Purchase Mayor Bonnette's Children's E-Book entitled “The Incredible Adventures of Goon Sharoon"

All proceeds will be donated to the Georgetown Hospital

http://www.goonsharoon.com/

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Prospect Park Old Beach is CLOSED until further notice

Prospect Park Old Beach is CLOSED until further notice. It is not safe to swim.

The Halton Region Health Department tests recreational water throughout Halton. Beaches are selected based on use for swimming and other water sports. These tests are done weekly.

Residents can call Halton Region to find out which beaches have been closed due to poor water quality. Beach water quality information is available 24 hours a day by dialing 311 or calling 905-825-6000, toll free 1-866-442-5866 or TTY 905-827-9983. During regular business hours ask for beach information, and after regular business hours press 0 for health information. Information is updated weekly and also posted on Halton Region’s website at www.halton.ca/beaches.

Monday, July 18, 2011

Heat Alert Issued for July 18, 2010

During a heat wave, everyone is at risk, but some groups are more vulnerable than others. Those most at risk include older adults (65+), infants and young children, and the chronically ill, including people with asthma.

“We want our residents to know that they have cool, safe places to go to escape from the heat,” says Mayor Rick Bonnette. “We have been in touch with community service providers to inform them of the Town’s Cooling Centres as they deal first-hand with the people who may be most vulnerable.”

Region of Halton has issued a Heat Alert for Monday, July 18, 2010 and it is expected to last throughout the week. Town of Halton Hills has designated cooling centres throughout Halton Hills for your relief. Please see attached for details.

During periods of hot weather conditions, particularly when humidity levels are high, the body works extra hard just to maintain a normal temperature. Some medical conditions that can result from exposure to high temperatures include:

Heat Cramps
These are painful spasms usually in the leg and stomach muscles and usually accompanied by heavy sweating. They can be alleviated by moving to a cooler place and lightly massaging and stretching the affected muscles. People experiencing heat cramps should also sip up to half a glass of cool water every 15 minutes.

Heat Exhaustion
During heat exhaustion, a person may be sweating heavily, but their skin may be cool, pale or flushed. Other symptoms are a weak pulse, fainting, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, exhaustion and headaches. Body temperature may be normal but it will likely rise. People suffering from heat exhaustion should lie down in a cool place, loosen or remove clothing and put on cool wet clothes. They should sip water slowly, about half a glass every 15 minutes. Water should be discontinued if they are nauseated. They should seek immediate medical attention if vomiting occurs.

Heat Stroke (also called Sun Stroke)
This is a severe medical emergency that can result in death. Body temperature is high (103° F or 39.4° C) as opposed to normal body temperature of 98.5° F or 37° C, the pulse is strong and rapid, and breathing is shallow and rapid. The person suffering heat stroke may be experiencing throbbing headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, have red, hot and dry skin (not sweating), and may become unconscious. This person should be taken to a hospital as quickly as possible. Delay can be fatal. En route, keep the person as cool as possible by removing clothing and sponging with cool water.

Heat can also aggravate other conditions such as:
• Heart disease, especially high blood pressure
• Kidney disorders
• Psychiatric disorders

The public is advised to "Beat the Heat" by taking these precautions:
• Drink lots of water and natural fruit juices
• Stay out of the blazing sun or heat. UV rays are strongest between the hours of 11:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m.
• Avoid strenuous physical activity outdoors, including gardening and lawn maintenance
• Go to places that are air conditioned, including shopping malls, libraries, community centres and movie theatres
• The temperature inside of a car is even higher than the temperatures outside. Never leave children, older adults or pets unattended in a car, even for a short period of time

If you experience symptoms of heat-induced illness, such as cramping in your arms, legs or stomach, rapid breathing, weakness or fainting, headache and/or confusion, seek medical attention right away. Also, check with your pharmacist to see if your medication has any side effects during extreme heat.
During a heat alert, please take a moment to call or visit family and neighbours who may be at risk. We need to ensure the safety of all residents, particularly those who are most vulnerable to the extreme weather.


