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Homeowners to be responsible for maintenance of streetlights OPIA proposal would see residents fined $500 for not changing streetlight bulbs in front of their home A plan to have Halton Hills homeowners responsible for the maintenance and changing of streetlights in front of the homes is not sitting well with many residents. Proposed by the Ontario Power Industry Authority (OPIA) last week, and scheduled for discussion at regional councils later this month, the proposal would see homeowners foot the bill for replacing bulbs in streetlights in front of their homes. Those who don't comply could face fines of up to $500. "Really stupid idea," said Georgetown south homeowner Tom Fuelery, who has two lights on the boulevard in front of his house. "I'm 78 years old," said Jim Dandee, another local resident. "How can they expect me to climb a ladder and change the light when it blows out? I have trouble getting out of bed!" Looking to cut costs of having local hydro crews maintain the lights, OPIA official Felix Thecat defends the program. "For most homeowners the cost will be minimal-- maybe $75 a year (the cost of a streetlight bulb)," said Thecat. "And changing the bulbs when they burn out is not that difficult provided you have an extension ladder." OPIA estimates the average streetlight has a life expectancy of about 3,000 hours and is actually in use about eight hours a day. SAVE UP TO $1000 PER COUPLE ON SELECT * AVALON 2010 EUROPEAN RIVER CRUISES Vision 2000 Recommended Sailings visiontreks European Splendor 14 DAYS AIR-INCLUSIVE or 13 DAYS VIENNA to AMSTERDAM July 19, 2010 the best of travel throughout the world ...every week 7 Independent & Free Press, Thursday, April 1, 2010 Windmills, Vineyards & Paris 14 DAYS AIR-INCLUSIVE or 13 DAYS PARIS to AMSTERDAM August 09, 2010 905-873-2000 Open Saturdays 9am - 4pm www.vision2000travel.com 328 Guelph St. Georgetown, ON Ont Reg # 50015325 *Book a select 2010 European Avalon Waterways vacation and receive $500 per person discount. Offer available on select departures as listed above. Booking must be made, under deposit, and discounted anytime after January 06, 2010 for travel at select times in 2010. Offer applies to new 2010 bookings only and will not be applied to pre-existing bookings. Offer reliant on space availability and may be withdrawn at any time. Not combinable with any other offers other than the Journeys Club Member Benefit. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply. Please note: dates and number of days reflect departure date from Canada. Georgetown LASER HAIR REMOVAL We've moved across the street ONLY 4-6 TREATMENTS NEEDED! To free you from that unwanted hair. · Affordable · Safe · Gentle · Permanent Hair Reduction For Him: chest, back, shoulders, etc. For Her: bikini, facial, underarms, etc. Call today for a free consultation ·Certified Electrologist & Laser Technician Halton Hills homeowners could soon be responsible for the maintenance and changing of bulbs for streetlights in front of their homes. OPIA says it will send out an instruction manual to all homeowners affected on how to change the bulbs and where to purchase them. "Leaving the lights burned out is not an option," cautioned Thecat. "We will fine homeowners." Some Halton Hills homeowners have started an online petition to fight the proposal while others have opted to look more carefully at the first letter of each paragraph in this story. Bare Image Electrolysis & Laser Inc. 61 Main St. South, Georgetown 905·873·6388 downtowngeorgetown.com 18 year old Jeff Roy, is in desperate need of a Bone Marrow Transplant, he is currently battling Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). If you would like to see if your Bone Marrow may help save his life please contact: One Match at www.onematch.ca or 1-888-236-6283