Town shields oak tree from uncertain future by David Lea Oakville Beaver Staff 11 | Wednesday, May 22, 2013 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com An 80-year-old white oak tree, located on the Town-owned property of 2359 Yolanda Dr., will continue to thrive for the foreseeable future. The Town's Administrative Services Committee voted recently to decline an offer to purchase and develop the site. In a report to the committee, Town staff said the proposed purchaser had agreed to preserve the white oak tree and build a house on the property in such a way that the tree would not be cut down or damaged. However, the committee chose to decline the offer even though Town staff recommended it. The property is the last of 27 Town-owned lots created in 2005/2006 on the flank of the former Queen Elizabeth Park School and Queen Elizabeth Park site. While the other lots have been sold off and developed, residents' and council's concern about the protection of the white oak tree has resulted in this property being retained. The committee's decision was well received by area residents. "We are pleased the municipal government stands behind their commitment to protect green space. It's shocking and disappointing to even think there would have been a contemplation by the Town's arborist and planners, councillors or mayor to jeopardize a thriving 80-year-old white oak tree," said Scott Simpson. "The council's decision is the right one for the preservation of green space in Oakville and for the commitment to the environment, which is a commitment the mayor has publicly endorsed. We wish to acknowledge Ward 1Town Councillor Ralph Robinson's concerted efforts to raise awareness to this issue. His efforts to inform the area residents were appreciated and respected." Simpson called for greater transparency and communication with area residents when it comes to development that could harm significant landmarks like the white oak tree. Welcome Summer Sale MAY 24-26 SPECIAL SAVINGS E Access pkg FRE Access pkg. value Min. Valuemin. $500 $500 - $1,000 with all in-stock with all in-stock People can help needy Canadian families enroll their children in organized sports or recreation by supporting Jumpstart. All during May, Canadian Tire customers have a chance to donate $2 in exchange for a red ball to Jumpstart's May Red Ball campaign. This Saturday (May 25), the Canadian Tire store at 1100 Kerr St., is hosting its fifth Jumpstart Day, during store hours. Store helps give kids a Jumpstart There will be a waterless car wash, games and a barbecue. All money raised will be donated to Jumpstart, an organization that helps Canadian children get involved in organized sports. All funds raised during Jumpstart Day activities and the red ball campaign stay in the local community to help local children. To date, Jumpstart has helped 1,265 Oakville children participate in organized sports. MIRROCRAFT 12-16 FT ALUM OPEN & TILLER MODELS Bringin in this this ad Bring ad for foraaFREE FREE bottle ofEthanol Ethanol Gas Gas Treatment! Treatment! bottle of th M-F 9-6· SAT 26th Open Open Mon-Fri 9-6 Sat9-4 9-4SUN · Sun 2611-3 11-3 45 DUNDAS ST EAST HWY#5 45 DUNDAS ST. E. HWY #5 WATERDOWN WATERDOWN 18-25 FT BOWRIDERS CAMPION RINKER 905-522-4081 905-522-4081 www.dundasmarine.ca www.dundasmarine.ca APPLEBY COLLEGE COLLEGE SUMMER SUMMER CAMPS CAMPS APPLEBY JULY 1-AUGUST 30, 2013 DISCOVERY CAMPS (AGES 4-7) SPORTS & ADVENTURE CAMPS (AGES 7-15) ARTS & MEDIA CAMPS (AGES 7-15) SCIENCE & SUCCESS CAMPS (AGES 7-15) Appleby Camps are led by highly qualified staff and offer low camper to instructor ratios, daily swims, nutritious lunches, family events, and shows all located on our beautiful 60-acre lakeside campus in southwest Oakville. New programs include flag football, music "fun"damentals, volleyball and fitness fun boot camp & yoga to complement our outstanding sports, adventure, arts and science camps. Young campers ages 4-7 will have a blast with our exciting weekly themes and camps designed specifically for them. Before and after camp care is available. Spaces are filling up quickly, so book now! Make us your choice for summer friendship, sports and fun! To learn more about Appleby Camps, please call (905) 845-4681 ext. 113 or visit www.appleby.on.ca/camps