Brian Penman This isn't just a sign. It's a promise. This single letter of the alphabet, painted good. Because change is necessary. But on a blue square and bolted to a roadside change that compromises your health care is pole represents one of the most important not acceptable. And we will fight to make promises ever made to the people of Ontario. It is a promise of quality health care to everyone. sure you get quality health care when you need it. Because at the heart of this single letter of the alphabet, painted on a blue Dramatic change is underway in our square and bolted to a roadside pole is a hospitals and in all aspects of our health care system. And for many reasons that can be promise that the Hospitals of Ontario are determined to protect. That too, is a promise. Want to know more about how hospitals are changing? Call us for a free information booklet and get involved in the future of your health care. 1-888-628-5888 Or visit our website at: www.oha.com THE HOSPITALS OF ONTARIO The Canadian Champion, Tuesday,October 14, 1997-9 Penman is digging into rural holes Council Briefs Councillor Brian Penman isn't con- vinced that huge excavations in Milton's rural area are legitimate ponds. However, John Matthews, Milton's director of public works, told town council last week seven or eight such excavations all have pond permits or are in the process of getting them. Mr. Penman said some of the excava- tions cover more than an acre and are 20 to 25 feet deep. He added that he was told farmers have been offered as much as $7,000 an acre for their soil by Mississauga developers look- ing for clean fill. Mr. Penman said much of Milton's rural land is held by land speculators who would not be adverse to a quick profit on vacant property. In addition, he said big holes are very inviting for those with waste and con- struction debris. Mr. Penman called for a staff report on the issue before it gets out of hand. "It's to our advantage to know if we're being duped and why," said Milton Mayor Gord Krantz. Wellington not Waterloo Councillor Gerry Brooks asked if Mayor Gord Krantz was aware of any amalgama- tion progress between municipalities in Wellington County. Mr. Krantz said he had not been in con- tact with Wellington County's warden but would call him for an update. Mr. Krantz added that there had been no request to talk about Milton's border with Wellington. Regional Councillor Barry Lee said he understood that talks for internal amalga- mations within Wellington County have been unproductive. Naming names Milton council agreed to call a road ser- vicing Riverglade Estates rural subdivision Random Acres Road. They also backed a plan to call a proposed road off Martin Street Caves Court. Caves Court picked up its name from Andrew Caves, one of the landowners involved in the subdivision. Random Acres Road got its name from the original farm property owned by a Kitchener doctor since the 1950s. Councillor Colin Best wanted it spelled out that council had not yet approved the Caves Court subdivision. He said the nam- ing exercise is simply fulfilling one of the conditions of approval. Creek erosion Town council is considering closing Lower Base Line near 16 Mile Creek at the Barnstable bridge because of substan- tial erosion. There will be a report on the issue before council in the near future addressing emer- gency measures which can be taken to keep the road open. Councillor Rick Day suggested some stone be dumped into the creek to shore up the bank. However, Milton's director of public works, John Matthews, said such a mea- sure would have to be carefully considered because any stream diversion runs counter to Fisheries Canada policies and has been advised against by the Halton Region Conservation Authority. J