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Province should pay growth OMB costs Many of you know that I have not been a fan of the "Places to Grow" legislation and I have written about this many times in this column. This is the legislation where the Province has mandated Halton Region to almost double our population from 400,000 to 780,000 by 2031. Halton Hills has accepted a modest increase of 20,000 with Milton taking the bulk of the growth. Now there are other developers pushing to add an extra 40,000 to Halton Hills. The financial impact to municipalities from this legislation has already been significant and the OMB (Ontario Municipal Board) costs will be staggering as developers will be challenging the municipalities and the Region on our decision. The lawyers and the consultants will get rich on this one. Last council meeting, your Council approved a motion put forward by myself requesting that the Province of Ontario cover all appeal costs to the OMB for this Growth Plan Conformity Exercise. After all, these projected astronomical legal and consulting costs will be borne by our present taxpayers based on the Provinces initiatives. **** July 19th at 2:30 p.m. will be the official opening of the Superior Glove Splash Pad in Acton at Prospect Park. The splash pad features a truly unique fish theme. This will be a real benefit to Prospect Park as a community destination. **** Thank you to all the volunteers who worked so hard on putting on a great Canada Day. The Glen, as always takes centre Rick Bonnette stage on Canada Day with many activities throughout the day. Prospect Park in Acton was also a beehive of activity with musical entertainment and followed by the Acton Firefighters Association putting on a fantastic fireworks display. While most of us enjoyed the activities I give full accolades to all of the volunteers who assisted in making Canada Day special for all of us. Speaking of volunteers, I would like to congratulate Eva Murdock on being selected as Glen Williams Citizen of the Year. **** Six more soccer fields are well underway at Trafalgar Sports Park thanks to Georgetown Soccer Club and Canada's Economic Action Plan and Ontario Infrastructure Funding. Construction is well underway with completion set for the fall 2010. Watch for further details in the Spring of 2011. **** Congratulations to Salon Pure Environment on their grand opening on Guelph St. in Georgetown. **** Keeping it real! I can be reached at 905873-2601, ext. 2342, or by email at mayor@ haltonhills.ca or you can read my blog at www.rickbonnette.blogspot.com. Garden Supplies Landscape Supplies We cover you from start to finish on all your outdoor living · Over 40 Years Experience · Experienced Staff to Help You Choose The Best For Your Home · Design Service Available · One of the Largest Selections of Patio Slabs · Aggregates · Top Soil · Decorative Stone · Mulches D&N 7 Independent & Free Press, Tuesday, July 13, 2010 formerly All Homeowners & Contractors Welcome 905-846-1818 10064 Hurontario St · Brampton £Limited time lease offers based on new 2010 Honda models. 0.9% lease rate available for 24 months on new 2010 Accord Crosstour models through Honda Financial Services on approved credit. Limited time financing offers based on new 2010 Honda models. 0.9% purchase financing available for 36 months on new 2010 Accord Crosstour models through Honda Financial Services on approved credit. ¥$6,000.00 price reduction available on new 2010 Odyssey SE, EX-L, EX-L RES and Touring models; $2,000.00 price reduction on 2010 Odyssey DX model. $5,000.00 price reduction available on new 2010 Ridgeline models. Price reduction amounts valid only on cash purchase transactions, and may not be combined with any other offer. Retailer may sell for less. Retailer order / trade may be necessary. £//¥Offers valid from July 5th, 2010 through August 3rd, 2010 at participating Honda retailers. Offers valid only for Ontario residents at Ontario Honda Dealers locations. Offers subject to change or cancellation without notice. See your Honda retailer for full details. Pay Cash and you really win. THE GEORGETOWN HONDA $5000 SUMMER CASH GIVEAWAY. ¥ We Race, You Win. Win a chance at $5000 with the lease or purchase of any new or used vehicle. There is $5000 being given away in July & August and it is just waiting for you. This amazing offer is available ONLY at GEORGETOWN HONDA. ON EVERY RIDGELINE & ODYSSEY LEASE OR PURCHASE FINANCING AS LOW AS Ridgeline EX-L model YK15AJNZ Odyssey Touring model RL3H8AK proud sponsors of the honda indy toronto ENJOY THE EXCITEMENT OF THE HONDA INDY - FREE! TH BUY YOUR INDY TICKETS AT YOUR HONDA DEALERSHIP 0.9 % £ 2010 CROSSTOUR model TF2H5AKN EX-L 4WD NAVI FREE FRIDAY JULY 16 GET A PADDOCK PASS AT NO CHARGE! 3.9 % For tickets go to hondaindytoronto.com OR CHOOSE from as low as for 60 months