Author: Mike Cluett

Hey Bob! Read OUR Lips!

Mike Cluett

GROW MILTON HOSPITAL!

I read with interest an article in the Champion last week called “Councillors disappointed with infrastructure plan”  Click on the link to read it in full.

Disappointed isn’t the word.  In addition to Regional Councillor Colin Best’s comments, I also spoke about the lack of detail in this report and despite the Town’s efforts in keeping the province “in the loop” we have been kept in the dark.  And its not just Milton municipal councillors who are disappointed with the plan, or lack thereof.  Its the hundreds of mayors, regional & local councillors who are scratching their heads at the vagueness of the capital infrastructure plan recently released by the Provincial government.

The report called “Building Together” was supposed to outline a list of municipalities and their important infrastructure projects that would be green lighted by the province, such as expansion of Milton District Hospital, growing our university / college campuses (Milton Education Village) and other much needed road developments.

Instead we got a “we promise” document.  We promise that the provincial government will help fund these projects.  We promise.

When politicians utter the words “we promise” taxpayers roll their eyes.  Been there…done that.  Tell us something new.

It’s with that in mind I chuckled when I read the comments from Minister of Infrastructure Bob Chiarelli when he said the following:

“People know what our commitment is,” he (Chiarelli) said. “Read my lips, we mean business.”

Personally speaking, I really don’t know what to do with that comment.  I remember a certain US President who made the same “read my lips” promise and it came back to bite him in the old hindquarters.  He claims people know what the governments commitment is.  How can the people of Milton know what the provinces commitments are if they are not outlined.

And really when it comes down to it, Bob is a former Mayor of Ottawa and if anyone could understand what the cities and towns in Ontario are going through right now its him.

When the Town of Milton is asked to put forward a 10 year capital projection at budget time, we do.  The budget has a list of projects that are slated to begin, the time they are ready to go, and the approximate financial commitments needed to complete that project.  The same can be said for the Region of Halton and in fact, every municipality does this.  Why cant the Province of Ontario do the same?

The Premier of Ontario recently prorouged Queens Park for the summer and with a provincial election slated for October 6th, its highly unlikely they will be back to work at Queens Park any time soon.  Therefore the taxpayers of Milton must wait on pins and needles to see if this government will announce any projects before that time.  In fact its more likely we will hear something, if anything AFTER the election in October.

This will now put the timeline for the expansion of Milton District Hospital even further behind.

“Read my lips, we mean business.”

A little history lesson for you Bob just in case you missed it the first time around.  The minister of health Deb Matthews can also listen in as well as the Premier.

Between the Friends of Milton campaign a few years ago where over 35,000 signatures were secured from Milton residents and delivered to the health ministers office to the most recent Grow Milton Hospital campaign, where over 6,000 signatures were collected in a matter of weeks, Milton residents have been trying to let you know that we mean business.  Our council even installed a hospital expansion levy on our taxpayers (you know my feelings on THAT issue) in the hopes it would let the provincial government know we meant business too.  We as a town have done everything possible to raise the awareness of this problem that can affect the delivery of health care services to the people of Milton.  Instead we get a “read my lips” response.

The population of Milton is approaching 100,000 people and the last expansion at MDH took place back in 1987 when the population was 30,000.  Even then the current facilities were too small for that number and it wont be able to sustain itself much longer.  The infrastrucutre within the hospital is falling apart.  The hosptial recently got a new piece of equipment to sterilize medical instruments and it couldnt work because the electical system couldnt handle it and the installation was delayed by a couple of weeks.

Alan Halls from Halton Healthcare Services and John Oliver have made plea after plea to the province to green light the expansion of the hospital because the system will not be able to sustain itself at the current rate of growth.  The Milton Town Council has repeatedly sent you reports on the status of our growth, mandated by the provincial government, and the possible effects on our schools, roads and the hospital.

Expert after expert has told the LHIN and the Ministry of Health that the expansion of Milton Hospital is needed NOW.  The people of the town of Milton have told you endlessly that the expansion of Milton Hospital is needed NOW.  There are hundreds of signs on the lawns of the people of Milton that say “The Time is NOW! Grow Milton Hospital!”  As a local councillor in Milton I get stopped in the street, I receive emails and get phone calls from residents asking when will it happen…when will it start?

