Ontario Drivers In The Dark About Upcoming Auto Insurance Reforms

The vast majority of Ontario drivers are unaware of how legislation slated to take effect in the fall can allow them to customize their auto insurance policies.

According to a recent Leger Marketing survey commissioned by RSA Canada, nearly 70 per cent of respondents in Ontario do not understand the upcoming reforms or how they will impact their auto insurance coverage.

The legislation – which will take effect September 1st, 2010 – will allow Ontario drivers to customize their auto insurance policies to meet individual needs, allowing them to improve their auto coverage and increase their options. Though premiums will remain the same, the ability to select coverage that more closely meets individual needs is now possible with this new legislation. Other benefits include a wider range of choices around medical, rehabilitation and attendant care. Home maintenance, housekeeping and caregiver coverages will also be expanded effective September 1st.

Despite these changes, only two per cent of Ontario drivers surveyed by Leger have a confident grasp of the legislation and its effect on costs. “These statistics show there is real opportunity for brokers to educate drivers on the host of improvements the auto reforms will bring,” said Irene Bianchi, Vice President Claims & Corporate Services, RSA.

Bianchi strongly encourages Ontario drivers – who pay approximately 25 per cent more for auto insurance than drivers in other provinces – to contact their brokers and learn how they can take advantage of the new legislation and ensure they have adequate insurance coverage.

To ensure Ontario drivers fully understand the new legislation and ultimately benefit from the significant changes, RSA Canada hosted a series of 17 information sessions for 800 Ontario brokers to help prepare them answer their customers’ questions and ultimately provide value to policyholders.

For a full list of the auto insurance reforms planned for September 1, 2010 you can visit:

http://news.ontario.ca/mof/en/2009/11/ontarios-proposed-auto-insurance-reforms.html

Halton Region Museum fall jazz series starts in September

The Halton Museum Foundation will host a monthly jazz concert series on the second Sunday of each month at 2 p.m. from September to December 2010. These jazz concerts will be held in the intimate and cozy surroundings of the Hearth Room, located in the historic Alexander Barn.

“The Halton Region Museum’s jazz concert series is a great way to experience local jazz while enjoying the Museum’s historic surroundings,” said Regional Chair Gary Carr. “It is a wonderful fundraiser for the Museum Foundation and participants certainly get their money’s worth.”

This critically acclaimed jazz series has developed a loyal following. Limited tickets are available at the door for $20 per person, per show. A Subscriber Package for $80 is available and includes tickets to all four events, preferred seating and a special complimentary VIP holiday luncheon and musical performance before the concert on December 12. Brunch will be available for non-subscribers for an additional cost of $20 per person at the December 12th concert.

According to Steve Baker, Halton Museum Foundation Director, and Jazz Series spokesperson, “Jazz lovers will not be disappointed with our second jazz series. We have a top notch line-up that will appeal to a wide variety of musical tastes. The four concerts include everything from gypsy jazz, klezmer, and jazz standards to a harmonica trio.”

The four concerts are:

• September 12: Sitar Django
• October 10: Fern Lindzon Duo
• November 14: Brenda Lewis
• December 12: Ingo Andersen Harmonica Trio

To purchase tickets or for more information on the events, please call 905-875-2200, ext. 27 or visit www.halton.ca/museum. Biographies for the performers can also be found on the Museum website.

More West Nile virus positive mosquitoes found in Halton Region

A batch of mosquitoes collected last week in Burlington has tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV). This is the first batch of positive mosquitoes found in the City of Burlington and the third batch in Halton Region this year. The mosquitoes were collected from the area of Guelph Line and New Street. The other two batches of positive mosquitoes were collected within the Town of Oakville.

“Our comprehensive West Nile virus surveillance program is once again helping to show the distribution of West Nile virus positive mosquitoes in Halton Region,” said Dr. Bob Nosal, Halton Region Medical Officer of Health. “Until the heavy frosts of the fall months, the threat of West Nile virus to humans is likely to continue. It is important for Halton residents to keep taking precautions to prevent exposure to mosquito bites at least throughout the month of September.”

Mosquitoes can transmit WNV to humans after feeding on birds infected with the virus. The following are steps that residents can take to protect themselves and their families from mosquitoes:

• Cover up. Wear light-coloured, long-sleeved shirts and pants with tightly-woven fabric.
• Avoid being outdoors in the early evening to morning. This is when mosquitoes are most active and likely to bite, as well as at any time in shady, wooded areas.
• Reduce mosquito breeding sites around your home by getting rid of all water-filled containers and objects. Change the water in bird baths at least once per week.
• Use an approved insect repellent, such as one containing DEET.

Maps showing the locations of positive mosquito pools, as well as standing water sites that have had larvicide applied are available on the Health Department’s website at www.halton.ca/wnv.

To report standing water or for more information about West Nile virus, please dial 311 or call Halton Region at 905-825-6000, toll free 1-866-4HALTON (1-866-442-5866), TTY 905-827-9833 or e-mail wnv@halton.ca.

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Heat Alert for Halton

As a result of hot temperatures, a Humidex Advisory will be issued by Environment Canada beginning today, August 30, 2010. This advisory is due to the combination of high heat, high humidity (greater than 40 degrees Celsius) and/or other weather conditions that can be hazardous to your health. Even short periods of high temperatures can cause serious health problems. When a Humidex Advisory has been issued by Environment Canada, the Health Department issues a Heat Alert.

Off to College

As Halton Hills students prepare to move into rented housing while attending college or university, parents and the students themselves should take a proactive approach to finding safe accommodations to live. Parents and students need to have a serious conversation about being fire safe and following good fire safety practices. Mayor Rick Bonnette, a former long time college instructor says, “This should be an exciting time in the student’s life and should not be marred by a fire tragedy”.

CAA Worst Ontario Roads - Cast Your Ballot

You’re driving along, when unexpectedly you feel that familiar jolt after hitting a pothole. Up ahead there’s a sea of red brake lights and before you know it, you are stuck in traffic.

West Nile virus positive mosquitoes found in Halton Region

A batch of mosquitoes collected last week in Oakville has tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV). This is the first batch of positive mosquitoes found in Halton Region this year. The mosquitoes were collected from the area of Cornwall and Morrison Roads in the Town of Oakville.

Halton Police Investigate Multiple Break and Enters in Georgetown

The Halton Regional Police Service is actively investigating multiple residential break and enters committed in the area of River Road and Maple Avenue in Georgetown.
The multiple entries have occurred between August 1st and August 21st, while home owners are away during both the daytime and night time hours. The person(s) responsible for these incidents has disturbed areas within the home but has not always left with property in hand.

Region tops in Power Pledge Community Challenge

On Monday August 16, Halton Region became the first Region to win the Power Pledge Community Challenge award. The Ontario Power Authority presented the award to Halton Region, as Halton had the most pledges from any Region within the competition. The presentation took place as part of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario’s Annual Conference being held in Windsor Ontario.

Tips on selecting a stain to protect your deck

Whether it’s where you sip your morning coffee, host a family gathering, or spend time relaxing, a wood deck can extend your living space to the great outdoors and into the fresh air.