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Provincial budget will impact Halton's finances, says Moyle questioned how the region is expected to By CHRISTINA COMMISSO continue to grow at the same time as proMetroland Media Group vincial transportation projects are being It wasn't the austerity measures of the put on hold. Rae days or the municipal downloadHowever, Moyle said the projects that ing brought about by the Harris govern- will be delayed or scrapped haven't yet ment, but the 2012-13 Liberal provincial been named. budget will have an impact on Halton's The budget wasn't all bad news, he finances, councillors heard. added. "There's no cancellation of any Regional CAO Pat Moyle recently gave hospital project, there's no public health council a summary of the changes, there's no changes potential impacts stemming to the gas tax program and from the 2012-13 Liberal there's no plan to consolidate budget, which will see many hydro utilities." provincial programs held at He said the continuation a one per cent increase. of uploading costs for social For regional programs services to the Province will that are cost-shared with mean $13.5 million of adthe Province, EMS for exditional revenue returned to ample, the measure could Halton Region until 2018. pose problems as demand "Those commitments have for emergency services conbeen honoured in the budget tinues to increase with a and that's very good news." growing population, said PATRICK The Province also wants Moyle. MOYLE to streamline the arbitration He said a reduction of process when it comes to la$164 million in post-secbour talks with police and ondary capacity funding could impact fire services, which could mean savings the Wilfrid Laurier University satellite at the regional level. campus planned for Milton, and a $229 The current process allows for certain million reduction in highway spending employee groups-- those deemed as esmay result in a set back for the GTA West sential services-- to go through the negoand Niagara to GTA corridors; both high- tiation process and if an agreement isn't ways have raised red flags for regional reached there's forced arbitration, which staff and councillors. Moyle said has raised plenty of concerns "Maybe it could be good news," by municipalities. "Arbitrators don't look quipped Moyle. at the ability to pay and the constraints Investments in highway rehabilitation in municipalities. Some arbitrators have and GO Transit projects are also slated taken the position there's always more for a massive reduction-- $1.4 billion money available by raising taxes to pay over six years. Moyle said that puts plans for increases." for bus rapid transit lines along Dundas He said the new legislation will look at Street and Trafalgar Road in jeopardy. municipalities' finances during the arbiHalton Hills Councillor Jane Fogal tration process. WEEKEND FORECAST... Halton Hills HIGH LOW 5 The IFP · Halton Hills, Thursday, April 26, 2012 FRI. F 80 10 SAT. S SUN. *Must book apppointment by MAY 15/12 A/C maintenance SHOWROOM 118 Guelph St.(at Maple) 20% 80 00 OFF* 80 00 FURNACE, AIR CONDITIONING FIREPLACE & BBQ SALES and SERVICE 905-877-8990 www.asghomecomfort.com Laser Hair Removal ONLY 4-6 TREATMENTS NEEDED! To free you from that unwanted hair. · Affordable · Safe · Gentle · Permanent Hair Reduction Now Offering: Reiki, Reflexology and Aromatherapy. Call today for our Spring Specials · Certified Electrologists & Laser Technicians Bare Image Electrolysis & Laser Inc. · 61 Main St. South, Georgetown · 905-873-6388 Since 1999 www.bareimage.ca CARRIERS NEEDED ACTON Norman Ave Acton Blvd OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY MAY 5 1-3PM GEORGETOWN Guelph st ALSO NEEDED: ADULT CARRIERS If interested, please call CIRCULATION Boarding, Lessons Training and Sales Executive Team Building Programs Summer Camps www.upandoverstables.com ECOHOME CARE · Residential Property Maintenance · Lawn Cutting and Edging · Aerating and Detaching · Fertilizing · Pruning & Shrub Removal · Spring & Fall Clean Up/Leaf Removal SEASONAL RATES AVAILABLE Contact: 416-832-0991 905-838-1157 14150 Mclaughlin Road, Caledon