Provincial
Government vows to protect

public lands in Oakville

Ward Councillors say thank you

"It's how a democracy is
supposed to work," explained Ward 4 Town and Regional Councillor
Allan Elgar. Renee Sandelowsky, Ward 4 Town Councillor
continued, "It's the power of the people. They spoke and the government
listened and acted. We're extremely pleased."

Elgar and Sandelowsky are delighted with  the announcement made today by the
Minister of Natural Resources, David Ramsey regarding the 1100 acres of publicly-owned
lands in north Oakville (the ORC lands).
750 acres of the ORC lands will be preserved as open spaces and parkland., with an additional 73 acres being set aside for a
hospital and public transit.  In
fact, only 277 acres of the land will be sold for development.  This is a huge improvement from the
previous Tory government’s offer to preserve a mere 40% of this land.

These lands are bounded by the Sixteen Mile Creek, Bronte Road, Dundas street and Hwy 407.

Ramsey also announced protection for a 368-acre parcel north
of Highway 407 in Oakville, and 168 acres of
land connecting Bronte
Creek Provincial
Park to the Niagara
Escarpment.

Premier McGuinty’s
government’s decision to preserve this land under the label “strict
conservation” is a clear sign that our provincial government puts people
ahead of profit – and Oakville
residents are grateful," stated Elgar. Oakville MPP Kevin Flynn heard the
concerns of Oakville
residents as he went door to door in his election campaign last year. He was
told they wanted the ORC lands protected and he worked tirelessly to achieve
this goal.

It was Oakvillegreen , a local, not-for-profit environmental group, who raised
public awareness of the ORC lands several years ago, and supporters from all
parts of town fought hard for their protection and preservation., particularly
when it was learned that the town of Oakville
had earmarked these lands for industrial development.

Today’s
announcement has no down side.  This
is a day of pure celebration.  We
have received a wonderful gift for future generations who will enhance,
nurture and value this huge and significant natural area, especially as Oakville enters a period
of unprecedented growth and development in the north.

We will literally breathe easier in the future because of
our provincial government’s vision and foresight.

Allan Elgar, Town and Regional Councillor
for Oakville’s
Ward 4

Renee Sandelowsky, Town Councillor,
Ward 4