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Mayor wants to share a sense of optimism continued from p.3 "This year, we are finishing the planning and public engagement for our next new facilities. Our 10-year capital forecast plan will lay out the path to the completion of our facility needs. Council expects to finalize that plan next year on a pay as you go basis to avoid tax paid debt." Burton said Oakville's tax paid debt has been cut 43 per cent since 2006 and noted that when the new Oakville hospital opens at the end of 2015, Oakville will be able to make its contribution of up to $130 million without using taxes because new revenues from Oakville Hydro will carry this cost. To set an example, Burton said, in December, council froze their own salaries and those of the Town's non-union management staff. On the job front, Burton said, Oakville is also doing well with 1,200 new jobs created last year and the town's unemployment rate sitting well below the provincial average. More than 1.1 million square feet of nonresidential construction took place in Oakville during 2012. Burton said challenges are on the horizon and include making residential development pay for itself through development charges and ensuring Oakville's remaining employment lands are used for their intended purpose. He also pointed out the Province's Big Move transportation plan has a $34 billion funding gap, which he said should not come from property taxes. Despite these challenges Burton argued residents need not fear for Oakville's future. "With our seven years of success everyone is entitled to a sense of optimism about our way of keeping our town on the path to success. You can trust us to keep working to do more and more with less and less of a tax increase because we have shown for so long now that our way is to set goals for efficiencies and effectiveness," said Burton. "Our way is to protect the environment and to promote economic growth and social development for the benefit of all. Our way is to control growth in the community. Our way is to keep alive the Oakville spirit of a small town whose warm and friendly welcome speeds newcomers to successful roles in our town's life. Our way is to provide first-rate trusted government services from a professional civil service at the Town, the police and the regional levels that is the best and the brightest anywhere." 11 | Thursday, October 10, 2013 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com DISCOVER THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF PLAYMOBIL TOYS! AT OUR STORE IN MISSISSAUGA Community Shred-it Oct. 19 for BBBSH People can bring unwanted personal documents for secure shredding at an Oct. 19 Community Shred-It for Kids Sake at Dorval Crossing shopping centre. While all the shredding will be done for free, a recommended donation of a minimum of $25 will be given to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Halton (BBBSH). The event will run from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the 270 North Service Rd. W. mall in the parking lot near Boston Pizza. A coupon for Boston Pizza at Oakville Dorval will be handed out with each donation made. Old electronics are also welcome for recycling. Shred-It representatives will be on-hand to offer tips on how to protect yourself from identity theft. For more information, contact BBBSH at 905-339-2355 or visit www.bbbshalton.ca. STORE HOURS: Tuesday To Friday 10 am- 5 pm Saturday 11 am ­ 4 pm Special Gift with purchase (while supplies last) See in Store For Details Bring in this flyer and receive an extra your purchase ­ one per family 10 % OFF 6430 KENNEDY ROAD, UNIT D, MISSISSAUGA 905-696-7529 · www.playmobil.ca Smart, stylish... STARTING AT $1187.00 SOFA 2269 FAIRVIEW ST. BURLINGTON · 905-631-6000