15 | Thursday, June 2, 2016 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com Halton Highlights Local farmers' markets now open Summer is just around the corner and our weekly farmers' markets are now open in Burlington, Halton Hills, Milton and Oakville until November. Discover what's in season and ready for you to enjoy, from local strawberries and raspberries to corn and apples, as well as homemade products such as jams, seasonings and dressings made with Halton-grown ingredients! Buying local produce picked at the height of ripeness not only tastes better because it is fresh and retains valuable nutrients and flavours, but it also helps support Halton's local economy. June 2016 Keeping you informed by highlighting what makes Halton a great place to live. Gary Carr, Regional Chair The Older Adults Property Tax Deferral Program supports healthy aging in Halton On July 1, 2016, Halton's Local Municipalities will begin to accept applications for the new Older Adults Property Tax Deferral Program. This new program allows participating older adult homeowners with low incomes to fully defer their annual property taxes, interest free. The full property tax deferral program allows participants to focus their financial resources on their day-to-day needs and expenses. This increased flexibility helps them adapt to the rising cost of living, supporting their ability to remain in their own homes. By keeping older adults in the communities of their choice, the program contributes to keeping participants healthy and independent. Halton Region is committed to enhancing the health and well-being of all residents through its programs and services, and we work to support good health at every age and stage of life. The Older Adults Property Tax Deferral Program is a strong investment in healthy aging, one that promises to help enhance the quality of life for participating older adult homeowners in Halton. For eligibility criteria and program details, please dial 311 or visit halton.ca/taxdeferral. Experience the best local food and farms in Halton. Halton Region is committed to preserving the sustainability of our diverse agriculture industry. We hope you will choose Halton's farmers' markets and show your support for our agricultural community. Local food and farmers help keep our agricultural sector economically and environmentally sustainable, so take the time to connect with Halton farmers and experience what makes Halton a great place to live. To find a market near you, use the interactive, online Simply Local map. For a complete listing of locations, dates and times, visit halton.ca/simplylocal or dial 311. Keeping Halton safe from West Nile virus and Lyme disease This summer reduce the threat of the West Nile virus (WNV) and Lyme disease. WNV is spread through mosquitos bites. To help prevent WNV and reduce mosquitos from breeding, remove standing water in locations such as buckets, bird baths, tires or toys. You can also report standing water on public property by emailing wnv@halton.ca or dialing 311. To help protect against ticks and Lyme disease, residents who participate in outdoor activities in wooded, brushy or tall-grass areas, especially in designated high-risk locations, should take measures to prevent tick bites such as wearing light-coloured clothing and using insect repellent. Halton's public education and prevention programs for WNV and Lyme disease are part of the Region's commitment to ensuring the health and safety of residents this summer. Visit halton.ca/wnv or halton.ca/lymedisease, or dial 311 to learn more. Meetings at Halton Region 1151 Bronte Rd., Oakville, L6M 3L1 June 14 June 15 June 15 June 22 9:30 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 1:30 p.m. 9:30 a.m. Health & Social Services Cttee Planning & Public Works Cttee Administration & Finance Cttee Regional Council Visit halton.ca/meetings for full schedule. Please contact us as soon as possible if you have any accessibility needs at Halton Region events or meetings. This page has been donated by this newspaper to communicate important information to Halton residents at no cost to taxpayers.