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M 10%Senors Discount *Al Drug Plans Accepted *Wnitten Drug Inormation Avai abis "At Zaks We Gare Aot .ur H.Ih"» 70Min .E SOe. A Metroland Community Newspaper_ Vol. 139 No.26 Friday, May 29, 1998 32 Pages 750 (GST inciuded) Phloto by GRHAMMPAINE Where there's roipe, there's hope J.M. Denyes School students (in front, from Ieft) BroUt Hodgins, Dale Herom, Theresa Drew and Nicole Pealow were among those who helped ralse $6901 .18 through Jump Fope for Heart pledges. Organizing the fundrais- lng initiative were (in back) teachers Peggy Ne.Iy and Connie Kent.. SDocs to talk hospittals p 6 p 23 p 26-28 p 29-30 Milton residents can learn more about how the Milton-Oakville hospital amalgamation will affect local health care during a meeting at the Optimiat Centre on Friday, June 12. Health care experts wili discuss proposed changes and address concernas during the public forum. Invited panelista include Liberal Party Health Critic Gerard Kennedy, Haiton North MPP Ted Chudleigh, NDP Health Critic Marion Boyd, Milton Medical Staff Association President Dr. Walter Koslowski, plus representatives from the Milton Ratepayers Association, the Ontario Nursing Association and senior citizena groupa. The meeting is scheduied for 7 p.m. DON'T SWEAT ITf w, Have your Air Conditioning System tested NOW! ~s\ %.$4929W *MM Ted Chudieigh: Invited a 1 hf nig ltePloal ]ivlHueSeityLnun ai Çrtoccio Proverizole Opinion Dateline Sports Classified 327 kift. St.S. Dr. Jo-Anas McKinnon 875-1322 Region gives approval to the expansion plan By BRAD REAUME The Champion Halton regional counicil bas leapt a major hurdie along the path to growth in Milton. But Milton Mayor Gord Krantz, while clearly pleased and apparently relieved, isn't throwing a victory party yet. The east-southeast development plan passed acrutiny of a joint meeting of Halton's administration and finance committee and its planning and public works com- mittee on Wednesday aftemoon. It wouid appear that the plan is also a financial go, given that landowners have provided enough guarantees 10 fund the critical ini- tial stage of development. The Halton Urban Structure ýPlan (HUSP) still has several hurdies to overcome, however Mr. Krantz cailed the Wednesday vote "a giant step forward in the process. Gord Krantz "This was a giant leap of faith and it mans that development in Halton Region is secure. But il s not time yet to break out the champagne," he said, prefemrng to wait until the tirst shovel is in the ground before celebrating. Mr. Krantz also seemed surprised at the relative ease with which the proposai passed the joint committee. Oakville and Burlington counicillors had expressed some reservations over the potentiai costs of growth 10 existing residents. Yet they seemed content to await the June presentation of detailed financial aspects of the $100 million project. "Tll support this now but 1 want to be very clear," said Oakville Councillor Kevin Flynn. "If there is nos a zero impact (on proper- ty taxes for current residents) I don't want it." Mr. Krantz explained afiter the meeting that there will be some cost 10 current residents but il will be minimal. "It will have a small impact, maybe only a nickel. To say there will be no impact, I can't do that, but I've said ail along there will be no big negative impacts. New growth should pay for itself." According to Dave Birkett, Haton's director of budgets and the chair of the HUSP technicai committee, there wili be no burden to current residents on the Halton portion of their property taxes but there couid be some on local property taxes due 10 the way development charges are ievied. Mr. Birkett explained that development charges for soft ser- vices are not allowed in provincial legisiation. Given that popula- tion growth will mean increases in these services, such as libraries or parks, the expansion couid îrigger slight tax increases 10 current residents. Generally it is feit that new homes wiil pro- vide taxcs enough 10 pay for increased services, he explained. Mr. Birkett said enough developers have come forward 10 see GROWTH on page 9 IExquisite usocasual Dining Brunello offers a delightful dining experience. Jonufo uc and Din ner! Reserions are recommended.