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www.insideHALTON.com · OAKVILLE BEAVER Friday, December 16, 2011 · 18 Halton to secure CDH funding for another year By Christina Commisso METROLAND WEST MEDIA GROUP Before any residents could voice their opposition to a proposed funding cut to Community Development Halton (CDH), Halton Region did an about-face. A recent report recommending cutting next year's funding from $225,000 to $100,000 and eliminating funding all together in 2013, had community advocates up in arms. However, the Region was quick to revise the report, presented to the health and social services committee, and at the last minute, staff recommended CDH be funded $240,000 in 2012. The move won over many of the community advocates who filled the seats in council chambers. "I think you will find at the end of your careers, when you look back, the number of bridges and roads and arenas you've built will be less important than the misery you have relieved and the vulnerable persons you have assisted," said former Oakville MP Bonnie Brown, speaking on behalf of the advocacy group Advancement of Women in Halton. She was one of eight delegates who spoke to the need for the continued funding for CDH. The agency publishes reports on the state of poverty in Halton, multiculturalism in the region, and seniors' issues, among other issues. Their research is used for identifying pockets of need in Halton and to influence policy making. Milton Councillor Cindy Lunau wrote, in a letter to the Region, CDH initiatives were "absolutely instrumental" in establishing the need for Milton hospital expansion. She said the seminars and newsletters from CDH reveal "uncomfortable, but necessary truths about our communities." Halton Hills Councillor Ann Lawlor said CDH helps alert businesses and governments of social trends and points out areas for concern, action and opportunity. "This is appropriately the work of an independent organization, free of political directive," she wrote in another letter to the Region. "Is there any other group in Halton, which has the funding, the community connections and expertise to reach out into the voiceless and under-represented communities of the economically and socially distressed?" asked Oakville resident Mark Henderson in a letter to council. "Who else discovers actual local numbers, local needs and the social costs of present policies?" Steve Hopkins, rector of Burlington's St. Christopher's Anglican Church said CDH helped the church establish a weekly dinner for isolated, low-income seniors. Following close to two hours of delegations, the committee voted to endorse the revised staff recommendation and fund CDH $240,000 next year and, provided that the organization meets performance checks, the funding will continue for one-year terms. A lack of communication between CDH and the Region was alluded to during the meeting and may have been the reason behind the initial funding cut. The Region's commissioner of social services said there is regular communication regarding accountability and performance measures for CDH. "I would be less than honest if I didn't say that things had been brought to the attention of CDH," said Sheldon Wolfson. "Usually, we have been successful in solving those issues, but certainly in terms of follow up to reports and follow up to status reports, there have been times where letters have been exchanged asking for clearer information, reminding (CDH) of the requirements of the current agreement." CDH vice-president Angus Coll-Smith said the agency was under the impression it was meeting the requirements for continued funding. "We make good bread in this community. We understand recipes change. I understand the financial concerns facing this committee. But I urge you not to bake the break without the yeast, because a lot of people will go hungry," implored Coll-Smith. Join Lionhead for our Christmas Lunch Buffet Date: December 8, 9, 12 to 16, 20, 21, 22, 23 Time: 11:00am to 2:30pm Price: $32.95* per person *plus applicable taxes For Reservations: call 905-455-8816 or email catering@golflionhead.com Special group rates available. Individual and group bookings welcome. PROSHOP SALE Dec. 3rd to Dec. 24th up to (905) 455-4900 www.golfl wg ionhead.com FOLLOW US ON TWITTER 50% OFF @KaneffGolfP f ro