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Halton police getting 42 new patrol officers By HOWARD MOZEL Special to The Champion While the Halton Regional police4 Association (HRPA) bas been pusing fora 50 new officers, last week's provincialN annouacement of 42 additional constables is a g6od start, says Bill Henshaw. The HIRPA president explained the bir-1 ing will improve the service level in Halton, but stressed that staffing will stili not be adequate. "We are certainly pleased with the 42, but tbey are not enough," he said. HRPA administrator Paul LaCourse said the association will keep a close eye on deveiopments, particularly on how the new numbers relate to an independent review of police services in Haiton. "Forty-two is better than none," he said. "A tbousand more officers across Ontario is positive." Halton regional council decided in favour of the outside review of long-term policing needs in Halton and their impact on the budget. Every year a battle brews at regional headquarters over the policing budget, wich this year was $43.5 million. (An 8.3 per cent hike over last year). Solicitor general Bob Runciman explained that Halton will receive the new constables under the Community Policing Partnerships programn at a cost of more than $5.2 million. "Witb these new officers. a total of 1,000 province-wide patrolling our communities, we will see increased police visibility in our residential neighbourhoods, in local parks and especially in areas of high crimi- nal activity," said Mr. Runciman. Mr. Henshaw said the HRPA had be-en expecting 26 naiw otticers for 1999. 0f the 42 new officers, he said the union will accept a minimum of 24 for next year, witb the balance in 2000. "We want these hirings," said Mr. Henshaw. "We do flot want to see the process prolonged." To ensure the program increases the ranks of police, the prograin wiil pay for constables hired above the net strength of officers reporteri to Statistics Canada on June 15, 1998. It will not simpiy be a replacement programn for retired or resign- ing officers. Mr. LaCourse said the HRPA will make it clear to the Halton Regional Police Services Board that the new officers should not be used to replace officers due to attrition. Halton Centre MPP Terence Young expianed that under the program Halton will be reimbursed in arrears for 50 per cent of the saiary-related cons of iring the officers and for 50 per cent of transitionai, overtime costs incurred by existing offi- cers until March, 1999. "Most of the new officers will be on the street, protecting the people of Halton," said Mr. Young. It will mean a more visi- ble police presence in our communities, which should help to deter crime and increase public safety. Some of our new officers wiil be working in the community with the public and students." According to Queen' s Park, the prograin generated 1,450 requests from 71 police services across Ontario for the 1,000 offi- *se NEW on page 8 Serving Milton Mark Brancier Since 1966 S a g CrdfiedGemologutAppriser WimLLUR - QUMOLOGIS? INC. Milton Mail e 876-4367 Dy aDOUI z>4 By IRENE GENTLE N The Champion The average homeowner in Halton may see their utiiity rate increase by one per cent next year. That would mean a hike of $4.20 per year, or $40695, up fromt the 1998 rate of $40275. That's based on a water consumption of 300 cubic metres per year. The change is in keeping with a council directive to airo for no increase, witb options for a bump not to exceed the rate of inflation, wbich is approximately one per cent. It includes the salaries of about seven new employees, as well as initiatives such as phase one of the Burlington Skyway bridge restnicturing. That project wili cost $92 million. About $52 million of that is in the first phase. Growth bas also made an impact on the rate. "Not ail development projects as they are nigbt now could go unless they have an acceptable financing plan," said the Region's Rob Rossini. He made a quickie presentation at the Photo by GRAHAM PAINE end of a drawn-out planning and public works committee meeting Wednesday. are t e, w alth The 1999 rate budget also includes infrastructure repair and reinvestment, such as in water and wastewater mains as Mouissa DeBrouwer recently celebrated Bourgon weil as pumps, hydrants and valves. Financlal Group's grand openlng with a 'Share the A fulier presentation of the budget will Wealth' party for the XCape Youth Drop-in Centre. be made at an upcoming budget review Both cash and presents were donated. committee meeting. It should go before regional counicil _____________ December 9 . 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