The Canadtan Champton, FndaY, Mal 7, 2004--5 Smoking complaints quieting down, says Town By JASON MISNER The Champion Town bylaw enforcemrent officer Roy Smith is hoping frequent iileÏt yi, a ýw dcpart ment information report, which documented calîs for complaints for thc fn-st quarter of tis year - January 1 to March 31- reveals only two smoking complaints were made. Il builda on a trend that shows such complaints have been on the wane since the Town's smoking bylaw originally took effect in May, 2002. It's an indication residents appear to be adjusting to the bylaw, Mr. Smith said. "We 're getting more acceptance," he said, noting the early diffi- culty officers had in getting residents to comply with the bylaw. "It took a lot of staff time and it was controversial." 'Me smoking bylaw, revised Iast year, allows bars, restaurants, bingo halls and gamiùng facilities to open designated smoking rooms. Otherwise, smoking isn't permitted.g Statistica show a total of 46 complaints were logged in 2003 compared to 69 in 2002. The Town is on pace to receive eight smoking complaints based on this year's fn-st quarter numbers. Among the notable increases, miscellaneous complaints, such as calîs about illegal posters on Town property like utility poles, were up 93 per cent this year versus the same time last ycar. Zoning complaints were up 74 per cent this quarter. Mr. Smith Students recognized Ten Milton students '.ere recogt1iLcd at the Halton District School Boards Celebration of Studcnt Excellence ceremony last night. More than 500 parents, principals, trustces, teachers and school administrators took part in recognizing outstanding studett achievement at the cvent, held at E.C. Drury High School. In total, 88 elementary and secondary school students were hon- oured. The students exhibit exceptional qualittes in at least two of' these areas: academic, vocational and athletic fields. scîf-improve- ment, community work, cttizenshîp and student leadership, or spe- ciftc criteria that rellects the schools uniquc priorities. -The Student Excellence evening allows an opportunity to celc- brate our students; actievements in vartous endeavours.- satd Mary Chapin. chair of the Halton District School Board. "We have the future of our communities in our schools today. and we wel- corne Uis occasion to acknowledge their success.- The following are Uic elementary school award recipients: Josh Burr, Brookville PS.; Matthew Carson, Chris Hadfield PS.; Nickole LeVear, E.W. Foster P.S.; Emily Fuller, J.M. Denyes PS.; Monika Low, Martin Street PS.; Samantha Roche, Robert Baldwin PS.; Chris Ackroyd, Sam Sherratt PS.; and Kaitlin Shuvera, WlI. Dick PS. 'Mie award-wirnter from E.C. Dntry High Sehool is Carl Chan, and from Mtlton Distrtct Htgh School itts Julta Pyper I ïMai "We'ire getting more acceptance. It took a said part of that spike is due to the rcportmng of derelict vehicles on homeowners' property as weîl as sign complaints. Now that spring has arrived, Mr. Smith expects standing water complaints to pour in as residents start to protect themscives from bcing infected by thc mosquito-bume West Nile virus. Complaints about smelly dog feces on homeowners' property - exposed to ail eyes and noses because the snow has melted - will also corne flooding in, he notcd. Meanwhile, the Town expects to hire a new bylaw officer by and $55,000. The extra staff will certainly corne in handy as ic Town con- tinues to, get more and more caes of complaints. This ftrst quarter a total of 632 caes were made, a jump of 55 caes Uie saine tinie last year. Mr. Smith said with the population growing by a few Uiousand residents every year, it's only natural caes will risc as a result. "Thtis is the way it's going to be," he said, noting Uic new offi- cer "will be a welcomed addition." Jason Misner con 6e reached at jmisner@vniltoncanadian- champion.com. AmR KWAYS BESTBYSI 6 MONTH PS ý~POWER TRAINl ELES VV WARRANTY DRD Included ln ail vehlcl.YsD. TH 905m875-4925 825 wson RdM -«ltsCe T 4 il PARA Paint Testers are here! Try a littie colour before nvestitîg iin a W l P t ro ft S lit W it U t) top 90) ct)It)rstof' Lem wl- Tester Paitîts! *Ail your painting needs a Expert Advice a Free Delivery *Contractors welcome P A 1 N T S ikEl 482 toolos Ave. E. 905-870-774 Mon - Wed :3Oani- 6:OOpm e Thurs - Fri :3Oani - :OOpm Sat - 9:OOam - 5:OOpm