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15 | The IFP -H alton H ills | T hursday,F ebruary 14,2019 theifp.ca for a store, he said Acton proved to be affordable and provided good visibility. "It's a very busy intersection, so people going to Guelph or Mil- ton drive by. I've had some peo- ple from Burlington," he said. "You have people who have high- end watches that they don't want to send away (for repairs). Some- times they just need an adjust- ment or a new battery and you can do that while they wait." At one time, there were as many as 10 vacant stores in the downtown. Now only a couple of vacant shops remain. The open- ing of The Co-operators Group in the plaza at 8 Main St. N. this month was the ninth new busi- ness in the last eight months, joining Ambition Performing Arts Studio, Helson Law Office, JV Computer Repair, Oh Behave Canine Pawellege, One Stop Medical Clinic and Pharmacy and House of Work Wear Socks and More. "Acton, in my opinion, hit the bottom of its recession," King said. "The signs of success we are seeing now point to the begin- ning of a rebound." King calls it the beginning, be- cause although attracting busi- ness to Acton is vitally impor- tant, it is just one part of the revi- talization plan for the down- town. A new BIA website and logo were launched in the sum- mer and King came on as the new manager in July. Now, despite drawing a re- cord crowd last year, a rework- ing of the Leathertown Festival is in the works. The change will take it back to its roots, while at the same time making sure it is well positioned to succeed going forward. King said the festival will cele- brate craftsmanship and there will be different areas set up to highlight different crafts. When looking at the town's origins, King noticed many there were many other skilled trades that supported the tanning industry - carriage making, blacksmithing, tinsmithing, glove making. "The earliest industries drove Canadian culture and Acton was in the thick of it. The original idea (of the festival) was to cele- brate the local heritage. That's what we're trying to bring back," King said. "It had lost its sense of culture and its historical value. We don't want it to become just another event to occupy a date on the calendar." King said the town also needs to take advantage of its natural gifts, like Fairy Lake. "There are a lot of people that don't even know this big lake ex- ists at the end of the road," he said. He said the BIA will be work- ing to improve signage to make people - both those passing through town and new residents - more aware of the lake. King said the BIA is also looking boost the recreational opportunities, and has been working with Coun. Jane Fogal to establish a bike program. In the meantime, the BIA is continuing to talk to new busi- nesses to fill the last vacant shops in the downtown. A Town of Halton Hills release said, "work is underway now for a number of other service busi- ness openings in 2019, including food service and health-related services. "As the council representa- tive on the BIA board, it's been extremely gratifying to see the very positive and tangible re- wards of the proactive work be- ing done by town staff and the or- ganization's manager," Coun. Michael Albano said in the re- lease. "Business growth occurs by diligent effort, not happen- stance." NEWS Continued from page 1 ACTON PROVED TO BE AFFORDABLE AND PROVIDED GOOD VISIBILITY FOR BUSINESS THE ISSUE: DOWNTOWN ACTON WAS DETERIORATING LOCAL IMPACT: REVITALIZATION HAS SEEN MANY CLOSED UP SHOPS REOPEN STORY BEHIND THE STORY New investment an example of a "modern, forward-looking business championed by a young entrepreneur." By Cory Soal R.H.A.D. . . . Lend MeYour Ears We care about your hearing! Professional Arts Building 99 Sinclair Ave., Suite 210, Georgetown 905-873-6642 Serving the community of Halton Hills and surrounding areas since 1992 The Georgetown Tinnitus is a subjective experience where one hears a sound, ringing or noise when no external physical sound is present. Some call it "head noises", "ear ringing," or other similar things. WHAT CAUSES IT? There are many causes; indeed almost everything that can go wrong with the ear has Tinnitus associated with it as a symptom. Things as simple as wax against the eardrum to very serious items such as tumors on the 7th facial nerve can produce Tinnitus. Meniere's disease has Tinnitus associated with it. One of the most common causes of Tinnitus is exposure to excessively loud sounds such as shooting, chain saws, rock concerts, or other loud noises. For more information feel free to call… COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT TINNITUS - PART 1 WHAT IS IT?