•T h e IF P • H alto n H ills, Thursday, July 24, 2014 7 We have Moved! Visit us at our new location at 55 Sinclair Ave., Unit 4 Georgetown www.Brooks Heating And Air.ca • Truck Accessories • Upholstery • Heavy Equipment Glass •Window Tinting 354 Guelph Street, Georgetown 905-873-1655 We handle all insurance work.Quality & Service You Can Count On! www.bathstudio .ca 905-702-0885 332 Guelph Street, Georgetown (Across from Canadian Tire) COMMENT Halton on the right course Halton Region is an economic hotspot. Businesses are choosing to locate here because of our low taxes, strong financial position and high quality of life. Halton has had eight consecutive years with a tax freeze and has made significant in- vestments in infrastructure. For example Halton committed $289 million to Regional roads in 2013, an increase from $50 million in 2006. Importantly, 99 per cent of Halton residents rate their quality of life as very high, something we are committed to maintaining. Providing employment lands in Halton is critical to ensuring we support the Re- gion's long-term economic de- velopment potential. With 14 existing and three new employment areas planned by 2021 - Winston Park West in Oakville, Derry Green in Milton and 401 Corridor East in Halton Hills - Halton is investing in a long-term supply of employment lands to meet our forecasted growth and strengthen our economy. To further grow and support our strong economy there is important work being done with Halton's local munici- palities. City of Burlington: The City of Burlington and the Bur- lington Economic Development Cor- poration have undertaken a major Em- ployment Lands Strategy to review the competitiveness and marketing of its five distinct employment districts - Pros- perity Corridor (QEW East and West), Downtown, 407, 403 West and Bronte Meadows (west of Burloak Drive). Town of Halton Hills: Halton is working closely with the Town of Halton Hills to leverage the in- frastructure in place for the Toronto Pre- mium Outlets. The servicing of the Hal- ton Hills 401 Corridor east of Trafalgar Road supports the Halton Hills Premier Gateway. The Region and Town are also work- ing on a Regional Official Plan Amend- ment to service the employment lands (between Sixth and Eighth Lines and north of Steeles Avenue) to facilitate de- velopment before 2021. Town of Milton: Halton Region and the Town of Mil- ton are working together to obtain final approval for the existing Derry Green Corporate Business Park Secondary Plan. Once the Secondary Plan is approved, Halton Region will move forward with servicing for Derry Green which will allow the Town to capitalize on the next wave of office and industrial develop- ments. Another exciting devel- opment is the Mattamy National Cycling Centre (Milton velodrome) currently under con- struction for the 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Games. The velodrome is part of the larg- er Milton Education Village. The proposed future home of the Milton Education Village Innovation Centre is currently located at 555 Indus- trial Drive. The Milton Education Village could feature a 150-acre Wilfrid Laurier University satellite campus. Town of Oakville: The new Oakville Hospital is the cata- lyst for the Town to create a distinct 200- acre global innovation park focused on the life sciences and technology sectors. The proposed Life Sciences & Technol- ogy Park will include a cluster of com- panies in product development, services and research and development (R&D). The Park also proposes to integrate aca- demic institutions that link education and business in R&D and commercial- ization initiatives. By protecting and in- vesting in our employment lands we're ensuring Halton's economy will remain strong. - Gary Carr is the Regional Chair GARY CARR The way we were A familiar site in Glen Williams from 1950, Wheeler's was the general store and post office until 1971. It's now the Copper Kettle Pub. Images courtesy of the Esquesing Historical Society/Content Heritage Halton Hills From mail to brew 'We know Fuellocal.com opens the door' --... see story pg. 23 Don Parker took this photo at a farm that breeds horses that are noted for their very smooth gate. Got a photo you want to share? Email: cgamble@theifp.ca. HELLO FRIEND From our readers 'Quote unquote'