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Mayor William Lazenby gave a brief resume of the property‘s ownership recall- ing that it was sold by Mrs. Ash to Sedore in 1964 and by Sedore to Hipkin in 1970. “From a legal point of view, the municipality understood the tenants were on a yearly basis â€"â€" some paid rent monthly. some on a yearly basis and others on a catch- as-catch-can basis Our soli- citor advised us that only one month‘s notice would be required, but we decided not to issue eviction notices until we were ready to develop the park and so this spring gave the tenants a year’s notice. Sunset Beach was de- The town took an option on the 14-acre property in mid-May 1973 at $185,000, with closing date to be Octo- ber 1. The land was pur- chased to be developed as a park for the use of the whole town. Vacant cottages and the booth which were in dilapidated condition have already been seized. Some residents are tenants in town-owned property, others own their own cottages but lease the land on which they stand. None had written leases from the former land- lord. This spring notices were sent or delivered to all to vacate their properties by May 31. 1975. Mrs. Norton, a relative newcomer to the beach, said she had been assured by the former owner that she would have a 50-year lease on the preperty and has witnesses to prove it. She told council she will be paying for her cottage for two years after it is demolished under the present deadline. Spokesman for the group was Mrs, Elsie Norton. a summer resident, who stated, “We at Lake Wilcox weren't really given a fair deal on the notices of eviction, and were given no chance to de- bate them. The notices were not sent around until most cottagers had gone back to the city and we found the notices stuck in the doors when we returned this spring. We would like to know what you intend to do with the property. We have heard you are planning a floating dance hall there, a high rise development and a trailer camp. If you have no designs on the park without an official plan we are in- terested in an extension of time. We don't think we should have to pay to de- molish our cottages and we believe we should receive some compensation for the cottages." By MARY DAWSON Summer and year-round residents in cot- tages on the town-owned property at Lake Wilcox known as Sunset Beach were present at the council chambers to discuss their problems with Richmond Hill Council August 19. About 25 cottages remain on the property and occupants have been advised to vacate the land pur- chased by the town last year by May 31, 1975. Sunset Beach Residents Want Time Extension Be sure to see . . . Monday (Labour Day) Sept. 2, 12:30 p “Commedia' dell/Arte” Don‘t miss this centuries-old form of pantomime which originated in Italy in the 15th Century. This is a classical stage production, thoroughly professional, thoroughly entertaining â€" for young and old alike. 9350 YONGE ST. AT CARRVILLE RD. IN RICHMOND HILL "Hillcrést, IN THE CENTRE COURT â€"â€" Entertainment for the whole family â€" “We fEel we are fighting ‘,for something that belongs ‘to us," continued Mrs. Nor- ton. “We feel we should have longer notice or receive com- pensation. We didn't know that was happening." ' READY TO DEVELOP 3 “I think we are ready to develop it," replied thei mayor, asking Parks Director ; David Hamilton to report on ‘ progress on planning for that development. Mr. Hamilton :aid the consultants havel presented a preliminary re- port to the parks and re- creation committee and have V been asked to refine it and bring it back in September; “The committee is anxious ; to proceed on the first phase. The open land will have to‘ be used for parking and where the cottages are will be needed for picnic and play areas. We are most{ anxious to look at the area; to provide programs for1 children since the OFY will not be operating next year‘ and it will be up to the town to provide these programs." REALIGN BAYVIEW “We would like to see Bayview Avenue at somei time realigned to skirt the eastern edge of the property H ‘50 that the present road area ‘will be added to the park." "An official plan is a broad painting of what is to be done." explained the mayor. “The zoning bylaw sets out the details. I can‘t see that this has to be pin- pointed gn the official plan." “Do you not feel the Lake Wilcox area will have to be part of your official plan?" asked Mrs. Norton. Mrs, Norton went on to point out that some families have children in school, who should be allowed to finish their school year. “Does Richmond Hill need that nark ? I’ve got 250 signatures this summer from people on the beach and not one is from Richmond Hill." She also expressed concern for senior citizens. “I have no knowledge of such a proposal," answered the mayor. “High