Council strongly against 4-3 option Continued from pg. 1 liminary route for 4-3 through Halton Hills betweenFive and 10 Sideroads, stretching from its west border to its east. The 4-2 encompasses a stretch from Steeles Ave. to 10 Sideroad (from Eighth Line to the eastern border). Council is supporting the 4-2 option as it is in sync with a Halton-Peel transportation study. But four consultants hired to peer review the Provincial study called it flawed, making some of these key findings: · By utilizing urban standards, rather than rural, with wide ditches, it may be possible to construct a 12-lane Hwy. 401 through Milton, making the 4-3 option redundant. (The GTA-West study said 10 was the max.) · Alternative ramp designs could be done at 401/407 easing the need for industrial/commercial lands in the Town's tax assessmentrich 401 Corridor, west of Ninth Line · The GTA-West study looks only to address needs to 2031 · The study fails to consider how the GTAWest and Niagara to GTA studies mesh · The alternatives weren't compared objectively · The study fails to meet the Environmental Assessment Act requirements because it does not adequately "provide for the protection, conservation and wise management of Ontario's environment." For example, compared to 4-2, 4-3 affects 50 per cent more watercourses with aquatic species at risk, removes an additional three kilometres of woodlot, potentially affects two additional species at risk, and consumes an additional 119 hectares of prime agricultural land. Council is also concerned the 4-3 highway would bisect the Town, creating a de facto new southern border, destroying the rural buffer the town has striven for between Brampton, Milton and Mississauga. Wards 1&2 Regional Councillor Clark Somerville said it would likely mean the demise of all farming operations in south Halton Hills. It could also signal the start of Halton Hills being paved over completely (by roads, houses and businesses), suggested Ward 4 Councillor Bob Inglis. While about 250 concerned people turned out to a recent resident-hosted public meeting on the proposal, Mayor Rick Bonnette said residents in all corners of the town should be worried about the 4-3 highway. Consultant Gord Feniak confirmed that MTO could look at land beyond the Five to 10 Sideroads delineation for their highway if it's easier to avoid environmental or commercial obstacles. "People have got to get involved," Bonnette said. "This is more than just the landowners south of Georgetown ...this is going to affect our future growth and flies in the face of Sustainable Halton." Ward 3 Councillor Moya Johnson agreed. The people of Georgetown South bought their homes in good faith that the urban boundary was set at 10 Sideroad, she said, "and potentially now they're less than a kilometre from a 12-lane highway. ... It's one thing to move to an area with a highway, but to buy a home ... and (say) `Oh sorry, we're putting not one, but two 12-lane highways within sight of your homes.' That to me is unconscionable." Bonnette generated a postcard for citizens to send to Transportation Miniser Kathleen Wynne protesting the 4-3. Already more than 800 have been handed out, and another 500 have been requested. Want more information? For more details about the highway proposal go to www.gta-west.com. Want to have your say? The deadline to make a comment to MTO has been extended to July 8. Written comments should be sent to www. gta-west.com/commentform.php or to Neil Ahmed, Consultant Project Manger, project_team@gta-west.com If residents are unable to meet that deadline they should call Ahmed at 1-877-522-6916. Want to fight this? · A citizens' group is being formed. Those interested in participating should email Wendy Bruchal, bruchals@aol. com · Pick up a postcard at the Civic Centre and send to MTO Minister Kathleen Wynne, Queen's Park, 77 Wellesley St. W, Ferguson Block, Third Floor, Toronto, M7A 1Z8. Or call Wynne, 416-3279200 or email kwynne.mpp.co@liberal. ola.org Heritage Decks Ltd. 905-873-0368 Heritage Decks specializes in the design and construction of custom cedar decks and built-in spas. Every Heritage deck is meticulously constructed with top quality material and totally original design. Call for a free cheerful estimate. Ask about our lifetime warranty! 'Shop Local' EST. 1984 See customer testimonials and pictures at www.heritagedecks.com 3 Independent & Free Press, Thursday, June 30, 2011 Deck of the Week Lifetime Warranty R ss Ross Physiotherapy Soluons 318 Guelph St. Units 4 & 5 Georgetown (beside Georgetown Honda) www.rossphysio.com 905.873.7677 Golf Fitness and Injury Prevenon Course In Associaon with North Halton Golf and Country Club we are pleased to offer this seminar to show you how to: · Improve posture and decrease pain when playing. · Develop a simple and effecve fitness program to enhance your game. · Turn back the negave influence of aging on golf performance. Date: April 30, 2011 Contact Marc Bezair, North Halton proshop to register, 905-877-3363 x 212 or marcbezair@hotmail.com. registraon closes April 22nd The Sports Injury Professionals · Early morning and evening appointments · No referral required · D.V.A. approved FREESTONE GEORGIA PEACHES TRUCKLOAD SALE INDIAN RIVER DIRECT Wed., July 6th, 9:30 am - 11:30 am Yoyo Japanese Restaurant 357 Guelph St., (beside Ford dealership) GEORGETOWN ACTON Wed., July 6th, 12 noon - 1:00 pm The Olde Hide House (Eastern & Mill) FREESTONE PEACHES 25 LB. BOX e-mail: hassellsauto@bellnet.ca www.hassellautomotive.com Warranty Warranty Warranty Warranty 2004 Nissan Altima 2005 Nissan Altima · A.C · AM/FM CD Player · Power Windows & Doors 2006 Hyundai Tucson · Cruise Contro · A/C · AM/FM CD Player · A/C · AM/FM CD Player · Power Windows & Doors $9,300 2008 Chevrolet Uplander · AM/FM CD Player · A/C · Power Windows & Doors $9,300 $8,900 $11,700 CALL