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OPINION Anyone visiting a convenience store or other estab- lishment that sells tobacco products in the past few days might have noticed the vast empty space behind most counters where cigarette packages sat row upon row. The so-called powerwalls are now a thing of the past as a result of the Provinces Smoke-Free Ontario Act. The colourful retail displays have been front and centre in most stores for years but as of May 31, they have gone the way of the dinosaur all in an effort to deter young people from using tobacco products. Many young people who begin to use tobacco do not fully understand the consequences, said Dr. Bob Nosal, Medical Officer of Health for Halton Region. Limiting access to tobacco products, along with ongo- ing awareness and education efforts, should act as a powerful and timely deterrent. We have staunchly supported virtually every gov- ernment, health department and Town initiative to curb smoking over the years. While we doubt this latest move will do much to get those who currently smoke to stop puffing, we believe this approach may help thwart some impulse smokers, particularly young ones, from starting. It may also deter smokers who are trying to quit, from buying a pack. The banning of smoking in public places and work- places, negative advertising on cigarette packages, and numerous anti-smoking programs have all contributed in reducing the number of smokers in Ontario. This is just another step towards making Ontario smoke-free. While retailers may feel some pain from this deci- sion were sure those who opt to use the powerwall space for other impulse items will quickly make up the difference in any lost revenue. We hope this out of sight, out of mind approach leads to what we eventually would like to see getting tobacco products out of peoples hands altogether. The walls come down Steve Nease LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Dear editor, Lets be clear, Halton Place allowed the construction of a BMX track on its property without proper development permits. The Niagara Escarpment Commission (NEC) has ruled that this construction was unauthorized and has ordered Halton Place to restore, rehabilitate and stabilize the land back to its agricultural status. Halton Hills Mayor Rick Bonnette and his council, in their support for the unauthorized development of the BMX track at Halton Place, have cho- sen to ignore the fact that the Halton Place property is not located on public lands. Rather, these lands are considered privately held lands which have been designated for agri- cultural use under the Niagara Escarpment Plan. It would appear from numerous past and planned events at Halton Place that the intent of the owners could be to create a commercial event centre within a private agricul- tural area. It is incomprehensible to us, as neighbours of Halton Place, why our Town council would sup- port this development even though Halton Place has disregarded due process! The death of Tim DaSilva is truly a tragedy. However, if the mayor and council believe that the ever-increas- ing recreational needs of young fami- lies requires a BMX track, they should find suitable public land for con- structing such a development, secure the necessary and proper construction permits and fund this project appro- priately in Tim DaSilvas name. Jack Pemberton, Rob Brettle, Ron Morin, Janet Campbell, Hilda Darcie and Mike Shantz, Georgetown Council support of track incomprehensible Letters to the editor must include an address and daytime telephone number. Unsigned letters will not be published. Letters should not exceed 200 words and may be edited for content and/or length. E-mail: jmcghie@independentfreepress.com Mail or drop off: Independent & Free Press, 280 Guelph St., Unit 29, Georgetown, ON., L7G 4B1 Publisher Ken Nugent Advertising director Steve Foreman (sforeman@independentfreepress.com) Retail advertising manager Cindi Campbell (ccampbell@independentfreepress.com) Managing editor John McGhie (jmcghie@independentfreepress.com) Distribution manager Nancy Geissler (distribution@independentfreepress.com) ADVERTISING Advertising co-ordinator Jennifer Christie (jchristie@independentfreepress.com) Retail Sales: Jennifer Spencer (jspencer@independentfreepress.com) Brendan Louth (blouth@independentfreepress.com) Amy Sykes (features@independentfreepress.com) Andrea Lefebvre (alefebvre@independentfreepress.com) Brendon Stevenson (bstevenson@independentfreepress.com) Real estate: Sue Spizziri (realestate@independentfreepress.com) Classifieds: Kristie Pells (classified@independentfreepress.com) ACCOUNTING Rose Marie Gauthier, Michelle McEachern EDITORIAL Cynthia Gamble: News editor (cgamble@independentfreepress.com) Ted Brown: Photography (tbrown@independentfreepress.com) Lisa Tallyn: Staff writer (ltallyn@independentfreepress.com) Eamonn Maher: Staff writer/sports (emaher@independentfreepress.com) PRODUCTION: Mary Lou Foreman, Kevin Powell, Shelli Harrison, Dolores Black, Debbie MacDougall STAFF DIRECTORY Send us a letter! Phone: 905-873-0301 Fax: 905-873-0398www.independentfreepress.com Something bugging you? What do you think? Below are the results of our most recent online poll. For the current poll go to www.independentfreepress.com How do you view the controversy surrounding former Foreign Affairs Minister Maxime Bernier, his former girlfriend Julie Couillard and the secret cabinet documents he left behind in her apartment? The entire matter was much ado about nothing and he shouldn't have resigned (20%) It was an embarrassment to the Harper govern- ment and will hurt them in the next election (60%) There is more to this story than we've been told so far. (20%) The Independent & Free Press is published Wednesday and Friday and is one of several Metroland Media Group Ltd. community newspapers. Editorial and advertising content of The Independent & Free Press is protected by copyright. Unauthorized use is prohibited. THE INDEPENDENT & FREE PRESS Dear editor, Recently (May 17-19) Georgetown celebrated its 25th anniversary of Bang-O-Rama. The Georgetown Hospital Volunteer Association (GHVA) part- nered with the Conklin Group for the first time and offered advance sale ride all day passes. Each pass saved you $9 (it was $26 at the gate) and the GHVA received a percent- age of sales a win-win situation for everyone. On behalf of the GHVA board of directors, we would like to thank all of our wonderful volunteers who donated their time to sell tickets, as well as all of the customers who sup- ported our hospital with their pur- chase. Look for us again next year as we intend to make this an annual event. Kim Zangrilli, Director of Fundraising (GHVA) Ruth Poullos, President (GHVA) Dear editor, Special thanks to the gentleman having lunch at the Georgeview Restaurant on April 24 at the same time as the Happy Hatters, a chapter of the Red Hat Ladies, who were hav- ing their regular lunch outing. To our amazement we were told a gentleman had paid for all our lunch- es (plus tip). We were able to thank him per- sonally, but wanted everyone to know what a nice guy he is. Blessing from all of us to you, sir. Norma Maynard, Queen Mother of Happy Hatters, Georgetown Volunteers thanked Happy Hatters thank stranger for his generosity 6 Independent & Free Press, Wednesday, June 4, 2008 The Georgetown Happy Hatters were especially happy when a kind stranger picked up their lunch tab. Submitted photo