Summary of the Area Revitalization Committee Meeting
held on Tuesday, July 29, 2008

A small group meeting organized by the City's Planning Department was held at the old postal station at Bridlewood Mall. The primary purpose was a "revitalization review" of the area and selected residents from Ward 40 as well as Ward 39 residents were invited. One of the challenges in the meeting was that Ward 40 residents were not as conversant with the Bridlewood development, as it technically is a Ward 39 project, but its effects will be felt south of Finch Avenue.

Mike Meystan and Renrick Ashby from the Planning Department were advised that the local area politicians should have been invited such as MP Jim Karygiannis, MPP Gerry Philips and local School Trustees, Soo Wong and John Del Grande. As this was the first meeting more stakeholders from different areas will be asked to join. There was also a discussion regarding the boundary of impacted area for which studies will be conducted and notice will be sent to the "influenced area".

Peter Smith, from Bousfields Incorporated who is the Planner for the Developer indicated a willingness to modify the project but it was received with skepticism. The group felt that their concerns were not heard because the proposal remains in the same form (except for Zeller's expansion) as it was initially proposed.

Mike Meystan agreed to conduct a series of further meetings and everyone agreed that time lines were tight.

OMB involvement was deemed to be pre mature for all parties. The next meeting is scheduled to be held in September. This will be a public community meeting where all residents are welcomed to attend.