e Milton stili welcome to join ongoing talks; mayor By BRAD REAUME The Champion Milton is stili playing bard to get. While it appears the marriage between Burlington and Flamborough is headed for the altar, Mlton ofi- cials have been quiet ever the sommer regarding any intcrest in joining the proposai. "I'd be deighted if Milton joined us at the table," said Burlington Mayor Rob Macisaac. "Our doors are epen te anyone interested in talking." Milton officiais have in the past said they sec ne community of interest between the two municipalities. When asked recentiy, Milton Mayor Gord Krantz referred te Flamborough as being in a weak financial position. Mr. Maclsaac said whiie a Milton and Buriington marriage might seem a bit of a streteit te some, it wil appear less se if Burlingten joins with Flambereugh. He downpiayed a suggestion that Fiamboreugh might simply join Halton Region as a fifth municipaiity. The initial report en the financial implications of a marnage between Burlington and Flamberougit have been positive, according te the Buriington mayor. Consultants suggested Burlington taxpayers would have a tax increase se slight as te be unnoticeable whiie Fiamborougb residents would enjoy a sizabie decrease. "The consultants said they had te make se many assumptions te arrive ai a final number that an exact accounting is impossible, however, thcy did say the outiook is encouraging,' said the Burlington mayor. Burlington and Fiamborougit officiais wiil approach Ontario Minister et Municipal Affairs AI Leacht te se if their marriage wili be sanctioned by the province. Mr. MacIsaac said that he fuily expects a positive reaction by the province te the proposai. If Mr. Leach sanctions the plan, then furtiter, more detailed work wili commence, he said. Mr. MacIssue said Burlington's strategy is te trans- "l'd be delighted if Milton joined us at the table. Our doors are open ta anyoae interetedini talking." -RlOB MfCI8AAC form ie a single tier munîcipality (opt out of Halton Region), feeling that the best hope for the survival of local decision making lies in that approacit. Gaining territory by amaigamating wiîh Flamborougb and/or Milton is a step in that process, he said. He added that Burlington wclcomes any inter- ested municipality te become invoived in the pmocess. He explained it is understýndable that those people who live in areas far from the population axis might be interested in linking with other municipalities. Those opportunities wiii exist, if the proposai moves ahead, he said. Borders are definitcly a question mark, he admitted. Asked the name of the potential new municipality, Mr. Maclsaae only laughcd, saying finding a name will be a nice problero teo have te worry about in thc event the marriage takes place. In addition te exploratory taiks with Flambomougit, the City of Burlington bas aise begun the proceas of studying the proposai of having Halton Region change as a level of government ie a utility board. The Region would then be contracted te provide varieus services and havc its taxing authority remnoved. "People have taiked about Halton as a utility huard for ycars but nobody ever did anything more te sec how it might work," Mr. Mactsaac said. "We've begun the proccss of putting some meat on those bones." The Canadien Champion, Tuesday, September 29, 1998 -5 Allendale needs help Allendale long-term-care facility urgently needs volunteers to visit resi- dents and hcip (hem take part in recre- ational activities and outings. 'Approximately twe heurs per week will bring someone a ray of sunsitine and a chance to do soniething different," said volunteer co-ordinator Anthea Hoare. Site said volunteering at the faciiity provides an opportunity for peopie te gain experience in nursing, recreation. ilîcr.py and o! Ii: , rk. The invitation is open te everyofle regardless of age or sex. If interested, contact Ms Hoare at 878-4141, ext. 8025. IHIT HIERFIELD SCHOOLýr l 2439 Tenth Sideroad, Campbellville il A school where children love to learn! Value Prici n dat ltrsiddp The sensible way to buy a car or truc ây:SALES HOUS SERVICE HOU S-I Mon.-Thurs ... 4mMon-Fn ..H.....ET-GLDSMGBILE - Fdday ....... bmTues ...... mq B V O V ML S O IM saturdlay ..... M Saturdiay .....ài* HWY. 25 S. AT DERRY RD., MILTON