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7 · OAKVILLE BEAVER Wednesday, May 20, 2009 Oakville home to top forester John McNeil, manager of Forestry and Cemetery Services for Oakville, was named Forester of the Year by the Ontario Professional Forester's Association (OPFA). "Council congratulates John McNeil on his welldeserved award," Mayor Rob Burton said. The annual award recognizes foresters who have made a notable contribution to the OPFA or to forestry in Ontario. This was the first time the OPFA chose an urban forester to receive the award. "It's good to be recognized by my peers." McNeil said. "Urban forestry plays an integral role in enhancing the quality of life in our town, not just by protecting woodlots and parks, but by having a voice in the planning of the community, and ensuring there are places for trees to grow and flourish ment, invasive plant and insect species and a changing climate. In 2004, Oakville became the first lower tier municipality in Canada to have a forest certified by the Forest Stewardship Council and in 2007 the Canadian Forestry Association named Oakville the Forest Capital of Canada. Council has committed to reaching 40 per cent tree canopy cover by 2057. Oakville's urban forest was shown to be worth $2.1 million per year to the community through the Urban Forest Effects Model, which the Parks and Open Space Department used in 2005 to quantify benefits of Oakville's trees, shrubs and vegetation to the community. McNeil has been an OPFA member 25 years and a Town employee for 22 years. He currently also serves as a director of the Society of Municipal Arborists. To register for summer camp drop in at the Peter Gilgan Family Y at 410 Rebecca Street. You may also fill out and fax in the registration form available in the Y Summer Camp brochure or online at www.ymcaofoakville.com (click on KIDS or YOUTH and choose SUMMER CAMP). John McNeil everywhere in Oakville." McNeil said the award is a result of the work done by his department, with council's support, to ensure the health of Oakville's urban forests remains a priority, including the establishment of the Urban Forest Strategic Management Plan. The OPFA recognized McNeil for his innovative management of urban forests, and his dedication to ensuring their stability in the midst of develop- Sprin g Rescreen Sale Spring has sprung! The bugs are about... So fix those screens to keep them out! Aluminum or Fibreglass Mesh Installed in our shop $ 3750 Any Size! + applicable taxes Pet Resistant Screen Installed in our shop $ 7500 Any Size! + applicable taxes (except on Saturdays - pick up will be on Monday) · Roller, Corner & Handle replacement are extra. Sale ends May 30, 2009. 24 Hour Turnaround 550 Bronte Rd., Oakville 905.827.2951 Imagine a school that inspires your daughter ... ... and a daughter who inspires the world University preparatory programme Private Catholic education for girls School-based admission testing Affordable tuition Grades 5-12 Direct private busing available (905) 891-1890 2241 Mississauga Rd. www.hnmcs.ca HOLY N AME OF MARY College School ST. MICHAEL'S COLLEGE SCHOOL 410 Rebecca Street Oakville, ON L6K 1K7 Telephone: 905-845-3417 Facsimile: 905-842-6792 E-mail: customerservice@oakville.ymca.ca