OAKVILLE BEAVER Friday, April 17, 2009 · 16 Halton bailout rescues recycling firm from the dumps By Tim Foran METROLAND WEST MEDIA GROUP Halton Region has agreed to a bailout of the company that recycles its blue box materials. According to Public Works Commissioner Mitch Zamojc, regional council has agreed to top up the amount it pays Halton Recycling Ltd. (HRL), a private contractor that processes and markets Halton's paper, aluminium and plastic containers from its material recovery facility in Burlington. HRL had asked the Region in early March for financial assistance after the market for recyclables crashed from highs reached in the summer of 2008. At that time, the average revenue earned from the sale of recyclables was $191 a tonne. But by December, the average revenue was less than a quarter of that amount, due to reduced demand for the material brought on by the worldwide recession. The average revenue has since creeped back up a bit, but was only $62 a tonne in March. As part of the six-year contract that took effect in April, 2008, the Region pays HRL an estimated annual fee of $940,000. The Region also receives 25 per cent of the revenue earned from the sale of its recyclables. According to Zamojc, the Region will now top up HRL's revenue to what the recycling revenue was in 2006, when the average tonne brought in $111. He estimated it would mean paying HRL an extra $1.5 million per year, unless the recyclables market gets back up to previous levels. The Region will also take a hit on its own share of recyclables revenue. Zamojc estimated it could lose $1 million this year. A recession reserve set up by regional coun- cil as part of its 2009 budget could help defray some of the shortfall, he said. Before agreeing to the bailout, regional staff examined whether another contractor would assume the original terms of the HRL contract, but did not feel there would be any takers. "If we went to the marketplace, we would be in the same situation," Zamojc said. Oakville Councillor Tom Adams,chair of council's public works committee, said council did not want to let HRL fail as it could have forced the Region to send its blue box materials to landfill. A CLUB FOR ALL SEASONS Spring is an ideal time of year to discover The Oakville Club, a secret gem nestled in Oakville's harbour at 56 Water Street. Having celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2007, the Club has embarked on a new century of service offering a unique blend of sport and social engagements. From tennis, squash and badminton, to personal training and fitness classes, the Oakville Club appeals to the active lifestyle in a tranquil setting. "Having managed several prominent clubs in Ontario, I can honestly say that The Oakville Club offers a unique warmth of character that I haven't seen in my career. A club's ability to reinvent itself is essential to attracting new members and we are committed to offering services and programs that appeal to all age groups. That's why the club continues to prosper after a century", commented Larry Montpetit, General Manager. With five tennis courts, four badminton courts and four squash courts, dedicated Professionals organize exceptional programs and group or private instruction. From leagues, ladders, and round robins to tournaments, there are tiers for beginners to masters. The state-of-the-art Fitness Centre offers an inspirational, panoramic view of the marina. The 3,400 sq. ft. facility includes a studio with wood sprung flooring ideally suited to group classes in spinning, Yoga, Pilates, circuit, dance and other specialty programs. Sector specific machine areas and free weights allow you to trim, tone, and test your limits. In summer, boats privately berthed directly outside the club await the commands of member mariners. Wind fills sails while canoes and kayaks ply the lake under the muscular steam of their captains. Swimmers cool poolside served by attentive staff. Children learn the art of the butterfly through certified group or individual instruction. From the waterside patio, dreamers gaze upon the blue horizon wrapped in their imagination and stirred by conversation. Members can savour the imaginative creations of the resident chef. The formal ambiance of the dining-room delivers privacy, personalized service, and haute cuisine. The River Bar and Restaurant, award-winning for its design, promises casual dining with windows on the water. Warm weather opens the doors to deck service by the pool and the dockside patio. A table on the upper balcony affords a breathtaking view that transports members to tropical climes. Frequent, organized social activities capture different interests and cultivate member interaction. From book and movie clubs to guest speakers and bike tours through Niagara, inventive diversions are replete. In the childcare centre, trained staff provide a nurturing environment with individualized attention and regularly scheduled activities. Membership includes reciprocal rights with The Dundas Valley Golf Club, Mansfield Ski Club, and a host of private clubs in Canada and abroad. With attractive promotional rates now being offered, there is no better time to become a member of an enduring Oakville institution that will benefit your lifestyle. For further information, please contact Larry Montpetit at 905-845-0231 or visit The Oakville Club (www.oakvilleclub.com) at 56 Water Street. Larry Montpetit General Manager Spring into summer. Take advantage of a 50% reduction in entrance fees at one of Ontario's finest athletic and social clubs. Offer available only until May 31st. Nestled on the water's edge in Oakville's harbour, the Oakville Club delivers a unique blend of sport and social engagements appealing to the kinetic lifestyle in a tranquil setting. Families discover a compass of generations and a place to forge new memories. Experience the modern elixir of active relaxation through a panoply of activities in an incomparable setting. Yachting Tennis, squash, badminton State-of-the-art fitness centre and studio Heated outdoor pool Summer camps Family activities Childcare Personal trainers Renowned racquet professionals Social events Award-winning chef Waterside patio dining Casual restaurant and dining-room Magnificent setting A Vision for the future Act quickly and receive 50% off the regular entrance fee $7,000 IS NOW $3,500 Single $12,000 IS NOW $6,000 Couple 56 Water Street, Oakville, Ontario L6J 2Y3 Contact Kalee Mah at 905.845.0231 ext. 207 or kmah@oakvilleclub.com www.oakvilleclub.com