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10 - The Oakville Beaver, Friday February 16, 2007 www.oakvillebeaver.com Harbours played vital role in Oakville's history Harbours -- The Heart of Oakville -- For 150 Years! is the theme the Oakville Harbours Advisory Committee has chosen for its annual Boaters' Symposium on Wednesday March 7 at Town Hall. "The excellent harbours of 16 Mile and Bronte Creeks were the main reason Oakville's founder, William Chisholm, decided to settle here 150 years ago. These natural treasures are still some of Oakville's best features," says Richard O'Hare, Chair of the Oakville Harbours Advisory Committee. To help prepare for the Symposium, the Oakville Historical Society and the Bronte Historical Society have provided old photos, documents and maps so that the people of Oakville can picture life in the harbours 150 years ago. Local harbour historian, Phil Brimacombe is working on a three-dimensional montage of the Oakville harbour in the old days, and hopes to have it ready for display at the symposium. In addition, there will be overlay maps showing how much the harbours have changed since 1857. Oakville's harbours have a long and rich history. Ship building started in Oakville around 1847, and the local yards launched numerous trading schooners and fishing stone hookers during the early years. As 1900 approached, the yards turned their efforts to sailing yachts, and built some very successful racing boats. Perhaps the most famous Oakville-built racing boat was the yacht Canada built by Captain Andrews. In 1896, Canada was the winner of the first sailing challenge between Canada and the United Sates on the Great Lakes. The trophy awarded at this race was called the Canada's Cup (after Oakville's yacht) and continues to be one of the most sought-after sailing prizes in North America. Members of the Royal Canadian Yacht Club, keepers of the Canada's Cup, will be on hand to display this historic trophy at the Symposium. The 150th Anniversary Boaters' Symposium is designed to give attendees an appreciation of what the harbours were like in 1857 and how they have changed over the last 150 years. In their beginning, Oakville's harbours were the social and commercial centre of the Town. According to Richard O'Hare, "Our harbours are here for all residents to enjoy. This is an excellent opportunity for the people of Oakville to explore the history of our harbours and learn how they can enjoy these marvelous facilities today." The Oakville Harbours Advisory Committee invites the public to visit Town Hall on Wednesday, March 7 from 6 - 9 p.m. for this free event. Boating in Oakville circa 1909. Pre-Season BBQ Sale Best Prices of the Season ON NOW! In Stock In Store Specials February 1 - February 28 *6 month deferral O.A.C. "MASONRY & FIREPLACE DESIGN SPECIALISTS" w w w. c o b b l e s t o n e m b e r s . c o m ACROSS FROM RONA LANSING 905.337.2066 406 SPEERS RD., OAKVILLE Spot! Since 1952 Board Recruitment Save 25% Bottle o removerf spot each ordwith er! Oakville Senior Citizens Residence (OSCR) invites applicants to participate on its Board of Directors. Our mission: To serve seniors in an affordable safe community by actively promoting wellness, individual choices and opportunities. OSCR seeks volunteer Board members who will be committed to our mission: willing to deal with values, vision, change and the future; having an ability to participate assertively in deliberations. OSCR Board operates under a Carver Policy Governance model. The Board meets the second Thursday of the month. Kindly submit your resume to: The Nominating Committee Oakville Senior Citizens Residence 2220-2222 Lakeshore Road West Oakville ON L6L 5G5 email: oscr@oakvilleseniors.com Applications will be accepted until Friday March 2nd 2007. FREE!