Spring is here, but it feels strange; the beginning of May and the furnace is still running. It has been many years since we have had this happen, as usually the air conditioners are going on the same day we shut the furnaces down for the season.

I am pleased to report council has finalized the 2008 budget and Ward 10 Stoney Creek came in with a 2.5 per cent property tax increase.

Upgrades in the budget for Ward 10 include the continuation of infrastructure repairs on Barton Street from Millen Road to Hewitson Road. These improvements will include increased storm sewer capacity at Millen Road and Margaret Avenue to meet the needs when urbanization begins on these two roads. I will be delivering newsletters to the neighbourhood in the next few weeks.

New play equipment will be installed at Ferris Park and the pedestrian pathway will be upgraded this year. Wood chips in the Eastdale Park play area will be replaced with stone and new swings will be installed. Memorial Park Bocce Courts will be rehabilitated.

I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who participated in Pitch-In Week this year and volunteered to clean up an area of your neighbourhood.

I was pleased to see the neighbourhood involvement at the Church Street turtle ponds and Edgelake Park, Ferris Park, along with several other areas in Ward 10. It is encouraging to see more neighbourhood residents taking 'ownership' of their parks and open spaces. If everyone just did a little bit, it would make a huge difference for all.

This winter, a lot of litter was created from blue box materials escaping and I ask you to try and pack your blue boxes to reduce the chances of this happening.

Remember illegal dumping costs us all! Residents interested in trying to stop neighbours from illegally dumping can do so by providing information when such activity occurs, including vehicle description, vehicle plate number, and time, etc. By-law enforcement staff will try to track the offender down and address the issue.

On another note, I am pleased to advise that Sunday HSR hours in Stoney Creek will be adjusted from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. to 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. starting in June. Notification on the routes will be forthcoming.

Don't forget to mark your calendars for the annual Canada Flag Day parade, in downtown Stoney Creek, at noon on Saturday, June 7 and the Battle of Stoney Creek Re-Enactment, June 7, noon to 10 p.m. and Sunday, June 8, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Battlefield Park. Re-enactments will occur June 7 at 3:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. and June 8 at 2 p.m.

There will also be a Flag Day Kickoff at The Old Powerhouse Restaurant and Wine Village on Saturday, May 31 at 6 p.m. with outdoor musical entertainment from Powerhouse and Stella.