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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Friday October 3, 2008 - 3 Councillors threaten to hold up residential development Continued from page 1 Oliver ultimately withdrew his motion to make way for a less severe one from Regional Chair Gary Carr to write to the Province asking that it improve capacity at all Halton hospitals before the region significantly increases its population. But before this happened, committee members first debated the issue at length. Carr kicked things off by voicing his support for Oliver's motion. "This committee needs to have a strong message to the rest of our council that we're taking a stand," he said. He said the Province also needs to know that Halton "can't continue to grow until we have the hospitals in place." Halton Hills Councillor Clark Somerville also backed Oliver's position. "It does send the message that the status quo isn't working," he said. Milton Councillor Colin Best said he's in favour of a moratorium as well, noting that "hospitals are a critical phase in community development." But not everyone was so supportive, like Burlington Councillor John Taylor. He said the motion would be contrary to the Region's Official Plan, which plans out growth until the year 2021. He also pointed out that a multi-year development financing plan is currently being prepared by staff and will be voted on by council in November. The financing plan is required before future development can proceed. "I don't believe you should proceed ahead of having the financial facts," he said. "This council has always acted on fact and not emotion, and I think we're acting on emotion now." Oliver took exception to Taylor's statement. "I've never been known to be emotional," he said. "All my life I've dealt with the facts." Halton CAO Pat Moyle explained local municipalities issue building permits and legally developers have the right to a permit if they meet the zoning requirements. He also said the Region doesn't have the authority to prohibit issuing building permits. Oliver asked him what the Region would say if he withdrew his motion and instead put it to Oakville council. "I would encourage you to have the debate at the local level," Moyle said. "I think many of the local planning controls rest with the local municipalities." Carr then suggested his own motion to write to the Province asking that it improve capacity at all Halton hospitals before the region significantly increases its population. Oliver said he liked the chairman's wording and then took his motion off the table. Carr said he thinks his motion will get the discussion out into the public eye. "I think the public is on our side," he said. "Let's start with this and see where it goes." A couple committee members suggested getting a legal opinion on the issue before voting on Carr's motion. The committee then voted to refer the motion to its next meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 21 so that staff can come back with a report and legal assessment. The hospital debate was spurred by a presentation from Halton Healthcare Services president and CEO John Oliver, who detailed plans for the new Oakville hospital -- which has been delayed by the Province -- and the urgent need for a hospital expansion in Milton. Live your dream. UNLOCK your RRSP or RRIF Dollars Did you know moving money from your RRSP or RRIF to a Limited Partnership can offset taxes using specific provisions within the Income Tax Act?* Come and see how this tax planning strategy could work for you. FREE Breakfast Buffet Andrew Blanchard, MBA, CFP, CIM, FCSI, EPC Investment Advisor Call 905-847-7777 H EAR AN DR EW'S TOP TE N BOT TOM P ICK S FOR 200 9! *Subject to financial planning assessment and minimum income requirements. Think Eastman Estate Think TM Discover the Eastman Estate for country estate elegance in a highly insulated (R-16 Value) steel door. Call your Garaga Experts garage door consultant. Estate elegance 3170 Ridgeway Drive, Unit 17/18 Mississauga www.bmgaragedoor.com (905) 569-9133 /(866) 836-5553