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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver Weekend, Saturday July 7, 2007 - 11 Conservation Halton feels financial pressures of growth By Stephanie Hounsell SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER Growth and development have paved the way for numerous challenges for the organization charged with protecting our local environment, as reflected in a recently-released report. Conservation Halton (CH) has distributed its annual Public Accountability Report 2007, which provides a snapshot of CH's programs and services over the past three years and how these services are funded. Halton's burgeoning population means CH has had to work hard to keep up. "We're `development central' for the province right now -- particularly Milton," said Ken Phillips, CAO of CH. CH commented on 185 Parkway Belt West and Niagara Escarpment Development Permit applications last year -- the permits needed for any sort of development that could affect the Niagara Escarpment. That's more than twice the number processed in both 2005 (79) and 2004 (83). Development creates constant challenges for CH, Phillips said, putting a greater strain on the environmental agency's resources. The report includes facts and information on how CH has been protecting the natural environment of its watershed, and statistics on budgets -- including sources of revenue and details on expenditures. CH Chair Brian Penman said the report demonstrates to the public the continual growth of its responsibilities, which is largely due to the increase in development in the communities it serves. CH's services include flood protection, floodplain regulations, forestry programs, park recreation, children's education and stewardship programs. He added that Halton Region has worked with CH over the past two years to ensure equitable funding for its programs and "a commitment to bring the municipal funding portion of our budget to a suitable level." Halton Region recently approved a one-time grant of $144,074 to cover CH's 2006 budget deficit. Finest Quality Kitchen Store NOW OPEN IN OAKVILLE! The regular price on: J.A. Henkels, Le Creuset, Wusthof Knives, Global, Riedel Wine Glasses, OXO Good Grips, Spiegelau Wine Glasses, Peugeot Pepper Mills, Small Appliances, Barware, & much, much more! Sale ends July 14/07 20 OFF % 320 North Service Road 905-338-2657 Kitchenware Glassware & Home Decor Oakville Town Centre 1 To become involved with Rotary in Oakville and around the world visit our website: www.oakvillerotary.org Millcroft location Appleby Line @ Upper Middle Rd, Burlington 905-335-0194