Author: Mike Cluett

Halton MPP Says Provincial Government “evasive” when it comes to MDH

Mike Cluett

Flipping through the online version of the Halton Compass, I came across an article in the November 11th edition about Halton MPP Ted Chudleigh asking the Health Minister Deb Matthews and anyone else involved about answers to Milton’s questions … when are we getting the hospital?

He wasn’t too impressed with the ministers answers during a committee meeting.  The video below the article is of the exchange (courtesy of Ted Chudleighs website)

Chudleigh Says Liberals evasive on Milton Hospital

According to Halton MPP Ted Chudleigh, Minister of Health Deborah Matthews has more moves than a prize-fighting boxer when it comes to dealing with the expansion of Milton District Hospital.

“She bobbed and weaved so much in answering a question (about the hospital) today that she again provided no concrete answer to a legitimate question.” fumed Chudleigh on November 2.

Chudleigh asked why the Ministry has been spending millions on consultants but has been pleading poor when it comes to providing the funds necessary to expand Milton’s small hospital.

“Minister Matthews dodged, went off topic and dodged again.” said Chudleigh.  “Her refusal to answer a legitimate question in the Legislature should anger Miltonians and all Ontarioians.”

Chudleigh explained that Milton’s hospital was built with a population of 30,000 in mind.  The town now boasts more than 90.000 residents and the population keeps rising, and is expected to grow more than 180,000 in another decade.

According to Chudleigh, the people of Milton have waited three years for action to be taken on the expansion of Milton’s hospital.  The money frittered away on consultants, as detailed in the Ontario Auditor’s Report, would have easily paid for the complete and necessary expansion of the Milton facility, he said.

“It’s pretty clear,” Chudleigh said.  “that the health care of Miltonians is less important to a Liberal government than transferring taxpayer’s money into the hands of their friends.”

Ted has spoken out many times over the last few years at the provincial level about the needs of Milton’s healthcare needs.  Here is an example of Ted in action.

During the last municipal campaign, the hospital was obviously one of the big issues.  I had stated, along with pretty much everyone who’s name was on a ballot, that the new Milton Town Council would do what they could to raise this issue with the provincial government.  I used the words “get off their duff” (believe me I wanted to use stronger words than that) when it comes to the expansion of our hospital.  Give us an answer either way so we can start planning at the local level when it comes to funding ideas for our portion.  This inaction isn’t helping Miltonians at all.

We need to put some more pressure on the provincial government.  Sending copies of reports and statements by council to anyone with an “@ontario.ca” email address isnt cutting it.  The provincial government spends its days telling municipalities like Milton and other surrounding communities that we have to grow by “X” amount in the next 10 years…but provides no financial assistance to get it done.  Just do it we’re told.

As this new council gets ready to go, we need to put together a plan that will help raise awareness of this inside the provincial government.  Many thanks to Halton MPP Ted Chudleigh for raising the issue in the provincial legislature on a regular basis.  Mr Chudleighs been known for time to time for ruffling a few feathers in the provincial government and I’m sure this isn’t the last time he’ll speak out about it.

Something has to be done.  A long time ago.  Its starts with a loud voice…then it turns into more. 

Public Consultation for High School Boundaries

Mike Cluett

Thanks to “daycaremom” from the Hawthorne Villager for posting this information.

On Thursday November 25th, there will be a public consultation meeting at Milton District High School regarding the school boundaries for public high schools in Milton.  As many in our ward are aware of, a new high school is being constructed at Louis St Laurent and 4th Line.  When that school and other new ones that will be constructed come online, the school board will be looking into boundary changes.

Public Consultation For New High School in Milton (SRA 105)

The Halton District School Board invites the public to attend a Public Consultation Meeting to review and provide feedback on various boundary change scenarios for the public secondary schools in Milton.  This consultation will take place on:

Thursday, November 25th, 2010 @ 7PM – Milton District High School 396 Williams Avenue, Milton ON

Halton District School Board staff will present information concerning each of the scenarios and parents/guardians will participate in discussions about each option.  Staff will be on hand to answer questions.

