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Home My WebLink AboutHuron Expositor, 2014-07-09, Page 44 Huron Expositor • Wednesday, July 9, 2014 www.seaforthhuronexpositor com Seaforth Expositor PUBLISHED WEEKLY — EST. 1860 RO. Box 69, 8 Main Street Seaforth Ontario NOK phone: 519-527-0240 fax: 519-527-2858 www.seaforthhuronexpositor SUN MEDIA A Quebecor Media Company NEIL CLIFFORD Publisher neil.clifford@sunmedia.ca MAXWELL BICKFORD Advertising Rep. max.bickford@sunmedia.ca DIANNE MCGRATH Front Office seaforth.classifieds@sunmedia.ca WHITNEY SOUTH Multimedia Journalist seaforth.news@sunmedia.ca SUBSCRIPTION RATES 1 YEAR $50.00 (47.62+2.38 GST) 2YEAR $95.00 (90.48+4.52 GST) SENIORS 60 WEEKS $50.00 (47.62+2.38 GST) 120 WEEKS $95.00 (90.48+4.52 GST) Publications Mail Agreement No. 40064683 RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO CIRCULATION DEPARTMENT P.O. Box 69 Seaforth ON NOK IWO For any non -deliveries or delivery concerns: phone: 519-527-0240 Advertising is accepted on condition that in the event of a typographical error, the advertising space occupied by the erroneous item, together with a reasonable allowance for signature, will not be charged, but the balance of the advertisement wit be paid for at the applicable rate. In the event of a typographical error, advertising goods or services at a wrong price, goods or services may not be sold. Advertising is merely an offer to set and may be withdrawn at any time. The Huron Expositor is not responsible for the loss or damage of unsolicited manuscripts, photos or other materials used for reproduction purposes. We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canadian Periodical Fund (CET) for our publishing activities. Canada editorial $18 B loss from lakes serious wake-up call WI Agency Rivers so filthy, one on the Ohio shore infamously burst into flames. Water levels so high, cottages and roads were swept away and technical terms for shoreline defences — like rip -rap and shot rock — became household words. Foreign invaders such as the zebra mussel and the goby and now, at the gates, the Asian carp. Southwestern Ontarians can be forgiven for thinking they've seen it all from the Great Lakes in the past genera- tion, that nothing can surprise them about that vast inland sea. Little wonder, then, the problems that plague the lakes that lap our region generally inspire a collective shrug. Save for environmentalists, who have repeatedly warned about the perils oftaking the giant freshwater lakes for granted, we've become used to yo-yoing lake levels, nasties in the water and even the new trend of fall- ing lake levels. If we can't step off the dock at the cottage into a boat, a ladder to climb down will do. If ships can't navigate into ports, we simply assume the goods will move another way. The bottom line? We think nothing of the costs of tink- ering with the lakes, a complex ecosystem in North Amer- ica's heartland that is a region with nearly 30% of its economy. That's why a new study of falling Great Lakes levels by the Mowat Centre should be a wake-up call not only to Southwestern Ontario, but to the entire Great Lakes basin. Commissioned by the Council of the Great Lakes Region, the think -tank's report for the first time puts a cost to falling lake levels, projecting a hit of more than $18 billion to the region's economy by 2050 if the longest run of falling lake levels in a century continues. That fallout counts only sectors directly affected, like recreational boating and fishing, waterfront property, commercial shipping and the hydro -electric power industry. What natural and man-made factors might account for falling lake levels, and what the solutions might be, is a debate in which Southwestern Ontario has a significant stake. But that begins with paying attention. If the scary changes we've seen in the lakes haven't shaken us out of our lethargy, maybe the dollar signs will. Proms and problems Column Whitney South Huron Expositor For the majority of young adults, prom is a pretty special night. More than just a reason to party, it's not only a celebration of end- ings, but of so many beginnings. Whether they're continuing their schooling, or heading into the working world, these are the moments students will remem- ber as the end of their carefree days and the beginning of their lives as grown-ups. But with prom comes more than fancy dresses and packed limos; it comes with a huge amount of responsibility for not only students, but parents alike. Let's face it, kids drink. No one wants to hear it, and even less want to talk about it, but the fact is it happens. And on a night like prom, it's pretty much a guarantee. So what's the real deal with under- age drinking? Oh, there's speculation and there's rumors, like it's fine as long as your parents have given permission, or ifs fine as long as there's someone of age present. Unfortunately there's not much truth to most of these theories. According to Canadian law, no one under the age of 19 is allowed to consume alcohol without a parent or guardian present Period. But let's be honest here, kids are going to find a way regardless of law or parental expectation. We can all remember our own indiscretions. Bonfires, camping trips and par- ties when our friend's parents were away; heck, we've all been there. And most probably still laugh about good times spent throwing back a couple shots, thinking we were so cool, rebelling and having a great time doing it But that being said, drinkingis no game. If this is happening regardless, whywould you not want it to happen in a safe place? I can see why we don't wantyoung adults to drink, but I can't see why the law shouldn't allow for some leniency if it involves letting kids party in a safe environ- ment. Having a responsible adult around to make sure everyone's safe and sound doesn't seem like such a bad idea. Forcing kids to hide and sneak around can lead to nothing but trou- ble; taling to them and educating them to be responsible can make all the difference. Sticking our heads in the sand and ignoring what's going on won't help anyone. IGds need to be taught what's right and what's wrong when it comes to alcohol. Drinldng in moderation, making sure they're in a secure environment and ensuring they have a safe and sober ride home are just a few things we can instill in the younger generation. Laws are important, there's no question. Following them ensures the safety of not only ourselves, but of society as a whole. But when a lawbecomes so out of touch with the reality of what's going on today, maybe it's time to take a look at what needs to be changed. get it 41A1 1110 seaforthhuronexpositor.com Get all of your news, sports and more. Serving Seaforth and surrounding area www.seaforthhuronexpositor.com SEAFORTH HURON EXPOSITOR — HOURS OF OPERATION MONDAY: 9:00 - 5:00 • TUESDAY: - CLOSED • WEDNESDAY: - 9:00 - 5:00 • THURSDAY: - 9:00 - 5:00 • FRIDAY: - 9:00 - 5:00 • SATURDAY & SUNDAY: - CLOSED ADVERTISING DEADLINE: FRIDAY AT 2:00 • PHONE 519-527-0240 • FAX: 519-527-2858 www.seaforthhuronexpositorcom