Aurora investigates boundaries of Highland Gate ahead of ratepayers group

December 3, 2014 · 0 Comments

By Brock Weir

As names continue to be put forward to lead a new ratepayers group to advocate on behalf of Aurora residents living around Highland Gate Golf Course, the Town of Aurora is looking into how much of the golf course’s perimeter actually lies in municipal hands.

A report on the issue is expected to be posted on the Town’s website as early as this week, following a motion put forward at last week’s Council meeting by Councillor John Abel, and subsequently approved by Council that evening, calling for answers.

“We had a great meeting with the community from Highland Gate [on November 24] and one of the questions that came up was about a one foot perimeter that goes around [the course],” said Councillor Abel on one foot buffers around the golf course that could actually be owned by the Town. “If that information could be brought forward and posted as soon as possible, it would help in this situation. It seems like a simple ask. If we could get that clarification as soon as possible, it would be a great assist.”

According to Town Solicitor Warren Mar, investigations into Aurora’s situation were already underway ahead of the Council motion.

“We started Friday looking at the one foot reserves,” Mr. Mar told Council. “We know there are some in place at the stub ends of roads that dead end onto the existing golf courses, but we’re looking into the underlying plans to determine the extent of the one foot reserve. If Council wants it, we are happy to put together a report, but we’re actively investigating it right now.”

Potential land reserves surrounding the golf course have been a bone of contention since ClubLink, Highland Gate’s owners, announced the closure of the venerable club last month, announcing this past season will be its last, as they look to alternative uses to the property.

Although land sales have not taken place yet, over the ensuing weeks area neighbours have speculated on the extent of these reserves – ranging anywhere from one foot to ten feet – believing these, whatever the extent, to be somewhat of a trump card to future land negotiations.

It was a question raised by one newer resident at last week’s meeting of residents looking to form a ratepayers group. According to Bob Callow, who was part of the area’s original ratepayers’ group 25 years ago when Highland Gate was first slated for redevelopment, reserves held by the Town had significant sway.

“I can tell you the last time we went against ClubLink and we negotiated, the reason why they were so willing to negotiate is the Town did own, and still owns – unless they have sold it, but nobody has told me they have sold it – a one foot allowance around the perimeter of the open areas,” Mr. Callow told the crowd of over 300 people filling Town Hall. “Even if the [Ontario Municipal Board] had approved a plan, they couldn’t cross the one foot. We were able to negotiate with ClubLink.

“In the context of having the negotiation, they built in some areas and in some cases they didn’t, but there was a complete plan to be brought to Council. At the end of the day, ClubLink did not proceed with it, but we did negotiate and we were able to get a good deal that we thought was good for the community and it ended up that way for 25 years.

“The one foot allowance is still there. The real question comes down to whether or not the Legislation brought in by the [Province] transcends or takes away the rights of the municipality over property that they own. There is a legal question there and I don’t know the answer to that.”

As the Town of Aurora’s report is prepared, area neighbours hoping to form the executive of the new ratepayers’ group are preparing as well. Dave Newton, who was elected at last week’s meeting to serve the fledgling group in an administrative capacity for the time being, says names and short biographies of those interested in serving in the roles of President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer will be accepted through this Friday, December 5, at 12 noon.

Once all submissions have been received, they will be distributed to those who have signed up for the ratepayers group. Then, they will set a date to hold a “paper ballot election” for the candidates of their choice.