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Ward 3 all-candidates' debate draws full house at OTHS by Nathan Howes Special to the Beaver 5 | Friday, October 10, 2014 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com Ward 3 residents filled Oakville Trafalgar High School's gym to capacity Wednesday to hear the municipal election candidates speak on the top issues. Hosted by the Joshua Creek, Trafalgar-Chartwell, Oakville Lakeside and Chartwell-Maple Grove residents' associations, the meeting provided residents with an opportunity to meet with the candidates ahead of the moderated Q-and-A event. The forum began with questions posed to the eight Ward 3 Town council candidates, followed by those running for Town and Regional council and Oakville mayor. Revitalizing the downtown economy, property taxes, development charges and Oakville's tree canopy were among the topics debated. Vying for Ward 3 Town council, Tim Danter said the reason for vacant lots and shops downtown is the tenants' property taxes. "The (tax rate) percentage has gone down, but the property values have skyrocketed and it's made downtown Oakville a place where stores can't compete against Kerr Street, against any of the strip malls," said Danter. Local council candidate Andrew Pask noted the tax increase for the Downtown Business Improvement Area (BIA) for 2014 was .38 per cent, so "we have been going in the right direction." He said the Town should bring in outside ex- VOTE 2014 perts to help revitalize businesses. "Hopefully, we can get those storefronts full again, also with the backing and support of partners who own corporate properties," said Pask. Local council candidate Scott Weller said it's not "all doom and gloom" downtown, adding people should not believe the issue "is so huge that we need another study," which drew immediate applause from the crowd. He stated stores are going out of business because no one is downtown, so he wants to "bring people in" for free with Oakville Transit on a trial basis. Weller also suggested a boutique hotel, "so when people come here as tourists, they stay here," he said. On whether Halton's property tax base should remain the same, increase or decrease, Dave Gittings, who has been the ward's Town councillor and now wants its regional/Town seat left vacant by Keith Bird's retirement, said the regional tax base is under pressure and the only way it could be increased is with an influx of new residents and employment. Ben Palmer had a similar response, noting he would try to match inflation as much as possible, but cautions, "None of us can promise we won't do it because we never know what will happen tomorrow." Speaking on the topic of developers obtaining their own financing for infrastructure, mayoral incumbent Rob Burton said he has fought strongly to ensure developers pay "as much as possible of every nickel that is required to support growth." "Our policy is that the developer has to borrow the money to pay for the infrastructure and take the risk of whether the growth will come or not," said Burton. Mayoral candidate Gordon Brennan argued Burton and Ward 4 Regional and Town incumbent Allan Elgar want to increase the development charges to 100 per cent from the current fees of 60-65 per cent, which he said isn't needed. "We don't need to fight them at the OMB (Ontario Municipal Board) all the time. We don't see Tree on p.11 A STEP BEYOND IN CARE Do you have: Salima Kassam Reg. Chiropodist · Foot/Arch Pain? · Ingrown Toenails? · Diabetes? · Swollen Ankles? · Corns, Calluses? Call for an appointment 905-632-1414 728 Burloak Drive www.footandhealthclinic.com Voted Number 1 Financial Planner 11 Years MacLachlan's small school approach embodies a strong sense of community and a warm family atmosphere for students in Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12. MacLachlan College Open House We invite you to attend our Open House on Saturday, October 25 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Learn about our new Bursary Program for students entering Grade 8 and 9 in September 2015. Peter Watson MBA, CFP, R.F.P., CIM, FCSI Certified Financial Planner Since 1991 DIAMOND 905-844-0372 ext. 235 admissions@maclachlan.ca 337 Trafalgar Road, Oakville www.maclachlan.ca 220 Randall Street · Downtown Oakville Phone: 905.842.2100 www.peterwatsoninvestments.com