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Swing your partner Town of Halton Hills Mayor Russ Miller (left) kicked up his heels last Wednesday at the Civic Centre in Georgetown, with Pine Valley Hunt, and Roberta and John Wrigglesworth of Star Thru jaa of Acton, to offi- cially doe-say-doe National Square Dancing Week starting Sept. 13. photo by-Simon Wilson/HHTW Square Dancers’ president Cathy Landowners protest NEC report By Oksana Buhel Recommendations for a tévised Niagara Escarpment Plan (NEP), “Renewing the Vision” issued Monday by the Niagara Escarpment Commission (NEC), are being strongly protested by landowners in the area. Lois McClure, co-chair of the Niagara Escarpment Landowners Commission (NELC), immediately listed seven purported discrepan- cies in NEC information regarding the recommenda- tions and the manner in which material for the rec- ommendations was gathered. In 1990, the NEC was directed to review specific problems or less than specif- ic issues which surfaced dur- ing a five-year-review of NEP. The review process included seven months of public hearings, conducted by hearing officers Mary Munro and John McClellan. A year after the final meet- ing was held, the hearing officers submitted their report to the NEC and provincial Minister of Energy and the Environment, Bud Wildman. The NEC was not satisfied with this bab eee and compiled its own recommen- dations, entitled “Renewing Vision,” In a news release the NEC maintained Munro and McClellan strayed from terms of reference set out in 1990 by former Minister of the Environment Jim Bradley. McClure produced a letter written by Bradley to the NEC, dated June 1990, stat- ing “I will forward to you shortly the Terms of Reference which will include an initial list of issues to examine in the Review. Additional issues may be raised during the Review.” The release also stated Munro and McClellan pro- ceeded with their own agen- da, specifically Plan imple- mentation and administrative issues. McClure argued the hearing officers were justi- fied in doing so because of’ revised plans put out by the NEC in Feb. 1991, or through public partici- pation.” McClure argued against the naee accusation that and McClellan failed to comply with their own standar public participation, vial out public meetings were held regularly. She also accused the NEC of meeting “in camera” for four days in June, to consider its response to the hearing officers’ report. McClure added the NEC declined to hear from landowners in connection with the Teport, “Renewing the Vision.” a She also said the NEC’s comment that the hearing officers used the develop- ment-oriented Planning Act as their frame of reference was unjustified. The NEC has since stated the officers should have used the Niagara Escarpment Planning and Development Act, which tinued on page 2 Call Brenda 877-5165 ~ 24hr. pager ~ 3GHnson s_ BRENDAPAYTON Associates ‘Sales Representative 232 Guelph St., Georgetown 873-2254 olic._ board faces financial-dilemma Roman Catholic School Board (HRCSB) does not plan to sit by idly while the provincial government aces tax hikes with grant free: At Tuesday’s HRCSB meeting, trustees decided to notify premier Bob Rae the $160,000 taxation imposed on insurance premiums, is unacceptable-and will erode the board’s financial ability to provide for its student. “This is another example of a transfer of costs from the province to the board,” complained Joe Birett, super- intendent of business ser- vices. He explained the increase in costs will not be accompanied by an increase in grants. Grants have been frozen at 1992 leyels, while board expenditures are now being taxed. Student enrollment is also increasing, which puts an additional strain on HRCSB funds. Birett said the board is left with three options. The first alternative is to pass the costs on to the ratepayers. “This is nota very feasible ,” Birett-admitted. “In economic times, ratepayers are already paying a substantial amount in The second course is to reduce services, which Birett added, is also a limited option. The provincial gov- ernment has a strict set of educational standards to which school boards must "Your independent voice in Halton Hills’ adhere. The final alternative is for the board to keep discover- ing ways of servicing stu- dents in a more cost-efficient manner. “This may mean teachers and staff members will have to work longer hours and cover more sub- jects,” Birett sai Although he admitted the government will not be side- tracked from its taxation decision, Birett insisted it the decision will have on stu- dents. DOWN TOWNER. ee, sige Sag, When will we have a ‘back to school’ special for parents. 50 cents includes G.S.T. more on the Mohawk opening, see page 10. Hot to trot at Mohawk Trainer Allan Waddell prepares to take Blue Jay Spirit out for a training run in preparation for Sunday’s (tomorrow) opening of the fall harness racing season at Mohawk Raceway in Campbellville. Racing starts at 7:30 p.m. and as an opening-card special, there will be a $1 General Admission charge and the program is free. For photo by Colin Gibson/HHTW Our doors are open! Don’t miss this great opportunity to save on many clearance items while we prepare for our “official” Grand Reopening on Thanksgiving Weekend. Now more than ever, it’s worth the drive to Acton! NOW OPEN 10-6 DAILY 853-10