www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday August 23, 2006 - 3 Wright says it's time to unite a divided Oakville Continued from page 1 for the office of Mayor for our Town of Oakville," Wright told a crowd of about 50 people at a press conference staged at dinner hour last night at the Holiday Inn Centre on Argus Road. A mother of three boys, Wright said her family moved to Oakville 14 years ago because there was no better community to raise her children. She credited the careful planning that began with Oakville's founder William Chisholm that has led Oakville to be an enviable home town, not only in the GTA, but all of Ontario -- known for its quality of life, its exceptional trail and open space system, its safe and secure neighbourhoods. "These attributes were true then and they still exist today. As a newcomer, what I didn't expect was an underpinning of discontent -- a discontent hard to nail down -- but very much present," said Wright. The councillor said the one common element Oakvillians share is a sense of alienation. She believes she can unite Oakville and move into the future. "I believe that what on the surface appears to be divisive, could actually bring us closer together. I believe that we can reach an accord to work together, to build this town, to get in gear and on the right track. We can do this by being inclusive, not exclusive," said Wright. "I believe I can bring council to a consensus to get the job done," said Wright. "I believe I could contribute better from the chair (as mayor) as opposed to from the other chair" (one of the dozen councillors around the council table). Wright touted the importance of strong policies that reflect the town's values, defensible ones that "respect our past while embracing our greenspace, but "green where you live is a must, too." The councillor spoke against a single focus, noting that housing must accommodate everyone, too, from seniors to young people. Wright thanked her supporters and said, "Over the next few months the journey may often feel long, but I guarantee you, the future is bright ... or is that Wright?" Among the 50 spectators in the crowd were several former town councillors. Chief among them was former Ward 4 councillor Mark Brown --her campaign co-chair -- along with former Ward 3 councillor Kathy Graham, former Ward 5 councillor Janice Caster, and former Ward 6 councillor Kurt Franklin. Ward 3 Councillor Fred Oliver was also on hand to support Wright. Oliver told the audience RON KUZYK / OAKVILLE BEAVER he believes, after watching Wright as a councillor years, WRIGHT4MAYOR: Ward 6 Regional Councillor Janice Wright announces her candidacy for for six a teamthat sheishas good leadershipaqualities, is player, not afraid to make decimayor at the Oakville Holiday Inn Centre Tuesday night. sion and is concerned about all of Oakville. Saying the town is in a "transition period," us." future." Wright touted the need for a strong Official Oliver said the town needs someone who will lisThe councillor vowed to make Town Hall Plan and the need for strong cases that will win ten and make decisions for the good of all and accessible to residents and businesses. someone who believes all meetings should be "The vibrancy of Oakville depends on the par- before the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB). "We have to once again, like Chisholm, see conducted properly and fairly." ticipation of our residents. The economy of Wright's political involvement began at the Oakville depends on enabling business to do not only the trees, but the forest as a whole." "Environmental concerns will not take a back grassroots level -- she was chair of the Sheridan what they do best," said Wright, who sits on the Oakville Economic Development Alliance seat. We will address those concerns and issues Public School Council and president of the together, cooperatively, without infringing Iroquois Ridge Residents' Association (IRRA). (OEDA). The councillor has gone on to serve on many Talking about managing growth rather than unnecessarily on the rights of our neighbours. allowing growth to manage the town, Wright And we will spend our money to do this wisely. community and municipal committees and boards including serving two terms as chair of said, "I will be more aggressive about setting But we will act," said Wright. Welcoming a range of opinions, Wright said Halton Region's Planning and Public Works standards of development that preserve and protect our natural environment. I will work with it's important to listen to all, set goals and then Committee, and chair of Halton's Waste Management Committee. council, our citizens, our partner the Region of get on with the job. -- Angela Blackburn can be reached at She also said that exciting things are happenHalton, with the other levels of government, and with industry, for a future that will benefit all of ing with environmental policies to protect public angela@oakvillebeaver.com. The Sound of Pain Therapy New Treatment Program Uses Sound Pressure Waves For Pain Relief The medical community is very interested in a new treatment program doctors and physiotherapists are prescribing to alleviate pain, relax stiff muscles and increase flexibility. AquaSonix Therapy is a treatment program combining sound pressure waves, individualized low impact exercise and warm water in therapy pools. June, 79, who has hip problems. "You don't feel the pain. You can do most anything in the water. I just notice a big difference. When you get to our age, if you don't use it, you lose it." Harold, 82, said he was having trouble doing exercises in a gym to improve a nagging shoulder injury. "I couldn't do the exercises," he said. "Here, it's more relaxing. I do everything." "Both the young and seniors can benefit," said Fran. The sound pressure waves, delivered through AquaSonix Therapy helps people suffering the water, stimulate mechanoreceptors in from pain and diminishing flexibility the body to inhibit pain signals and relax p muscles. The low impact exercise and elevated water temperature improve blood circulation, and also relax stiffened muscles and provide relief of pain. The temperature of the water is between 30°C and 34°C. The sound waves are on for 25 minutes of the 45 minute treatment. The low impact exercises are easier to perform than on land because of the buoyancy of water. A course of therapy is 15 treatments. The cost is $19.50 per treatment. AquaSonix Therapy Provides Pain Relief, Muscle Relaxation Muscle Relaxation The Focus is on Balance The Focus is also on Balance Strengthening Muscles and Strengthening Muscles and Improving Flexibility Improving Flexibility In Oakville AquaSonix Therapy programs are held at the Oaklands Regional Centre Patients record their response to the on Bond Street. AquaSonix Therapy treatments using a medical questionnaire that is standard "We focus on balance, strength and among scientific researchers. Currently, 83% flexibility," said Rob Fran, a kinesiologist and of patients have a reduction in pain with AquaSonix Therapist. similar improvements in flexibility. associated with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, back pain, and muscle spasms. People strengthening muscles prior to and after joint replacement surgery and those recovering from musculoskeletal injuries from either car or work accidents can also benefit. Patients say the program reduces their pain Treatment sessions are also held in therapy AquaSonix Therapy is effective and safe. levels, increases flexibility, mobility and it pools in hospitals, long-term care facilities, To Register Call the AquaSonix improves their quality of life. retirement residences and community Patient Registration Centre at centres in the greater Toronto area, Hamilton 416-622-2121 "It's early days, but we're excited," said Dr. and the Niagara region. William Bensen, a Hamilton rheumatologist and associate clinical professor at McMaster For June and Harold, AquaSonix Therapy University. "Pills alone don't do it all. Pills with patients, the program has been worth every exercise work and this is a way at getting at penny. The couple says they move better and that, plus the sound waves may help." have less pain. "It keeps you limber," said www.AquaSonixTherapy.com