rise de- velopment on that site would be a breach of trust by this council." Mrs. Norton said she re- called reading in The Toronto Star about 15 months ago that a wealthy developer wanted the property and had offered a $30000 b'all dia- mond to the town. but had been unable to get a copy of the story from The Star. finitely purchased as a park to be used by the whole of the municipality by all its citizens." THE BENSON & HEDGES STREET THEATRE A summer resident for 14 years. a Mr. Peterson asked ‘Mr. Hamilton for an exact ,date “when you are going to start planning.” Mr. Hamil- ton‘s answer was that it‘s be- ing planned now. “We hope ‘to move in there and start next year as soon as coun- ‘cil approves the necessary funds. I don't think anyone Jean give you an exact date." Another man said he had been a tenant there for 47 years. “There is a possibility you may not have the money to develop the park. What’s our chances of staying?" asked Mrs. Norton. Mr. Wehrmann asked why the Mill Pond, the Oak “Is there a date when council decides to sell park- land if it is not used as such?" asked Mr. Peterson. The answer was no. “That‘s a decision for counqii to make," replied Mr. Hamilton. Answering a question from the mayor, Mrs, Norton sug- 1ested an extension of five vears. but Mr. Wehrmann (a year-round park resident) suggested an extension until the town is ready to develop the property. SENIOR CITIZENS The mayor told Mrs. Nor- ton that if any senior citizens would be dispossessed. new =enior citizens apartments will be available in Richâ€" mood Hill in May next year and if they make application they will have priority on these aoartments. He also suggested that council could consider applications from oarents of school children for a six week extension to ocrmit the children to finish their school year. PUT ON MARKET Later in the evening. Mayor Lazenby told members of council that the property was put on the market by Mr. Hipkin through Realtor Jack Blyth, who brought it to the attention of the mayor and of Regional Councillor Gordon Rowe before offering it to the public. He said Mr. Hipkin had paid 3170.000 for the property in 1970 and the mwn .paid him $185,000. “I would like to know if any high pressure was put "n Mr. Hipkin by this muni- cipality. I took a man up to We him who offered him #240000 and he said the pro- perty wasn't for sale," said Mrs. Norton. She could not remember the exact date. but the estimated date would have been after the town had taken an option to purchase. “If a private developer had brought the property, he could have given you one year’s notice, instead of the almost two years since negotiations started you will be getting. You should have had some kind of written lease agreement with Mr. Hipkin," answered the mayor. 47 YEARS Another cottager com- olained that they had re- ‘ceived a notice of where to ‘oay their rent by registered mail but that the eviction notice had been stuck in the door of the cottage. Mr. Hamilton explained that the registered letters had been sent with a reply card so the town would know if they had the correct addresses. “Only two were returned as un- deliverable," he said. “I think it’s a raw deal", said another. "I wish I had known this 14 years ago." Mrs. Nor- ton said. “Don't you think you took advantage of us for parkland which is not needed? We‘re not going to stop here. We’re going to fight on. I don't feel you are giving us a fair deal." Town Clerk Mack Clement re- ferred to a letter from Mr. Hipkin’s lawyer which stated the Toronto address of Mrs. Norton and one other ten- ant had been lost to explain the delay in their receipt of the eviction notice. Mr. Wehrmann charged that the town is destroying the community, which in- cludes Sunset Beach. He also charged the town with failure to replace the community centre as promised. BUILDING PLANNED Regional Councillor Gor- don Rowe pointed out that in the official plan of Whit- church Township. it was Mr. Wehrmann told coun- cil the tenants had tried to get written leases and couldn't and were in no legal position to get htem, “I bought my cottage one week before Sedore sold to Hipkin and there was no mention of the sale. We bought our places in good faith and believe we are entitled to compensation on moral grounds. No one would have maintained the property if they had known they would be evicted and would also have to remove their cottages." The Spadina Expressway. the Island residents and other Metro situations were cited by members of the de- legation to back up their pleas for an extensiOn of ‘ime and compensation. ‘Ridges Swamp, Lake St. 5stateé George and the Lions Parkgvelop haven’t been further de-‘mittet veloped. He said that at 3 area ‘previous meeting of coungil made it was made clear consideta- with ‘ tion might be given to