The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

www.insideHALTON.com · OAKVILLE BEAVER Friday, August 31, 2012 · 8 Siemens officially opens new headquarters in Oakville David Lea OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF Siemens Canada looked to its past ­ and its future ­ as it celebrated 100 years of operations with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Tuesday at its new Oakville headquarters at 1565 North Service Rd., E. The 110,000 square foot, five-storey facility features enough space to house 700 employees who will be relocated from various offices scattered across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area at the end of the year. There is also room for another 100 employees to accommodate future growth. "Our move to this new facility is an exciting step for us here at Siemens Canada," said Robert Hardt, Siemens Canada CEO. "It represents a key milestone in our celebration and shows our commitment to sustainability, collaboration and the community of Oakville." Hardt said the building received the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold certification because the lighting, heating and cooling systems, insulation, glass exterior and other features were created to maximize energy efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions. Siemens, one of the world's leading electronics and electrical engineering companies, used its own special lighting technology throughout the building to enhance energy savings. The environmentally sound design work did not stop outside the building. An e-car charging station has been installed in the parking lot for the two electric vehicles Siemens employees will use to conduct business throughout the area. Hardt said the opening of the Oakville facility will benefit Siemens by bringing its employees together and thereby promoting greater collaboration. The facility will also reduce commute times for employees and bring Siemens closer to its customers. Hardt said Oakville will benefit from the facility through the money the employees will spend in the area. Oakville Mayor Rob Burton said the company fits Oakville's vision for the future. "Oakville's vision is to become Canada's most livable town and I read with great happiness and satisfaction that Siemens' vision is to create sustainable cities," said Burton. "What a perfect partnership." Burton said Oakville's economy will be better off with Siemens in the community due to the MARTA IWANEK / OAKVILLE BEAVER / @halton_photog NEW HEADQUARTERS: Peter Loescher (left), CEO Siemens AG, and Mayor Rob Burton cut the ribbon at the official opening of the new headquarters of Siemens in Oakville on Tuesday. economic diversity it will bring to the town. Oakville MPP Kevin Flynn said the opening of the Siemens facility demonstrated the company's commitment to Ontario and signals that Ontario's future, as a place to invest and do business, remains bright. He also praised other work the company has done in Canada. "Siemens' recent acquisitions and investments in new Ontario based production facilities focused on the smart grid and on clean energy," said Flynn. "It's going to create new opportunities for us all to work together and help us build that next generation economy. What that means is more jobs for Ontario families today and more jobs for our children tomorrow." In addition to being Siemens' Canadian headquarters the building will also serve as a customer engagement centre. This centre, Hardt said, will be an incubator for ideas and a living laboratory where business, engineering and policy can work together to create sustainable solutions for Canada. Peter Loescher, CEO of Siemens AG, said Siemens Canada is a very important part of the company's global growth strategy calling it a growth leader in the Siemens world based on leadership, stability, a clear vision and on the number people who are proud to work for Siemens. "We are here to stay. We are here to grow," he said. "Ladies and gentlemen I would like to wish the Siemens organization in Canada a happy first Canadian century and an even more exciting second one." tHe new Michael g. Degroote o penS SepteMBer 5! Senior School HSC IS reInVeStIng In our future. We are creating a studentcentred learning environment to unleash the academic potential of all students in the College and to maximize the accomplishments and potential of our graduates. - Marc Ayotte, Head of College European Engineering Combined With Traditional Workmanship Hillfield Strathallan College is an independent day school for students from M3 and PK to Grade 12. Visit us at www.hsc.on.ca. Call Scott Barton It's worth it! 905-389-1367 www.hsc.on.ca 905.849.0266 "Building on the Brightest Ideas Around Glass" www.oakville.ca Check out Open House Week at your local seniors' centres. Learn about the diverse programs and services available for those who are 50+, as well as travel information, volunteer opportunities and upcoming special events. Tuesday, September 4, 2012 1 to 4 p.m. Iroquois Ridge Older Adults Centre Open House Iroquois Ridge Community Centre, 1051 Glenashton Drive Complimentary refreshments will be served. For details call 905-338-4255, ext. 3745. Wednesday, September 5, 2012 10 to noon Sir John Colborne Recreation Centre for Seniors, 1565 Old Lakeshore Road For details call 905-815-5960. Thursday, September 6, 2012 2 to 4 p.m. Oakville Seniors' Centre, 263 Kerr Street Open House Complimentary refreshments will be served. For details call 905-815-5966. Friday, September 7, 2012 10 to noon Queen Elizabeth Park Older Adult Centre, 2302 Bridge Road Open House Complimentary refreshments will be served. For details call 905-845-6601, ext. 3498. Seniors registration is Friday, September 7 at 9 a.m. for fall/winter programs.