Growth, taxes and services continue to be Milton’s main priorities says councillor

Milton’s longest serving councillor says the big issues the Town is facing now is the same as it was more than three decades ago.

“Taxation, long-term planning and growth, and providing services were the main issues when I first took office and they continue to be today,” said John Challinor II, Ward 2 town councillor.

Challinor is actually on his second stint on Milton council, first serving from 1991 to 2006, then returning in 2018.

“Mayor Gord Krantz asked me to come back to help the Town out with some financial matters.”

Challinor spent six years as a journalist after graduating from what is now called Toronto Metropolitan University. He also runs Given Road West Communications as well as being active in the local community.

As for the three issues facing Milton, Challinor was clear.

“No. 1 is taxation. We want to make sure we’re providing services affordably.

“No. 2 is the Official Plan. This document should be updated every five to 10 years and it hasn’t been revised since 1997. We are now well into the process of writing new one.

“No. 3 is local services. We need to remind ourselves the the rolse of municipal government is to provide high quality, core services to taxpayers. If we’re doing that, we’re doing what’s mandated.”

On a more local level, Challinor said Ward 2 has by far the biggest population in Milton as well as the most diverse by age and culture.

“It’s the ward of business. It drives a lot of the community’s commerce. Most business owners live in Ward. 2. I’m as engaged with the business community as I am with residents.”

Challinor said one of the issues he believes is important is continuing to oversee communication.

“Whether it’s about how the public access us and local services, public safety, or how neighbours should treat each others, that needs to remain an area of focus.”

Dealing with growth is an ongoing concern for Milton councillors.

“So much of dealing with growth is the Region of Halton and Province catching up with infrastructure. For example, the Britannia Rd. reconstruction was supposed to be done in 2005. The Hwy. 401/Tremaine Rd. junction has been planned since the 1980s, and it looks like it’s going to be done in about a year.

“Our hospital expansion lagged behind for years and the municipality actually had to pick up some of the costs. That’s wrong and should have been fully funded by the province.”

As for the future, Challinor knows what he wants to see.

“Regardless of how large Milton grows, I’m determined to keep the small-town feel. It’s really important the municipality treats citizens like great customers and makes Milton a place people want to live, work and play.”