F / Halton expects to j be okay with Y2K Halton Region has announced it expects to be Y2K compliant by September. Ensuring that the tumn of the century date change is properly handled has been a pri- ority for the Region, whose Y2K team has been making extensive preparations since May, 1998. "The Region ia working hard to ensure that Halton is well prepared for Y2K and that critical and essential services to the citizens of Halton continue uninterrupted before and after the year 2000," said regional Chair Joyce Savoline. Director of technology services Jane MacGaskill agrees. "We are confident in our ability to be Y2K ready by September. Nevertheless, we are developing contin- gency plans so that the Region will be fully prepared to provide service to Halton residents in the event of any major Y2K- related incident." Special emphaais has been placed on ser- vices that directly impact the health and safety of residenta and staff. Bell Canada, for example, has confirmed that its 911 network - - which handles al 911 calîs in Ontario - - is Y2K complant. In Halton, Bell routes 911 calîs to the Halton Regional Police communication centre, where the nature of the cmergency is determiàned and the appropriate agency (police, lire, ambulance) is notified. Several Region-owned componenta of the 911 aystemn are currently being tested for compliance but the Region assures resi- dents these will not affect the provision of emergency services. Upgrades to aIl 12 of the Region's water and wastewater treatment plants have been identified and are underway, scheduled for completion by September. Plans to operate equipment without computer assistance in event of a Y2K system failure are also cur- Joyce Savoline rently being developed. There ia also adequate back-up power to meet essential demanda for water in case of an extended (more than one day) power outage. The wastewater ayatem also bas ade- quatte back-up power and capacity to mun effectively during short or intermittent power outagea. An assesament of systema and equip- ment at Allendale, the Region's. long-term care facility in Milton, has also been comn- pleted. A communications plan has been developed and emergency stand-by gener- ators have been tested. The statua of critical suppliera and the education of Allendale staff are ongoing. Contingency plans for every critical func- tion are being formulated to ensure the basic needa of Allendale reaidents are met in a safe and caring manner. For full information about the Region's Year 2000 preparedneaa, visit its webaite at www.region.halton.on.ca. or caîl the Region's Year 2000 Project office at 825- 6000 ext. 7067. 'Panasonic Vacuum Cleaner Sale E...' 11UBTO 547 Main St. E. mVHLTIr> eT" £3- C i 3 -1 0sf oarfhvifis and Featuring Keynote speakers: DR. ARTHUR BOOKMAN, Rheumnatofigst "Advances in the Treatment of Arthritis" DR. MITCHELL WINEMAKER, orthopaedic Surgeon "1You Need A New Joint?" ARTHRITIS SOCIETY THERAPUST -Living Weil With Art hritis"ý WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 15, 1999 Graham Hall St. Paul's United Church 123 Main St., Milton Displays 6:30 pm Seminar 7:00 pm Refreshmeflts ta follow To reserve your free seat oeil 338-4379 Presented by: The Arthritis Society, Milton - Halton H.afthcare Services The Boat In Selection and Price Anywhero 1