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www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Thursday, March 12, 2015 | 14 Halton Highlights 2015 March Halton Region once again receives AAA credit rating Halton Region's strong financial position is an integral part of our ability to invest in Halton's future. In our annual review, we once again earned a AAA credit rating from Moody's Investors Service. The rating agency also attached a "stable outlook" for the Region's financial future, indicating its confidence in Halton's ability to maintain this standing. Achieving the highest credit rating possible from Moody's Investors Service, while keeping taxes low, demonstrates that Halton Region's growth is both fiscally responsible and sustainable. Regional Council is committed to governing for the future as part of our Strategic Action Plan, and this achievement confirms that we continue to move in the right direction with one of the best records in Canada. Achieving this rating ensures Halton Region and the four Local Municipalities that borrow under this credit rating continue to obtain the best possible capital market financing rates, minimizing the longer term costs of infrastructure capital. To learn more about Halton's budget, including an overview of the Halton Region Budget and Business Plan 2015, visit halton.ca/budget. Keeping you informed by highlighting what makes Halton a great place to live. Gary Carr, Regional Chair Food tourism Halton Region is committed to supporting and preserving our vibrant agricultural industry. Our second annual Halton Region Food Tourism Summit will bring together Halton's food community to network, learn about sustainable practices and innovative industry initiatives, and increase access for all to locally-sourced foods. Event details: Thursday, March 26, 2015 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Country Heritage Park, Milton Admission is free Keynote speakers include: Grey County Chef's Forum, The Mustard Seed Co-op, PwC EpicTour Halton, Toronto 2015 Pan Am / Parapan Am Games and the Hamilton Halton Brant Regional Tourism Association. Avoiding frozen pipes and/or flooding This winter, Halton Region has already experienced a record number of cold alerts. At the same time, spring is approaching, and in March the weather can be unpredictable. It's important to be prepared to protect yourself, your family and your home. Two issues that residents may face due to fluctuating weather conditions are frozen pipes and possible flooding due to rain and melting snow. All are welcome. Learn more or register at halton.ca/foodtourism or dial 311. Frozen pipes Due to the recent cold temperatures, water pipes are also at risk of freezing because the frost line penetrates lower into the ground. Here are a couple of tips to avoid the risk: · Shut off and drain pipes leading to outside faucets. · Ensure good air circulation and heating to basements and crawl spaces. For more, please visit halton.ca/frozenpipes. Tips to avoid flooding during the spring thaw As spring time approaches, here are some actions you can take to avoid flooding in your home due to spring thaw: · Keep snow or ice away from foundation walls and windows. · Ensure eavestroughs are not blocked and downspouts drain away from walls. · Refer to Halton's A Guide to Flooding Prevention & Recovery. For a copy of the Guide and for more tips, visit halton.ca/floodprevention. A Guide to Flooding Prevention & Recovery 1151 Bronte Rd., Oakville, L6M 3L1 Meetings at Halton Region Meetings can be viewed at halton.ca/meetings. March 24 March 25 March 25 9:30 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 1:30 p.m. Health & Social Services Committee Planning & Public Works Committee Administration & Finance Committee Please contact us as soon as possible if you have any accessibility needs at Halton Region events or meetings. This page has been donated by this newspaper to communicate important information to Halton residents at no cost to taxpayers.