town of milton

Halton Region News: OMB Hearings Adjourned

Mike Cluett

This is actually good news for Derry Green business park.  It gives the Region and the developers time to come to an agreement to move forward with the future corporate business park and a new survey called Boyne in Milton.  I have said many times that business growth is our biggest challenge for Milton and we need businesses to move here to help relieve the pressure on the residential taxpayer as growth continues.

I would say that we should be cautiously optimistic at this adjournment and if anything changes, I’ll post it on my website.

I’ll see you at the doors.

From the Region Of Halton Wesbite

OMB hearing adjourned on Development Charge Bylaw

Release Date: Feb 28, 2013

Halton Regional Council confirmed its position that growth pay for itself to the degree permitted by Provincial legislation, that existing taxpayers and businesses are not impacted by the costs associated with new residential growth, and that the Region’s AAA credit rating is maintained and is not impacted in any way by the cost of new growth in the Region. Staff was further directed to continue to work with the development industry to explore opportunities for a negotiated resolution to the outstanding appeals to the Development Charges (DC) Bylaw. The Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) hearing scheduled to begin on February 25th was adjourned to allow these discussions to occur.

“I am pleased that Regional Council continues to be united on this important issue,” said Regional Chair Gary Carr. “This is another example of how Regional Council remains committed to protecting the taxpayers of Halton.”

For more information on Halton’s Development Charges visit www.halton.ca/developmentcharges.

The Regional Municipality of Halton serves more than 500,000 residents in the City of Burlington, the Town of Halton Hills, the Town of Milton, and the Town of Oakville. Halton Region is committed to meeting the needs of its residents through the delivery of cost-effective, quality programs and services, including water and wastewater; Regional roads and planning; emergency medical services; waste management; public health; social assistance/Ontario Works; children’s and seniors’ services; social/non-profit housing; heritage programs; emergency management and economic development. For more information, dial 311 or visit Halton Region’s website at www.halton.ca.

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Media Contact:

Jane MacCaskill
CAO, Halton Region
905-825-6230
Jane.Maccaskill@halton.ca

Harlem Shake – Milton United Way Style

Mike Cluett

As a thank you to the people of Milton for their generosity in helping the United Way of Milton not only reach but surpass our goal and raise $ 695,000 we decided to give YOU a gift.

Enjoy.

Boston Pizza Supports Milton United Way

Mike Cluett

I just wanted to say a quick word of thanks to the “celebrity” servers from last nights event at Boston Pizza.

In case you didn’t know, last night the Milton United Way coordinated with Boston Pizza to donate 15% of the food sales in the restaurant to the UW.

It could not have been the success it was without the help and support of our celebrities.  When the call went out, they answered!

Scott Fox who as many people in Milton know is a strong supporter of a number of causes.  From his support of the Milton Hospital Foundation to the United Way, Scott has been amazing and dazzled many in attendance with his serving skills.  Believe me he did not take the night off !

Samantha Attew is a name many people know because she’s always ready to help out when needed.  She was recently recognized for her volunteering in our community by receiving the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee award this past weekend and didn’t hesitate when asked to help out last night.

Another great Miltonian is Yannick Carter.  In between smashing players on the CFL grid iron hes a strong supporter of the Oakville Milton Humane Society.  If you’ve ever wanted to see a 6 foot 2, 250 pound football player go all mushy when he see’s a dog or cat…thats Yannick.

He also enlisted the help of his fellow teammates Ryan Hinds, Jonathan Hood and Iasacc Brown to help out last night.  As everyone knows, Im a big CFL fan and when I see the players helping out the community as these guys do on a regular basis, it makes me even more proud to say that Im a fan.  They give of their time to help out the youth in our community with positive messages like focusing on physical health and getting an education.  They are true CFL ambassadors.

We should also say a big thank you to the staff at Boston Pizza.  They truly made the night fun for us all.  I couldn’t stay long because of a council meeting at 7pm but speaking for our celebrity servers, they did a great job and were awesome.

Hopefully tomorrow we should have the grand total of this event so stay tuned to my Twitter feed for that.  Also this coming Thursday (Valentines Day) is our touch down event where we will announce the grand total of this years fundraising campaign.  Ive been involved with the fundraising team this year for the United Way and they’ve been great.  Tune into TV Cogeco live at 2pm for coverage.

If you’d like more information please go to the Milton United Way website and if you do feel so inclined, make a donation to help the 1 in 4 Miltonian’s who use a United Way service.  Change starts here!

I’ll see you at the doors.

Halton Region Asks For Input On Communication

Mike Cluett

If you are interested in taking part in the survey by Halton Region, please sign up at www.halton.ca/mvp

This is a great service provided by the Region to get as much citizen input as possible and work towards making things better.  I know that when I speak with residents in Milton about both town and regional issues, many state they don’t know what is being worked on and the time lines of these projects.

It’s our job as elected officials and as governments to do our best to make sure people are informed and that there are resources available to get that information.  If you go to the Region of Halton website www.halton.ca you will find there is a page with all contact information for different departments.  Its called the Social Media centre and I urge you to visit it and follow on Facebook, Twitter and RSS news feeds each one of these areas to stay on top of any changes, news and what’s happening in your area.

Here is the link.

Make sure you register as part of the MVP program on the Halton website and take part in this and other surveys.

I’ll see you at the doors.

Halton Region asks residents to comment on construction information

Release Date: Jan 22, 2013

On Monday, January 28, Halton Region will release a new survey to evaluate the effectiveness of its communications efforts in support of regional infrastructure planning and construction projects.

