Thursday 30 June 2011

Hot Weather Warning this Holiday weekend. Be Safe!


Issued for Windsor-Essex County for Saturday, July 2, 2011

WINDSOR-ESSEX COUNTY— Dr. G. Allen Heimann, Medical Officer of Health, has issued a heat alert for Windsor-Essex County for Saturday, July 2, 2011, with humidex values of 40 or higher in the forecast. Extremely hot weather and humidity can be very dangerous. The Windsor Essex County Heat Alert Response Committee and the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit urge residents to follow these steps to “Stay Cool” and enjoy a healthy summer:

  • Drink plenty of water.
  • Go to an air conditioned place. Those looking for a place to go can call 211 or visit StayCoolWindsor-Essex.com for the latest locations.
  • Wear a hat and lightweight loose-fitting clothing.
  • Take a cool bath or shower.
  • Limit outdoor activities to the coolest part of the day.
  • Check on your neighbours and family.
  • Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles.
  • If you feel ill, faint, have difficulty breathing, or feel disoriented, visit your doctor or nearest hospital right away. In an emergency, call 911.

The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit is also advising residents and visitors to keep a close eye on family, friends, and neighbours that are at higher risk of heat health illnesses. Those particularly vulnerable include, older adults, infants, young children, people with chronic illnesses, the homeless population, and those who work or exercise in the heat.

For more information or the latest Heat Alert informationcall 211 or visit StayCoolWindsor-Essex.com.

Wednesday 29 June 2011

Travel Tips to Help Expedite Your Border Crossing

     Summer means increased cross-border traffic with the vacation season kick-off on the July 1 to 4 long weekend. On average, weekend traffic volumes during July and August are significantly higher than weekends during the spring and fall. 
     Last year, heavier than normal Canada-bound traveller volumes were experienced on Friday from 3 p.m. to midnight, Saturday from 11 a.m. to midnight and Sunday from 11 a.m. to midnight. It is anticipated that border crossings into Canada will be busier this coming Thursday through Monday, with both Americans and Canadians taking advantage of the long weekend.


Tip 1
 Ensure that you have proper identification for yourself and everyone in the vehicle readily available. Acceptable forms of identification for entry into both the United States and Canada include a passport, a NEXUS card and an enhanced driver’s licence.  

Tip 2
 Children under the age of 16 can present an original copy of their birth certificate, passport or NEXUS card as preferred identification. When travelling with children, have their identification ready. For any child who is travelling without their parents or travelling with non custodial parents, be prepared to provide a letter of permission along with parental contact information.  

Tip 3
 Plan ahead and check border wait times at HYPERLINK "http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/bwt-taf/menu-eng.html" \o "http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/menu-eng.html"www.cbsa.gc.ca, or follow us on  HYPERLINK "http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/new-neuf/twitter-eng.html" Twitter for hourly border wait time updates at  HYPERLINK "http://twitter.com/" \l "!/CBSA_BWT" BWT_CBSA. Avoid crossing during peak travel times, and consider crossing at the least busy port of entry in the area whenever possible.

Tip 4
 Declare all purchases made and have your receipts readily available. Know your personal exemptions, including those for alcohol and tobacco. Remember there are no personal exemptions for same-day, cross-border shopping trips, so be prepared to pay Harmonized Sales Tax on those purchases and possibly duty. After an absence of 24 hours, you may bring back CAN$50 tax- and duty-free; after an absence of 48 hours you may bring CAN$400; and after 7 days, CAN$750.

Tip 5
 Consider applying for  HYPERLINK "http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/nexus/menu-eng.html" NEXUS and save time at air, marine and land ports of entry when entering Canada or the United States. Visit  HYPERLINK "http://www.nexus.gc.ca" www.nexus.gc.ca for more information or to apply for a membership. NEXUS lanes are available at the Queenston–Lewiston Bridge from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; at the Peace Bridge from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. between Victoria Day and Labour Day; at the Ambassador Bridge from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday to Friday, and from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. during weekends and holidays; at the Blue Water Bridge from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and at the Windsor–Detroit Tunnel from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Remember that in the Niagara area, the Whirlpool Bridge is a NEXUS-only bridge.

Tip 6
Declare all money or monetary instruments equal to or over CAN$10,000

Tip 7
 Souvenirs can be a fun way to remember your vacation, but certain goods are prohibited from entering Canada, including some food, plant and animal products. Be aware of what goods are prohibited from entering Canada by consulting the  HYPERLINK "http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/pub/bsf5056-eng.html" \o "http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/pub/bsf5056-eng.html" I Declare brochure, available at  HYPERLINK "http://www.cbsa.gc.ca" www.cbsa.gc.ca.

Tip 8
 Empty your vehicle’s trunk before the trip other than essential luggage. Additional belongings in your car may add time to your crossing.

