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www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Friday, April 10, 2015 | 10 continued from p.9 · Overall, Halton's non-residential construction values have increased 19 per cent on average annually over the last decade; · Relative to population, Halton experienced the most active development market across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA) in 2014 at just over $3,000 in total construction value per resident. In fact, Halton accounted for 17 per cent of the GTHA's $1.1 billion industrial market and seven per cent of the GTHA's $4.3 billion commercial market; · Halton's total building permit construction value of $1.53 billion increased two per cent Findings based on variety of indicators across region over 2013 and nearly 14 per cent since 2011; · With respect to non-residential development, Halton's industrial building permit construction values rose 68 per cent to $177 million with 914,571 sq.ft. of total (new and expanded) floor area built in 2014; · Overall commercial construction values totalled $299 million, a slight decrease of 10 per cent over 2013. But commercial office development saw a 186-per-cent increase in total floor area built, reaching 603,278 sq.ft.; · Institutional construction values dropped 75 per cent over 2013, in large part due to the fact that the building permits for the new Oakville Hospital were issued in 2013; · Total built floor area in Halton's industrial and commercial office market increased 32 and 186 per cent respectively over 2014; · Average net rents in Halton remained competitive for both the industrial and commercial markets. In 2014, Halton industrial rents averaged $5.61 per sq.ft. compared to a GTA average of $5.18 per sq.ft., while Halton commercial rents averaged $17.10 per sq.ft. compared to a GTA average of $18.04 per sq.ft.; · Halton also maintained competitive tax rates for both industrial and commercial landowners. Industrial tax rates in 2014 were at or below average compared to other municipalities across the GTA while commercial property tax rates in Halton are among the lowest in the GTA; · Significant progress with respect to strategic plans, planning approvals, and water and waste- water servicing for major employment areas in all four municipalities has ensured Halton remains competitive and is ready for new investment opportunities; · There was a creation of 94 new start-ups and 130 new jobs through multiple programs and services offered at the Small Business Centre with significant contribution for this coming from the introduction of the new Starter Company program for youth entrepreneurs aged 18-29; · Increased awareness and promotion of Halton agri-tourism industry through several events including the inaugural Food Tourism Summit, Pumpkin Trail and Harvest Halton, attracted over 400 attendees; · All told, 24 new family physicians (15 fulltime and nine part-time) established practices in Halton in 2014. DIAMOND Picture to the right is our growing family in our award winning garden in S.E. Burlington Winner of the 2014 and 2013 Reader's Choice Award for Best Landscape Company Town loose leaf collection set to get started The Town of Oakville will begin spring loose leaf collection from Monday, April 20-Friday, May 1 in designated neighbourhoods. Information on collection zones and dates can be found at www.oakville.ca or by calling Service Oakville at 905-845-6601. Residents are reminded to: · Keep leaf piles separate from wood debris including large twigs, brush and branches; · Place all loose leaves on the boulevard or on the shoulder, not over catch basins or in ditches; · Make sure leaves are free of garbage; · Put leaves out no earlier than seven days before the first day of scheduled pickup and no later than 7 a.m. on that first day of collection. Halton Region separately provides bagged leaf and yard waste collection service on regular garbage collection days from March 30-Dec. 11. Call 311 or visit www.halton.ca/waste for more information or collection schedules. Custom Garden & Lawn Maintenance Packages as well as complete We specialize in affordable Design Services We are celebrating our 12th year in business! · Spring & Fall Clean-up · Garden and Lawn Maintenance · Landscape Concept Planning & Recommendations · Garden Design, Restoration, Planting & Removal of Materials Our comprehensive list of services include: · Seasonal Urns & Custom Planters · Lawn De-thatching, Seeding, Sodding · Installation of Compost, Mulch, RiverRock, Flagstone Walkways · Rock Gardens, Dry Wells · Disposal Services www.silverriverlandscaping.com · www.facebook.com/SilverRiverLandscaping 905-333-1276 · eablakely@silverriverlandscaping.com S t y l e , S e l e c t i o n , Q u a l i t y, e x c e l l e n c e Torlys EvErWood lvT WaTErproof floor CobblE bEaCh Torlys EverWood & EverTile $ 69 ULTIMATE FLOORING beautiful. durable. waterproof floors. v Hardwood v Laminate v Stone v Tile v Cork 4 sq. ft. 266 Speers Road, Oakville · 905.845.8562 www.speersflooring.com