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www.insideHALTON.com · OAKVILLE BEAVER Wednesday, January 11, 2012 · 6 Opinion & Letters 467 Speers Rd., Oakville Ont. L6K 3S4 (905) 845-3824 Fax: 337-5571 Classified Advertising: 632-4440 Circulation: 845-9742 --Open 9-5 weekdays, 5-7 for calls only Wed. to Friday, Closed weekends Editorial and advertising content of the Oakville Beaver is protected by copyright. Unauthorized use is prohibited. The Oakville Beaver THE OAKVILLE BEAVER IS PROUD OFFICIAL MEDIA SPONSOR FOR: Canadian Circulation Audit Board Member THE OAKVILLE BEAVER IS PROUD OFFICIAL MEDIA SPONSOR FOR: Recognized for Excellence by Ontario Community Newspapers Association Suburban Newspapers of America Canadian Community Newspapers Association ATHENA Award Neil Oliver Vice ­ President and Group Publisher of Metroland West The OakvilleBeaver is a division of David Harvey Regional General Manager JILL DAVIS Editor in Chief Daniel Baird Advertising Director ANGELA BLACKBURN Managing Editor Riziero Vertolli Photography Director Sandy Pare Business Manager MARK DILLS Director of Production Manuel garcia Production Manager CHARLENE HALL Director of Distribution Sarah McSweeney Circ. Manager Use emergency resources correctly Here in Halton we are so fortunate to have an array of emergency services at our fingertips. We know when we dial 9-1-1, help is on the way. However, that system only works efficiently and effectively if used properly. Like other police services across the province, Halton has seen a marked increase in what has been dubbed "pocket dialed" and unintentional 9-1-1 calls. These types of calls can occur when a person's keypad on a mobile device, carried in a pocket, backpack or a purse, is accidentally pressed. Halton police report that from May 1-Nov. 1, 2011, they received 68,175 emergency calls of which 9,698 or 14.2 per cent, were considered inadvertent `pocket dials.' That total does not include calls to Halton police that should not have been made through the 9-1-1 system. "Just one (wrong 9-1-1) call can tie up our (dispatch/ policing) resources," said Halton police media relations officer Sgt. Dave Cross. The nearly 9,700 pocket dials to Halton police in just half of 2011 is a separate issue from 9-1-1 calls that were purposely made to police but aren't considered emergency calls by them, said Cross. He said police don't have those figures but suggested it would be a significant number as well. Police say mobile users can avoid pocket dialing by keeping the phone in a holster designed for it, lock the device's keypad or put it in standby mode. If by some chance you inadvertently dial 9-1-1, police ask that you don't hang up. Just admit to the operator you made a mistake otherwise the police have to call back. People who make accidental calls to 9-1-1 are not fined. However, if this continues as a growing trend, fines should be considered for any repeat offenders. (Obviously youngsters test-driving their newfound knowledge of dialing 911 get free passes). Our emergency response system is critical for the people in need. To have someone tying up a 9-1-1 operator because their mobile phone bounced around in their backpack is inexcusable. We can all put an end to pocket dials by using some common sense and parents may want to use this editorial reminder to also remind their children that accidental calls cost all of us. The Oakville Beaver is a member of the Ontario Press Council. The council is located at 80 Gould St., Suite 206, Toronto, Ont., M5B 2M7. Phone 416-340-1981. Advertising is accepted on the condition that, in the event of a typographical error, that portion of advertising space occupied by the erroneous item, together with a reasonable allowance for signature, will not be charged for, but the balance of the advertisement will be paid for at the applicable rate. The publisher reserves the right to categorize advertisements or decline. Riders are responsible Letter to the editor Letters to the editor The Oakville Beaver welcomes letters from its readers. Letters will be edited for clarity, length, legal considerations and grammar. In order to be published all letters must contain the name, address and phone number of the author. Letters should be addressed to The Editor, Oakville Beaver, 467 Speers Rd., Oakville, ON, L6K 3S4, or via e-mail to editor@ oakvillebeaver.com. The Beaver reserves the right to refuse to publish a letter. Thanks for the free holiday skating Once again, Tim Hortons serves our community during the Christmas season. On behalf of all kids, parents, grandparents and others, a special thanks to Tim's for putting more smiles on more faces as we enjoyed the free skates at community centres in Oakville and from coast to coast. Robert M. Smallhorn, Oakville Editor's Note: Tim Hortons and the Town of Oakville partnered to present what has become an annual holiday tradition for Tim Hortons to offer free public skating on various dates and at various times in arenas over the holidays. The program takes place in Oakville and across Canada. Kudos to the Burl-Oak Players. This theatre group really hit a homerun with their current play, Over the River and through the Woods. It is not to be missed. Kudos to the Burl-Oak Players There is an excellent cast, great direction and a poignant story. I urge theatre-goers to buy tickets while they are available. Marcia Todd, Oakville Re: Resident grateful for noise bylaw, Jan. 4, 2012, Oakville Beaver I am one of the riders who stops for a coffee and some social time at 49 Lakeshore Rd. W. We discuss upcoming events (many of which are charitable, such as the B.A.D. Ride and Ride for Sight) and general talk about motorcycles and safety, custom-made bikes, etc. The riders are from all over the GTA. Some are passersby and some regulars. I have not seen any bikers' colours shown. Most of us would prefer to be categorized as motorcycle enthusiasts and riders. As I understand, none of these riders have been relocated or received notice in legal form. We are law-abiding, productive members of this town. The majority of riders at the Tim Hortons at 49 Lakeshore Rd. W. are publicly-minded about noise volume. However, it is a feeling and strong opinion that while on the road, we motorcycle riders would be at more risk to motor vehicle fatalities without audible and visual presence (day-time light). The Tim Hortons owner has communicated to us about the public perceptions, customer relations and parking. Halton Regional Police have communicated the same and, to this date, there has been no violation I'm aware of. What does a drive-thru service or hours of operation have to do with it? I cannot imagine using a drive-thru while on my motorcycle. Trying to pay, balance, with a coffee and ride away. This area is a shopping, residential and business area, what better location for a Tim Hortons? The volume from these machines lasts only a brief period while passing by or stopping in. It is a right to choose your mode of transportation. The new bylaw aimed at motorcycle noise, to me and others, appears discriminatory and redundant. There is already a noise bylaw in this town. Using this new motorcycle noise bylaw has singled out riders. The current noise bylaw is ample when applied properly by authorities. Derek Latremouille, Oakville