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The Canadian Champion, Friday, November 16, 2001-11 LRUIio deni ; futher cua tsc tue- GO . transitchare Hopes for reduction go unanswered by Region By RICHARD VIVIAN The Champion Cails for further reductions in GO Transit development charges fell silent Wednesday, pavmng the way for regional council to approve a new $738 charge. 1I wouldn't say we're 100 per cent satisfied (with the amouns of the charge)," said Jiin Murphy, director of govemmens relations for the Greater Toronto Home Bujîders' Astociation. "Tise alternative would have been to, say aa an association 'We will appeal thit bylaw.' Well, that has a coat to it and you don't know what tise retuits wilI be either way." The $738 charge - hased on a single, detached unit - carne into affect yesterday. Developmens applications submitted previously are exempt, providing permits are approved prior to January 16. Funds collected through the charge will he used t0 pay for GO Transit service expansions needed to mecs tise requirements of new resi- dents. Reduction requeated Mr. Murphy - joined hy represensasives fromt tise Urban Developruens Institute and tise Hamnilton-Halton Home Builders' Association - called on tise Halton administration and finance comm-ittee to reduce tise charges bo $698.85 tat week. Since tisas tinte, regional staff have heen work- ing with tise organisations to fid an acceptable compromise. Even thougs tise arnount of tise charge wasn't Iowered, Mr. Murphy saîd tise negotisîrd con- cessions rnake tise deal more palatable. "Wr obviously think tise charge sisould he lower. This is nos a discount as aIl. It's an adjut- "We% obviously think the charge should be Iower. This lis Rot a discount at ail. It's an adjotent to reftect what shoul be charged." ment to reflect what shouîd be charged. "We would have liked the charge to have heen adjusted further downwards. But at the end of the day, you have to weigh the prot and cons," he said. According to David Birkett, Halton's director of budgets and fiscal policy services, the agree- ment camres concestiont from hots side of the ditpute. Increases to the approved charge leveit corne with an annual cap. "We increase developruent charges according to changes in tise Statistics Canada Construction Index. The last tirne il increased - which was in April - it went up 10.8 per cent. "We've agreed to cap it at five per cent, nos withstanding what it actually cornes in at," he explained. "So there is some riak on the part of thse region nos being able to recover thse full arnount." The agreement also requires a memorandumn of understanding he signed hy tise three develop- ers' organizations saying they will nos appeal the amount of tise charge. Tisougs tise development charge received regional council's approval, it waa done under tome proteat. Transportation issues should nos be in tise isanda of regional govemminents, said Oakville Mayor Ann Mulvale. "I arn certaisly ditappointed tisas we have to deal wits tisis. This should he a masser for tise provincial and federal govemmnents." ADVERTISEMENT We focus on our customers Dala Optical has something f0 everyone, from high end frames to designer sunglass- es from Italy. Gus Rassi, owner and operator 0f Dala Opticai has succeeded in Milton over the past three years due to "fast professional service" Dala Optical offers afford- able eye giasses with f lat top bi-focais starting f rom $1 25.00 per pair and progres- sive bi-focals starting as 10w as $1 75.00 per pair. Gus also offers a huge selection of frames at 50% off. Dala Opticai is iocated at 88 Main St. E. and is fuily wheel- chair accessable. Gus also has the Iargest selection of safety giasses for ail types of working environments with group discounts available. Children and seniors can also take advantage of Dala Optical's discounts. Children under the age of 12 years aid receive FREE lenses on regu- lar single vision and seniors can aiso benefit from a senior's discount of 10%. Did you know that you should have your eyes exam- ined every year if you're under the age 0f 18? Anyone between the ages 0f 18-65 years shouid have their eyes checked every two years and if you're over the age 0f 65 it is recommended that you should have your eyes checked every year. Dala Optical is the only store in Milton to offer a 1 hour service for regular single vision. Corne check us out. of M7 il ton exctee toHvtjmMaqk... people belping people help pets DR. ROSS A. DAWSON MEDICAL, DENTAL & SURGICAL ..EALTH CARE EMERGENCY SERVICE NEW PATIENTS ALWAYS WELCOME 905-878-885 385 Main Street East, Milton 1