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
Friday, June 17, 2011
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
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
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
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Giant Hogweed on Town Propery
As warmer weather is now approaching Town of Halton Hills staff will once again be vigilant in their efforts to control and destroy Giant Hogweed, an invasive noxious plant species.
This plant produces a clear, toxic watery sap that can cause severe skin reactions commonly known as photosensitivity. It is important that people do not touch or attempt to remove this plant without ensuring they are totally protected against contact from the sap. If you are unsure of how to deal with this plant you should avoid it altogether, and contact a licensed weed control company.
This is an invasive species that has the potential to cause severe reactions to residents who come in contact with the plant’s sap. I encourage everyone to contact the proper authorities should they discover the weed on Town or their property. The best course of action in dealing with this plant is to avoid it if possible. Valuable information is available from the Halton Region Conservation Authority and I would encourage anyone who has knowledge of the presence of this plant to contact the HRCA or the Town of Halton Hills to have this invasive weed removed.
Last year a large test site on the Third Line near the Scotch Block reservoir was set up by the Chief Weed Inspector of Ontario and the University of Guelph to determine the most effective means to destroy this plant using selective herbicides.
Now that the test has been completed along the Third Line, near the Scotch Block reservoir, the Town will destroy the Giant Hogweed within the road allowance. The` timing of the work will be weather dependent and staff expects to have this completed by the end of May. Signage will be placed prior to the work being undertaken as set out in the Town of Halton Hills Pesticide Application in Turf Areas policy.
Further information on the Giant Hogweed is available from Conservation Halton at www.conservationhalton.on.ca ,or through the Provincial web site at www.weedinfo.ca .
If you have Giant Hogweed on your property, lawn care companies are licensed to spray herbicides that can assist in eradicating this noxious weed.
If you find Giant Hogweed on Town property, please contact the Town of Halton Hills Infrastructure Services Department at (905) 873-2601, extension 2603. The Town will take appropriate actions to destroy the Giant Hogweed.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Smart Commute Arrives in Halton Hills
On May 3, 2011, Smart Commute Halton officially welcomed the Town of Halton Hills into the Smart Commute family of organizations and businesses committed to encouraging more sustainable travel options.
Smart Commute is a joint venture between Metrolinx and area municipalities. It is a transportation demand management program focused on reducing traffic congestion, improving air quality, providing more sustainable travel options and reducing commuting costs. At present, more than 170 employers, with a total of 355,000 employees, have joined Smart Commute. Members of the public can also access free Smart Commute services, especially the Carpool Zone – an online ride-matching service: www.smartcommute.ca
Speaking about the Town’s participation in Smart Commute, Mayor Bonnette said:
"Our participation in Smart Commute is yet another practical example of the Town’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and Green Plan implementation. Through Smart Commute, we are helping our employees take advantage of more environmentally-responsible commuting options, reduce their carbon footprint and reduce commuting costs. The Town of Halton Hills has always been an environmental leader. This program is just a continuation of our efforts.”
Alicia Jakaitis, Program Manager for Smart Commute Halton, commented:
"We have all experienced the stress and frustration facing commuters in the Greater Toronto Area. When environmental leaders like the Town of Halton Hills partner with Smart Commute, they demonstrate the proactive role that employers can take to make commuting easier for their employees."
In welcoming Halton Hills to the Smart Commute family, Smart Commute Halton hosted a staff engagement event on May 3rd to recognize the Town’s commitment to reducing congestion, being an environmental leader, and to increase awareness of the program. The event featured an official presentation of one of the Town’s new dedicated carpool parking signs by Smart Commute Halton to Mayor Bonnette. In addition, to highlight carpooling as a ‘green’ commuting option, one of the parking spaces was temporarily converted into a ‘park’.
Participation in Smart Commute helps implement recommendations of the Town’s Green Plan. For example, Recommendation #66 of the Green Plan calls on the Town to work with other proactive organizations to improve the environment. Participation in Smart Commute is one way of implementing this recommendation. The Green Plan also references the need to address greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality. Reducing the number of single occupancy vehicle trips taken by Town staff by providing sustainable transportation options through Smart Commute is one means of achieving this.
About Smart Commute Halton and Benefits
Smart Commute Halton is a program of Halton Region with funding and support from Metrolinx and Halton Region. Smart Commute Halton currently services ten local employers with more than 7,000 employees.
Benefits of participating in Smart Commute include reduced on-site parking demand, decreased facility costs, reduced traffic congestion, lower greenhouse gas emissions, improved employee retention and improved productivity. Benefits to employees include improved transportation options, travel cost savings, improved health, and enhanced access and mobility options.
