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th ei fp .c a Th e IF P -H al to n H ill s | T hu rs da y, M ay 20 ,2 02 1 | 8 ABOUT US This newspaper, published every Thursday, is a division of the Metroland Media Group Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Torstar Corporation. The Metroland family of newspapers is comprised of more than 70 community publications across Ontario. This newspaper is a member of the National NewsMedia Council. Complainants are urged to bring their concerns to the attention of the news- paper and, if not satisfied, write The National NewsMedia Council, Suite 200, 890 Yonge St., Toronto, ON M4W 2H2. Phone: 416-340-1981 Web: www.mediacouncil.ca newsroom@theifp.ca IndependentAndFreePress @IFP_11 WHO WE ARE Publisher Kelly Montague Regional Managing Editor Catherine O'Hara Managing Editor Karen Miceli Distribution Representative Kim Mossman Real Estate Kristie Pells Regional Production Manager Manuel Garcia Halton Media General Manager Jason Pehora CONTACT US The Independent & Free Press 901 Guelph Line Burlington, ON L7R 3N8 Phone: 905-873-0301 Classifieds: 1-800-263-6480 Fax: 905-873-0398 Letters to the editor All letters must be fewer than 320 words and include your name and telephone number for verification purposes. We reserve the right to edit, condense or reject letters. Published letters will appear in print and/or online at theifp.ca Delivery For all delivery inquiries, please e-mail lpolar@miltoncanadianchampion.com or call 905-234-1019. OPINION TO LEARN HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR OWN CONTENT VISIT THEIFP.CA Premier Doug Ford's most recent lockdown has shut down outdoor recre- ation (golf, tennis and pick- leball), patios, hair salons and much more. I have written the pre- mier, passing on your con- cerns to reconsider these closures. Here is why. Ev- ery epidemiologist that I have seen or heard on the radio or TV is supportive of outdoor activity. Here are two samples. "If you're outdoors and spaced apart, or wearing masks, the risk is low. This year has shown us how im- portant it is to get outside, and it's actually a nice thing knowing it's safer outdoors." -- Ashleigh Tuite, epidemiologist, Uni- versity of Toronto "Closing golf courses, tennis and pickleball is not the answer. We know where the vast majority of transmission occurs, and we know it is not outdoors. Let's focus our energy on where the vast majority oc- curs and that's indoor envi- ronments." -- Isaac Bo- goch, infection disease spe- cialist, Toronto General Hospital Physical health leads to good mental health. I have heard reports of a few people being unkind to our staff who are working in the field. This includes public works employees who are posting signs and erecting barriers, and bylaw offi- cers who are responsible for enforcing provincial or- ders related to COVID-19. Everyone is tired and frustrated -- I get it. The lockdown orders, while tiresome and inconve- nient, were enacted by the provincial government to safeguard all of us from further spread of the CO- VID-19 virus. The reality is we must adhere to the safety proto- cols. Together, we will get through this. In the mean- time, please be kind. Please be respectful. Town staff are just doing their jobs. It is our responsibility to carry out and enforce provincial direction. Congratulations to Hal- ton Hills Hydro president Art Skidmore on his retire- ment. Art worked for Hal- ton Hills Hydro for over 20 years. He was a tireless worker who served on many boards, including the Chamber of Commerce and the Georgetown Hospi- tal. I was very saddened to hear of former Georgetown Citizen of the Year Dee Dee Haynes-Ridley's passing. Dee Dee touched many lives. Our deepest sympa- thies to her family and friends. Rick Bonnette is the mayor of Halton Hills. Follow him on Twitter @RickBonnette1 and In- stagram @rick_bonnette1. OUTDOOR RECREATION SHOULD BE REOPENED EXPERTS AGREE THESE ACTIVITIES AREN'T THE CAUSE OF COVID SPREAD, WRITES RICK BONNETTE How much is your house worth? That seems to be a hot topic these days. In many communities, house prices are escalating rapidly. Bidding wars can turn into more than an attempt to purchase your dream home. For many, it is a compe- tition. Some might make an of- fer at a price level that would have seemed out of reach for them financially even a week earlier. The focus is on the sell- ing price. That is what we all want to know. Transaction details are public information. Often news travels faster by word of mouth. In my opinion, the focus should shift to the effect this crazy housing market is having on the buyers of those houses. Think of the mental an- guish a homebuyer goes through. Suddenly, a couple can look at their new domain and realize they have a mortgage approaching $1 million or more. That kind of financial jolt into carrying debt far above their comfort level can be overwhelming. What happens if inter- est rates increase when you renew your mortgage? Can you afford to have an unexpected cost of repair- ing a roof or replacing a furnace? What happens if some- one within the household loses their job? Your previous worry of being shut out of the rising housing market has now shifted to the reality of your financial exposure. That is the new demon that can keep you awake at night. Peter Watson, of Watson Investments MBA, CFP®, R.F.P., CIM®, FCSI offers a weekly financial plan- ning column, Dollars & Sense. He can be contacted through www.watsonin- vestments.com. REAL ESTATE MARKET CAUSE FOR ANXIETY ESCALATING HOUSE PRICES AND BALLOONING MORTGAGES CAN BE A SOURCE OF MENTAL STRAIN, WRITES PETER WATSON PETER WATSON Column A pair of doves enjoy the morning sun in a backyard in Acton. Do you have a great local photo you'd like to share? Send it to sleblanc@metroland.com, along with a brief description. Diane Curtin photo SNAPSHOT RICK BONNETTE Column SIGN UP FOR OUR WEEKLY NEWSLETTER AT THEIFP.CA