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Wednesday August 23, 2000 THE OAKVILLE BEAVER HO centre stage at new L atest addition to Oakville H eritage Trails details to w n ' s link with the lake in good tim es and bad... By Carol Baldw in OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF achel Irvine not only has power over water development in Oakville Harbour, the chair of the Oakville Harbour Development Authority also seems to have power over the water that develops in the clouds. At the opening of the Oakville Heritage Trails Information Centre in Shipyard Park Friday, the umbrellas that had been keeping guests protected from a light but steady rain were folded up when Irvine approached the podium to talk about the OHDA and its plans for both Oakville harbours. However, when guests first arrived at the park off Forsythe Street, they were welcomed to the opening ceremonies by music provided by the Trails Quartet, followed by a verbal wel coming from Master of Ceremonies Bill Harris. In his introduction, Harris titillated the guests' appetite for historical information by revealing a bit of Oakville's heritage, beginning with the first white person to visit Oakville Harbour almost 400 years ago. But he soon made it apparent that Oakville's harbour her itage was accessible to all on the park's new octagonal information centre - a pillar that sports six information panels, a map, and a list of sponsors that park visitors can read at their leisure. `T h e story is told on the panels of this our unique, outdoor museum," said Harris, gestur ing towards the veiled pillar behind him. ``Behind these stories are hours of voluntary efforts and work by professional researchers." And, he added, the information on the panels represents only a portion of the historical data that was accumulated on Oakville and its har bour, all of which is available at www.oakvilletrails.com. "Our objective today is not only to recognize the heritage of the 19th century but to recognize those people who have continued the tradition through the 20th and into the 21st century," he told guests, alluding to the difficulties William Chisholm and his successors experienced in keeping the Oakville harbour a viable water way. "As recently as 1948 storms wiped out the east pier, and the federal government had to re dredge the harbour and replace the lighthouse. And according to a Telegram report, this was R h i* l : v o l u t i o n u t Photo by Ron Kuzyk Ken McIntosh of the Oakville Power Boat Club, Frank de Lint of the Oakville Club, Rear Commander Alexander Roulston from the Canadian Power & Sail Squadron, and Maurice Stevens of the Oakville Yacht Squadron, officially opened the Harbour Heritage Information Centre at Shipyard Park on the west bank of Sixteen Mile Creek at Oakville Harbour. going to put Oakville on the map." This Harbour Heritage Information Centre, Oakville, which happens to be the topic of one Long after Oakville had been guaranteed its of -the panels on the new information centre. Trafalgar Link section, includes panels about spot on the map, the rain-stopping Irvine came McTavish claimed that Oakville is "recognized water travel and trade in Oakville from on the harbour scene with other members of the internationally for its pool of yachting talent steamships to modern boating. It reveals stories, with pictures, of the shipping trade, immigra OHDA, a volunteer advisory committee and has earned the title of Newport North." Such a prestigious designation was appreci tion and steamboat trips - faster than stage appointed by Town Council. During Friday's ceremonies, she was quick to point out that the ated by the crowd, many of whom were seafar coach rides - as well as the significance of improvements to date, in and around the two ing men and women. Some of these local William Chisholm's land acquisitions and `T h e harbours, as well as any future plans began with mariners - one each from the Oakville Club, the Evolution of a Port Town." a vision of former Mayor Harry Barrett and con Oakville Yacht Squadron, the Oakville Power To peruse these panels and learn more about tinues today with the current harbour master Boat Club, and the Oakville Power and Sail the history of Oakville and its harbours, visit and his staff. Squadron - were bestowed with the honour of Shipyard Park just south of Lakeshore Road off Cam McTavish, of the Harris and Ellis yacht unveiling the new information centre - the sec Forsythe Street. The kiosk is situated at the bot team, followed Irvine at the podium with his ond such kiosk on the Sixteen Mile Creek tom of the stairs that lead ta the park on the historical tale of boat-building and yachting in Heritage Trail. southwest side of the bridge. Churchill Place takes top honours in Residential Care Assoc, review The Ontario Residential Care Association (ORCA) has awarded Churchill Place its standards certificate fol lowing an intensive evaluation of the operations. The award, which recognizes excellence in the deliv ery of personal care and services across Ontario, is part of a broad ORCA consumer information program intended to assist the public in understanding the best residential care and retirement residence options avail able. Churchill Place has been an active ORCA member since 1994 and in receiving the highest evaluation raling, will be inspected again in three years. ORCA is a voluntary organization of owners and operators of retirement residences and has, for the past 20 years, been an active lobby group for establishing province-wide quality standards. The evaluation criteria was developed, and is regularly monitored by Association representatives while the actual inspections are performed by professional, third-party evaluators hired by the Association. According to ORCA president, Laurie Johnston, "We established our Evaluation program in response to con sumer and government requests for a system that would differentiate quality retirement homes from inferior products. In order to join and maintain membership with ORCA, each property must undergo a comprehensive evaluation." All facilities that have met and exceeded the Association's standards will be published in an ORCA annual Consumer Directory. This directory identifies to the consumer, that these residences have met the criteria of quality living for their residents. `Through our toll-free 1-800-361-7254 number, we encourage consumers to call us with questions and com ments involving retirement residences in their commu nity," explains ORCA executive director Gordon White. "We also distribute a consumer information brochure that helps people select the residence best suited to their needs and interests." By limiting choices to ORCA-approved homes, we can assure the public that it has our full support and qual ity guarantee," adds White. Anyone wishing further information may contact Elaine Wood or Carrie Losch at 338-3311. Churchill Place resident Helen Caplette, General Manager Elaine Wood and resident Hugh Wood, celebrate the three-year standards certificate awarded by the Ontario Residential Care Association. Town map available The 2000 edi tion of the Oakville commu nity map is now available. Designed and produced annual ly by the Town of Oakville, the map contains current in fo rm a tio n including roads and subdivisions currently in the d e v e lo p m e n ta l stages, as well as new transit routes. An interactive map has been posted on the Town's corporate website at www.town.oakvi lle.on.ca. The map may be purchased at the Oakville Municipal Building, 1225 Trafalgar Road for $1. 2 0 0 0 To G o 4,2001 Passat W a g o n 3 left Passat Sedan 6 left Beetle 5 left G olf GLS 4 left Jetta GLS & G LX 4 left Drivers wanted! m O a k v ille V o lk s w a g e n 5 5 7 K e r r S tre e t, O a k v ille ( 9 0 5 ) 8 4 4 - 3 2 8 5