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6 Independent & Free Press, Tuesday,February 23, 2010 OPINION Transit talk Mention the words "public transit' and you're sure to get pulses in Halton Hills racing. In the past, when this topic has been discussed, there has been plenty of opinion--both for and against-- expressed over whether our town needs public transit. This time Halton Region's works department has been directed by council to study an amalgamated transit system that could possibly serve all four Halton communities-- Halton Hills, Milton, Oakville and Burlington. This is all part of the Region's multi-billion dollar master plan, dubbed The Road to Change, for transportation projects over the next two decades. With thousands of new residents expected in Halton in the coming years (25,000 to Halton Hills by 2031), certainly it is prudent for Region officials to look at ways to move residents throughout the region. For Halton Hills, the only Halton municipality currently without a transit (read: bus) system, that could potentially mean a small sixbus system by 2031. Or nothing at all. "This is strictly for discussion purposes," said Halton Hills Mayor Rick Bonnette. "It hasn't been defined whether the six buses needed could be GO Transit service, or whether it will be a regional transit, or no transit." He was quick to add there will not be public transit in Halton Hills anytime soon. Nor should there be. According to the 2006 Transportation Tomorrow Survey, of the nearly 21,000 daily trips made by Halton Hills residents to work only 5 per cent go to Milton, 4 per cent to Oakville and 1 per cent to Burlington. The vast majority, 43 per cent, go to Peel and 30 per cent stay within town. Only 10,500 trips are made to Halton Hills by commuters for work with 60 per cent being trips within town and 21 per cent from Peel. A public information centre is set for March 25 at Mold-Masters SportsPlex at 6:30 p.m. Check out the proposals, just don't expect to be catching a bus anytime in the near future. 905-873-0301 Publisher: Ken Nugent General manager: Steve Foreman (sforeman@independentfreepress.com) Retail advertising manager: Cindi Campbell (ccampbell@independentfreepress.com) Managing editor: John McGhie (jmcghie@independentfreepress.com) Distribution manager: Nancy Geissler (ngeissler@independentfreepress.com) Classifieds Kristie Pells (classified@independentfreepress.com) Accounting Rose Marie Gauthier 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) WEB POLL RESULTS Olympic Games organizers in Vancouver have come under heavy criticism for the way Games have been run so far. Do you think this criticism is justified? · Yes (30%) · No (70%) Steve Nease Go to www.independentfreepress.com Letters to the editor Keep dogs leashed on public trails Dear editor, I am writing as Chair of the Halton Hills Trails Advisory Committee. We have received a number of complaints from people with young families who are unable to enjoy our trails because of dogs running freely. I would like to remind residents that we have a Town bylaw that requires all dogs to be on-leash at all times when on public property, including our trails and parks. Many people ignore the bylaw, insisting their dog is friendly and doesn't need to be on a leash. These people also believe their dog needs the freedom to run and socialize with other dogs. However, they do not seem to be aware that many people do not enjoy dogs, whether friendly or otherwise, approaching them and possibly jumping up on them. It is particularly dismaying when a father, while out with his young children, could ask a person to put her dog on a leash only to be told he must be a dog-hater. The father was just trying to protect his children from a dog much larger than them. It is also important to remember that older people also deserve an opportunity to use our parks and trails without fear of being knocked over by boisterous dogs. You may be convinced that your dog would not intentionally knock over someone, but that is never guaranteed and certainly a stranger on the path cannot know the disposition of your dog. The Town has provided two leash-free parks for the benefit of dog owners. Please be considerate of others and go to one of these special parks when you want to let your dog run freely. It should be noted that when complaints are received by the Town, bylaw enforcement is usually sent out to the problem area. A violation of this bylaw could result in a $100 fine. Jane Fogal, Wards 3&4 Regional Councillor Halton Hills your family, your co-workers-- they will tell you CAShh is a viable organization that does what it says it does. It looks after cancer patients in the manner desired between the patient and this organization. Any organization's existence is justified by its reputation in the community. For CAShh, it is the more than 1,100 patients whose lives have been made easier in order for them to focus on recovering. We provide support for cancer survivors, reiki therapy and makeovers for those who want and need a boost to their morale. CAShh needs your help. The April residential campaign is our major source of funds. To maintain our current level of service, please help us in April. Halton Hills needs CAShh and CAShh needs you. The small commitment of time can make a big difference for CAShh, and enhance your life. This is your time to help if you have been touched by cancer, or, if you have never been, this is your time to help those who are going through difficult times. Please visit our website for more information and call the office at 905-702-8886. Anna Mae Moore, Cancer Assistance Services of Halton Hills Letters to the editor policy Letters must include an address and daytime telephone number. Anonymous letters will not be published. Letters should not exceed 150 words and may be edited for content and/or length. E-mail: jmcghie@independentfreepress.com Mail or drop off: Independent & Free Press, 280 Guelph St., Unit 29, Georgetown, ON., L7G 4B1. Please volunteer Dear editor, It has been 10 years, and the need for Cancer Assistance Services Halton Hills (CAShh) is stronger than ever. Ask you neighbour, your friends, The Independent & Free Press The Independent & Free Press is published Tuesday and Thursday and is one of several Metroland Media Group Ltd. community newspapers. 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