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The Oakville Beaver, Friday June 9, 2006 - 7 Catholic trustees want to protect board's identity Continued from page 1 thing unanimously before the project becomes a reality. "Staff believes that the concerns regarding autonomy, identity and Catholicity are addressed in the MOU," he said, explaining that no one is legally bound by the MOU's terms until such time as formal agreements have been settled. When Burlington trustee Bob Van de Vrande expressed worry about possible "irreconcilable differences" between the HCDSB and the other partners, Chair Al Bailey said that, as Catholics, they must be strong enough to move forward and have faith. In a nutshell, the government office "supercentre" concept is one which involves the creation of a major, 540,000 square foot multi-use campus on the Bronte Road property currently occupied by Halton Regional headquarters as well as adjacent land that is up for sale. If it comes to pass, the site would be a central location that would include four distinct, stand-alone areas of office space for the Region, Halton Regional Police, HCDSB and the Halton District School Board, housing about 1,900 staff. It's estimated that the campus would cost approximately $127 million, but would result in an overall savings of more than $20 million for taxpayers ­ as opposed to how much it would cost if each of the four partners pursued individual buildings. The site would also include an outdoor community square and a MultiServices Facility linked to the office space that would house amenities to be shared by the four partners, such as a joint board/council chambers, cafeteria, daycare service, support services or perhaps even a Tim Hortons. The project could prove to be an important step in solving overcrowding at the HCDSB's five cramped administrative facilities and save taxpayers even more money through a host of efficiencies. Still, doubts among some trustees remained, prompting Corbacio on Tuesday to say they're not alone and that the other partners have issues too. "We all have our unique concerns and needs," he said, using as an example the police, who may not want to share a print shop for security reasons. Because of these concerns, said Corbacio, a special Article III was added to the MOU. It states, "This MOU is based on the principle that the recognition and respect for the autonomy and identity of each Participant, their beliefs, culture, culture sensitivity, icons, imagery, uniqueness and values are considered of primary importance in the design and operation of the Halton Regional Campus facility." "That's very important," said Oakville trustee Ed Viana. "Make sure this is in black and white." Other language included in the MOU covers issues ranging from unanimity in decision-making regarding the campus' design to the creation of a Facilities Management Committee to oversee the Multi-Services Facility. Even details such as the "exclusive control" of areas near each partners' entrance from the MultiServices Facility and areas adjacent to their exterior premises have been covered. "Within our space we do as we see fit," said Corbacio. With the possibility of the Province also building a courthouse near the HCDSB site, Milton trustee Rev. David Wilhelm wondered about the "potential for some really nasty problems" transpiring. Corbacio said such issues would be rare and at present, the Province has made no financial commitment to a court. "What's nice, though, is the police department is right around the corner," he laughed. On the financial side, Corbacio explained the Board will purchase its building and contribute to the shared facility ­ about 8.5 per cent of the costs. The Board will also enter into a ground lease with the Region of $10 for 99 years. The next steps for the Board include $42,500 pre-design this July, $516.904 for design in February 2007 and $9,778,682 for construction in early 2008, for a total of just over $10.3 million. If the Board decides to terminate its relationship with the campus in the future, the Region will buy its building for the fair market value at the time. The new OSAP is about possibilities. Grants and subsidized loans enable more Ontario students to invest in their postsecondary dreams. A college or university education opens doors to a brighter, more prosperous future. And the Ontario Student Assistance Program can help make it possible. Ontario is introducing grants and doubling its overall investment in student aid. For the full story on the new OSAP ­ go online. Fair Vote Canada meeting Monday The Halton Chapter of Fair Vote Canada will be holding its Annual General Meeting on Monday, June 12. This event gets underway at 7 p.m. at the Oakville Central Library, 120 Navy St. Guest speaker Susan Pigott, Director of Citizen Engagement of the Ontario Citizen's Assembly Secretariat, will speak about the upcoming Ontario Citizen's Assembly on electoral reform. The mandate of this assembly is to recommend to the Ontario government whether the province should retain the current voting system or adopt a new one. Everyone is welcome to attend. To RSVP contact Bronwen Bruch at 905842-0630 or email bbruch3@cogeco.ca. ontario.ca/newOSAP Paid for by the Government of Ontario