4- The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday October 17, 2007 www.oakvillebeaver.com Waiting for answers Taking Stock Continued from page 1 Taking Action Building Our Business Future Together FutureForce Summit 2007 October 30th, 2007 8:00am - 4:00pm Burlington Holiday Inn & Conference Centre Register now at: www.futureforcehalton.ca Keynote Speaker: Don Tapscott, Wikinomics `How Mass Collaboration Changes Everything' Globe and Mail, New York Times Best Selling Author Employment Ontario programs are funded in part by the Government of Canada Halton Industry Education Council 905-634-2575 Ext. 19 | info@futureforcehalton.ca | www.futureforcehalton.ca its support for this endeavor with Mayor Rob Burton adding his vote to the Region's unanimous Oct. 10 decision to approach the DND. The idea of getting some use out of Oakville's largely vacant military housing complex is nothing new. It has been around ever since the 750 military personnel, of what was then the Canadian Army's Ontario Central Command, departed for Canadian Forces Base Toronto in 1971. Oakville MP Bonnie Brown has been calling for the conversion of the land to affordable housing since first being elected in 1993. "I have been writing to the Minister of National Defence, I would say, at least once a year for 14 years to express this idea that if that land is surplus it would be ideal for the development of affordable housing and that both the Town and the Region had expressed an interest in seeing that happen," she said. "But, for many, many years I got a letter back saying the department of defence had not declared that land surplus, although it was on a list of properties to be reviewed." Brown also noted one letter, she received in 2001, stated it would be around five years until the military worked its way through this list of properties, a task finally completed in 2006. "The Oakville site was identified for disposal," said Brown. In reply to an e-mail sent by The Oakville Beaver, Sabrina StCyr Public Affairs Intern with the DND responded: "The site has been identified excess to DND's requirements. Due to the size, location, potential value and interest in the site, it is being managed as a strategic disposal in accordance with Treasury Board policies. The intent is to sell the site to Canada Lands Company (CLC) Limited, who are mandated to develop and dispose of these kinds of properties on behalf of the federal government. CLC will engage in the municipal planning process with full public participation and consultation." She continued: "Prior to transferring to CLC, DND will complete their due diligence (i.e. land survey, environmental assessment and environmental disclosure report). DND will also be contacting federal and nonfederal parties (province and municipality) to identify and assess any program interests they may have before going forward to Treasury Board with recommendations and to seek approval to transfer the site to CLC." While the DND disposal process would have the property up for grabs by mid-2008, Carr aims to cut through the red tape. "It's such a bureaucratic nightmare that it takes months and years to get any answers," he said. "Why are we sitting here and basically having bureaucrats wasting time while people sit on waiting lists?" Besides the bureaucratic difficulties in obtaining permission to use the land, the Region faces concerns related to the state of the homes intended to shelter people. "We don't know what the condition of some of the homes are. How quickly could people move in, if we can use them temporarily or not. That's a bit of a difficulty in terms of preparing our proposal (for the DND), but we're going to give it shot and see what kind of reactions we get from the Federal government," said Adelina Urbanski, Commissioner of Social and Community Services. Carr said it's too early to know the status of all 64 structures. "There would probably need to be a little bit of work done. We think in the short term, some of the cost of fixing them up would still be a lot more economically viable than building a new shelter where the cost would be substantially more." Dr. Otto Weiglein, Cosmetic Surgeon The Center for Personal Surger y Presentation: Sat., Sept. 29, 12:00-1:00pm 520 Locust Street, Burlington, ON, 905-634-5573 m e F s tic ta ' Dirk Gebhardt, BHK Fitness Expert The Body Shaping Fitness Studio For Women Presentation: Sat., Oct. 27, 12:00-1:00pm A series of FREE seminars dedicated to women NEXT SEMINAR "Everything you ever wanted to know about ..." w "Workout Smarter not Harder". Dirk is a multi award winning fitness expert who will show you how to Tone & Shape your body. Areas of concern for most women are abdominals, thighs, hips and arms. Learn how to exercise these areas effectively, safely and easily using the latest training techniques. Useful & Effective Cosmetic Enhancements from a Plastic Surgeon's Perspective. Discussion will include the new Cohesive Gel Breast Implants, surgical & non-surgical facial procedures. Ric Aiello & Marco Mazzei Only U Hair Spa 323 Church Street, Oakville, ON, 905-845-6900 Elaine Sigurdson, M.A. Certified Career Coach Insight To Action Coaching & Consulting Presentation: Sat., Nov. 3, 12:00-1:00pm Women's Work! Struggling with issues of career direction, preparing to re-enter the workforce or planning for second career/retirement? Learn how to get the job that's right for you & achieve the success you want while maintaining balance and managing stress. Presentation: Sat., Oct. 6, 12:00-1:00pm This dynamic hairstyling duo will dazzle you by performing their magic by making short hair long and long hair short. Advice on the latest hair trends, styles by face shape, colour applications and tricks on maintaining your hair at home. Two lucky members of the audience will have a free hair makeover during the presentation. Chance to win door prize and receive salon vouchers. Lydia Moritz Family Lawyer Know Your Rights! Presentation to be held at The Body Shaping Fitness Studio for Women Sat., Oct. 20, 12:00-1:00pm Enza Talarico Ladies Fashion Enza Unique Presentation: Sat., Nov. 10, 12:00-1:00pm Preview the latest in fashion from the design houses of Europe with this live presentation. Quality and affordability and leading edge fashion are the hallmark of Enza's success. She will be presenting casual, business attire, after five and glamorous evening wear. Learn how to change business attire into dazzling after five with a few simple tricks. Gift certificates to all who attend. Dr. Ronald Gall,Optometrist Gall & Associates - Optometrists 247 North Service Road, West, Suite 203, Oakville, ON, 905-338-2020 Presentation: Sat., Oct. 13, 12:00-1:00pm Dr. Gall will unlock the secrets of maintaining your vision. He will discuss options for improving your eyesight with the latest technology, new and improved contact lenses and fashionable eyewear. Enhance your beauty with innovative eyecare. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FREE SEMINARS Featuring the top professionals in each industry. Call to register today. Limited space. Only for women 18 years of age and older! Dr. Stephen Phelan, DDS - Cosmetic Dentistry Presentation: Sat., Nov. 24, 12:00-1:00pm "How To Get The Smile That You Deserve That Will Literally Light Up A Room." Dr. Stephen Phelan will be delivering a multimedia presentation exploring the latest advances in cosmetic dentistry. Each attendee will be entered into a draw to win a FREE in office ZOOM TOOTH WHITENING TREATMENT. Lydia Moritz, Family Lawyer Presentation: Sat., Oct. 20, 12:00-1:00pm Know your rights! Lydia Moritz, is a well respected, experienced family lawyer, she will provide clear information with regard to Wills, Divorce, Separation, Child Custody, Support and Property Division. Have all your questions and concerns answered! (just east of Dorval Drive) For more information, please call (905) 849-1919 or visit www.bodyshapingstudio.com 183 Lakeshore Road West, Oakville e