The survey is part of the ongoing Halton MVP (myViewPoint) survey series that asks an online panel of Halton residents for input on Regional programs and services. The survey results will be used to improve the Building a Better Halton communications program.

“Construction affects all of us in Halton Region,” said Regional Chair Gary Carr. “Our goal is to provide residents, businesses and commuters with useful and timely information that will help reduce the impact of Regional construction on drive times and daily life throughout the region.”

To receive Halton MVP surveys, residents must join the survey panel and complete a demographic questionnaire. Panelists may be invited to participate in up to eight surveys each year on a variety of Regional programs and services. Registration is open to all residents of Halton Region (excluding employees of Halton Region) 18 years of age or older. To register, or for more information about Halton MVP, visit www.halton.ca/MVP.

To participate in the next survey on construction communications, eligible Halton residents must join the MVP panel by Sunday, January 27, 2013.

The Halton MVP survey panel is managed and administered by Jane Armstrong Research Associates on behalf of Halton Region through a secure website. All correspondence, data collection and data analysis are the responsibility of Armstrong Research. The names of panelists, or any other identifiable information, will not be released without written permission by the participant. Individual views will remain anonymous and data will always be analyzed and presented to Halton Region in the aggregate.

The Regional Municipality of Halton serves more than 500,000 residents in the City of Burlington, the Town of Halton Hills, the Town of Milton, and the Town of Oakville. Halton Region is committed to meeting the needs of its residents through the delivery of cost-effective, quality programs and services, including water and wastewater; Regional roads and planning; emergency medical services; waste management; public health; social assistance; children’s and seniors’ services; social/non-profit housing; heritage programs; emergency management and economic development. For more information, dial 311 or visit Halton Region’s website at www.halton.ca.

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Media Contact

Pamela Janes
Communications Specialist
Halton Region
905-825-6000, ext. 7232
pamela.janes@halton.ca

Agreement Reached with Woodbine & Province of Ontario

Mike Cluett

We can breath a sigh of relief … for the time being.  Woodbine Entertainment Group has reached an agreement with the province for 2 more years of slots & horse racing at Woodbine AND Mohawk Racetrack.

Much more work to be done.  I wish it could have been a longer term agreement but I’ll take the good news for what it is…

Interesting about the timing of these announcements….schools, horse racing…Halton related issues.  NOW we need to hear an announcement about Milton Education Village.

Heres a link to the announcement.

Horse Racing in Ontario to Continue

January 23, 2013 2:15 pm

Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs

Ontario is another step closer to a sustainable horse racing industry after reaching an agreement in principle to provide transition funding to the province’s largest provider of horse racing.

The agreement with Woodbine Entertainment Group will ensure races continue at the Woodbine and Mohawk tracks as the industry adapts to a more sustainable model. Agreements with additional race tracks are anticipated to be reached in the coming weeks.

In order to receive transition funding, racetracks will have to meet accountability and transparency requirements. Providing a number of racetracks with transition funding is part of the government’s horse racing industry transition plan, which includes:

  • Continuing the Horse Improvement Program
  • Providing animal welfare supports.
  • Transferring responsibility for the Ontario Racing Commission to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs

Helping the horse racing industry transition to a more sustainable model is part of the McGuinty government’s plan to ensure increased accountability for the use of public funds.

Quick Facts

  • Ten race tracks have reached lease agreements in principle with OLG for its slots facilities. Additional agreements with tracks are to be announced in the coming weeks.
  • The Ontario Racing Commission will work with race tracks to provide a revised 2013 racing calendar as agreements are finalized.

Quotes

Headshot

“This agreement points to a renewed future for horse racing in Ontario. We look forward to working with additional racetracks towards the further development of a new model for a sustainable industry.”

Ted McMeekin

Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs

“The transition funding provides much needed stability for the industry. We are pleased with the government’s commitment to ensure the long-term viability of horse racing and breeding which has a proud heritage in Ontario. We look forward to working in partnership with government as we discuss the long term future of a sustainable horse racing industry.”

Nick Eaves

CEO, Woodbine Entertainment Group

MCRC Trivia Night Sat March 2nd 2013

Mike Cluett

SAVE THE DATE!

Every year Milton Community Resource Centre (MCRC) holds its annual trivia night and every year it gets bigger and bigger.  Last year we sold out tickets very fast so if you want to go send me an email mike@mikecluett.ca to book your spot.

One of the committee’s I sit on through my town council duties is the Board of Directors for MCRC.  When I first moved to Milton, I had personally experienced the MCRC program with my son Anthony and was very impressed.  They do wonderful work for the children of our community so its a great program to support.  MCRC is also a Milton United Way supported organization.

From the MCRC Website:

Milton Community Resource Centre (MCRC) is a Not–for-profit, multi-service organization that provides services to children and families of Milton and the surrounding communities. Through our Ontario Early Years Centre and our Family Resource programs we provide early learning programs for children, their parents and caregivers at minimal or no cost to participants. MCRC’s parent resource library offers a variety resources and workshops including access to our parent educators. Through our Licensed Child Care programs, MCRC provides quality early learning and care at an affordable cost and subsidy is available for eligible families. Collaboratively with Halton Region Children Services, MCRC operates The Halton Resource Connection, which provides training, support and resources to individuals and organizations working with children and youth.

Tickets are on sale now at the reception desk at 410 Bronte Street South – $20 per person or $150 per table of 8.

Dont you dare miss this!  Its always a blast.  Stay tuned to my Twitter account for sample questions from last years event.