Beaver THE OAKVILLE Voted Ontario's Top Newspaper Four Years in a Row - 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 www.brantflorist.com/ob 905.639.7001 www.dentistoakville.com 905-842-6030 www.carstaroakville.com At the games Page 20 905-8457579 905-847 -2595 2212 Wyecroft Rd. 547 Trafalgar Rd. A member of Metroland Media Group Ltd. Vol. 48 No. 19 "USING COMMUNICATION TO BUILD BETTER COMMUNITIES" THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2010 32 Pages $1.00 (plus GST) United Way falls short By Dominik Kurek OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF He's covered Despite falling $300,000 short of its 2009 fundraising goal, the United Way of Oakville (UWO) is moving ahead with funding four new social service agencies in the area. In order to fund the new agencies and to minimize the impact on existing agencies, the United Way is dipping into its reserve funds. It is using just over $100,000 of its reserve funds. It has also saved another $100,000 in operating costs, which are being directed to funding social service agencies. "All of the agencies and programs we fund focus on areas identified as having the most need right here in Oakville," said Tim Johnston, UWO board chair, in a press release. "The new agencies reflect the changing needs in Oakville and ensure the best possible services are available to the community." UWO raised $3.3 million, or 92 per cent of its goal, and is using $2.2 million to fund local programs. In order to continue funding the local programs, the umbrella agency will give up to a two per cent reduction in funding to existing organizations while the new agencies will receive 80 per cent of the requested funds. "This was not an easy decision to make. However, it ensures that every program continues to be funded and no organization is left behind," said Johnston. "We felt it was our responsibility to honour the commitn Former Bertin house to be razed By David Lea OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF GRAHAM PAINE / OAKVILLE BEAVER DEFENSIVE STRUGGLE: The Loyola Hawks and Nelson Lords locked horns Tuesday at Sheridan College in an extremely competitive Halton senior boys' Division 1 basketball final. Above, Nelson's DeVaughn Hall (with ball) tries to get around the imposing block of Loyola's Mike Andrews (left) and Hawks defender Thomas Rickus. Loyola won in overtime, 48-43. For story, see Sports. Town council has reluctantly passed a motion that will allow for the demolition of the remains of the century-old Bertin Stables homestead. The historic home at 3445 Dundas St. W. was all but levelled in a fire on Dec. 9, 2009, which destroyed the building's roof, exterior frame walls, interior walls and windows. Some portions of brick walls were left standing. In a report put forward during Monday's Planning and Development Council meeting, the Town's Manager of Heritage Planning Michael Seaman said the fire burned intensely for approximately four hours at which time the homes caved in and continued to burn in the structure's basement for another six to eight hours. As a result, the property was damaged so extensively that no portion of the house can be rebuilt with the original material in place. During the meeting, Mayor Rob Burton expressed concern about the loss of heritage properties. The home was listed on the Oakville Register of Properties of Cultural Heritage Value or Interest meaning a developer must give 60 days notice of their intent to demolish. See Council page 3 See UWO page 5 DORVAL DRIVE I 905.845.6653 Betwe Between K rr & Dorv Kerr Dorval WYECROFT RD. SPEERS RD. YOUR FRIEND IN THE BUSINESS! · www.lockwoodchrysler.com Celebrating 26 years in Oakville KERR ST. TRAFALGAR 175 Wyecroft Rd., Oakville QEW