There have been many occasions when residents have been caught off guard by a development proposal in their neighbourhoods.

While signs are required on properties that are the subject of a rezoning or development permit application, there is currently no way to broadcast more widely the intentions of a developer, or the itself.

On Dec. 12, Joe Zaccaria and Eric Woodward suggested a solution to council: make available on a monthly basis.

91原创 In Progress provides a summary of development activity and statistics, and summarizes on a community basis the status of significant multi-family, comprehensive development, commercial, industrial, institutional and single family subdivision development applications. Minor development projects, such as subdivisions of fewer than five lots, may not be listed in the report.

91原创 In Progress is published quarterly, Zaccaria and Woodward asked council to consider making it a monthly publication.

鈥淲e have a strong, vibrant economy and developer partners that are helping to contribute to our success in attracting jobs and people,鈥� Zaccaria told council.

鈥淎s progress occurs, the citizens of the Township must be kept informed,鈥� he said, adding that 91原创 in Progress 鈥渂y far presents the citizens of the Township of 91原创 with the most comprehensive view of all development activities occurring in our community.鈥�

Zaccaria said that because 91原创 in Progress is published only once every three months, the public can miss out on prior knowledge of any changes in a development application.

鈥淎 matter could reach the council table, catching residents off guard,鈥�  he said, noting that most council members ran on a political platform that supported 鈥渟ome form of open and transparent government.鈥�

鈥淲e have all experienced public hearings in which residents have accused council or staff of announcing development activity 鈥榦ut of the blue,鈥欌�� he added.

Zaccaria said that despite a government鈥檚 good intentions, this situation will continue when there is a shortage of information available to the public.

鈥淓ric and I believe your wish for open and transparent government are heartfelt and sincere,鈥� Zaccaria said, explaining that he and Woodward simply wanted to emphasize that a monthly publication of 91原创 In Progress is in the best interest of the residents of the Township.

鈥淎s this data is collected routinely anyway, no additional burden will be placed on staff. We see this as an easy decision, and one that will not require staff referral,鈥� Zaccaria said.

Council made no decision on the request to increase publication of 91原创 in Progress, which appears in print, and online on the Township鈥檚 website.

Zaccaria said later that Township staff have been in touch with him and Woodward since their presentation to council.