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•T h e IF P • H al to n H ill s •T hu rs da y, J ul y 3, 2 01 4 6 OPINION Halton Region's recent move to adopt 37 hectares of new forest land deserves a big round of applause. Preserving the region's natural heritage is a must for future generations of Halton residents to enjoy as well as for the benefit of local wildlife and the ecosystem -- and it won't happen by itself. The Region announced last week it would commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Halton Regional Forests by acquir- ing 37 hectares of new forest land. The initiative marks the first addition to our regional forests in almost 50 years. However, considering a hectare equals a little under the size of two football fields, that's a significant mass of land now being preserved. It's all intended to protect the land for generations, say Regional staff. Since 1939, Halton Regional Forests -- Agreement Forests, first managed by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and now Halton Region, have acquired more than 665 hectares of land. That is spread over 14 separate forest tracts that range in size from 12 hectares to more than 166 hectares. The new forest lands contain a provin- cially significant wetland (about 14 hect- ares) and a woodlot (about 23 hectares) and will bring the total size of Halton's Re- gional Forests to 702 hectares. We only hope it doesn't take another 50 years for further action in this regard. The Independent & Free Press is published Thursday and is one of sev- eral Metroland Media Group Ltd. community newspapers. Editorial and advertising content of The Independent & Free Press is protected by copy- right. Unauthorized use is prohibited. The Independent & Free Press is a member of the Ontario Press Council, which is an independent ethical organization established to deal with editorial concerns. For additional information or to file a complaint, contact info@ ontpress.com or call 416- 340-1981. The Independent & Free Press Saving our forests Letters to the editor Cancer Assistance Services of Halton Hills (CAShh) would like to take this opportunity to ex- press our sincere gratitude to the residents of Halton Hills for their generosity during our April "Give Where You Live" campaign. Each year we count on the residents of Halton Hills to help us help those living with cancer, and you didn't let us down. When our volunteers knocked on your door… you an- swered! We are thrilled to announce that over $108,000 was raised during our campaign. Please know that all funds raised for CAShh remain in Halton Hills. Thank you to all of our volunteers for their dedication to our campaign, and to all of the people who donated to our charity. We wish everyone a safe and enjoy- able summer! Marilyn Inglis CAShh Campaign & Publicity Coordinator How are you going to spend Canada Day? • At Canada Day in the Glen (33%) • I have to work (24%) • At Acton Fire Fighters' fireworks display in Prospect Park (19%) • In the backyard with friends (19%) • At the cottage (5%) WEB POLL RESULTS (Go to www.theifp.ca) CAShh thrilled by support Police rescue sweltering dogs Now that's service I recently ordered a custom cake from Edible Delights in Georgetown for my son's birthday. I picked the cake up the day before his birthday and was amazed at what Victoria had created. It was exactly as I had requested. After arriving home I opened the box to find a smashed cake. I, of course was in a complete panic but after contacting Victoria my mind was put at ease. She not only offered to make me a whole new cake but also offered to deliver it to me the following morning. The new cake was just as amazing as the first and absolutely delicious. If you are looking for a cake for any occasion I highly recommend Edible Delights. Lynne Simon, Acton I just wanted to write in and say thank you to our local police of- ficers in Georgetown! I work at Foodstuffs, downtown on Main Street and on recent Monday afternoon a very nice cus- tomer of ours expressed concern over two small dogs being left in a van outside the RBC. After calling the local non-emer- gency number I was SO pleased at how quickly a cruiser was sent out. Not only were they quick but the nice police officer even brought water for the puppies! Having been spoken to by po- lice, I hope this driver thinks twice before leaving her dogs again. Just a reminder to everyone that it is NEVER a good idea to leave animals or children in your car! Marissa Brayne Halton Hills Letters must include the author's name, address and daytime phone number. Anony- mous letters will not be published. Letters should not exceed 150 words and may be edited for content and/or length. Publica- tion is not guaranteed. Email: cvernon@metroland.com Mail or drop off: Independent & Free Press, 280 Guelph St., Unit 77, Georgetown, ON., L7G 4B1. Letters policy 905-873-0301 Publisher: Dana Robbins General manager: Steve Foreman (sforeman@theifp.ca) Retail advertising manager: Cindi Campbell (ccampbell@theifp.ca) Managing editor: Chris Vernon (cvernon@metroland.com) Distribution manager: Nancy Geissler (ngeissler@theifp.ca) Classifieds/Real Estate Kristie Pells (classified@theifp.ca or realestate@theifp.ca) Classified Call Centre 1-855-415-8237 haltonhillsclassads@metroland.com Accounting 1-866-773-6575 Editorial Cynthia Gamble: News editor (cgamble@theifp.ca) Lisa Tallyn: Staff writer (ltallyn@theifp.ca) Eamonn Maher: Staff writer/sports (emaher@theifp.ca) Get the latest headlines delivered to your inbox by signing up for our twice weekly electronic newsletter. Go to www.theifp.ca and click on 'Newsletter sign-up' at the bottom of the homepage.