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Local residents, like most of those in southern Ontario this winter, enjoyed unusually mild temperatures. Earlier this month photographer Sabrina Byrnes captured several folks taking part in very un-winter-like activities. (From left) Erika Charbonneau, 5, enjoyed playing on the slide at Cedarvale Park, Dylan Warskett, 14, performed a few tricks on his bike at the Mold-Masters SportsPlex skate park and Michael and Jenney Theberge opted for reading a book and relaxing on a bench by the Credit River in Glen Williams. Photos by Sabrina Byrnes The winter that wasn't LISA TALLYN Staff Writer The winter of 2005/06 is one for the record books-- earning the distinction of being the warmest in Canada since 1948. According to Environment Canada, temperatures across Canada from December through February were 3.9C above normal, and almost a full degree above the previous record back in 1987. "We didn't just break the winter record, we smashed it to pieces," said Environment Canada senior climatologist David Phillips. "Even those of us who are paid to study this stuff were surprised." In fact, the entire year from February to February was the warmest 12-month period in Canada's history. Closer to home, Toronto and surrounding area experienced the seventh warmest winter in its history, about 2.5C above the average for the last 30 years. Warm temperatures allowed Town and residents to save money The balmy weather translated into some real cost savings on heating bills for area residents. Mark Chalmers of Chalmer's Fuels Inc. in Georgetown, which services residents in Halton Hills, Milton, Mississauga and Caledon East, said, compared to last year, oil consumption was down by about 15 per cent. "Overall its 10 per cent warmer in degree days from September 1 to today," said Chalmers. The warmer than usual weather also meant some savings for the Town of Halton Hills on its winter control budget. Ted Drewlo, the Town's Manager of Public Works, said as of March 10, the Town had spent $458,700, or 47 per cent, of its 2006 $973,600 winter control budget. He said normally by this time of year the Town would have spent 56 per cent of the budget. Savings were realized because not as much money was spent on snowplowing, however, Drewlo said salting costs were up because of the freezing rain that fell this year. Also, the savings weren't as high as they could have been because there were significant snowfalls before Christmas causing the 2005 winter control budget, which was set at $953,800, to actually come in at $1,174,500. Although they noticed some decline in their sales, local retailers of winter items really didn't take much of a hit because of the balmy weather. Mark Poullos of Outdoor Power Equipment said snowmobile sales were slow, especially in January, but snow blower sales were actually above normal. Ollie Tuchel of Ollie's Cycle and Ski said ski and snowboard sales have been down a little this year, but because of the strong December sales "everything balanced out." Climatologist Phillips predicts we will pay a price for the warm winter with an increase in viruses and insects once summer arrives. "Winter usually gives us a clean slate- if we have to suffer through the winter so do the bugs and viruses," he said. "If these bugs managed not only to survive the winter but thrive, we could see a huge increase this summer. --With files from Torstar News Service (Lisa Tallyn can be reached at ltallyn@independentfreepress.com) Longtime volunteer named Georgetown's Citizen of the Year Continued from pg. 1 In addition to all those activities, Benton has also maintained a close eye on the running and upkeep of the Limehouse Memorial Hall, sitting on the board since its inception in 1997 when the community accepted responsibility for the hall (from Limehouse W.I.). She has been a driving force for many years, helping organize the bi-weekly euchres at the hall to help cover the operating costs. Benton taught for 22 years in the Halton Hills area, beginning at the SS#9 Gilbralter one-room school at Limehouse for two years, beginning in 1956, then after attending Toronto Teachers' College, she returned to teach for nine years at M.Z. Bennett School in Acton, followed by eight years at the new Limehouse School, before health problems caused her to leave the profession in 1991. She has also been active in community groups like GUARD (Group United Against Rural Dumping), POWER (Protect Our Water and Environmental Resources) and worked on campaigns to prevent the Acton quarry from having garbage dumped in it. The one thing that has always been a huge part of her life has been her love of music. Whether it's at a seniors' residence, a community gathering or at her church, Benton is the most comfortable at the piano or organ, bringing a smile to those she is entertaining-- the main reason that motivates her to be so active as a volunteer. "I guess I enjoy doing all those things because I get so much gratification seeing people respond to the music," said Benton, "Whether it's at a seniors' residence or a church function, I get so much satisfaction seeing an event come together and making people happy. I don't do it alone-- I have lots of help and I feel that those people who help me are as deserving of this honour as me. I don't feel like I do that much that is really significant. "I had wonderful mentors in my parents," said Benton, "My mother was very musical, and she instilled that love of music in me. I was out playing in the community when I was 12, following in her footsteps, when I lived in Meaford as a girl." "I can't think of any better honour than to be recognized by my peers," added Benton, Benton has one more person who she says has been her best supporter through it all-- her husband Bert. "If it weren't for Bert and his support, I'd have never done any of those things," said Benton. Benton will be formally recognized at the annual Citizen of the Year Awards Banquet April 25, at the Georgetown Lions Hall. Tickets are available at The Carpet Barn, or by calling 905-873-1398. Cost of tickets is $30. (Ted Brown can be reached at tbrown@independentfreepress.com)