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Huron Expositor, 2015-04-22, Page 66 Huron Expositor • Wednesday, April 22, 2015 PC leadership hopeful Elliott talks economic development in Huron County Dave Flaherty Huron Expositor Ontario PC leadership candidate Christine Elliott says there is a disconnect between rural municipalities and the current provincial government. Elliott, along with Huron - Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson, met with a number of repre- sentatives from Huron County at the Benmiller Inn on Saturday to discuss eco- nomic development and the sustainability of rural municipalities. Those in attendance included Huron County Warden Paul Gowing, CAO Brenda Orchard, Karen Davis, president and CEO of Alexandra Marine General Hospital, SWEA Huron rep- resentative John Grace, Huron County economic development board member Stephen Sparling, county employee Natasha Fritzley and Chris Watson of Engage HurON. A recurrent theme of the discussion was the divide between rural and urban communities in Ontario. "When it comes to rural and urban, we often feel like we are not part of the con- versation," Sparling said. "People are here by choice. If Ontario doesn't provide opportunities, people will be elsewhere by choice:" Orchard said that Huron County is one of the coun- try's highest agricultural pro- ducers but that seems to be ignored by the province. "How does the province become sustainable if we don't have sustainable food sources," she asked, adding that the only way for there to be a strong Ontario is to have strong rural and urban communities. In Davis' view, the prob- lem is urban communities may not see the relevance of less populated areas. Orchard said there is sometimes a lack of commu- nication from the provincial government when it comes to economic development. The former Bluewater Dentention Centre's uncer- tain future is frustrating to Orchard. She said the government is missing out on a "fantastic opportunity" by allowing it to sit empty for the past few years. "They have clearly chosen an urban agenda," Elliott said of the Liberal govern- ment. "They need to make decisions based on econom- ics not politics." The government needs to make a better effort to work with businesses, she added. "It's a simple concept," she said. There is no lack of eco- nomic development oppor- tunities within Huron County, Watson said. "We have the infrastruc- ture to do great things," he said. "All we need is a spark." Watson said there are many young people who want to stay in the area but 121XVSNOWNIA leave due to a lack of opportunity. "It's the skill sets that is missing," Grace responded, explaining that businesses are having trouble attracting young professionals because there is a lack of high -skilled jobs in the region. He said when those in the 25 to 32 -year-old age range do take on jobs here, they are not staying for very long due to a number of reasons. Grace predicated that the growing senior population in Huron County will see a reversal within the next five years due to a lack of "organ- ized rural transportation." The War Amps Key Tag Service It's free — and it works! "Thanks so much for returning my keys. You saved me the $400 cost of replacing my electronic fob."— Diane Protect the valuables on your key ring with a War Amps key tag and help support programs for amputees. Order key tags online. 1 lie vvar rumps 1 800 250-3030 waramps.ca 1 11 II Your Charitable Registration No.:131969628 RR0001 Orchard added that "re - urbanization" of seniors is occurring because residents with health issues want to be close to health care facilities. Davis said there needs to be an onus on all of the pro- vincial political parties to work together. "As long as we have parti- san politics we will never really have change," Davis said. She wanted to know what the Conservatives will do to "break the cycle." Naming former Premier Bill Davis as an example of a politician who broke away from partisan thinking, Elliott b-Pni ICE BF OPP asks for help after salt pile damaged Huron County Ontario Pro- vincial Police (OPP) officers are currently investigating a mischief that has caused an estimated $5,000 to $7,500 in damages to a local business in Vanastra. Huron OPP officers were dispatched to Saltco Incorporated located at 3rd Street in Vanastra this week after the owner observed extensive dam- age to the large stock- pile of salt at this location. Sometime between Friday, April 10th and Monday, April 13th, 2015 unknown suspects climbed onto the top of the salt pile and proceeded to cut said she likes "consensus decisions" and while politi- cians "don't always have to agree" it is imperative they work together. Sparling said he senses that "causal viewers" of Ontario politics may see things as "toxic" and that a "sense of discontent" could seen in voter turnout to last year's election. "We are really desperate for leadership," he said. In conclusion, Elliott said the discussion was "very helpful" and commended all those in attendance for their commitment to their communities. the straps that held the large tarps in place. This caused numerous salt bags to shift and fall cre- ating a large hole in the center of the salt pile. Additionally, those respon- sible cut several