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Pa ge 1 4 T hu rs da y, Ja nu ar y 8, 2 01 5 - T he IF P - H al to n H ill s - w w w .th ei fp .c a HaltonHighlights January2015 This page has been donated by this newspaper to communicate important information to Halton residents at no cost to taxpayers. Meetings at Halton Region 1151 Bronte Rd., Oakville, L6M 3L1 Meetings can be viewed at Halton.ca/meetings. Please contact us as soon as possible if you have any accessibility needs at Halton Region events or meetings. Jan. 13 9:30 a.m. Health & Social Services Cmte. Jan. 14 9:30 a.m. Planning & PublicWorks Cmte. Jan. 15 9:30 a.m. Administration & Finance Cmte. Jan. 26 9:30 a.m. Budget Review Cmte. Jan. 28 9:30 a.m. Regional Council Keeping you informed by highlighting what makes Halton a great place to live. Gary Carr, Regional Chair NewHalton Region Guide &Waste Collection Calendar coming soon! Strategic Action Plan 2015 - 2018: Shaping Halton's future for the next four years Every four years, in consultation with stakeholders, Halton Regional Council develops a plan that sets out its priorities and establishes its strategic direction. Our draft Strategic Action Plan provides a starting point for discussion. As a Halton resident, your input is valuable and we invite you to provide your comments. We will be hosting a major public meeting on January 21, 2015 from 6-9 p.m. at the Halton Regional Centre, 1151 Bronte Road, Oakville. All residents are invited to attend the meeting or to review the draft plan online and provide your comments. Working together, we will shape Halton's future for the next four years and continue to make Halton a great place to live. Learn more at Halton.ca/actionplan. The Halton Region Guide &Waste Collection Calendarwill be mailed out in late January, and includes everything you need to know about waste collection in our communities. The calendar ranges from February 2015 to March 2016 and features a schedule for Blue Box, GreenCart, garbage, bulk waste/ yard waste collection and information about the Halton Waste Management Site. This year, we have also included up-to-date information on our other Regional programs and services, making the Guide a valuable resource for everyone living in Halton. If you have not received your copy by the first week of February, you can order one through the online service request tool at Halton. ca/waste or by dialing 311. You can also access your waste collection calendar online at Halton.ca/wastecalendar. Halton Region's proposed 2015 Budget and Business Plan now online Connecting People and Services Planning Healthy, Complete Communities Governing for the Future Growing the Regional Economy Protecting the Natural Environment Adapting to Climate Change On December 17, 2014, Regional Council received a presentation on the 2015 Budget and Business Plan for Halton Region with a proposed 1.6 per cent increase in property taxes including Halton Regional Police Services. The Region has been successful in delivering an average tax increase of 0 per cent for Regional Services since 2007, while maintaining or enhancing core services. And since 2007, Council has approved investments in high priority core programs through the budget process including increases for paramedic services, waste management, infrastructure, health and social services programs and more. The proposed 2015 Budget continues the focus on maintaining service levels, making strategic investments and maintaining the tax rate increase for Regional services within the rate of inflation. Surveys show that public satisfaction with Regional services has averaged 98 per cent over the past few years and residents rate the overall quality of life very high at 99 per cent. The 2015 budget will allow these service levels to be maintained, while ensuring Halton's AAA credit rating. The proposed 2015 Budget, including the Regional property tax levy, water and wastewater rates, user fees and charges will be considered at a number of public meetings throughout January. Halton residents are invited to provide input on the proposed 2015 Budget and Business Plan. If you wish to register as a delegate to address one of Halton's budget committees, please contact the Office of the Regional Clerk and Council Services at 905-825-6000 ext. 7405. You may also provide input or comments on Halton's website at Halton.ca/budget.