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www.oakvillebeaver.com · OAKVILLE BEAVER Friday, January 1, 2010 · 14 Your Halton Connection www.halton.ca January 2010 Regional Council approves a 0.2% tax reduction for Regional programs and services by Regional Chair Gary Carr On Wednesday, December 16, Halton Regional Council approved the Region's 2010 Budget and Business Plan, delivering a 0.2% tax reduction for Regional programs and services and a combined water and wastewater rate freeze for Halton residents. The budget strategies used to achieve a tax reduction for Regional programs and services for Halton taxpayers are consistent with the Region's strong and prudent financial planning principles, and ensure the long-term sustainability of Regional programs and services for many years to come. I would like to thank Regional Council and staff who showed tremendous commitment throughout the 2010 budget review process to deliver a 0.2% tax reduction for Halton taxpayers and provide them with some financial relief in a challenging economy. To view the 2010 Budget and Business Plan visit www.halton.ca/2010budget. Service and Program Initiatives Delivered in the 2010 Budget $1.0 million to deliver an additional 135 subsidized child care spaces $300,000 to expand the Low Flow Toilet Rebate water conservation program $1.8 million for the increased demand for Halton Region's employment and social assistance programs A new sexual health clinic in Oakville to open in September 2010 $600,000 to Blue Box and GreenCart programs $500,000 grant towards McMaster University's new Centre for Advanced Management Studies in Burlington Since my motion for a 2010 tax freeze in April, Regional Council and staff have worked diligently to ensure the 2010 budget is one that offers residents the financial relief they need while enhancing our community's core services and service levels. The 0.2% tax reduction in the 2010 budget will not halt investment in the services and programs you have told us are important to you, including infrastructure (e.g. Regional roads and water and wastewater facilities), employment and social assistance programs, emergency preparedness, and public health. In two of the last four years, Halton has reduced its tax portion for Regional programs and services, and, over the last four years, the combined tax increase for Regional programs and services has been less than half a per cent ­ one of the lowest among municipalities in Canada. The budget delivers the second largest capital infrastructure investment program in the Region's 35year history, with an investment of $394.7 million. This funding will be used to upgrade, expand and rehabilitate Halton's infrastructure. 2010 Budget Highlights $252.8 million for water and wastewater, including: Building upgrades $3.0 million for a new 5ML Elevated Water Storage Tank in Georgetown $1.8 million for 200mm and 250mm wastewater main replacements on Spruce Avenue from Appleby Line to Hampton Heath Road in Burlington $1.3 million for 200mm wastewater main replacements Acton $0.9 million for 150mm watermain replacement on Kings Court Crescent, Kingsleigh Court and Glen Crescent in Milton $109.3 million for transportation, including: $30.2 million for the widening of Regional Road 25 $21.3 million for the widening of Dundas Street $15.5 million for the widening of Burnhamthorpe Road $15.5 million for the widening of Steeles Avenue $1.5 million for waste management Meetings at Halton Region Headquarters Jan. 1 Jan. 12, 9:30 a.m. Jan. 13, 9:30 a.m. Jan. 13, 1:30 p.m. Jan 20, 9:30 a.m. Offices closed for Holiday Health & Social Services Cte Planning & Public Works Cte Administration & Finance Cte Regional Council Meeting Meetings can be viewed at www.halton.ca We welcome your feedback. Contact Access Halton at accesshalton@halton.ca This page has been donated by this newspaper to communicate important information to Halton residents at no cost to taxpayers.