large holes in the tarps which allowed water to pen- etrate into the salt pile causing further damage. The cost to repair the tarps and re -pile the salt is estimated to be around $5,000 to $7,000. Police encourage nearby residents and those pass- ing by to contact police immediately if tres- passers are observed on or in the immedi- ate area of this salt pile. Any person with informa- tion regarding this inci- dent should immedi- ately contact Huron OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or (519) 524-8314. Ii1;C 1JflJRC'H ORY You are invited to attend these area churches ST. THOMAS ANGLICAN 21 Jarvis St., Seaforth Rector The Rev. Karine Snowdon Rectory 519-482-9071 Church Office 519-527-1522 Sunday April 26 Worship at 9:30 am ACW Soup & Salad Luncheon Wed April 29 from 11:30 am -1 pm Everyone Welcome EGMONDVILLE UNITED CHURCH Pastor Steve Hildebrand Youth Coordinator - Laura Nakamura Worship April 26th 10:30 am Youth Sunday School at 10:30 a.m. For more information view our web site www,egmondvilleunitedchurch.com & Like us on Facebook Saturday May 9th 8 am -11am Annual Homemade Pies & More & Perennial Plant Sale ST. JAMES ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH Welcomes You 14 Victoria Street, Seaforth 519-345-2972 Sat. Mass 5 pm • Sun. Mass 9 am ST. PATRICK'S, DUBLIN Sun. Mass 11 a.m. FR. BRIAN McCOLL TO ADVERTISE IN THIS SPACE PLEASE CALL THE HURON EXPOSITOR 519-527-0240 BETHEL BIBLE CHURCH An Associated Gospel Church 126 Main St. Seaforth 519-527-0982 Rev. Mark Kennedy Sunday Worship Service 11 a.m. Sunday School for all ages 9:45 a.m. Tuesday Evenings Youth Groups - Junior & Senior High 6:30 to 9 p.m. Boys & Girls Club 7 p.m. Wednesdays 7 p.m. Men's & Women's Bible StudySunday. C� EVERYONE WELCOME FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 59 Goderich St. W. Seaforth 519-527-0170 Rev. Rob Congram Lorrie Mann - Organist Sunday Worship April 26th, 11:00 a.m. Mother's Day Breakfast Sunday May 10, 7:30 - 10:00 a.m. School ALL WELCOME C. Nursery Provided as Needed 121XVSNOWNIA leave due to a lack of opportunity. "It's the skill sets that is missing," Grace responded, explaining that businesses are having trouble attracting young professionals because there is a lack of high -skilled jobs in the region. He said when those in the 25 to 32 -year-old age range do take on jobs here, they are not staying for very long due to a number of reasons. Grace predicated that the growing senior population in Huron County will see a reversal within the next five years due to a lack of "organ- ized rural transportation." The War Amps Key Tag Service It's free — and it works! "Thanks so much for returning my keys. You saved me the $400 cost of replacing my electronic fob."— Diane Protect the valuables on your key ring with a War Amps key tag and help support programs for amputees. Order key tags online. 1 lie vvar rumps 1 800 250-3030 waramps.ca 1 11 II Your Charitable Registration No.:131969628 RR0001 Orchard added that "re - urbanization" of seniors is occurring because residents with health issues want to be close to health care facilities. Davis said there needs to be an onus on all of the pro- vincial political parties to work together. "As long as we have parti- san politics we will never really have change," Davis said. She wanted to know what the Conservatives will do to "break the cycle." Naming former Premier Bill Davis as an example of a politician who broke away from partisan thinking, Elliott b-Pni ICE BF OPP asks for help after salt pile damaged Huron County Ontario Pro- vincial Police (OPP) officers are currently investigating a mischief that has caused an estimated $5,000 to $7,500 in damages to a local business in Vanastra. Huron OPP officers were dispatched to Saltco Incorporated located at 3rd Street in Vanastra this week after the owner observed extensive dam- age to the large stock- pile of salt at this location. Sometime between Friday, April 10th and Monday, April 13th, 2015 unknown suspects climbed onto the top of the salt pile and proceeded to cut said she likes "consensus decisions" and while politi- cians "don't always have to agree" it is imperative they work together. Sparling said he senses that "causal viewers" of Ontario politics may see things as "toxic" and that a "sense of discontent" could seen in voter turnout to last year's election. "We are really desperate for leadership," he said. In conclusion, Elliott said the discussion was "very helpful" and commended all those in attendance for their commitment to their communities. the straps that held the large tarps in place. This caused numerous salt bags to shift and fall cre- ating a large hole in the center of the salt pile. Additionally, those respon- sible cut several large holes in the tarps which allowed water to pen- etrate into the salt pile causing further damage. The cost to repair the tarps and re -pile the salt is estimated to be around $5,000 to $7,000. Police encourage nearby residents and those pass- ing by to contact police immediately if tres- passers are observed on or in the immedi- ate area of this salt pile. Any person with informa- tion regarding this inci- dent should immedi- ately contact Huron OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or (519) 524-8314.