HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2008-01-17, Page 7THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JANUARY 17, 2008. PAGE 7.
McLachlan says rent income
should cover debenture costs
Continued from page 1
unrestricted reserve, $500,000 from
the Brussels sewage reserve,
$100,000 from the Walton landfill
reserve and $250,000 each from the
Brussels Trust and the Seaforth
Development Trust, totaling $2.1
million.
As far as revenue goes, McLachlan
said that once all seven doctor suites
are full, at a rate of $1,500 per month,
that income should cover the
debenture costs.
However, whether the building will
get a full house still incites debate.
At an earlier council meeting, Seili
said that if the municipality builds
the clinic that the doctors will come.
Falconer told Seili that he hopes his
“Field of Dreams” works out, but that
there was still concern about
numbers and the council showing far
from a full house when it comes to
the building’s occupancy.
Interest, however, does seem to be
growing as McLachlan reported
being in talks with three possible
occupants at the special council
meeting on Nov. 27 to discuss the
project. As of the end of 2007, he has
reported that he is now talking to five
possible tenants.
Councillor Joe Steffler, who has
been championing the project since
its infancy, came to the project’s
defense in this matter.
“Family Health Teams have so
much to offer. We’re set to open the
clinic in Brussels, and these teams
are the way of the future for rural
healthcare. They will attract doctors,”
he said. “Dr. Munoz has brought a
good program to Seaforth and he will
attract more doctors. It had to be
dealt with under wraps because of his
ties to London. We had to be fair
about it.
“This is the first wellness centre for
rural Canada and the figures we have
here are enough to get it done. In two
or three years, I think it will really
start to show its worth.”
Munoz is expected to return to
council with a presentation on his
program in January sometime (the
only remaining scheduled meeting in
January is on Jan. 22).
Dr. Munoz’s program, with an
anticipated launch in the spring, will
be one-of-a-kind in rural Canada.
Munoz said Huron-Bruce is an ideal
place for him to set up, seeing as how
it has one of the highest stroke rates
in Canada.
Councillor David Blaney reiterated
Steffler’s statements saying that he
has been met with great enthusiasm
from ratepayers as well as doctors
who have expressed interest in
Seaforth since hearing the
announcement of Munoz’s clinic.
“Cities open office buildings with
50 per cent occupancy because they
know the people will come,” he said.
“If you reduce this to the numbers,
and just look at the numbers, you’re
missing the point. We need to show
vision on this for our citizens. If all
they need us for is to fill potholes,
then they don’t need us. Barry [Mills,
public works director] can do that for
them.”
Did Jack Frost go south?
Last week, Huron County and most of southern Ontario definitely looked like a winter ‘water’
land. Cold and snow gave way to unseasonably-warm temperatures and sunlight leaving
many area fields under water. Rivers and creeks swelled and seagulls found a new home
during one of the warmest January weeks on record in the area. Top left: Some boys got a
little exercise for some January skating, but not the type that usually happens in January. With
the warm weather, snow melted away to reveal the skate park and local youth were not going
to let this opportunity go to waste. Here, 12-year-old Nathan Plunkett, attempts a noseslide
while eight or nine of his friends attempted similar tricks around the park. (Shawn Loughlin photos)
2008
PHONE
BOOK
Serving
Auburn
Blyth
Brussels
Clinton
Goderich
Gorrie
Listowel
Wingham
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Telephone Directory Will Be
Available Soon!
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you have the listings that you would need three Bell Canada books to find.
Here is your chance to advertise in a product that stays around 365 days.
Reserve your space today call Lori or Ken at 519-523-4792
or fax us at 519-523-9140. Deadline: February 28
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and your phone number is not included in the new Bell phone book, please
call 519-523-4792 or 519-887-9114 and we'll be sure to include your listing.
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