Grads thank ILP for their independenceBy Nathan Howeshave been 118 participants, with 73 of the gradsOAKVILLE BEAVER STAFFhaving taken, or are planning to take, post-sec-ondary education within two years after theWhen 19-year-old Kurt Reid joined theprogram. Independent Living Program (ILP) in 2009, heILP, supported by the ErinoakKids Foundationwas dependent on therapy and a wheelchair.in partnership with Able Living, helps youthThrough the program, Reid learned to becomeages 16 to 19 with physical or developmentalindependent and now wishes to help others dochallenges to live independently for two weeks inthe same. a supported environment to develop livingTwo years ago, Reid had a blood clot in his leftskills.leg that caused neuromuscular damage and heParticipants learn essential life skills; every-was unable to move it. With the help of ILP andthing from using attendant care services andtherapy, Reid was able to achieve his initial goaldirecting their own care, to using accessibleof walking on his own for 15 to 20 minutes a day.transportation and managing money. Reid is no longer using a wheelchair for mobili-Information sessions are also provided thatty.will educate them about resources, whichI was in a wheelchair for two years andinclude accessible housing options, recreationalthrough intensive physio and occupational ther-equipment and opportunities, community safetyapy, I was kind of able to become less dependentskills, advocacy skills, and relationships.on my wheelchair and use my leg much moreYou kind of see that youre lost, not reallyfrequently than before, said Reid. I didnt haveknowing what you want to do. However, overthat much movement in my left leg and one of time it goes over more clearly to having an ideamy main goals was to walk more.of knowing what you want to achieve, saidHe is now returning the favour as a goal sup-Reid.port worker with the ILP to help others like himThe goal of the program is not to becomeDANIEL HO / OAKVILLE BEAVERachieve their goals of becoming independent asindependent or reach a goal overnight; its some-they prepare to transition themselves into adult-thing that you can (obtain) from the start of theA KISS FOR THE ROAD:Karina Scali receives a kiss from a dog belonging to a rider from thehood.program through to the rest of your life.Milton Harley Owner's Group during the graduation ceremony for the ErinoakKids Independent LivingSince the program has given so much toReid is now going into his second year atProgram (ILP) at the Sheridan College Residence.me, I wouldnt be at the place Im at now withoutYork University in environmental studies, whilethe program. Its a good option for me to reallyconcentrating on urban planning. As a previousgive back to the kids, said Reid. You see your-theyre making steps to reach their goals.at the Sheridan College Residence and participant, he is able to see the needs and goalsself in every one of them and it makes you happyWednesday was graduation day for the 14 Conference Centre in Oakville.of the others and support them as a mentor into know that theyre reaching their goals orparticipants in this years program, which is held Since the program's inception in 2002, there See ILP page 19Visit www.oakville.caFlood Mitigation Opportunities Study Public consultation dates will be posted on the towns website To provide comments or request additional information about at www.oakville.ca as the project progresses. These this project, please contact: Fourteen Mile Creek / McCraney Creek systemsinformation sessions will provide you with an opportunity to The Town of Oakville has started an environmental study to meet the project team, review the study outline and discuss Samaresh Das, Water Resources Engineer, Town of Oakville, assess mitigation and flood reduction alternatives for the any concerns. The town is also asking for your help to 1225 Trafalgar Road, Oakville, ON L6H 0H3. Tel: 905-845-6601, provide information on any flooding you have observed ext. 3867. Fax: 905-338-4159. sdas@oakville.ca Fourteen Mile Creek and McCraney Creek from Dundas Street to Lake Ontario and from Bronte Road to Dorval Drive. along either creek. Ron Scheckenberger, Project Manager, AMEC Earth and This study will involve a detailed evaluation of creek When the study is complete, an Environmental Study Report Environmental, 3215 North Service Road, Box 220, will be submitted to the Ministry of the Environment and Burlington, Ontario L7R 3Y2. Tel: 905-335-2353. flood-prone sites to determine the most viable and effective made available for public review. Updates on the project will Toll free: 1-886-751-2353. Fax: 905-335-1414. flood mitigation alternatives. The study is being conducted in accordance with the requirements as described in the be posted on the towns website. ron.scheckenberger@amec.comMunicipal Engineers Associations Municipal Class Information will be collected in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Environmental Assessment (EA) document (October 2000, as For more information on this study, please visit Information and Protection of Privacy Act. With the exception of personal amended in 2007), which is approved under the Ontariowww.oakville.ca/pn-11jul15.htm or scan here information, all comments will become part of the public record.Environmental Assessment Act.Environmental assessment Public Information Centres (PICs) will be scheduled to provide If you require further information, or if you have specific Storm Sewer Master Plan the public with an opportunity to review and discuss issues comments related to this study, please contact: Phase 1: Data collection and preliminary information related to the study; fall dates will be posted on the towns needs assessment website at www.oakville.ca Samaresh Das, Water Resources Engineer, Town of Oakville, 1225 Trafalgar Road, Oakville, ON L6H 0H3. Tel: 905-845-6601,The Town of Oakville has started the first phase of a The study will be conducted in compliance with Section A.2.7 ext. 3867. sdas@oakville.ca Master Plans, as defined in the Municipal Engineers town-wide comprehensive Storm Sewer Master Plan. AssociationMunicipal Class Environmental Assessment (JuneRon Scheckenberger, Project Manager, AMEC Earth & This study will collect information on existing infrastructure, 2000) updated in 2007, which will address Phases 1 and 2 of Environmental, 3215 North Service Road, P. O. Box 220, 1983 and older, south of the QEW as well as College Park the Class EA Process. We are interested in hearing any Burlington, ON L7R 3Y2. Tel: 905-335-2353. and Falgarwood Drive. It will identify deficiencies to the comments or input that you may have about this study. ron.scheckenberger@amec.comComments and information are collected to assist the Town sewers within that area and develop an implementation plan of Oakville in meeting the requirements of the Environmentalfor the management of stormwater in the built up portions of the town. In this phase, the study will prioritize flood risk Assessment Act. This material will be maintained on file for use during the study and may be included in study issues throughout the town. Next phases will outline alternative solutions and include public presentations. documentation.www.insideHALTON.com OAKVILLE BEAVER Friday, July 15, 2011 8