com- gion pensation and that families sibilit would be relocated in govâ€" wholl; ernment housing. heade CONSERVATION AREAS “'35 Mayor Lazenby pointed out “{OUId that the four projects men- “on ‘ tioned, are completely orlhad partially within the jurisdic- and 1 tion of Metro Conservation an Of Authority, not of the town. your} The town is involved in the Publfl Mill Pond and has planned never and set aside money for its {lever development but the prob- lmPOS lem was at the provincial 0"! a? level. mm“ BOUGHT IN GOOD FAITH “Major expenditures (over $25300) such as for a build- ‘ing are usually debentured." [replied the mayor. “But [minor expenditures for de~ 1velopment would likely come ‘from the current budget." Mrs. Gold pointed out that council is considering leas- ing a portion of a park pro- perty it has acquired for “l tllal. IJICG. 17C .IIUPU DUUII to get some replies to help us on our way." He also pointed out that plans are underway for a building of a similar nature to the com- munity centre on Wildwood which was torn down when it was condemned. Mrs, Anne Gold attacked Mr. Rowe's statement that the Region had reneged. “I was told it was the decision of this council not to have the Region participate on an 80-20 percent split." She also asked if the funds for the development of Sunset Beach would have to be debentured. “Major expenditures (over $25000) such as for a build- ing are usually debentured." replied the mayor. “But minor expenditures for de~ velopment would likely come from the current budget." Mrs. Gold pointed out that council is considering leas- SCHILLER RECOMMENDS LEASE At the request of the mayor. David Schiller, former Councillor, a lawyer and can- didate for the mayoralty in this year's election. com- mented that he hoped the park consultants were cog- |nizant of the problem of Bayview Avenue. “1 am not aware of the final status of the Lake Wilcox Study but one of this council's stated policies is to do a study of ‘parks and establish priori~ ties, Work on Sunset Beach won't proceed until funds are allocated by council, and *‘if my memory serves me, that won't come until June or July. I would like to sug- gest the municipality formal- _‘. ize leases starting in Septem- ber this year and running .‘until August 31, 1975. These would require 60-days . notice." made. “We hoped to do it with the Region. but the Re- gion reneged on its respon- sibility and it was done wholly by the town. I headed the committee and it was my desire that there \would be public participa- ltion all along the line. We had numerous discussions and have yet to hear from an official representative of your group and we have held public meetings but just never got that input. I have never seen undue hardships imposed by this municipality on anyone. We have sub- mitted preliminary reports to various government agencies to see if any type of assist- ance is available for housing. sewage disposal and water in that area. We hope soon to get some replies to help us on our way." He also pointed out that plans are underway for a building of a similar nature to the com- munity centre on Wildwood which was torn down when it was condemned. Mrs, Anne Gold attacked Mr. Rowe's statement that the Region had reneged. “I was told it was the decision stated that no further de- velopment would be per- mitted in the Lake Wilcox area until a study had been Fills ENCLosunfl noons * 7 BIG BARGAIN ‘ REE CEDAR ‘ mm FRONT ‘31??? 57/32 DOORS 3‘4"”? ‘ (a \ 34";32" -\/ 1 ALL VARIETIES l WIFORMICA & ARBORI'I'E 4'x8' $1 5 .95Reg. $19.95 WI 1 SHELF STANDARDS & BRACKETS THAN LESS V2 PRICE HURRY UNTIL THEY LAST! 8 to 10 colors to choose from Use our Your choice of color top NAME BRAND FURNITURE FINISHED WHILE THEY LAST 3‘6" VANITY 30” VANITY 24” VANITY . . . . . 2 .95 Reg. $44.95 SAN DSTON E . . . . . . . . BUCKSKIN . . . . . . . . . . KOA MAHOGANY . . . SIEN N A . . . . . . . . . . . . . Frontier Walnut, Maple, $0.95 Alpine Ash, Embossed Pecan Per Pane More and More Panels To Choose From 1 an...) ! BONANZA ’LiPREFINISHED PANELING SALE (Includes Counter (Includes Counter Taps and sink are extra (Includes Counter Councillor Lou Wainwright recalled that the purchase of Mrs. Gold also attacked the statement that the Re- gion might reâ€"align Bayview Avenue, in View of delays in action on the Gormley grade separation and road improve- ments. “I’ve spoken to Mr. Hodgson. (the Regional en- gineer)". replied Mr. Rowe. “This project on Bayview. although in the future, is considered a priority. But there are other priorities. I am going to continue to press for it and hope to move it up in priority." “There is no guarantee. It is at the whim of the indi- vidual council," replied the mayor. $800,000 in the Leslie - 19th Avenue area to private in- terests for a harness racing track. “Have we any guar- antee that council will not do the same type of thing at Sunset Beach?" she asked. Top) Top) . . .