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www.insideHALTON.com · OAKVILLE BEAVER Wednesday, November 14, 2012 · 18 By Julia Le METROLAND WEST MEDIA Many on housing waiting list not from Halton report on the findings of the Ontario Non-Profit Housing Association waiting list survey released in August, committee members brought up concerns about investing in assisted housing that sees more than 50 per cent applicants coming from outside Halton. The report states that as of Dec. 31, 2011, there were 3,153 applicants on the centralized waiting list. About 53 per cent of all new applicants came from outside of Halton. Regional Chair Gary Garr said if the Region continues to work hard at reducing this centralized waiting list while other communities put the issue on hold, the fear is more people from other areas in Ontario will continue being added to Halton's list. "It isn't fair to Halton taxpayers," he said, adding that with the financial situation the provincial and federal governments are currently facing, he worries that both will pull its funding when the commitments for assisted rental housing ends March 31, 2015. Carr said it's important that the provincial and federal governments continue to be a partner with the Region to ensure people continue to Halton Region staff have been asked by the Health and Social Services Committee for more data about who is applying to be on the waiting list for assisted rental housing in Halton and where they are coming from. After discussing a staff-prepared have a roof over their heads. Oakville Mayor Rob Burton said the Town has taken the initiative of working directly with local providers of assisted housing or subsidized housing in the area. "They guarantee to bring forward truly local individuals who need the housing," he said, adding that it's because the centralized waiting list is flawed. "We're manoeuvring to try to make sure that the benefits we obtain from the growth in our community are applied to the true residents of our community rather than importing people to enjoy these benefits." Burlington Councillor Marianne Meed Ward asked Regional staff to consult with other regions to see the percentage of Halton residents that are applying in other areas of Ontario, on top of identifying where people are coming from to live in one of Halton's assisted rental units. She said affordable housing is not only a regional issue, but a provincial and national one. The cost of a healthy diet By Julia Le METROLAND WEST MEDIA Some Halton families can't afford a nutritious diet, according to a Halton Region Health Department report. It stated poverty is a key social determinant of health and detailed results of a survey measuring the cost of basic healthy eating based on current nutrition recommendations and average food purchasing patterns. The Nutritious Food Basket survey found the cost of a healthy diet is rising, so much so that to provide a very basic healthy diet for a family of four, groceries would cost $179.82 weekly. For families earning minimum wage, a basic healthy diet may be a challenge after factoring in rent and monthly expenses like heat and electricity, telephone, insurance, transportation, childcare and household items. The report revealed the diets of those who earn less money are usually comprised of foods higher in fat, sodium and sugar and low in fruits, vegetables and milk products. The report offers the solution of healthy public policy that addresses increases in social assistance income and minimum wage rates and improves access to affordable housing as a way to improve a family's access to healthy food. SATURDAY SLEIGH STOPPERS Red Vilette Lantern $19.99 Square Boxwood Wreath (16") Reg. $39.99 Poinsettia (6") Reg. $8.99 $5.99 $5.99 Reg. $12.99 SUNDAY SLEIGH STOPPERS $4.99 Cyclamen in ceramic pot (6") Reg. $12.99 OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK: Mon. - Sun. 9am - 6pm $14.99 Everlasting Poinsettia Wreath Reg. $29.99 Fresh 25' Fraser Fir Garland Reg. $49.99 $24.99 All Sleigh Stopper items are limited quantities. All items while quantities last, subject to availability. Category offers exclude "TERRA Essentials" Sale period: Nov. 17th & 18th www.terragreenhouses.com Burlington Hwy #5 East of Brant St. (905) 332-3222 · Milton Britannia Rd.West ofTrafalgar (905) 876-4000 Waterdown Hwy #6 & 5th Concession E. (905) 689-1999 ·Vaughan Keele St. North of Kirby Sideroad (905) 832-6955