For more information on the Town’s sustainability initiatives, please contact Damian Szybalski (Sustainability Coordinator) at 905.873.2601 ext. 2289 or visit www.haltonhills.ca/sustainability. Businesses and organizations interested in joining Smart Commute are invited to contact Alicia Jakaitis (Program Manager, Smart Commute Halton) at 905.825.6000 ext. 7556 or Alicia.jakaitis@halton.ca
Smart Commute is a joint venture between Metrolinx and area municipalities. It is a transportation demand management program focused on reducing traffic congestion, improving air quality, providing more sustainable travel options and reducing commuting costs. At present, more than 170 employers, with a total of 355,000 employees, have joined Smart Commute. Members of the public can also access free Smart Commute services, especially the Carpool Zone – an online ride-matching service: www.smartcommute.ca
Speaking about the Town’s participation in Smart Commute, Mayor Bonnette said:
"Our participation in Smart Commute is yet another practical example of the Town’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and Green Plan implementation. Through Smart Commute, we are helping our employees take advantage of more environmentally-responsible commuting options, reduce their carbon footprint and reduce commuting costs. The Town of Halton Hills has always been an environmental leader. This program is just a continuation of our efforts.”
Alicia Jakaitis, Program Manager for Smart Commute Halton, commented:
"We have all experienced the stress and frustration facing commuters in the Greater Toronto Area. When environmental leaders like the Town of Halton Hills partner with Smart Commute, they demonstrate the proactive role that employers can take to make commuting easier for their employees."
In welcoming Halton Hills to the Smart Commute family, Smart Commute Halton hosted a staff engagement event on May 3rd to recognize the Town’s commitment to reducing congestion, being an environmental leader, and to increase awareness of the program. The event featured an official presentation of one of the Town’s new dedicated carpool parking signs by Smart Commute Halton to Mayor Bonnette. In addition, to highlight carpooling as a ‘green’ commuting option, one of the parking spaces was temporarily converted into a ‘park’.
Participation in Smart Commute helps implement recommendations of the Town’s Green Plan. For example, Recommendation #66 of the Green Plan calls on the Town to work with other proactive organizations to improve the environment. Participation in Smart Commute is one way of implementing this recommendation. The Green Plan also references the need to address greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality. Reducing the number of single occupancy vehicle trips taken by Town staff by providing sustainable transportation options through Smart Commute is one means of achieving this.
About Smart Commute Halton and Benefits
Smart Commute Halton is a program of Halton Region with funding and support from Metrolinx and Halton Region. Smart Commute Halton currently services ten local employers with more than 7,000 employees.
Benefits of participating in Smart Commute include reduced on-site parking demand, decreased facility costs, reduced traffic congestion, lower greenhouse gas emissions, improved employee retention and improved productivity. Benefits to employees include improved transportation options, travel cost savings, improved health, and enhanced access and mobility options.
For more information on the Town’s sustainability initiatives, please contact Damian Szybalski (Sustainability Coordinator) at 905.873.2601 ext. 2289 or visit www.haltonhills.ca/sustainability. Businesses and organizations interested in joining Smart Commute are invited to contact Alicia Jakaitis (Program Manager, Smart Commute Halton) at 905.825.6000 ext. 7556 or Alicia.jakaitis@halton.ca
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Halton Hills Celebrates Earth HourTM
Once again, the Town, residents, businesses, schools and other organizations collaborated to celebrate the global Earth Hour event, focusing on energy conservation and fighting climate change. Many of our residents enjoyed a successful star-gazing presentation at Christ the King Catholic Secondary School. Local businesses took part by helping to spread the message about Earth Hour. Everyone’s participation was valuable.
Earth Hour 2011 marked the fourth time that Halton Hills participated. This year, the Town achieved an electricity reduction of about 1% or 0.52 megawatts. This is equivalent to the electricity needs of about 426 homes for an hour or nearly 8,700 60-watt light bulbs being powered for an hour. Since first participating in Earth Hour in 2008, the Town has saved enough electricity to power a total of about 15,500 homes for one hour.
According to the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO), across Ontario, Earth Hour reduced electricity demand by 2.1% or 360 megawatts. This is equivalent to the average peak energy needs of Windsor or as similar sized city. In light of the lower electricity savings when compared to previous years, the IESO noted that: “Energy conservation has become a year-round commitment for many Ontarians, and we’re starting to see reductions in the demand for electricity.”
To celebrate Earth Hour, the following initiatives were implemented by the Town:
• All non-essential lights at all Town facilities were turned off during Earth Hour, without jeopardizing public safety and security, and interrupting regular service.
• In partnership with Christ the King Catholic Secondary School and Halton Hills Hydro, the Town hosted a free and fun ‘Star Gazing Event’ during Earth Hour. About 150 residents attended this successful event, more than double the number the last time when this event was held. Attendees enjoyed an informative and engaging indoor presentation of the solar system followed by an outdoor star viewing session using large telescopes. Union Gas was on site providing free energy savings kits. These kits save homeowners $100 on their natural gas and water bills every year. Refreshments were donated by Saputo.
• Town facilities and local businesses promoted Earth Hour to their employees and customers. Some restaurants, for example, offered candlelight dinners and Earth Hour menu specials.
• On Friday March 25th, all Town facilities participated in a mini Earth Hour celebration between noon and 2 p.m. as many of the facilities were closed during the official Earth Hour which took place on Saturday March 26th.
For example, at the Civic Centre, actions taken by Town staff to reduce energy use resulted in a 50% decline in consumption when compared to the same time on Thursday March 24th.
• To encourage Earth Hour participation during the hour and throughout the year, a draw was held for an ‘energy-efficiency’ prize package.
