This is truly a day to celebrate in Oakville

Provinci= al Government vows to protect
public lands in Oakville

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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 pub= licly-owned lands in north Oakville (the ORC lands).&n= bsp; 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 “st= rict conservation” is a clear sign that our provincial government puts peo= ple ahead of profit – and Oa= kville 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 Oakvil= legreen , a local, not-for-profit environmental group, who ra= ised public awareness of the ORC lands several years ago, and supporters from all parts of town fought hard for their protection and preservation., particula= rly 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 Co= uncillor for Oakville’s Ward 4

Renee Sandelowsky, Town Councillo= r, Ward 4