Articles from February 2011

In what seems to be a recurring theme in the Milton Champions Letter to the Editor section, there is more feedback on councils decision to implement a 1% tax levy for the potential hospital expansion for MDH.

Most of the comments received by Miltonians on this blog, through email and in the Champion tends to focus on the fact that this decision was made with no public input and because we haven’t received the go ahead from the provincial government.

Dear Editor:

I read with interest the letter by John Challinor in the February 3 Champion entitled, ‘Hospital levy should be rescinded; taxpayers engaged in discussion.’

We agree that the tax levy should be re-opened for further discussion.

As life-long residents of Milton, we don’t oppose paying money toward our hospital expansion. However, we do question why the decision was made so quickly, when the Milton District Hospital expansion isn’t yet approved by the provincial government.

We urge councillors to re-open the tax levy issue for public discussion.

Jean and Joe Gregoris, Milton  

If you haven’t already read Stuart Service’s article in the Halton Compass last week, (front page / second page) suggest you have a read.  In the article, Stuart asks Dalton McGuinty about Milton’s decision to implement the levy and asks the all important question of will this help.  The Premier’s answer is quite telling.

(photo by Stuart Service, courtesy of Halton Compass)

McGunity did not confirm whether or not a MDH levy would increase the towns chance at landing provincial approval for the hospital expansion.

“It’s obviously a sign of a strong committment on the part of the community, but I think that there is a lot of factors that we have to take into account when it comes to what we’re going to put something next.”

He continued…

“At this point in time, we’re talking about a long term plan and none of those decisions have been made yet.  One of the things we have to look at is where do we go going forward with respect to our capital plan.”

“We’re in a significant deficit , its a matter of modest growth, its a time of still too high unemployment.”

Doesn’t necessarily spark optimism now does it?  In fact its the opposite.  As the article mentioned, there were a number of councillors in support of the levy who used the argument that by implementing the tax levy will increase our chances in getting provincial approval.  In fact key members of staff at MDH and Halton Healthcare Services echoed those same comments.  Judging from the Premier’s comments it doesn’t spark any light of hope as we move closer to the time where the provincial government will be making those decisions.

Recently at the Mayor’s Breakfast we had a visit from Minister of Infrastructure Bob Chiarelli (one of the key decision makers in the approval process) came to town to visit the Milton Centre for the Arts and take some time to speak at the breakfast.  In his 25 minute address to the mostly business crowd there wasn’t a mention of the need for hospital expansion in Milton.  A few individuals I spoke with after who attended the meeting were equally as puzzled as to why the much needed expansion and quite possibly the number ONE issue in the town went unaddressed.

Only time will tell if its a success or a failure.  We should find out in time (March / April 2011) if Milton receives the approval from the provincial government to move forward to the design stage of the much needed expansion of MDH.  Since 2001/2002 there have been a number of studies completed by Halton Healthcare Services (at a significant cost) to assess the need for expansion.  That’s a no brainer as many Miltonians are quite aware.  The need is there…there is no doubt of that fact.  The most recent report was completed back in 2008/2009 as to the need and viability of the expansion and nothing has been done since.  In essence, the report is sitting on an in-box somewhere at the province of Ontario.

You want community support?  We only have to turn back a couple of years when over 35,000 Miltonians, via the Friends of Milton Hospital organization collected signatures on postcards that were delivered to the Premiers office telling them of our needs.

We can do something in the meantime.  We can keep the discussion going at all levels, on this blog, on discussion forums, in the coffee shops and restaurants in town and with our MPP Ted Chudleigh.  It’s getting close to that time and if Milton isn’t approved for expansion there will be a lot of very upset residents.

Here is link to the agenda for tonights council meeeting starting at 7pm at Milton Town Hall.

The governing body of the Town of Milton is Town Council, consisting of the Mayor and 10 Councillors who represent Milton’s eight wards. Milton residents elect members of Council for a four-year term of office. Milton Town Council deals with a number of varying issues that affect the daily lives of Milton residents including the following items:

• Matters requiring policy direction
• By-laws or by-law amendments
• Responses or actions to pertinent issues

Some of the items that will be discussed include:

• 4th Quarter 2010 Capital Variance Report
• A public meeting for proposed amendments to lands located at 3074 Main Street (Main Street / Bronte Street south west corner)
• A report that outlines the Region of Halton and a potential smoking ban for all publicly owned property.
• Halton District School Boards 2010 Long Term Accomodation Plan.

