HORNBY SITE PROPOSED FOR NEW HALTON REGIONAL POLICE DISTRICT 1 STATION

Council voted to defer approval of the staff report on the proposed police station in Hornby Park to allow additional time for communication with residents. It is anticipated that discussions will provide the opportunity to explain the rationale for the initiative in the context of respecting the local history while recognizing the benefits of establishing a police station in the area given the surrounding change in use that has come with growth and development. The Region of Halton assembled lands which include a portion of Hornby Park for the purpose of constructing a new police station. A District Facility Plan commissioned by the Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) in 2015, identified that a new facility in this area would support their efforts to operate effectively and efficiently. The station would be situated in close proximity to the nearby high growth business area supporting quick and easy response. “This is good news for our residents and it was a long time coming,” said Mayor Rick Bonnette. “The CAOs of Halton Hills, Halton Region and Milton worked with Halton Regional Police Chief Tanner to bring this initiative to fruition. And, I’d like to point out that while the strategic location supports the safety and well-being of our community (which is always our first priority) we also ensured that the local heritage elements such as the cairn and signage would be retained.” Chief Tanner agreed. “I am delighted this project is moving ahead,” he said. “Our goal is always to serve the community’s needs effectively and the ability to mobilize quickly is enhanced when our facilities are strategically located throughout the Region.” The preliminary site plan for the District 1 police station includes just over five acres of the existing Hornby Park lands. The remaining lands total 7.5 acres (3 ha) and include one ball diamond with the majority of the existing ball diamond users to be accommodated at Trafalgar Park which offers tournament-level facilities. The remaining lands also include a play area and pavilion all of which will continue to service the local area and reference the historical use as Hornby Park. Last December Town Council was presented with plans for locating the 1 District Station on a portion of Hornby Park. The rest of the park would continue to be used as open space and by remaining in public ownership these environmentally sensitive lands would be protected per Official Plan policies. Halton Region will purchase the lands from the Town at an appraised market value with a portion of the funds derived from the sale directed to the Trafalgar Sports Park Field of Dreams project. These monies support the completion of the project’s three major diamonds as well as the associated pavilion/concession/seating area -- subsequently providing more opportunities for youth and adult tournament play. Three hundred thousand dollars has been identified for improvements to the existing park and King Pavilion, as well as naming opportunities to recognize the legacy of Hornby at both Hornby and Trafalgar Sports Parks. The HRPS stations in Georgetown and Acton will remain, complemented with the addition of the new 1 District facility that will have responsibility for policing both the Towns of Halton Hills and Milton.