Transportation funding must be fair and include businesses: Summit continued from p.1 brought together residents and political and community leaders from various municipalities to talk about pressing issues facing roughly 1.5 million people living west of Toronto. High on the list of challenges is figuring out how to move people and commercial goods around efficiently. Gridlock isn't just a major headache for commuters. It's costing the local economy $6 billion in lost revenue each year. Leading up to Tuesday's event, GTA mayors including Oakville's Rob Burton and Halton Regional Chair Gary Carr. said gridlock has become a crisis in our parts as highways look more like parking lots and public transit fails to meet the demands of citizens that it be accessible, affordable and above all else, quick and integrated across municipal borders. McCuaig reiterated the sentiments suggesting residents will continue to lose big without taking immediate action. "We talk about the $6 billion in the cost of congestion that we face every year. That $6 billion, when we think of the cost per household, works out to about $1,600 every year that comes out of our wallets and purses. So when you think of the cost of congestion it makes it very real in terms of the impact on the region, the impact on households and the impact on families," he said. Panelists on Tuesday were charged with tackling the question: How will we move in the 21st century in the GTA? A lot of discussion focused on the Big Move, Metrolinx's multi-billion-dollar transit and transportation plan. Metrolinx officials plan to spend $50 billion on infrastructure over the next 25 years. In addition to McCuaig, Howard Eng, Greater Toronto Airports Authority chief executive, Martin Powell, Mississauga commissioner of transportation, Chersie Burda from the Pembina Institute, CivicAction chief executive Mitzie Hunter, Menkes Property Management vice president Sonya Buikema and Oakville MPP Kevin Flynn made up the panel. On May 27, Metrolinx will release its recommendations on how to raise $2 billion a year to pay for the project. Numerous funding options have been floated recently, including sales tax options and highway tolls as well as increased property taxes, payroll taxes or development charges. Participants emphasized the need to make revenue generating tools fair, and ensure businesses also contribute to the bottom line. 13 | Thursday, May 23, 2013 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com FAMILY GOLF LEARNING CENTRE 2 Free Large Baskets with our New Bonus Card (STARTING MAY, 2013) RANGE BALLS $6.75 with our Money Saving Membership New for 2013 All day Learn & Play kids camp with emphasis on playing the course. · Lunch Special Mon.-Fri. 11:30 - 1:00pm Large Basket $7.50 · Golf for Women · Adult Beginner · Golf for Kids · Fun Mini Putt · 5 PGA certified instructors (all of our instructors have passed police security check) · Fabulous Short Game area Join the 2 dozen local food and beverages talents as they showcase their specialties `artfully' in the gallery and under tent while enjoying the garden and lake vista at Gairloch. 1455 Joshuas Creeke Drive www.FamilyGolfOakville.com 905-842-6120 Exterior Hand Wash Interior Shampoo & Detailing Odor Removal Ozone-Sanitize Engine Shampoo Leather Conditioning Fabric Protection Paint Sealant Auto Accessories Window Tinting Paint Protection Film Headlight Restoration Paint Polishing Buffing & Waxing Scratch & Dent Removal Rim Repairs The Car Detailing Professionals MOBILE SERVICE www.absoluteautoimage.com BOATS CARS RV'S MOTORCYCLES 905 847 7999 *Additional cost applies to SUVs, minivans and trucks. Cannot be combined with any other offer. l a i c e Sp r e f f O $ Executive Detailing Package 199 * Full hand wash, Wax, & Engine Shampoo,Total Interior Shampoo & Detailing, Odour Eliminator.