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OPINION Perhaps more so than any of the other three local municipalities in Halton, the Sustainable Halton process has significant long-term ramifications for the Town of Halton Hills. Indeed, the Town is at a crossroads and will have to make some strategic long-term growth decisions over the next few months. Those slightly ominous words are contained in a Discussion Paper which Town councillors will dissect this Saturday as they plot a course for the future of Halton Hills. Councillors, who listened to the views from the public Monday night as to how this towns future should be shaped, will also consider recommenda- tions made by Town staff before presenting a growth plan to Halton Region. For the record, senior Town staff has recommended moderate growth to the 2031 planning horizon, as well as pursue alternative servic- ing strategies. In other words, staff suggests the Town must accept growth, at least moderate growth, in order to remain viable in the coming years. Municipalities that do not grow, simply do not prosper a concept that seems lost on the portion of the population who would like this town to remain stagnant for the next two decades. Growth, especially under a provincial mandate that dictates the 905 municipalities must accept more peo- ple in the coming years, is a freight train heading our way and we can either be run over or lay down a track that we can live with it. However, this towns lack of water or alternative servicing strategies is a problem many other commu- nities do not have to contend with. So, how exactly do we accept growth without also accepting the dreaded Big Pipe (which many council members and residents have fiercely opposed for years)? That is the dilemma facing council. But Halton Hills residents must also face the facts that this town is not what it was 15 or 20 years ago and it cannot return to those halcyon days. Change is coming and it is being foisted upon us. How this town accepts that change will make for interesting days ahead. At a crossroads The Independent & Free Press is published every Wednesday and Friday at 280 Guelph St., Unit 29, Georgetown Ont., L7G 4B1. It is one of several newspapers published by Metroland Media Group Ltd. Advertising is accepted on the condition that, in the event of a typographical error, that portion of the advertising space occupied by the erroneous item, together with reasonable allowance for sig- nature will not be charged for, but the balance of the advertisement will be paid for at the acceptable rate. In the event of typographical error advertising goods or services at wrong price, goods or ser- vices may not be sold. Advertising is merely an offer to sell which may be withdrawn at any time. Editorial and advertising content of The Independent & Free Press is protected by copyright. Unauthorized use is prohibited. Price: Store copies 50 each; Subscriptions $26 per year by carrier; $92.50 per year by mail in Canada; $130 per year in all other countries. Plus G.S.T. Second Class Mail Registration Number 6869. The Independent & Free Press is a member of The Canadian Community Newspaper Association and The Ontario Community Newspaper Association. Steve Nease THE INDEPENDENT & FREE PRESS LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Dear editor, I am writing in response to the article Neighbours complaints a surprise to Limehouse gravel pit operator in the August 29 edition. All I have to say is, Tania, the quarry/truck traffic was happening long before you moved there and if you dont like the trucks and dust maybe you need to move! I live on 22nd Sideroad and travel Fifth Line every day to and from work. The road is wet and there is next to no dust when I travel it, Monday to Friday between 7:45 a.m. and 5 p.m. I really hate the water the quar- ry has to put down on the road every day, making a mess of my car. Maybe I need to complain to the Town and get them to wash my car? I am really tired of people who have moved to towns, cities or even rural areas thinking that things will change because they are there now and dont like what is happening. Most things/places were there long before these people were even born. People really need to do their homework and find out what is in the area and what effect/changes it will have on their family life and where they are looking to live. If you dont like it, then why did you buy a house there? As for the Town cleaning the streets, you live in the country there is dirt everywhere. Dont waste taxpayers money because the dirt is getting in your house it is part of country living. Property taxes are high enough and by you complaining about God- given material bothering you, our taxes will only get higher and more out of control for something that will never change as long as there is dirt. Joanna Gardener, RR1, Georgetown Dust and dirt is part of country living Letters to the editor must include an address and daytime telephone number. Unsigned letters will not be published. Letters should not exceed 200 words and may be edited for content and/or length. Mail or drop off: Independent & Free Press, 280 Guelph St., Unit 29, Georgetown, ON., L7G 4B1 E-mail: jmcghie@independentfreepress.com Something bugging you? Publisher Ken Nugent Advertising director Steve Foreman (sforeman@independentfreepress.com) Retail advertising manager Cindi Campbell (ccampbell@independentfreepress.com) Managing editor John McGhie (jmcghie@independentfreepress.com) Distribution manager Nancy Geissler (distribution@independentfreepress.com) ADVERTISING Advertising co-ordinator Jennifer Christie (jchristie@independentfreepress.com) Retail Sales: Jennifer Spencer (jspencer@independentfreepress.com) Andrew Key (akey@independentfreepress.com) Amy Sykes (features@independentfreepress.com) Real estate: Sue Spizziri (realestate@independentfreepress.com) Classifieds: Kristie Pells (classified@independentfreepress.com) ACCOUNTING Rose Marie Gauthier, Michelle Wimmer EDITORIAL Cynthia Gamble: News editor (cgamble@independentfreepress.com) Ted Brown: Photography (tbrown@independentfreepress.com) Lisa Tallyn: Staff writer (ltallyn@independentfreepress.com) Eamonn Maher: Staff writer/sports (emaher@independentfreepress.com) PRODUCTION: Mary Lou Foreman, Kevin Powell, Shelli Harrison, Dolores Black, Debbie MacDougall STAFF DIRECTORY Send us a letter! Phone: 905-873-0301 Fax: 905-873-0398www.independentfreepress.com Dear editor, I was appalled upon hearing that this years Georgetown Santa Claus Parade is being held on Saturday evening, Nov. 10 the very eve of Remembrance Day. How the organizers could have even considered holding the com- mercial parade before Remembrance Day is beyond me and is totally dis- respectful. It projects a complete lack of respect for our veterans who served and those who gave their lives in defence of our country; and moreso today when so many of our military personnel are serving and dying in Afghanistan. Shame on them! W. Keith Wellstead, Georgetown Parade organizers disrespecting veterans Dear editor, I would like to respond to the recent letter re: roaming cats. I also have a very big problem with cats invading our yard at all hours, hiding under our shrubs and plants, waiting to pounce on birds or chipmunks. Cats from our street lounge on our porch as if they own it until they see us, the owners, then take off- very sneaky and cowardly. My husband and I are retired and enjoy the many birds that come to our yard. We do not want other peo- ples cats on our property. As it stands now, the homeowner has no rights against unwanted neighbours cats. A bylaw would be wonderful. Donna Hamilton, Georgetown Resident has had enough of roaming cats Dear editor, The Georgetown Lioness Club recently hosted a Wellness Day at the Gellert Centre. We would like to thank all the vendors and businesses for their time and donations, the Gellert for their assistance and the community for supporting us. We look forward to seeing you at our fourth annual Wellness Day to be held in the spring of 2008. Irene Lloyd, President, Georgetown Lioness Club Lionesses thank Wellness Day supporters 6 Independent & Free Press, Wednesday, October 17, 2007