21| O akville B eaver | T hursday,July 5,2018 insidehalton.com HaltonHighlights July2018 Improving community waste reduction Keeping you informed by highlighting what makes Halton a great place to live. Gary Carr, Regional Chair Tips for a safe and fun summer Summer is finally here, and you can follow these tips to stay safe and healthy as you enjoy the season in Halton! Meetings at Halton Region 1151 Bronte Rd., Oakville, L6M 3L1 Visit halton.ca for full schedule. July 11 9:30 a.m. Regional Council Please contact us as soon as possible if you have any accessibility needs at Halton Region events or meetings. Building Improvements at Halton Regional Centre Halton Region is improving the Halton Regional Centre (HRC) to better serve you. Due to renovation work, Regional Council meetings will be relocated to the Auditorium from April to November 2018, and Standing Committee discussions will take place at Council meetings Ensuringmaximum value for taxpayer dollars S&P Global Ratings has reaffirmed Halton's AAA credit rating, indicating a high level of international confidence in the Region and its Local Municipalities. The research update praised Halton's superior financial performance, low debt burden and high- quality financial plans, policies and reports. S&P also assigned a stable outlook for the Region. Moody's Investors Service upheld its Aaa rating for Halton (the agency's highest) in January 2018. Earning this distinction from both rating agencies provides us with access to the best capital financing rates available, helping tax dollars go further when we invest in road, water and wastewater projects. By maintaining a top credit rating and strong long- term financial position, Halton can keep property taxes low while investing in the community's future. To learn more about Regional finances, visit halton.ca. Over the years, the Region has made important investments in waste reduction programs and improved curbside waste collection services to support waste diversion in Halton.We have also seen a real commitment from residents to reduce waste at home and in the community. To help you make the most of your waste reduction efforts, here are some tips to consider when sorting your household waste and placing items out for collection: If you are unsure of how to sort your waste, visit halton.ca or download the OneHalton app to try our quick and easy-to-use PutWaste in its Place tool. during this time. To learn more, visit halton.ca or call 311. This page has been donated by this newspaper to communicate important information to Halton residents at no cost to taxpayers. Be ready for hot weather If you're venturing outdoors to explore our beautiful region, remember to check the temperature and air quality and plan your day accordingly. You can get heat warnings and air quality alerts quickly and conveniently by email. Check beach water quality Going to the beach for the day? The Region's public health inspectors check beach water quality to ensure it is safe for swimming. Protect yourself fromWest Nile virus and Lyme disease While the risk of West Nile virus and Lyme disease are low in Halton, you can take steps to protect yourself from insect bites. Wear light, long-sleeved clothing, use insect repellant with DEET or Icardin and remember to check yourself, your family and your pets for ticks. To find more information and sign up for alerts, visit halton.ca. For your convenience and to prevent recyclables from becoming litter on windy days, you can place recyclables in a clear plastic bag for collection. Ensure that all recyclable materials are rinsed, clean and dry before placing in your Blue Box or clear bag. Place all plastic bags and plastic overwrap in one plastic bag and tie shut for collection. Some paper materials, such as greasy pizza boxes, shredded paper and coffee cups, can go in the Green Cart.