December 2022

As the Christmas season beckons and 2022 draws to a close, we can look forward to the coming holiday season with excited anticipation. 
  
I was glad to attend the Santa Claus parades in Acton and Georgetown on November 19 th , along with many of our colleagues in elected public service. It was wonderful to see the crowds along the parade route, with warm, friendly smiles despite the cold wintery winds. We thank the Acton Firefighters Association and the Georgetown Lions Club for organizing the parades to welcome the holidays back to Halton Hills. 
  
For most of us, memories of past holiday celebrations, the joy of giving, and making plans to relax with loved ones fill our hearts with joy and gratitude. 
  
However, with the rising cost of groceries, fuel and housing, there are many in our communities who are struggling more than ever to make ends meet. In addition, the stresses associated with COVID-19 have challenged everyone’s mental health. In spite of our difficulties, our residents continue to come together as one. 
  
Please keep this in mind in the coming days. Our local food banks, churches, and service organizations all need donations and volunteer help to address the needs of our communities. We can all do our part. 
  
Let caring, compassion and kindness define our Christmas gatherings for 2022; and may we ring in the New Year with faith and hope that the best is yet to come. 
  
Merry Christmas. 
  
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After the municipal elections in October, we have some enthusiastic new voices balanced with steady experience on the new Council of the Town of Halton Hills. I want to express congratulations to Mayor Ann Lawlor, Regional Councillors Clark Somerville and Jane Fogal, and Councillors Alex Hilson, Michael Albano, Jason Brass, Joseph Racinsky, Chantal Garneau, Ron Norris, Bob Inglis and D’Arcy Keene. I look forward to working with them, along with the Town’s superb staff team. 
  
Rick Bonnette, Jon Hurst, Ted Brown, Bryan Lewis, Wendy Farrow-Reed, and Moya Johnson all leave Town Council with our special thanks, after exemplary community leadership and dedication over many years.