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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2010-05-13, Page 10PAGE 10. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MAY 13, 2010.ACW residents attempt to sway councilResidents of Port Albert expressedconcern with a recent movementamong ACW councillors in regards to the township budget at council’s May 4 meeting. The original ACW budget, which was tabled during council’s April 16 meeting, included a $1.2 million restructuring of Port Albert’s London Road Corridor including drainage and repaving. The job, which would only cost the township approximately $300,000, came under scrutiny when councillors suggested that funds may be better used to fix existing bridges outlined in a report as needing service, since London Road, while an important project, wasn’t a dire one. Victoria Street, which is what London Road is called in Port Albert, suffers from improper drainage issues, which prevents building permits from being issued to affected properties. John Talbot spoke on behalf of several property owners in the area, trying to convince council to leave the London Road project on the budget. “People have [waited] to build on these lots,” he said. “We’ve turned down offers on this land, we’ve worked with the township, we justwant to be able to build and we’reconcerned with the way thingspanned out during the [meetingwhen the budget was tabled].”Talbot stated that there was light at the end of the three-year-tunnel for everyone involved in the drainage issue with the budget, and stated that council should really consider this expenditure. Rob Ireland, another concerned citizen, stated that drainage issues not only prevent building in the area, but also plague existing homes with floods. “When it rains, people have hoses out of their windows,” he said. “And the area smells of drainage.” Ireland stated that both he and his brother have spent in excess of $30,000 to prepare lots for building, paying for legal fees and surveys, and are afraid the investment will be for naught. Ireland said that bridges are an important part of the township, given the amount of rivers that are traversed in the area, but wonders if there isn’t some way council can repair the bridges to allow them to remain in service. “We’re not against bridges,” he said. “We’re not against safety, but is there not some way we can repair the bridges to get them through the next few years [to allow the London Road project to happen]?”Councillor Barry Millianreiterated his statements from thedecision to table the budget.“We recognize the value ofLondon Road,” he said. “It’s a worthwhile project... and this is not an easy decision. “I’m not prepared to take the responsibility [of not having the bridges repaired],” Millian said. The delegation from Port Albert said that while their individual concerns are important, it is also important to remember that the village is planning a large celebration in 2011 called Rev’n in 11 to celebrate the village’s 175th birthday. Reeve Ben Van Diepenbeek said that even if the project is approved in the budget, it is a longer process tothe groundbreaking.“The budget will have to be passedand that won’t happen until our firstmeeting in June at the earliest, thenthere will be a 30-day appeal period for residents to air grievances with the budget,” he said. “Then we’ll have to make sure that everyone affected by the project agrees with it, and provided there are no appeals regarding the project or the budget, tenders will still need to be made for the work. “Even if there are no challenges and the project is passed in budget, work won’t start until late August at the earliest and might not be completed until spring of 2011,” the Reeve said. A little certainly does go a long way. This is expressed with many thanks from the Olympians group to those who supported them throughout the last year. As many of our readers are aware there is a great youth and children's ministry that happens at the Huron Chapel Evangelical Missionary Church in Auburn. The Olympian team would like to thank everyone who gave their support this year. Thank you to those who contributed to the MCC relief kits. The Olympians are appreciative to all who came out to their awards night and are pleased with the great year they had together. As the year continues, with the summer months soon approaching, the church is looking for a garden- care volunteer; an experienced gardener is looking for someone who would like to learn about gardening or if you are an experienced gardener and would like to volunteer to look after gardens, please get in contact with the church and ask to speak with Jeannette McNeil, John Haak or Marie Scott. Moving forward with great causes as well, once again, El Salvador missions is selling Elmira Poultry Products to raise money for their next trip. There are brochures at the church. There is always a room for the little ones as well, the Knox United Church would like to extend their support and great fullness for the baptism of Payton Emily Marie Curran the daughter of Rebecca and Christopher Curran. This is a wonderful celebration that was held on Mother’s Day at the Knox United Church. The family fellowship continues at the Clinton United Church with the presentation of the Gospel Jubilee 2010 on Sunday, May 16 at 7:30 p.m. featuring violinist Ben Brown, the Rose Andrews Quartet, Gary and the Squeeze-G's and the Clinton United Choir and Band. Admission will be $10 at the door. The Londesborough United Church Family Movie Night will be held on Friday, May 28 at 7 p.m. Toy Story will be shown and everyone is welcome. There are a lot of activities happening around for families, check it out and get involved. An auction sale for El Salvador will be held on Saturday at 10 a.m. at Cathy Wammes' Farm at 41102 B Summerhill Rd., just west of Kinburn. Auburn 519-526-7262 Auburn Co-op Beautiful Hanging Baskets starting at... $899 By Kerri Heroux hopturn@ hotmail.com PEOPLE AROUND AUBURN NEWS FROM AUBURN Bright minds In celebration of Education Week, Blyth Public School held a technology open house on Friday morning to showcase student work. Mikayla Henry, left, and Ally Henry were among the presenters. (Aislinn Bremner photo) ON $6.00 THURSDAYS Drop into either of our offices any Thursday with your word classified (maximum 20 words) and pay only $6.00 + GST (paid in advance). That’s $1.00 off regular rates. The Citizen By Denny ScottThe Citizen