Taking a Look Back at The View

Dear Belfountain Community members,

We hope you are enjoying some summer sunshine and soaking in time outdoors in beautiful Belfountain. If you are in the mood for some fun summer reading, we suggest taking a look back at the “View from Belfountain”, published 10 years ago !

This article expresses just how long we have been working to protect our community and how well we come together to make a positive difference. We hope you enjoy reading this flashback and reflect on the wonderful people who have made Belfountain what it is today.

Of course we must mention the community members whose legacy we carry on as we protect nature: Jenni Le Forestier, who’s spirit lives on in music, the wind in the trees and our continued fight to protect our water and wildlife, and Frank and Sylvia Schenk, who were talented florists and dedicated environmental stewards, along so many other individuals who we continue to carry with us in our thoughts and actions as we protect Belfountain.

Looking back on the “View from Belfountain” allows us to venture forward as we continue to connect as residents working to protect our wildlife and heritage in the hamlet we so graciously call our home.

 Sincerely Yours,

 The BCO Board of Directors

Posted in Events | Leave a comment

Free Plants or a Donation to the BCO – Sat Aug 3 8am

The plants that were donated by Mr and Mrs Schenk and cared for by the community are being saved before the Region of Peel changes to the intersection 

If you would like to take home plants, please meet Saturday August 3rd at 8am at the planter boxes Bush Street and Olde Main Street, Belfountain.

Bring a shovel and tubs or bags.  First come first served.  No holds

Donations to the BCO gratefully received  

Posted in Events | Leave a comment

BCO Feedback regarding the Region of Peel Road Rehabilitation Survey

 
 
 
 

Further to yesterday’s notice regarding Peel Region’s road rehabilitation project, last night your Belfountain Community Organization discussed the merits of the proposed Condition Survey for home owners fronting onto Mississauga Road, Old Main Street and Bush Street.

We recommend that you contact the surveyor and book your appointment.  They will take photos of existing interior condition of your house (walls, foundation) and assets like fences, planters or driveway.  Ask for a copy of the photographs and property condition report.  You can also identify concerns with existing road drainage entering your property.  Email the BCO secretary@belfountain.ca to advise when the survey was completed and the nature of your concerns expressed.  We will track responses and engage the Region should there be private property issues following the completion of the construction.

Thank you

BCO

July,15th,2024

Project Update

Belfountain Rehabilitation and Corridor Improvements, Town of Caledon, Project 14-4065

This notice provides the Belfountain community an update on the Project 14-4065:Belfountain Rehabilitation and Improvements, Town of Caledon.

Peel Region has retained Four Seasons Site Development Ltd. as the general contractor to complete the works on this project. The project works are expected to start in August 2024.

Please visit our webpage:https://www.peelregion.ca/pw/construction/cal/144065.htm for periodic updates on construction and more details regarding the project. Details regarding previous polling and responses to public inquiries are posted on the webpage.

The webpage can also be accessed via the QR code(use your phone camera to access):

What are we doing?

Peel Region is undergoing rehabilitation, streetscaping, and improvements to the Hamlet of Belfountain as part of Peel’s State of Good Repair program.

The work consists of road resurfacing, culvert replacements, paving of gravel shoulders, driveway aprons and community hall, streetscaping at the parkette area, and minor intersection improvements.

Where?

The project limits are:

Old Main Street: Caledon Mountain Drive to River Road, Bush Street: Old Main St to East of Shaws Creek Road

When?

Works are anticipated to begin in August 2024, and completed by the end of 2024. Please note this schedule is tentative to several factors(e.g. contractors activity, weather, unforeseen delays etc.)

Working Hours

Four Seasons has been contracted to complete the work on the Region’s behalf. Hours of operation are from 8 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday. The Region may resort to a 7 am to 6pmoperation to expedite the project schedule.

These hours follow the city’s by-laws. Extended working hours may cause some inconvenience to the public however will help facilitate completion of the project.

Traffic Control

The project will be phased to minimize traffic disruption while maintaining a safe working environment as required under the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

Existing traffic flows will be maintained during construction. However, due to the

nature of the work, we will need to reduce traffic lanes to a single lane and temporarily block intersection during construction.

Emergency access will be maintained at all times.

