Active Living

The events this week all seemed to focus on a central theme. Active living and being active. The Town spends a great amount of resources(your money and Staff time) on facilities designed for people to be active.
Looking past traditional facilities that we first think of, such as baseball diamonds and arenas. We have an extensive trail network, skate parks, swimming pools, splash pads and even parks for dogs to socialize and run in.
Getting out and being active does not always take a big investment. Walking around Prospect Park at sunset on the track is a beautiful site, with the suns golden rays shimmering off the water and the ducks, geese and swans in the water. It is a beautiful backdrop and a calming experience.
We have tremendous partnerships with groups that allow access to other facilities, such as the Acton Agricultural Society and their indoor soccer facility. The Croatian Centre and the use of there soccer fields. The Field of Dreams group which will allow rental of the artificial turf under construction at the Georgetown High School site which is close to completion.
We had construction moved forward due to generous donations by the Acton Soccer Club, Georgetown Soccer and Slow-pitch league. The Federal Government and the Trail Conservatory.
Also under construction are some bike paths on our road network. The Town is doing a cycling master plan and we need public input. The meeting is next Tuesday June 29th at the Acton arena from 6:30 to 8.
The successful Canadian Tire Jump Start program has roots in Halton Hills as we were one of the first communities involved.


We have a selection of exceptional golf courses in out Town. Such as Greystone, Granite Ridge, Blue Springs, Glen Cairn, North Halton, Georgetown(Eagle Ridge) and Hornby Glen. All offer a challenging round and great experience.
Last night I played at Greystone which is nestled against the escarpment. It is a tough course and its greens are known to be a real challenge. It is hosting a Canadian Tour event this year in August which speaks to its caliber. While I am not an avid golfer I do enjoy getting out periodically and playing. I enjoy the exercise, fresh air and fun that comes with a golf course.
So whether you ride, roller blade, walk, run, skateboard, canoe, kick, throw or hike. Get out in Halton Hills and see what we can offer in the great outdoors.

International SkateBoard Day

Today was a fun event that we get to go to that shows the culmination of a lot of hard work by a dedicated group of individuals. Something that is providing a legacy for everyone involved.
June 21st is International Skateboarding Day. Who knew, I thought it was just the first day of summer here in the northern hemisphere. The Town held a Skateboarding day at the Three Musketears Stake Park in Acton. Today was also to mark the third anniversary of the park opening.

The Three Musketears Skate Park is named in honour of 3 young boys who were killed tragically 10 years ago this year. Travis Toth, Rory Dick and Mark Everson all were killed by a train as they were going to school in Milton. A tragedy like that is something you never forget. Travis worked for me and was a fine young man.

But out of the tragedy the families and friends banded together and started holding a annual golf tournament. The proceeds for the first few years were given to the future Acton Skate Park. Which at that time did not have a suitable location.

Both Mayor Rick and I served on the ASAP (Action Sports Action park) committee which had the dream of having a skate park built for the youth of Acton. The group had dedicated volunteers led by Deb Fendley who worked with the town and the community to find a suitable site.


The Three Musketears Group were approached and agreed to be the lead sponsor for the Skatepark. The unique spelling is so that the park and the boy’s memories will always be preserved.

Today as we watched the park fill up with BMX bikers and skateboarders it really felt like a vindication that a project we worked on for so many years was a huge success. The park has been the subject of very little vandalism and is in use on every nice summer day until dusk. Some of the youth who served on the committee were driving by the time the park was completed. We all knew that “If you build it they will come!”


The friends and Families of Travis, Rory and Mark can be proud of the legacy that is there for a future generation of skateboarders and BMX Bikers. The main committee of Deb Fendley, Lynda Bowen, Helen Colvin, Aaron Matthews, Julia Roehrig, Rakesh Mistry, Alex Roehrig, Frances Niblock, Mayor Rick Bonnette and myself are all grateful to the community for there support in believing the project as much as we had.