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6 Independent & Free Press, Tuesday,August 3, 2010 OPINION Water warning We hope a Burlington family's life-ordeath experience last weekend will sound a warning to everyone to approach creeks, rivers and streams with extreme caution -- or, better yet, steer clear of them altogether-- after any significant rainfall. Eight-year-old Leif Gorrie, his teenage stepsister, Abbie, and their mother, Nicky Ramsay, are lucky to be alive after Leif fell into a raging Tuck Creek on Saturday. Abbie instinctively jumped in after her sibling, while their mother quickly joined them after being alerted to the dire situation by a third child, Bailey, 11. While Leif and Abbie managed to pull themselves to safety, their mom was swept more than a mile downstream before Halton Police officers rescued her using a tossed flotation device. While the family is none the worse for wear, their story could have just as easily been a triple tragedy. "Parents need to `creekwise' their children and tell them to stay away from the water when it swells like that," said Staff Sgt. Dan Gheller of Halton Police. The near tragedy did not come without fair warning. A day earlier, Conservation Halton issued a flood advisory, noting that up to 70 millimetres of rain had already fallen in northern parts of Halton's watershed, with more expected throughout the weekend. The advisory specifically forewarned, "Please advise all persons to use extreme caution around bodies of water and stay well back of stream banks. Please alert children in your care of these dangers." Keeping in mind the abundance of waterways in north Halton, and this summer's trend of intense thunderstorms, it is a warning local parents should heed. Hopefully this family's terrifying lesson in floodwater safety will convince others to simply stay away the next time Mother Nature causes creeks to rise. 905-873-0301 Publisher: Ken Nugent General manager: Steve Foreman (sforeman@independentfreepress.com) Retail advertising manager: Cindi Campbell (ccampbell@independentfreepress.com) Managing editor: John McGhie (jmcghie@independentfreepress.com) Distribution manager: Nancy Geissler (ngeissler@independentfreepress.com) Classifieds Kristie Pells (classified@independentfreepress.com) Accounting Rose Marie Gauthier 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) WEB POLL RESULTS If a provincial election were held today, which party would get your vote? · Liberals (44%) · Progressive Conservatives (33%) · NDP (9%) · Green (7%) · None of the above (6%) Steve Nease Go to www.independentfreepress.com Letters to the editor More warnings about hogweed Dear editor, Are your readers aware that giant hogweed-- a non-native, invasive plant-- is spreading in southern Ontario? Stands of giant hogweed are being spotted all across the country and may be growing out of control. I first came across giant hogweed in the Milton area last year and did some research on the web and summarize the important information below. This toxic weed is distinctive by its height (towering above native plants), with a purple, mottled stem, huge leaves, and wide flower head of white blooms. It can pose a threat to anyone who touches it without protective clothing. The plant has a toxic sap which is expressed from small, blister-like pustules and which can burn the skin once exposed to sunlight. If the toxin enters the eye, it can burn the cornea, causing temporary or even permanent blindness. Anyone who comes across the weed should stay clear of it. If you or a family member comes in contact with the plant, get into shade immediately, to stop the sap from photosynthesizing. The affected skin needs to be washed thoroughly with soap and water, John D Wilson, Acton (Editor's note: A story on giant hogweed appeared last summer in this paper as well as July 22 this year). moting the event, and local businesses that sold tickets. Finally, a huge thank you to the O'Malley's and their staff, who went above and beyond to show their support to United Way of Halton Hills and our community, and the committee members who thought of every detail. We are fortunate to have such caring and generous people who are making a difference in Halton Hills. Janet Foster, Executive Director, United Way of Halton Hills `Tea' a big success Dear editor, I would like to thank everyone who helped make the `Tea at the Manor' event such a great success story. The spectacular home in Limehouse, that set the stage for the event, was enjoyed by many people. The gardens were absolutely fantastic, and admired by the many visitors who also took in the other festivities of the day. The fashion show was a huge hit, and the Studio 49 models were stunning. Everyone enjoyed refreshments, as well as gardening demos, music, art displays, a silent auction and a fantastic outdoor living display. To top it all off, we had great enthusiasm from our sponsors. Thank you to the many volunteers, sponsors and guests who attended the event. Thanks also to Limehouse Presbyterian Church for allowing us to use their parking facilities, The Independent and Free Press for pro- H2O `surplus' welcomed Dear editor, I'm so happy the Region has suddenly found all kinds of water to allow immediate growth to the tune of 1200 Single Detached Equivalents (SDEs). On that note, I'd like them to take those water advisory signs spelling out when we can and can't put water (that we pay dearly for) on our lawns, and stick those signs where the hose don't sprinkle. It's great that we now have this newly-found water, so I can rest easy watering my lawn. Thanks Halton, for making me aware we have an abundance of water, so much so that we can afford to give it to 1,200 new homes. Matt Penny, Georgetown Letters to the editor policy Letters must include an address and daytime telephone number. Anonymous letters will not be published. Letters should not exceed 150 words and may be edited for content and/or length. Publication is not guaranteed. E-mail: jmcghie@independentfreepress.com Mail or drop off: Independent & Free Press, 280 Guelph St., Unit 29, Georgetown, ON., L7G 4B1. The Independent & Free Press The Independent & Free Press is published Tuesday and Thursday 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.