Insurance rates to perk you up Insurance premiums for your home and vehicle are on the rise. Dobson & Toncic delivers value getting you the most competitive rates and connecting you with the perfect insurance partners. Well further maintain your trust by making sure any claims are handled quickly, personally and easily. Connect with more than trusted professionals, connect with friends. Insurance and financial services the way you want them. Call today for an insurance review and ask for Heather Grant or Jackie Laidman at: 905.829.2907 Dobson & Toncic Insurance Brokers Ltd. 2020 Winston Park Drive, Suite 101, Oakville, ON L6H 6X7 www.dobson-toncic.com 905.829.2907 HOME; CARYour Your 7 Thursday , Septem ber 16, 2010 O A KVILLE BEA V ER w w w .o akvillebeaver .co m Letters to the editor Oliver a long-time friend to Oakville I know Fred Olivers recent announce- ment to not seek another term on Oakvilles Council was not an easy decision for him to make and I believe I am not alone in expressing my sadness at losing such a spe- cial representative at the council table. These past seven years Ive had the hon- our and privilege to work alongside a truly remarkable man. Freds 55 years of service in Oakville speaks to just how much he cares about our town and our community. He was the youngest police chief in Ontario, he founded TOWARF (its 50th anniversary was recently recognized), he served on the Oakville Lions Club, he worked on improving Kerr Village, he has served on Town and Regional Council for more than 23 years the list goes on and on. Fred has always been and continues to be a straight shooter when dealing with issues and concerns at the municipal and regional level. Boy he sure didnt mince words. If something needed to be addressed (regardless of what the issue was) he would not give up until it he was satisfied with the results. As a child growing up in Oakville I only knew Fred as Chief, it wasnt until I was first elected to council that I came to know him as an esteemed colleague and most impor- tantly my friend. I know that I speak not only for myself, but for the many others whove had the pleasure of working with him he is truly the best example of what we should all strive to become as elected representatives.hard working, honest, and dedicated to enhanc- ing the lives of others. You will be sorely missed my friend CATHY DUDDECK, OAKVILLE WARD 2 COUNCILLOR One of Oakville's longest-serving councillors retired from politics last week, and we should all say a huge thank you to Fred Oliver for his service to Oakville for over a half-century. It is hard to imagine anyone who has dedicated more years to public service than Fred, and he deserves all the praise that will come his way. He has seen many changes in our town over the years, and he has contributed greatly to the Oakville that we have today. Thank you, Fred, for your service on Town Council, the many years you served the residents with the police department, and the countless volunteer initiatives you took part in over the years. May I join with the rest of Oakville in wishing you and Irma the very best in your retirement. PAM DAMOFF, OAKVILLE TERRY FOX RUN COMMITTEE WARD 2 MUNICIPAL CANDIDATE All the best to Fred and Irma Councillor Fred Oliver the technology of shaping the built envi- ronment. It encompasses urban plan- ning, building design and construction. Oakville could do better. Architectural creativity and innovation in working with land, energy and nature, is key to sustain- able development. There are numerous recent examples, such as the green roof concept in which a large portion of the land occupied by a building is recreated on its roof, which becomes a garden ter- race. Another is FlexHousing, which creates homes that adapt to lifes changes, and is promoted by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. And there is Nature. She creates life, and we must include her in any sustain- able development. Respect and love for nature is essential for sustainable development. Cutting down trees to make room for buildings is barbaric and must stop. Oakville is doing more than other municipalities in protecting its trees, but not enough. Existing natural areas must be inte- grated into human habitat. This is possi- ble only by adopting a new ecological urban planning philosophy. As human society has progressed tech- nologically, it has also alienated itself from the natural world. This trend must be reversed. It is a proven fact that people are hap- pier and stay healthier when living and working in environments that simulate natural habitats. If we are to have a future on Earth, we must adopt the LEAN principles of sus- tainability: use Land wisely, consume the least Energy and live in harmony with Nature, through creative Architecture. NICHOLAS VARIAS, OAKVILLE We must plan to live with nature Continued from page 6