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Town has a moral obligation Continued from page 3 Green building kudo for Town The Town of Oakville's green building initiatives were recognized Wednesday with a 2012 Sustainable Communities Award from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM). Oakville Mayor Rob Burton was presented with the award during the FCM's 2012 Sustainable Communities Conference and Trade Show, which was held in Ottawa. Oakville received the award because of a number of facilities and policies present within the town, including: · The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver Sixteen Mile Sports Complex · The LEED Silver Transit Facility · The Town's sustainable design procedure and sustainable design guidelines · The Town's policies concerning energy management "As FCM president, I have had the chance to travel to communities all across Canada, and I can say that this year's award winners are in great company," said Berry Vrbanovic. "The impressive range of examples of environmental leadership I have seen on the ground shows that municipalities are playing a key role in driving the emerging green economy." Burton said the award speaks to Oakville's recognition of the economic and social importance of being environmentally progressive and the Town's leadership role in ensuring future sustainability. 5 · Wednesday, February 15, 2012 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.insideHALTON.com "I think we entered into a covenant agreement with the memory of Jim Gairdner to maintain that presence," he said. Bird was not a councillor at the time the Town received the property, but he was a board member of the then-new Gairloch Gallery. He said there is a danger for the Town, in selling this property, which he said would fetch a hefty sum of money. Such a sale would have consequences, both immediate and in the longterm. Immediately, there would be backlash from the community, he said. In the long-term, it would discourage future similar donations. "Why would future (donors) come forth knowing council is just going to flip it and take the money?" he asked. "Intuitively, there would be immediate pushback and then the long-term consequences would send a strong message to anybody thinking of making a gift. Why would you?" Historically, Bird added, the Town has not had an easy time selling public spaces without backlash from the community. Oakville has also greatly benefitted from people making legacy donations to the public, he said. The Town, he noted, has a moral obligation not to turn these gifts around for profit or tax relief. Bird said that every generation in Oakville's history has seen someone who cared enough about the town to dedicate lands or money to it. GRAHAM PAINE / OAKVILLE BEAVER lakefront property: Pictured here is the heritage home that currently functions as an Oakville Galleries art gallery in Gairloch Gardens. The property is a public park on the shore of Lake Ontario in southeast Oakville. "Just stand and look at the donor wall at Hyland, director of Oakville Galleries. "We look Oakville-Trafalgar (Memorial) Hospital." forward to working with Town staff to find a new If the Town sold the home, Town staff and permanent home for the galleries . . . We feel that Oakville Galleries would look for a more suitable a bit more space would dramatically expand the location for a new gallery, said Lalonde. This kinds of programs we can offer to members of could result in Oakville Galleries gaining the our community." space it wants. Hyland noted the organization is hoping to "Our home in Gairloch Gardens has served us consolidate the two galleries into one. However, well for many years, but the organization's needs he added those conversations are still in their have long outgrown the facility," said Matthew early stages. www.haltech.ca A Sweetheart of a Deal Thursday February 9 - Saturday February 25 Do you operate a Technology based business or considering a start-up? Introducing Strategy Saturdays This fast-paced intense workshop is designed to give you real world experience in starting business planning process by answering the tough questions in a group style setting. You will leave this seminar with the first step of your business plan. If you have a business partner or another member of your team or project bring them to this important event. When: February 25th · Location: The Holiday Inn @ Bronte, · The Royal Room: 2525 Wyecroft Rd., Oakville ON · Hours: 8 AM registration, Workshop runs 8.30 AM ­ 3.30 PM · Cost: $35 lunch and workbook will be provided. 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