[GREN-Exec] Prep for GREN meeting

[Kevin Thomason]

John,

Great agenda.  I think it sounds like a good plan.  I can address the ROPP and the Growth Management Strategy (which was front page news again today - http://www.therecord.com/news/local/article/879881--environmentalists-developers-watch-closely-as-the-region-goes-to-court-over-extent-of-sprawl ).

The only thing that I suggest is that we do take a minute to talk about LRT.  The Community Building Strategy - which is all about how we build a great community along the LRT corridor has just been released and there are open houses coming up on Feb 20th, 21st and 25th that we need to ensure strong attendance at.   

There has been increasing negative sentiment about the LRT building in the community again with significant numbers of angry letters to the editor, new anti-LRT Facebook groups being created, etc.  In 2010 when rapid transit was first approved we took it for granted and then almost lost it during the ensuing election.  I don't want to be overconfident now and see a groundswell of negativism in the community do something to de-rail the LRT at this point.  

The Region has done a great job on the Community Building Strategy and I really encourage folks to read it - it is an easy read, full of photos, diagrams and inspiring ideas of what our community can become.  The coming weeks are going to be the perfect time for us to restart positive dialog about rapid transit in the community and help the public to understand the vision and benefits.

I don't think we need much time to talk about the LRT but I would like to at least mention the latest report - check it out at http://centraltransitcorridor.ca/?cat=5 - and encourage people to attend and engage their neighbours in the upcoming open houses.

Cheers,
Kevin.

----------------------------

On 2013-02-02, at 1:16 PM, John Jackson <jjackson at web.ca> wrote:

> No powerpoints. I don’t think they are going to have that set up. Yes 5-7 minute summaries.
> 
> John
> 
> 
> 
> On 13-02-02 1:10 PM, "Susan Bryant" <shbryant at uwaterloo.ca> wrote:
> 
>> Great. Thanks, John. Maybe we should put pipeline before conservation (problem-solution order)—and Bob and John do conservation and I’ll do pipeline. 
>>  
>> Am I right in thinking that the last two items, conservation and pipeline, should be brief, 5-minute summaries rather than 10-minute powerpoints? 
>>  
>> Perhaps in the car we can discuss actions for GREN to support the Region’s appeal.
>>  
>> I have no idea what to expect from my opthamologist appt on Tuesday. If I’m not functional afterwards and can’t go, I’ll email you ASAP. 
>>  
>> Susan B.
>>  
>>  
>>  
>> 
>> From: Executive [mailto:executive-bounces at gren.ca] On Behalf Of John Jackson
>> Sent: Saturday, February 02, 2013 11:44 AM
>> To: GREN Executive
>> Cc: Bob Burtt
>> Subject: [GREN-Exec] Prep for GREN meeting
>> 
>> Things are coming together well for the meeting on Tuesday – I think.
>> 
>> Just wanted to check with you on what issues you think we should present on. They will be interspersed throughout the evening and each one should be kept short. 
>> 
>> The issues I was thinking we should present on and who are as follows:
>> Waterloo Region ROPP and Growth Management Strategy (suggested presenter Kevin). This would be immediately followed or preceded by sprawl and loss of rural farm land issues in Brant County.
>> Grand River Source Water Protection: brief summary of our latest comments (John) followed by Theresa at CELA commenting on SWP
>> Water Conservation Work & Workshop: Susan B & Bob B
>> Water Pipeline: Susan B, Bob & John
>> 
>> Should all these be put in and am I missing anything that should be added? I didn’t put the LRT in because we don’t want to take up too much time and because I figured it had least interest and significance downstream. Also have I listed the proper speakers above?
>> 
>> John
>> 
>> 
> 
> -- 
> John Jackson
> 17 Major Street
> Kitchener, Ontario N2H 4R1
> 519-744-7503
> 
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