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Municipalities looking to improve emergency response systems continued from p.11 Staff is expected to report back on the estimated full costs associated with the storm recovery and how large an impact the storm had on Oakville's tree canopy. A longer-term replanting strategy will be developed to ensure future canopy targets can be achieved, according to a Town report. Funding for the storm clean-up has also not yet been identified. The Town asked Ontario's minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing to declare Oakville a "disaster area" so it is eligible for help under the Ontario Disaster Relief Assistance Program, which looks at the financial capacity of the municipality to respond and cope with significant emergency events. Burton also noted how he, along with 22 other GTA leaders, appealed to both the provincial and federal governments to provide one-third of the cost for the significant damages and expenses arising from the December ice storm. March 1 response is sought They met with Ontario's Minister of Municipal Affairs Linda Jefferies where the mayors persisted on a special package that would make affected municipalities "whole," he said. The mayors have given both the provincial and federal governments a March 1 deadline to respond. The Town is also looking at improving communication -- investigating the logistics of having one phone number residents can call to get all the information they need during a severe storm, said Burton. Meanwhile some councillors are seeking more information on how multi-storey buildings should be evacuated and the Town's emergency plans. Region-wide approach Town CAO Ray Green said he's aware of property managers and landlords, who are interested in learning more about evacuation plans and has been speaking with the CAO at Halton Region, who spoke about looking at a region-wide approach to get the word out on how evacuation works. He explained each building under the Ontario Fire Code should have an evacuation plan, but how it's integrated into the Town and Region's plan will be discussed at future information sessions. Burton has also suggested holding a special council meeting to revisit the Town and Region's emergency plan so councillors can refresh their memory about how it all works. 13 | Friday, February 21, 2014 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com TASTE DOWNTOWN OAKVILLE Don't miss this, and other great deals! Visit Follow us: @wagjag Proudly Canadian facebook.com/wagjag $10 FOR $20 TOWARDS MEDITERRANEAN FOOD AT MONTFORT GRILL HOUSE CHOOSE FROM 4 LOCATIONS EST. 1986 Event brought to you by the Businesses of Downtown Oakville and the generous support of : Buy Online: 1 How to buy a WagJag: Go to www.wagjag.com 2 50% off $10.00 3 Receive your deal, tell your friends and enjoy! Click buy on the offer and follow the instructions. Brought to you by oakvilledowntown.com/taste