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“It's still very busy," Mr. Pearce said. Cardinal Golf Club, which has 72 holes open during the regular season, still has 18 open. Last year. Cardinal closed all its courses Nov. 17, but there have been years when the flags were still in as late as Dec. 19, director of golf Rob Brandon said. last year, St. Andrew’s Valley Golf Club in Aurora closed Nov. 14, but bookings continue tocome in daily, director of golf Rob Pearce The balmy temperatures mean many area golf courses have extended the season. Not only has there been little snow, tem- peratures have been above normal so far. Last year, we had 38 cm before Decem- ber. The last two times there was only a trace of snow in November, in 2001 and 2006, there was 68 centimetres and 65 cm of snow between December and February, respec- tively. There was only one day with snowfall in November, compared to 20 before Dec. 1 last year. “By this time last year, we were already Swearing at winter," Mr. Phillips said. “It was snow tires and frozen pipes by now. - “There was snow before Halloween." It has been so far, so good, this year, though. ln’the lgst tW‘o winters, we’ve been ‘inun- dated with snow, snow and more snow. p This winter could bring about less snow, but colder temperatures compared to the past two years, Aurora resident and Envi- ronment Canada senior Climatologist David Phillips said. BY AMANDA PERSICO apersico@yrmg. cam You may be able to hold off on getting a new snowblower or shovel, but you might want to invest in thermal wear. WEATHER: More golf than snow in November Last November was 0.7C cooler than nor- _ Get ready for cold, dry winter, Stouffville HIGHER TEMPERATURES “It could be colder than normal, but with less snow,” Mr. Phillips said. “There could be less pushing and plowing this year, but there will be days you wished you were in Honolulu or Havana. That’s the personality or character of the winter.” This year bould mirror the 2004/2005 El Nino season, which was a weak system, Mr. Phillips said. Other El Nino years include the 2006/2007 and 2004/05 seasons. The normal winter temperature is -4.7C and the average amount of snow between December and February is 101 cm. HAVANA DREAMS The last El Nino season, 2006/07, was a weak to moderate system, where the tem- perature was 1C warmer than normal and there was only 65 cm of snow. This winter season is an El Nino sea- son, where a warm system of Pacific Ocean air rolls through. The western wa'm weath- er could reach as far, as southern Ontario, including the stretch from Windsor to York Region to Ottawa, Mr. Phillips said. “We fly to stay open as long as we can,” Mr. Brandon said. “But once the snow hits, we’re done." I ‘ Yesterday, 15 groups were booked. The late start to winter is nice, but does it mean we should prepare for a nasty end? “Pay for it now and enjoy it later or vice- versa is a myth," Mr. Phillips said. “The weather doesn’t work that way or we would havehadit all figuredoutbynow.” ‘By this time last year, we were already swearing at winter. It was snow tires and frozen pipes by now. “me was snow bilere Halloween! Davjd Phillips. Environment Canada senior climatoloéisf Average winter snowfall since 1986 in central York Region: 141.8 cm -' October: 0.6 centimetres I Convenlance ' Face-to-face meetings, when and where you’re available I Tlmely Information Technology that gives you instant access to information on your account and other investments. I Personal service Investment guidance for your personal needs. From our Office here in Stouffville, you can rely WE UNDERSTAND COMMITMENT For decades, Edward Jones has been committed to providing personalized investment service to individuals. JV" Fume lnternoiionul Sufilgn 8.‘ Spa U ‘ W M 43 First Commerce Dr. Unit 4 omsufiw-s 905-713-2399 AVERAGE SNOWFALI. ° November: 12 cm - December 32.8 an o January 38 cm - February 30.2 An Aveda gift makes a difference: in 3 years, Aveda has joined hands with families in Nepal to sustain real change and help raise household income by 3l8%, reduce migration for jobs by 15% and send 4,800 children to school. Every gift brightens lives. Give Aveda a call at 905-713-2399 ’rMe'nazrezai t saw» 5 3Pa Fume International Salon Spa Source: Environment Canada