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www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Thursday, September 29, 2016 | 24 T The Oakville Yacht Squadron afloat for 70 years he Town of Oakville was founded on the banks of 16 Mile Creek in 1830 by William Chisholm who foresaw the economic value of this natural harbour. For more than a century, Oakville was a key maritime port supporting local industries with sailing and steam ship transportation. The significance of Oakville Harbour was honoured with the christening of the Navy corvette HMCS Oakville during the Second World War. Many of Oakville's young men joined the armed forces and fought on the high seas. When war ended, they returned home with a new-found passion for the sea. Seventy years ago, that passion inspired a group of war veterans to form Oakville Yacht Squadron (OYS) as a humble dinghy sailing club. OYS members quickly established themselves and have played an integral role in the modernization of Oakville Harbour, from an industrial port to a community recreation centre. Harbour history The beautiful harbour we know today was not always this pretty. In fact, the OYS clubhouse is constructed on reclaimed land, salvaged from a marshy bog polluted with a century of industrial waste. Club members, in partnership with the Town, worked hard to clean up the area and establish seawalls and docks to create a community space that has offered residents an opportunity to safely access Lake Ontario to enjoy sailing since 1946. Sailing instruction started right away and remains a cornerstone of OYS, which has one of the most respected sailing schools on Lake Ontario. More than 5,000 Oakville children have enjoyed their summers at OYS sailing camps. With an active annual enrolment of some 250 sailors, OYS offers a full range of programs from Learn-to-Sail to a competitive Race Team. Inspiring sailors Over the years, OYS has inspired and supported many young sailors develop into internationally successful competitors, including a few Canadian Olympians. Oakville's Lee Parkhill, a lifelong member of OYS, recently competed in the Rio Olympics as the sole Canadian Laser Sailor. While OYS has grown significantly over the years, it still maintains the community values of a volunteer organization. Members are responsible for all jobs around the club. Work parties are routinely scheduled to complete projects and organize social events. Lighthouse restoration One shining example is the thousands of hours OYS members have contributed to salvage, restore and maintain the original Oakville Lighthouse, now a designated historical structure charming the inner harbour. This volunteer philosophy allows OYS to maintain affordable membership rates ensuring the club is accessible to all who share an interest in sailing. OYS is a very welcoming organization, offering a Borrow-ABoat program that encourages people to try sailing. see Sailing on p.25 The Oakville pier circa 1940s. It was in that era the Oakville Yacht Squadron was founded. The squadron is now celebrating its 70th anniversary and to its credit, among a host of accomplishments was the part it played in refurbishing the original Oakville Lighthouse, now a designated historical structure located in the inner harbour. | submitted artwork $700 OFF HI-EFFICIENCY CENTRAL AIR DIAMOND AIRE ONE MADNEss sAlE! /mTH OAC* DIAMOND $ Voted Best Accountant by Oakville Beaver Readers for 10 Consecutive Years 29 CPA, CA, MBA, B. Eng Ricky Wong W For more information please check our website www.rickywong.ca · Accounting · Auditing · Taxation IN I.E.S.O. REbATE* $400 up TO Starting from NOW $ Was *Call for details 1990 A+ RATING $ 2690 Up to 6 months no payments, no interest. o.a.C.* * HI-EffICIENCy AIR CONDITIONERS · 10 Year Factory Warranty SAmE DAY INSTALLATION! CALL NOW, QUANTITIES ARE LIMITED! 9 Locations to serve you better 1200 Speers Rd., Unit 32, Oakville, Ont. L6L 2X4 (905) 845 - 1408 | Fax (905) 845 - 5931 | ricky@rickywong.ca You Order. We Cook. We Deliver. Order online at savorliving.ca or call 289-837-3420 today! Try Savor For Yourself! Order the "Savor Sampler" Bundle today to receive: -2 Lunches -2 Dinners -2 Snacks -2 Beverages Enter code SAMPLER. New customers only. Heating & Cooling www.aireone.com 905-849-4998 1-888-827-2665 FOAM4U.ca · · · · · Quality Mattresses Natural Organic Foam Soya Foam Memory Gel Foam Custom Cut Foam What's For Lunch? Try Savor On-The-Go! Daily Lunch Specials. Wraps, Bowls & Meals, perfect for a healthy lunch on the go! Place your order online & pickup at the Savor Kitchen in just minutes! · Residential · Commercial · Motorized Vehicle · Custom Specialty Needs Foam4U Work Shoppe 2-5205 Harvester Road, Burlington foam4uworkshop@gmail.com QEW Harvester Rd. Appleby Line Burloak Drive Only $69.99 plus delivery 905-802-5319 Healthy, Delicious & Made Fresh For You: Every Meal Is 100% Plant Based Goodness