Here is the link to the HDSB website for all the information you’ll need.  On the right hand side you will see the link to the proposed boundaries in different scenarios.  In each of these scenarios, you will see that our ward and most of Hawthorne Village itself will be attending the new school when its constructed.  It is still important to be informed and if you have children that will be attending high school in the coming years, you should still attend.  I might not be able to make it due to other commitments but I’m sure there will be a report from those in attendance coming shortly.

Feedback forms

Enrollment Projections (All Scenarios)

MAP Scenario 1

MAP Scenario 3

MAP Scenario 7

Milton Santa Claus Parade 2010

Mike Cluett

It was a little chilly but still an entertaining day on Main Street in Milton.  Thousands of people despite the cold wind and the snow earlier on in the day made their way to downtown Milton for its annual Santa Claus Parade.  Over 50 floats made their way down Main Street to sing songs, dance, and promote a wonderful family oriented holiday season.

MiltonToday TV was there live online … I didn’t get a chance to go over and say HI but they apparently did a very good job broadcasting the parade online.  I’ll have to go check them out.  From where we were (in front of Knox Presp. Church) you could see the MiltonToday HQ.  Milton’s parade gets better and better as the years go on and this one didnt disappoint.  Mrs. Claus apparently needed some extra time to get her make up ready according to one of the parade marshals Colin Best but it took only about 2 hours for the parade be completed.

Troy’s Diner had an amazing float and a collection of dancers that knocked the socks off of a lot of people along the parade route.  Speaking with Tiger Ali Singh at Troy’s later this evening, he said next year was going to be bigger … and better.  “TIGER STYLE” as he put it.  You know its going to be big!

The Shriners as always did an amazing job.  Anthony now wants to see if he can ride those motorized scooters around soon.  Im almost afraid of what he would do in one of those.  The dancers from all the different groups looked cold but were still going strong at the half way point in the parade.  The parade was full of energy and shouts of “MERRY CHRISTMAS” can be heard all over the route.

Here are just some of the pictures we took along the parade route.  We had a fabulous time and congratulations to the organizational committee for another well done event.

Mo Movember

Mike Cluett
From left, Shaun Noronha, Derek McGowan and Eddie Fiore show their mustaches. Courtesy of The Milton Canadian Champion

I posted earlier this week about some Miltonians who are taking part in Movember…growing the moustashe throughout the month of November, to help raise awareness for men’s health.

Brad Dickerson, Brian Best, Martin Capper and Peter Near are four Miltonians that I knew about directly who were participating but according to Jeremy Grimaldi of the Milton Canadian Champion there are many more including a few from Rock This Way:  The School of Rock on Main Street.

I think its great that people are getting behind this and helping to raise awareness of men’s health issues including all to familiar prostate cancer which is a disease that close to 25,000 men in Canada will be diagnosed with this year alone.

Here’s the MO-tivational article by Jeremy at the Milton Canadian Champion.  Go visit their “MO-spaces” and donate as much as you can.

Miltonians growing mustaches in fundraising craze

Jeremy Grimaldi, CANADIAN CHAMPION STAFF

November 18, 2010

Five Milton musicians have donated their faces to raise money for prostate cancer in a new campaign that’s sweeping the Western world.

Movember, mo being slang for moustache, was first created by two radio disc jockeys in Australia before it eventually went global reaching the UK, South Africa and now Canada.

Throughout this month thousands of Canadian men will raise millions of dollars to help with research and awareness about prostate cancer — a disease that 25,000 men will be diagnosed with in Canada this year alone.

In Milton, Eddie Fiori, Shaun Noronha and Derek McGowan of Rock This Way: The School of Rock on Main Street East have spent about two weeks growing mustaches and raising about $500 for Movember.

