THURSDAY, JUNE 07, 2012 THE NEW TANNER 13 Our MPP Reports by Ted Arnott MPP Wellington - Halton Hills For almost a year, I have been carefully monitoring the Ministry of Transportation's GTA West Corridor Study. This study seemed to be moving towards a conclusion that was unacceptable to the Council of the Town of Halton Hills: a recommendation to build a new highway along "Alternative 4-3." The Town Council correctly pointed out that a new highway on Alternative 4-3 would cut Halton Hills in two, destroy farmland and heritage sites, and have a negative impact on the environment and local property values. The Region of Halton Council concurred. A better "alternative" to relieve traffic congestion would be to look at widening the 401, the Town maintained. Our Town and Regional Councils were right about Alternative 4-3, and I worked hard for many months to support their position in the Ontario Legislature. Every government decision has a tipping point. On May 15th, I tabled a resolution in the Legislature calling upon the Minister of Transportation to announce that Alternative 4-3 would be removed from further consideration. I spoke to the Minister the next morning, to inform him of my resolution, and urged him to meet again with the Mayor of Halton Hills. The Minister acted immediately, and arranged to meet with the Mayor that very same afternoon. Although partisan politics meant that I was excluded from the meeting, I was pleased when I heard the outcome: the Minister had informed the Mayor that Alternative 4-3 was off the table. I publicly thanked everyone involved, including the Minister. I have recently followed up, asking the Minister for written confirmation of his verbal commitment. As Ronald Reagan used to say: "Trust, but verify." ****** Georgetown Hospital is well known for excellent and compassionate local health care. But it's about to undergo a transformation that will give us even better care, with the addition of a new CT scanner and an expanded, modern emergency room. I was glad to attend the groundbreaking ceremony at the hospital on May 29th, to congratulate everyone who played a part, and to help kick-off the community fundraising campaign. The project is supported by a provincial grant of up to $2.6 million, the Town Council has been very supportive, and generous individual donations have been made and pledged. But local fundraising is needed and will continue. As I said at the event, all of us who have the means should dig deep, and do our part. Now is the time. For more information visit: http//georgetownhospitalfoundation.ca ****** Wellington-Halton Hills MPP Ted Arnott welcomes your comments. He can be reached at 1-800265-2366. His website address is www.tedarnottmpp.com. DINING OPTIONS: Hungry crowds ate in and took out barbecue chicken dinners from the Nassagaweya Presbyterian Church on Saturday. Eating in the church hall (top photo) the feast was enjoyed by, from left: Bill Bishop and Kelly Johnson, served by Claudelle Krauter, Pennie Schrader and Brittany Schrader. Helping with the very busy take outs were, from left: Maryon Snyder, Caroline Paterson and George Myers. Ted Tyler photos Rockwood Saturday June 9, 2012 Rockwood Rubber Duckie Race at Waterside Park EWCS NEWS News and Events Thank you to everyone who participated in the Shamrock Shuffle on May 27. The weather was beautiful and the turn-out of runners and walkers was wonderful to see in support of EWCS and EDHS's Athletic Council. Twelve year old Alexander Maycock won the 5K run, Gary Storey won the 10K, and Christine Moor was the fastest walker. Our next fundraising event is our annual Golf Tournament on July 10 at Guelph Lakes Golf Course. This is the tenth year of this tournament, which has become EWCS's biggest fundraiser of the year, and we hope to raise more than ever. Registration is now open and you can sign-up as a golfer or as a sponsor online through a link on our website (www.ew-cs. com) or stop into one of our offices for a registration form. The tournament is $135 and includes 18 holes of golf, shared cart, barbeque lunch, steak dinner, prizes, awards and silent auction items. Spaces fill-up fast. EWCS is currently looking for two summer students one to help in the office and one to help in programs. More information including eligibility requirements is available on our website. Resumes can be sent to Marlene by June 15. EWCS is having a penny drive. From now until they stop minting them in the Fall, EWCS will be collecting pennies (and other coins, or bills) in big jugs at all of their locations. Even some local stores are involved with collecting the little copper coins. Get rid of your extra change and support a great cause. EWCS will once again have some Kids to Camp funding to send local kids "in need" to quality day camps this summer, such as Erin Hoops Camps, Erin Tennis Camp, and others. Application forms are now available in EWCS offices. Applicants must include a camp's registration form with their application. Funding is limited and filling out an application does not guarantee funding. For more information contact Caroline at 519833-9696. Individuals, church groups, and other organizations who want to further contribute to this great cause can drop their donations to the Erin office labeled "Kids to Camp Fund". 10:00 am Parade through town to Lloyd Dyer Park Prizes will be award in several categories 12:00 - 1:00 pm Thunderforce - Giant Obstacle Course, Little Builders - Bouncy Amusement Luigi's Liquids - Bottle Stall Dunk Tank The Penny Table Airbrush Tattoos Plant Sale Acton Citizens Band Food Booth, Demonstrations, Kid's Games, And More 12:00 - 4:00 pm Games and events in the Park Specializing in: · late model vehicles · tune-ups · electrical diagnosis · Air conditioning · oil changes Bring your lawn chair/blanket and bug spray 7:00 pm - 1:00 am Movie Night Ian Reid will also host an open stage concert on Friday June 8 at 7pm in the pavillian at Waterside Park. Bring your lawn chair and bug spray Air Conditioning System Check Quality and Performance Diagnosis What's Your Beef? Deadline is Tuesday at noon. $ 49.95 special 108 Station St. Rockwood 519-856-1531 Put it in a letter to the Editor! It's better than just chewing your cud!