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HP OPINION BUDGET KEEPS TAXES BELOW RATE OF INFLATION OUR COMMUNITY AND LOCAL BUSINESSES WILL CONTINUE TO THRIVE, WRITES ROB BURTON ROB BURTON Column Fora12th year in arow, O: ville council approved a Duldget that keeps the property tax in- crease of 3.79 per cent — well below the Consumer Price In- dex and the lowest in compari- son with the town's neigh- bours. Through the collaborative efforts of council, the public and staff, we are pleased to de- liver a prudent budget for un- certain times that will support ir economy and maximize value for taxpayers. Against challenges that in- cluded inflation, high fu costs, rising supply costs, long delays in the supply chains and labour shortages that impact timelines and costs, staff found efficiencies instead of cuts to rvices. £ The 2023 budget will offer free public transit for youth (ees 13to 31018) and seniors start- May (with the use of a valid E PRESTO card). The town will continue to invest in and i update our com- unity infrastructure, while providing the! hig quality pro- id sel s that re: dents tell us they. want and that make Oakville Canada's most livable community. This budget keeps our roads smoother than our ‘igh- bours.' The budget funds our share of the construction of the Burloak Drive grade separa- tion with safe pedestrian pas- sage and bike lanes. Budget 2023 renews and parks, trails and facilities all ver town. This budget advances work on the downtown cultural hub plan for a new performing art: centre, a main library, gallery and a parking structure. We will be making improvements to the streetscapes of our Kerr Street and Bronte Village busi- ness districts. Budget 2023 increases com- munity activation grants that will provide assistance to local organizations for neighbour- and community activities help lo- cal rsiaurans ‘budget 2023 wait rmit fees for 2023 3 and de ‘jowntown businesses will have enhanced sidewalk- clearing services along Lake- shore Road. Budget 2023 also funds the rehabilitation of the arking garage. businesses will continue to thrive. Rob Burton is the mayor of Oakville. He can be reached at mayor‘ Always Here .to:<SHOPPERS Help You! ¥ Patient Counselling ” Complete Diabetic.Care “Home Visits V Consultations / Free RX Delivery ¥ Free Nutrition Counselling / Vaccinations / Cholesterol, AIC, AFib and DNA Screening NOW OPEN 24 HRS EVERY DAY 9 2501 Third Line «905-465-3000 DE RANGO PHARMACY. INC. “man of a million words and a million laughs 9 478 Dundas)Street West © 905-257-9737 BACK WHERE I BELONG larch 23 @ Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts: 30PM =|Globe&3N 905 815 2021 NEWS INSIDEHALTON.COM LAUNCHES NEW EVENT CALENDAR sumers submitting event Ustings to insidehalton- now use a new and improved calendar system. of the website, and then the ‘Add Event’ button. Inorder to submit their own park. com, the technology com- pany behind the online calen- ar number of upcoming Oak- ville-area events are already published at insidehal- ton.com/events. Questions or comments about the new calendar system can be directed to communi- ties@metroland.com. F 3 El ‘SCAN THIS CODE to view events calendar. ATTRIDGE Professional Training YMCA of Oakville 905-845-3417 www.ymeaofoakville.org e900 JOIN TODAY AND GET Hs FIRST PAYMENT £202 ‘OL YoueW ‘Aepsinyy | seneeg eIIA¥eO | 6 woo"uoy|EYyapIsUl