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Look inside for the latest news from the automotive world WHEELS.CA HOSPITAL SPIRIT 8 PAGES Merchants, public invited to help hospital fundraising campaign 8 PAGES www.theIFP.ca Thursday, December 22, 2011 Halton Hills' award-winning newspaper serving Acton & Georgetown 56 Pages 50 Cents (+HST) Halton rated safest region for fourth year For the fourth year in a row, Maclean's magazine has named Halton Region the Safest Place to live in the Greater Toronto Area and the Safest Regional Municipality in Canada. Maclean's based its ranking on 2010 annual crime data from Statistics Canada for municipal police services serving the nation's 100 largest populations. The Crime Severity Index (CSI) scores six personal and property crimes: homicide, sexual assault, aggravated assault, auto theft, robbery and breaking and entering. "This achievement is the result of our residents, businesses and local municipalities, working together with the great police officers and staff of the Halton Regional Police Service, to ensure Halton Region is a safe place to live, work, raise a family and retire," said Regional Chair Gary Carr. "Our record as the Safest Region in Canada is one of the reasons that so many people and businesses choose to call Halton home. I want to thank everyone who continues to do their part to prevent crime in our Region because it is only by working together that we can continue to build a better, safer community." Halton Region has partnered with the Halton Regional Police Service to undertake several key programs to support safety in the community. Those programs include Speedi, Halton Community Road Watch, Drive SAFE and in November, two new Vehicle Activated Traffic Calming Signs were added to Halton's Road Safety Programs. REFINANCING? PURCHASING? For the past 20 years consultant Mike Davis has been Santa Claus for students in the Halton District School Board. He and a team of volunteers answer letters to Santa sent in by students. Davis retires next year. Michael Ivanin/Metroland Media Group Board `Santa' retiring, but tradition won't By DOMINIK KUREK Metroland Media Group Mike Davis has been stepping into the shoes of Santa Claus and co-ordinating a team of elves to respond to children's letters to the North Pole for the past 17 years. Now that the numerarcy consultant is retiring from the Halton District School Board after a 23year career, he's happy to know that Santa Claus is not. "I've enjoyed it immeasurably. I am retiring at the end of the school year so there will be a passing of the torch or Santa's sled. A number of folks have indicated they are willing to pick up the task. "People are stepping up to the plate so, from my perspective, it's very rewarding to know that this is going to continue. Will I miss it? Of course, I will. But with my retirement, I'm not retiring from life just moving on to new opportunities." See SANTA, pg. 10 Wishing you a Merry Christmas from all of us at Paint · Lighting · Wall Coverings Window Coverings · Home Decor Annual January Sale starts Jan. 2nd 3 YR. FIXED CALL FOR DETAILS. 2.99% FSCO #10259 Division of 1490845 Ont. Ltd. BOB WOODS, Broker W W W. B E R G S M A S . C A GEORGETOWN MARKETPLACE MALL 905-877-4193 (905) 877-1490 360 Guelph St., Georgetown