Lively Dragon Boat Race at Kelso to Benefit Halton Region Long Term Care Homes and Adult Day Programs

On Saturday, May 31, 2008, the annual Lively Dragon Boat Race will be held in Milton at Kelso Conservation Area to raise funds for Halton Region’s Long Term Care Homes (The Villages of Halton – Allendale in Milton, Creek Way Village in Burlington and Post Inn Village in Oakville). Lively Dragon is a dragon boat racing club that organizes boat races to raise funds for charities. The event will feature activities for families, a barbeque and dragon boat racing that will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

“We are thankful to Lively Dragon Boat Racing club for making the Villages of Halton and Halton Region’s Adult Day Programs at Milton Place and Friends Landing, the charity of choice for the fifth year in a row,” said Halton Regional Chair Gary Carr. “The Dragon Boat Race at Kelso is a very community spirited event.”

“The Lively Dragon Boat Race is a great event and the proceeds raised from the day go towards the purchase of equipment and support special events for our seniors living in Halton Region Long Term Care homes and for seniors and adults with special needs that participate in our Adult Day Programs,” said Adelina Urbanski, Commissioner, Social & Community Services.

Since 2003, the Lively Dragon Boat Race at Kelso has raised over $35,000 for the Villages of Halton and the Adult Day Programs. Dragon Boat racing is the fastest growing water sport in the world. It is fun to participate in and also exciting to watch. The 2007 Lively Dragon Boat Race was a huge success with close to 1250 participants, over 1000 spectators and $10,000 raised from the event.

There is still time to register teams for the race. To register a team, you need 20 people and lots of energy! Paddles, lifejackets and boats are all provided. For more information, contact the Lively Dragon Boat Racing Club at www.dragon-boats.com/milton.

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2006 Census Release shows statistics on income and housing costs

The latest figures released by Statistics Canada on May 1 show that Halton’s residents are among the most prosperous in Canada, making Halton a vital, dynamic region for businesses seeking a highly skilled workforce. However, to support a diverse and competitive economy, Halton needs to continue addressing housing needs to ensure there are affordable housing options for younger singles and families.

The recent Statistics Canada census release, issued on May 1, 2008, provides information on income and earnings as well as housing and shelter costs collected from residents of Canada in May 2006.

The statistics released on May 1 show:

• families living in Halton earned a median income of $95,766 in 2005, making the region the most affluent in Ontario and third highest in Canada
• the median income for all households, which includes families and single individuals, was less than that of families, at $83,496
• likely driving income growth in Halton is the higher than average levels of education among local residents and the lower than average levels of unemployment
• even among Halton’s recent university graduates under the age of 34, median earnings ranged from nearly $55,000 to $60,000 in 2005, the highest annual earnings for new graduates in any region of Ontario
• for all one-person households, the median income was $39,840

“Halton’s high quality of life make this region well positioned to attract organizations that depend upon having a variety of skilled and well-educated employees to draw from,” said Halton Regional Chair Gary Carr. “However, the Census data reveals that for some in our workforce, housing affordability is an escalating problem. Halton is working to ensure that our workforce has affordable housing options and that growth does not come at the expense of Halton’s social fabric, quality of life or our environment.”

The 2006 Census confirms that housing affordability continues to be a serious challenge for renters in Halton. In 2005, 11,470 or 43% of renter households paid 30% or more of their income on housing costs (rent plus utilities), with median monthly rent in Halton running at $970 in 2005. Halton Region’s 2006 Annual Housing Report showed that in 2005, household earnings of between $40,000 and $77,000 would be required for rental units costing $1,000 to $1,925 per month. (The 2007 Annual Housing Report contains updated information to reflect increases in 2006 market rental costs).

Halton’s Comprehensive Housing Strategy, endorsed by Regional Council in 2006, describes the need for a variety of housing types at a range of housing costs, including the need for government-assisted housing. Halton Region’s 2007 Annual Housing Report identified a 500 – 800 unit gap for government-assisted housing and a 700 – 1,200 unit gap for less expensive, private market housing in the Region.

