Hospital deal stinks Continued from page 6 7 · Friday, April 16, 2010 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.oakvillebeaver.com and guess who pays for that. The Beaver should be ashamed to assume the local taxpayer share is $200 million. After the final cost is laid out in 2011 and interest payable, the final figure could well be more than $400 million. The provincial government has done a good job of downloading the cost of the new hospital onto the local taxpayers. The Local Health Integrated Network (LHIN) is the one who administers $22 billion of the $33 billion Ontario health care budget and it decides what funding hospitals receive for services and beds. The people of Oakville and the Town councillors know a bad deal when they see one. Oakville residents are going to have a triple whammy. We are still going to pay provincial tax dollars for health care, a local tax levy for the $200 million plus and unknown status of beds and services at the new hospital. On this issue, we are at the mercy of the LHIN on how much funding it will provide. I can assure you of one thing, if people think they will access one of those 80 per cent private rooms without insurance or a Visa card they are dreaming. Hospitals are on tight budgets now and in five years it will be worse and you can bet the government isn't going to pay for the bells and whistles at the new hospital -- you are. This deal stinks. The mayor and councillors will bear a legacy to be ashamed of if they pass this proposal. The provincial government should be funding the Oakville hospital and any other municipality which needs a hospital 100 per cent public through the provincial tax base. KEN ROBERTSON, OAKVILLE For a day you'll remember... A day that starts a life together. T 7 AND AUGUST 14, 2010 AUGUS NOW OPEN We invite you to take advantage of the Glen Abbey Experience. Host your Wedding Ceremony and Reception at our beautiful clubhouse that boasts panoramic views of our stunning golf course. For more information or to book now Contact Leigh Raynor, Catering Sales Manager lraynor@clublink.ca · www.clublink.ca Make hospital an election issue Continued from page 6 905-844-1800 x236 ment efforts could have been implemented. We'd be well on our way with much greater control over the project. That was never allowed to happen. Instead, our old hospital will likely be taken down, at Oakville's expense. Expect that property, in combination with the adjacent school lands, to be bundled into a bungled land deal for a lucky developer. Wait for it. Mark my words. On April 14, The Oakville Beaver throws its editorial weight behind the project. Are we surprised? Municipal elections take place in October of this year. The new hospital might be a done deal, but it should be made an election issue. Take note how your representatives vote and remember to vote come this October. If you can, voice your concerns before the April 19 Town council decision. CRAIG BELL, OAKVILLE Glen Abbey GOL CLUB IT'S A SPECIAL DAY FOR US TOO! All sales are final. No refund exchange or layaway.Payments: Visa, M.C., Debit, Cash and Certified Cheques. Some reserves may apply. Sale subject to additions, deletions, errors and omissions.15% buyers premium & applicable taxes to be added. Crown Assets Auctioneers.1-888-694-9169