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www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Thursday, April 9, 2015 | 14 Halton Highlights 2015 April Council approves Halton Region Strategic Action Plan 2015-2018 On April 1, 2015, Regional Council approved the Halton Region Strategic Action Plan 2015-2018: Shaping Halton's Future. This easy-to-read, transparent document outlines the strategic direction and priorities for the Region over the current term of Council. The Plan features 16 priorities grouped into six strategic priority areas based on the needs of the Halton community. Regional Council developed the Plan through significant consultation with community stakeholders, including residents, businesses, community partners and staff. This feedback provided valuable insight to help ensure the Plan reflects the priorities and needs of all Halton residents. The approved Plan also identifies 96 actions to be undertaken over the current term of Council, with 48 clear measures and outcomes to help track and report on our progress. The Halton Region Strategic Action Plan 2015-2018 will shape a bright future for Halton Region. To learn more, please visit halton.ca/actionplan. Keeping you informed by highlighting what makes Halton a great place to live. Gary Carr, Regional Chair Planning Healthy, Complete Communities Growing the Regional Economy Connecting People and Services Governing for the Future Adapting to Climate Change Protecting the Natural Environment Yard waste collection services have begun Yard waste collection for 2015 began the week of March 30 in the identified areas across each Local Municipality. Collection will take place every other week until December 11 on the same day as your garbage pickup. Please use paper yard waste bags or reusable, rigid containers (no lid). To order a yard waste label at no charge for your reusable container, visit halton.ca/wastetools or dial 311. Initial findings from flooding study now available With changing weather patterns resulting in more frequent and severe storms, including the rain storm last August, a comprehensive study is underway to determine contributing factors to basement flooding in Halton Region and to recommend solutions. The first phase of Halton's Basement Flooding Mitigation Study is now complete. The study focused on seven priority areas in Burlington with homes that have experienced multiple instances of flooding during previous rain storms, including the August 2014 storm. While the study has so far confirmed that Halton's sanitary sewer system is operating effectively, some improvements can be made. On April 1, Regional Council supported moving forward with projects that will enhance the system: up to $3.2 million on various infrastructure improvements and $1.65 million for a voluntary Downspout Disconnection Program. The second phase of the study, which extends to the rest of Halton region, is well underway. The study's final report will be available in the summer. For more details, visit halton.ca/floodstudy. You can also sign up for automatic updates or receive newsletters as the study progresses. Meetings at Halton Region 1151 Bronte Rd., Oakville, L6M 3L1 Visit halton.ca/meetings for full schedule. April 21 April 22 April 22 April 29 9:30 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 1:30 p.m. 9:30 a.m. Health & Social Services Committee Planning & Public Works Committee Administration & Finance Committee Regional Council Please contact us as soon as possible if you have any accessibility needs at Halton Region events or meetings. This page has been donated by this newspaper to communicate important information to Halton residents at no cost to taxpayers.