`All about getting it right' Continued from page 1 The Premier said the government has done unpopular things in the past and not reversed its actions. TheOakvilleandMississauga power plant projects were different and cancelling them was "all about getting it right," McGuinty said, adding his government would learn from it. The 900-megawatt gas-fired power plant, proposed for Fordowned land at 1500 Royal Windsor Dr., resulted in numerous community demonstrations by residents' groups who said the facility would be too close to homes and schools. At the time of the Oakville power plant's cancellation, then Energy Minister Brad Duguid stated that in putting together its Long Term Energy Plan it became clear the province no longer needed the plant. The agreement reached with the Ontario Power Authority (OPA) to build a power plant near Bath instead of Oakville was well received by energy giant TransCanada. "We are very pleased an agreement was signed today to build a power plant in Ontario," said Russ Girling, TransCanada's president and CEO, Monday, when the deal was first announced. "TransCanada looks forward to expanding our contribution of clean, safe and reliable power to the residents of Ontario," said Girling in a press statement issued in Alberta. Ontario Progressive Conservative (PC) House Leader Jim Wilson was not pleased with that agreement, saying the Oakville gas plant cancellation would actually cost taxpayers $450 million. This cost, he said, includes the $40-million payment for unrecoverable costs, a $210million payment to purchase TransCanada's gas turbines and another $200 million cost for new transmission lines. Oakville MPP Kevin Flynn disagreed with this assessment. "The PCs seem to have some problems with their math," said Flynn. "You have to remember unnamed sources were quoting the settlement as $1 billion. Where are those people today? Where are those people who were trying to scaremonger? This is a responsible agreement that was made with the proponent that allows for the power supply in Ontario to continue safely into the future." Flynn took issue with the power plant cancellation being characterized by the opposition as a $40-million Liberal seat saver, stating he never felt his job was in jeopardy. Between his work and his government's on the new Oakville hospital, QEW widening and school system improvements, Flynn said he felt he had enough to stand before the people of Oakville and ask for their support again at the polls. Mayor Rob Burton also reflected on 2010. "Since all parties promised they would stop the power plant, I'm not sure (the cancellation) could have been done better or cheaper," he said. "I hope everyone will join Oakville in congratulating all concerned with such a reasonable outcome." Before the press conference, McGuinty attended a meeting with numerous residents' association leaders who had fought Inside Opinion............................................6 Artscene.........................................24 Sports.............................................26 Classified........................................28 3 · Thursday, September 27, 2012 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.insideHALTON.com Full Delivery: Real Estate, Sport Chek, Synergy Contracting, JYSK, Rona, National Sports, Shopping News, XS Cargo, Denny's, Home Depot, Staples/Business Depot For home delivery & customer service call 905-631-6095, 5300 Harvester Rd., Burlington New subscriptions call 905-631-6095 or subscribe online @ www.oakvillebeaver.com How Choosing a Real Estate Agent Can Cost or Save You Thousands Premier Dalton McGuinty against the power plant when it was proposed. McGuinty thanked them for standing up and drawing the government's attention to the issue. Citizens for Clean Air (C4CA) member Susan Hyatt said the $40 million needs to be looked at in context. "You have to look at the $40 million in the context of the safety and health issues that we raised and the potential for injury to our families, our homes, and our businesses if there was an explosion, for example, or a train derailment at that site. "That would have been catastrophic compared to $40 million. So, I think you really do have to weigh this out and say `Was it a good decision to cancel the plant?' I feel it was a good decision," said Hyatt. Frank Clegg, C4CA chair, said he remains deeply concerned Provincial policy has yet to change to prevent a power plant from being proposed within a few hundred metres of a residential area. Flynn said he is hopeful a private members' bill he brought forward will stop such inappropriate power plant sites being chosen in the future. Halton & Peel Region - Not all real estate agents are the same. If you decide to seek the help of and agent when selling or buying your home, you need some good information before you make any moves. Choosing a real estate agent is one of those critical issues that can cost or save you thousands of dollars. In this FREE special report, we give you the specific questions you should be asking to ensure that you get the best representation for your needs. Before you hire any real estate agent, call and get a copy of a FREE Report entitled "10 questions to Ask Before You Hire and Agent". To order a FREE Special Report, visit www.haltonregionhomesales.net or to hear a brief recorded message about how to order your FREE copy of this report, call toll-free 1-888247-1216 and enter 1006. You can call any time, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Get your free special report NOW to find out the questions the others would prefer you never ask! This report is courtesy of Matthew Tamburello, Sales Rep. iPro Realty Ltd., Brokerage. 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