Town says residents don't want gambling Continued from page 3 9 · Friday, September 7, 2012 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.insideHALTON.com Johnstone said the decision is unfortunate not only for Oakville Delta Bingo's 40 employees, but for the 34 local charities who raise upwards of $750,000 in revenue at the bingo hall annually. Town council is expected to take another look at the agreement this fall. Johnstone said if that meeting ends with e-Bingo being permitted then he would not only reopen Oakville Delta Bingo and rehire his employees, but double his workforce. Oakville Ward 5 Town and Regional Councillor and acting-mayor Jeff Knoll said that while he feels for the bingo hall's employees and the local charities, he and the rest of council have a responsibility to the community as a whole. "Nothing has changed for us in terms of any satisfaction from the OLG or in terms of a change of contract," said Knoll. "We can't be bullied into making public policy based on the licensee trying to force our hand, which he has been trying to do since day one by making these suggestions." Knoll said a past referendum found the majority of Oakville residents are not in favour of gambling taking place within the town and it is for that reason council has refused to sign OLG's agreement. The OLG, he said, has yet to give council assurances gambling devices, such as slot machines, will not be introduced through this "At this point in time, there is no comfort level for myself or the majority of the members of council and we need to see the process through." Johnstone said the Town has invented an issue where one did not exist. Ron Agley, who has worked at the Speers Road bingo location for the past 25 years, urged both sides to come together and reach a resolution. "I'm very, very upset," said Agley, choking back tears. "Nobody wants to give an inch." Agley said he is not concerned about losing his job, but about the seniors who attend the bingo hall. For some, he said, playing a few games of bingo is their only social activity and he wonders where they will go when the bingo hall closes. While he said he couldn't speak for the rest of council, Knoll said he would support charitable bingo gaming within Town facilities if the gaming community so desired. "I think at the end of the day this would probably turn more money over to the charitable community," said Knoll. Family Owned ... Family Values ...Always Valuing Your Environment OAKVILLE BEAVER FILE PHOTO LIMITED TIME: Oakville's sole bingo hall on Speers Road is preparing to close on Oct. 31. agreement. Knoll said council cannot ignore the concerns of the entire community and make public policy to meet the needs of one business. "There was some degree of comfort when Mr. Johnstone had an agreement with the Province that he could veto (specific) games and now the Province has even taken that away," said Knoll. #1 in Patios & Driveways! J.M.C Concrete Interlocking LTD · STAMPED CONCRETE · INTERLOCKING · EXPOSED AGGREGATE · FLAGSTONE · FRENCH CURBS · RETAINING WALLS · GARAGE FLOORS · FREE ESTIMATES 905-878-8595 Ask for John www.jmcconcrete.ca EXPERIENCE THE HALTON VACUUM DIFFERENCE ERGOSPACE GREEN SAVE $100 AUGUST'S HOT BUYS! Beam's compact power performer canister 600 Offer extended to Sept 8, 2012 Beam's Best Power Head And Hose Set. · Electric power head with height adjustment, easy swivel action, LED lights and quick release · Electric hose with 3 way switch and swivel handle · Premium small tools · Deluxe floor brush M.S.R.P. $579.99 · · · · · 10 AMPS of power HEPA filtration Ultra silent operation Made from recycled Materials Includes air turbo Not exactly as illustrated SC275A EL4101A $ 299 MSRP $399.99 99 air watts · · · · 600 Air Watts of cleaning power Self cleaning filter for easy maintenance 7 Year motor warranty Complete with Beam basic power head and hose kit ENVIROSTEAMER INCLUDED WITH PURCHASE ITEM # 012281 SAVE $130.00 $ BONUS SAVE ACCESSORIES ONLY Dust Mop 30' Hose cover Micro tool set Vacpan 313A Steamer 313A 449 SAVE $5.00 99 MSRP $29.99 $10.00 $42.99 $10.00 $14.99 $39.99 $10.00 $69.99 $70.00 Offer ends September 8, 2012 $39.99 $52.99 $19.99 $49.99 $139.99 $ 699 99 540 M.S.R.P. OF $1240 $ ITEM # 012323 SALES · SERVICE · SELECTION · QUALITY BRANDS · INSTALLATION Clean Starts Here! Trafalgar Ridge Shopping Centre 2379 Trafalgar Road (in the Winners/HomeSense plaza) 905-257-6145 Beside Scotia Bank Mon.-Fri.10-5:30 · Sat. 10-3, Sun. CLOSED Voted Best Vacuum Store Voted Best Since 1999 Customer Service