Please use caution when travelling through the work zone.

Driveway Access

We will maintain driveway access as much as possible and if we need to block your driveway for a short time you will be contacted directly to arrange for the works.

We will make sure businesses have access at all times.

Who can I contact?

Peel Region will have a field representative on site (construction inspector) during construction. Should you require assistance during construction you can reach out to the construction inspector or project manager directly. The contact information is below:

Name: Ommar Moeen

Title: Project Manager

Organization: Region of Peel

Contact Information: 905-791-7800 ext. 7998

ommar.moeen@peelregion.ca construction@peelregion.ca

Name: Ole Petersen

Title: Construction Inspector

Organization: Region of Peel

Contact Information: 905-791-7800 ext.3246

ole.petersen@peelregion.ca

24/7 (Project Related Emergency/After Hours) #: 905-791-7800

**************************************************************************************************

July 12th, 2024

Project 14-4065

CONDITION SURVEY

Belfountain Rehabilitation & Corridor Improvements, 14-4065

If you are a tenant, please give this letter to the property owner.

Dear Property Owner,

Peel Region is conducting road rehabilitation and corridor improvements of Belfountain. Works are expected to start on August of 2024.

OZA Inspections Ltd., a consultant who specializes in pre-construction surveys, has been retained to undergo the pre-construction survey of your property. OZA will be requesting access on to your property to take pictures of the existing conditions. These images will only be referred to in the event of a claim. This survey will be conducted free of charge.

How to arrange a survey:

  • Please phone OZA as soon as possible at 1-800-667-8263 ext. 231 to make an appointment for the survey. This is a 24-hour voice message centre.

  • If you prefer, you may email them at appt@ozainspections.com. Please include the file number 23280 and your address in the subject line.

  • Within your message, please refer to file 23280 and include your:

◦        name

◦        address

◦        telephone number

◦      date and approximate time you would like OZA to come to your home or    business.

An OZA representative will return your call or email you.

If you have any questions, or do not want your property surveyed, please contact OZA at 1-800-667-8263 ext. 231

Ommar Moeen, Project Manager, Transportation

Public Works, Region of Peel

Email: construction@peelregion.ca

Phone: 905-791-7800 ext. 7998

********************************************************************************************

CONDITION SURVEY: Your Questions Answered

What is a pre-existing condition survey?

A pre-existing condition survey includes an indoor and outdoor inspection of buildings and structures that are close to the planned construction activities. There is no cost to you for this service.

The inspector looks for pre-existing conditions such as nail pops, cracks, water damage, etc. The inspector will take a reference photo of each room and photograph any pre-existing conditions found. No items will be moved or disturbed, and only accessible areas will be inspected. No personal/private information is collected. Photos are taken only of the walls, ceiling, floors, and foundation.

Please tell the inspector if there are any parts of your business you do not want surveyed. All inspectors carry photoidentification. Please ask to see their ID.

How long does the survey take?

It takes about one hour, depending on the size of the property.

Why should I have a condition survey?

A condition survey is a common practice on most construction projects. The survey protects you, the Region, and the contractor in the unlikely event of a claim. In the unlikely event that your property is damaged due to construction activities, the survey allows for a smooth claim process. Please be assured that we do not anticipate excessive vibration or damage to your property due to our construction work. If you decide not to have your property surveyed, it may be challenging to substantiate a claim in the unlikely event of damage.

What happens to the photos?

Once all inspections are completed for the work in your area, OZA prepares a report for the contractor. The report, photos and written documentation are sent to the contractor. The contractor may need to send a copy to Peel Region.

OZA keeps the photos in their secure facility for seven years after the project is completed. The photos are then destroyed. If you want the photos destroyed before this time, OZA will ask you to sign a release form stating you will not make a claim in the future.

Can the survey include additional items of concern?

At the time of inspection, tell the inspector about any specific concerns you have, such in-ground sprinkler system.

Posted in Events | Leave a comment

Thank You Belfountain Community for a Successful BCO AGM 2024

The Belfountain Community Organization would like to thank the Belfountain and Environs residents for another successful AGM.  Hosted on June 26th at the community hall, the AGM had great attendance. 

