th ei fp .c a Th e IF P -H al to n H ill s | T hu rs da y, D ec em be r 21 ,2 01 7 | 48 Residents of Halton Hills were in a benevolent mood earlier this month, donating close to $20,000 in merchandise and cash during Halton regional po- lice's annual Cram-A- Cruiser event. Held at three locations in the municipality, offi- cers were on hand to ac- cept donations on Satur- day, Dec. 2. Shoppers at the Toron- to Premium Outlets donat- ed a total of approximately $10,000 in cash, clothing and accessories, while at the Canadian Tire in Georgetown, more than $3,000 in toys, along with $616 in cash and Canadian Tire money were received. The Georgetown Mar- ket Place made a donation of $2,500 and collected an- other $1,680 worth of toys and $552 in cash dona- tions. Several Halton police officers also participated in a food drive at the Real Canadian Superstore last weekend for the George- town Bread Basket food bank. COMMUNITY Cram-A-Cruiser hauls in $20,000 Halton Hills Mayor Rick Bonnette contributes to the Cram-A-Cruiser toy drive at the Georgetown Market Place and Halton Regional Police Const. Dennis Dimitroff was happy to accept the donation, as nearly $20,000 was raised during the day at three venues in Halton Hills. Halton Police photo FULL-SERVICE RETIREMENT HOME 905-877-1800 222 Mountainview Road North, Georgetown www.mountainviewresidence.com Mountainview Residence Of Georgetown Retirement living can be the best of times when you live in an atmosphere of comfort and family caring. Seniors enjoy an independent lifestyle with comfortable accommodations, personal care and other supportive services. ASK THE PROFESSIONAL 33 Main Street South Acton, ON L7J 1X3 Tel: 519-853-1330 Fax: 519-853-4645 Email: Mark@mchlawyers.com Mark Hilliard Mackenzie Chapman Hilliard Barristers and Solicitors The advice offered in this column is intended for informational purposes only. Use of this column is not intended to replace or substitute any professional, financial, medical, legal, or other professional advice. We work for you. legal matters Q A REAL ESTATE LAW I would like to gift my property to my children. Do I have to pay land transfer tax? If you decided to transfer your house into the name of your son or daughter as a gift, receiving no money in return, then you might not have to pay any land transfer tax. If the amount of money being paid is zero, then the land transfer tax on that amount would be zero. If, however, you have an existing mortgage on that property and part of the deal is that your children would assume that mortgage, or get their own mortgage to pay off yours, then your son or daughter would have to pay land transfer tax based on the amount owing on your mortgage. Land transfer tax is payable on the total consideration that was given for the property, and transferring a mortgage liability qualifies as consideration. So if you are in the giving spirit, be sure to pay off your mortgage if you can, or be prepared to pay some land transfer tax. Merry Christmas! •Modern Styles • Advanced Technology • Excellent Service • Experience Treat your eyes to Platinum 2017 Halton Hills •Pediatric & Family Eye Care • Emergency Eye Care •Advanced Ocular Imaging & Diagnostics •Medical Treatment of Eye Diseases •Dry Eye Consultations & Treatments • Stylish Frames & Personalized Lenses • Laser Eye Surgery Consultations & Co-ManagementDr. Joel Schaefer Dr. Bruce Foley Schaefer Optometry Professional Corporation 905.873.2077 | moderneyesoptometry.ca | CIBC plaza in Georgetown South |