Read OUR lips Bob!  We mean business as well. 

Milton isn’t by far in the worst situation when it comes to hospitals and the delivery of health care services to their residents.  We know that!  What the taxpayers have seen over the last 8 years is $1 Billion wasted on EHealth (imagine what that money could have done to expand hospital facilities) and other programs, while we sit back and watch our hospital crumble before our eyes.  The doctors and nurses in Milton Hospital are doing the best they can given the circumstances.  Something has to give soon.  We only hope that a life isn’t put into danger before something happens with the expansion.

The Town of Milton has committed to providing the local share thats needed for the hospital expansion.  We dont have an amount yet and that can happen only if the project gets green-lighted by the province and we can get started in the planning.  When that happens, we will consult with Miltonians on the best direction to raise that local share.  We’re ready to go!  Just give us the green light!

Read our lips Bob!  Grow Milton Hospital!

Happy Birthday Milton

Mike Cluett

Slightly overshadowed by our neighbours to the south and THEIR celebrations and our most recent Canada Day events, the Town of Milton has turned 154 years old today.  And contrary to popular belief, Mayor Gord Krantz was NOT on Town Council at that time!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MILTON!

From the Town of Milton website:

Living in Milton, Ontario

Then…

Milton’s earliest beginnings can be traced back to 1825, when an enterprising young man named Jasper Martin built a gristmill on a mill pond. By harvesting the power of the swiftly flowing water, Jasper’s gristmill prospered and grew to become the centre of a settlement called Martin’s Mills, with a population of just 100 people in 1837.

The townspeople soon changed the name of the town to Milton because of the Martin family’s fondness for the poet John Milton. The Town of Milton was incorporated in 1857 and the first Town Council meeting was held in the County Buildings, where the current Town Hall is still located, on July 4, 1857.

And now…

Today, the Mill Pond is still flourishing in the centre of town, but without the gristmill, surrounded by a landscaped park. This gathering place is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts who want to walk, picnic and fish or just sit on a bench to enjoy the nature around them. From the historic downtown core with a bustling Saturday morning Farmers’ Market, to the steady business growth and development throughout the town, Milton has continued to prosper over the years. Nestled at the base of the scenic Niagara Escarpment, Milton is also well known as the preferred tourism destination Escarpment Country™

Home and beyond…

Milton is home to Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfieldwho has taken his down-to-earth Milton heritage around the world and beyond. A graduate of our very own Milton District High School, we are proud to have Colonel Chris Hadfield as an international ambassador for the Town of Milton.

Milton – an ideal place to live, work and play

Whether you are visiting, working or living in Milton, we know you will enjoy everything the Town of Milton has to offer. We encourage you to get to know us a little better, stay awhile and maybe even take home a souvenir as a reminder of our old-fashioned hospitality.

Milton Canada Day 2011

Mike Cluett

(photo courtesy of Milton Canadian Champion)

For the thousands who will attend Milton’s annual Canada Day celebrations Friday, it will be an entertainment-packed extravaganza.

From a Veteran’s Breakfast to a dazzling BMX Stunt Show, festivities will be non-stop all day at the fairgrounds, culminating with a huge fireworks display as darkness descends.

The event will begin as it does every year with the Veterans’ Breakfast in Victoria Park at Town Hall, followed by a brief ceremony at the cenotaph and a parade to the Miton Fair Grounds.

Immediately following the opening ceremonies and the swearing in of new Canadians, the entertainment will begin.

New this year is the Jagger BMX Stunt Show featuring professional BMX riders executing aerial stunts and tricks. There will be two shows, at 2:30 and 5 p.m.

Returning this year will be Circus Jonathon, a one-man comic, unicyclist and juggler, and Kidz Zone with paddle boats, face painting, gladiator air joust, air maze and bounce carousel, playdough centre, petting zoo, and much, much more.

There will be no shortage of exotic interactive animal exhibits and shows including Little Ray’s Reptile Zoo’s Giant Snakes of the World, Hamilton Reptile’s Travelling Reptile Show and the Muskoka Animal Show with indigenous wildlife.

