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Home My WebLink AboutThe Citizen, 2010-06-10, Page 17THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JUNE 10, 2010. PAGE 17. County approves five year review of official planDespite a letter from the Ministryof Municipal Affairs and Housing tothe contrary, Huron County Councilpassed the five year review of itsofficial plan, as well as the TakeAction for Sustainable Huron Reportat its June 2 meeting. After a special meeting of council held at the Library Complex in Clinton where several changes were suggested, and after a Committee ofthe Whole meeting held afterwards,a by-law was brought before countycouncil to approve the plan, whichwas passed.Mandated by the FederalGovernment and dubbed Amendment 3, the adjustment included changing the wording of the amendments, fixing technical errors, and changing the intent ofsome areas, like the Heritage andCulture section of the plan.The amendment is a five-yearreview of council’s official plan.Huron County Director ofPlanning and Development Scott Tousaw reported, prior to council approving the amendment, that he had received a letter from the Ministry of Housing and MunicipalAffairs requesting that the by-law bedeferred until a later date so changescould be made.Tousaw explained that councilshould ignore the request and passthe amendment, as the Ministry would be able to make their own changes and send it back to council for another final approval. “The ministry can make editswhen we pass it through,” he said.“They can make Ministrymodifications.”Tousaw also said it was odd thatthe Ministry would wait so long before making their wishes known. Council passed the by-law for the amendment unanimously. Tax increase approved to preserve programs, services The Township of North Huron approved its budget for 2010 at a regular council meeting on June 7, including a 4.79 per cent increase. Through the increase programs and services will be maintained. North Huron is also undertaking several major capital projects in 2010. “Several months ago, council and staff embarked on a program and expenditure review and a priority- gathering exercise to ensure that the 2010 budget established a solid financial foundation on which we can provide the programs and services that residents expect and deserve,” stated North Huron Reeve Neil Vincent. “The [approved] increase will ensure that programs and services are maintained and that we can finance important capital projects”. The budget includes major renovations at the Wescast Community Complex, Blyth Memorial Hall and the Wingham Library. The budget also includes construction of a new Emergency Services Training Centre (ESTC) in Blyth, a new grader for East Wawanosh Public Works yard and the creation of a new fire department with a full-time fire chief and an emphasis on training, compliance and prevention. “North Huron provides a high level of service to its residents through a number of programs and services not available in other municipalities of a similar size,” said Vincent. “We feel our residents are getting good value.” The assessment on the average single family residential home increased by 4.9 per cent from $104,820 to $109,956 and therefore would see an overall increase of $102.76 or 4.27 per cent in the Wingham ward, $45.39 or 2.26 per cent for the Blyth ward and $41.98 or 2.26 per cent for the East Wawanosh ward, and further that each individual property experiences fluctuations based on their assessed values compared to the averages. “Our goal is to position North Huron as a municipality which provides first rate services and that is well-positioned to support and encourage further residential growth and economic development,” said Vincent. Taste of Huron recognized for agri-food innovation The provincial government recognized rural community ideas and programs that are beneficial to the agri-food industry, including Huron County’s Taste of Huron event on May 26. Eleven organizations were recognized as part of a $2.5 million five-year program to salute innovators who contribute to the success of Ontario’s agri-food sector. The award is accompanied by a $5,000 grant. Taste of Huron, a week-long event in summer, features local food and drink at local venues across Huron County. Carol Mitchell, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs in Ontario, as well as Huron-Bruce MPP, said in a press release that Ontario’s farmers are leading the way in innovations. “Ontario’s farmers, agri-food business and rural communities continue to show outstanding leadership when it comes to innovation,” she said. Ontario’s agri-food sector, according to the press release, is one of the province’s leading industries, contributing more than $33 billion to the economy every year. Fifty-five regional awards are given across Ontario, and the awards have attracted more than 700 applicants since their 2007 inception. On Monday, May 10 the Central Huron Swine Club held its first meeting of the year. To start the meeting, members received, and filled out, the paper work. The leaders then introduced themselves and asked all members to do the same. This year the topic for the club is bio-security. They will be looking at preventing the spread of diseases throughout pig facilities. Members then received their record-keeping books where they will record the stats for the project pigs. After finishing their books they proceeded with the elections. The results were: president, Adam Baan; vice-president, Shawn Ryan; press reporter, Shannon Ryan and the secretary is not yet decided. This year members are lucky to have two youth leaders, Shelly Kroes and Lorraine Kroes. They discussed future meeting dates and upcoming events, both local and provincial. Thanks to Don and Maja Dodds for providing the group with delicious cake and drinks. They then proceeded safely home. If you are interested in joining the club this year please contact Don Dodds, Barb Storey or Darrell Bergsma for more information. Business Directory Affordable CAR AND TRUCK RENTALS Large & Small Trucks fridge carts - piano dollys- moving blankets Complete Selection of Cars Our rates qualify for insurance replacement Passenger Vans full size or mini STRICKLANDS 344 Huron Rd. 519-524-9381 GODERICH 1-800-338-1134 P.O. BOX 127 145 MAIN STREET EAST LISTOWEL, ONTARIO N4W 3H2 PHONE: 519-291-3040 Fax: 519-291-1850 Email: wuca@w-u.on.ca Visit our website www.wardanduptigrove.com TRUCK & TRAILER SERVICE Hours: Mon. - Fri. 7-5; Sat. 8-1 • Light Truck, Automotive Repairs & Certifications • Truck, Trailer & Bus Safety Certifications • All Heavy Truck & Trailer Repairs BLYTH 519-523-9681 1-800-276-4163 24 hours 519-524-0599 Truck & Trailer Repair Facility Supplier of quality parts for trucks, trailers & equipment ~ Light truck & automotive parts ▼▼▼▼▼▼ NEW CONSTRUCTION AGRICULTURAL RENOVATIONS RESIDENTIAL Call 519-527-1538 Tarion Home Warranty Builders ZAHND REAL ESTATE LTD. BROKERAGE P.O. Box 38 Listowel, Ontario N4W 3H2 Claude Robin Broker 519-887-6205 Kurt Keller Sales Representative 519-236-7874 www.zahnd.on.ca JAMES BROWN PHARMACY 198 Josephine St., Wingham, Ont. 519-357-1629 Hours: Mon. - Fri. 9 - 6 Sat. 9 - 4 Rear Parking Available Delivery available TREE SERVICE • Tree Trimming & Removal • Aerial Buckets • Snow Removal • Stump Grinding & Removal Free Estimate 24 Hour Emergency Response Cell 519-525-1601 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 Here Comes the Guide! Getting married? In a wedding? Mother of the bride? Visit our website for all things bridal! www.northhuron.on.ca (click on Brides In Huron) Swine club holds inaugural meeting