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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver Weekend, Saturday January 26, 2008 - 25 Region joins call for national affordable housing plan Halton Region is voicing its support for a report released Wednesday that calls for a national action plan to end homelessness and deliver affordable housing. The document, put forward by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), asks the federal government for renewed funding commitments to address homelessness and affordable housing across Canada. It also highlights the troubling fact that federal housing funding expires in March 2009. "I would like to congratulate the FCM for making their recommendations for a national housing and homelessness plan and continuing to draw attention to this important issue," said Regional Chair Gary Carr. "To help ensure that people of all incomes and at all stages of life have access to affordable housing, we need senior levels of government to provide sustainable and predictable funding." The report follows last week's release by the FCM of the fourth in a series of theme reports as part of the Quality of Life Reporting System, which focused on how finding affordable housing remains a challenge for many Canadians. The Region was one of 22 communities across Canada that contributed data and technical advice to the report. Halton's Comprehensive Housing Strategy, endorsed by regional council in 2006, describes the need for a variety of housing types at a range of housing costs, including the need for assisted and affordable housing. "Halton Region is at the forefront with our Comprehensive Housing Strategy, working to find housing solutions for people in our community, but getting long-term funding will be key," said Carr. "Our Fairness for Halton campaign addresses the fact that Halton Region cannot accommodate growth targets specified in the Province's Places to Grow plan. Senior levels of government need to provide the financial tools and funding commitments to address municipal infrastructure and social service needs, and that includes housing." The FCM report, entitled `Sustaining Our Momentum: Recommendations for a National Action Plan on Housing and Homelessness' is available through the FCM website at www.fcm.ca. For more information about Halton's Comprehensive Housing Strategy visit www.halton.ca. OPEN HOUSE FOREST GROVE OO TWO LOCATIONS OO O G L E N A B B E Y WO O D S February 2, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. · G R E AT L A K E S & R E B E C CA February 9, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Preschool & Kindergarten ­ Ages 2 1/2 to 5 years (Full days available at Rebecca location only) Before and After School ­ Ages 4 to 12 years March Break and Summer Adventure Camp HANDS ON! NOW THAT'S EXCITING! WE ARE DIFFERENT! · · · · Transportation to and from local schools Flexible to individuals needs One of a kind learning environment Exposure to modern technology, science, fine arts, music & drama REBECCA LOCATION TRANSPORTATION TO AND FROM: Eastview, St Dominics, Mohawk Gardens, Gladys Speers, Ascension, Pinelands, St. Patrick's and Pine Grove WEST OAK TRAILS TRANSPORTATION TO AND FROM: Pope John Paul II, Mother Teresa, West Oak Public, St. Joan of Arc, Captain Wilson, St. Marie & Pine Grove www.forestgrove.ca 3420 Rebecca St. 2275 West Oak Trail Blvd., 905-827-7166 905-827-3085 Fax: 905-827-2878 alicjap@bell.blackberry.net E-mail: karen.chaplin@forestgrove.ca