The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

Region looking to extend life of landfill s we plan for the year ahead, Halton remains committed to adopting best practices to maximize the efficiency of the Halton Waste Management Site (HWMS). We have updated the Solid Waste Management Strategy (SWMS) with a focus on reducing the amount of garbage in Halton, increasing our diversion rate and extending the life of our landfill. An open house for Halton Hills residents to provide feedback on the draft SWMS is scheduled for Thursday, February 23 at the Halton Hills Civic Centre (1 Halton Hills Drive, Halton Hills) from 5-8 p.m. Communication with you remains a priority. A recent public consultation recognized the Household Waste Management Calendar as an important tool for providing collection information and waste management tips. The new 2006 calendars have been posted on the Region's Web site and should be in your mailboxes throughout January. If you did not receive yours, please contact Halton Region at 905-8256000 or toll-free at 1-866-4HALTON and a calendar will be delivered to your home. Halton is a leader in waste management with one of the highest diversion rates in the GTA. In 2004, we diverted almost 42 per cent of residential waste from our landfill. I encourage your continued stewardship THE REGION REPORT Joyce Savoline using the diversion options available at the HWMS such as the leaf and yard waste composting facility, the reuse depot, the household hazardous waste depot and the container station. Your strong participation in Halton's waste management programs exemplifies the commitment of our residents towards environmental protection. Our landfill is your landfill, built and paid for by Halton taxpayers and protecting this investment remains high on my agenda. With discussions about the potential for the Michigan border closing to Canadian garbage, residents can be assured that I will continue my advocacy efforts with the Province to ensure our waste management site not be considered as a short, interim or long-term disposal option for GTA garbage. --Joyce Savoline is the chairperson of Halton Region