TOWN OF HALTON HILLS – COOLING CETNRES

Residents who do not have air conditioning can find relief in Town facilities, such as recreation centres or either branch of the Halton Hills Public Library. During periods of declared heat alert, these facilities will be open during their standard business hours as places of refuge for persons to seek relief from the heat. Please call the facility for their operating hours:

Mold-Masters SportsPlex – 221 Guelph Street, Georgetown, 905-877-8488
Acton Arena & Community Centre – 415 Queen Street, Acton, 519-853-0020
Halton Hills Cultural Centre & Library (Georgetown Branch) – 224 Maple Avenue, Georgetown, 905-873-2681
Halton Hills Public Library (Acton Branch) – 17 River Street, Acton, 519-853-0301
Halton Hills Civic Centre – 1 Halton Hills Drive, Georgetown, 905-873-2601
Gellert Community Centre – 10241 8th Line, Georgetown, 905-877-4244
Aquatic Facilities - Daily Recreational Swimming
Acton Indoor Pool* (519) 853-3140
Gellert Community Centre* (905) 877-4244
*Admission fees apply.
For recreational swimming schedules please call the pool of your choice:
Splash Pads - Open daily 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Gellert Park (10241 Eighth Line)
Dominion Gardens (135 Maple Avenue)
Superior Glove (Prospect Park 30 Park Avenue)

For further information contact:
Cindy Bodrug
Senior Administrative Assistant
Recreation & Parks Department
905 873 2601 Ext. 2261
Email: cindyb@haltonhills.ca

Friday, July 8, 2011

Prospect Park Old Beach is SAFE for Swimming

Many residents have been trying to keep cool during the hot weather and I’m pleased to announce that Prospect Park Old Beach is safe for swimming.

The Halton Region Health Department tests recreational water throughout Halton. Beaches are selected based on use for swimming and other water sports. These tests are done weekly.

Beach water samples taken on July 5/6 revealed the following beaches have acceptable levels of bacteria and are safe for swimming:

• Halton Hills – Prospect Park Old Beach
• Milton – Kelso Conservation Area
• Burlington – Beachway Park North, Beachway Park South
• Oakville – Coronation Park East, Coronation Park West, Bronte Beach Park

Residents can call Halton Region to find out which beaches have been closed due to poor water quality. Beach water quality information is available 24 hours a day by dialing 311 or calling 905-825-6000, toll free 1-866-442-5866 or TTY 905-827-9983. During regular business hours ask for beach information, and after regular business hours press 0 for health information. Information is updated weekly and also posted on Halton Region’s website at www.halton.ca/beaches.

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Community Open House Registration Has Begun!

The Halton Hills Cooperative Program Planning Committee will be hosting a Community Open House on Saturday, October 15th, 2011 at the Georgetown Marketplace Mall from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The overall goal of this event is to highlight the many groups and organizations which provide meaningful services to community members and enhance the community overall. The theme for the event this year is “Passion, Action, Impact” which will build on the idea of community and the ways in which citizens can take action to make a positive impact in their own lives as well as the community of Halton Hills, including promoting volunteer opportunities.

I encourage all groups to consider participating as this event provides a tremendous opportunity for non-profit organizations, sport and recreation groups, social service agencies, and service groups that serve our residents to showcase themselves to the Halton Hills community.

Registration is currently open for this event. Tables will be filled on a first come, first served basis. The cost is $30 for a half table and $60 for a full table. Register early as space is limited!

To download a registration package please visit www.haltonhills.ca/community/openhouse.php or contact Leanne Sedentopf, Recreation Coordinator – Special Events & Volunteer Services at 905-873-2601 ext. 2273, volunteer@haltonhills.ca for more information.

Friday, June 17, 2011

Environmental Leadership

Conservation Halton Recognizes
The Town of Halton Hills for Its Environmental Leadership


On Thursday June 2, 2011, the Town of Halton Hills was recognized for its environmental leadership with a Stewardship Award for the development of two new environmentally-friendly fire stations.

We recognized the opportunity to include innovative environmental features into the Town’s two new fire stations. Both fire stations have been designed to meet the LEEDTM Silver Standard. LEEDTM is an acronym for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design and is a recognized certification system for ‘green’ buildings.

In terms of environmental features, water and energy conservation was a necessity in the new fire stations. In terms of water conservation, a 30% reduction in water usage is anticipated through the use of low flow fixtures and rainwater harvesting for truck fill and washing. Energy conservation initiatives include lighting with motion sensors and dimmers, geothermal (ground source) heating and cooling, high efficiency lights, and solar passive energy using natural light. The buildings were also built with 15% recycled material and 75% of construction waste has been diverted from landfills.

Through the Halton Conservation award the Town was recognized for taking a leadership role in recognizing the need to preserve, protect and enhance the environment, as well as for helping to educate and inspire others to do the same.

