The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

5 | The IFP -H alton H ills | T hursday,July 18,2019 theifp.ca Regional council has a message for the province: The Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (LPAT) has got to go. In a unanimous vote Ju- ly 10, the Halton politicians passed a motion that calls for the elimination of the recently reconfigured pro- vincial system that has the power to override local planning decisions, deem- ing it "an antiquated body that slows delivery and adds costs to housing sup- ply via expensive and drawn out tribunal hear- ings." The resolution was the subject of much discussion at Wednesday's council meeting. Here are the top three comments from Hal- ton political leaders: Burlington Mayor Mari- anne Meed Ward (brought motion forward) "If it (the LPAT) served a purpose, it was about 150 years ago. It is no longer a relevant part of any demo- cratic, advanced province or country. We're the only one in Canada with such a tribunal, yet communities are successfully being built across the country. The mere existence of this tribunal adds time and costs to housing - the one thing this government has said it's trying to address, and all of us have been try- ing to address in the face of rapid population growth. It has to stop. We need to start a movement to finally get this tribunal eliminated." Halton Hills Mayor Rick Bonnette (seconded mo- tion) "Folks, we've become slaves to the lawyers and the consultants (hired for LPAT hearings) and their cash box. That's right, we've become slaves. Whenever there's a hear- ing, we have to come up with experts, we have to hire solicitors. We asked the region and its munici- palities, what were the costs (at LPAT hearings) just going back three years, and collectively we have spent $5 million. That's a lot of money." Oakville Mayor Rob Burton "Queen's Park should look at their reflection if they want to find the cause of delay and expense pre- venting more affordable housing, and the LPAT is one of the big causes." COUNCIL HALTON MUNICIPAL LEADERS SPEAK OUT ON LPAT ELIMINATION MELANIE HENNESSEY mhennessey@ metroland.com Halton Hills Mayor Rick Bonnette seconded the motion from Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward to stop imposing the former OMB rules on the LPAT, and ultimately do away with the tribunal system. Halton Region photoSIGN UP FOR OUR WEEKLY NEWSLETTER AT THEIFP.CA ADVERTISING FEATUREWHY FAMILIES BELIEVE IN AMICA FOR EXCEPTIONAL CARE For seniors who wish to remain in charge of their lives, Amica is a trusted leader in providing exceptional care along with a choice of lifestyles, including Independent and Assisted Living. "Our goal is for residents and families to feel connected, engaged, supported and valued", says Brian Townend, General Manager of Amica Georgetown, which will open in August. Here's why families trust the care at Amica. PERSONALIZED CARE Whether they'd like help getting ready in the morning, managing their medications or more, Amica residents feel supported with care that's respectful to their personal wishes and schedules. PRIORIT IZED WELLNESS Amica's holistic approach to wellness includes enriching activities, cultural excursions and a vibrant social atmosphere all designed to support each senior's physical, social, emotional and cognitive health. FLEXIBLE SUPPORT As each senior's needs change, so does their care. The professional staff at Amica Georgetown will provide the care and support each resident needs so they don't have to worry about moving again. CERTIF IED STAFF The health and wellbeing of every resident is overseen by a Director of Wellness, a registered practical nurse with specialized training in working with seniors. An RPN is also on duty 24/7, with emergency response pendants monitored on site. To learn more about senior living at Amica Georgetown visit Amica.ca For a private tour call 905-702-1555 2 2 4 M A P L E AV E N U E , G E O R G E T OWN