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Town could not regulate farming or mining g Continued from page 5 7 · Thursday, November 17, 2011 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.insideHALTON.com Oakville's natural environment." The study for the proposed greenbelt expansion area, conducted by the Town of Oakville and Halton Region, focused on the full length of Sixteen Mile Creek, from Hwy. 407 to Lake Ontario. The study also examined the possibility of greenbelt land to encompass Bronte Creek, from the QEW to Lake Ontario. Public consultations, including two open houses, hosted by the Town found residents and stakeholders had a variety of opinions on a greenbelt expansion proposal. Some thought an expansion made sense while others voiced concerns that becoming part of a greenbelt area might bury them in red tape and restrict their ability to make changes to their properties. Town staff said the greenbelt vision and the vision for the Town of Oakville are simply not compatible. While the Town does promote environmental protection, it does not promote agricultural protection, staff said. "Oakville's current policy framework recognizes only existing agricultural uses and does not provide for new agricultural uses. Further, Oakville's zoning bylaw restricts agricultural uses to a few remnant parcels with agricultural zoning or limited permissions for existing uses only," said Biggar. "Despite the fact that Oakville's governance of agricultural uses and mineral aggregate operations is more restrictive, the greenbelt plan provides policies stating that Official Plan and zoning bylaws at the local level shall not contain provisions that are more restrictive than those of the greenbelt. Once established, the Town would not be able to regulate these uses adequately in order to maintain the existing level of environmental protection." Council voted to receive staff's report and to request the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing amend the Greenbelt Plan to introduce policies that address greenbelt expansions in the urban context. These polices, council said, should include limitations on the full range of existing and new agricultural, agricultural-related, secondary uses, normal farm practices and mineral aggregate operations. Say Santa! Free photos and videos with Santa! November 20­December 24 Sunday­Monday Tuesday­Friday Saturday Christmas Eve 11am­5pm 10am­8pm 10am­6pm Reservations only* Your memorable experience with Santa will be captured digitally by photo and video, which you can download, print or send to friends ­ all for free! You're also invited to bring your own camera! Donations will be accepted with 100% of the proceeds benefitting the organization Sleeping Children Around the World. Paws & Claus Pet Photos Mondays, 6pm­9pm Nov. 28, Dec. 5, 12 & 19 Reservations required* All four-legged furry friends are invited to have a free photo taken with Santa. Donations will be accepted with 100% of proceeds benefitting the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides. * Space is limited. In-person reservations only, booked on a first come, first served basis. Visit Guest Services to reserve your time slot. Visit oakvilleplace.com for more information.