Annual General Meeting. November 26, 2009. President’s Report.

Thank you all for your interest and support of the Joshua Creek Residents Association.

JCRA began the year with two members – Brenda Potter Phelan and myself. We accepted a challenge to revive the association because we believed a viable community association is an effective way to address community issues. And, as a platform, JCRA has had a long history in representing community concerns.

We struggled to generate community interest in an association but then, along came the OPA power plant proposals for the area.

To assess the appeal of reviving the association under this issue, we hosted a special community meeting and invited two guest speakers – each offering different perspectives on the affects of an 850 mega-watt gas fired power plant on the community. Presenters included Dr. Boyd Upper and Power Plant Consultant, Steve Reader. After the presentations we called for and received a commitment from 18 residents to sign on as JCRA directors. This commitment enabled us to meet JCRA constitution requirement and it identified willing residents to help develop and pursue an action plan to address the power plant proposals.

Last Six Month Activity:

Joshua Creek activities with the community in the last six months – as you might expect - largely focused on the power plant. Some activities included;

> development of informational backgrounders on the affects and features of large-scale gas fired power plants;

> a community-wide petition campaign to channel opposition on the proposals to political leaders and OPA officials;

> promoting and encouraging resident attendance at the information open houses and promoting and leading a letter writing campaign to government and OPA officials expressing concerns on the impacts of the proposals;

> developing and maintaining a web site for community information dissemination and also a base to enlist new memberships;

> participating and promoting public rallies in Mississauga and Oakville against the power plant proposals;

> sharing updates and developments with JCRA members on a regular basis;

> supporting and officially participating in the Town’s holding by-law challenge before the OMB;

Administratively, we updated all legal documents of the association and we registered a new working name “Joshua Creek Residents Association” to better reflect our activity. We are still registered as Joshua Creek Ratepayers Inc. but that only applies to bank documents and any legal correspondence.

It is apparent that the challenge to the OPA-approved TransCanada proposal is far from over – and in some respects just beginning. The power plant issue will likely remain a cornerstone of JCRA agendas for many years to come.

Information access:

And as an association, we need also to be watchful of new issues and new challenges that impact on our neighbourhoods

One of the benefits of addressing community concerns through an association such as Joshua Creek is it provides an access to information exchange on many issues affecting the community. To this end:

> JCRA participates on Mayor Burton’s monthly community Leaders Roundtable meetings;

> JCRA directors represent the association on public advisory committees of local industries – Petro Canada (Suncor) and now Holcim Canada (St.Lawrence Cement);

> JCRA also commits to information exchanges with neighbouring associations in both Oakville and Mississauga;

Embracing Many Challenges:

I am hopeful the Joshua Creek Residents Association will maintain its community wide focus and agenda. Challenging the TransCanada and its power plant proposal is significant - but not the only community issue that deserves attention.

JCRA’s value to the community is in embracing and representing a broad community wide perspective

For example, JCRA participated and supported a campaign challenging the school board’s plans to close schools in East Oakville. With that matter apparently concluded, we are now focusing on an initiative to maintain the Chisholm School site as a possible neighbourhood community center – a facility much needed in East Oakville.

Just last week, JCRA presented its proposal for this concept to the Town of Oakville’s Budget Committee. It’s a long process ahead to be sure – but the goal is clear.

And also looking ahead, we have also added to our agendas Mississauga’s plans for a re-cycling plant just across the Oakville border on the industrial lands on the north side of Lakeshore Rd.

Summary

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce the JCRA directors in attendance here tonight who have been part of the community communications effort. (stand)

Later on our agenda we will introduce the JCRA residents who wish to serve as a director in 2010. At the same time, we will present an opportunity for anyone here to step forward and be added as a JCRA director in 2010.

I am delighted that this association is returning to good health – made possible by the dedication of a group of committed residents. All have provided outstanding support to the association and to me as president.

However, when JCRA directors meet next week to nominate an executive committee and president for 2010, it is my wish that someone else come forward to lead as president. It is my plan to step down.

In these issue-charged times, JCRA needs a strong vocal presence and unfortunately, my limited voice and my breathing issues preclude me from being as vocal on the community scene as I would like and which I believe this association needs in its leader.

I would hope to remain involved and continue to support the association in any way I can.

Thank you.