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OAKVILLE BEAVER Thursday, July 16, 2009 · 8 Turning Ontario's economy around Continued from page 6 We will continue to lobby the federal government to ensure that Ontario taxpayers are treated more fairly and equitably by Ottawa. I believe we have reason to remain optimistic about our economic future. These projects will get underway shortly and will be on an accelerated completion schedule. Recent changes to the provincial budget are designed to make Ontario the best jurisdiction in North America for business investment. Evidence of this from recent reports indicate that Tim Hortons, with its corporate headquarters, in Oakville announced that it will be returning to Canada citing tax savings and an increased ability to expand internationally as the reasons. If you have any questions on these infrastructure projects or any other matter relating to the provincial government please do not hesitate to call my community office at 905-8275141 or e-mail kflynn.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org. Halton projects receive infrastructure grants Continued from page 1 Increase the value of your property and enhance your curb appeal. Jewel Landscapes offers creative landscape designs for the do-it-yourselfer or for those who choose to have their design implemented by a contractor. Design services · Consultation · Site analysis, property measurements, preliminary and final master landscape plan and planting plan with plant material selection at nursery and obtaining quotes from reputable contractors. · Additional services include assistance About us Jewel Landscapes' owner is a graduate of Humber College's Landscape Design program (with Honours) and Assistant Editor of Landscape Ontario's Landscape Design newsletter. Call today to book a free consultation Sue Lamb 416-839-8061 jewellandscapes@yahoo.ca ion figures -- which it wasn't. In total, the governments have so far announced just under a combined $7.2 billion in funding for projects in Ontario. The assistance from the two upper governments was most noticeable in the biggest ticket item to receive funding -- Halton Region's $158 million rehabilitation of the Burlington Skyway Wastewater Treatment Plant. The three governments will split the cost evenly. Earlier this year, the Region submitted the project for consideration under the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, which requires that all projects applied for can be completed by March 31, 2011. But when projects under this fund were announced, Skyway didn't get the cash. However, a week later, the two upper levels of government announced the project would indeed receive funding, but under the Building Canada Fund -- Major Infrastructure Component (BFC-MIC), which doesn't carry the strict construction deadlines. "We weren't actually given a reason (for the switch in funding envelopes)," said Halton Region's Treasurer, Jane MacCaskill. "And it didn't really matter to us, to be honest." MacCaskill said the municipality last year asked for money from the BCF-MIC but it never heard back on that request. That was why it re-submitted the project under the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, she explained. Burlington MP and Conservative GTA Caucus Chair Mike Wallace confirmed the project had been moved under the Building Canada umbrella because it was felt there was a "pretty slim chance" the Region would complete the project by March 31, 2011. The former Burlington councillor said he'd been working on securing funds for Skyway since he arrived in Ottawa as a rookie MP three years ago. There is still an estimated $1.2 billion in provincial and federal dollars under the stimulus fund still to be allotted to Ontario municipalities, based on a notional per capita allocation. The combined $5.5 billion BCF-MIC also has an estimated $1.8 billion left in the pot, though some of that money will be going to the revitalization of Union Station as per the federal budget, a project that would benefit Halton commuters indirectly. The two other major infrastructure funding envelopes -- the $1.13 billion Building Canada Fund for Ontario communities with less than 100,000 people and the $380 million Recreational Infrastructure in Canada Fund (RInC) are subscribed, meaning all the money has been committed to applications. The $310 million committed to projects include: · In Burlington, $132 million, including the Skyway rehabilitation, $5.5 million in GO Transit station projects, and more than $22 million in various infrastructure projects; · In Halton Hills, $33.5 million, the most notable being the $30 million widening of the railway bridge crossing the Credit River to allow for more frequent GO Train service to Georgetown; · In Milton, $44 million, including $17 million for improvements to three recreational centres, $16 million for a new library and arts centre and $10 million for the widening of Tremaine Road · In Oakville, $100 million, including $30 million for a new transit facility, $34 million for a new GO Station parking facility and snowmelt systems at Bronte Station, $33 million for the Region's upgrade of the Oakville Southwest wastewater treatment facility, and just over $2 million for upgrades to some recreational facilities. Conservation Halton also received $353,054 to upgrade its trails network. Vision ­ To be the most livable town in Canada Dorval Drive & Upper Middle Road July 20-26, 2009 In order to hold the RBC Canadian Open, the following lanes will be closed: ately north of Leewood Drive to appr south of Fairway Hills Boulevard. riller Viaduct. riller V w Closed lane r Do Dr val Lindsey Park Up pe rM idd le Ro LANE CLOSURES ad Sixteen Mile Creek Glen Abbey Golf Club Wild Wood Park *Map not to scale