The Stewardship Award is another recognition of Town actions which help implement the Green Plan. The Green Plan encourages conservation initiatives and centers around 70 recommendations that commit the Town to actions that demonstrate environmental leadership while meeting the PAREE Principle. The PAREE Principle means that the Green Plan’s recommendations are practical, affordable, reasonable, educational and enforceable. To read more about the Green Plan visit: www.haltonhills.ca/sustainability

We are committed to Environmental leadership. By designing our corporate buildings to a higher standard such as LEEDTM Silver, we are helping to create a positive future for generations to come. We need to act locally, while thinking globally.

I would like to thank Conservation Halton for the Stewardship Award which recognizes the good work we are doing in Halton Hills.

Each year, the Awards of Excellence are awarded to people and organizations who make a significant contribution to conservation within the Halton watershed. The awards program has been in place for over 20 years and is presented in six categories, including a stewardship category. The stewardship category is presented to a corporation or a municipality that demonstrates leadership in protecting and enhancing the environment. For more infromation on the awards, please visit Conservation Halton at: www.conservationhalton.ca

For more information on the Town’s sustainability initiatives and Green Plan implementation, please visit: www.haltonhills.ca/sustainability.


For further information on the Fire Halls, please contact John E. Martin, Deputy Chief Operations, Town of Halton Hills - 905-873-2601 ext. 2106 - johnm@haltonhills.ca

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Canadian Road Cycling Championships and Festival

The Town of Halton Hills welcomes the 2011 Canadian Road Cycling Championship Criterium Races to be held in historic downtown Georgetown on Sunday, June 26th 2011. The Criterium Races are a component of the Road Cycling Championships running over an 11 day period at a variety of locations in Halton and Peel.

The race will run on a 1.1 km closed loop course where racers will find themselves on an exciting course that runs north along Main Street from the Wesleyan intersection to Back Street, down to Mill Street, along Park Avenue and back to Main Street start/finish line. Each race will be about 30 or 40 laps of this challenging course. Road closures begin at 9:00 a.m. and end at 5:00 p.m. During the races, access by residents will be controlled and limited to the intervals between races.

We are thrilled to provide the host site for the 2011 Criterium Cycling Races. Downtown Georgetown will undoubtedly benefit from the masses of sport tourists who follow this kind of event. This is a rare opportunity for local residents to see national class athletes perform right here in Halton Hills.

In addition to the races, the Town is hosting its first Cycling Festival for the benefit of local residents that will be fun for the whole family. The Back Street Parking Lot, will come alive with a variety of cycling activities. Events include: BMX Demonstrations, Safety Clinic, Youth Cycling Skills Challenge, Stop and Lock bike drop areas and local vendors i.e. food, cycling shops, etc. The events get underway at 11:00 a.m. and finish at 3:00 p.m. in time for the kids race down Main Street at 3:30 p.m. This event is sponsored by the Town to promote active living and safe cycling for everyone to enjoy.

“We hope that families from all parts of Town will decide that June 26th is the perfect day for a family ride to downtown Georgetown. We are making it as easy as possible by providing safe route maps.” said Councillor Jane Fogal, Chair of the Town’s Trails and Cycling Advisory Committee.

For more information or to volunteer with the Canadian Road Cycling Championships and Festival www.haltonhills.ca/cyclingchampionship

Monday, June 6, 2011

Camping Season is here!

Camping season is here and Fire Chief Brent Marshall is urging all camper and trailer owners to ensure they have at least one working smoke alarm in their units. Chief Marshall says, “Whether it is a boat with sleeping quarters, tow trailer or a full size RV, it is good practice to install smoke alarms in any recreational vehicle”.

The Ontario Fire Code requires every “dwelling unit” to have working smoke alarms on every level and outside all sleeping areas. Dwelling units also includes seasonal homes such as park model trailers, cabins and cottages and may include motor homes and travel trailers. Most new trailers, campers and RVs’ may already meet certain criteria and construction standards that require smoke alarms but, older models may not be equipped with any or they may not have been properly maintained and will require your attention.

Halton Hills has 3 trailer/recreational parks. Let’s continue making a sincere and conscious effort to prevent any needless and senseless tragedies in our community by having working smoke alarms in your seasonal homes. Working smoke alarms have proven time and time again, that they save lives. I urge everyone to take a few extra minutes to change the batteries and test their smoke alarms at the start of each and every camping/cottage season.

Smoke alarms are your first line of defense against fire, your early warning device that alerts you to fire and smoke conditions. Working smoke alarms will provide you the few extra precious seconds you need to escape a fire. If your smoke alarms are between 7 and 10 years old, replace them