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Regional Council approved the 2004 Business Plans & Budgets.

The Conservation Authorities Budget was increased by $254,481.00 for Capital Projects to ensure that the work on watershed trails, waterfront trails, protection of groundwater and watersheds continues at a desirable level. $101,981.00 of this amount was approved to be funded from the Rate Stabilization Reserve Fund in order to contain the Regional tax levy increase to under 6%. Ajax Council at their April 12, 2004 meeting had endorsed this increase in funding to the Conservation Authorities.

The approved increase to the tax levy is 5.96% on the Regional portion of the property tax bill. Considering that the Ajax budget was approved at a 4.1% increase and assuming the education levy remains the same (unknown until the Provincial Budget is approved - scheduled for May 2004) the overall impact is approximately 3.9% or on a home assessed at $250,00.00 this would equate to an increase of about $129.00. (Note: 2004 is a reassessment year, therefore this calculation does not include any reassessment impacts or taxation policy impacts as well as changes that might occur in provincial education taxation.)

The Regional budget has a number of items that will impact positively on Ajax residents.

Financing in the amount of $30.8 million for the much needed expansion of Taunton Road which will alleviate traffic congestion moving in east/west directions throughout and beyond the towns borders.

Regional commitment of $250,00.00 in 2004 and $250,000.00 in 2005 to assist with the purchase of the Hornung property.

Conservation Authorities budgets have been increased to ensure the work on our watersheds, trails and other valuable work being done to ensure a healthy, sustainable natural environment continues.

Police Budget allows for 7 additional officers and 13 civilian positions for Durham Regional Police.

Regional Roads Reserves has been increased by 3.4 million and a three year plan to increase the road rehabilitation budget to 12 million per year will provide essential repair work to Regional Roads. A plan to increase the Special Roads Levy to help finance future major projects will assist in ensuring roads infrastructure keeps pace with growth.

An amount of $300,000.00 was also allocated to conduct the business case analysis regarding transit amalgamation that Ajax Council (and a majority of Durham Municipal Councils) had requested prior to any decisions being made on transit amalgamation within Durham Region. The report back to Committee of the Whole of Council is expected in early September 2004.

The submission to the Standing Committee of Finance and Economic Affairs, Feb. 2004 by the Ontario Association of Non Profit Homes and Services for Seniors was received by the Committee. Calling for increased operating funding of $420 million or $15.00 per day per resident, the submission cites recent media probes and indicates that the sector is in crisis due to chronic under funding. This has resulted in facilities only being able to provide just over 2 hours of nursing care a day and being expected to feed residents on a daily food budget of $5.24 per day. This lack of funding also means limited opportunity for interactions with residents and their families as well as a lack of treatment for dementia and mental health illness suffered by over 50% of the residents.

This submission also requested that the inequities in government funding between not for profit homes (municipal and charitable) and nursing homes (the majority being profit operators) be addressed. The submission states that nursing homes are receiving on average 10% more in government subsidies due to government policy decisions. Municipalities and charities must make up the shortfall in not for profit homes. (Note: Regional Budget Presentation indicated Services for Seniors & Long Term Care net Regional Operating Expenditures have increased from $5.7 million in 1997 to 20.1 Million in 2004.)

Fairview Lodge - Medical Director’s Report

The 2003 Medical Director’s Report was received. A concern was raised by the Medical Director that the physicians that provide care to residents receive no additional compensation yet are expected to provide 24/7/365 on call coverage. This is becoming a deterrent in attracting physicians to provide this coverage to long term care facilities.

A presentation was provided by Dr. Abbey, Director of Dental Health Division, on the state of oral health in Durham;

Over 33,000 children were screened in 2003/2004. Of these 1686 were found to be in urgent need of care. Direct preventative services were provided for over 1500 children. Poor dental health is painful for the child, may cause poor speech, poor aesthetics and lead to long term sub-optimal health.

Over 75% of adults are found to have periodontal disease which is a bacterial infection causing tooth loss and linked to systemic diseases such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes. It is completely preventable.

In a study of seniors 16% had urgent needs, 49% had decay, 46% severe periodontal disease and 39% needed at least one denture. Cost for seniors is a major barrier to accessing dental care. With 28% of seniors living on annual incomes of less than $15,000.00 and 50% on less than $30,000.00 dental care becomes prohibitive.

As only 60% of Ontarians have dental insurance, dental visits are often determined by ability to pay.

A motion to endorse the advocacy position taken by the Regional Municipality of Niagara with respect to the inconsistencies, anomalies and unfairness in the availability of Oral Health Care Services in Ontario was approved by the Committee.