24 - The Oakville Beaver, Friday November 10, 2006 www.oakvillebeaver.com 55 b er ts p su rtis a Gadsden's 16th annual Oakville Christmas Artists, Artisans and Designers Craft Fair Handmade gifts and holiday finds November 11 & 12 Saturday 10 am - 5 pm / Sunday 11 am - 5 pm x 16th annual - One of Ontario's favourite Christmas craft fairs Highway 5, Dundas St St GRAHAM PAINE / OAKVILLE BEAVER x Find great, original, handmade gifts, everything from jewellery to fine art GREAT NEW FRIENDS: Conservation Halton's (CH) Terri Smith shows Chomper, a 14-year-old greatHwy 25 4th Line S. Traf algar horned owl, to Oakville MPP Kevin Flynn, who was one of the guests at the official opening of the R. Ross Craig Discovery Centre at Mountsberg Wildlife Centre. x "A first class show!", "Great quality!" St. Volodymyr Cultural Centre 1280 Dundas St. W, Oakville Adult admission $5.00, Free parking Superb Ukrainian catering at the show On Hwy 5 at 4th Line S., one km east of Third Line Craftshowscanada.com 1-800-667-0619 There's lots to discover at Mountsberg's new centre By Stephanie Thiessen SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER SALE ladies waterproof NOW $ 59 Jasper BLACK REG 99 BLACK, RED Hawk REG 99.95 109.95 SALE ON NOW. SALE ENDS NOVEMBER 16TH. V I S I T W W W. F R E E D M A N S H O E S . C O M NOW OPEN O A K V I L L E P L A C E 240 Leighland Ave. Tel: 905-842-3418 On a recent rainy afternoon, adults, puppets and kids alike packed themselves inside the new R. Ross Craig Discovery Centre at Mountsberg Wildlife Centre and did the hokey pokey. Led by children's musical group The Funky Mamas, the group was celebrating the official opening of the $1.4 million facility -- a project that's been dreamed about for a decade. More than 150 guests -- including local dignitaries and Ontario Minister of Tourism Jim Bradley -- had the opportunity to tour the new facility and participate in the colourful and entertaining opening ceremony. "I can't think of a better way to spend a Friday afternoon, knowing this day has been eagerly anticipated," Bradley said. "As you can see, it's been well worth the wait." The newly renovated visitor facility -- named after a former CH Foundation director -- will provide enhanced services to area community groups, families and school children. More than 25,000 students visit Mountsberg each year. The centre is now fully accessible thanks to the addition of a lift between the first and second floors, and has twice as much space available for learning programs as the original facility. It also has new family and handicap access wash- rooms, an updated gift shop and outdoor deck areas. "I look forward to thousands of children going through this facility," said emcee Brian Penman, a Milton Town councillor and chair of Conservation Halton (CH). Turning to the children in attendance, students from Little Country School in Morriston, Penman said, "This park and the new building are really all about you." One of the rooms of the Discovery Centre is lined with prints by world-renowned wildlife artist and former Halton resident Robert Bateman, and will be on display for the public to view until Sunday. The prints are on loan from the City of Burlington. Milton Mayor Gord Krantz, who serves on CH's board of directors, said educating students about the environment is critical. "What we're really doing (with the Discovery Centre) is looking after our future," he told the audience. Also speaking at the event were Halton MPP Ted Chudleigh, Oakville MPP Kevin Flynn, and Burlington Councillor Carol D'Amelio on behalf of Regional chair Joyce Savoline. Ken Phillips, CH CAO, pointed out the project wouldn't have been possible without CH staff, who took on many of the tasks themselves to keep costs low. The afternoon's program also featured the launch of CH's re-vamped website and a promotional video for Mountsberg. The opening of the facility is a fitting end to CH's yearlong 50th anniversary celebrations. "Not only is this a wonderful facility that will serve area residents and those from the GTA for years to come, but it is also a fine example of community partnerships and the generosity of our many donors and sponsors," said Jim Faught, chair of the CH Foundation. More than 500 companies, foundations and individuals supported the project. Among its largest financial supporters were the Sports, Culture and Tourism Partnership program through the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, which donated $400,000, and the Milton Community Fund, which contributed $100,000. Conservation Halton parks have more than 600,000 visitors annually. As part of its 50th anniversary celebrations, CH is offering 50 free days to anyone purchasing or renewing their annual park passes between now and the end of the year. The passes are valid at Mountsberg and all other CH parks for a full year -- plus 50 days -- from the date of purchase. For more information, visit www.conservationhalton.on.ca. -- Stephanie Thiessen can be reached at sthiessen@miltoncanadianchampion.com.