Remember as well if you cant make it tonight to Town Hall, you can watch the meeting streamed online.

http://www.milton.ca/council/councildocuments/councilwebcast.htm

Here you will be able to launch the viewer for the meetings and find links to archived council and committee meetings.  Council meetings should/will have the TV Cogeco feed whereas the committee meetings will be recorded by a camera located at the back of the council chambers. 

Drop me an email if youre watching online and let us know what you think.  mike@mikecluett.ca or follow me on Twitter @mike_cluett

Earlier today Minister of Labour and MP for Halton Lisa Raitt made an announcement at the Milton Centre for the Arts about the success of Canada’s Economic Action Plan in creating jobs for Milton.  Surrounded by members of town staff, Mr. Rob Mackay who is the manager of the Arts Centre/Library, councillors such as myself and Reg. Councillor Colin Best, we heard of the many successes for both Milton and the Halton area.

Using the backdrop of the almost completed Milton Arts Centre she announced that thousands of jobs have been created in our area from the Milton Sports Centre and Arts Centre and more to come once the work has been completed.  Mayor Gord Krantz in his trademark work boots thanked the Minister and all levels of governement for working with the Town to ensure the completion of these projects.

The Invest in the Arts fundraising campaign is nearing the end and will be expected to announce that its hit (or maybe even surpassed) its fundraising goal of $2.2 million dollars and there will be more to come from that I assure you.

There was an opportunity to do a quick check on the status of the project and they are assured it will be completed on its original deadline of March 31st and not need the extention as much.

Many thanks for Minister Raitt for attending today for what Mayor Krantz likes to call “good news stories”.

Milton Police Blotter – February 17, 2011

Tools stolen from vehicles

Three commercial vehicles were broken into overnight last Thursday at Ridley Windows and Doors on Reid Sideroad.  It’s estimated more than $3,000 worth of tools were taken.

Computer equipment stolen

About $2,200 worth of computer equipment and accessories were stolen from The Source on Steeles Avenue.  Police are still investigating the incident, which occurred during business hours last Thursday.

Milton’s liquor stores targeted

Thieves targeted both of Milton’s LCBO stores recently.  The first incident was last Thursday at 8 p.m. at the Main Street and Thompson Road location, where about $3,000 worth of liqueur was stolen.

In the next incident Friday at the downtown location, which occurred shortly after 2 p.m., more than $500 worth of alcohol was taken.

Laundromat broken into

The offices of the Mill Street Coin Laundry on Mill Street were broken into between 6 and 7 a.m. Sunday.  Clothing was stolen.

Motorist taken to hospital

A woman was taken to hospital for observation after her car hit a hydro pole at Main Street and Tremaine Road.  The incident occurred Saturday at about 1:20 a.m.

Family Day Holiday Transit Notice

Please note that there will be no Milton Transit service or Accessible Paratransit service on Monday, February 21, 2011. Scheduled services will resume on Tuesday February 22, 2011. For more information please contact the Transit Information Line at 905-864-4141.

Reported today in the Milton Canadian Champion.

House ransacked in break-in – Crime Stoppers of Halton

Halton Regional Police are investigating a break-in at a Menefy Place home. 

Sometime after 2:30 p.m. January 27, a Milton resident arrived home and noticed the front door had been pried open.

An investigation by police revealed the unknown suspect(s) entered the house and searched through the kitchen cupboards, closets and the upstairs bedrooms.

Numerous items were stolen, however the total loss is unknown at this time. 

Anyone with information on this or any other crime is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or go to the website, www.haltoncrimestoppers.com, or text ‘Tip201’ with your message to 274637 (crimes).

I know there are many of you who dont really subscribe to the whole “VALENTINE’S DAY” thing.  I do though. 

Its amazing to see the look on a loved ones face as they open up some flowers….say from Oceana Whispers on Charles Street, downtown Milton by the TD and Royal Canadian Legion.  Judy has been hard at work for the last several weeks to ensure that she has THE best selection in flowers and the most perfect arrangements you can find for your loved ones. 

As I write this, its about 230PM on Valentine’s Day…if you havent been able to get out give Judy a call (905) 878-6652 or drop by her store.  She can work wonders for you and keep some of us out of the doghouse from time to time.

So guys, don’t waste anymore time and give Judy a call, email her judy@oceanawhispers.com or Twitter @oceanawhispers and get moving.

Milton Police Blotter

Jewellery taken

Between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. last Thursday, a residence on Menefy Place was broken into after the front door was forced open.  An MP3 player and jewellery were stolen.

