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th ei fp .c a Th e IF P -H al to n H ill s | T hu rs da y, D ec em be r 21 ,2 01 7 | 12 46 Guelph St., Georgetownyears in a row!17 Serving Georgetown, Milton & Surrounding Halton Hills and all auto clubs. Provider for SINCE 1958 Freight up to 32,000 lbs Dock level or ground Enclosed Trailer Insist On Fred's ROll OFF TRuck AVAIlABlE FOR All yOuR hAulIng nEEds: • Steel • Tractors • Sky Jacks • Forklifts • Boulders • Helicopters V E R • • • • • • Locally Owned & Operated since 1958! Accident Specialists for all your boosts, lockouts, fuel deliveries and towing needs. It's Your ChoiceWhen it Comes to FixingYourVehicle! • Servicing Georgetown for over 40 years • Unbeatable prices and excellent customer service • Fast & Reliable Auto and Collision Service (905) 873-8102 Floyd's Body shop www.floyds-body-shop.com facebook.com/Floyd's Body Shop 13115 22 SIDE RD. GEORGETOWN Downtown georgetown call to book your appointment 905.873.1470 Halton Hills Mayor Rick Bon- nette took a look back at the past year and gave an update on the town's overall state of affairs dur- ing the annual Halton Hills Chamber of Commerce Mayor's Luncheon on Tuesday (Dec. 12). The sold-out event hosted at Eagle Ridge Golf Club saw cham- ber members, residents and dig- nitaries gather for the mayor's address. In addition to the town's 10 councillors, the event, spon- sored by CN, was also attended by the mayors of neighbouring com- munities and Halton Region Chair Gary Carr. Carrying the theme of "shared values," the mayor spoke for about half an hour on a number of elements surrounding the town's daily operations and coun- cil's overall vision. He also took some time to thank individual members of council and staff for their efforts. "I felt that 'shared values' was an appropriate theme - particu- larly given that this has been an historic and exciting time as Can- ada's 150th year. Now more than ever, I can feel a sense of patriotic pride that we all evoke as Canadi- ans, and fundamental to our na- tionality is equality, fairness and respect," said the mayor in his speech. Following that theme, Bon- nette paid tribute to organizers and residents for helping Halton Hills earn the title of "Canada's Most Patriotic Town" this past summer. He was, of course, referring to the initiative spearheaded by the Chamber of Commerce that saw the most Canadian flags flown in one town on Canada Day. Resi- dents and businesses across town flew more than 57,000 flags on Canada's 150th birthday, shatter- ing the previous record and earn- ing Halton Hills the title. From there, the mayor moved on to more pragmatic issues in- cluding the town's finances and 2018 tax levy. He also touched on some of the major projects planned for next year. "The 2018 budget has been passed with an overall tax in- crease of 2.4 per cent, including regional, school board services. It includes a significant invest- ment in various assets such as re- placement of vehicles, equip- ment, repairs to roads, parks and trees. The budget includes mo- nies for the construction of the Georgetown Sports Action Park at Gellert, additional bike lanes and pedestrian crossings," he said, adding the budget also in- cludes monies for a number of plans and studies. The mayor then touched on some of the projects completed or started in 2017, and some of the major developments undertaken as the town continues to grow. Most noteworthy among these developments is the Vision Georgetown plan, which will see major development through the addition of a new neighbourhood planned for 19,000 new residents by 2031. Bonnette also spent signifi- cant time highlighting the grow- ing economic and cultural rela- tionship between Halton Hills and its sister city in Wenjiang, China. This past year saw the rela- tionship grow through delega- tions sent by each community. In September, the mayor and mem- bers of council and town staff paid a visit to Wenjiang, where they met with local politicians and business leaders and took part in a sustainable growth con- ference. The mayor also spoke fondly of a recent visit to Chicago, where he was asked to attend a mayor's conference on sustainability and climate change. The invitation was a recognition of Halton Hills' efforts on these issues. The event was attended by former U.S. pres- ident Barack Obama. The mayor closed his address with a bit of a surprise before of- fering parting well wishes for the season, announcing he remains undecided about seeking re-elec- tion in 2018. He made it clear he has not yet decided either way and would inform residents of his decision in the spring. NEWS Mayor addresses state of town at annual Halton Hills Mayor's Luncheon GRAEME FRISQUE gfrisque@metroland.com From left: Mayor Rick Bonnette, Halton Hills Chamber of Commerce chair Melanie Frazer and CN Ontario community affairs lead, Drew Redden, pose for a photo following the mayor's address at the annual Chamber of Commerce Mayor's Luncheon. Graeme Frisque/Metroland Media