A 6 - The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday, A ugust 14, 2002 467 Speers Rd., Oakville Ont. L6K 3S4 (905) 845-3824 Fax: 337-5567 Classified Advertising: 337-5610 Circulation: 845-9742 EDITORIALS AND LETTERS THE OAKIULE BEAVER IAN OLIVER Publisher NEIL OLIVER Associate Publisher TERI CASAS Office Manager KELLY MONTAGUE Advertising Director STEVE CROZIER Circulation Director JILL DAVIS Editor in Chief MARK DILLS Production Manager ROD JERRED Managing Editor RIZIERO VERTOLU Photography Director Metroland Printing. Publishing & Distributing Ltd.. includes: Ajax/Pickering NewsAdvertiser, Alliston Herald/Courier,Arthur Enterprise News. Barrie Advance. Barry's Bay This W eek. Bolton Enterprise, Brampton Guardian, Burlington Post, Burlington Shopping News, City Parent, Collingwood/W asaga Connection. 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Forever Young, City of York G uardian THE OAKVILLE BEAVER IS PROUD OFFICIAL MEDIA SF>ONSOR FOR: Recognized for Excellence by Ontario Community Newspapers Association A Canadian Community Newspapers Association LCO M E^P 'A G O N LTD | oakvllle galleries | 0 Qah'Me © The OakvrHe. Miton and District Jin^ e * * Fund F C 1 R V I L B N E S S L T H F .A K J X NOS sssss SKY A c t io n Suburban Newspapers of America fO ft»JS IN e$S E X C ai£N C £ n e e d e d , n o t w o rd s g o v e rn m e n t to d e d ica te a p o rtio n o f th e gas ta x -- th ree cents a litre w a s suggested -- to w a rd s p u b lic tran s it fu n d in g . A s it stands n o w th e m o n e y is c o l lec te d and d o le d o u t at th e w h im o f the ru lin g g o v e rn m e n t. O v e r the years, p u b lic tran s it h asn ' t b e en a fa v o u re d re c ip ie n t o f these funds. T h a t m a y ch an g e since g rid lo c k and sm o g are b e c o m in g serious concerns in m a jo r C a n a d ia n u rb a n centres, p a r tic u la rly the G T A . O b v io u s ly , the fe d e ra l g o v e rn m e n t is n 't a n xio u s to c o m m it fu n d in g to one sector, since it m ig h t fin d its e lf short in a n o th e r area. A n d n o one, n o t e v e n the G T A m a y o rs , are re a d y to h it c o n sum ers w ith a n o th e r gas ta x. S o th ey n e ed a push, and that's w h e re y o u c o m e in . W h ile fiv e G T A m a y o rs m a y th in k th e y h a v e in flu e n c e , th e y p ro b a b ly d o n 't p a c k as m u c h o f a w a llo p as fiv e th ousand vo ters, fiv e h u n d re d voters o r e v e n fiv e voters. I f y o u w a n t the fe d e ra l and p ro v in c ia l g o v ern m en ts to g e t serious a bout a ir p o llu tio n and g rid lo c k p ro b le m s, th en start c a llin g o r w r itin g y o u r M P s an d M P P s and d e m a n d action . W e c a n 't w a it a n y longer. In s te a d o f m e e tin g w it h fe d e ra l T ra n s p o rt M in is te r D a v id C o lle n e tte at the P earson T ra n s p o rt C a n a d a C en tre in M is s is s a u g a , p e rh a p s th e W 5 M a y o r s ' C au c u s sh o u ld h a v e h e ld a press c o n fe re n c e in a c o n v o y o f cars alo n g H w y . 4 0 1 o r the Q E W /H w y . 4 0 3 ju n c tio n in O a k v ille . O r else th e y c o u ld h a v e h e ld it o u t o n a b o a t in L a k e O n ta rio an d le t the T ra n s p o rt M in is te r gaze a t the b ro w n h a ze flo a tin g o v e r the G T A . T h a t m ig h t h a v e b e en a b e tte r w a y fo r m a y o rs -- o f O a k v ille , B u rlin g to n , M iss iss au g a, B ra m p to n and H a m ilto n -- to g e t th e ir m essage across to the v is itin g T ra n s p o rt M in is te r. B ecause it appears to us th at the m in is te r s im p ly m ad e a p it stop at the a irp o rt fo r his m e e tin g w ith the m a y o rs b e fo re fly in g b a c k to O tta w a a fte r m a k in g a fe w v a g u e p ro m is es a b o u t try in g to s ell the m a y o rs ' m essag e to the L ib e ra l caucus. W h ile th e W 5 m a y o rs a p p ea re d b u o y e d b y th e T ra n s p o rt M in is t e r 's a p p aren t c o m m itm e n t to pursue d e d i cate d fe d e ra l fu n d in g fo r p u b lic tra n sit, p a rd o n us i f w e d o n ' t share th e ir o p tim is m . T a lk is cheap. W h a t w e n eed is action . T h e W 5 m a y o rs w a n t the fe d e ra l L E T T E R S T O T H E E D IT O R E x p a n s io n v s . c o n s e rv a tio n Re: Water Supply, Oakville Further to the letter in The Oakville Beaver on Aug. 7 by Mayor Ann Mulvale, I subscribe fully to the sentiments and recommendations contained therein as I subscribe to the senti ments and recommendations regarding smog in the same issue. Unfortunately, the reality of our current situation would appear to mitigate against the efforts suggested in these letters to improve our environment, and save our resources. With regard to water usage, the proposal on the table, Halton Water & Wastewater Plan Review dated January 2002, indicates that the intention in Halton is to increase the overall water demand as Oakville's population is planned to be some 215,000 by the year 2016. It is planned that the region will have a population of 538,000 by the same date. These increases of some 67 per cent and 58 per cent respec tively, based on actual 1966 populations, will entail an expan sion of the present system of some major proportions. The esti mated capital cost of the proposed expansion is, as I read the report, some $245 million, without considering the cost of the essential additional wastewater treatment. The mayor indicated the expansion of the system was an option, but as I read the draft reports, the expansion of the system