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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Friday June 13, 2008 - 7 Town prepares to reduce greenhouse gas By David Lea OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF The Town of Oakville is preparing to move forward with the second phase of a plan that, if successful, could drastically reduce the greenhouse gas emissions released by the municipality. The Community Services Committee voted during Tuesday night's meeting to adopt milestone two of the Partners for Climate Protection Milestone Program -- a plan that has been adopted by 164 Canadian municipalities that support municipal greenhouse gas reduction strategies at the corporate and community level. Milestone two of the program calls for the establishment of an emissions-reduction target which, in Oakville's case, would see corporate operations emissions drop 20 per cent below 2004 levels by 2014, while community emissions would drop six per cent below 2004 levels by 2014. "I think this is probably one of the biggest things we've done in the Town in a long time," said Ward 4 Councillor Allan Elgar. "If we can pull this off, which I hope we can, we'll be ahead of the federal government with its Kyoto "I think this is probably one of the biggest things we've done in the Town in a long time." Allan Elgar, Ward 4 councillor Committee members also expressed enthusiasm about the data and were eager to move the project forward. "The only way to get people's attention is to show them that here's where we want to be, but we're still going the wrong way. "What's most shocking here is that everyone is always talking about the vehicles (contributing to global warming), but what you're showing here is that vehicles are only 19 per cent of the problem, your buildings are 65 per cent and the more you grow the worse it's going to get," said Elgar. "We've got to be the leaders on this because it's sure not going to happen federally." Advertorial Dreams Come True at Forgali Design Centre issues where they talked a lot, but didn't do anything." The Town completed milestone one back in March, when staff wrapped up an inventory noting what Oakville's greenhouse gas emissions were in 2004 and where they were coming from. For corporate emissions, the inventory recorded municipal buildings as being responsible for the production of 7,675 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions, with the Town's vehicle fleet producing 2,196 tonnes while streetlights produced an additional 1,820 tonnes. For community emissions, the inventory found that residential buildings created 358,616 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions, commercial buildings created 152,433 tonnes, industrial buildings 221,833 tonnes, transportation 236,452 tonnes and community waste 20,848 tonnes. "Milestone three will consist of doing those updated inventories, looking at where we are now and the actions required to meet that 20 per cent (below 2004 levels)," said Suzanne Austin, a research policy analyst with the Town. The emissions levels for today are expected to be much higher, due to Oakville's growth over the past four years. Milestone two will go before council on Monday for final approval. Future milestones include the development and implementation of a local action plan as well as the measurement of progress and results. The methods the Town will use to reach these goals will be settled upon as the program progresses, noted the Town's Director of Environmental Policy Cindy Toth -- provided council approves the recommended reduction targets and directs staff to develop sustainable energy management policies, procedures and practices. "What we do is look at this ambitious target and, as we're developing the local action plan, we start to (consider) facility improvement, what we can build in terms of outreach and education...and by purchasing green power," she said. "We have an idea about what we need to do." When searching for that perfect piece of furniture to add to your home, factors such as quality, price and design are very important. Forgali Design Centre can accomplish all of these goals and bring your furniture and design dreams to fruition. Offering affordable, Canadian-made, superior solid wood furniture, Forgali's Mississauga boasts a 5,000 sq. ft. showroom of the highest possible quality materials and craftsmanship available. "Our furniture is priced very reasonably because we do our own manufacturing in Woodbridge," explains John Forgali, Owner. "By cutting out the middle man customers receive exceptionally high-end furniture at low-cost prices." Family owned, Forgali Design Centre is the work of three, talented brothers. "Our goal is to develop real wrought iron and honest solid wood furniture to last a lifetime," explains John. Whatever your furniture dreams are, they can be accomplished at Forgali Design Centre. Specializing in custom design, any piece can be tailored to meet your individual taste and needs. Choose your own colour, size, style and more for a truly unique item! Visit Forgali Design Centre today to transform you home with a special piece of furniture that you will feel good about purchasing. With affordable prices, quality craftsmanship and superior customer service, you won't be disappointed! Stroll the downtown Until tomorrow (Saturday), stroll the downtown, meet with the business owners and chat about the latest in fashion, food, décor and more during downtown Oakville's annual Sidewalk Sale. More than six blocks of children's clothing, jewelry, ladies and men's fashions, as well as home décor, will be available from the downtown's many unique shops. But Downtown Oakville is more than just shopping. It's atmosphere and culture with galleries, music, entertainment, history and more. "Each year, downtown businesses participate in a variety of events and programs, which help add to the vitality of the Town and community as a whole. Events like the Sidewalk Sale are just one of the ways that help support the local area and residents," said Joe Giraldi, chair of the Downtown Oakville BIA. Visitors can drop by Towne Square on Lakeshore Road to pick up a free downtown tote bag full of goodies, courtesy of the downtown Oakville businesses. The shopping bags are environmentally-friendly and are sponsored in part by Budds' Saturn Saab. For additional information, call 905-844-4520 or visit www.oakvilledowntown.com. 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