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Town providing list of licensed local contractors The Town of Oakville has now provided a list of licensed contractors residents can check before they have work done on their home or office. Contractors operating in Oakville are required to have a valid business licence, which provides protection for the consumer by requiring proof of insurance and security clearances. "We are constantly striving to make information easier to access for our residents," said Mayor Rob Burton. "We hope this list will assist our residents who are hiring contractors for their home or business." Business licences for all contractors must be renewed annually and the database will be even for small jobs -- and ask for references. updated on an ongoing basis. This list includes Recommendations from friends or family is building renovators as well as contractors that always a good place to start, too." provide driveway paving, drain laying, HVAC, plumbing, fence installation and pool installation services. "The online list is meant strictly as a resource to aid home and business owners in narrowing their search when looking for trades, and not as a warranted referral service," said Luis Ferreira, supervisor of the Town's licensing and bylaw services. "Before selecting your contractor, make sure you know exactly what you want done, get at least two or three quotes for the work you require -- For information about licensed contractors or to apply for a licence, visit www.oakville.ca and search for `licences.' 9 · Thursday, August 9, 2012 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.insideHALTON.com Back to School Special Sale Save up to $200 with the purchase of any MacBook* Ask our sales team for details. * with the purchase of Applecare. UPSTAIRS One of the newest parts of Europe to open up to river cruising, Portugal's Douro River is sleepier than the Rhine, the Rhône or the Danube, but its historic towns and villages and vibrant wine and food culture are just as appealing. The Douro River, rising in Spain and reaching the Atlantic Ocean in Porto, has created the spectacular Duoro River Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Rambling vineyards and charming native farms called quintas cling to the steep sides of the valley creating an incomparable backdrop to one of Europe's most unspoiled regions and to Port country ­ the oldest demarcated wine region in the world. Ten-night cruises are offered by Uniworld Boutique River Cruises from March to November 2013, aboard their brand-new 128-passenger luxury river ship Queen Isabel providing cabins with balconies, a small spa, a lounge, and entertainment that reflects this part of Portugal and Spain. After a few days touring Lisbon, a treasure trove of old world architecture, passengers board the Queen Isabel in Porto, the beautiful "City of Bridges" and sail to Vega de Terrón, on the Spanish border, to visit the ancient city of Salamanca, then on to Guimaräes, Portugal's first capital and a 2012 European Capital of Culture. This Duoro River cruise is a hidden gem suited for experienced European travellers seeking to explore something new - an unspoiled river valley with lovely vistas, storied towns and lively cities - If you are looking for a European river cruise chock full of cathedrals and castles, this cruise is not for you. True wine connoisseurs and food aficionados will enjoy indulging in the region's celebrated Port wine and local cuisine. Cruise-only fares range from USD3,099 (07NOV13) to USD3,999 (29AUG,05SEP,12SEP13). per person double plus Port Charges of USD140. Uniworld's "Pay-in-Full" promotion offers savings of USD800 per couple if you reserve and pay the full cruise cost by 31OCT12. Call us for details. www.uniworld.com WE'VE MOVED UNIWORLD'S DUORO RIVER We also offer trade-in credit for your used Mac! MacBook Pro with Retina display now in stock! Visit us in downtown Oakville at 249 Lakeshore East or call us at 905.849.0737 www.Core 1 .ca Hopedale Mall, 1515 Rebecca St., Oakville t ravel@mctavishtravel.com OR visit www.mctavishtravel.com McTavish Travel · 905.827.1100 ONE LOCATION 2269 FAIRVIEW STREET, BURLINGTON · 905-631-6000 INDOO FROM AUGUST 10TH TO AUGUST 19TH 2012 TENT SALE R 20%-70% OFF Ont Reg No 1437985 Call us for reservations! Downtown Oakville · ODDS & ENDS · SCRATCH & DENT · DISCONTINUED