The K9 Dog Show will unleash a host of canines and their freestyle and Frisbee tricks as well as games showing their agility, speed and obedience.

“It is a fun-filled day designed for kids and pretty much everything is free…we try to make as much as we can for free,” said Paul Scherer, a member of Milton’s Canada Day Committee.

Wandering throughout the crowds this year will be a friendly newcomer to the town’s Canada Day celebrations, Milton the Moose.

“We just think anything we can do to engage the little guys more and more… It will be fun for photo-ops and what’s a better symbol for Canada than a moose?”

Gates to the fairgrounds will open at 11:30 a.m. and prior to the fireworks finale, the Bee Gees cover band Night Fever will perform.

“It’s one of Milton’s signature annual events. It’s a real Milton tradition and it’s a great day,” said Scherer.

With Milton now home to a growing number of young families, the event is also a way of welcoming these new residents to town and making them a part of what’s happening, he added.

Once again, Milton Transit will offer a free shuttle service to the fairgrounds. For details, go to www.miltoncanadaday.ca.

From MiltonCanadaDay.ca

9:00AM to 11:30AM – Veterans’ Breakfast

Hosted by the Holy Rosary Knights of Columbus in Victoria Park,  please come out, meet and support our Veterans.  $4.00  will get you two pancakes and two breakfast sausages or a back bacon on a bun.  Meals include a beverage of choice either coffee, orange juice or iced tea.

11:30AM – A Moment to Remember

A brief ceremony and placing of a wreath to honour our Veterans.  Join us at the Cenotaph in Victoria Park.

11:50AM – Veteran’s Parade

Cheer on our heroes as they march from the cenotaph to the Milton Fairgrounds.

12:00PM – 1:00PM – Opening Ceremonies

1:00PM – New Citizenship Ceremony

For many individuals and families, the citizenship ceremony is the realization of a dream. In some instances, it marks the beginning of a new life. What better way to mark Canada Day, than becoming a Canadian Citizen? Come and witness on the Main Stage a number of local residents take the Canadian Citizenship Oath. Citizenship Judge Renata Brum Bozzi, will officiate the ceremony.

infos Tuesday, 18 January 2011 02:25 Last Updated on Saturday, 11 June 2011 15:16 Written by chris

All attractions begin at noon July 1st

Fun for Everyone!

  • Sneezy and Friends
  • Muskoka Animal Show (Indigenous Wildlife)
  • Little Ray’s Reptile Zoo with Giant Snakes of the World
  • Hamilton Reptiles Travelling Reptile Show
  • K9 Dog Show
  • Circus Jonathan
  • Mountsberg Bird of Prey
  •  Jagger Extreme BMX Stunt Show

    • Kidz Zone and Family Fun

  • Dufferin Mountain Sand Hill
  • Rockwall Mountain Climbing
  • Air Bounce Carousel
  • Air Maze
  • Paddle boats
  • Safari Air Playground
  • Gladiator Air Joust
  • Face Painting
  • Steam Era Display
    		•
  • Mountsberg “Birds of Prey”
  • High Performance Dog Team
  • Petting Zoo
  • Ponies R Us (Pony Rides)
  • Carnival Rides
  • Lawn Darts
  • Playdough Centre
  • Humane Society Display
  • Explore a Milton Fire Truck
    		•

    The List Is Out AND?

    Mike Cluett

    Nothing. Zilch. Nada.

    The Provincial Government has released its 10 year capital forecast for infrastructure projects (for things like HOSPITALS, GO Transit etc.) and despite the efforts of thousands of Miltonians, Halton Healthcare Services and countless numbers of pleas, there is nothing in this report regarding a green light for the expansion of Milton District Hospital.

    The link is here if you’d like to skim through it.

    It provides few details of hospitals that “COULD” receive funding over the next few years based on the ability of the government to pay for it.  Can you say “election promises”?  Here’s how its worded…”Completing the 27 major hospital projects under construction, and continuing to invest in hospital expansions and redevelopment projects, subject to fiscal capacity.” AND “Investing in three to five major hospital expansions and redevelopment projects each year, subject to fiscal capacity.” (page v of the report)

    Through all the discussions in the last year or so regarding hospital levy’s and how they were supposed to help us get where we need to go, rally’s and reasons to go and not to go and those of us (me mostly) to “play nice” when it comes to putting pressure on the provincial government to open their eyes and “get off their duff” and do something about it….all of that didnt work.