“A broad range of housing options is obviously a core need for individuals and families”, added Chair Carr. “Halton Region will continue to work toward attracting a dynamic, diverse workforce and ensuring that they have the opportunity to live and work in our community.”

The Census figures used in this release are the last of a series of broad community profiles released by Statistics Canada from 2007 – 2008. Some methods of data collection have changed between Census 2001 and Census 2006, making some descriptions, particularly about those living below the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) difficult to state with confidence at this time. As more detailed data becomes available, the Region will conduct further analyses.

Scout tree planting beautifies Halton at the Halton Waste Management Site

Halton Region, Conservation Halton and local Scouts raised environmental awareness and enhanced the landscaping of the Halton Waste Management Site (HWMS) by participating in a tree planting event on Saturday, May 3. Approximately 50 Scouts planted over 100 trees at the landfill located in Milton.

“The Scout tree planting at the Halton Waste Management Site is a great partnership between Halton Region, Conservation Halton and the local Scouts that benefits our community in so many ways,” said Halton Regional Chair Gary Carr. “I want to thank both Conservation Halton for providing the trees and their assistance, and the Scouts for their continued participation, it’s wonderful to see our young people take such a keen interest in the environment.”

Chair Carr, and Conservation Halton Chairman Brian Penman took part in a brief opening ceremony at the event. Halton area Scouts and many of their leaders and parents participated in the tree planting event with trees provided by Conservation Halton. Mr. Bob Collison, Deputy Area Commissioner of Scouts Canada, volunteered his time to recruit and coordinate the Scouts for the day. The Scouts play an important role in the proper maintenance of the Waste Management Site, while helping the environment and making a difference in the community.

The tree planting is part of Halton Region’s ongoing tree planting and maintenance program at the HWMS, located at 5400 Regional Road 25 in Milton. Over 1,500 trees have been planted on the Site since it opened in 1992. This is another example of the sound environmental practices applied at the HWMS operations. Others include, collecting rainwater from building roofs for re-use on site for such tasks as garden watering and washing equipment and utilizing over 35,000 passenger car tires in the asphalt used to pave the Site roads.

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West Nile Virus Control Program Begins

Halton Region is beginning its 2008 West Nile virus (WNV) control program. The Health Department will begin dead bird surveillance on Monday, May 12, by asking residents to report dead bird sightings by calling 905-825-6000, toll free 1-866-4HALTON (1-866-442-5866), TTY 905-827-9833, or email wnv@halton.ca.

Newspapers are dead

I read local news, business updates, technology news, sports headlines, as well as numerous other sources of information and news on topics ranging from productivity to design to technology. All in all, over 200 sources of news and information are sent to me and it usually arrives before ever reaching the print version. Oh and did I mention it’s free.

Multiple Police Agencies Team Up to put end to Robbery Spree

Between November 2007 and April 2008, various police services across Ontario were called upon to investigate reports of residential break and enters where the victims were owners of Chinese Food Restaurants and the suspects were a male and female of Asian descent.

Sleepytime Stories at the Halton Hills Public Library

Children are invited to wear their pajamas and bring their teddy bears to this free 30 minute program for grown-ups and young children.

Acton Family Storytime

Young children and grownups can enjoy some stories, music and fun together at 2 p.m. on Tuesdays until June 3.

Peer support group offers help to new moms dealing with Postpartum Mood Disorders (PPMD)

New moms in Halton experiencing postpartum depression, or other mood disorders, no longer have to suffer in silence thanks to a peer-to-peer support group. Designed to bring the topic of PPMD out of the closet and help struggling mothers find the support and treatment they need, the Moms Supporting Moms PPMD support group is the only one of its kind in Halton Region.

Family Storytime at the Halton Hills Public Library

This free 30 minute program is for grownups and young children to enjoy together. It includes stories, music and lots of fun! Programs ends the last week of May.