is a foregone conclu sion and is essential to meet the proposed increase in popula tion of the region. The current Oakville water purification plant has a capacity of 109ML/day and expansion is to be based on a demand of 218ML/day, an increase of 100 per cent. The population increase will be 67 per cent. It would appear, therefore, that the design capacity proposed is more than sufficient for the esti mated population in 2016 and, presumably, there will be no need for restraint on water usage, other than normal good hus bandry in our use of such a valuable resource. If the concern is, as expressed by the mayor, water conser vation, why are we increasing the demand by increasing the population to be served, and why are we apparently raising the allowable per capita consumption of water in our future designs? A solution might be to set a lower per capita daily basis demand and charge a significant premium for water usage over and above this basic need. The entire subject of population expansion in Oakville is a matter of major concern to many of our citizens, and I am delighted to see the mayor embarking on a campaign to invite us to conserve our valuable and expendable resources. Let us hope to hear more from her as to the need for more detailed analysis of our infrastructures and existing natural resources before embarking on any expansion and causing further serious supply/demand problems. A.H. MCCALLUM P r a c tic a l s m o g s o lu tio n s n e e d e d Ed. Note: This letter was original ly sent to Regional Chair Joyce Savoline and a copy was filed with the Oakville Beaver for publication. Re: "Region Signs Clean Air Pact At Smog Summit," The Oakville Beaver, Friday, July 19, 2002 I read the above mentioned article with interest and have some comments detailed below: · You state: "We have been working to improve air quality for many years." Please tell me what steps you have taken in this regard. I see by the Toronto Globe and Mail that Oakville air quality is consistently poor and I see no improvement at all in this regard. The Halton Medical Officer of Health has consistently voiced his concerns about local deteriorating air quality. · "Discussing anti-idling policy for Regional vehicles." How are you pro posing to enforce this? Surely, garbage trucks could not stop and start every few seconds. What vehicles did you have in mind? One thought that comes to mind is the idling of school buses, sometimes up to 20 minutes. Children boarding the buses in winter do have coats and once the bus starts up, then they would soon become warm. · "Exploring the feasibility of buying non-coal fire electricity for Regional use." When is this likely to occur? · "Expanding Halton Partners for Clean Air to include private enter prise." Surely, this should be mandato ry with stiff fines for those who do not comply. I'm surprised this is not already in place. · "Working to reduce traffic conges tion around schools." Admirable, but in this day and age of risk to young children walking to and from school, it is not likely to happen. For those stu dents attending high school and drive cars (which I certainly can't afford!!), perhaps they should be assessed a parking fee which hopefully, would encourage them to take the school bus. · "Evaluating and supporting the addition o f land to the region's Greenlands System." I am wholly behind this endeavour. One idea would be to assume responsibility for the Ontario Realty Corporation (ORC) lands which provide a valuable link to Bronte Creek Park. I believe the Ministry of Natural Resources still provides trees which could be planted by school children and this could be a wonderful experience for all Halton school children, teaching them to respect and preserve our lands. In time, these lands and associated flora and fauna would become a source of pride and envy in other jurisdictions. · "Promoting a compact urban form." I drove through Oakville the other day and there are still significant vacant lands available south of Dundas. Why not concentrate on infill ing these areas first? VALERIE J. JENNER C r it e r i a m u st be m e t f o r h o m e le s s s h e lt e r I am writing in response to Sunday's editorial concerning the proposed Lighthouse Shelter specifically "no matter where the Salvation Army tries to stick this shelter, they are going to have a fight on their hands from upset neighbours." I also don't agree with your position that "The delay does everyone a disservice." The proposed Lighthouse Shelter is a 15,000-sq. ft. insti tution that will serve the homeless from Halton Region, not just Oakville. There is nothing to preclude a drop-in centre in addition to providing 40 residential beds in the site plans. I do not think that anyone can "stick" a facility of this magnitude in any residential area in Oakville or anywhere else for that matter without substantial consideration given to the criteria that will allow for successful integration. As far as I know, in Ontario and I believe Canada, only Hamilton has experience in integrating a homeless shelter of similar size (42 beds) serving a similar client group (adults and older youth) in a mixed residential/commercial neighbourhood. I am referring to the Wesley Shelter operating in the Hamilton downtown core. To my knowledge, the proposed Lighthouse Shelter for Halton Region would be the only facility of this size and of this type in a solely residential neighbourhood. In Hamilton, there have been huge ongoing community issues mostly related to shelter residents' relationships with community