, expressing pride in their accomplishments and highlighting their representation of Stouffville’s spirit.
Councillors Richard Bartley and Hugo Kroon raised concerns about streamlining the process of approving a community safety zone and avoiding red tape. Kroon asked, “Why does a commissioner need to approve it?” Town Clerk Becky Jamieson explained that there are policies and bylaws that apply to designating a community safety zone. Councillor Sue Sherban clarified that the policy is set by provincial legislation yet executed at the discretion of the municipality and that each case for a safety zone is unique. Lovatt concluded that council could amend the policy that defines a safety zone.
Council also discussed the Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) Program. Kroon raised concerns about which jurisdictions would not receive automated detectors of traffic speed, such as regional roads. Jamieson said that the locations would be decided in the next few weeks, and CAO Sunny Bains said that the location of the cameras is not permanent. He said, “Once the problem is solved, the cameras are moved.” In response to Bain’s remarks about a speeding data approach to locating the cameras, Sherban explained that the decision should also be based on neighbourhood knowledge and records of their complaints. She recommended that proposed locations include consultation with councillors and highlighted Hoover Park Drive and Lakeshore Road as areas of concern. As noted on the York Region website, 20 fixed ASE cameras will be installed by the end of this year, and three mobile ASE cameras will be deployed between September to December.
*Story submitted by Andrew Fuyarchuk.