Tip 9
 Turn off radios and cell phones when approaching the inspection booths. Roll down window, remove sunglasses and speak directly to the officer.

Tip 10
 Stop at the stop sign when entering a primary lane. The driver of the vehicle should concentrate on driving while a passenger can hold the identification until it is required to be presented to the border services officer.  

Tip 11
 If travelling with firearms or weapons, you must declare them when you enter Canada. If you don’t, border services officers will seize the weapons and may file criminal charges. Those bearing firearms must prove that they are entitled to possess a firearm in Canada. Most weapons are prohibited from entering Canada, including Tasers, brass knuckles, pepper spray and similar items. For information on importing a firearm or weapon into Canada, visit  HYPERLINK "http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/pub/bsf5044-eng.html" www.cbsa.gc.ca

Tip 12
 If travelling with pets, please remember that dogs and cats that are at least three months old need signed and dated certificates from a veterinarian verifying that they have been vaccinated against rabies within the last three years. Service dogs are not subject to any restrictions if the dog is accompanied by its owner.

Tip 13
 Whether camping in Canada or returning from a camping trip, keep these things in mind:

All camping gear, recreational equipment and supplies must be clean and free of pests and soil.
You cannot bring live bait into the country without a permit. Find out more at  HYPERLINK "http://www.beaware.gc.ca" www.beaware.gc.ca
There are certain restrictions on the types and quantities of food products that are allowed to enter Canada.
Firewood cannot be brought into the country because it can introduce invasive species and spread disease to Canada’s trees. Campers should buy firewood on site, burn firewood on site, and leave all unused firewood on site.

Tip 14
 Be patient. The CBSA wishes you happy travels and safe return to Canada.




*Submitted to us from the CBSA.



Friday 24 June 2011

Celebrate Canada Day at Point Pelee National Park


    LEAMINGTON,  ONTARIO,  June  22, 2011– Celebrate Canada’s 144th birthday on
Friday,  July  1  at one of our country’s best known landmarks, Point Pelee
National Park.

     Parks Canada staff has packed all kinds of fun events into the day.  Join
us at 10 am for our Canadian Craft Centre to make your own mini-flag and
show your Canadian pride!  Use your senses and explore our Sensory
Discovery Zone or find out the truth about some of the most unique species
living at Point Pelee National Park at our Myth Busters Station.   Don’t
forget to sing our National Anthem while enjoying a piece of delicious
birthday cake at 1 pm.   All these activities and more are happening at the
Visitor Centre.   Best of all – admission to the park on July 1st is FREE!

Another great reason to visit Point Pelee National Park on Canada Day is to
celebrate the new enhancements to our visitor services, facilities and
activities in the park.  Take a stroll along the new marsh boardwalk or hop
on the new shuttle for a memorable trip to the southernmost Tip of mainland
Canada!

Wednesday 22 June 2011

Humane Society Hopes to Adopt 36 Animals in 36 Hours



     Windsor – The Windsor/Essex County Humane Society’s new Adoption Centre is 
packed at the moment with wonderful animals awaiting their forever home.  In the 
hopes of getting these animals into their new homes as quickly as possible, the 
Humane Society is holding a special adoption event from Wednesday through 
Friday, June 22-25.  For these 3 days only the adoption centre will be open from 
10:00am to 10:00pm each day, and all adoption fees will discounted by 15 
percent!  In addition, all adopted dogs and cats will go home with a free bag of 
Science Diet food, and all dogs and cats over 5 months of age will receive a 
rabies vaccine as part of the adoption package.  This is in addition to all the 
great usual adoption benefits – spay/neuter surgery, microchip, standard 
vaccines, deworming, flea treatment, tests for heartworm (dogs) or FeLV/FIV 
(cats), 6 weeks of health insurance, and post-adoption training classes! 
 
   Spring 2011 has brought in a large number of kittens, as well as a 
higher-than-usual number of puppies.  It is hoped that the Humane Society’s new 
veterinary clinic, scheduled for opening in fall 2011, will help to stem the 
birth of unwanted animals in our community and reduce the number of these 
animals coming through our doors.  However in the meantime, anyone looking to 
adopt a new friend is encouraged to consider the Humane Society, and help us 
reach our goal of adopting 36 animals in 36 hours. 
 
To Adopt Call: 519-966-5751

Tuesday 21 June 2011

Welcome to our new journey!

We are still after 4 weeks, trying to get settled into our new office, with new equipment, new employees, and the lists go on.
Our focus has not changed, just as our customer dedication & appreciation has not either.
We are driving forward as a team, and we are all looking forward to the future of the NEW Essex Free Press Community Newspaper.
Thank you you all for your continued support and patience with us at this time.