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

www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Thursday, November 20, 2014 | 44 Naidoo-Harris says Invasive Species Act would benefit Halton by Rachael Williams Metroland West Media The Province is trying for the second time to introduce legislation that will protect Halton against invasive species. On Nov. 7, Queen's Park announced its commitment to protecting the environment from invasive species because of the threats posed for landowners and businesses. In 2012, the bill didn't pass because a provincial election was called. By re- introducing the Invasive Species Act, the government is pledging to protect Ontarians from social, environmental and economic costs. The dangers include decreased property values, limited crop growth, impacts to municipal water supplies and massive debts associated with detection and removal. "It costs the Province tens of millions to deal with invasive species. This is a way to actively ensure that we are limiting their spread," said Halton MPP Indira Naidoo-Harris. According to Ontario's 2012 Invasive Species Strategic Plan, invasive species include any harmful alien species whose introduction or spread threatens the environment, the economy or society, including human health. Compared to other provinces, Ontario has the highest number of invasive plant species, with 441. "These species move in, take over, choke out other kinds of naturally occurring environmental species," said Naidoo-Harris. Globally, the cost of invasive species to the environment, agriculture and communities is estimated to be $1.4 trillion, according to the Province. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has spent more than $30 million and has cut more than 130,000 trees to slow the spread of the emerald ash borer. In Ontario, zebra mussels cost $75 million to $91 million in municipal water treatment and eradication. The removal of phragmites is also a huge cost -- $865 to $1,112 per hectare. Naidoo-Harris fears that north Hal- CHAINWIDE HONEST ED'S $ 200 NOW OPEN! $ 782 BATHURST ST. - SAVE BATHURST/BLOOR 798 6-PC QUEEN BEDROOM #906826 · Includes Headboard, Footboard, Rails, Dresser, Mirror, Nightstand ONLY 50 UNITS AVAILABLE Nightstand $ 138 Chest $298 SEE OUR NEW FLYER IN TODAY'S PAPER OR ONLINE AT BADBOY.CA ton, especially, is at high-risk of invasive species because of its farmlands, wetlands and large rural properties. "You can see them all just by driving down rural roads. A lot of them (invasive plants) are lovely to look at, but when they start taking over our wetlands, farmlands, our ditches and so on, they really do become a threat to the natural environment," she said. Ontario is at a heightened risk for invasive species because of the favourable environmental conditions, high population density, large quantities of imports, a significant goods-producing sector, geographic location, proximity to major international shipping channels and the degraded habitat and ecosystems that exist in certain regions. If passed, the act would make Ontario the only jurisdiction in Canada to enact standalone legislation around invasive species. More than 20 pieces of legislation touch on the issue, but none is all encompassing. If passed, the Invasive Species Act will focus on prevention, early detection, rapid response and eradication of the species. For a complete list of invasive species, refer to Ontario's Invasive Species 2012 Strategic Plan on the Province's website, www.ontario.ca. Some things you retire from. Others you retire to. Discover Amica Mature Lifestyles' newest retirement residence, currently under construction in the heart of Bronte Village. Amica at Oakville will offer a care-free, all-inclusive lifestyle featuring first class accommodations, amenities and services. We invite you to find out more and reserve your suite soon. FIND OUT MORE Friday, November 21, 2014. 10:00 am - 4:00 pm. Meet Amica representatives at the RBC branch, 2329 Lakeshore Road West, Oakville. All-Inclusive Retirement Living · www.amica.ca 14-1426 Amica at Oakville 160 Bronte Road, Oakville, ON 905.842.8167