www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Friday, June 28, 2013 | 6 As the country heads towards its 146th birthday this weekend, Canadians -- and Ontarians in particular -- may be wondering just who is running the show. Through the turbulent rst half of 2013, news outlets have had no shortage of fodder, covering the men and women we have elected to public ofce. From the senate spending scandals on the national level to the email-deleting escapades of Dalton McGuinty's Ontario Liberals to the troubling dysfunction at city halls near and far, it seems no corner remains untouched when it comes to political mayhem. Considering all this, the average taxpayer could be forgiven for thinking the bus is driving itself lately. In addition, it's hard not to wonder how much more could be accomplished if the time, energy and resources taken up by the antics of our fearless leaders at all levels were devoted to solving those niggling social, economic and international issues. Still, the July 1 holiday gives us a chance to pause and re ect not only on what it means to be Canadian, but also on some of our nation's highlights over the past year. Ancaster swimmer Summer Mortimer was a bright spot for Canada at the 2012 Paralympic Games, winning four medals. Even better, her postOlympic appearances revealed a humble young woman who is comfortable to be a role model and inspiration to aspiring athletes. Also on an Olympic theme, our women's soccer team made many fans for their sheer grit on the eld, as they battled to a second place nish. Astronaut Chris Had eld's stellar turn on the international space station this spring was a worldclass revelation that brought a certain unabashed Canadian avour to the world. Celebrations marking the bicentennial of the War of 1812, continuing this summer and running until 2015, have been nothing short of spectacular, providing a tting tribute to the event and bringing history alive for a new generation. Various polls that measure indicators such as healthcare, education, poverty levels, safety and housing routinely place Canada among the top 10 places to live, work, raise children and to just be happy. If that's not enough, we also have (in no particular order): hockey, four distinct seasons, a beautiful ag, a huge supply of fresh water and large expanses of wild, pristine land and one of the highest levels of personal freedom in the world. Finally, we enjoy a well-earned global reputation as a compassionate, polite and accepting multicultural society. For these and many more reasons it's worth taking a moment to celebrate all the good things our country has to offer this weekend. And then get back to work on making it even better. Have a safe and happy Canada Day. Remember how Canada is great Editorial "Connected to your Community" 467 Speers Road, Oakville ON, L6K 3S4 General Inquiries: (905) 845-3824 Editorial Department: (905) 632-0588 Classi ed Advertising: (905) 632-4440 Circulation: 5300 Harvester Rd., Burlington (905) 631-6095 Volume 51 | Number 77 The Oakville Beaver is a division of Editorial and advertising content of the Oakville Beaver is protected by copyright. Unauthorized use is prohibited. Vice President and Group Publisher of Metroland West Regional General Manager Halton Region Editor in Chief Advertising Director NEIL OLIVER DAVID HARVEY JILL DAVIS DANIEL BAIRD Managing Editor ANGELA BLACKBURN RIZIERO VERTOLLI Photography Director Business Manager Director of Production SANDY PARE MARK DILLS MANUEL GARCIA Production Manager Letters to the Editor Director of Distribution CHARLENE HALL KIM MOSSMAN Circulation Manager Opposed to Ward 4 development plans I wish to register my strong opposition to any changes to the Parkway Belt West Plan, which would have a deleterious effect on the environment of Oakville and a negative effect on the opportunities for recreation within the region. One of the goals of the plan is to "provide a system of open space and recreational facilities linked with each other, with nearby communities, and with other recreational areas." This is important to me and my family. Even more important, is preserving this vital green space lying in close proximity to one of the busiest freeways in Canada, which carries 200,200 vehicles per day (2008 gures) and increases at three per cent per year. I am opposed to any rezoning of Saw Whet or Deer eld golf courses. Oakville needs green space. I oppose any such rezoning changes because: · These two golf courses alone constitute 277 acres of green space · We have a responsibility to be part of the slowing of climate change · We need trees, grass and plants to provide oxygen · We need a place for rain to soak into the aquifers that replenish Lake Ontario and other waterways · Both golf courses are close to the QEW and help mitigate the poor air quality in Oakville · I have asthma. My son has asthma. We want clean air to breathe · Mississauga/Halton has asthma rates of 10.2 per cent, which is above the provincial rate of 8.2 per cent. Keeping green space will help air quality · The Parkway Belt West Plan is part of a strategy, which provides green space for all Ontario citizens · The two golf courses are alive with insects, birds and wildlife. They have wonderful century oak trees, ponds and forests containing snapping turtles, sh, muskrat, beavers, coyotes, foxes, hawks, ducks, geese, herons, and other ora and fauna that need green space protection. Some of these species, such as the redside dace, are endangered provincially and see We on p.8 Proud Official Media Sponsor For: Canadian Circulations Audit Board Member Recognized for Excellence by Ontario Community Newspapers Association Canadian Community Newspapers Association Proud Official Media Sponsor For: The Oakville Beaver welcomes letters from its readers. Letters will be edited for clarity, length, legal considerations and grammar. In order to be published all letters must contain the name, address and phone number of the author. Letters should be addressed to: The Editor, Oakville Beaver, 467 Speers Rd., Oakville ON, L6K 3S4, or via e-mail to; ablackburn@oakvillebeaver.com. The Beaver reserves the right to refuse to publish a letter. The Oakville Beaver is a member of the Ontario Press Council. The council is located at 80 Gould St., Suite 206, Toronto, Ont., M5B 2M7. Phone 416-340-1981. Advertising is accepted on the condition that, in the event of a typographical error, that portion of advertising space occupied by the erroneous item, together with a reasonable allowance for signature, will not be charged for, but the balance of the advertisement will be paid for at the applicable rate. The publisher reserves the right to categorize advertisements or decline.