    Council was sold on the hospital levy that it will help. It didnt. That idea failed. Period. Full stop.

    “Be nice” Mike…I was told. “Dont rock the boat.” I complied.

    All of that proved to be unsuccessful in the grand scheme of things as Ive gone through that report and found NOTHING regarding Milton’s hospital.

    Its provincial election time. And my gloves are off. Im hoping that those who said theyll be in line to drive the bus to Queens Park and protest hold true to their promises because now is the time to rattle some cages.

    Its gone beyond silly side remarks to the premier when he drops into town for at Tweetup. I got him to say “Milton Hospital Expansion” which was cute and all, but does nothing when it comes to the big picture.

    The level of frustration that I and thousands of Miltonians are feeling right now is beyond words. Im tired of tip-toeing around things and I hope the other community leaders feel the same way. It seems the way things “should be done” dont work.

    I want everyone, regardless of party youll be supporting in the next election, PC, Liberal, NDP, GREEN, RHINO, Pancake…whatever it is. If you have a sign on your lawn, make sure you have a GROW MILTON HOSPITAL to go along with it

    The GROW MILTON HOSPITAL campaign, despite others saying it was “political” simply wasnt. It wasnt meant to promote any particular party and it again wont be. It simply has to be said to any candidate, Ted, Indira, (cant remember the name of the NDP if theres one) or anyone else that walks through this riding that the hospital needs to be greenlighted and NOW. If any of the party leaders fly through town for photo ops they will be met with ME and hopefully a few others with GROW MILTON HOSPTIAL signs and demands of a FIRM date for green lighting the expansion. Nothing else will be accepted.

    With this delay, it puts us even MORE behind the 8 ball when it comes to the delivery of health care services in this town. We need a made in Milton solution for our hospital as others that are being built in the surrounding areas ARENT designed for growth in other regions.

    Evidence has been presented forever and a day with the need for growth at MDH and its been ignored. Thanks but no thanks.

    We’ve had senior members of the provincial govt through town from the infrastructure minister, to the health minister to the premier and MUMS the word. They knew nothing was going to be done. Any mention of the hospital expansion and either theyre whisked away to question period or they blurt out lines like “er….uh….we’re looking at it” Whatever.

    Sorry that Im venting but reading through this report and thinking back to all the comments I got from others saying “be nice…it’ll happen…this will help …dont you worry.” Well, we now see where that got us.

    ZILCH.

    Council Meeting June 27 2011

    Mike Cluett

    The next meeting of Milton Town Council is on Monday June 27th 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.  You can find a link to watch the Town Council meetings here.  The meetings are also broadcast on TV Cogeco (Channel 14).

    Town Council deals with:

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

    Council also makes decisions on the recommendations of Milton’s two Standing Committees of Council:

    • Administration & Planning Committee
    • Community Services Committee

    The link to the agenda can be found here.  Some of the highlites of tonights meeting include:

    Hope to see you there or watch ONLINE as well via www.milton.ca

    Milton Canadian Champion Reports On Possible 4.41 % Increase

    Mike Cluett

    Here is the Champions take on the meeting last Monday. When the title says taxes could rise by 4.4%, it means that staff has assessed current services already provided combined with the MPI (Municipal Price Index) could result in a budget increase of 4.4%

    This total doesnt include new services that will be debated throughout the year and at budget time by the budget committee/council.

    Some of the other items I brought up at the meeting was a request to staff to not only consider the MPI, but also to take into consideration the CPI, inflation etc that is being projected for the next year as well.  The US economy isnt moving forward (in fact in some cases seems to be moving backwards) fast enough and could easily slip into a further recession putting extreme pressures on our economy as well.

    There are way too many factors in play to consider Canada’s economy and local economy’s out of the woods yet.  This is why we have to tread carefully in our 2012 budget process and keep taxpayers in mind with potential budget increases and the effects on their pocketbooks.