The list of Directors who have been elected to serve on the board for three years are:  

 

Paula Basciano

Harry Hoogkamp

Edi Cadham   

Grecia Mayer

Toby Cadham 

Judy Mabee

Maurica Connell

Paul Montgomery   

Cindy Dennis

Michael Stein

Erin Follett   

Michelle Rowan

Robin Hoffman

Raheleh Shabani

Ian Sinclair, Mentor and Advisor

Mark Heaton, Scientific Advisor

Daniel Brum, Director at Large

The BCO would like to thank Sarah Bohan, Belfountain Historical Society for an excellent and engaging presentation.   Minutes are available upon request.

Posted in Events | Leave a comment

Region of Peel Response to Belfountain Concerns Regarding Road Project

We have received response from Ommar Moeen, P.Eng. Sr. Project Manager, Transportation Design & Construction, Region of Peel, to the concerns raised by the community at the BCO AGM June 26th, 2024 regarding the Belfountain Roads Project.

Concern with perceived expansion of wider asphalt surface through the hamlet.  Extending asphalt to limit of right-of-way for driveway “aprons” that are not currently paved is of concern.   

In previous projects we paved 3m past the shoulder as a minimum to prevent the gravel from washing out onto the paved shoulder. We can reduce the driveway apron paving to 3m from edge of shoulder or up to property line, whichever is less. E.g. if property line is 7m from the edge of paved shoulder, we will only pave 3m. Paving the gravel shoulder is a requirement on all our projects to allow for active transportation and use for pedestrians – at this point in time we cannot forego this requirement.

Concern with increased vehicle speed as a result of wider road appearance.

The travel lane widths are being reduced to a minimum of 3.30m (normally 3.50-3.75m), narrowing the lane widths will act as a traffic calming measure (motorists are shown to slow down when lane widths are narrowed). The paved shoulder and travel lanes are delineated by line markings.

 Suggest the Region only pave driveway aprons where there are currently asphalt driveways.  Otherwise limit driveway aprons to within 1m of proposed paved shoulder.

See above re: 3m from edge of paved shoulder. We can instruct the contractor accordingly during construction.

Concern the project remains consistent with Niagara Escarpment Commission “road maintenance” exemption qualifications.   

NEC exemption has been confirmed for this project.

Concerns about roadside parking and where it would be allowed or prohibited.

I will provide link to completed parking study. Any specific parking questions can be directed to our traffic engineering team.

 Concept of community monument through Belfountain Heritage Society was well received.

Peel is waiting for response from Belfountain Heritage Society on questions re: monument material, location etc. We are looking to hear back from the Belfountain Heritage Society as soon as possible.

The link to the Region of Peel website for the Belfountain project and contact information should you have any concerns regarding your property or conflicts with your property survey is https://www.peelregion.ca/pw/construction/cal/144065.htm

Posted in Events | Leave a comment

Belfountain Community Organization Annual General Meeting – Wed. June 26th 7 – 9pm

The Belfountain Community Organization Annual General Meeting will be held in person at the Belfountain Community Hall on Wednesday June 26th, 2024 from 7 – 9 pm.    Doors open at 6:30pm.

At this time there is no Wi-Fi at the community hall therefore the meeting will be in person only.  We are working on a possible solution but cannot confirm any web based participation at this time. 

There is no potable water in the community hall.   We will bring jugs of drinking water.  If you would like some, please bring your cup.   There are two washrooms downstairs.   

Agenda

  1. Call to Order and Welcome
  2. Financial Statements and Treasurer’s Report
    1. Motion to accept 2022, 2023 Financials and 2024 Forecast
  3. 2024 Nominations – Board of Directors
    1. Motion to accept list of Board of Directors
  4. Region of Peel Road Rehabilitation Project
  5. Guest Speaker – Sarah Bohan, Belfountain Heritage Society
  6. Manors of Belfountain Subdivision Update
  7. Salamander Festival

Close

 

 

 

Posted in Events | Leave a comment

Democracy Caledon Meeting Thurs. May 23rd at 7pm regarding Strong Mayor Power Rezoning

