council, in my mind." Even though the need for areStaff will also begin work on nas in Georgetown was the impea 2011-2020 capital budget and tus for the task force's creation, forecast with the assumption of the situation is also dire in Acton. a phased construction of a twin Lewis noted that many Acton pad arena in Georgetown and the youngsters who play hockey nevtwinning of the exister play or practise ing arena in Acton. Toin their home comtal cost is estimated at munity. The Acton $32.9 million, includarenas users stated ing the possible acquithey would be unsition of land next to willing to contribute the Gellert Centre. The to the $25 hourly 2011 budget process surcharge beginning begins next month on in the 2011-12 seaAugust 23. More finanson unless there was cial details will be rea Town commitment leased at that time. for the twinning of BRYAN Memorial Arena's the Acton arena in LEWIS days are numbered, 2014-15. Mayor Rick Bonnette, "This would be a the task force's vice-chair, refantastic wish-list if could all hapminded his colleagues. pen with the timeframe (2016)... "We're going to have an arena, and the ball is rolling on this," or two arenas, in place by that said Lewis. "But in fairness, the time," he said, noting that in this term of council, two fire stations new council would have to make have been built, construction is the decision on whether they underway on the Acton library would or would not be built." But at least all the research with the Georgetown library soon to follow. "The arenas will be the will be done and ready for them, top priorities for the next term of he said. Continued from pg. 1 Search now underway for best arena sites Regional tax hike likely By KIM ARNOTT Special to the IFP Regional taxes could rise by as much as 3.1 percent next year, according to estimates from Halton staff. Inflation, provincial cost-cutting, a rise in contributions to the employee pension plan and the increased cost of providing services in a growing region will continue to put upward pressure on tax rates, according to staff. With about one-quarter of the Region's revenue coming directly from provincial grants and costsharing programs, Halton CAO Pat Moyle expressed nervousness about the future impact of the large provincial deficit on the municipality's income. "It's no secret that the provincial government has a significant financial challenge," he told a meeting of Halton's Budget Review committee last week. "I don't think we can expect to see any growth-- in fact, I think we'll see some cutbacks over the next five to eight years." Changes to the way the Province is funding land ambulance services is already expected to cost the Region an additional $1 million next year, with the possibility that the Province will make those changes retroactive to 2008 and send Halton a bill to recover money the Region was paid under the old rules. That news had Halton Hills Councillor Clark Somerville fuming over the basic unfairness of changing the rules retroactively, and suggesting municipalities should make a joint protest through the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO). "This is the start of subtle downloading as (the Province) starts balancing its budget," he said. · For more visit www.independentfreepress.com 3 Independent & Free Press, Tuesday, July 27, 2010 My pal Clifford Ryann Doherty, 4, of Acton, enjoyed a big red furry hug from an even bigger Clifford the Dog, as the famous character of the children's book series, as well as the PBS children's series, dropped by Halton Hills Library in Acton last Thursday and later at the Georgetown Branch. Photo by Ted Brown 0% up to 48 months 0% up to 60 months Model # BU42EM-B Model # KU4EEM-B 2010 COROLLA CE Lease for $ per month for 60 months with $1450 down or trade equivalent with $750. cash already applied. Includes freight & pde. 199 Convenience Pkg. t add $4 + HST Jus matic for auto MSRP $18,845 2010 MATRIX Lease for $ per month for 60 months with $2499 down or trade equivalent. Includes freight & pde. 15 MOUNTAINVIEW RD. N., GEORGETOWN 206 Convenience Pkg. t add $3 + HST Jus matic for auto MSRP $20,675 GEORGETOWN TOYOTA *First payment due on delivery. All leases are 24,000 km per year with an excess mileage charge of 7¢ per km. $0 Security Deposit. See dealer for full details. 905-877-2296 WEBSITE at www.georgetowntoyota.com