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Time for hospital, town to look forward Now that the holidays are over, it's time to welcome in 2006. New Year's usually signifies a new beginning. Locally, our hospital will also have a new beginning. Our Georgetown Hospital is now being transferred from William Osler to Halton Healthcare Services. Gillian Tuck Kutarna, Graeme Goebelle, and myself sat on the Transition Team. We were welcomed with open arms from members of Halton Healthcare Services. We felt we were listened to and all three of us were impressed with their sense of fair play. I have full confidence in the leadership of John Oliver, CAO for Halton Healthcare Services. Many of you may remember John from his days in Georgetown years ago. I have appointed Ward 1 Councillor Jon Hurst as our councillor rep on the board. Jon will be an excellent representative for the Town. I'd also like to take this opportunity to thank Rick Johnson, Arnold Pundzack and Donna Northeast who sat on the Osler Board representing our Town during some tumultuous times. I don't begrudge any fight that myself or council had with William Osler. Now it's time to wish them luck, and for us to not look back. Look forward and be confident with our hospital. ··· While the new Super Store is about to open, it is also super news that the Shoppes at Four Corners will be under way this spring. There will be a 55,000 square foot grocery store included in the plaza. This will be a huge benefit to citizens living in the south of Georgetown who have been waiting patiently for a grocery store located in their neck of the woods. More good news is that everybody came to their senses and an expensive Ontario Municipal Board Hearing was avoided. ··· On behalf of council, we would like to welcome Bill Anderson as our new Economic Development Officer. Bill has a tremendous wealth of knowledge working with many levels of government in economic development. Bill will replace Allan O'Neill who is retiring. Allan did a great job for the Town, particularly stick-handling some issues in the 401 Corridor. ··· Speaking of retirement, the Town is losing two long time dedicated employees. Earl Burt in Engineering and Public Works and Doug Vivian in Recreation and Parks. Together, they have been employed for more than 80 years serving our Town. Happy retirement! Both of you did a great job for the Town. ··· Another newcomer to the Mayor's Showcase-- Lar DeSouza, a local illustrator, cartoonist, and caricaturist, has his artwork now on display. ··· Keeping it real! I can be reached by telephone at 905-873-2601, ext. 2342, or by e-mail at mayor@haltonhills.ca --Rick Bonnette is the mayor of Halton Hills