Pancake TuesdayCH parks attract record crowdsBy Christina Commissoenvironment.METROLAND WEST MEDIA GROUPWith a new conservation area beginning to takeshape in north Oakville something CH hasnt doneFollowing huge jumps in visits over the last year,in quite some time Phillips hopes the 600 acres of Conservation Halton (CH) says its starting to feel theprotected green space will set a new development stan-effects of Haltons sudden population boom.dard. The visits to CH parks grew by almost 100,000 overIts certainly a standard that we would hope we cana record-breaking one-year span, and its only expectedsee across the province, he said. to continue growing, says CAO Ken Phillips.One of the biggest concerns for CH is the proposedAs a result of the growth in the region, were seeingNiagara to GTA corridor, which could see a highwaya lot more people taking advantage of the green spacecut through the escarpment. The organization is athat you wont find in the suburban areas.commenting agency on the project and CH has aIn 2008 the parks had about 590,000 visitors, whichstrong interest in the highway. Its slated to run rightballooned to 665,000 visitors in 2009.through our office, Phillips said.It used to be that our parks are so far away. PeopleI cant even begin to speculate on what kinds of used to say, Theyre all the way up there in Milton.things might be discovered once the process getsWell now all the way in Milton is only a 20 minutegoing, or if its going to go, he said. I know there isdrive, he said, adding its important for CH parks to beopposition (to the highway). As an organization we willseen as destination points.not be overly supporting of it.Along with attracting tourist and visitors, the orga-Residential development is another area CH closelynization provides hundreds of jobs in the region monitors. The organization ensures environmentallyabout 500 at Glen Eden alone. significant areas are incorporated into new develop-CH is one of few conservation authorities in thements as woodlots. province that offers year-round programming. PhillipsWe are very involved in the process from beginningsaid during the busy season, some of CH parks areto end trying to ensure as much of the natural environ-ERIC RIEHL / OAKVILLE BEAVERreaching capacity limits, something thats unprece-mental can be accommodated along with the growth todented for the organization. ensure the balance is there. AT THE SUNET GRILL: Oakville's Sunset Grill Restaurant onDo we toy with the idea of setting a limit on theCH also recently voted in a new board of directors.Cornwall Road hosted its second annual Looney Pancake Tuesday Charity number of people we allow in the park? But then youJohn Vice, citizen appointee from Burlington, wasEvent to benefit the Canadian Cancer Society. Here, part owner Fernando run the risk of turning away business and that will cre-acclaimed as chair and Keith Bird, Oakville regionalLombardi and server Alexis Christakis try a pancake. Customers at the all-day ate some unhappy people if theyve come a long away,and town councillor was acclaimed as vice-chair.breakfast restaurant could purchase pancakes for a looney a piece. One he said. Were working on balancing the recreationalVice succeeds former Milton councillor Brianhundred per cent of the proceeds of pancake sales were donated to the needs of the population with the ecology needs of thePenman, who held the position for 15 years. Canadian Cancer Society. <RXU<RXUInsurance rates to perk you upHOMECAR;Insurance premiums for your home and vehicle are on the rise. Dobson &Toncic deliversvalue 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 withmore than trusted professionals, connect withfriends. Insurance and financial services theway you want them.Call today for an insurance review and askfor Christine Marshall at:905.829.2907Dobson & Toncic Insurance Brokers Ltd.2020 Winston Park Drive, Suite 101, Oakville, ON L6H 6X7www.dobson-toncic.com 905.829.29077 Wednesday, March 9, 2011 OAKVILLE BEAVER www.insideHALTON.com