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9 | O akville B eaver | T hursday,M arch 11,2021 insidehalton.com cn.ca COMMUNITYNOTICE ANNUAL VEGETATIONMANAGEMENT PROGRAM Every year, CN is required to clear its right-of-way of any vegetation that may pose a safety hazard. Vegetation on railway right-of-way, if left uncontrolled, can contribute to trackside fires and impair proper inspection of track infrastructure. For safe railway operations, CN will conduct its annual vegetation control program on its rail lines in the province of Ontario. A certified professional will be applying herbicides on wand around the railway tracks (primarily along the 16 feet graveled area/ballast). All product requirements for setbacks in the vicinity of dwellings, aquatic environments and municipal water supplies will be met. The program is expected to take place from April to October 2021. Visit www.cn.ca/vegetation to see the list of cities as well as the updated schedule. For more information, contact the CN Public Inquiry Line at contact@cn.ca or 1-888-888-5909. The pressures of the pandemic have forced some local business owners to shut their doors and many others to wonder if they will survive. What do we lose when these businesses close? A place to shop, but also employment, a vibrant downtown core, their support of cultural events and local causes, a sense of community. a series that explores the vital role locally owned businesses play in our communities launches March 15 at Love Local local business? What is the value of a InsideHalton.com/lovelocal BUSINESS A young Oakville ac- tress is finding her new role a comfortable fit. "I really enjoyed playing Biff as we share many of the same qualities," said Riley O'Donnell, who plays the part of "rough and tum- ble troublemaker" Biff Hooper in The Hardy Boys, which premiered Friday (Mar. 5) on YTV Original. "There are definitely some aspects of Biff that I see in myself. A few traits I think we share are our in- dependence, love for ad- ventures, curiosity, and be- ing a little mischievous. I remember when I first au- ditioned for this role, I read the character description and thought to myself 'Hey, this character seems kind of like me'." Biff is best friends with Joe Hardy, who along with his brother Frank, become amateur detectives in their small town of Bridgeport. Riley liked that her character was "focused on doing the right thing and helping her friends in need." "Her loyalty to the peo- ple that mattered in her life was quite strong. I also en- joyed that it was set in the 80s. I think that today, as our lives revolve around technology, it is nice to see a group (of) kids solving mysteries using only their brains and a few walkie talkies," said the 15-year- old Grade 9 student, who has been full-time student and performer since the age of nine. "It can be a lot of work to balance both, but my schools have been very supportive and flexible in helping me juggle every- thing. I think it would actu- ally be more weird for me just to do typical school without having to balance acting." Riley's first role was Young Fiona in a commu- nity production of Shrek the Musical, but prior to that she had sung in area competitions and music festivals receiving numer- ous scholarships and awards. She then went on to play Ginette in The Hockey Sweater, a musical which earned her two nomina- tions, one for Outstanding Supporting Performance from the Montreal English Theatre Awards and the other for Best Performance by a Female in a Featured Role from Broadway World. Three years ago, she combined her skills as a performer and gymnast as a lead in Big Top Academy, a show produced in part- nership with Cirque du So- leil, for TVO Kids and Dis- covery Kids. "I've really enjoyed my acting experiences so far and I feel fortunate to have worked in theatre, televi- sion, and voice. One area where I haven't worked yet is on a feature film and I think that would be very exciting." Currently though, she is focused on learning and growing as an actor, she said. "Although it's probably too early to tell exactly what I want to do, I think it would also be interesting to learn more about working behind the camera." The Hardy Boys airs Fridays at 9 p.m. REDISCOVERING HER MISCHIEVOUS SIDE Riley O'Donnell plays Biff in the YTV series The Hardy Boys. YTV photo KATHY YANCHUS kyanchus@metroland.com NEWS YOUNG ACTRESS PART OF NEW HARDY BOYS SHOW "It is nice to see a group (of) kids solving mysteries using only their brains and a few walkie talkies." - Riley O'Donnell