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www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Thursday, June 2, 2016 | 20 Halton Region works to reduce risk of West Nile Virus by Julia Le Oakville Beaver Staff Halton Region is out to reduce the risk of West Nile virus (WNV) within its boundaries. It has begun its annual larviciding program on public property across Oakville, Burlington, Milton and Halton Hills. "West Nile virus continues to be a concern in communities across Canada, which is why Halton Region remains committed to monitoring and implementing programs to prevent and protect residents against this disease," stated Halton Regional Chair Gary Carr in a press release outlining the preventative measures being taken. "By working together with the community, we will continue to reduce the risk of West Nile virus and keep our community safe and healthy." Mosquito Larviciding sees pesticide applied to catch basins and other large bodies of standing water on public property, where mosquito larvae have been found, according to the Region. The technique is used when other attempts at reducing mosquito breeding sites haven't worked to minimize the risk of WNV . It reduces the mosquito population, to help stop mosquitoes that can carry West Nile virus. Dr. Hamidah Meghani, Halton Region Medical Officer of Health (MOH), said larviciding is just one part of the health department's WNV prevention program, which also includes public education, monitoring and surveillance, eliminating potential mosquito breeding sites. "By eliminating standing water sites and by covering up outside at dusk and dawn and applying DEET or Icaridin, we can reduce the occurrence of West Nile virus in our communities," Meghani stated. Residents can help do their part by removing objects that may hold standing water, such as birdbaths, plant pots, old toys and tires. If anyone sees standing water on public property, they can report it to Halton Region by emailing accesshalton@halton.ca or dialing 311. Residents are also encouraged to take the following steps to protect themselves and their families from mosquitoes: · Cover up. Wear light-coloured, longsleeved shirts and pants with tightly-woven fabric; · Avoid being outdoors from early evening to morning when mosquitoes are most active and likely to bite, as well as at any time in shaded, wooded areas; · Reduce mosquito breeding sites around your home by getting rid of all water-filled containers and objects. Change the water in birdbaths at least once per week; · Use an approved insect repellent, such as one containing DEET or Icaridin; · Make sure your window and door screens are tight and without holes, cuts or other openings. For more information, or to view a map showing the locations of standing water sites on public property where larvicide is applied, visit halton.ca/wnv. Hair Studio 1 Ready for PROm? Wash, cut, blow dry, style or updo plus a FREE GIFT. $ Expires Jun 30th, 2016 (add $20 for bold balayage foil.) any other offer. Cannot be combined with 50 2368 Lakeshore Rd. W, Oakville (back entrance) To book an appointment please call 905-469-0344 www.hairstudio1.ca Oakville Hair Studio 1 Hairstudio1mn Family. Together forever. Pre-select space in our elegant Last Supper Mausoleum and honour your family and faith forever. For generations to come, our modern buildings will provide for comfortable visitation in any season. Public invited to Community Planning & Partnerships Meeting Community organizations and members of the public are invited to the Community Planning and Partnerships meeting to discuss potential planning and partnership opportunities in Halton District School Board facilities. Partnership opportunities in open and operating schools, and co-build opportunities for proposed new schools as well as a new Board Administrative Centre will be discussed at the meeting on: Wednesday, June 22, 2016 at 7:00 pm J.W. Singleton Education Centre (Boardroom) 2050 Guelph Line, Burlington, ON L7P 5A8 For more information about available space in existing schools and co-build opportunities, please visit: http://www.hdsb.ca/aboutus/Planning/Pages/ CommunityPlanningandPartnerships.aspx Complete your mausoleum pre-planning e-planning today. Take the first step. Call now. 905-257-1100 glenoaks.ca Glen Oaks Funeral Home & Cemetery by Arbor Memorial 3164 Ninth Line (403 & Dundas St.), Mississauga/Oakville, ON Arbor Memorial Inc. Family Owned. Proudly Canadian.