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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Friday July 18, 2008 - 7 Cutbacks ordered in region's dental financial assistance program Demands for dentures too much of a burden Halton Region is cutting back on part of its dental financial assistance program. The move, decided by regional council Wednesday, comes as a result of the overwhelming response the municipality has received this year for its Dental Care Counts (DCC) program. A staff report to the health and social services committee last week stated 67 per cent of this year's budget for the DCC program was used up in the first five months of 2008 alone. Last year, only 63 per cent of the budget was spent throughout the entire year. DCC is in place to ensure older adults and adults with special needs have access to oral care, the report states. The majority of the funds so far this year -- and where the unexpected increase has occurred -- have gone toward new dentures (60 per cent). The approved budget for this year -- the same as last year -- is $130,000. In the first five months of this year, $87,000 was already incurred, with $94,000 approved for clients but not yet incurred, meaning more than the entire year's budget has already been spent. In response to the unexpected number of people taking advantage of DCC, regional council passed a motion Wednesday to not approve any new dentures and to limit denture care to relines and repairs from August 1 to December 31. Other services will continue. The total cost of this option, by the end of 2008, will be $265,000, as opposed to the $406,000 it would cost to remain on the same path as the first five months of the year. DON'T PAY RETAIL! FACTORY OUTLET SALE INSTALLATION OF CROWN MOULDING, OUTDOOR & INDOOR COLUMNS BY PROFESSIONAL FINISH CARPENTERS COLUMNS New for the Do-It-Yourselfers premade corners for all our profiles Over 70 smooth or patterned profiles WAINSCOTING Region wants pop can deposit Halton Region is calling on the Province to consider putting a deposit on pop cans and water bottles to help reduce littering. A motion to that effect, made by Halton Hills Mayor Rick Bonnette, was passed by regional council at its meeting Wednesday. Bonnette said he thinks a deposit on cans and bottles would help keep local roads cleaner. He also pointed out that it's "ironic you can get a 10-cent return on a beer can, but not on a pop can." Halton Hills Councillor Clark Somerville voiced his support for the motion, adding that Ontario's deposit/return system is "years behind." The motion passed by council asks Regional Chair Gary Carr to write to the Province requesting consideration of such a deposit. The resolution will also be forwarded to the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) and all municipalities in the province, seeking their support. deas. Showroom In Home Design Consultation Available. Hours: Mon-Fri 9-5, 201 Millway Ave., Unit 6 (One light north of Hwy. 7 & Jane) Thurs until 7, or Sat 10-3 www.elitemouldings.com 905-760-1665 416-245-1115 5