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Independent & Free Press, Wednesday, June 20, 2007 3 Around town in pictures Joyce Thoms of Stewarttown was one of the many people who turned out to check out the produce on the first day of the Farmers' Market in downtown Georgetown Saturday. The market runs every Saturday morning until the fall. Photo by Yves Desjardins Halton Hills Mayor Rick Bonnette was surrounded by friends as he took an unique approach to putting at his annual golf tournament at Blue Springs Golf Club. Joining in the fun with Bonnette were (from left) Josey Bonnette, Glen McKenzie, Halton Region chair Gary Carr and Steve Mahoney. The tournament raised more than $30,000 with donations still being tabulated. All proceeds go towards heritage projects in Halton Hills. Photo by Ted Brown Thunderstorms forced the festivities to move inside for the fourth-annual Halton Hills Childcare Centre family barbecue, although that didn't seem to keep Lofty the Clown from having fun with the dozens of youngsters who attended the event. Six-year-old Noah Woodworth was prepared to get wet during the old milkpouring trick, but mysteriously Lofty was able to make the milk disappear. Photo by Eamonn Maher Relocation of police station angers Acton councillor LISA TALLYN Staff Writer After years of being located in the downtown core, the Acton police station will be moved to a Queen St. plaza, which has one area councillor lashing out at Halton Police for not consulting with elected officials. As of August 1 (tentative date) the station will be relocated to 315 Queen St, a plaza east of the downtown core. Halton Regional Police Service Acting Superintendent Ron Welsh said Thursday the new facility is double the size of the current location and with the availability of fibre optics there it will allow police to incorporate the latest information technology. That is not possible at the current location, Welsh said. The new location will also include a meeting room that can be used by officers and Acton residents to discuss community concerns and policing issues on a regular basis. "It's an absolute shame, after generations of there always being a police presence and even the former chief Welsh said police did discuss always saying there would always the need for a new location with be a police presence in our the Acton Business Improvement downtown," said Wards 1/2 Area chair and other locations Regional Councillor Clark were considered, but they Somerville at the Halton Hills weren't suitable. council meeting Tuesday. "This He said there is a lack of retail has happened without any conspace in Acton. sultation even though they have Welsh said the matter was always promised that would have also discussed with the Halton CLARK some with elected officials." Police Services Board. Somerville said police "had SOMERVILLE Welsh said Halton Police see dropped the ball by not... conthe new location as an improvesulting with us before it was decided. I ment in services for the citizens of Acton. think it's a real shame to lose that pres"We're not really quite sure why there ence downtown." is such a concern about moving the short Ward 1 Councillor Jon Hurst said he distance that we are," said Welsh. "We're understood Somerville's concerns "but I certainly not abandoning Acton." have confidence in the police service that "We're actually moving in the directhey're capable and able to determine tion that Acton is in respect to new what they think is the best location and growth," said Welsh. the best facility to serve the needs of the He said the new location has the people of Acton." potential to allow for more officers in "They thought the present location is Acton if the service is needed. inadequate and outdated and I'm sure Ward 1 Councillor Mike O'Leary was they spent time looking for an alternative concerned the move might mean the loss location downtown, and there aren't any." of Acton's village constable program. "Although Acton is not big, having a police presence right down town is comforting to the merchants, so much so that several of the banks have contributed over the years to the rent of the existing station," said O'Leary. "And if the existing station is not usable in police eyes, I think we should look for some assurance that the village constable program is continuing." Welsh said the village constable program will continue, and the constable will still be doing foot patrol in the downtown core. He said there would continue to be a designated police parking spot in the downtown core so the constable will be able to park there and walk the beat. Welsh also said an emergency phone that links directly to police will continue to be located at the current location and also at the new police station. Mayor Rick Bonnette said he understood "why the building wasn't adequate." --With files from Cynthia Gamble, staff writer Backyard Touch 318 Guelph Street Enjoy a new Outdoor Cuisine experience today with Primo Grills and Smokers. 2 FREE BAGS OF MAPLE LEAF CHARCOAL WITH ANY PRIMO GRILL PURCHASE* *Offer expires July 30th/07 Georgetown 905.873.8835 HOURS: Mon. - Fri. 10 am - 6 pm; Sat. 10 am - 5 pm, Sun. 11 am - 3 pm (FORMERLY BEACHCOMBER)