Town wants community representation on Clean Air Task Force With a 900-megawatt gas-fired power plant on the horizon, the Town of Oakville is asking the Province for guarantees that the air quality of the Oakville-Clarkson Airshed will not suffer. The Province announced its intention to improve air quality in the southwest GTA the same day the Ontario Power Authority (OPA) awarded TransCanada a contract to build and operate the Oakville Generating Station on the Ford-owned lands of 1500 Royal Windsor Dr. On Monday, Town Council passed a motion requesting participation in the development of an air quality improvement plan the Province is formulating to reduce emissions and industrial energy consumption within the southwest GTA. The motion included a request that the Town of Oakville and the community be granted representation on the new Clean Air Provincial Task Force, which the Ministry of the Environment has charged with developing a detailed action plan to improve air quality through the reduction of emissions from local industrial, vehicular and residential sources. "Council wants seats at the table with the Province to make sure the health of our community is protected," said Mayor Rob Burton. "We know our residents are equally committed to ensuring the Province takes action to improve the air quality of the Oakville-Clarkson Airshed, and they deserve to have their voices heard as well." Council wants a comprehensive plan with actual air quality improvement targets, timelines, strategies and reporting requirements. A request that the appropriate environmental, health and engineering experts be retained to provide insight into the development of the plan and a request that the Province set aside enough money to actually implement the plan were also included in the motion. Council wants Oakville Hydro, Union Gas and the Town of Oakville to have a say in the design of the Province's new industrial energy efficiency program, which is intended to reduce electricity and gas consumption in the southwest GTA. The Ontario Power Authority (OPA) will provide up to $30 million over five years to fund this program. Council has also asked the Town of Oakville and the community be involved in the Working Group on Cleaner Energy and Industrial Efficiency, which includes the cement company Holcim Canada Inc., the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure and the OPA. The group has been formed to examine opportunities to achieve cleaner industrial emissions, including the feasibility of various options related to demand side management, co-generation and fuel mix optimization. These recommendations are built on suggestions put forth by the Chair of the Citizens for Clean Air Coalition Doug Mackenzie at a special meeting of council held on Oct. 20. Burton noted that council has already called on the province to require a full environmental assessment of the proposed site of the gas-fired power plant and to introduce provincial regulations on air emissions known as PM2.5. "We are committed to working together with residents, our MPs and MPPs and Halton Region to challenge the OPA's decision to locate a power plant so close to residential homes and schools," said Burton. A report issued by Town staff on Monday's requests points out that asking for representation on the Provincial Task Force is about ensuring Oakville's interests are made clear and should not be seen as signifying council's support for the Oakville Generating Station. 7 · OAKVILLE BEAVER Thursday, November 5, 2009 Correction Notice We would like to apologize for a pricing error that appearing in the Glenleven advertisement Wednesday, November 4, 2009 edition of The Oakville Beaver. The following rates shown should have read bi-weekly. Brand New 2010 GRAND CARAVAN With $0 DOWN For Only $ INCLUDING Freight, Admin., Tire Warranty, Taxes, Fuel Fill, License Transfer! 84 Month Term, 5.99% O.A.C. Stock #AT017 199 biweekly Brand New 2010 RAM 1500 CREW CAB 4X4 With $0 DOWN For Only $ INCLUDING Freight, Admin., Tire Warranty, Taxes, Fuel Fill, License Transfer! 84 Month Term, 5.99% O.A.C. Stock #AT028 285 biweekly GLENLEVEN CHRYSLER C H RYS L E R · J E E P · D O D G E 2388 ROYAL WINDSOR DR., OAKVILLE 905.845.7575 50% OFF any size Bed with the purchase of matching bedroom pieces* *5 pieces Mississauga 2111 Dunwin Dr. · (905) 820-6556 (W. of Erin Mills Pkwy on Dundas) Vaughan 255 Bass Pro Mills Dr. · (905) 761-5352 w w w. p a l m a b r a v a . c o m (Direct opposite Vaughan Mills Shopping Centre)