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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2012-04-12, Page 8PAGE 8. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 2012.Sports Going the distance The Brussels Blyth PeeWee Local League team became the Western Ontario Athletics Association Finalists after playing the Listowel Cyclones team and taking them all the way to game five in their series. (Photo submitted) Fire station appealed A Belgrave resident has launched an appeal of the zoning change required for construction of a fire station in the community. Lynne Armstrong, who had been the most vocal opponent at the March 6 meeting considering the zoning change required to build a station for the proposed Morris- Turnberry fire service, listed four points in her appeal. She said council “rushed through” the bylaw despite questions and concerns from ratepayers at the meeting. The business plan for the fire service that was outlined at the meeting gave no information on the impact of the zoning change on property values. She also said there is no evidence that the Ministry of Transportation has found it acceptable for fire trucks to enter County Road 4 at the south end of Belgrave. There also was no determination of the availability, cost and impact on water and sewage requirements for institutional use on the property. The appeal could end up in a hearing of the Ontario Municipal Board. Council entered closed session at the end of the April 3 meeting to discuss hiring a lawyer to represent the municipality as the appeal proceeds. Meanwhile, council set May 10 as the date for a public meeting to discuss plans for a fire service, unless agreement can be reached in the meantime to purchase service from North Huron. By Keith Roulston The Citizen Water report heard Morris-Turnberry councillors were pleased with the annual report on the Belgrave water system delivered at their April 3 council meeting. “It’s quite a system,” John Graham, project manager with Veolia Water Canada told council. Mayor Paul Gowing agreed that it was a state-of-the-art system when it was installed. “It’s something to be proud of.” Graham reported three small adverse water quality issues, none of which required boil-water notices. One involved a lab error with retesting showing no problem. One was because of loss of data after a hydro failure. The third was involved with a filter replacement. The system was inspected in November by the Ministry of Environment and recommendations of the inspector have been implemented, Graham said. There remains a higher rate of fluoride in the water than recommended but this is naturally occurring in the well water. Councillor Neil Warwick asked Graham how the average volume of water used by Belgrave users compared to other systems he managed. Graham said the volume was about average. Municipalities with water meters tend to have lower consumption, he said. Council approved a motion to receive the report with Warwick saying he wasn’t comfortable approving it when the report had arrived so late he was unable to study it. By Keith Roulston The Citizen N. Huron rolls out recreation survey The Township of North Huron Recreation and Facilities Department wants to better address the needs of township ratepayers with the services and activities offered at local centres. To that end the department unveiled a resident survey aimed at finding out how North Huron families want to spend their time. The survey will be available online and at the Blyth and Area Community Centre and the North Huron Wescast Community Complex (NHWCC) in paper form. Starting with basic questions to establish the size, location and composition of the family filling out the survey, it asks what recreation programs people currently compete in, whether they are a member of the NHWCC and the reasoning behind not pursuing those activities. It then asks what kind of programs the responder would like to see and at what time they would be able to participate in them. Activities include everything from music to photography to sports. Other questions deal with volunteer opportunities as well as information about the Ontario 55+ Games, formally known as the Ontario Senior Games. Individuals who fill out the survey are entered into a draw for a $300 prize package including a one-hour ice rental at the Blyth or Wingham ice surfaces, a one-hour pool rental at the pool in the NHWCC and a one month complete family membership for the NHWCC. Only surveys received by April 30 will be eligible for the prize drawing. For more information, or to fill out the form, visit the Recreation and Facilities Department on Facebook or visit www.northhuron.ca By Denny Scott The Citizen Bowling for trophies The provincial finals for Master Youth Bowlers was held in Georgetown on March 31 and three locals came away with trophies. Samantha Terpstra won gold as a ‘master’ and Kyle McCourt and Leah Stevenson both won youth gold. The group competed as a three-person team, playing three sets of three games over the course of the weekend. The team qualified for the 24-team tournament by winning at tournament at Molesworth Bowling Lanes. (Photo submitted) The 24th annual Maitland Conservation Foundation Dinner and Auction will be held on April 20 at the Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre. Some exciting new elements are being added to the event to encourage the protection of watershed soil, water and forests. The theme is “building a green future together.” In keeping with this theme there will be a variety of unique auction items including a nature walk led by well-known naturalists Dr. Jane Bowles and Tom Lobb, a sight-seeing flight over the Maitland watershed, canoe paddles painted by local artists, landscaping packages featuring native plants and a butterfly garden. Proceeds from the 2012 dinner and auction will support education programs and local conservation projects. Tickets are $40 dollars per person, $375 for a table of eight and table sponsorships are $125. The Foundation is still gathering donations for the auction. Items related to conservation activities and outdoor recreation are specifically being sought. “We’re interested in products made locally inspired by the natural environment,” reports Shelley Miller Cameron, MCF Dinner and Auction Co-ordinator. “All donations and monetary contributions are greatly appreciated.” For tickets or information e-mail foundation@mvca.on.ca or call 519-335-3557. Blyth Brussels Minor Hockey & Blyth & Brussels Skating Clubs REGISTRATION & PAYMENT NIGHTS April 16 from 7 - 9 pm in Blyth Arena & April 17 from 7-9 pm Brussels Arena MVCA fundraiser to be held in Brussels