midnight madness r n in m . in 11/ in w n n il rn u i i i i i i i ii i t C hish olm S C H O O L SUCCESS w w w .ch ish o lm cen tre.co m (9 0 5 ) 8 4 4 -3 2 4 0 S pecial section inside Continuing a tradition j | of customer service Business Mercedes-Benz Q .E.W . &Dorval D r. www.oakvillebeaver.com THE OAKVILLE BEAVER NORTH A M E R I C A 'S Vol. No. <s; MOST AWARDED C O M M U N ITY NEW SPAPER A M i'tro la n d l\ib lic a tin n W EDNHSl ).\Y. J l LY 17. 2<X)2 Victims unite j for change New group demandsjust treatment for victims of crime and theirfamilies By Lindsey Craig *' OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF D o n 't w a te r th e la w n Halton Region has imposed a tempo rary ban on outdoor water usage in an effort to keep reservoirs supplied for fire protection and essential household needs. The unseasonably dry weather, com bined with heavy water use, has con tributed to the need to enforce the bylaw restricting outdoor watering activity. Residents should refrain from watering their lawns and washing their cars and driveways. Flower and vegetable gardens should be watered only with a watering can or hose with a spray nozzle, as opposed to a sprinkler or a free-running hose, in order to avoid using more water than is necessary. Recently sodded or seeded lawns are exempt from the restrictions. "These restrictions have become necessary as the dry weather continues," said Halton Region Director of Environmental Services Ric Robertshaw. "We hope residents .will acknowledge the need for these tempo rary measures and comply with them." Halton Region Planning and Public Works staff are monitoring the situation and will advise residents once the restrictions have been lifted. The following are some answers to frequently asked questions about the water ban: · Is there a fine for failing to comply with the restrictions? The watering ban has been imposed in accordance with bylaw 93-89, which allows for fines of up to $2,000. · My neighbours are watering their lawn. What should I do? Since the watering ban has only been in place a short while, some people may Jamie Smith · Oakville B eaver not yet have heard about it. Concerned FUTURE STAR!: Seventeen-month-old Marisa Ferencia takes in the Can- residents can let their neighbours know Am Challenge at Sheridan College on the weekend. See Sports section for there is a watering ban in effect. (S e e `N e w ' p age A 3) action photo and story. ** Why is it that criminals, murder ers, rapists, receive counselling in prison, while victims and the families of victims, who so desperately need the support, are left to suffer alone? Why is it that criminals have free transportation to «Xid from courtliouses, free meals during their hear ings, while vic tim s and their families must pay their own way? Why is it that murderers have the opportunity to earn Tammy Petrie university degrees while their young vic tims will never have this chance? Why is it that prisoners enjoy leisurely activities, such as horseback riding and golf, while the families of their victims work hard to pay legal fees and are unable to afford such luxuries? These questions and frustrations are only a few of many shared by victims of crime and their families, who have suf fered further at the hands of the Canadian criminal "justice" system. They gathered in Oakville at Chartwell Baptist Church on Saturday to launch the organization Victims United For Change. Although the event served as fomm to speak about the changes the new group hopes to make in the legal system, it was also a memorial service for victims of violent crime, including Jason Petrie, a Mississauga man, murdered 10 years ago at age 21. S pearheading the group is Oakville resident Tammy Petrie, 33, Jason Petrie's older sister. Since his death, she and her family continue to face countless obstacles within the legal system in their quest to see that Jason Petrie those responsible for his murder are held accountable. Over the years, Tammy has concentrated her pain and anger into a positive outlet, con tacting other victims of crime and families of victims to create a network of citizens who share a common goal -- to give rights back to the innocent. `Ten years ago today, July 12, my brother became a victim, but ever since, my family has been victimized by the (S e e Victim s' p a g e A 4) Salvation Army van stolen The Oakville Salvation Army was dealt a blow to its community outreach efforts on the weekend when the van used to transport seniors and deliver food was stolen. The sage green, 2000 Plymouth Voyager was last seen around 4 p.m. Friday in the parking lot of the Citadel at 1225 Rebecca St. and was discov ered missing Saturday morning. The van is an integral part of the lives of many Salvation Army clients, such as the seniors who need to make medical appointments and those who have food dropped off at their resi dences. "It's in service almost every day of the week," said Community Service Co-ordinator Tim Howlett. "This theft has crippled us." This summer, the vehicle &as being put good use taking seniors and children on day trips, to summer camp and for rides to and from Bible school. The Moms and Tots camp is also coming up. The stolen van was bought two years ago with money from donations to replace an old, much less reliable van which the Salvation Army has now fall en back on to provide service. Just last week, however, the vehicle cost the Sally Ann $400 in repairs. Anyone with information about the theft is encouraged to call police or Howlett at 827-5324, ext. 22. If the van is not recovered, money for a replace ment can be donated by calling Howlett. In good hands Emergency Medical Services personnel are more than hospital taxi drivers By Lindsey Crarg OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF Editorials................... A6 Business....................A8 Midnight Madness B1 Focus.........................Cl Update C2 Artscene................... C5 Sports....................... C8 BestWheels............... D1 Classified...................D3 Partial Delivery: Jamie Smith · Oakville Beaver Halton paramedic John Carter talks to a patient en route by ambulance to the hospital. Ever since Emergency Medical Services (EMS) were downloaded to the Region of Halton, the lives of area resi dents have been in much better hands and the jobs of para medics made much easier. This, according to Halton Region paramedics Wally Williams and John Carter. "There has been a huge difference in service, there are more vehicles, more equipment, more staff," said Williams, who has worked as a paramedic in Halton since 1978. "Since the Region has taken over, there are more things in place for paramedics working with patients," he added. Today the health department of Halton Region has 135 paramedics and 25 emergency vehicles including ambu lances, response vehicles and support units. Halton Region assumed responsibility for EMS in August 2000, when it was downloaded from the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. Before that, the service resided with a private company, funded by the Ministry. One of the most significant changes since the Region took over is that more funding has been allotted to increasing the (S e e `E very' p a g e A 5) Home Depot, Future Shop, Mark's Work Warehouse, Superior Pi~a, The Bay, Hoopers Pharmacy, Sears, Hy & Zeis, Lakeshore Place Retirement. Good Life Product Agreement #435-201 Sunrise High Back Resin Chair · Sandstone colour, stacks for easy storage · Easy care maintenance (109384) Our 2"'1Great Location in Oakville: Trafalgar Village! I N V r S T M E N T S 99 Cross Ave. (905) 815-5000 R ETIR EM EN T PLA N N IN G SPECIALISTS Store Hours: M o n .-S at. 7 a m - 10pm Sun. 8 a m -8 p m t.koTM ,TLdlnc.129« F ree C o n s u lta tio n 8 4 2 -2 1 0 0 f% 4 ?rC W ttm m MUM*, iJfMu M JFJPv