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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2011-03-17, Page 14PAGE 14. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2011. Sett Any Spring Tune-Up Special (all makes and models) $6995 We work on all makes and models Call Chris today to book your unit! Is Your Lawn & Garden Equipment Ready For Spring? Includes: • Wash Off • Level Deck • Sharpen Blades Check: • Belts & Pulleys • Battery & Electrical Connections • Steering & Front Axle Parts, Filters & Oil Extra McGavin Farm Equipment 519-887-6365 Walton 1-877-887-6365 Check for 75th Anniversary Specials in McGavin Rural Express Orville’s proud Students at Blyth Public School participated in their annual science fair last week just before they got an early March Break. Shown here, Kathryn Chalmers and Mackenzie Nesbitt (right) show off their scrumptious science tests that studied the properties of popcorn. (Denny Scott photo) Potential gravel pit property severance deferredMorris-Turnberry councillors, at their March 8 meeting, reluctantly deferred a decision on a severance application for a surplus farm residence in Turnberry Ward. Councillors questioned County Planner Carol Leeming about why the county department was advising the deferral. Leeming said thedeferral would give the applicant an opportunity to withdraw the application and request a refund of the application fee since it was unlikely it would be approved. The difficulty, she pointed out, is that this is unlike a normal severance of a surplus residence on farmland, since the farm has been listed as a site for possible future aggregateextraction development. If the housewas separate from the farm propertyit might create a constraint on future development of the gravel resource on the site. “There are no severance policies for this kind of severance,” she told council, noting that it goes against both the municipality’s official plan and the provincial policy statement. Councillors questioned Leemingwhether the aggregate designationcould be lifted on the property butshe said studies would have to be carried out to prove there wasn’t aggregate potential there before the designation could be removed. Deputy-Mayor Jason Breckenridge was disturbed by the implications that severances wouldn’t be allowed on properties designated withpotential for aggregate extraction.He counted 80 properties inTurnberry Ward alone that would be prevented from seeking a severance. Realizing that the application was unlikely to be approved at the county level anyway, councillors agreed to defer their decision. Bailey feels REACH advertising misplaced on NH site Councillor Bernie Bailey of North Huron Township feels that advertising for local events is lacking on the municipality’s website. Bailey discovered that many things are advertised for the Clinton- based Regional Agriculture and Equine Centre of Huron on North Huron’s (REACH) municipal website, and feels that it should focus on North Huron’s recreational opportunities. Chief Administrative Officer Gary Long explained to Bailey that the municipality wants its site to be of use to everyone and show activities within the immediate area. Bailey stated he appreciated that idea, but said that, as a councillor he would like to see more research for things going on in recreational centres in North Huron. The advertising, and some other changes, are part of what Bailey feels needs to be done as the complex is “costing [the municipality] a fortune”. “I want to see facilities [like the Wescast Complex] break even, or have minimal losses,” he said. “We need to turn endless spending into profits, or at least breaking even.” *** North Huron council is seeking a means to end smoking around F. E. Madill Secondary School and the site for the proposed Wingham Public School. Council debated the issue during its March 8 regular meeting, and concerns were expressed that the teenagers smoking near the F.E. Madill would make a bad impression on younger children. Unfortunately, council was informed that, since the ground belongs to the school board, they would not be able to mandate the uses of it, and they found it cost- prohibitive to research the option. By Denny Scott The Citizen Huron-Bruce NDP federal candidate, Grant Robertson, was honoured with an award at a recent National Farmers’ Union (NFU) Convention. Grant was awarded the Grassroots Award – an annual award given to a recipient from each region of Canada,” says Huron-Bruce NDP President Willi Laurie. “The winner of the award is chosen based on their dedication to furthering the interests of farmers in their region and across Canada and Grant Robertson was a clear choice.” Terry Boehm, President of the NFU says that “Grant Robertson was presented with a Grassroots award from the NFU this year in recognition of his tireless work on behalf of family farmers and all citizens. Grant has always worked hard to advance the interests of the ordinary person whether it was in Ottawa working with politicians there or at the provincial level. His clear head and straight forward manner are always valued.” As Ontario Director of the NFU, Robertson was a frequent visitor to Queen's Park and to Ottawa where he worked with senior bureaucrats and politicians from all parties. Huron-Bruce NDP candidate Grant Robertson given award by NFU By Keith RoulstonThe Citizen