The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

14 - The Oakville Beaver, Friday January 2, 2009 www.oakvillebeaver.com Preparing for the challenge Continued from page 12 The MPP qualifies however that one must understand the origins of the problem and "what sort of basement we started from." Flynn said for years the 905 was ignored and coped with downloading from the province. With some downloading being reversed now -- pooling, for example -- progress is being made. The MPP said funding formulas could theoretically be changed, but noted what is important is what people experience first hand -- such as decreasing wait times at hospital or for surgery. Flynn said progress is not always made by throwing money at a problem, but does believe expenditures inherent to growth should be linked to growth and noted existing taxpayers should not have to subsidize new development. The UWO knows when the economy fluctuates, social services are hardest hit. And in the face of a shortfall of provincial cash, it's the UWO that has to make up the shortfall. "We're under pressure to come up with this gap and we can't necessarily fill it on our own," said Burton. After facing shortfalls on its fundraising campaigns over the last couple of years, the UWO did surpass its goal in the 2008 campaign, raising $123,000 more than its $3.4 million target. The money is channelled to 30 local human DEREK WOOLLAM / SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER and social service agencies that support families, WAY TO GO: The Moen team poses with its Spirit Award from the Winston Park Business seniors and those in crisis, promoting wellChallenge. From left, ZsuZsanna Molnak, Ann Mulvale of the United Way of Oakville, Sandra England, being, independence and self-sufficiency . Claudina Mannick, Bill Essex, Doret Dewar, Jonathan Armstrong, Lina Baglio and Alice McLoud. The Regional Municipality of Halton www.halton.ca New Year's Resolutions Make a New Year's resolution to help the environment. Return wine and alcohol containers (cans, glass, plastic, Tetra-Pak® and refund of your deposit. Give unwanted clothes, books, toys and furniture to a reuse centre. Decide to pack a litterless lunch for school and work--use reusable containers instead of disposable ones and take back acceptable items to retailers whenever possible. You are Invited to Attend a Community Sustainability Forum with Ken Melamed, Mayor of Whistler, B.C. Whistler's Action for Community Building and Global Change Mayor Melamed will speak about Whistler's success with Community Sustainability Planning Thursday, January 8, 2009 Halton Regional Centre Auditorium 1151 Bronte Road, Oakville 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. Poster session showcasing various "green" initiatives throughout Halton Region Ken Melamed, Mayor of Whistler B.C., speaks about his municipality's inspiring model and shared vision down a long journey to a sustainable future Questions and Answers with Ken Melamed can commit to, visit www.halton.ca/waste. OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE Greater Toronto Airports Authority Board Of Directors Halton Region is seeking candidates interested in becoming a municipal representative on the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) Board of Directors. directors, is available on the Region's website www.halton.ca. Persons having 8:30 - 9:00 p.m. to apply. 1.7 per cent tax increase: one of the lowest in Ontario On December 17, Regional Council unanimously approved the 2009 budget, raising of Ontario. Gary Carr Regional Chair Board of Directors for consideration. The Regions of Durham and Peel will also recommend three candidates. Four Directors will be appointed by the GTAA Board, one nominee from each municipality and one At-Large appointment, for a three-year term commencing in May 2009. To apply: Application forms are available on www.halton.ca, by e-mail to regionalclerk@halton.ca 1151 Bronte Road, Oakville, during business hours from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. than Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 4:30 p.m. Completed forms may be submitted on- Low Flow Toilet Rebate Program, while dealing with rising costs of materials and community growth. This budget was developed to maintain service levels, respond to the community and invest in capital infrastructure. Given the current economy, I'm proud we can be www.halton.ca. Halton Regional Meeting Schedule Dec. 24 - Jan. 1 Jan. 13 9:30 a.m. Jan. 14 1:30 p.m. Offices Closed for the Holidays Administration & Finance Committee 010109