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www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Friday, December 13, 2013 | 8 New skating rink to open in downtown's Towne Square Residents can head downtown to skate, not on the creek, as has been tradition, but in Towne Square. Downtown Oakville is getting a new synthetic skating rink and its Business Improvement Area (BIA) is inviting the community to the launch next Friday, Dec. 20. Residents can kick off the holidays with the RBC Skate in the Square launch at Towne Square, 94 George St., from 7-11 a.m. "The businesses of Downtown Oakville are really excited to have a rink for their customers and visitors to enjoy," Sharlene Plewman, Downtown Oakville BIA executive director, said in a news release. "We are especially excited about the community involvement and local products that are being used and showcased." All products to build the rink were sourced locally from Total Sport Solutions and sponsors based in Oakville. "RBC's involvement with the rink is a perfect fit," stated the release, "showcasing community involvement through sports and initiatives like the Learn to Skate program. Olympian gold medalist and RBC community ambassador Becky Kellar-Duke will be on hand to meet fans. The launch features a Winter Lounge designed by Khachi Design Group and Porsche Centre Oakville will have a vehicle for visitors to see. The day will also include live music, skating demonstrations, treats and the chance for the community to test out the new rink. The synthetic rink will be open daily until Feb. 28, 2014, with a grand opening event planned for Jan. 4, 2014 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and a Winter Olympics celebration on Feb. 7, 2014. For more information, visit www. oakvilledowntown.com/events. Municipalities honour Mandela Halton Region will join the Town of Oakville in lowering its flags to half-mast at its facilities this weekend to honour the late Nelson Mandela. "Nelson Mandela was a friend to this country and an inspiration to millions around the world," Regional Chair Gary Carr said in a news release. "Our thoughts are with his family, the South African people and with the many women, men and children worldwide who looked to him as an example of leadership and courage." The former president of South Africa, who dedicated much of his life to ending the country's system of apartheid, died Dec. 5 at his home in Johannesburg. He was 95. Mandela served nearly three decades in prison until February 1990, when an international campaign led to his release, which became a catalyst in the fight against apartheid. His funeral, which is expected to draw more than 100 current and former world leaders, will take place Sunday (Dec 15). The Town of Oakville announced Monday that all flags at its facilities would be lowered to half-mast to honour Mandela. The law has changed concerning your cemetery plans An important message from Glen Oaks Memorial Gardens If your surname begins with N to Z and you have purchased cemetery spaces or related services, please contact us immediately regarding the new Ontario Legislation changes. Call 905-257-1100 Glen Oaks Memorial Gardens & Reception Centre by Arbor Memorial 3164 Ninth Line, Oakville · www.glenoaks.ca A division of Memorial Gardens Canada Limited & Arbor Memorial Services Inc. For the latest news and in-depth coverage of events, visit the Oakville Beaver online at www. oakvillebeaver.com