Car broken into

A vehicle was broken into on Maple Avenue last Thursday between 10 and 11:27 am.  Access to the vehicle was gained after the passenger window was smashed.  Removed was a purse containing identification and credit cards.   

Car window broken

A vehicle at the carpool lot at Hwy. 401 and Regional Road 25 had a window smashed shortly after 1 a.m. February 2.  The incident, which was seen by a witness, didn’t result in any items being taken. 

Mailboxes broken into

On Friday, a Canada Post mailbox was entered, although nothing was stolen, say police.  In a similar incident, a super mailbox was broken into Saturday at Lower Base Line and Sixth Line.

Again, police say nothing was stolen.

Unlocked cars targeted

On Saturday at about 4:50 p.m., an unlocked white Ford Explorer was broken into.  Nothing was stolen.  A 14-year-old Milton youth was arrested in connection with the car break-in.

Social insurance card stolen

A vehicle was broken into on Twiss Road sometime between Sunday and Tuesday.  The owners of the vehicle say a social insurance card was the only thing taken.

Ski hill targeted again

After a number of thefts from cars last week at Glen Eden Ski and Snowboard Centre, thieves were at it again.  In the latest incident Monday between 6:30 and 7 p.m., a Burton snowboard with white bindings was stolen after being left unattended. It’s worth about $500. 

Continuing with some of the feedback I posted earlier last week, here is another letter to the editor of the Milton Canadian Champion in todays paper.

A re-do needed on Town budget

Dear Editor:

Milton council appears to be out of touch with the reality of today’s economy.

The country is in a recession, thousands of Canadians are unemployed, and citizens are still reeling from the introduction of the HST and hydro cost increases. And still Milton council feels increasing our property taxes at twice the rate of inflation represents good government. It doesn’t.

The Bank of Canada is projecting a 2 per cent inflation rate for 2011, which should represent the absolute limit for property tax increases this year. Town council needs to get back to work and have Town staff provide them with spending reductions that will keep the tax increases within the 2 per cent target.

These reductions should include, at a minimum, a freeze on the hiring of new employees, unfilled positions being left vacant and capital projects being reduced, as they eventually create ongoing operations and maintenance expenses. The Town should also be looking to contract out any services that it performs that can be more cost-effectively provided by the private sector.

The 1 per cent hospital tax levy should be rescinded. Ontario residents are already burdened with high Provincial taxes to support health care. The Town shouldn’t be creating a ‘stealth’ health-care tax  through our property taxes.

One of the more pleasant surprises I experienced when I moved to Milton over a decade ago was reasonable property taxes. To keep these taxes reasonable, council needs to recognize that prudent management of our tax dollars is expected of our elected members of council.

The budget for 2011 needs to be re-opened and spending reductions introduced to lower the Town portion of property taxes to a maximum 2 per cent increase.

Sean McCafferty, Milton

Continuing on the “hospital” theme of my posts today, I read this article from Oakville Today and a conversation with John Oliver, the CEO of Halton Healthcare Services.  You will find his name familiar as HHS is also responsible for Milton District Hospital.  This article gives a good synopsis on what it took to get the new hospital approved in Oakville, the services it will be providing area residents (potentially Miltonians as well) and when we can expect it to be up and running.

I think the big difference between the new Oakville Hospital and the potential expansion of Milton District Hospital is the fact that Oakville is, as John Oliver states, “from scratch” whereas any plans for MDH will include the current facility and the surrounding lands.  There is no idea from any organization on what the potential costs of expansion would be, including the all important local portion that the Town of Milton has to raise in that 30 year period.

Depending on what the provincial government approves this coming 2011 fiscal year (or if they will approve Milton’s expansion) will decide on how much the Town of Milton will have to raise.  As you know, Milton Town Council had approved the 1% tax levy to go towards the dedicated Hospital Expansion fund for the 2011 tax year and will be looking at other ways to add funds to the balance.

It’s important for everyone to keep their eye on the ball so to speak on what needs to be done, ensure we have a proper plan in place and for Milton Town Council, in conjunction with the residents and taxpayers of Milton, find ways to raise money for this fund without continuing and or increasing this levy.  Many of the councillors around the table stated that they will be ensuring more public input on ideas and I will endeavour to make sure that happens.

Obviously this new hospital in Oakville will have some affect on what expansion MDH will get but I hope the province of Ontario realizes that something has to be done.  Its been said over and over again and it bears repeating over and over again.  The Province of Ontario needs to recognize that Milton needs SOMETHING done and soon.  The population of Milton is rapidly approaching 100,000 and our current facilities simply wont do.  The Town of Milton needs to be seen as a priority to ensure the proper delivery of healthcare services to Milton residents and the surrounding area.