adults and children and residential and business property in the immediate vicinity outside of the Wesley facil ity. Neighbourhood problems that have been experienced with the Wesley Shelter in Hamilton and with other Salvation Army Lighthouse Shelters elsewhere in Canada should be analyzed and plans of action should be established to prevent similar occurrences and increase the chances for successful community integration of the Halton Lighthouse homeless shelter. This analysis should take place in the planning stage and in conjunction with the site selection process and it should not be rushed. The criteria that is established will apply to future local and regional facilities. As Oakville and the region grows, so will the need for additional facilities as both Hamilton and Toronto have discovered. As the proposed Lighthouse Shelter is a Halton Regional facility, strong consideration must be given to easy access to services and transportation throughout the region. The Halton Region and Salvation Army outlines their cri teria for the proposed Lighthouse Shelter in a report dated Dec. 5, 2001 (SS 86-01) that was received last week at Oakville Planning & Development Council. Per this Halton Region report, the Salvation Army (with regional assistance) hired a consultant and had an environ mental one assessment (positive result) done on a proposed site in Oakville "that simply cannot be surpassed anywhere in Halton. The site is accessible to transit and other services, yet is not in close proximity to residential neighbourhoods... the location has a building that is in a good state of repair. The Salvation Army is very excited about the potential of this site and has been sharing their enthusiasm with the community." The ideal site that is referenced here appears to be the one the Salvation Army currently occupies on Lyons Lane in the Hydro Building to store furniture and prepare Christmas ham pers. Somehow, this ideal site fell off the table -- the question is why? I agree with the Salvation Army and the Halton Region's criteria that the shelter be accessible to transit and not in close proximity to residential neighbourhoods. If, however, solely residential neighbourhoods and sites adjacent to schools are going to be considered as suitable locations for large home less shelters, then the Halton Police and local school boards should also be invited to participate on this task force as resi dential and student safety and security are concerns. LINDA LANE Batm an to the rescue of storeowner To the kind gentleman who came to my rescue. Last Sunday, I had the experience of a bat flying into the store. I realized it was only looking for a cool, dark place, but I was terrified as it swooped around looking for that spot. Fortunately for me, two very kind gentlemen stepped forward. After trying unsuccessfully to direct it back outside, the one gentle man asked for a cup, a piece of card board and a ladder. To. my relief, he was able to catch the bat, release it out side unharmed to a cool dark spot. He then kindly returned the cup and card board to the store. Unfortunately, I was so busy with customers, I only had a chance to say, "Thank you." I thank both gentlemen for your help, but particularly the gentleman who res cued the poor little bat. If you read this, please come to Majenta Home Furnishing on a Sunday, so I can give you a memento for your help. MARY MACDOUGALL, MAJENTA HOME FURNISHINGS More ways to save water I'd like to thank the mayor for her letter listing water con servation suggestions and I'd like to add to that list. Consider these: 1: When washing dishes, adjust the amount of water in the sink to the amount of dirty dishes. There is no need to fill the sink every time. 2. W hen brushing teeth or washing, turn off the water while actually brushing or lathering up. The water doesn't need to keep running unless you're rinsing. And don't auto matically turn the tap on full. Sometimes, a trickle will do. 3. For a while, think about the amount of water you use, every time you use it. It's only by being aware of our habits that we can make an effort to change them. 4. Fix leaky faucets. 5. As a cheap solution to lowering the amount of toilet flush, add a brick or inexpensive toilet water dam to the tank. Periods of high temperatures and low rainfall are a reality which will continue with global climate change. It makes sense to adjust our water use habits now. LISA SEILER CHAIR, 2003 HALTON ECO FESTIVAL Alliance and Conservatives m ust m erge I am struck by the audacity of your last comment, "we suggest the Progressive Conservatives look for someone who could possibly win over the Canadian Alliance instead of just simply keeping them at bay". Are you suggesting that the new leader of the PC Party be elected solely to ensure that his party defeats the Canadian Alliance in the next election instead of the governing Liberals, or is it you want the new leader to be the one to unite the party and bring back the Alliance members back into the PC Party. If it's the latter and I'll use your own words, it's not going to happen. As you have pointed out there are a great deal of differences in the two par ties and unless I am mistaken there is nothing that could act as the proverbial showstopper so long as attitudes and egos are left at the door and the common goal is to do what is best for Canada. The time is now, I for one would like to see one party (Canadian Progressive Alliance?) on the right so that we don't end up with more Liberal nonsense in the future. GORD MACKENZIE