By the end of the month, they hope to raise $2,000 and develop true ‘Tom Selleck-style’ mustaches.

Fiori, 27, who owns the school, said growing mustaches, which he feels look silly on certain people, puts a positive spin on a serious issue. “I wanted to do it because I wanted to raise money for cancer. A close friend of mine passed away from testicular cancer not too long ago so although Movember raises the money for prostate cancer I think it raises awareness for men’s health in general.”

Milton-born McGowan, who’s a guitar instructor, said he thought he looked like a musician from the southern American band from the ’70s, Lynyrd Skynard.

“This is a big deal,” he said. “And Movember is a great way to raise money for a good cause.”

Movember has grown so large in the Great White North in the last few years, that last year the Canadian campaign placed second in the world, behind Australia, with 35,156 people coming together to raise $7.8 million for Prostate Cancer Canada.

Anyone that wants to help out the Rock This Way team, which also includes Michael Banks and David Partridge, is asked to visit www.movember.com and type Rock This Way when prompted under the donate section.

Councillor-elect Mike Cluett has also added pictures and profiles of other Movember participants on his website/blog at www.mikecluett.ca.

Volunteer Opportunities Available

Mike Cluett

Volunteer Opportunities: Committee/Board Vacancies

The Town of Milton invites you to help guide decisions and provide input to issues affecting your community, by volunteering for one of the following committees.

Volunteers for these Committees will be required to serve a four-year term, which runs concurrent with the term of Milton Council.

Eligibility

Qualified applicant(s) must be a resident of Milton, or an owner or tenant of land in the municipality, or the spouse of such an owner or tenant, or employee(s) of a business located in the municipality or student(s) attending a school located in the Town of Milton and must be a minimum of 18 years of age on the date of appointment. However, general qualifications may apply on certain committees. Age qualification may be waived by Council on certain committees.

How to apply

A separate application form must be submitted for each committee for which you wish to apply.

Application forms are available online or from the Office of the Town Clerk, Town of Milton, 150 Mary Street, Milton, ON, L9T 6Z5 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Completed application forms must be received at the Office of the Town Clerk no later than Thursday, December 9, 2010 at 4:30 p.m.

You may be required to attend an interview.  Applicants for Committees with daytime meetings may have daytime interviews. To be eligible for appointment, you must be a qualified elector in the Town of Milton; however the age qualification may be waived on certain committees.

Vacancies

Committee Of Adjustment And Consent

The mandate of this 5-member committee, established under the Planning Act, is to make decisions regarding minor variances to the Town of Milton’s Comprehensive Zoning By-law, as well as changes to legal non-conforming uses.  The Committee also makes decisions on land division/severance (consent) applications to create new lots and easements or adjust lot line boundaries and it also acts as the Property Standards Committee, on as ‘as required’ basis.

Applicants should have the ability to read architectural drawings and survey plans, a thorough knowledge of the community, and an interest in its growth and development.  Members will also be required to review planning reports and comments and make site inspections, prior to each meeting.

  • Members needed:  5 citizens
  • Meeting Schedule: Monthly, Thursday evenings
  • Contact: Betty Cunningham, Committee Secretary, 905-878-7252 ext. 2315 or Betty.Cunningham@milton.ca

Board Of Management For The Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA)

The mandate of the Board of Management for the Downtown Business Improvement Area as established by Milton Council, in accordance with By-law No. 112-77, is for the improvement, beautification and maintenance of municipally-owned lands, buildings and structures in the area designated as the Downtown Business Improvement Area and to promote the designated area as a business or shopping area.

To qualify to sit as a Member on the Board of the D.B.I.A., the member shall be assessed for business assessment in respect of land in the Improvement Area, or nominees of Corporations so assessed.

