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The Strategic Plan identifies four investment target areas in which the Town has developed a competitive advantage: 1. Emerging knowledge based businesses such as professional firms, architecture, engineering etc., 2. Large knowledge based businesses such as' software development and advanced manufacturing, 3. Agriculture and environmental industries, and 4. Not-for profit sector. From December 3, 2008 to January 4, 2009 town-plated taxis will provide a 10% discount to riders to encourage drivers to make a responsible decision about drinking and driving during the festive season. Council approved temporary changes to the Taxi Licensing By-law to allow for the discount on metered taxi fares. Council approved the Economic Development Strategic Plan, 2009- 2013 that will form the foundation of the Town’s future Economic Development Program. The full report is available for review at http://whitchurchstouffville.fileprosite.com. Select REPORT 2 on the December 2, 2008 Council agenda. The Main Street Improvement Project is an important strategic transportation project for the Town that will result in improvements to safety and traffic congestion as well as visual enhancements for the Western Approach and Gateway area. Phase I (Ringwood Drive to Winona Drive) is expected to be substantially completed by the end of 2008. Phase II (Highway 48 to Ringwood Drive) is planned for 2009 with Phase III (Winona Drive to Ninth Line) to follow in future years. While many challenges have been encountered, Town staff, its Consultants, and the Contractor have responded with success in delivering the project in a timely manner. The remaining items in Phase 1 to be completed in 2009 include: landscaping and plantings, top lift asphalt, decorative treatments at intersections and completion of street lighting and traffic signals. The budget for the balance of work together with subsequent phases and related projects has also been reviewed and are included in the 2009 Capital Budget. Council approved a crossing guard, road markings and the appro- priate signage for safer crossing of Millard Street, at the intersection with Glad Park Avenue, for children walking to either St. Mark Catholic School or Glad Park Public School. A study will also be con- ducted to review the option of an all way stop for the intersection. Stoufl'ville Sun~Tribune I Thursday, Dec. 4, 2008 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY Council Chamber, 37 Sandiford Drive, 4th Floor TUESDAY DECEMBER 16TH, 2008 COUNCIL MEETING 3:00 P.M. ‘ MAINSTREET STATUS REPORT 10% DISCOUNT 0N TAXI FARES THIS FESTIVE SEASON Town of The following streets shall be closed to vehicular traffic on Saturday, December 6, 2008 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 pm. for the Stouffville Kinsmen Club Annual Santa Claus Parade: Tenth Line from Nurth Street to Main Street Main Street from Tenth Line to Palmwood Gate At the Council meeting scheduled for December 16th, 2008 at 3:00 p.m., consideration will be given ‘for Amendment to 2008 User Fees vByâ€"law. Please check the Council Agenda available at noon on December 12 for more details. Any comments and/or questions can be forwarded to: Marc 1. Pourvahidi, Director of Finance/Treasurer at 905-640-1910 ext. 245 or email marc.pourvahidi@townofws.com. WATER bills have now been mailed. Those who have not received their bills should contact the Treasury Department as soon as possible. Failure to receive a water bill does not eliminate the responsibility for payment of water or the penalty charge for late payment. WATER PAYMENTS may be made by mail, at most Financial Institutions, banking machines, by telephone and internet or in person at the Town Office, 37 Sandiford Drive, 4th Floor. After hours, water payments may be made in the drop box at the west entrance at 37 Sandiford Drive. For inquiries, please contact the Treasury Department. Monday December 8th 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Ballantrae Community Centre, 5592 Aurora Rd The Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville and the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority are holding a public meeting to discuss the draft Musselman’s Lake Subwatershed Report and Stewardship Plan and provide suggestions. For further information, please contact Christa Sharp, Watershed Coordinator, LSRCA, 905â€"895-1281 ext. 225 or email c.sharp@lsrca.on.ca. We are now accepting applications for Pre-school Instructors for the winter session in the following positions: Itty Bitty Me Wednesdays 9:30 â€" 10:30 a.m. My Little Picasso Wednesdays 10:35 â€" 11:35 a.m. Time for Toddlers Fridays 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. 11:05 - 12:05 pm. Teaching experience and first aid certification is required for all positions. Winter programs begin the week of Monday January 5, 2009! Please send résumé outlining relevant qualifications and experience to: Human Resources, Town ofWhitchurch-Stouffville, 37 Sandiford Remove the tree within 10 to 14 days. After that amount nftime Drive, 4th floor Stouffville, Ontario, 1AA 7X5 in a heated building, even thefreshest tree can start to dry out. STOUFFVILLE ARENA HOLIDAY ICE TIME AVAILABLE CALL (905-640-1910 ext. 287 During the months of December through March, no parking is permitted on Town roads between 2:00 am. and 6:00 a.m.‘ to allow for snow removal. Vehicles parked on roads during this time will be issued a parking infraction notice and fined $50.00. Depots are located at the Town Office, 37 Sandiford Drive, 4th Floor, Clerk’s Department and the Lebovic Leisure Centre until December 18th. Applications forms for assistance 'are also available at these locations. Between December lst and 10th, 2008, the Town will accept donations in lieu of overnight parking fines. Donations of new children’s toys, clothing or non-perishable food items will be accepted. The value should be equal to or greater than that of the set fine (purchase receipts are required). The donations will be distributed to the Lions Club of Whitchurch- Stouffville and other local charities. Decorating your Christmas Tree: - Use Canadian Standards Association (CSA) certified lights. - Inspect lights before use. Check for cracked bulbs and for frayed, broken or exposed wires, and discard if faulty. - Choose decorations that are flameâ€"retardant, nonâ€"combustible and non-conductive. o It should not block doors or windows - Avoid using angel hair (glass wool) together with spray~on snowflakes. This combination'is highly combustible. - Turn off the tree lights when you leave and before you retire at ‘night. - NEVER USE LIGHTED CANDLES ON YOUR CHRISTMAS TREE AND ALWAYS KEEP LIGHTED CANDLES OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN. television, fireplace. or heating duct The Town is collecting new unwrapped toys, gifts and non-perishable food items this holiday season for the Stouffville Lions Christmas Basket Project. All non- perishable food items will be delivered to the Food Bank.