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Home My WebLink AboutThe Citizen, 2011-12-15, Page 6PAGE 6. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2011. Blood donor clinic on Dec. 28 in Brussels Brussels class asks for help Ex-smoker praises STOP program Writer concerned about area campgrounds THE EDITOR, The graduating class of Brussels Public School is asking for the community’s help. On Saturday, Jan. 7 we are running a Bottle Drive starting at 9 a.m. We are planning on going door to door to pick up empty beer and liquor bottles. We will then turn them in and collect the refund which will go towards our graduation in June (which will be the last graduation at Brussels Public School). If you are not home, you can simply put your empties in a box at the end of your driveway and we will pick them up. If you have questions, please call Shelley Ducharme at 519-887-9860. Thank you in advance for your help. The Grade 8 students of Brussels Public School. THE EDITOR, The ratepayers of the Township of North Huron should know that North Huron Council is selling your parkland in the Wingham Ward. In a recent survey conducted by the township, the residents indicated that, in their opinion, communication was one of the top three priorities. Communication has not been forthcoming with respect to the sale of this riverfront parkland. Previous Town of Wingham Councils, with wisdom and foresight, assembled parkland along the south side of the North Maitland River from Victoria Street (Wingham Legion) continuously to the east boundary of the municipality. It has taken our present Council two meetings to pass motions declaring the section of this parkland from Victoria Street to John Street to be surplus to their requirements and to be sold by a Request for Proposal. Public comment was not requested and my experience is that it is not welcomed. Based on my discussions with councillors, senior administration, a presentation to council and attendance at an unpublicized site meeting held on Dec. 7, the situation as I see it is as follows: The parkland outlined above has been declared “surplus to the needs of the township”. This declaration is made in spite of the fact that a trunk sanitary sewer serving about 40 per cent of the town runs the entire length of the parkland to be sold. This area is also used by the Wingham Community Trail. The land is surplus, but the township still needs to continue using the land, so they propose to maintain use of the land by way of easements. The subject parkland is also used as a 45- site campground and has been utilized as such for over 50 years. This campground seems to be at the centre of the push to sell this land. At least one councillor thinks the township shouldn’t be in the campground business. If this position is shared by a majority of councillors, I wonder which campground will be next to be “surplus”. The township has two campgrounds and both have been operating for a lengthy period of time. Both former councils for Blyth and Wingham thought it was a facility they should provide for the benefit of their municipality. Senior administration say they don’t have the expertise to manage a campground. A lame excuse. Previous councils managed. Senior administration says the Wingham campground loses money. It depends on how you massage the numbers. Based on the budget information available to the public, the 2011 budget shows a projected deficit of $649. Financial reports for 2009 and 2010 show a profit of approximately $2,800 and $3,400 respectively. Basically, it breaks even while charging 65 per cent of the going rate for all types of camping and with little advertising and promotion. The Blyth campground shows similar operating results and basically breaks even. It would be nice if all recreation programs operated that way. Senior administration stated that the property is being sold to help address the township budget and high property tax. There’s no doubt our property taxes are high. Selling the parkland will provide a one-time cash infusion and maybe a small increase in tax revenue. But will it make a significant impact on a $17 million budget? Is it going to really make a different to our tax rate? Shouldn’t the public have some input into a decision of this importance? Council knows my position on this action to dispose of our riverfront parkland. Do they know how you feel about this matter? Call, write or e-mail your councillor, wish them a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and state your position. Art Clark, Wingham. THE EDITOR, I am a fortunate ex-smoker who had the chance to quit last year with the help of free nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) or “the patch”. I say fortunate because there are few places in Huron County that you can get it free – and it was a lifesaver (literally). I see that the STOP program is back in Huron County in January with free NRT and I just wanted to encourage all smokers who want to quit to sign up. The people who love you will thank you for it – my kids do regularly. You can call the Huron County Health Unit to sign up. Wade Sanford, Zurich. THE EDITOR, Canadian Blood Services is asking Canadians to give the “perfect gift” – give blood. As retailers scramble this holiday season to re-stock their shelves with holiday gifts, Canadian Blood Services is asking eligible Canadians to take one hour of their busy schedule to ensure our shelves are replenished with the gifts that will make a difference to hospital patients this season. Over 101,000 life-saving “gifts” are needed this holiday season for hospital patients across the country. Canadian Blood Services is rallying communities such as Brussels and surrounding area as a way to show that collectively, blood donations can make a positive impact on someone’s life. Here is your opportunity to give the “perfect gift” this holiday season, Wednesday, Dec. 28 at the Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Call 1-888-2-DONATE (1-888- 236-6283) or visit www.blood.ca to book an appointment today and give the perfect gift this holiday season. To help meet the continuing need for blood, donors who have an appointment in the coming weeks are urged to honour it. New donors and walk-ins welcome. Best regards, Marisa Gatfield Community Development Co-ordinator Canadian Blood Services. 440 Turnberry St., Brussels 519-887-6851 OLDFIELD Get 4G Satellite wireless internet from • reliable high-speed internet - faster than dial-up • won’t tie-up your phone line • access from new tower in Ethel Call for information on available packages A Gift the whole family will love... When you need to get the job done ~ Call us! CONSTRUCTION LTD. Ph.: 519-887-9061 R.R. #2 Bluevale Fax: 519-335-3570 •Licensed Septic Installations • Screened & Field Topsoil • Bark Mulch • Sand • Gravel • Fill • Bulldozing • Excavating • Loading & Hauling • Crushed Asphalt John Letters to the Editor BUY? SELL? TRY CLASSIFIED Find a job or advertise a job on the Jobs In Huron section of our website at www.northhuron.on.ca