Halton Region was incorporated in 1974 by the Province of Ontario, strengthening the County form of government by making services formerly managed by the Province of Ontario more directly accountable and accessible to the residents and taxpayers. Today, Halton Region provides many services to its residents. Halton covers over 232,000 acres of land (967 square km), including a 25-km frontage onto Lake Ontario. The approximate population of Halton Region in 2006 was 439,000. The local municipalities of Burlington, Halton Hills, Milton, and Oakville comprise Halton Region.