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The Canadian Champion, Friday, March 9, 2007 -A3 Province defends growth plan -trorn SHOWV on page AI loriTis the next govcrinmcnit, Burlîngton Mayor Cam Jackson shared sîmilar senti- ments. He said if the Province is going to "dictate" what goes on nside Haltons urban bounidanies, then it bas a moral obli- gation to become the Regions financial partner. "Taxpayers can only afford so much," he said. Meanwhile, Oakville Mayor Rob Burton said he thinks the motion delivers a helplul message to, the Province. "We want to remind them there's still time to keep their promise from the 2003 election to make growth pay for itself," he said. At a press conference following the council meeting, Burton became critical of the Places to Grow plan. He told reporters that, in his opinion, the document has two faces - one that identifies areas for intensification (building in already-established places to prevent sprawl) and the other that identifies greenfield development (building on land thats currendy 'green'). In those latter sections, Burton said tihe plan should be called "More Places to Sprawl." While Krantz said he supports growth, he also indicated he's opposed to thse large population numbers presented in Places to Grow Plan not creating growth: Province But according to tbe Province, there are some misconcep- tions out there about the population forecast in tise plan. "People tbink the growth plan is creating growth. Its sim- ply shining a light on it," said Brad Graham, assistant deputy minister for the Growtb Secretariat at tbe Ministry of Public Infrastructure Renewal. "We can either just let ibis growth occur, or we can actually plan for it." Uc explained the premnise of the plan is to use urban lands much more productively and use less green space, in turn avoiding an "endless sea of subdivisions." in termas of thse financial. cormrmtments Halton ta looking for, Graham said tise Province is committed to aligning its infrastructure spending witis the priorities and populations set out in t.he growtis plan. He noted that tise Province isn't the sole financier of infra- structure, pointing t0 development charges and the money pitched in by municipalities. Graham also higisligbted the fact tbat financial investment decisions gel made over time, not aIl at once. For example, hè said tise Province ereated a Renew Ontario plan in 2005 - a five-year plan that allocates, amongst otiser îisings, $7.5 billion for growîis-related capital projeets in tise Greater Golden Horsesisoe. The motion from the Region, whicb was also supported by aIl four local municipalities, says Haiton will need an additional $4.8 billion for municipal infrastructure like roads to supp.Irt tise coming population increase and an extra $3.8 billion for provincial infrastructure like isospitals. AUTO BODY ~ <ROYAL ATLANTIC) INC. (_ 1iirinan <.,î yi an '<Li i. hopci. oî Iici nmiplahi cs wîll lollow Haltons lead and cruncis tiseir own growtis-rclat- cd numbers. Uc also indicatcd belil bc meeting wiîis each of the candidates whcnevcr a provincial clection is callcd to push tbe issue. The chairman and four mayors took their message to, Qucen's Park ycsterday Halton M PP Ted Cisudleigh and Waterloo-Wellington MPP Ted Ar-nott werc bots on isand. Cbudleigb said there was only one ncws camera at the press conference, but that wasn't unusual because ise said tise media couid be watcising from elscwiscre in tise building. Carr said press coverage wasn't thse only purpose of tise event, noting tisat thse conference was televised at Qucens Park t0 ail MPPs and staff. Melanie Hcnncssey can be reached at mhcnnessey@-milton- canadianchampion.com. LIESA KORTMANN / SPECIAL TO THE CHAMPION Milton Mayor Gord Krantz speaks to reporters during the press conference at the Halton Regional Centre Wednesdlay. FRIDAY, SATURDAY à SUNDAY MARCH 9, 10 il1 LAMINATE FLOORINO & MOULDINO TRUCKLOAD SALE. TAlA SELECT LAMINATE ILOORINO mm-f wnu 770 Culme w.a 5700 Basol' 78 - sUn.. 88 - $2« M 81 - 82« 8 FULL COLOUR SELECTION AVAILABLE -OUR ItOOMil US - Glueleas, Secure and Durable. Quick and easg to instal. Low maintenance and resists scratches, stains, cigarette ash and fading. 7.3 mm Laminate............................8' SQ.Ft 8.3 mm Laminate............................99 UWqn 10.S mm Laminate ...........................n.R "DETA ftOORI e "DRI-COR e "FOAM UNDERLAY" in- Ais. Available store IN-STORE INSTALLATION DEMONSTRATIONS Demos! Manufacturer Reps On-Site to answer gour questions. NOURS: I I I8:UOAM.9:OOpm Saturday P 8:OGAM-6:OOPM, Sunday 1G:0OAM-5:OOPM là~ 4- *. àe- à 1 1