    I also confirmed with staff during the meeting that the hospital tax levy installed on your 2011 tax bill IS included in that amount.  Should the budget committee and in turn town council decide to remove the levy from the tax bill and find other sources of funding for the hospital expansion fund, the overall increase in current services will be lower.

    Its important that taxpayers know of all the options available to council during this process and send their input to their respective councillor.  This measure passed with no public input whatsover during the 2011 budget debate and I, along with a number of my collegues heard from you.  Some supported the measure and many opposed it.  The common theme I heard from taxpayers was they were not told about it and they voiced their displeasure.  As reported in the survey 40% of respondents supported the levy (actual number 71) while 38% opposed (actual number 68) leaving 21% (actual number 37) unsure, it by no measure is a mandate for council to continue this levy without extensive feedback from the community.

    You will see at the end of the article, an announcement of the informal budget input session slated for Monday July 11th at Milton Sports Centre (Room 4) starting at 7pm.  If you cant make it, please email me your comments, questions and concerns to mike@mikecluett.ca

    http://www.insidehalton.com/community/milton/article/1033206

    Taxes could rise by 4%

    Christina Commisso, Milton Canadian Champin

    A 4 per cent tax hike, but no increased services.

    That’s the gist of the budget call report presented to the Town’s administration and planning committee Monday.

    Town staff have estimated a 4.41 per cent tax hike is needed next year to maintain existing service levels in town.

    The report aims to provide guidelines and direction for preparing next year’s budget, and if this week’s meeting was a preview of things to come, the 2012 budget deliberations could be heated.

    The first question posed to Town Treasurer Linda Leeds following her short presentation was what the impact of removing the 1 per cent hospital levy, introduced in the 2011 budget, would have.

    “The hospital tax levy was a pretty contentious issue,” said Ward 6 Councillor Mike Cluett.

    He was one of five councillors who voted against the levy, which narrowly passed by a 6-5 vote in January.

    Leeds said the report assumes the 1 per cent levy would continue in 2012 and it wouldn’t result in a tax increase. She said if the hospital tax wasn’t carried forward, it would result in a tax decrease.

    Councillor Cindy Lunau quickly reminded those in attendance that funding the local share of the Milton District Hospital expansion, when it’s approved by the Province, is a reality council will have to one day deal with.

    “To remove the hospital levy would result in a decrease in the overall tax rate, but we certainly had comments around this table that there’s nothing more important we should be putting our tax money towards than the hospital…As we get to that point, let us hope we have some idea where the money for the hospital will be coming from.”

    Added Councillor Rick Di Lorenzo, “I can go down the list and if we remove everything we added last year, every program and service, that would also mean the tax increase would be lower than 4.41 per cent,” he said.

    Councillor Sharon Barkley reminded council members the point of the report is to provide Town staff with budget direction, “and I’m not sure if we’re doing that,” she said. She asked Leeds what a 4 per cent increase in municipal taxes would mean on her tax bill. As the Milton share of the property tax bill represents 29 per cent of the total, Leeds said a 4 per cent local increase would have a 1 to 1.2 per cent impact on the total tax bill.

    The report points to the Main Street grade separation and construction of the new Milton fire headquarters at Derry Road and Savoline Boulevard as the two highest-priority items on the 2012 capital budget.

    The projects, slated for completion next year, are estimated to cost $18.4 million and $2.9 million respectively in 2012 and $35.6 million and $5.2 million in total.

    Staff included comments on a budget survey — available on the Town’s website until the end of August — in the report.

    Of the close to 200 responses received so far, the majority said they’re satisfied with the current level of service the Town provides and 72 per cent said there are no new services or programs that could be offered.

    For new services or to increase existing service levels, 40 per cent of respondents don’t support a tax increase, 38 per cent do support an increase and the remainder of respondents were unsure.

    The survey asked about support for the hospital levy — 40 per cent were in favour of the tax, 39 per cent weren’t in favour and 21 per cent were unsure.

    Hosted by councillors Zeeshan Hamid, Cluett, Barkley and Di Lorenzo, an informal budget input session is set for July 11 at the Milton Sports Centre (Room 4) at 7 p.m.