Worldwide, a record 134 countries and territories took part in Earth Hour. Across Canada, over 420 communities participated, an increase of 38%.
Earth Hour is a symbolic event and it alone will not reverse climate change. Therefore, this year, take steps to go beyond the hour, by embracing a green lifestyle throughout the year. For useful conservation tips, visit: www.haltonhills.ca/sustainability and www.haltonhillshydro.com
Earth Hour 2011 marked the fourth time that Halton Hills participated. This year, the Town achieved an electricity reduction of about 1% or 0.52 megawatts. This is equivalent to the electricity needs of about 426 homes for an hour or nearly 8,700 60-watt light bulbs being powered for an hour. Since first participating in Earth Hour in 2008, the Town has saved enough electricity to power a total of about 15,500 homes for one hour.
According to the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO), across Ontario, Earth Hour reduced electricity demand by 2.1% or 360 megawatts. This is equivalent to the average peak energy needs of Windsor or as similar sized city. In light of the lower electricity savings when compared to previous years, the IESO noted that: “Energy conservation has become a year-round commitment for many Ontarians, and we’re starting to see reductions in the demand for electricity.”
To celebrate Earth Hour, the following initiatives were implemented by the Town:
• All non-essential lights at all Town facilities were turned off during Earth Hour, without jeopardizing public safety and security, and interrupting regular service.
• In partnership with Christ the King Catholic Secondary School and Halton Hills Hydro, the Town hosted a free and fun ‘Star Gazing Event’ during Earth Hour. About 150 residents attended this successful event, more than double the number the last time when this event was held. Attendees enjoyed an informative and engaging indoor presentation of the solar system followed by an outdoor star viewing session using large telescopes. Union Gas was on site providing free energy savings kits. These kits save homeowners $100 on their natural gas and water bills every year. Refreshments were donated by Saputo.
• Town facilities and local businesses promoted Earth Hour to their employees and customers. Some restaurants, for example, offered candlelight dinners and Earth Hour menu specials.
• On Friday March 25th, all Town facilities participated in a mini Earth Hour celebration between noon and 2 p.m. as many of the facilities were closed during the official Earth Hour which took place on Saturday March 26th.
For example, at the Civic Centre, actions taken by Town staff to reduce energy use resulted in a 50% decline in consumption when compared to the same time on Thursday March 24th.
• To encourage Earth Hour participation during the hour and throughout the year, a draw was held for an ‘energy-efficiency’ prize package.
Worldwide, a record 134 countries and territories took part in Earth Hour. Across Canada, over 420 communities participated, an increase of 38%.
Earth Hour is a symbolic event and it alone will not reverse climate change. Therefore, this year, take steps to go beyond the hour, by embracing a green lifestyle throughout the year. For useful conservation tips, visit: www.haltonhills.ca/sustainability and www.haltonhillshydro.com
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Diane Penrice Citizen of the Year
How much do you volunteer? Last night I was at the Georgetown Citizen of the Year award and this year's recipient is Diane Penrice. Diane was chosen by the Georgetown Lion's Club as the 2010 Citizen of the year. Her many hours of volunteering makes her an excellent choice. Here is an example of the Diane's committees and organizations she has volunteered over the years. She was a Girl Guide leader, the Jacette's, Crazy Boat Race, Arts Alive Committee for the Halton Hills Library and Cultural Center. She is active on the relatively new Halton Hills Cultural Round Table. Last year she volunteered on the successful Big Daddy Festiva. Diane and a group were instrumental in the formation of Cancer Assistance Services of Halton Hills ( CAShh ). This is a wonderful organization that has given support to many throughout Halton Hills who have been touched by this dreaded disease called cancer.
If that wasn't enough Diane Penrice volunteered her time to the the biggest party in Georgetown in decades and that was the Georgetown Homecoming that together back 1000's of past and current residents for a great party long weekend.
In 2008 Diane was still not done she joined Gerry Kentner as a volunteer to Light Up the Hills. Along the way of the hours spent volunteering she also was an active canvasser for Heart and Stroke, Kidney and Cancer Society. All of these hours volunteering while still be a mother, wife and holding a job sellng real estate.
Diane Penrice breaths community and this year she was an excellent choice being selected Citizen of the Year in Georgetown. Her husband Doug is also an active volunteer. It is volunteers like the Penrice's who enrich our community.
Congratulations to Diane Penrice.
If that wasn't enough Diane Penrice volunteered her time to the the biggest party in Georgetown in decades and that was the Georgetown Homecoming that together back 1000's of past and current residents for a great party long weekend.
In 2008 Diane was still not done she joined Gerry Kentner as a volunteer to Light Up the Hills. Along the way of the hours spent volunteering she also was an active canvasser for Heart and Stroke, Kidney and Cancer Society. All of these hours volunteering while still be a mother, wife and holding a job sellng real estate.
Diane Penrice breaths community and this year she was an excellent choice being selected Citizen of the Year in Georgetown. Her husband Doug is also an active volunteer. It is volunteers like the Penrice's who enrich our community.
Congratulations to Diane Penrice.
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