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th ei fp .c a Th e IF P -H al to n H ill s | T hu rs da y, A ug us t 8, 20 19 | 22 HaltonHighlights August2019 Working to preserve our low taxes and top credit rating in 2020 This page has been donated by this newspaper to communicate important information to Halton residents at no cost to taxpayers. Regional Council has approved the 2020 Budget Directions Report, which officially begins the process for creating next year's Budget. The report confirms that we will aim to maintain existing service levels, invest in key programs and continue our track record of keeping property tax increases at or below the rate of inflation. Halton's exemplary budgetary planning and performance help us efficiently deliver high- quality services and infrastructure to the community. These strengths are essential to preserving our strong financial position, and I am pleased to announce that they have earned us another top credit rating! In June, S&P Global Ratings affirmed Halton's AAA credit rating, and this distinction will support the 2020 Budget by providing us with continued access to the best capital financing rates available. Enhancing safety and well-being in Halton Keeping you informed by highlighting what makes Halton a great place to live. Gary Carr, Regional Chair Meetings at Halton Region 1151 Bronte Rd., Oakville, L6M 3L1 Visit halton.ca for full schedule. September 11 9:30 a.m. Regional Council Please contact us as soon as possible if you have any accessibility needs at Halton Region events or meetings. Halton remains a safe, healthy and resilient region because we continue to work collaboratively on important safety and well-being issues in our community. Since the launch of our award-winning Community Safety and Well-Being Plan in 2017, Halton Region and our community partners have been working together diligently to identify and address priority issues such as: • enhancing access to mental health supports for children and youth; • creating a more coordinated approach to homelessness; • improving the response to sexual assault; • supporting youth exiting child welfare services; • reducing harmful alcohol consumption; and • reducing isolation among older adults. For the full list of our key priorities and more about how our community is developing, implementing and taking action on strategies to strengthen the safety and well-being of Halton residents, visit halton.ca. To read our 2020 Budget Directions report or learn more about Regional finances, please visit halton.ca. Don't wait for a rainy day Halton's Enhanced Basement Flooding Prevention Subsidy programmakes it easier and more affordable to make improvements to your home that can help reduce the risk of basement flooding. The program can assist with the costs of: 1. Downspout disconnection: 100 per cent subsidy up to a maximum of $500. 2. Weeping tile disconnection and sump pump installation: 100 per cent subsidy up to a maximum of $5,000. 3. Backwater valve installation: 50 per cent subsidy up to a maximum of $675. 4. Sewer lateral (pipe) lining and repair: 50 per cent subsidy up to a maximum of $2,000. To apply for a subsidy or find flood mitigation tips and resources, visit halton.ca. 1 2 3 4