A local group called Democracy Caledon is hosting a Community Info Session tomorrow (Thursday May 23) regarding Strong Mayor Power Rezoning 12 sites in Caledon. Democracy Caledon has expressed it is very important a large number of Caledon residents attend as local Councillors are taking low attendance as a sign of citizen’s supporting this change in the planning process. The meeting will take place at the Bolton Community Centre from 7pm- 9pm Thursday May 23rd. See the link to their Facebook post below for more details. 

https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid02wryjSDYFeQ5vBjo5GduLjoWrBTiBaLHg26VQdARs6xdeSSLYYs2sr7W5hk3WN6Spl&id=61559835955213

Sincerely yours, 

The BCO Board of Directors 

 

Posted in Events | Leave a comment

Rehabilitation of Old Main Street and Bush Street – Region of Peel Needs Your Input

Peel Region recently sent out a one question survey to members of Belfountain as the Region is planning to change the parkette at the intersection of Bush Street and Old Main Street.

Next year marks 200 years of Belfountain, and while the Region of Peel suggests a clock that is the same design that was used in Alton, the Belfountain Heritage Society has an alternative idea of hiring a local artist to create a beautiful piece of artwork representing Belfountain’s cultural and natural history. This option might not cost as much as the clock and will be representative of the uniqueness of our Belfountain.

Please click Rehabilitation of Old Main Street and Bush Street  or go to https://www.peelregion.ca/pw/construction/cal/144065.htm to cast your vote (it takes under a minute), since this clock will cost $40 000. Your voice on this matter is incredibly important. We thank you for your input so that the Region’s updates will be appreciated by all community members.

Sincerely yours,

The BCO Board of Directors 

 

Posted in Events | Leave a comment

A Pop Up Story Telling Fund Raiser in Belfountain (so much fun!!!)

By Susan Gesner

Greetings all!

Well, for my music folks, I promise music will be in your future in the fall – I’m hoping to bring a band or two in to Belfountain before Christmas for sure – but for now, a wee change of pace…. 

A story telling pop up! And a chance to support the Belfountain Community Organization in to help with the Manors of Belfountain efforts!  https://www.belfountain.ca/latest-on-the-manors-of-belfountain-mob-a-search-for-hope-on-the-horizon/ 

What are you doing next Friday evening, May 24th around 7:00PM? I have an idea that I KNOW you’ll enjoy! Come to Higher Ground Café in Belfountain, and join Nicola Ross, Lesley Rowe and me, as we share some stories from our books that will make you smile, laugh, take cover, want to go hiking, traveling and step dancing all at the same time! 

Yes, it’s short notice. But if you can’t think of a good reason not to come, then just come! 

Tickets are $25….you’ll get an evening of fun, possibly a cold beverage, you’ll learn something about wonderful hiking on the Bruce Trail, and who knows what else. And the best thing? Any money that we raise will go to the Belfountain Community Organization to help with the Manors of Belfountain efforts. 

You can e transfer me susangesner@me.com $25 (or whatever donation amount you wish) prior to next Friday. You can also drop money off ahead of time at the café, or pay at the door –  as a last resort.

But I hope you can join us. It will be a lovely evening of friends, laughter and raising money for a great purpose.

And I also hope you will share this note with EVERYONE YOU KNOW! Because the more, the merrier! 

So share!

Susan

 

Posted in Events | Leave a comment

Keep Caledon green!

On May 14, town council will vote on Caledon’s future

On May 14, Caledon town council will vote on whether to adopt green development standards.

If adopted, all new developments in Caledon will have to meet strict energy and environment requirements to get approved.

Council will vote at a public meeting on Tuesday May 14 at 2:30 p.m. in Council Chambers, Caledon Town Hall.

Join us at town hall on May 14!

Community groups and youth leaders will be presenting to council, and they need your support.

Together, lets tell council to keep Caledon green!

Malkeet Sandhu

Community Organizer David Suzuki Foundation

Support the David Suzuki Foundation

Your gift will help push for bold climate action, protect nature so it can sustain all life and create resilient communities that benefit everyone.

Donate Today

The David Suzuki Foundation is a registered charity in both Canada (BN 127756716RR0001) and the United States (94-3204049). We are located at 340-1122 Mainland Street, Vancouver, B.C., V6B 5L1, and we also have offices in Montreal and Toronto. Please visit our website for more information on how to contact us.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Posted in Events | Leave a comment