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Thursday, July 2, 2015 - The IFP - H alton H ills - w w w .theifp.ca Page 3 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe + HST/LIC • Auto/6 cyl • Certified & E-tested • A/C • Leather/Heated Seats • Sunroof/Moonroof • Cruise Control $11,200 2009 Pontiac G3 SE $8,200 + HST/LIC • Auto/4 cyl • Certified & E-Tested • A/C • Power Windows/ Steering • Sunroof/Moonroof • Cruise Control e-mail: hassellsauto@bellnet.ca www.hassellautomotive.com Warranty 2013 Chevrolet Malibu LS • Auto/4 cyl • Certified & E-tested • A/C • Steering Wheel Controls • Bucket Seats • Cruise Control $14,500 + HST/LIC CALL WarrantyWarranty 2008 Saturn Astra XR Warranty • Manual/4 cyl • Certified & E-tested • A/C • Tilt Steering Wheel • Driver/Passenger Air Bags $6,400 + HST/LIC 45 Mountainview Road North Georgetown, Ontario 905.877.7958 As the study of land needed for a pro- posed major highway that would cut through southern Halton Hills forges ahead, local residents are calling on the powers that be to choose a route that best protects the natural environment and farmland. This sentiment was shared by many who attended a community workshop on June 22 regarding the potential four to six-lane thoroughfare, which would stretch from Hwy. 400 and through Hal- ton Hills to the Hwy. 401/407 junction. About 100 residents turned out for the session at Mold-Masters SportsPlex, where they had an opportunity to hear from the team heading up a study on the highway, commonly referred to as the GTA West Transportation Corridor. The team presented the methodol- ogy it has come up with the evaluate the short list of route alternatives for the highway, taking into account four key factors: the natural environment, land use, cultural environment and trans- portation needs. "Each route is being assessed based on what it impacts in each category," explained Jay Goldberg, project co-or- dinator with MMM Group. Opinions varied during the small group discussions, but many residents indicated that protecting the natural environment tops their list. "We live in the country, so the natu- ral environment is very important to us," said Ruth Jay. For Georgetown residents like Jason Brindley, this also includes preserving farmland and the country atmosphere of Halton Hills. "A lot of people moved here for a quieter pace of life, and Georgetown is the last place around that's reason- ably quiet," he said, noting he moved to Halton Hills from Brampton to get away from the hustle and bustle. In addition to the study comparing the advantages and disadvantages of the potential routes (also known as the reasoned argument method), it's taking the perspectives of local stakeholders into account in a unique way. Resi- dents at the meeting were asked to use the arithmetic method, or assign a nu- merical weighted value to the four fac- tors mentioned above indicating how important each is to them, with the four numbers adding up to 100. This exer- cise is being used to test the results of the reasoned argument method. While the study team worked hard to keep the discussions at the meeting on topic, conversation throughout the evening also turned to whether or not residents want to see the major high- way built in the first place. "I don't think anybody in George- town really wants this," said Brindley. "I think they should just improve the existing roads." Goldberg explained that the first stage of the GTA West Corridor study did examine whether or not the new highway is in fact needed. "That determined in this area, based on future projections of employment and population, we still need a new highway," he said. The highway is expected to have a minimum of four to six lanes and a separate adjacent transit way. It will be needed to handle the expected 1.5 mil- lion additional vehicle trips each day in the GTA West Study area by 2031. It's not known when the highway would be built as currently there's no government commitment to fund its construction. The Ministry of Transportation is considering two potential routes through southeast Halton Hills for the proposed highway. One option crosses Winston Churchill Blvd. (WCB), south of Bovaird Dr. and then runs between Ninth and Tenth Lines to join up with highways 401/407. Potential inter- changes being considered are at Five Sideroad and Tenth Line. The second would cross Winston Churchill Blvd., south of Five Sideroad, then across Tenth and Ninth Lines to Hwy. 401. Interchanges are being con- sidered at WCB. and Embleton Rd. Maps can be viewed at www.gta- west.com, along with comment sheets for those who couldn't attend the meet- ing. The project team is accepting pub- lic input until July 31 and will be con- ducting field investigations throughout the summer to inventory the natural features. A preferred route will be pre- sented to residents in the fall. By Melanie Hennessey Special to The IFP Protect the natural environment tops list in GTA West Hwy discussion Inspired by their son, whom they lost to Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), a Georgetown couple has launched a non-profit organization to promote the importance of inclusion. Jennine and John Ditz's son Jason, who was diagnosed with DMD at the age of 3, died in 2013 at 20. Jason lived his life by the motto, "I Have Resolve," said Jennine. The couple wants their son's strength and courage to carry on and hope his message will bring that to others. They have launched a web- site www.ihaveresolve.com, Facebook page https://www. facebook.com/pages/I-Have-Re- solve/177040285744259 and Twitter account https://twitter.com/have_re- solve that focus on inclusion because throughout his life Jason lacked friendships. That is often something that the couple continue to dis- cuss. Donations can be made on the website to help those with disabilities gain the opportunity to feel in- cluded in daily activities and within their com- munity. Jennine said kids weren't mean to her son, but they were uncomfortable and unsure about how to reach out to someone who was both shy and physically challenged. When Jason was very young he was a happy, outgo- ing child. "Nothing held him back from saying or doing any of the fun things in life. He always had a smile on his face and was a joy to be around." But she said as his physical disability progressed Jason be- came more shy and intro- verted. "He kept more and more to himself and was not often invited to participate in what we would all consider the regular social mile- stones of childhood," said Jennine. She said she would often ask him whom he ate with at lunch, or sug- gested he reach out to cer- tain kids. "One day, Jason came up to me and asked if my husband John (Jason's stepfather) and I could be his friends. There was hurt written all over him. It was then that I decided to stop asking questions and to just be Jason's friend. Above all else he needed friendship. It was so lacking from his life." She said through the website they share their own and Jason's experi- ences, and those of others, to help people understand how important it is to reach out and to just be a friend. "Jason lived his life with bravery and courage, but most people didn't really know that about him. Hope- fully by understanding his true heart through us, others will take small steps to include anyone who may be challenged." As a family we want his strength and courage to carry on, said Jennine. A rose has also been named in honour of their son-- Jason's Re- solve-- and should be available at nurseries next year. By Lisa Tallyn ltallyn@theifp.ca Local couple promotes importance of inclusion in memory of son