Feature Newsletter UPDATE

February 2008

This year marks the start of the fifth year in the life of WORA. This organization was started and continues to be run by a dedicated group of volunteers. Over these four years we have earned the respect and credibility from many levels of government that now gives us the legitimacy from which we can have an effective voice in representing our community. Our mandate is to continue our support for sustainable growth that respects our environment and community. Our success has been due to a committed executive and a strong membership base.

Progress was made both locally and on a broader spectrum through direct negotiations and lobbying on your behalf in the following areas:

1.0 Curtailment of the UCCI development from 380 homes to 40 homes.
2.0 The Provincial government’s “Lake Simcoe Protection Act”.
3.0 The Federal government commitment of $30-Million dollars for the clean up of Lake Simcoe.
4.0 We continue to monitor OMB hearings as they relate to Lake Simcoe
5.0 We continue to support our umbrella organization , the Lake Rescue Lake Simcoe Coalition

Going forward, we know that there other challenges ahead, as developers leapfrog over the designated greenbelt protected area into Simcoe County. In Oro-Medonte, Gull Rock Marina, which has served our community for over 50 years, has been purchased and turned into a private club by Geranium Homes. . We expect a redevelopment proposal on the Gull Rock site to the Township in the near future and as such our group is monitoring the situation closely through the Township.

WORA has proven that we can be successful in protecting this community’s interests – but we need your help through your membership and financial support. As we are a volunteer organization we need these membership dues to cover our mailing, insurance and annual meeting costs. In order to continue our work and protect your interests we require significant extra funding to be put into reserve. These reserve funds are needed to pay lawyers and planners. We know from past experience that ratepayers’ associations can only be successful if they have professional advice and representation.

Please renew your membership for another year. We have kept the cost at $10 in order to encourage your participation. Please ask your friends and neighbours to join WORA. Together, we are strong!

For those who wish, we would also encourage you to consider a $100 contribution so we can continue to protect the interests of all the residents of West Oro. Please use the link provided on our website, www.wora.ca , where you may pay on a secure payment system.

Lastly, we would like to publicly thank all our members and friends around the lake who in the past year have given us their encouragement and generous financial support. We look forward to continuing this relationship for years to come.

Yours truly,

Ron Golden,
President, West Oro Ratepayers’ Association

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