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PRO CITY

RE: Steve Edgar, Isn't it time for the Town of Oakville to become a City, Oakville Beaver, March 12.

I found it quite disturbing that when reading the published readers' letters on this matter that there was an air of snide attitude from the so-called "townies," that those who wish to have Oakville classified as a city have no right of opinion based on the fact that some who weighed in may not have been raised here.

It is high time that these kind folks pulled their sentimental heads out of the sand and embraced Oakville's future as opposed to trying to hold on to a past that has long gone.

Whether they like it or not, Oakville belongs to all its residents, old and new and I, for one, agree with Steve Edgar that Oakville should be classified as a city.

Bravo to the Beaver for allowing this public forum and, in case you were wondering, I was raised in Oakville.

D. Hill

PRO TOWN

I believe that Oakville should remain a town. I have had the pleasure of living here for only six years. I have lived in cities all my life (Toronto, Scarborough, Brampton) and Oakville is heaven on earth. It is unique, the people are warm and friendly. Nowhere else have I gone for a walk where complete strangers have greeted me, with a smile and warm hello or good morning, when we cross paths.

My sidewalk is plowed in the winter. I have never had this wonderful service in any city I've lived in.

The people here have a sense of pride in the community and work together to keep it clean. Any city I have lived in the past has felt cold and impersonal. Oakville has welcomed me with open arms and I feel like I am finally home.

So for those of you who think we should become a city, I recommend that perhaps you should consider living in one (Mississauga is close).

Emily Pallotta

PRO TOWN

Is Oakville a town or a city? Does it matter? Population is not criteria as there are "cities" across Canada with far fewer residents. Does it give Oakville council greater or fewer powers (consider we also have a regional government)? Will the Ontario government one day declare all of southern Halton one municipality erasing the City of Burlington, Town of Oakville and the Town of Milton as has already happened in Mississauga, Hamilton, Clarington and elsewhere?

D.C. Mills (Oakville Beaver, March 21,) asked Steve Edgar (Isn't it time for the Town of Oakville to become a city?, Oakville Beaver, March 12) whether he was raised in Oakville. Does it matter?

I, my father, grandmother and great grandmother were all born in Oakville. I remember a time when a favourite pastime at the end of the work week, before wide-spread telephone connections, a television in every home, cellphones and e-mail, was to stroll the main street in the evening to greet friends and other residents. Downtown Oakville is much like that now; great places to stroll, wander the lakefront parks, dine and enjoy a small community atmosphere. Ever tried to find a parking spot in downtown Oakville lately? It must be popular! I prefer the "small" connotation of "town."

If changing to a city means Oakville will end up looking like Mississauga, Toronto or Hamilton then no thanks.

Unless becoming a city confers greater benefits on Oakville than being a town, then my vote is no.

Robert Heath

PRO TOWN

Our town is unique and we want it to remain so. People who live in Glen Abbey do not feel the sense of community that prevails in south Oakville. However, this is no reason to press for the city designation.

Apart from the strong emotional feelings attached to Old Oakville, what about the expense involved in altering all the signs on town property, trucks, stationery etc.?

The old saying "if it ain't broke don't fix it" applies here.

Con and Nora Smyth

DOESN'T MATTER

Should Oakville be called a City or a Town? Does it really matter?

How about we focus on the real issues such as:

The population of Halton is slated to double within the next 23 years bringing with it: