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THE NEW TANNER THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2004 EDITORIAL Reflections In small communities such as Acton there is much to be thank- ful for when we look back at a year almost completed, especially when comparing our lives to events around the world, and even close to home. At a time when our large metropolitan Canadian cities are strug- gling with more violent crime, traffic gridlock (which sometimes erupt into road rage) and the ever troubling problem of street people, we have none of these concerns; unless sitting in the Tim Hortons drive-through on a week-day morning can be considered traffic gridlock! 3 Although our community has grown substantially in the last few years accommodating housing which in turn has attracted a number of solid "big name" businesses, we have still managed to keep most of our small town atmosphere; where nods and smiles to passersby is the norm and shopkeepers know many of their customers by name, if not by acquaintance. \ We are fortunate to live in a caring community as witnessed by the recent Christmas Hamper program which saw generous donations from both business and individuals; the Christmas luncheon orga- nized and run by individuals who saw a need; the Community Brunch run by the Kinettes which provides a monthly forum for meeting the neighbours and an opportunity for groups to fundraise. The downtown has just gone through a metamorphous us with the newly paved street, crossing grids, bump-outs and trees the welcome bonus of infrastructure upgrades. With the completion of the new YMCA building eagerly anticipated this spring, our downtown will easily compete with the best! Although Mother Nature has been known to dump on us from time-to-time, municipal workers keep the roads open. We are for- tunate to have a high comfort level so whatever natural occurrence or circumstance may occur, the infrastructure is such that we'll be OK, hopefully avoiding terrible tragedies such as that which our neighbours on the other side of the world endured. - Janis Fread PM's statement Prime Minister Paul Martin issued the following statement in response to the devastating earthquakes and tidal waves which have struck South and South-east Asia: "The world is shocked by the reports of wide-spread devastation which has claimed thousands of lives, and resulted in the injury and displacement of thousands of people in South and South-east Asia. "On behalf of all Canadians, I would like to express my deep- est sympathy and condolences to those affected. We extend our thoughts and prayers to all the victims, their families, and others hit by this terrible disaster. é "Canadian officials continue to closely monitor the situation and are in contact with relevant government officials, international and non-governmental organizations in order to assess the impact of the quakes and subsequent tidal waves on Canadians in the region and local populations. Officials are visiting the areas affected, to respond to Canadians in need. "In addition, Canada is providing an initial response of immedi- ate emergency humanitarian assistance through the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to meet the urgent needs of those affected by this tragedy." Woes Die ie SELENT TRIBUTE: A large hawk perches resolutely on a fence post like a sentinel guarding a roadside memorial on 15 Side Road. New Tanner staffer Danielle MclIsaac says the bird of prey was not disturbed by her presence. -Danielle McIsaac photo. (Mayor's Corner By Rick Bonnette Christmas is now behind us and I truly hope that everybody had a great holiday and good rest. It is now back to business for the town. Last year was a busy one, and 2005 promises to be every bit as busy. Council and staff have already been looking at preparing the 2005 budget. Budget meetings have been scheduled for January 17, 18, 31, and February 1, 2005. Council will not only be dealing with budgets, we will be looking forward to much needed industrial development along the 401 Corri- dor. The town has contributed $1.5 million dollars. This is an'invest- ment to our future. The financing is in partnership with the Region of Halton and the private sector in our community. The financing will create jobs and increase much needed non-residential assessment. The funds will ultimately be paid back to the town in approximately 10 years, once the Region of Halton is paid back for their much larger investment. Mark Friday, January 28 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in -your calendar. Ares Restaurant in Georgetown has kindly donated their restaurant to host the Mayor's Lunch for Youth. Tickets are $30 each and all proceeds will go to- wards Youth Centres in both Acton and Georgetown. You can purchase tickets from Halton Hills Commu- nity Support and Information, 36a Armstrong Avenue, Georgetown, telephone 905-873-6502. I am now into my second year as Mayor, and I would like to acknowl- edge the efforts and teamwork of our town staff and councillors. Many of you may not know who your Councillors are, or how to reach them. Here is a list of Town Council Members, and their contact information: * Regional Councillor -- Wards 1 & 2 - Clark Somerville -- 519- 853-9930 ¢ Ward | - Jon Hurst -- 519-° 853-2015, Mike O'Leary -- 519-853-4177 * Ward 2 - Bryan Lewis -- 905-877- 5380, Joan Robson - 905-877-0253 * Regional Councillor Wards 3 & 4 = Jane Fogal -- 905-877-5806 « Ward 3 - Mike Davis - 905- 873-8649, Moya Johnson -- 905-877-3755 * Ward 4 - Ron Chatten --905-877- 3579, Bob Inglis -- 905-873-9124 There will be many planning is- sues the town will be dealing with in 2005. Another Public Meeting will take place regarding the Barber Mill lands. There is a lot of interest both pro and con on the issue. Lastly, we must remember our food banks, the United Way of Hal- ton Hills, Bob Rumball Association for the Deaf, and many other charities in our town. The spirit of giving is all year round as we help those less ~ fortunate than ourselves. I would like to give special recog- nition to the Halton Hills Chamber of Commerce for working closely with my office on many different is- sues, and to all the organizations who hosted events within our community over the past year. Congratulations to new busi- nesses: Acton - Bling Jewellery Georgetown - Glazed Expressions Ceramic Studio, and stores in the . new plaza located at 221 Miller Drive, Georgetown South: C. W. Horticulture, Quik Pik Variety, Carafe, Accents Décor, LA Studios, Truestar Fitness. Keeping it real! I can be reached by telephone at 905-873- * 2601, ext. 2342, or by e-mail at mayor@haltonhills.ca New Year! 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