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big leisure fe By IRENE GENTLE The Champion Backpectaling away lrom hety leisure services fe hikes gave Town staff and councillors plenty of exer- cisc receîîtly. Council approved a vastly amended user fee policy than the one that first saw light last November. 'hat was when a five-year blueprint aimed i mak- ing leisure services self-sustaining through skyrocket- ing user fées sparked public outrage. "After we received ail the public fecdback, we went hack and rcfincd the user fée model a little more," Jim MeQucen, the Town's acting chief administrative offi- cer, told counicil. "Wc did corne to different conclu- sions." The draft policy rcsultcd in a long, impassioned public meeting at which user groups made it clear to counicillors they didn't appreciate huge cost leaps for services. These included the use of pools, arenas, basebaîl and soccer fields as well as the controversial Town- owned and operated Leisure Centre. User groups then kept up the pressure by inundating Town staff with written submîssions, most with the saine basic message - banda off our leisure services. The result was a thoroughiy revamped policy under which leisure services will sec only amaîl [ce increas- es, at least in the next fcw years. "We've corne to the conclusion that there is support for a fair subsidy both for leisure programs and facili- ties," said Mr. McQueen. 'Me difference between aggressive fulI-cost recov- cry and subsidized programns cao be vast. For example, a basic Leisure Centre annuai mcmn- bership that went for $400 in 1999 in the draft docu- ment (reaching $800 for 2003) is just $315 in the ncw guide. Ihat's $15 above the 1998 rate. A senior's centre games room hourly fée that in the draft document rose from $4 to $15 in 1999 remains * steady at $4 in the ncw report. The draft policy had that fée rising to $100 by 2003. In the new outline, non-recreational services are still subjcct to a full-cost recovery program. Under this umbrella are services such as birth regis- trations, dog tags, and tire and daycare inspections. Th'ei current policy also backs away from an elabo- rate five-ycar tinancial plan. Instead, it nails down new 1999 rates, with a suggcstcd two per cent infla- tionary increase for 2000-I1. In order not to hamstring any new council, a proviso was added that the inflationary rate be subject to Heart health f or children Are you interested in promoting gond hcalth and working with ebjîdren? If so, why not become part of the Hcart and Stroke Foundation's Heart Healthy Kida Speakers Bureau. Presentation accommodate ail students from kindergarten ta grade eight and cover a various of nutrition, tobacco-frec envi- ronmental and physical activity. For more information, eall Cher at 634- 7732. Dateline items are free to local communiy groups. Fax your e vent to 878-4943. e increases O "We've corne to the conclusion that there i s support for a fair subsidy both for leisure prograrns and facilities." ... .JIM MCQU-EE... approval by any ncw counicil that is clcctcd between 110w and 2001. A second stipulation allowing staff 10 come to coun- cil with future fée changes aimed at staying competi- tive was also approvcd. While the new policy doesn't provide the stability of a fivc-year plan, it doca give user groups some idea of what's in the store for them over the next few ycara, said Mr. McQucen. "Our feeling from the public procesa was the comn- munity which uses the services would like 10 sec what lies ahead for them," he said. It also gives staff time to step away from an issue that has alrcady coat the Town $25,000 10 study, said Mr. MeQucen. "(The inflationary rate) is not only 10 provide some stability but also to put leisure services analysis on the back bumrer for a ycar or two," he said. Backing off without a firm policy in place didn't ait wcll with Councillor John Challinor. -Without leadership, without direction it ends up costing more money," he said. "I'd really advise that staff gel back on the trail of finalizing the policy." Sincc saving money is still the naine of the game, council agreed 10 look int Town grants, hardship sub- sidies and ncw was5 10 finance senior's dmop-mn pro- gramns. Support pro gram The Canadian Mental Health Association's Halton branch continues 10 offer assistance through a pilot programn which mons until February 16. The service is available t0 indivîduals and family support persons throughout the region who arc con- sumera of the mental health system. Issues covercd includc income maintenance, houa- ing and tenancy. employment bamrers, lcgal matters, treatment and consent and human rights. Caîl 693- 4270, ext. 7482 for more information. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Tow backs away from lai monti, poyns.nt plus $1200 downpayment plus freigh*, air tax, lie., securiiy e Auto transmission a Air conditioning a Power steering e Power brakes e AN//FN/ a Cassette player a ABS bralkes a 'Tinted glass e Bueket seats 4W' deposit, and ail applicabl, taxes due on deliver. O.A.C. rr'TI BUC CDL F ,à ~The Canadien, Champion, Tuesday, F»bruary 2,J99Q --3. PONTIAC *BUICK' CADJLLAC ci GMC presents* 1999 Notice of Liquor Licence Otd Application The following establishment bas applied ta the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario for a liquor licence under the Liquor Licence Act: Application for a Sale Licence Rattlesnake Point Golf Club 5405 Highway # 25 Milton (including autdoor area) Any resident of the municipality may make written submission as ta whether the issuance of the licence is in the public interest having regard ta the needs and wiahes of the residents. Submisaions must be received no later than March 3, 1999. Picase include yaur namne, address and telephone number. Ifs petition is submitted ta tbe Cammisian, please identify the designated contact persan. Note: The AGCO gives the applicant details of any objections. Submissians ta be sent ta: Licensing and Registration Department Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario 20 Dundas St W, 7th Floor, Toronto ON M5G 2N6 Fax: (416)326-5555 E-maIl at licenaing@agco.on.ca