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4 Independent & Free Press,Thursday, June 2, 2011 Region projections show Halton Hills will have lowest growth, new jobs By CHRISTINA COMMISSO Metroland Media Group A snapshot of Halton's growth was presented to councillors and the public last week as Regional staff unveiled the latest population and employment targets projected until 2031. Twenty years from now the Province will require a minimum density of 200 people and jobs (combined) per hectare in mid-town Oakville and downtown Burlington and Milton. After 2015, 40 per cent of new houses in Halton must be built in pre-existing developments-- curbing further urban sprawl. The Region's Director of Planning Services Ron Glenn said half of the new units built in Halton will be medium to high density to provide more affordable housing options. "At the end of the day we're trying to build complete, healthy communities with a supply of housing and jobs to keep pace with each other and for the timely distribution of infrastructure," he said during a public meeting Wednesday. During the meeting developers and residents were able to provide their input on the new regional phasing targets. Up until now, the Region was working with planning numbers based on 2007 estimates. The latest estimates show Halton Hills will see the fewest new jobs and houses. Halton Hills will see 3,500 new jobs in the municipality with 100 houses built in Greenfield areas and 1,200 built within urban boundaries. In contrast, close to half of the new jobs expected to come to Halton in the next five years will be in Milton-- about 18,200 of the anticipated 40,000. During that time (2012-2016) 9,700 new houses in Milton will be built in Greenfield areas and 1,900 units within the urban boundaries. Oakville will see almost 12,500 new jobs come to town, along with 6,000 houses in Greenfield areas and 4,100 within urban boundaries. Burlington is expected to welcome 5,800 employment positions with only 228 new houses built in Greenfield areas and 2,700 new units within the built up areas of the city. The new housing and employment numbers are mapped in five-year increments from next year until 2031. Milton Councillor Colin Best said planning for Halton's future population at this point may be premature considering the Province has yet to release its 10-year infrastructure priority list. Pointing to the needs for new hospitals, schools and roads with the influx of residents, Best said "we can't contemplate this stuff not knowing where the Province is going." But Glenn said the regional phasing numbers are "the next logical step." "We're doing this planning to tell the Province this is what we need to facilitate growth." The phasing is part of a Regional Official Plan Amendment (ROPA 39). The new planning estimates and ROPA 39 will go before regional council for adoption in July. A tree for Tom Remembrance Park committee members Lois Fraser (left) and Dale Wood (right) congratulate Tom Schenk on having a maple tree planted in the Georgetown park in his honour last week. Schenk, one of the moving forces behind Remembrance Park, was recognized for his efforts in `keeping the memory alive". Photo by Jon Borgstrom 36th Anniversary Massed Bands Cliff Climbing Massed Highland Fling Crafts/Pottery Special Drumhead Service and Parade Scottish Country Dancing Pictish Face-Painting to celebrate 145th Anniversary Competitions: Floral Garlands Come welcome our Afghanistan Veterans - Pipe Bands - incl. Grade 1 - Heavyweight Events - Lassies' Heavyweight Events Draw Prize: - Highland Dancing "Tickets for two to the U.K." Clan Village Courtesy of Transat Holidays Scottish Food & Novelties Cheer Garden Lorne Scots Regiment Call now to register for our summer programs - spaces are limited. Saturday, June 11, 2011 Georgetown Fairgrounds, 8 am - 8 pm Limited on-site parking, Handicapped parking No Camping Honorary Chieftain Major John Harrison CD3 Retired Lorne Scots Regiment www.georgetownhighlandgames.com 324 Guelph Street, Unit 7, Georgetown 905·877·3163