$55.95 Top) . . .$49.95 . . $45.95 See us for all your needs in Home Improvements and Cottage Materials The mayor group to come council meeting definite answer, “If my kids gets hurt who's responsible?" asked Mr. Jones. The town has posted signs stating that users of the beach do so at their own risk this year. No lifeguards are in attendance. COME BACK TO COUNCIL The mayor explained that the people living around Lake Wilcox had expressed deep concern about the use of the lake by high-powered motor boats. so the gates were locked to keep them out. Brian Jones reported that the government had a sum- mer school for children there last year. “This year they couldn't get in but had to park on the road and the kids had to climb over the fence. Why?” “That would ‘be the OYF program." said Mr. Hami1~ (on. “and I gave them two keys to the lock." the parkland was not a unanimous decision of coun- cil. “However, as I recall it. council was looking at the long time future and ac- quired the park when it was on the market. At that time, leases were not mentioned. I think it unfair to say council took advantage of no leases. Maybe we should be looking at an extension.” LAKE FRONTAGE “It’s got lake frontage, which I'm sure the recrea- tion director will want to use in next summer's pro- gram.” stated the mayor. “Why is the property free- leased from Mr. Proctor (ad- joining Sunset Beach) locked ‘ip? That makes it difficult for the people at the Lake," =aid Mrs. Norton. And Compensatidn THE LIBiERAL, Richmond Hill, Ontario, Wednesday, Aug. 28, 1974 3 26"x 8’ â€" $5.50 26”x10’â€"â€" $6.90 26"x12’ â€"â€" $8.50 Spring Green - Emerald & White POPLAR UNDERLAY FIBERGLASS PAN ELS Per Panel $5.50 Per Panel $4.50 Per Panel $5.50 Per Panel $5.50] 4-5-6-7-8 Ft. Per Ft. Lengths Also Custom Made in any zize $4.50 Ft. SPECIAL PREFINISHED RE’AL PLYWOOD PANELSSIS-Zfi KITCHEN TOPS [Emil Hunt BEIIIIH Shop and Save at your nearest AID Home Centre North of Maple Sideroad on Keele street Hours: 8:30 am. to 5:30 pm. - Friday 830 am. to 9 pm Saturday 8:30 am. to 5 pm. NEVER BEFOREH 4‘ x 8’ x l/z” Thick SPECIAL 4'x4’x v; " CORRUGATED POST FORMED In 5 - 6 Colors asked the back to a later for a and prom- PHONE 889-4973 KEELE STREET, MAPLE Regional Councillor Lois Hancey said, “I'm in an ex- tremely difficult position. because I was totally and un- alterably opposed to the pur- chase as I considered it pre- mature and there was no plan. It is the right thing to do to put a plan on the pro- perty. If it is in the public good, there should be a plan and there should be a finan- cial plan to make it possible. This council cannot commit next year's council to funds. I have to know what the fin- ancial implications are for physical improvements, staffing, maintenance and programs both short term and long term. I think the people have every right to come to council and ask for a lease but I also think they ised that they would be noti- fied and given an opporâ€" tunity to speak. DOORS OF ALL KINDS LOW DISCOUNT PRICES LEARN TO DANCE LOUVRED BIFOLDS $23.50 8 Lessons fori$10.00 .50 Hardboard Mahogany Int. & Ext. INTRODUCTORY OFFER WALTZ, TANGO CHA-CHA, ETC. FREE DELIVERY Each AND UP DANCE STUDIO LTD- CEILINGS $10.95 Each OTHER PATTERNS IN STOCK Satin-White tiles in cartons of 64 sq. ft. Terrific Value 1979 FINCH AVE., DOWNSVIEW FOR INFORMATION 745-4611 CALL COLLECT JOHNS-MANVILLE LESS THAN -, 8 ft. base and wall cabinet coinpleié- 1y finished with counter top (your choice of color). Any size L or U shape available to your request. KITCHEN CABINET PAINT $2.49 Arborite Handy PANELS LATEX PAINT 53-95 BIRD CAGE Receive one Free Reg. $2.95 Umbrella for every $100 purchase Umbrellas $1.49 LATEX 12" PRICE 27” RUNNER $1.49 PER FOOT OZITE CARPET INTERIOR ONLY INTERIOR LATEX WHITE Large Variety of Patterns x 12” Tiles BULLETIN BOARDS VINYL FRAMED DECORATIVE CORK PANEL 3/8" x 24” x 32" “I would like to talk to the solicitor about extension of time. I would like to see the park plans and deter- mine what is the objective of the parks and recreation committee for next year, be- fore reaching a decision" said the mayor. “We will also investigate some method of payment for demolition. The new Minister of Urban Affairs Barney Danson was in to see me today and may- be with his help. we can find some assistance." 75¢ EACH 3/8" x 16" x 24" must be ready to say that when we are ready they will vacate. It's got to be a two- way street. The owners must not sell their cottages to someone else to try to get their money back and 30 or 60 days notice will be given when council has the funds to start short term develop- ment." 12”x12” Self Stick 12”x24” Non Stick and EXTERIOR 2'x4’ $1.49 $2.95 $4.95 GAL.