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Some Catholic trustees leery about campus plan Th. T....A.., RA.-h 1A OflflR - Wq By Howard Mozel SPECIAL TO THE CHAMPION The best way to carry the torch of Catholicism isn't to shrink away from the world at large, says a senior Halton Catholic District School Board (HCDSB) official, but to be an active participant in it while remaining true to core princi-. ples and faith. Superintendent Larry Clifford made that comment at last Tuesday's board meeting where some trustees expressed concern that moving into a pro- posed joint Halton Regional Campus might conflict with, and perhaps even erode, the board's autonomy, identity, Catholicity and more. "We need to be out there," said Clifford. "We deserve to be out there." Superintendent Rick MacDonald agreed, saying that the downfall of Catholic educa- tion won't be triggered by part- nering up with others. The board has to be a player with the remaining stakeholders, he con- tinued, and not let isolationism and paranoia win out. "It gives us an equal share at the table," be said. -Our part- ners do value Catholic educa- tion." In a nutshell, the govern- ment office "supercentre" con- cept is one that involves the cre- ation of a major, 540,000 square foot multi-use campus on the Bronte Road property currently occupied by Halton Regional headquarters as well as adjacent land that is up for sale. If it comes to pass, the site would be a central location that would include four distinct areas of office space for the Region, Halton Regional Police, HCDSB and the Halton District School Board, housing about 1,900 staff. It's estimated that the campus would cost approximately $127 million, but would result in an overall savings of more than $20 million for taxpayers - as opposed to how much it would cost if each of the four partners pursued individual buildings. The site would also include an outdoor community square and a multi-services facility linked to the office space that would bouse amenities to be shared by the four partners, such as a joint board/council chambers, cafeteria, daycare service, support services or per- haps even a Tim Hortons. The project could prove to be an important step in solving overcrowding ai the HCDSB's five cramped administrative facilities and save taxpayers even more money through a host of efficiencies. Burlington trustee Bob Van de Vrande got the ball rolling last Tuesday when he said a report on the impacts of the campus on the board - gleaned from a variety of sources includ- ing Bishop Anthony Tonnos - highlighted only vague con- cerns, not specifics and what needs to be done to safeguard the board. "This is the future of the board," be said. In no uncertain terms, Education Director Lou Piovesan said be disagreed with Van de Vrande's interpretation that the report was incomplete and remained adamant that the board will never compromise its principles. Earlier in the evening, Milton trustee Rev. David Wilhelm said 20 years ago he would have been less concerned about such a partnership but, given todays climate in which institutions of Catholicism are under increased pressure, he remains apprehen- sive. • see BAILEY on page A12 Smartlease are based on 48 mths and include 80,000 km with $0.15 over and are plus treight, down payment (Torrent $3635 down-total due $5852; Allure CX $3440 down-total due $5726: SV6 $5175 down-total due $7617; Persuit $2445 down-total due $4294; Envoy SLE 4x4; G6 $3480 down-total due $5732; Lucerne $3225 down-total due $5633) license and applicable taxes down on approved credit. Cash prices are plus freight, taxes and license. All rebates assigned to dealer. See dealer for complete details. Some conditions and restrictions apply. Ful.detai.s available trom ypur dealeranda qmcanada.corn See daler for details. deakrard u IL cu .àaàcum ee aer I