OAKVILLE'S BEST REAL ESTATE SECTION INSIDE! Beaver THE OAKVILLE A member of Metroland Media Group Ltd. Vol. 47 No. 115 Halton candidates square off Wide range of questions in riding's first all-candidates debate By Tina Depko OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF Four candidates for the Halton federal riding were put to the test Monday night in front of a packed house at River Oaks Community Church. Liberal candidate and incumbent Garth Turner, Conservative candidate Lisa Raitt, NDP candidate Robert Wagner and Green Party candidate Amy Collard were each given two minutes to answer questions submitted by audience members at the allcandidates meeting, which was hosted by the Halton Environmental Network, Oakvillegreen Conservation Association and Fair Vote Halton. Myriad questions were put forward on a variety of topics including the environment, Afghanistan, gay marriage, electoral reform, child care, the economy, campaign attack ads, postsecondary education and small business. Turner and Raitt drew on personal experience for many of their answers, combining that with their party's philosophy. Collard See Halton page 3 1 YEAR NO PAY or NO GST! PLUS We guarantee your valuable Manufacturer and Government Rebates and take care of the Paperwork for you. For Deadlines and Complete Details call 905-844-2949 Ask about our excellent Financing and Great Terms. www.oakvillebeaver.com Calling all shutterbugs ARTSCENE 321 Cornwall Rd. Old Oakville Market 905.815.8777 DUNDEE MORTGAGE SERVICES INC. Renew your mortgage rate 3-4 months before your current term ends. No Broker Fees on Mortgages. 5 YRS 5.25% 7 YRS 5.55% 5 Year Variable -.60% PAUL FOLEY A.M.P. MORTGAGE CONSULTANT 905-827-8009 ABBEY PLAZA, OAKVILLE · Third Line at Upper Middle "Using Communication To Build Better Communities" WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2008 84 Pages $1.00 (plus GST) RON KUZYK / OAKVILLE BEAVER Inside Living................................16 Artscene...........................31 Sports...............................40 Classified.........................43 Full Delivery: M&M Meats, Sport Chek, Sureloc, Doors Open Oakville, Neo China, The Bay, Rona Cashway, Maytag, Gerrie Electric, Mario's Pizza, Party Packagers, Toppers Pizza Partial Delivery: Golf Town, Staples, Best of Life, Bouclair, Home Depot For home delivery & customer service call (905) 845-9742 Mon., Tues. and Thurs. 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Wed. 8:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Fri. 8:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Sat 10 a.m.-3 p.m. NEW SUBSCRIPTIONS call (905) 845-9742 or subscribe online @ www.oakvillebeaver.com See inside today's paper for special subscription offer. FORCED TO MOVE: With Halton's homeless population on the rise, a lack of shelters in the region is forcing many to seek a place to sleep in cities such as Hamilton, Mississauga and Toronto. Homeless in Halton By Ryan Bolton SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER Contrary to popular belief, homelessness is a reality in Halton. It's a population of the community that's on the rise and often referred to Hamilton or Toronto. An Oakville Beaver investigation has found that riding on the rising cost of living and sluggish economy, Halton's sole homeless shelter, the Halton Lighthouse Shelter, is witnessing increasing numbers. With a population of 505,000, there are 10 emergency shelters in Hamilton with an estimated 509 available beds. With a population of 440,000, there's one emergency shelter in Halton with a total vacancy of 25 beds; 15 for males and 10 for females. The Oakville-based Halton Lighthouse Shelter has been operating at 90 per cent occupancy recently. In 2006, the shelter supported 413 people, which was an 8.5 per cent increase from 2005. Within the last few months, however, the shelter has been seeing a great boost in users. "We've seen an increase, definitely, since April," said See Support page 4 175 Wyecroft Rd. Oakville 905.845.6653 Between Kerr & Dorval VISIT OUR ALL NEW WEBSITE YOUR FRIEND IN THE BUSINESS! www.lockwoodchrysler.com