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9 · Thursday, December 3, 2009 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.oakvillebeaver.com OAKVILLE BEAVER FILE PHOTO HISTORIC DESIGNATION: This giant white oak tree, believed to be more than 250 years old, may be the first stand-alone tree in Oakville to be designated for protection under the Ontario Heritage Act. Heritage designation may take root for Oakville's giant white oak tree Oakville has taken the first step towards protecting its first stand-alone tree under the Ontario Heritage Act. Ward 4 Councillor Allan Elgar brought forward the notice of motion during Monday's council meeting, calling on council to allow the giant white oak tree, located on the east side of Bronte Road at the Halton Regional Centre, to be the first Oakville tree to bear the special designation. The giant white oak was nearly cut down in 2006 when it was threatened by a road expansion project, however, a call for clemency, spearheaded by area resident Joyce Burnell, ended with the road expansion being rerouted around the tree, leaving the tree intact. Elgar listed a number of reasons for declaring the white oak a heritage tree including its age, which is estimated to be more than 250 years. It was also pointed out that the Tree Canada Foundation views the white oak as something of a rarity noting trees in southern Ontario usually do not grow as large and stay as healthy as the Oakville tree. The Town's efforts to preserve and enhance the natural environment also figure prominently in the argument for the tree's heritage status as does Oakville's designation as the 2007 Forest Capital of Canada by the Canadian Forestry Association for Oakville's proactive stewardship and sound practices toward sustainable forest development, management and conservation. The motion will be discussed at the Town's Monday, Dec. 14 council meeting. inspired The Middle School Advantage Appleby's Middle School program introduces Grade 7 and 8 students to a host of academic, social, leadership and team-building opportunities. So, what's the advantage? · Participation in international and local service projects. · Language learning includes instruction in French, Germa Mandarin, Spanish and linguistics. G rman, · Introduction to drama, dance and music. · All students have a chance to play on a competitive team. To learn more, join us for an information breakfast on BE 2 LARGE PIZZAS 1 Topping each LK IN SPECIAL WA $ 7 2 MEDIUM PIZZAS $1199 + Tax 1 LARGE PEPPERONI PIZZA $ 99 1399 + Tax + Tax Thursday, December 10, 2009 from 7:00 to 9:00 a.m. RSVP to 905-845-4681, ext. 216 or mcrosby@appleby.on.ca. 1 Topping each 115 Maurice Drive Oakville www.appleby.on.ca