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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Friday March 16, 2007 - 3 How we've grown 2006 CENSUS STATS Town of Oakville 2006 population: 165,613 2001 population: 144,738 Population change: 14.4 per cent Total private dwellings: 58,828 Population density per square kilometre: 1,195.2 Land area: 138.56 sq. km 2001 CENSUS STATS Town of Oakville 2001 population: 144,738 1996 population: 128,405 Population change: 12.7 per cent Total private dwellings: 50,000 Population density per square kilometre: 1,044.9 Land area: 138.56 sq. km BARRIE ERSKINE / OAKVILLE BEAVER BUILDING BOOM CONTINUES: Construction workers keep busy putting on a roof on another new home in the former Richview Golf Course area, west of Bronte Road. Halton Region 2006 population: 439,256 2001 population: 375,229 Population change: 17.1 per cent Total private dwellings: 162,346 Population density per square kilometre: 454.2 Land area: 967.17 sq. km Town of Milton 2006 population: 53,939 2001 population: 31,471 Population change: 71.4 per cent Total private dwellings: 18,913 Population density per square kilometre: 147.1 Land area: 366.61 sq. km City of Burlington 2006 population: 164,415 2001 population: 150,836 Population change: 9 per cent Total private dwellings: 65,340 Population density per square kilometre: 885.2 Land area: 185.74 sq. km Town of Halton Hills 2006 population: 55,289 2001 population: 48,184 Population change: 14.7 per cent Total private dwellings: 19,265 Population density per square kilometre: 200.1 Land area: 276.26 sq. km Municipal officials not surprised by census numbers Continued from page 1 numbers) justify our concerns that the Province must deliver the financial tools and funding commitments to accommodate this explosive growth," said Carr. "We already have infrastructure deficits in the areas of schools, highways and hospitals from the growth that has occurred over the last five years." As an example, he pointed to Milton's dire need to either expand its hospital or build a new one. "But this issue isn't even on the radar screen at the Ministry of Health, so Milton won't be receiving any money soon for a new hospital that residents need," he said. "Is this fair?" Carr said the census numbers didn't come as a surprise to the Region, noting that one only has to drive down the road to see the massive growth taking place in Halton. In addition, the Region's planning department prepared a forecast some years ago that estimated Halton would grow by 17 per cent between 2001 and 2006. Region staff had also projected Burlington would grow by nine per cent, Halton Hills by 14 per cent, Oakville by 12 per cent and Milton by 87 per cent, which is 16 per cent more than the town actually grew. So why push the Fairness for Halton campaign now? According to Carr, part of the reason is that a provincial election is on the horizon. "An election campaign is a good oppor- tunity to talk about the issues," he said. He also said that during the recent municipal election, he and other members of regional council heard loud and clear BARRIE ERSKINE / OAKVILLE BEAVER POPULATION BOOM: Oakville's new home construction continues with no slow down in sight. concerns from the community about growth, in turn bringing about the Fairness for Halton message now being delivered by the new council. He noted the census figures "basically underline what we're saying" in the fairness campaign. For Gord Krantz, the mayor of Canada's fastest growing community, the census information on Milton's growth didn't come as a surprise either. "Plans for growth in our community have been in place for more than 15 years, and we've been consistently tracking the growth since the last census was completed in 2001," he said. He added that since Milton is a key growth centre in Halton, a clear commitment needs to be made by all levels of government to provide timely funding for schools, hospitals, roads, recreational facilities and transit to meet residents' needs. Carr urged residents to visit Halton's Web site, www.halton.ca, to find out more about the Fairness for Halton campaign and to forward an on-line postcard to local MPs and MPPs in support of the fairness initiative. -- Melanie Hennessey can be reached at mhennessey@miltoncanadianchampion.com.