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Region tells province Hwy. 7 downloading must come with cash Halton is delivering a strong message to the Province-- don't give us authority over any more of your roads unless you plan to send money to look after them. Regional council approved a resolution enunciating that sentiment at its meeting Wednesday. The issue came up because the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) has put forward a proposal to transfer the jurisdiction of Hwy. 7 in the towns of Milton and Halton Hills to the Region. A report from Halton Commissioner of Planning and Public Works Peter Crockett explains the MTO suggested the idea because it has concluded the major road no longer serves a provincial transportation function. But council directed Regional Chairman Joyce Savoline to write to the Minister of Transportation to advise that Halton won't accept the downloading on any provincial highway infrastructure without provision for appropriate and sustainable capital and operating funding. Crockett's report notes the MTO previously transferred provincial Highways 5 and 25 to the Region. Along with the transfers came one-time grants of $122,500 and $10 million. But a study the Region undertook in 1999 showed $23 million would be needed over a five to 10-year period to bring the two highways into a good state of repair and an additional $88 million would be required to widen them. Staff plans to evaluate the MTO's proposal and report back to council down the road. Nine local firefighters honoured Nine firefighters with Halton Hills Fire Protection and Prevention Services were recognized for 25 years of service by the Fire Marshal's Office of Ontario recently. The local firefighters were among 75 from across the province to receive The Fire Services Long Service Medal from Ontario Fire Marshal Bernard Moyle in Markham. Recipients were: · Captain Doug Andrews · Captain Doug Hewitt · Captain Steve McKnight · Acting Captain Doug Ferguson · Safety Specialist Bruce Lewis · Safety Officer John Pickett · Captain David Ford · Captain Bill McGilloway · Firefighter Lyle Prueter The medal, first awarded in 1971, is an expression of public appreciation for the dedication and hard work of Ontario firefighters. It is officially recognized by the Province. Spouses of the firefighters were also formally recognized by the Fire Marshal and were presented with the Fire Services Companion Brooch to recognize the sacrifices made by spouses of firefighters who frequently watch them respond to fire at unusual hours and under trying conditions.