Last Wednesday at council, I moved a members motion (seconded by councillor Bartley) that in its essence, asked council to direct staff to issue a request for interest for the possible redevelopment of 6240 Main St, home of the 55+ Club. The motion pointed out our immediate need for a larger seniors centre (the club has grown from 300 members in 2022 to over 2000 members and growing today). The motion also included looking at options for advancing community, purpose built rental housing on the site for seniors and multi generational families. Looking at the possibility of adding housing on this site aligns with council’s unanimously supported official plan direction as 6240 Main lies within the Main St Go Station area.
Supporting our growing seniors population is a priority and is a primary focus for me now, and as long as I remain your Mayor. Seniors 65+ will make up over 21% of Stouffville population by 2031- the fastest growing demographic we have.
Also, trying to advance community housing in town will also remain a focus of mine. Looking at the possibility of adding housing of any kind in our historic downtown will also support our village business community who desperately need more people through their doors. As a member of the Stouffville Village Business Advisory Committee, we hear it at every meeting. Businesses downtown are struggling.
So to recap, this motion was only asking for staff to issue a request for interest for a potential developer to build a new seniors centre and consider much needed housing options. It wasn’t committing us to anything, just testing the waters for interest.
The motion was defeated in a 4-3 vote.
Despite my immense disappointment by the vote, I want to say two things. 1. I remain committed to our seniors. I understand the needs of our 55+ Club and will contend for them despite votes like this. And 2. Investigating ways to develop much needed housing options to support the felt social and business needs in our downtown will be a focus for me for the remainder of this term. Our businesses deserve it.
I will never shy away from creatively trying to advance much needed services that won’t burden you, the tax payer.
Onward.
