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12 Independent & Free Press, Wednesday, March 19, 2008 Best in business honoured The Halton Hills Chamber of Commerce recently held it Business Achievement Awards celebration at North Halton Golf & Country Club. Accepting the Business of the Year award from chamber president Jamie Schumacker (right) and award sponsor Sharon Arnold of Prosperity One (left) was Giant Tiger owner Alec Boyd. Photos by Ron Stiel Chamber president Jamie Schumacker (left) presents the Entrepreneur of the Year Award to Judith Avery, owner of Accountant on Main, and her husband Dale at the recent Halton Hills Chamber of Commerce Awards night held at North Halton Golf & Country Club. Dayna Noltie, Emily Dimytosh and Shari Typer from Christ the King Secondary School accepted congratulations from chamber president Jamie Schumacker after winning the chambers Civic Pride award. Left: Chamber president Jamie Schumacker president Food Basics employee Dale Turnbulll with his Employee of the Year honour. Right: Simon Willis of CPI accepts his Junior Achievement Volunteer of the Year award from Schumacker. Big drop in building permits results in $300,000 deficit A significant drop 148 in the number of the building permits issued by the Town of Halton Hills resulted in a more than $300,000 deficit for Building Services in 2007. That means the Town will increase building permit fees by 5 per cent in 2008. Last year Building Services issued 833 per- mits 728 of which were building permits. In 2006, 876 building permits were issued, gener- ating $1.6 million. The Town had again budgeted $1.6 million for building permit revenues in 2007, but actu- alized only $1.3 million a $327,000 loss. The Town dipped into the Deferred Revenue for Building Permit to make up the shortfall. The most significant drop came under new home construction 401 permits issued in 2006, but only 258 last year. That was a $415,000 loss. In 2007 there were 254 permits issued for residential additions, alterations (276 in 2006); 31 for industrial (23); 27 demolition permits (21); 14 for commercial (22), and eight for agricultural buildings (11). The Town also issued 125 portable sign per- mits, 105 pool enclosure permits and six two- unit dwelling registrations. Under new provincial legislation, Building Services revenues can only be used to fund its operating expenses. If building permit fees do not meet the total costs for the municipality to operate and enforce the Building Code Act, then fees can be increased the following year. Thus, fees have been increased by five per cent in 2008. CYNTHIA GAMBLE Staff Writer In light of the increasing number of false alarm carbon monoxide detector calls Halton Hills firefighters have responded to recently, the fire department is offering several tips to homeowners to ensure the detectors are working properly. 1. Vacuum and dust carbon monoxide detectors at least once a month as they do gather dust. 2. Install them in the locations recom- mended by the manufacturer. 3. If battery operated, change them when you change your clocks. 4. Read and understand all the manufac- turers instructions/specifications. 5. Have gas-f ired appliances check- ed/inspected annually to ensure there are no problems with the appliances. Preventative maintenance goes a long way. 6. During winter months make sure blow- ing and drifting snow doesnt plug chimneys. 7. Inspect all chimneys in the fall to ensure birds, raccoons or squirrels havent built any nests. 8. Do not run any vehicles or equipment in the garage. Exhaust fumes can easily seep through doors and into the house. 9. Consider replacing the device when it reaches seven to ten years old. Keeping your devices clean and dust- free, following all the manufacturers specifi- cations will often eliminate false alarms, said Halton Hil ls Fire Protect ion and Prevention Services Chief of Prevention and Public Education Harry Olivieri. Unfort- unately, those false alarms will provide a false sense of security. He stressed people must pay attention to the inherent dangers of carbon monoxide and consequences that could result from exposure to carbon monoxide. If you have been exposed to carbon monoxide you will most likely experience flu-like symptoms such as headaches, nau- sea, dizziness, confusion and even loss of consiousness, said Olivieri. Guides on the air Carly Pereira and Mallory Lang of the 2nd Georgetown Girl Guides were among several local Guides who recently took part in the Guides on the Air event held at the Georgetown police station. Guides, from Sparks to Guiders, were able to talk to other Guides around the world via amateur radio. Photo by Donavon Gaudette Fire officials remind residents to keep detectors in proper order