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PAGE 8, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13, 1985, "SALUTE TO PROGRESS",WHITBY FREE PRESS Durham experienced spurt of growth during 1984 By GERARD GERVAIS As the period of recession gave way to growth in the national and provincial economy most areas within the Toronto-centered region experienced a welcome spurt of growth in almost all areas of con- struction. Durham Region cer- tainly was no exception. Highlighted by the ef- fects of a successful year for automotive producers which resulted in major ex- pansions at General Motors and supported by new commercial developments and numerous expansions, the growth in assessment in the Region has been sub- stantial. The cornerstone of economic development is the industrial category. Expansion plans, for example, by Since 1970 KEMP'S MACHININO COMPANY iNC. TOOLS, DIES, SENE;AL MACHINNO WELDIN FABRICATIONS 1620 CHARLES STREET WHITBY, ONTARIO es8-9981 up, indicating a shift i from starter homes to j larger, more expensive homes. This is a good sign for the future as Mayor says.... more middle and upper management personnell will move into the area. This will have a positive CONT'D ON PG. 14 G.M. of Canada in the truck plant and the new stamping plant and Du Pont expansions, along with the initiation of new plants such as Tokia of Canada Ltd., ITT Grinnell and Nokia Products Ltd. have propelled the growth. The investments in new or expanded plant facilities and the lease up of vacant industrial space are the basis of job and assessment creation. The increase in 1984 over 1983 in in- dustrial building was by far the largest increase of any category. The construction value of building permits issued for industrial building was $77.5 million dollars, an increase of approximately 535 per cent over 1983's figure of $12.2 million. Another major source of new jobs and assessment in the region has been the new commercial projects. The 1984 value of building permits for commercial projects rose to $41.1 million from $13.8 million (ap- proximately 200 per cent). The surge in commercial growth has been spurred by the lower interest rates and pent up demand produced by the residential growth in the region. It is expected that the building trend will continue in 1985 as the Sheridan Mall ex- pansion is completed and a building permit for the "Pickering Convention and Trade Center" is secured. In terms of new assessment and job creation, the industrial growth must be viewed in terms of the new floor space (square feet) that is created. In 1983, 486,138 square feet were added while in 1984, 1,063,989 square feet were constructed (an increase of 118.9 per cent) based on the building permits issued. Based on a factor of 1.81 jobs per 1,000 square feet of "general in- dustrial" space, a rough estimate places the number of new jobs at around 1,925. The total new jobs created from new "lease-ups" and new building construc- tion is approximately 3,470. During the year leases were signed or buildings sold for a total of 853,734 square feet. The absorption of the existing stock and in- crease in demand for space has paved the way for the first round of speculative building since 1981. This is a very significant and positive sign for the regional economy as it reflects the confidence of the real estate development companies active in our area. The dollar value of residential permits in 1984 was $189.5 million. This was an increase of approximately 7.4 per cent over 1983 ($176.5 million) and is ap- proximately 57.6 per cent of the total value of building permits. Although the total number o! new homes built was down in 1984 from 1983 the increase in the value o! permits is 1984 wasa banner year- By THE WORSHIPFUL ROBERT A. ATTERSLEY Mayor and Regional Councillor The Corporation of the Town of Whitby Last year was a banner year in the Town of Whit- by's assessment growth and this new revenue sour- ce bas contained inevitable increased operating costs for 1985. The retention of all municipal ser- vices at existing levels during this period of fiscal restraint, bas been maintained at 1984 property and business tax rates. The 1985 requirements for all departments within the Corporation of the Town of Whitby bas therefore been met, including plans for the following: a major $4.5 million recreational facility expansion; new equipment; improvements to roads and several other services for the benefit of our citizens. Reviewing our 1984 record year of continuing ac- tivity, the Town of Whitby added 14 new industries and welcomed over 125 new commercial businesses. Over 300 acres of residential development was ap- proved and several industrial and commercial expansions are underway. All of which are creating more jobs for our people. The recorded figure of building permits issued in 1984 (as of Dec. 31) totalled $49,201,639. The number of permits issued as of that period was substantially higher than year end 1983, bringing the figure to 1,065. These permits were based on residential; commercial; industrial; agricultural and institutional development. In Whitby, the hub of activity reached beyond the success of our development. During this past progressive year, we were honored to host several delegations from various countries and one which dominated the highlight of the year was the visit from 16 magistrates from the Hyogo Prefectural Government in Japan. We, as well, were equally impressed with the very special occasion of the official dedication of Intrepid Park. Dignitaries from all parts of the country joined together to honor Camp "X". The memory of those who served and the many who lost their lives will be an ongoing remembrance through the in- scription etched on the cairn overlooking Lake On- tario. The achievements of our "Golden Girl", Anne Ot- tenbrite, during the Summer Olympic Games held in Los Angeles, captured the hearts of everyone, as she won a gold, silver and bronze medal in the swimming competitions. Her world record was honored in Whitby together with Glenn Beauchamp, a participant in the Olympic Judo competition. The celebration of a gala parade brought many ac- colades and presentation awards to Anne with the announcement of our new development of our pool expansion, to be named in her honor. Last year continued to keep the beat of com- munity involved activities throughout the year - from the Choo Chili Cook-off to the Old Tyme Christmas Party. The numerous events demon- strated - Whitby truly is a peoples' place. The Whitby Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Business Improvement Area Board recognized 1984 as an exceptional year when the an- nouncement of a $450,000 downtown revitalization program had been approved. Whitby's prominence will not only be retained, but will keep pace with the growing demand for business in the downtown core of this community. Whitby is as well, an area where we practice what we preach. Churches in the area are prime exam- ples as their dedication to the town reaches far beyond the walls of their buildings of faith. Here in Whitby you find these people totally involved in several projects from supporting youth groups to the development of a home for the aged. The new president of the Ministerial Association, the Rev. Stanley Isherwood would welcome new residents requiring information by calling - 668-3771. Projection for 1985 - how could it be anything less than great whep council, staff and citizens of this municipality pull together - plan together and are prepared? We have continued to promote the at- tributes of the municipality throughout the inter- national marketplace and our promotional program for 1985 is definitely in progress. We will welcome many new industries and businesses to Whitby during this coming year and recognize several expansions, new developments and projects. We will achieve our goals with pride and perhaps il is because, to the people of Whitby - pride is more than a five letter word. Il is the essen- tial element in our survival and in the community we believe in. In Whitby this is only reached through determination In conclusion. 1984 was an exciting year and as Mayor of the Town of Whitby, I am positive 1985 will be as rewarding and gratifying - our people will make il happen.