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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Friday May 23, 2008 - 15 Region warned against scaring away new businesses Continued from page 14 trial/commercial brokerage community, once again listed several companies that are already choosing to locate outside of Halton in places where it's cheaper to develop. Oakville Chamber of Commerce executive director John Sawyer said significant increases in DCs make it hard to attract investment in the community. He also noted that Region needs incentives for businesses to invest in Halton, not barriers. And Steve Deveaux, who spoke on behalf of residential developers Tribute Communities and the Metrontario Group, strongly urged the committee to maintain the status quo and charge DCs on an area-specific basis. Currently the Region charges Halton-wide DCs for roads and general services and area-specific DCs for water and wastewater, with the latter fees being higher in Halton Urban Structure Plan (HUSP) areas where rapid development is taking place, like Milton, north Oakville and the Milton/Halton Hills 401 corridor. While Region staff had been recommending a region-wide DC structure, Burlington Councillor Peter Thoem put forward a motion amendment -- on behalf of fellow Burlington Councillor John Taylor, who doesn't sit on the committee -- that called for the area-specific DCs. Regional Chair Gary Carr was critical of such a motion coming up "at the last minute." He and Burlington Councillor Jack Dennison went on to argue that the two DC options -- area-specific and regionwide -- were outlined in every report staff has prepared on the topic over the past several months. "This has been discussed over and over," Taylor said. "I don't see what's confusing at all." Thoem's motion was ultimately supported by the majority of committee. It will now go before regional council at its meeting Wednesday for a final decision. If the area-specific DCs are approved by council, then the cost to develop a home in a HUSP area would go from $22,752 to $28,864 and from $13,677 in a non-HUSP area to $23,764. The price for a retail development in a HUSP area would rise from $12.09 per square foot to $14.79, while non-HUSP retail would pay $11.23 per square foot, up from the current $10.36. Manufacturing, office and warehousing businesses would have to fork over a discounted rate of $10.74 per square foot in HUSP areas, up from $9.59, and $7.18 per square foot in non-HUSP areas, which is down slightly from the current $7.85. Once the discounts are phased out though, these fees would be the same as those for retail developments. A Bold New Look At Window Coverings Live & Feel the Craftsman Difference Our living spaces are evolving. Open floor plans focus on bringing the outside in. It's about using light as opposed to controlling it. Colour, texture and pattern provide inspiration, affect our mood and influence how we live and feel. We invite you to live and feel the Craftsman difference · Fast & Free Estimates by Phone or Email · Convenient, No Obligation In-home Consultations · Custom Shapes, Sizes, Colours & Stains · Friendly, Courteous and Professional Sales & Service · Prompt & Efficient ­ Order to Install Talk to us today and we will take $50 OFF your order of $500 or more! Craftsman Custom Built Shutters & Blinds 416.282.4229 crafstmanshutter.com Proudly serving the GTA for more than 10 years Retirement Income: will you have enough? Try this simple exercise: What is your age now? What age will you retire? What age will you live to? b minus a = years to save c minus a = years to spend What if you have to retire earlier? {most common reasons are your health, a family member's health, or job loss} What if you live longer? {for a couple at age 65 there is a 63% probability of one person living to age 90+} What if inflation repeats itself? {The standard "basket" of goods which cost $100 thirty years ago, costs $315 today!} a b c If you have retired or expect to within 15 years you should attend one of these seminars on: Guaranteed Retirement Income Guaranteed 5% Lifetime Withdrawal Amount at 65 Earn Income Bonuses for up to 15 years Bonuses may increase Withdrawal Amount by 75% Potential to increase income in retirement Call 905-815-1035 to register Seating is Limited Refreshments will be served TUESDAY MAY 27TH 2:00pm WEDNESDAY MAY 28TH 7:00pm at the Holiday Inn Select Bronte 2525 Wyecroft Road, Oakville