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THURSDAY, JANUARY 19 2012 THE NEW TANNER 11 Township Digest Costly Chapel improvements The discovery of rotting deck work at the Gladys Hannah Chapel at the Rockwood Cemetery hiked the repair bill to $33,374, over budget by $9,374. Guelph/Eramosa To w n s h i p C o u n c i l 's recent approval of the over-expenditure came after the unexpected repairs were done. Parks and Recreation manager Robin Milne said during repairs they also found the deck was not connected to an outside bearing wall. Milne authorized the additional repairs, paid from the Gladys Hannah Chapel Trust Fund, established with a bequest from Rockwood resident Gladys Hannah in 1992 after her death. Not much is known about Gladys Hannah, except that she was unmarried, lived in the village and had worked at an Acton glove f a c t o r y. H a n n a h a n d some of her ancestors are buried in the Rockwood Cemetery, and some in Everton. knows that we're trying to meet the demands of our growing population and economy in the GTHA. We're looking at ways to build transportation links between large employment and population centres in the greater Golden Horseshoe and to US markets. There is a study under way, as you're aware. We've also commenced some additional studies. We will take the community's interests very seriously moving forward. .... Mr. Ted Arnott: ...I appreciate the minister's interest, but I have to say that his answer will not satisfy my constituents. A new highway built along alternative 4-3 would cut our community in half, destroy farmland and heritage sites, and have a negative impact on our local environment. The town has identified a reasonable and practical alternative: the widening of the 401, which would have to be a more costeffective solution in the current constrained fiscal environment that we're in. The block building was designed by Eden Mills architect Charles Simon. Milne said the chapel is "underutilized" with maybe one memorial service Now is not the time for more dithering on this issue. We need a clear and unequivocal answer. Will the Premier assure my constituents that he will put an end to alternative 4-3 once and for all? Hon. Bob Chiarelli: We've received a lot of input and comments on the draft strategy and we've heard the concerns from local r e s i d e n t s ... . We w i l l conduct additional analysis and consultation on the highway recommendations in the Halton area. The a year and the "odd funeral." He said there is $36,332 remaining in the trust fund, which in theory should sustain itself if they only spend the interest. He said that ad d itio n al w o r k w ill examine in greater detail the impacts on farms, rural communities, businesses and natural features. We will bring forward the results for full public review and discussion before any decision on next steps. We take the concerns very seriously. ... We will work with the community to try to find alternatives. But we have to wait for the full analysis to take place... ****** Clearly, in light of the Minister 's answer, we will be a "pretty tough balancing act" because of low interest rates and unexpected repair costs. "Hopefully, the roof will last another 25 or 30 years," Milne said. need to continue to speak up on this issue. I continue to work with our Town and Regional Councils and area residents to voice our opposition to Alternative 4-3. I have also launched a petition which is available on my website. I hope that I can present the petitions in the Legislature when it resumes in February. ****** Wellington-Halton Hills MPP Ted Arnott welcomes your comments. He can be reached at 1-800-2652366. His website address is www.tedarnottmpp.com. Our MPP Reports by Ted Arnott MPP Wellington - Halton Hills During the recent provincial election campaign, I made no promises, save one ­ I promised my best efforts on behalf of all the people of Wellington-Halton Hills, if re-elected. However, I did articulate the next steps I would want to take in the Legislature in response to the McGuinty Government's controversial GTA West Corridor Study. I said I would want to ask questions of the Government during Question Period, amongst other specific steps. The following is the text of my questions on December 5 and the responses from the Minister of Transportation taken from Hansard, the official record of the Legislature's debates. Due to space constraints, the text has been abbreviated. ****** Mr. Ted Arnott: ... In 2007, the McGuinty government launched the GTA West Corridor study, saying that they wanted to have a comprehensive study of transportation options through our area. One of the options they've identified through this process, alternative 4-3, has been rejected by the councils of the town of Halton Hills and the region of Halton, and by thousands of residents. Just before the election, I called for the GTA West Corridor study to be put on hold pending a review... by the next Minister of Transportation. Days later, they announced the delay. Now we have a new minister. My question to the Premier is this: Will he tell the minister to listen to the people of Halton Hills and take alternative 4-3 off the table? .... Hon. Bob Chiarelli: ... We're taking your issue very, very seriously, but of course the member Rockwood Volunteers Sought For Lead-testing In Private Homes The Township of Guelph/Eramosa is now entering the third 12 month period for lead sampling and is now seeking out volunteer homes and businesses for testing in Rockwood. This free offer is to everyone connected to Municipal water regardless of the age of your home. VOLUNTEERS' COMMITMENT By volunteering, participants commit to having two water operators visit their homes to take a sample from your kitchen tap twice per year; Once between Feb. 15, 2012 ­ April 15, 2012 Again between June 15, 2012 ­ Oct 15, 2012 Operators collect three one-litre samples of tap water over the course of one hour. The samples are taken after letting a tap run for five minutes, allowed to settle for 30-35 minutes (during which time the plumbing is not used) and then the samples are collected. The test results will be shared with you and must also be communicated to the Wellington Dufferin Guelph Public Health and the Ministry of the Environment. If you are interested in participating, please contact 519-856-9596 ext 122 for an application form and further information or visit our web site at www.get.on.ca.