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A6 - The Canadien Champion, Fniday, JuIy 14, 2006 OPINION No big surprises in traffic report Discussing Hahton's road system is much like talking about the weather - everyone bas an opinion, but theres little that can be donc about it. Halton Region staff presented ils 2005 State of the Regional Road System Report te the Region's planning and public works committee last week and, not surpris- ingly, the report outlined some current probleins. Wbile the document contained a plethora of traffic and road usage information, the fact reniains finding solutions for the problems identified in the report won't be (1) easy, (2) inexpensive or (3) coming anytime soon. The report found that speeding continues to be a prob- lemn on rural roads, primarily in north Halton, where at least a haîf dozen rural roads made Halton's top 20 lisi of high-speed locations. Region staff suggest that speeding is a problem on rural roads because there are few indicators for drivers to slow down, such as parked cars or curbs. We would venture that drivers also enjoy a sense of freedoin on these less-travelled roads and, along with fewcr police patrols, are more inclined t0 put the pedal to the metal. As the report indicated, increased police patrols pro- vide a short-termn fix and have only a marginal impact on speeders. A long-tern solution, it suggests, lies with engineering, enforcement and education. That means altening the road- ways and increasing police presence, which also means spcnding more money that isn't currently available. Traffic congestion was aiso a main focal point in the report and the document indicated cast-west corridors in Halton (such as Dundas Street and Upper Middle Road) "expenience severe congestion during peak periods." Many roads in north Halton experienceti "moderate" levels of congestion. Hmm, let's sec. More development - more people - more vehicles - traffic congestion. Nope, no surprise there. While some roadwork is already underway this year t0 improve congestion probleins the fact is this work - as is most roadwork - is reactive te the problem and not proactive. The region is simply playing catch-up te traffic woes that have existed for years. As famed news anchor Peter Trueman often said, "That's not news, but that too, is reality" Readers Write, Semd your letters to miltonrel@hajtnsearch.oem or drop them off at 875 Main St. E. Town indeed needs bowling alley DEAR EDITOR: This is in response toi the letter sent in by Ben Dumencu. A bowling allcy in Milton bas been something that 1 have also wantcd for many years. Although 1 now live in Georgetown, l'm in total agreement with Ben that a bowling alley in Milton is exactly whats needed. With the new movie theatre recent- ly opening, some of the stress of finding something 10 do on a Friday or Saturday night bas heen taken away Unfortunately, not everyone wants to go to a movie every week, and a bowl- ing alley would provide another option to the many new faces coming to Milton in the new devclopments. 1 know myself - as a league bowler and bowling coach - that bowling is a great way to spend a night. With costs relatively low, it allows young people 10 cnjoy a nigbt oui with their friends. Ben, 1 wish you aIl the luck in thm world and hope that you do in fact have your dream realized. JAY FENDLEY GEORGETOWN Thevie fonhr Ill start 'vacationing'> in my own badzyard more oflen Uni asbamed. to admit tbat alhough l've lived in Halton for almost two years now, 1 bave yet to visit many of this regions won- derful tourist attractions, soute of which are minutes away froni my home. Like other people, l've long been under the impression tbat if nm going to a 'tourist destination', it means 1 bave 10 drive or fly a long distance to get there. But as 1 travel around Halton covering dif- férent eventa, 1 can'î belp but notice how many interesting places there are for resi- dents, not just touriets, te frequent right i our own backyards. In fact, just widhi Milton's bordiers dxeres more tban enougb to keep a person busy This town ta bomne to several wonderful con- servation area that boma beasatiul scenery and a valiety o! year-round activities. Itâa9woone ofte luckcrtmmunitis tha can Say it bas two unique downtowns with let the rest of the world know what Halton quaint shops - one in Milton and the other bas to offer through its Premier-Ranked in Campbellville. Tounist Destination project - Those who, stop by Miltons 1 an initiative il launcbed this core will even discover wbat some week that looks to bolster local may say is the towný hidden gem Itounism. -the Mill Pond. Its a great idea t0 work on I've spent many lunch houtsmaktnad pilzngo justtakng n te scner arundail of the local tourisin assets. the pond or enjoymg a good book Not only will the project help in the gazebo overlooldng the attract valuable tounist dollars to, water. the region, but it will also help And letý not forget the Milton -make us Halton 'newcomers' Farmers' Market or plethora of more aware of places we can fre- farms in the rural ares wbere you can pick up quent in our spare time. fresb fruit and produce, or even better, pick So now l'm vowing to stop looking to your own. other communities for day trip ideas and 1 could go on and on, but l'm hoping most turn my eyes to the local area. of you know about tlwse place already. 1 think l'Il be pleasantly surprised at what And novII tt Regç>n le leadiiig the way t10 fIBnd in nty own bckyard. Ir (calabian Qtampîonl Milo Communt Nempaper Sie 1860 875 Main St. E., Multon, Ont. L9T 3Z3 905-878-2341 Editorial Fax: 905-878-4943 Advertiaing Fax: 905-876-2364 Classified:905-875-3300 Circulation: 905-878-5947 rvww.m-iltoncanadianchampjon.com Publisher: Ian Oliver Associate Publiaher Heil Oliver Advertising Director Wondy McNab Managlng Editor Karen Smith Production Manager T1im Coles Circulation Manager Charlene Hall Office Manager Teri Casas The Cvadm Oonm, puinhed eveiy Tuesday and Fiida ai 875 Main St E., Mifan, Ont, LT 3Z3, s aile of the MeW"an Pinting, PubliWhin & Distnbuting Ld camuity newspqner Awn g sacepeiilreü cdirtat in d e, tof a epograplac error irai porion of rir arisingspaScpied by tireMMn irreos spoirWb a MMMIM*9ffior signa- tuer Ml ratb, ddfror dretWbalance of ireayennemnrorîî ire paid fo an ire apprari rate. The puisle mese rire s careqorrze adorrws reor derline. 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