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

10 THE NEW TANNER THURSDAY, AUGUST 10, 2006 905-873-9791 INDOOR & OUTDOOR FURNITURE PATIO FURNITURE CAST ALUMINUM 10 YEAR W ARRANTY LARGE SELECTION BEST SELECTION IN HALTON HILLS! 136 Guelph St. Georgetown (opposite Christ The King School) Furniture Hut LEATHER SOFA GALLERY SOLID W OOD BEDROOMS OPEN7 DAYS AWEEK FREE DELIV ERY/ SET-UP Continued on page 12 Halton Regional Council has approved the Regions Comprehensive Housing Strategy (CHS) that incor- porates a series of policies and actions to ensure a va- riety of affordable housing types for Halton residents, regardless of income and stage of life. We believe that Halton residents should be able to remain in their community as their lives and circum- stances change. We need to foster an environment that encourages investments in housing; an environment that creates opportuni- ties for those who build housing, to form partner- ships and build the type of housing that our residents need, said Regional Chair- man Joyce Savoline. And, ensuring we have a range of housing types also supports a competitive economic environment as businesses look at housing options for employees when they con- sider locating in Halton. A Comprehensive Hous- ing Strategy Steering Committee was formed chaired by Regional Chair- man Joyce Savoline and included Councillors Rick Craven (Burlington), Clark Somerville (Halton Hills), Ron Furik (Milton) and Mike Lansdown (Oakville), Joan Lougheed (Burling- ton) and Maria Robinson, co-chair of Haltons Hous- ing Advisory Committee. The committee worked over the past 18 months with senior staff engaging in extensive public consul- tation, to develop a set of goals, both short and long- term, to address housing needs in Halton. A housing continuum was developed to reflect the range of hous- ing systems in Halton. The left side of the continuum reflects home- lessness and supportive and transitional housing; the centre comprises not-for- profit and assisted housing, and the right side of the spectrum encompasses lower cost, rental housing to higher-cost private home ownership. Taking a longer term view of housing through 2015 and beyond, the com- mittee identified five major strategic directions along with a comprehensive set of recommended actions. These include: promot- ing healthy communities; encouraging and protect- ing affordable housing; encouraging and protecting assisted housing; support- ing independent living; and, retaining and regain- ing housing. When people have hous- ing that meets their needs, their family life is more sta- ble which eases the burden on social services costs, said Chairman Savoline. We know that we need a diverse range of housing to support independent living including accessible hous- ing for those with physical disabilities. We know that we need a mix of live/work opportunities so people can spend less time commuting and more time with their families. And, we know that we need a mixture of rental and ownership properties within neigh- bourhoods so residents can move back and forth across the housing continuum dur- ing life changes without having to leave their com- munities. However, says Halton CAO Brent Marshall , Halton Region cannot do it alone. A realistic response to the need for affordable Halton Hills Fire Protec- tion & Prevention Services relays the information there is a potential fire hazard associated with the use of outdoor citronella wax torches. This product usually consists of a cylindrical shaped wax candle sup- ported along its entire axis by a long bamboo pole. The pole extends beyond the bottom of the wax portion and can be verti- cally inserted into a heat resistant surface so the torch can burn in an upright position. The torches are sold indi- vidually or in a multi-unit package under generic product names by a number of major retail chains and discount stores. In tests conducted by a local fire department, hot flaming wax began drip- ping and flowing down after the torches had been lit for a period of time. The flaming wax ignited combustible materials situ- ated at ground level (dry grass, mulch), including the bamboo pole itself. Subsequently, the pole toppled and ignited other combustibles that were located further away. If left unattended in close proximity to com- bustible materials, it could potentially develop into a significant fire and cause extensive property dam- age. Director of Fire Services Bob Meads said, While we have not been made aware of any incidents involving these torches, we would appreciate being notified of any problems or experiences. As with any torch or candle, only adults should be handling them and exercising extreme care in their use. Health Canada routinely investigates complaints involving candles and fire related products and will be monitoring the situation to determine if further action is warranted. For additional safety pre- cautions when using these torches please call: David Ford, Fire Safety Specialist (905) 873-2601 ext. 2115 or David Bouskill, Fire Safety Technician (905) 873-2601 ext. 2118. Acton Branch of the Canadian Cancer Society has received well over $100,000 in their fundraising campaign this year and they still have another event to take part in on September 22 in Rockwood. Mary Ann Myhill of the Wellington County Unit which includes Acton among its members says the Acton branch raised $33,753 in its April residential campaign, received $53,000 from the Paul Murr Memorial golf tournament and another $17,776 from Acton High Schools Relay for Life which totalled $104,529.00. On Friday, September 22 the Acton unit, along with Erin and Rockwood, is spon- soring a Relay for Life for the Wellington Unit at the Rockmosa Community Centre grounds, in Rockwood. The Relay for Life is a 12-hour non- competitive relay in support of the Cancer Society. Above all, it is an event that per- petuates a message of hope and courage. Through many different aspects of the event, including the Survivors Victory Lap, and the Luminary Ceremony participants, volunteers and survivors alike become a part of the fight against cancer. Approximately 600 people will be taking part in this event. Teams of 10 people take turns walking, running or strolling around a track. Teams consist of people represent- ing corporations, communities, families and friends. The Cancer Society is urging people to form a team, come up with a creative name for it that will get others laughing and plan how to decorate your camp site in tent city. For more information and to register plan to attend the information meeting at Actons Trinity Church on Wednesday, August 16 at 7p.m. or contact the Wellington County Unit at 519-824-4261 or go online at www. cancer.ca. The Acton branch points out that the Rockmosa Relay for Life is a joint effort from the East Wellington branches of the Cancer Society including Rockwood and Erin as well as Acton. It in no way is at- tempting to conflict with the Acton High School event which this year raised a record $17,776. Cancer campaign raises over $100,000 Relay For Life next event Fire hazard associated with citronella torches Halton Regional Council approves Housing Strategy