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Error: PDF version 1.6 -- xpdf supports version 1.5 (continuing anyway) The Oakville Beaver, Friday June 2, 2006 - 5 By Angela Blackburn OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF It appears Halton Region wants to be very careful before it decides whether to take the oak out of Oakville. At the same time it wants to be very careful before spending half a million dollars of taxpayers' money. Regional council was expected to vote Wednesday on spending $500,000 to save the 240-year-old oak tree outside the Halton Regional Centre by having the widening of Bronte Road go around the tree. The road reconstruction project was otherwise set to go through the spot where the tree has stood since before Confederation -- requiring that the tree be either relocated at an estimated cost of $535,000, or removed. A recent arbourist's report has stated that the tree is no longer the best candidate for relocation just as many members of the public have cried out to save the historic white oak. Last week, Halton's Planning and Public Works Committee, chaired by Ward 6 Councillor Janice Wright, heard a new plan that would save the tree by building around it. It's a modified "build around the tree" option compared to an earlier plan. It wouldn't fly in the face of the environmental approvals granted for the project based on an option that would either remove or relocate the tree. However, at regional council Wednesday, Wright moved that the item go back to committee in light of new information that had come forward. Just what that information is was not elaborated upon at council -- council was being cautious about not doing committee work at council. "I referred the item back to Committee because there was, I felt, a need for further clarification of the staff report. In addition an outpouring of concern over the half million dollars is surfacing. I don't think the report was clear that a portion of the funding would come from development charges. In addition the internal ring road would be necessary if the Campus Plan were approved," Wright said. The new plan to build around the tree would eliminate a southbound left-turn lane into regional headquarters; restrict north access to a right in/right out only access and construct a ring road internal to the Regional Centre. The ring road is likely to be needed anyway as Halton Region and Halton Regional Police, who now share the Regional Centre, prepare to welcome Halton's public and Catholic school boards to an expanded regional centre in future. The issue has been, and is likely to be contentious around the regional council table and though no debate took place Wednesday, a move by Burlington Councillor John Taylor asking for an official position on the tree from Oakville Town Council drew the ire of some, in particular Halton Hills Mayor Rick Bonnette. "It would be helpful if we had Oakville council's position on this," said Taylor. "This is a regional decision and regional money at the end of the day. It would be nice to get input from the regional councillors from Oakville, but I "I'm not lookdon't think we ing for direction, need an official "An outpouring but a piece of inforOakville coun- of concern over mation," said cil position or the half million Taylor. we'll be going dollars is surfacWard 2 down the slip- ing." Councillor Fred pery slope of Oliver said he'd like pitting Halton Janice Wright, to see how many -- Hills against Oakville councillor he mentioned in Burlington and Oakville and the like," said the order of more than 1,200 Bonnette, who voted against new trees -- could be planted saving the tree at the commit- for the same half million dollars that saving the old oak tee level. Taylor said he disagreed, tree would cost. Oliver cut short the debate noting that if the tree were in Burlington, it would be cov- by asking Regional Chair Joyce ered by that city's heritage tree Savoline to call the question bylaw, but in the absence of on sending the issue back to such a bylaw in Oakville, he committee. would like to have information The item is expected to go as to what importance is back to the next planning and placed on the tree. public works committee. · R O H D E · M E P H I S T O · D O R N D O R F · B I R K E N S T O C K · R I E K E R · F I N C O M F O RT · S A L A M A N D E R · R O H D E · M E P H I S T O Tree decision delayed · ROHDE · MEPHISTO · DORNDORF · BIRKENSTOCK · RIEKER · FIN COMFORT · SALAMANDER · ROHDE · MEPHISTO ON SALE NOW ALL MEN'S SHOES (made in Germany) · ROHDE · MEPHISTO · DORNDORF · BIRKENSTOCK · RIEKER · FIN COMFORT · SALAMANDER · ROHDE · M E P H I S T O Come Dad, Get your ROHDE Shoes at Ingeborg's! $ 69.95 Specials $ 79.95 Specials INGEBORG'S WAREHOUSE 1681 FINFAR COURT, MISSISSAUGA Hours: Mon.-Sat. 9 to 5 Sun. 11 to 4 (905) 823-7415 Save up to Unbeatable Values 100% Genuine All Leather Chairs Limited Quantity 50% Special Purchase Pair of Chairs $ 1598 Limited Quantity $ 799 for pair 100% Canadian Made Solid Cherry Bedroom Includes Queen Bed, Large Armoire & Night Stand Special Opportunity $ 6999 $ Limited Quantity 2999 High Style All Leather Loveseats Pair of Loveseats Factory Special $ 2999 $1599 Limited Quantity for 2 pcs Best Values Since 1977 Beside Harvey's 4205 4205 Fairview St. Burlington Appleby Line Mon.-Thurs. & Sat. 10:00-5:30; Fri. 10:00.-9:00; Sat. 10:00 -5:30; Sun. 12-4 Walker's Line Fairview St. 905-634-5298