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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday April 23, 2008 - 3 Record turnout at Earth Day Cleanup and Eco Festival By Tina Depko OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF It seems the residents of the town were thinking green on Saturday, with a record turnout for the Earth Day Cleanup and Halton Eco Festival. The festival attracted more than 2,000 people, while the morning cleanup at 30 nature sites across the city also drew record numbers. The outcome resulted in happy organizers, who were satisfied that changes made to the events led to increased participation rates. "We moved our festival date to be part of Earth Day, so that it would be the same date as our cleanup, and that made a big difference," said Stephen Dankowich, executive director of hosting organization Oakville Community Centre for Peace, Ecology and Human Rights. "It was great to see such high numbers." This was the eighth year of the Eco Festival, which was held at Glen Abbey Recreation Centre. There were more than 100 exhibitors, workshops, a silent auction and organic marketplace, which resulted in the use of both arenas at the recreation centre for the first time in the event's history. "There were green businesses with products and services, non-profit organizations encouraging people to get involved, and there was a good collection of politicians, and that's important for them to see the energy people are giving this issue," Dankowich said. Another change that resonated with the public was free admission, according to Dankowich. Last year, entry to the fair cost $12. "We made it free because we wanted to make it more accessible and because people here in Oakville and Halton Region need to step it up more on the environment," he said. "We wanted to give them every opportunity to learn about the various solutions." The Earth Day Cleanup was a success partly because of sunny skies, as well as area residents' growing interest in making Oakville a greener place, said Dankowich. "From the feedback from our co-ordinators, they received record turnouts at all of our sites," he said. "At Dunvegan Park, for example, they had over 50 people. Last year, there were only about 12." The cleanup initiative continues this week, with a record 18 Oakville elementary, middle and high schools taking part in their own projects. Students will be collecting garbage on their school grounds as well as at nearby nature sites. Another community cleanup is scheduled for Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon at Clearview Park, located on Wynten Way. Participants will have the chance to go on a hot air balloon ride. For information on the Oakville Community Centre for Peace, Ecology and Human Rights, call 905-849-5501 or visit www.oakvillepeacecentre.org. DEREK WOOLLAM / OAKVILLE BEAVER CLEANING UP: West River Resident Ted Colin was among the many volunteers cleaning up Hogs Back Park during the Earth Day Cleanup on Saturday morning. The Hogs Back Park cleanup was among 30 at various nature sites in Oakville organized by the Oakville Community Centre for Peace, Ecology and Human Rights. GARDEN RENOVATIONS? GIVE YOUR OUTSIDE THE FACTORY TILE TOUCH See our design team to transform your space We specialize in importing and supplying quality Granite, Caesarstone, Marble, Ceramics, Porcelain and Natural Stone Ask about our Custom Glass Shower Doors & Floor Heating SEATING IS LIMITED Paid for in part by: Tile selection made enjoyable! FACTORY TILE DEPOT 1360 Speers Road, Oakville (East of third line) Factory Tile Depot 905.465.1650 Mon.-Thurs., 9:30-6, Fri. 9:30-5, Sat., 10-5, Closed Sun. www.factorytiledepot.ca