The MUMC Board would like to make this strictly a pediatric facility, which would mean that adults who use this hospital would be required to go to one of the other Hamilton hospitals even further from where we live. This change poses a concern for me and many of my council colleagues, as we do not want to see our current services deteriorate further.

This decision was approved last week by the LHIN (Local Health Integration Network), a provincially appointed body. My fellow councillors and I attended the meeting, as well as a rally to demonstrate our opposition to this change. I have been involved in many meetings with local doctors, hospital administration and other stakeholders to try to find a way to force the LHIN to seek public consultation before making any decision. The LHIN had the option of delaying the decision for 60 days in order to consult with the public, but they chose not to.

Residents have received their Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) notices in the mail. The provincial assessment reflects increases in market value of all residential properties in Ontario since the last assessment, in 2005. Assessment increases will be phased in over a four-year period, starting in 2009. Municipalities use the assessed value of a home to calculate the tax rate. However, the city does not have a say in determining the assessed value of your home.

If you do not agree with your assessment, you have the right to ask MPAC to review it through a request for reconsideration (RfR). There is no cost, but the RfR must be done by March 31, 2009. You can do this by submitting an RfR form (available at www.mpac.ca ), by calling 1-866-296-6722 or by writing a letter to MPAC providing all pertinent property details and the reasons you feel your assessment is not correct. If, following the RfR process, you still disagree with your assessment, you can file an appeal with the Assessment Review Board within 90 days of the RfR decision. Further information is contained in the flyer that accompanied your assessment notice.

Fall is in the air, which means it’s time for the Rockton Fair! My family enjoys participating in this great event every Thanksgiving weekend. I was already at the fairgrounds for Education Day this week, and I’ll be spending a lot of time on set up and clean up, manning the gates and enjoying some of the many exhibits and attractions.

Hopefully, with a little co-operation from the weather, we can beat previous attendance records as people come from all over to see what we have to offer. Just as important, the Rockton Fair is a great way for Flamborough residents to stay in touch with their agricultural roots. Don’t miss it. It’s always a good time.