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4- The Oakville Beaver, Friday January 5, 2007 www.oakvillebeaver.com Mild weather doesn't discourage CH park users European Engineering Combined With Traditional Workmanship By Melanie Hennessey OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF "Building on the Brightest Ideas Around Glass" Although there hasn't been any snow yet this season for cross-country skiing or snowshoeing at Conservation Halton (CH) parks, staff reports that business is still going strong. According to CH marketing coordinator Susan O'Neil, many visitors are turning out at the local parks to hike instead of taking part in the traditional winter activities. "It's been great weather for hiking. The temperatures are so nice," she said. "We're still getting people out to 905.849.0266 Introducing the Revolutionary Multi-FireTM Electric Firebox Living Healthy A series of FREE public education seminars presented by When Does Menopause End? Wednesday, January 17, 2007 6:30 pm Displays and Refreshments 7:00 pm Presentation by: Dr. Sleem Feroze, Obstetrician & Gynaecologist LeDome Banquet Hall 1173 North Service Road East, Oakville (E. of Trafalgar, N. of QEW) FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO RESERVE YOUR SEAT TODAY CALL 905-338-4379 Presented in partnership with: Supported by an educational grant from: "MASONRY & FIREPLACE DESIGN SPECIALISTS" w w w. c o b b l e s t o n e m e m b e r s . c o m ACROSS FROM RONA LANSING 905.337.2066 406 SPEERS RD., OAKVILLE Spot! Since 1952 Save 25% Bottle o removerf spot each ordwith er! Any Style... Every Room Introducing the Beautiful New Line Of Fireplaces From Marquis FREE! ONTARIO HEARTH LTD. 3585 Laird Rd., Unit 2 Mississauga Hours: Mon.-Fri. 10-5, Sat. 10-4 905.569.2404 www.ontariohearth.com the parks." While CH is forging ahead with the winter events it has planned for the parks, O'Neil said they did have to cancel the guided moonlight ski that was scheduled for tonight at Hilton Falls Conservation Area. "But, we haven't been largely impacted financially," she said. "We have seen the same (numbers) or a few more people pursuing hiking." For example, she said at Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area, almost 400 people came out to hike over a three-day period on the New Year's weekend. "Normally we would see a handful of people there at that time -- 150 to 200 people tops," she said. At Mount Nemo Conservation Area, about 200 visitors stopped by during the long weekend -- up from last year's estimated 50 people. And at Hilton Falls, that number hit well over 800 during the same three days, which O'Neil said is about the same or maybe a little up over last year. She pointed out that in addition to hiking, visitors can still stop by Hilton Falls to mountain bike as well. While the local parks traditionally offer horse-drawn sleigh rides to visitors during the winter months, those have been changed to wagon rides for the time being. CH is also gearing up for the Snowflakes and Snowsnakes Festival slated for February 4 at Crawford Lake Conservation Area. At press time yesterday afternoon, Glen Eden Ski and Snowboard Centre -- which CH also owns and operates -- still hadn't opened any of its runs for the season. But, all's not lost for the ski hill's season pass holders. O'Neil said they're being offered free admission to CH's other parks until the local facility is up and running. Glen Eden is now waiting for the temperature to drop and stay there for at least 48 hours to get the necessary snowmaking done. For now, any snow that's been made this season is sitting is stockpiles around its property. The lack of snow meant the ski hill missed the usual Christmas rush -- something that hadn't happened since the 1982-1983 season. To check Glen Eden's current ski conditions visit www.gleneden.on.ca or call its snow line at 905-878-5011, ext. 503. To find out more about what's happening at CH's other local parks visit www.conservationhalton.on.ca. -- Melanie Hennessey can be reached at mhennessey@miltoncanadianchampion.com.