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Chamber vows to be an advocate for members downtown continued from p.6 provides a wonderful experience and supporting our merchants is key to its survival. Short-term and long-term strategies for improving our downtown experience are necessary to draw visitors in greater numbers not only today, but in the years to come. · It is time to look at the tax regime. Businesses downtown typically pay more than twice the rate of tax paid by residential taxpayers. Significant increases in property values, combined with annual increases to the Town's portion of the tax rate, mean business are paying a disproportionate share of property taxes. · A review of the regulatory burden on downtown businesses. Restrictions and costs related to signs, patios, heritage, street displays, levies, fees and permits add to the cost of doing business downtown. · The pending reconstruction of Lakeshore Road over at least two seasons will bring its own challenges. Landlords and retailers need to work through how they will adapt to the changing market and landscape. We encourage local residents to play their part by patronizing the stores and restaurants downtown. It is, after all, a defining characteristic of our community and ensuring it can thrive is a responsibility we all should share. There is no silver bullet. Work will be needed on a number of fronts. We are pleased to see the Town recognizes the issues facing downtown and look forward to hearing what steps will be taken to negate the impact of construction and address some of the other issues that have been raised. The Chamber will continue to engage with the Town, providing strong and effective advocacy in the interests of our members. We will work together for a vibrant and prosperous downtown -- because our downtown is a reflection of our community. CONCRETE 11 | Wednesday, June 18, 2014 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com Buddy up to walk for HDSA The Halton Down SyndromeAssociation's(HDSA) second annual Buddy Walk is Saturday (June 21). The one-mile walk is at Milton's Victoria Park and Hugh Foster Hall and raises awareness and funds for the non-profit organization working to improve quality of life for those living with Down syndrome. Registration opens at 9:30 a.m., and the walk is at 10 a.m. Festivities continue until 3 p.m. and include a carnival, food, entertainment and a silent auction. Registered teams need a team captain to set up an online fundraising page at www.haltonbuddywalk. com. Registration can be done by emailing Leanne@ haltondownsyndrome.com your team name, team captain's name and email. Participants must raise a minimum of $25. Organizers hope to raise $60,000. For more information, visit www. haltondownsyndrome.com or www.facebook.com/ HaltonDownSyndromeAs sociation. SUMMER SIDEWALK PEGGY'S distinctive ladies fashions MOST SEASONAL DESIGNER FASHIONS Hopedale Mall, Oakville · 905-465-3499 All Sales Final www.peggysfashions.ca 40 OFF - 70 SALE % EXPOSED AGGREGATE (Pebble) · DRIVEWAYS · STEPS · FRENCH CURBS · WALKWAYS · PATIOS · GARAGE FLOORS uality At Its Best! Call Fernando 905-844-5518 1-888-944-5518 www.concretetrimmings.com FREE ESTIMATES