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2 THE NEW TANNER THURSDAY, APRI 19, 2012 Traffic enforcement crack down near MSB continues Parents dropping off their kids at McKenzieSmith Bennett School quickly got the message that No Stopping and No Parking rules would be enforced in the area when a parking enforcement officer showed up last Thursday ­ and every day since ­ after a student was bumped by an illegally parked pickup truck last Wednesday. The girl was not injured, but the incident sparked a site meeting the next day with school officials, two local councillors and Town traffic staff. At press time, three illegally stopped or parked drivers had been ticketed ­ the fine is $50. The Ontario Parking Control Bureau Corp. is contracted by the Town to enforce its municipal parking bylaws, which on Acton Boulevard prevent stopping and parking in various areas on both sides in order to improve student safety. On Monday morning, company official Alberta Recinos waved off several cars attempting to pull over illegally to let out their children. He said the main problem is parents who "don't want their kids to walk a few metres more." Recinos said the Town was looking into rotating random visits of all schools in Halton Hills to beef up enforcement, and parking may be moved to just one side of Acton Boulevard. O n Tu e s d a y, M a t t Roj, the Town's traffic coordinator, said until they finish their review, it is too soon to say how they will improve public safety on Acton Boulevard, especially between Mill Street and Norman Av e n u e . " We w o u l d like the public to know that we want the kids to get active, to walk and cycle to school, and that would ultimately relive the congestion In front of the schools," Roj said. After a site visit last Thursday morning, Acton Councillor Mike O'Leary said along with enforcement of the traffic laws, the Town will "try and take it (the safety issues) up further with our Trustee (Gillian Tuck-Kutarna). There are plans to resurface the existing north end lot, and I know that several of the parents would like to see it expanded...that would alleviate some of the problems," O'Leary said, it would also make room for a Kiss and Go drop-off area. O'Leary said he avoids Acton Boulevard near MSB before and after school because there are often cars parking on both sides of the street and "it just scares the heck out of me." O'Leary said the next step is to meet with the school board to discuss the problem further. "Obviously there's a problem. A little girl was hit. What can we do about the problem? It's not a 100 per cent Town problem," he said. School Principal Sharon French said the illegal parking is an on-going issue as some parents "ignore" the parking and stopping signs. "There are parents on one side that feel they need to park there so they can bring their kids in, and there are parents who say `no', you shouldn't be parking there ­ it's posted, and kids should be walking to school," French said, adding she knew parents would be upset when the bylaw and police began enforcing the laws, but safety comes first. French said she has asked the Town for a crossing guard at the second crossing several times, but agreed that safety solutions must involve the Town, police and parents. TICKET WARNING: Some parents were unhappy that the Town began enforcing No Stopping and No Parking bylaws near McKenzie-Smith Bennett School after a Kindergarten girl was bumped by a vehicle, which had been illegally stopped. Alberto Recinos with Ontario Parking Control Bureau Corp. cautioned this parent on Monday morning. ­ Frances Niblock photo T own Digest Town lauds volunteers On Tuesday, during National Volunteer Week, Halton Hills thanked its many citizens who generously donate their time and talents to the community at a volunteer appreciation reception at the Gellert centre. Offering the Town's heartfelt thanks at Council on Monday, Mayor Rick Bonnette urged everyone who knows a volunteer to "say thank you" because "much of what we have accomplished is as a direct result of the contributions of our local community volunteers." Energy savings During the recent Earth Hour, Halton Hills residents reduced their power use by 4 per cent or two megawatts ­ enough to power approximately 1,700 homes for an hour. Since 2008, Earth Hour initiatives in Halton Hills have saved enough electrify to power approximately 17,200 homes or one hour. Credit Friend award The Town's efforts to create a culture of sustainability to minimize environmental impacts earned it a "Friends of the Credit Conservation Award" ­ Certificate of Merit. The award recognizes municipalities, agencies, individuals, landowners, community groups and businesses that make significant contributions to managing the natural resources within the Credit River Watershed. Survey says... The Halton District School Board invites students, staff and parents to complete survey about school effectiveness. From now until May 18, parents/guardians with children in Grades four through 12 in the Halton District School Board are invited to complete the annual School Effectiveness Survey, found at www.hdsb.ca. The Board wants feedback about issues related to school effectiveness, such as learning opportunities; relationships; community and communication; belonging; school culture and climate. The results of these surveys provide important data, which is used to shape system and school effectiveness planning to improve student learning. Students will complete the Tell Them From Me Survey In reaction to the award, Halton Hills Mayor Rick Bonnette said it recognizes the Town's long-standing commitment to sustainability through practical actions. "By looking at our decisions through a `sustainability lens' we can make a valuable contribution to the health of the Credit River Watershed." Town cleanups Acton, and other parts of Halton Hills, will look a lot better after two scheduled weekend cleanup initiatives, beginning tomorrow (Friday) with the 22-Minute Makeover, and continuing Saturday with the Community Clean-up. In Acton, cleanup crews are asked to meet at either Prospect Park, or the Main/Mill Streets parkette at 9 a.m. on Saturday at school. Parents may complete their survey online from wherever Internet access is available. If you do not have Internet access, please discuss alternatives with your child's school administrator. Further information is available through your child's school or the Research Department of the Halton District School Board at 905335-3665, ext. 3280.