6 - The Canadien Chemion, Tueedey, Octobor 5,1999 ~ COMMENT The 'Big Pipe' is on its way -- are we ready? Word th~t construction of the 'Big Pipe' is set to begin represents a step doser to changing the face of Milton as we know it. As water services for both residential and commercial development have been a long-time coming, the issue of growth has and continues to be con- troversial. Some citizens anxious for change can't wait for the area to grow, while others eager to protect Milton's small-town flavour want no part of it. There's no doubt development will have both positive and negative impacts on our community. On the positive side, the local economy should boom, putting more money into the pockets of small business operators, larger industry and government. Development will create employment and ultimately comple- ment the standard of living for many. But we also know an increased population brings more crime and puts higher demands on our existing health care and social services. A story elsewhere in this newspaper outlines the traffic implications alone. Nevertheless, reality dictates that growth is imminent. Are we ready for it? Let's ensure alI the necessary preparations are in place as much as pos- sible now so we don't have to try to catch up later. Karen Smith O UR R FADER S WRITE ~ ~ ~ Community owes seniors a housing solution THE C~v~rIA~v CÏI~IPIoN Box 248, 191 Main St E, Tho Canadian Champion, pabiished eveiy Taesday and Frlday Mîlton, Ont L9T 4N9 at 191 Main Si. E., Miltan, Ont., L9T 489 (Box 248>, s ont ot The Metroiand Printing, Pubiishing & Oistilbuting Ltd. group xi sub- O~Q'1 lAI urban companies whicb inciodes: Ajax I Plckering News (905) O fO ~J~J- Adveriiser; Allistan Herald/Coarler; Barrie Advance; Brampton Guardian; Borlington Post; City Parent; Collingwood I Wasago Editorial Fax: 878-4943 Connectiofl; taxi York Mirrar; Etobicoke Guardian; i3exrgetown Independent! Acton Free Preas; Kingoton This Week; Lindxay Titis Advertising Fax: 876-2364 weeie; Markitam Economlsi & Sun; Midianri I Penetangsistiene Classifaed: 875-3300 Mirror: Mississauga News; Neamarbet I Aurore Era Banner; Northumberiand News; North Varie Mirror; Oabvlite Beaser: Orlitia Ian Oliver Publisher Today; Oxbawa I Whitbyl Giaringion I Port Perry Titis Weeb; Peterborough Titis Weeit; Ricbmond Miii I Thornhlii I Vaugitan Neil Oliver Assactate Publisher Literai; Scarboraugit Mirrar; Uxbrldge I Stoutivltie Tribune; BW Begin General Manager Today's Senion. Keren Smith Acang Ediu>r Adveriioing ix accepted on tht condition ibat, n lite usent ai a typagraphicai error, ibat portion xi lite advertlslng space occe- Seeve Crouler Circaiation Pdanager pied by tite erroneaaa Item, togetiter altit o reasanable aliowance tor slgnatare, miii not be citargeri tor, bai tht balance ot uta Teri Ceeu Office Manager advertisement miii be paid tar ai tht applicabie rate. Tite pablisiter Tien Coien Producaan Manager reserves tite rigbt te caiegarlze advertisements or deciine. Deer Editor: Recently the Canadian Champion ras> an article regarding a survey being conducted by Gwen Maloney, director of non-profit housing. The survey waa to deter- mine the number of working fami- lies with low or moderate incomes that are experiencing housing hard- ships within the region. The survey I received, however, referred to working families and seniors. I assume they are refening to seniors who have endured reces- sions, low wages, job losses, poor health and whose income consists of Canada Pension, possible com- pany pension or disability income and who cannot afford ever esea- lating renta of $800 to $1.200 per monthjust to remain in Milton. I have problems with this inclu- sion of seniors with low and mod- erate income families. The Region has limited funds for this undertak- ing which suggests the municipali- ty with the greatent need in terms of numbers will determine where the facility will be located. As Milton has a smaller population, there ix a reasonable expectation that it will not be located in Milton and these seniors would be required to relocate. Housing for low and moderate income working families ix fine. But as their income prospects improve they can move out. Seniors on fixed incomes cannot. Finally, seniors require a differ- ent set of criteria with respect to accommodation over working fam- ilies. They need wheelchair acces- sibility, walkways free of obsta- cles, a tolerable noise level, acceas to shopping and transportation, and, most of ail, family physicians. These are people who have lived in Milton for a considerable time, have made a contribution to this community, and have friends and famiiy here. We as a community owe it to them to provide a solution that would provide them with peace of mmd for their remaining years. If you are a senior who fiEs the description 1' ve outlined and you have a suggestion to make or a comment in generai, I would like to here fmm you. Graeme Barrow Milton Lobster debate boiling over Dear Editor: Oh dearie me! I have opened up a homet's nest, or a lobster's nest if you prefer. Regarding your latest letter on the lobster debate, Doug Clark and I have crossed swords before, as anyone reading between the unes in his letter wouid have guessed. He didn't win that one either. Let's put this issue into perspec- tive, shah we? Eat ail the lobsters you want - but kili them firxt. Don't hold them then hou thera alive. Anna Taylor Campbellville Pud by Steve Nease i