mp halton

Arts Centre Announcment

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”.

Olympic Pride in Milton

Mike Cluett

Thousands of Miltonians lined Main Street early in the morning today in Milton to catch a glimpse of the Olympic torch as it makes it way through the GTA and beyond.

There was definatley a chill in the air as people huddled closely to the edge of the street waiting for some sign the torch and the runners were on their way.  Miranda was taking in the festivities with a look of wonderment in her eyes, not really sure what was going on.  Anthony on the other hand was bundled up and poked his head out to the street eagerly waiting to see history in the making. 

Christmas carols her heard, as choirsters brought out the holiday spirit of the people along the road.  Mayor Gord Krantz and Halton MP Lisa Raitt were in front of Knox Prespyterian Church to greet CTV weather guy Tom Brown as he cheerfully brought the flame to be handed off.

The cheers got louder as the motorcade made its way down the street, the first car with a flashing sign saying the torch will be here in 5 minutes.  Not to forget the sponsors of the event, a large COKE truck with singers cheering on the crowd and the RBC part of the parade announcing that “its coming”.  Another Milton blogger Jennifer Smith was there recording the event on video, so look to her blog for her updates as well.

A smiling Tom Brown feeling the effects of the cold greeted  the Mayor and MP and lit the next torch.  As the new torch was being lit, the people surrounding the area broke into a warm rendition of “OH CANADA”.

Brenda Wilson (thanks Steve!) finished up and made her way down Main Street to the next stop 300 meters away.  The cheers of the crowd were deafening as the route closed up and as soon as it was here, it was gone.

It definately was history in the making as we dont know when or if the torch will ever make its way back to Milton again.  There were many people openly emotional being a part of this great event.  Kids were laughing and excited chanting GO CANADA GO in the hopes our athletes bring it home this year.

Afterwards we made our way down to the Memorial Arena for a pancake breakfast put on graciously by the Knights of Columbus.  Hundreds packed the Lions Hall upstairs to take part in the meal and be entertained by live music.  It was really well run and many thanks to the Knights for their generosity.

Edit:  Here are some more pictures.  If you were there…let me know how you felt as the countdown to the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver made its way through Canada’s fastest growing municipality.  These pictures are courtesy Paul Mitrovich, who apparently lost a finger in the cold (waaaaa, as you head to FLORIDA tomorrow) HA.