  • Members needed:  7 citizens
  • Contact:  Jacquelyn Garrard, Executive Director, Milton D.B.I.A., 905-876-2773 or jgarrard@downtownmilton.com

Community Services Advisory Committee

The mandate of this committee is to provide a forum for public input and consultation on a broad range of programs and services delivered by the Town of Milton. The role is an advisory and consultative one, providing input to Milton Council vis-à-vis the respective Standing Committee of Council on issues that are of a “community service nature” with respect to the program areas of Community Services.  The Community Services Advisory Committee also reviews and makes recommendations to Milton Council with respect to the Milton Community Fund program.

  • Members needed:  8 citizens
  • Contact: Bev McCarthy, Committee Secretary, 905-878-7252 ext. 2580 or at Bev.McCarthy@milton.ca

Heritage Milton

The mandate of this committee is to provide advice and assistance to Milton Council, the Department of Planning and Development and private property owners on matters relating to the conservation of the community’s historic building and architectural heritage.

  • Members needed:  7 citizens
  • Meeting Schedule: evenings on the first Thursday of every month
  • Contact: Anne Fisher, Planner, 905-878-7252 ext. 2565 or at Anne.Fisher@milton.ca

Milton Accessibility Advisory Committee

The Milton Accessibility Advisory Committee was created under the authority of the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2001. This committee’s mandate is to advise and assist the Town, in promoting and facilitating an inclusive and barrier-free Town for Citizens of all abilities, including persons with disabilities

  • Members needed: 8 citizens with a minimum of 5 citizens with disabilities
  • Note: Committee meetings are generally held during the business day
  • Contact:  Darren Cooper, Coordinator Accessibility, 905-878-7252 ext. 2534 or Darren.Cooper@milton.ca

Milton Public Library Board

The Milton Public Library Board manages and controls the Milton Public Library system, in accordance with the Public Libraries Act and as authorized by Milton Council in accordance with By-law No. 15-74.  In summary, the Library Board’s mandate is to provide a comprehensive and efficient public library system, with services that reflect the community’s needs via the establishment of policies leading to the successful operation of the system.

  • Members needed:  7 citizens
  • Contact:  Leslie Fitch, CEO/Chief Librarian, 905-875-2665 ext. 3252 or leslie.fitch@mpl.on.ca

Milton Transit Advisory Committee

This committee’s mandate is to report to Town Council on matters concerning public transit within the Town of Milton including the review and operation of transit routes, budgets and long range planning for the transit system. The Committee will provide a review and monitoring function for Council and work with staff representatives to ensure the future success of Milton Transit.

  • Members needed:  4 citizens
  • Note: Committee meetings are generally held during the business day
  • Contact: Tony D’Alessandro, Coordinator of Transit, 905-878-7252 ext. 2548 or Tony.Dalessandro@milton.ca

Milton Trails Advisory Committee

This committee’s mandate is to provide an advisory and consultative role to Town Council concerning the design, development and promotion of trails in the Town of Milton, using the Trails Master Plan as its guiding document.

  • Members needed:  6 citizens
  • Contact: Karen McKinnon, Committee Secretary, 905-878-7252 ext. 2185 or Karen.McKinnon@milton.ca

Public Input Sessions – Bruce Street Library

Mike Cluett

Public Input Sessions – Bruce Street Library

In the Spring of 2011, the main library and library administration that are currently housed at 45 Bruce Street and 407 Pine Street will be moving to a larger facility, with the completion of the new Milton Centre for the Arts.  This relocation presents the opportunity to consider alternatative uses for the two buildings including the following:

  • services for the youth
  • services for seniors
  • services for non profit organizations
  • modified library services
  • other

The Town of Milton invites you to learn more about the feasibility study for future use options at these locations and to provide input into future use options to be presented to Milton Town Council in 2011.

Sessions will include

  • updates on the study
  • feedback attained from stakeholder groups
  • proposed alternative uses for the buildings
  • question & answer period

The date for these public input sessions are:

Tuesday December 7, 2010

Milton Seniors Activity Centre (500 Childs Drive, Milton ON)

Session 1:  3pm to 5pm

Session 2: 7pm to 9pm