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ore and more of us are opting for Mnewly built homes these days, as e videnced by several briskly selling projects in north Oakville. But shift your gaze for a moment to the west, where there‘s anothâ€" er hotbed of construction activity â€" just a short drive away along Hwy. 5. The quaint Village of Waterdown is attracting numerous young families with its unique blend of qualities. According to Flamborough Mayor, Don Granger, a lot of newcomers are from the Toronto area, including Oakville. Established in 1878, and poised for growth atop the edge of the Niagara Escarpment, the Village provided early settlers with water to power their grist mills and wood sawing operâ€" ations. As a major stopping point on Hwy. 5 between Toronto (or York, as it was known in the 18th century) and southwestern Ontario, the Village was a business and service centre for East Flamborough (there are two major commercial centres serving local residents today). ‘‘Waterdown‘s village character and smallâ€" town atmosphere have recently been very much discovered by the Greater Toronto Area," he says. When asked why they have chosen to make Waterdown their home, common responses include the Village‘s "country feelâ€" ing," and the fact that it‘s "close to Hamilton, Burlington, Oakville and Toronto." Numerous historical buildings, some well over a century old, exist to this day, including several stone houses on Griffin Street, and some venerable stores at the foot of Mill Street. Ties with the past are cherished here, Bel Erin "The nicest thing I‘ve noticed about Waterdown," she contends, ‘"is that when you try to pull out of a driveway, people actually give you the right of way." and preserved by such groups as the Waterdown East Flamborough Heritage Society. Century farms in the area add to the picâ€" turesque scenery which one Waterdown resiâ€" dent who works in Oakville describes as "havâ€" ing the country in your backyard. I get to unwind on the way to work, and on the way home." The affordable prices and selection of new homes are also key factors, recent converts say. Several familiar names are represented here, including Aspen Ridge Homes, Branthaven â€" Homes Ltd., Alterra Developments, Dellbrook Homes and Rosehaven Homes. Single detached and semiâ€" detached homes, townhomes and apartments are either available or under construction. Aside from being close to major highways, Waterdown also provides broad access to natâ€" ural amenities. Several parks offer open spaces and sports facilities, and the Bruce Trail along the Escarpment is a hiker‘s dream. Nearby attractions include the African Lion Safari and Flamboro Downs Raceâ€"Track. ""You see more wildlife here, and the air is clean because you‘re on top of the escarpâ€" ment," was one comment. Another resident is drawn to the relaxed friendliness of people on the street. "I think the prices are more in line with the budgets of young families," says one new resiâ€" dent, a newlywed who moved to Waterdown two months ago. Grand Opening Model Home Tour our MODEL HOME and discover the perfect blend of traditional values and modern conveniences. Set in the rolling countryside of Erin, on picturesque lots of up to 1 acre, these Victorian estate homes are designed to fulfil your country lifestyle dreams. But remember, with a limited number of these ‘l, C exceptional homes available, the elegance is > J [N timeless. . . the opportunity is not. Prices and specifications subject t?ch:gng_e without notice. EO.E Advertising is accepted on the condition that, in the event of a typographical error, that portion of the advertising space occupied by erroneous item, together with a reasonable allowance for signature, will not be charged for, but the balance of the advertisement will be paid for at the acceptable rate. The publisher reserves the right to categorize and reject advertising. in the event of a typographical error, advertising goods or services at the wrong price, goods or services may not be sold. Advertising is merely an offer to sell and may be withdrawn at any time. Produced on behalf of the Oakville, Milton and District Real Estate Board. veryone wants to help the environâ€" E ment; choosing to buy an Râ€"2000 home is a great way to do it. Rigorous standards make Râ€"2000 homes the most energy efficient and enviâ€" ronmentally friendly houses on the market today. While many conventionally built homes have made progress towards the original Râ€"2000 standards launched in the early 1980s, Râ€"2000 standards continue to improve. The new standard for Râ€"2000 homes, introduced in 1994, calls for even greater energy efficiency (up to 15% less energy usage than previously). Most people are familiar with the superior energy efficiency of Râ€"2000 homes, which can cut heating bills by as much as 50 per cent. However, this effiâ€" ciency is only one of the advantages that make Râ€"2000 homes the industry standard for environmental friendliness. STEPHANIE HENDERSON The Râ€"2000 standard encourages builders to consider the environmental impact of a home and its occupants. The "green" home The average threeâ€"person household Publisher ROBERT GLASBEY Advertising Director Sales Coâ€"ordinator zz, NRS Brand Realty Inc. Realtor Features Editor For more information on how you can live in a greener home, call your local home builders‘ association or tollâ€" free 1â€"800â€"38Râ€"2000. uses up to 1,000 litres of water a dayâ€"40 per cent of which is used to flush toilets. Through the installation of more efficient shower heads, faucets and toilets, Râ€"2000 standards can cut this consumption by up to 35 per cent. That‘s 350 litres of water a day which can be left in our natural reserves. Râ€"2000 standards also encourage builders to use recycled building materials where possible, including siding and roofâ€" ing underlay contains a high content of recycled wood fibres. For people who want to take environâ€" mentalism even further, some builders offer optional "environmental packages," including designs with builtâ€"in comâ€" posters and recycling facilities. Thousands of people have already expanded their environmental vocabulary to include Râ€"2000. Sat., Sun. Holidays: 11â€"6 weekdays by appointment. For a more personal viewing design appointment call Michelle Corney* or \ Sandra Arnold* at 467 Speers Road Oakville, Ontario Published by: HWY 241 (905) 874â€"3048 401 BLSH ST