Lets hope they listen…because I certainly will keep talking about it with you.

Feel free to comment.

Halton Healthcare Services President John Oliver brings community up to speed on new North Oakville hospital project

NORTH OAKVILLE TODAY – A consortium will soon be selected to build the new Oakville hospital and shovels are likely to hit the ground by the summer, but curiosity still surrounds the finer points of the ongoing process.

North Oakville Today spoke with President and CEO of Halton Healthcare Services (HHS) John Oliver to get further insight into one of the most important projects ever undertaken by this community.

The new Oakville hospital, which is slated for a 50-acre site at the northwest corner of Third Line and Dundas Street, is expected to open its doors in early 2015.

“We’re building a hospital from scratch,” said Oliver. “We’re not doing a renovation, we’re not doing an add-on. We’re on a green field site and we have an opportunity to create a facility that in all aspects is modern and designed with the most recent thinking in hospital design.”

The project is being funded through the province’s Alternative Financing and Procurement (AFP) model.

Under the model, a private consortium of companies and investors will be responsible for the design, construction, financing and maintenance of the hospital.

The hospital is then paid for by the province and stakeholders over a 30-year period, similar to a mortgage.

According to Oliver, the AFP model transfers much of the construction risk to private sector partners.

The AFP model requires a local share contribution towards the cost of the hospital, which totals $530 million: $60 million from the Oakville Hospital Capital Campaign, $270 from Halton Healthcare Services and up to $200 million from the Town of Oakville.

In order to protect the competitive bidding process, an estimated total cost of the hospital has never been released.

With the February 25 request for proposal approval date fast approaching, Oliver said that the foremost factor being considered when selecting one of three bidding consortia is how closely the bids adhere to HHS’s building specifications.

“We have issued what are called project specific output specs,” said Oliver. “We are looking for the bids to be compliant and aligned with our desired project descriptors.”

Oliver said that cost issues are also being considered as well as construction management and building maintenance.

“We will have an agreement where for 30 years after we take occupancy, the building will be maintained [by the consortium],” he said.

According to Oliver, after the request for proposal close date, there will be a period of bid evaluations with Infrastructure Ontario ending in mid to late May. Only after that will the successful bidder be announced.

“Soon after the preferred proponent is named, we’ll probably begin early work on the site,” said Oliver. “There are things that have to get going with access roads and storm water management and all the grading and the developments needed to have the infrastructure to sustain a major capital project. There’ll be site work likely in late May, early June.”

Oliver said that at the same time the preliminary site work is taking place, HHS should be working towards commercial and financial close, which involves coming to a final agreement with the approved consortium. He said commercial and financial close is expected by mid-summer.

“Then the actual site construction work can begin immediately after that so we would anticipate that to be in late July or early August,” he said.

When the facility opens, patients will be transferred to the new Oakville hospital from Oakville-Trafalgar Memorial Hospital. The number of beds at the new hospital will be increased over time to 457 beds with space to grow to 602 beds in the future.

Oliver said right now, HHS is working on being operational ready for 2015.

“It’s a mountain and you scale a mountain one day at a time,” he said, “and we’re starting four and a half years in advance and we will be very ready to deliver care when we open those doors.”

The transition into a new hospital seems like a daunting task but Oliver said that HHS is looking into other hospitals that have successfully made the move.

“Any lessons we can learn on being operational ready we are picking up from some very recent experiences locally,” he said.

Oliver said that the vision for the new Oakville hospital is meant to offer more than just additional rooms, newer equipment and more staff. It will also offer a comfortable environment in which to heal.

“There is a lot of evidence,” said Oliver, “that environments that are warm, supportive, that are reflective of the environment that you live in…are conducive to healing and much more supportive for families and for staff that are staying with patients as well. So that’s the kind of environment we’re after.

“Almost all areas are designed now to make sure that we have light wells and areas where people can feel connected to the landscape and connected to nature through the building.”

Oliver said that HHS will be more ouspoken once the request for proposal analysis is completed in May. When the final design is approvedshortly there after, Oakville will get its first glimpse into what the new hospital will actually look like when the doors open in 2015.

“This is a much-needed project for Oakville,” he said. “It’s a very exciting.”

 For information about the new Oakville hospital, visit www.newoakvillehosptial.com.