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Wednesdsay November 8, 2000 THE OAKVILLE BEAVER A5 X Region approves sound barriers for noise-challenged residents y B y Ire ne G e n tle SPECIAL TO TH E BEAVER Residents hoping to reduce the racket o f passing traffic may find sal vation in Halton's new noise reduction policy. Its aim is to cut through the din to improve the quality of life for Halton residents whose homes back on to traf fic-clogged Regional roads. The policy to erect noise walls in decibel-challenged neighbourhoods over a 10-year period was approved by Regional Council last week. They'd rise only in noise sensitive areas with no other viable options for dimming the din. Cost o f the walls would be split, with 75% covered on the general tax bill and 25% by the affected residents. Although the total cost will vary according to what type of barrier is erected, the cost is expected to be about $400,000 in the first five years, and $425,000 for the final five years. But Oakville resident- Cheri Bain appeared before council to ask that tax payers pay the full freight. "We'll be requesting that the Region pay 100% of the cost," she said. She asked that a 1% increase be instated across the board to pay for the project. Once the walls are up, taxes could be reduced to their former level. `T h is isn't something that will last forever," said Bain. She also asked to speed up the pace of the policy. "We have a hard time asking resi dents who have waited 20 years to wait another 10 years," said Bain. B urlington resident Jerry Horak asked council to consider putting a lid on noise in his area by reducing the speed lim it on Regional Road 5 (Dundas Street) from 80 kms to 60 kms. `Traffic has increased substantially since Waterdown was built up," he said. "But there's nothing really men tioned about reducing speed limits." Lowering speeds would motivate loud trucks to use other roads, added Horak, substantially decreasing the noise problem. But the request baffled Burlington Councillor Mike Wallace. "Are you seriously asking us to reduce the speed from 80 kms to 60 kms," he asked. "Do you think that's feasible for us?" And shifting truck traffic elsewhere .would only transfer the problem, noted Halton's Planning commissioner Pat Murphy. "I don't think reducing truck traffic on Regional Road 5 is a realistic option," he said. "It has to go some where." Horak also asked for natural noise buffers in the form of tree planting to be considered in place of wood or con crete barriers. Burlington Councillor Jack Dennison strongly objected to putting the lion's share of the costs on the regional tax base, saying residents knew what they were getting into when they bought their homes. `T hose roads were always planned as major roads and the people who bought there bought for less," he said. `Thirty years ago, anyone could have seen that coming." But there's no way people could have predicted the current vehicular onslaught, countered Burlington Councillor John Taylor. "Who could have anticipated 30 or 40 years ago when their homes were built that there would be five lanes of traffic and 35,000 vehicles a day," he asked. "We have to take action." The policy will be restricted to Regional Roads, all new sites will require council approval, and no indoor noise reduction will be attempted, said Murphy. R O S E W O O D GALLERIES N O W OPEN The exclusiveprovider o f qualityfurniture an d accessories showcasing solid rosewood accentpieces. Proceeds o f w ill preparation go to U nited Way Oakville residents can have their wills professionally prepared for a $100 fee during U nited Way of Oakville's 8th Annual Will Campaign. Participating lawyers donate their ser vices during designated hours between Nov. 13th- 17th and Nov. 27th- Dec. 1st, with all proceeds going to United Way. Lawyers will also prepare Power of Attorneys for $50. GST is included in both prices. "If you're like me, a professional will is som ething you know you should do, for the sake of your loved ones and for your own peace of mind," said U nited Way Fundraising Manager, Darryl Hall. "With the Will Campaign, there is added incentive to go out and get it done. One hundred dollars is an extremely low fee and that money goes to the town's largest funder of health and social services." Last year's Will Campaign raised over $16,400 for United Way of Oakville and its 39 supported agen cies. To book an appointment, call the lawyer of your choice. Jonathan Marler: 338-2300, Nov. 13th, 4 p.m.-8 p.m.; Larry S. Gangbar: 842-8030, Nov. 13th, 9 a.m-4:30 pm.; Jam es Andrew: 338-2300, Nov. 14th, 4 p.m-8 p.m.; L. Ruthanne Bowker: 844-0381, Nov. 14th, 9:30 a.m .-ll:3 0 a.m.; Stuart Henderson: 844-3218, Nov. 15th, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.; Ron van der Steen: 842-2222, Nov. 15th, 4 p.m.-8 p.m.; Daniel Barichello 337-0337, Nov. 16th, 1 p.m.-5 p.m.; W. Alex Kyle: 338-2300, Nov. 28th 4 p.m.-8 p.m. Stuart Law (Power s of Attorney only): 844-0381, Nov. 29th 3 p.m.-6 p.m.; John Ford, Q.C.: 845-1689, Nov. 29th, 2 p.m.-5 p.m. Richard Day: 844-8581, Call for appointment. Ted Laan: 842-4977, Call for appointment. E xciting Christm as g ift ideas to inspire the im agination. North Service Rd. 481 North Service Road West, Unit A35 Store Hours: Monday - Saturday 10:00 am - 6:00 pm Sunday 12:00 noon - 5 pm Phone: 847-3999 Fax: 847-6665 Q .E .W . 481 Rosewood Galleries Brad D Id U Lytle L y tic store manager, Sean Oakville Place in v ite s y o u to d ro p b y a n d d is c o v e r th e L y tle d iffe ren ce. It s ta rts w ith th e differe n ce of know ing and recognizing your custom ers. It's th e d ifferen ce co m m u n ity involvem en t m akes through th e H alton C h ild re n 's Aid Foundation an d th e support of ch a rity ev en ts such as The Tree of Hope and K ringle th e C h arity Bear. And of course it's th e differe n ce only tru e v a lu e ca n bring w hen q u a lity products, sales an d selection are a m ajor p a rt of th e store. It's th e Lytle differe n ce th a t m akes Sears O akville P lace a store like no other. Drop by & see for yourself today. Special Events Saturday, November 1 1th 1:00-3:00 Yoyo demonstration (Kidswear Dept) 1:00-3:00 Jewellery cleaning Braun shaving demonstration Tradition® `soft touch' sweaters Holiday sweaters in Black, Red and Off-White. Choice of 6 styles. Sizes S-XL Sears reg. 39.99. Each 23.99 Sale price ends Sunday, November 12, 2000 Sunday November 12th 1:00-3:00 Jewellery cleaning 3D puzzle (Toy Dept.) Sears Oakville Place, 24 0 Leighland Ave. (9 05) 8 4 2 -9 4 1 0 S e a r s . Fo r t h e m a n y s i d e s o f you.TM NP1122500 | Copyright 2000. Sears Canada Inc. Visit Sears Oakville Place Mon.-Fri. 9:30 am-9:00 pm. Sat. 7:00 am-7:00 pi