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The Exeter Times-Advocate, 1967-06-08, Page 1.eVW).•:: Ninety-third Year EXETER, ONTARIO, JUNE 8, 1967 Price Per Copy 15 Cents Grand Bend refuses to budge on fire retainer for neighbors Took 10 years to happen The official sod turning for the $2,365,000 Parkhill dam was held Monday, about 10 years after the plan to build the dam was made. Most area municipalities and parliamentarians were represented at the event and saw the four men above dig in with their spades. From the left are Wellington Brock, ARCA chair- man; the Hon. J. R. Simonett, provincial minister of energy and resources management; Freeman Hod- gins, ARCA chairman through most of the years the Parkhill dam was being debated; and the Hon. Maurice Sauve, federal minister of forestry and rural development. T-A photo Nurse grad Commence work on dam after 10 frustrating years Plans to teach Miss Sandra Laraine Schoch, who graduated as a member of the Honors Society from London Tea- chers College has accepted a position with the Sarnia Public School Board. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harrison Schoch, RR 2 Zurich. and were told this was due to the high cost of maintaining the vil- lage fire equipment. The actual entire 1966 costs of the GB fire department was about $2,400 and an additional amount of $2,400 was added to cover depreciation of equipment. Hayter continued, "I feeithese figures especially for deprecia- tion are high. The actual 1966 cost of maintaining the Dashwood fire brigade was only a little over $2,100 which included $1,- 000 for depreciation. We are go- ing to check with other area brig- ades to get their costs of opera- tion. We are meeting again on June 13 and if we are forced to take other steps to provide cover- age for ratepayers in the western area of the township an announce- ment will be made in the June 15 edition of the T-A to inform everyone concerned." The Stephen reeve added, "At Monday's meeting in Grand Bend we offered to pay an annual re- tainer of $500 and increase the call rates to $75 for the first hour and $50 for each additional hour and this was rejected. The per call rates offered were the same as we presently pay to Exeter." Municipal officials of the town- ship of Stephen are attempting to continue negotiations with the village of Grand Bend concerning fire retainer fees by the township for the services of the Grand Bend fire department to fight fires in the west end of the muni- cipality. Although, Grand Bend council at its latest meeting Monday stood firm on their original re- quest of a yearly payment of $800 for the next three years, Stephen council has not accepted the terms of the proposed agree- ment. The townships of Stephen and Bosanquet have been paying an annual fee of $300. Stephen Reeve James Hayter said Wednesday morning "we feel the increase is a little extreme. We are having another meeting on June 13 to decide on further action." Stephen has received final no- tice from Grand Bend that if the $800 is not paid by June 15 the services of the GB fire depart- ment will no longer be made available to the township. Reeve Hayter and councillor Cecil Desjardine attended Mon- day's meeting at Grand Bend to question the proposed increase Area graduate Miss Esther R. Whiting grad - uated from Victoria Hospital School of Nursing in excercises held at Alumni Hall, UWO. She is the elder daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ellison Whiting, Parkhill and granddaughter of Mr. W. H. Love, Grand Bend. Mrs. Ron Dickey, Exeter, who graduated from St. Joseph's School of Nursing, London, has accepted a position on the staff of South Huron Hospital. Donna Joan, a SHDHS graduate, is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William J. Ventin, RR 1 Centralia. Hay wants shoreline too helped turn the first sod at the event, with the assistance of Maurice Sauve, federal minister of forestry and rural develop- ment, and J. R. Simonett, On- tario's energy and resources management minister. An example that things were starting to get easier after the years of setbacks came in the fact the earth had been pre-dug for the men and they had little difficulty in digging up the sod. After one speaker said he hop- ed the Authority would face no more problems, the Hon. Wil- liam Stewart remarked that he PUC names new foreman To Sarnia A graduate of SHDHS, Karen Jermyn has accepted a teaching position in Sarnia. She graduated from London Teachers' College with honors. Her parents are Mr. and Mrs. R. D. Jermyn, Exeter. Attains degree Raymond M. Switzer, son of Mr. and Mrs. Jack Switzer, RR 1 St. Marys, recently graduated from University of Waterloo. He re- ceived a degree of Bachelor of Mathematics. Will teach Miss Sylvia A. Zimmer, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Zimmer, Grand Bend, is a graduate of London Teachers College. She will be teaching at Precious Blood Separate School, Exeter. To teach Miss Joan Elizabeth Cunningham, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Cunningham, RR 1 Clandeboye, graduated from London Teachers' College and will be teaching on the Sarnia Public School staff. Gov't demands upped costs didn't think there were any more problems that could possibly arise. "This is a mark of tribute to those who have persisted on this project." Ontario's agriculture minister commented. The Parkhill dam, which will consist of two separate earth filled structures, will rise some 50 feet above the present stream bed and will create a lake of over 190 acres. The dam is intended as a mul- tiple use development. It will protect agricultural land from flooding, create a water supply and recreation facilities. Main purpose is to control moderate flooding, thereby re- ducing the likelihood of extensive flood damage to the valuable market gardens in the Thedford Marsh area. In addition, the dam will pro- vide a means of regulating stream flow by increasing the flow in the summer months, assuring the farmers downstream of a con- tinual supply of water, whether it be for irrigation or stock watering. The recreation value was clearly outlined by Norman Brad- ford, chairman of the Upper Thames Authority. "We're going to miss a lot of Parkhill people down around Fanshawe," he ex- plained. Total cost of the project is estimated at $2,365,000 with 90 percent coming from govern- ment grants. — Please turn to Page 3 At a special meeting of the Exeter Public Utilities Commis- sion this week, the resignation of foreman Mel Keating was ac- cepted with regret. Keating, who has been foreman of the PUC since coming to Ex- eter in 1958, has accepted a po- sition with the Ontario Water Resources Commission as an operator at the Lake Huron pipe- line pumping station at Port Blake. The Commission a nnounc ed that Bob pooley will become foreman on the effective date of Mr. Keating's resignation, which is June 30. An advertisement appears in area newspapers this week for a lineman for the local PUC. Words of praise and commen- dation spilled freely from the mouths of several politicians and dignitaries at the official sod turning of the Parkhill dam, Mon- day. However, the noise that prob- ably created the most enjoyment for members of the Ausable River Conservation Authority was that coming from the roar of nearby chain saws and giant earthmov- ers. It signalled something that some members were beginning to believe would never happen. Construction was underway. "I want to express my joy at what is taking place," stated former ARCA chairman Freeman Hodgins, who was in the post for six of the 10 years the Parkhill dam project met with haggling over costs, threats of cancella- tion and recurring delays. He admitted there had been a myriad of distressing moments and that members had been told many times it would not suc- ceed. "It finally begins to look like we're in business," stated chair- man Wellington Brock, who paid tribute to the work of his pre- decessor. Several Parkhill area school children witnessed the sod-turn- ing event and Mr. Brock told them to take a good look at the area as it was on the occasion and then come back for the official opening and see the changes made. Mr. Brock and Mr. Hodgins Spurred on by the success of Grand Bend in getting licence of occupation to 500' from the water's edge, Hay Townsh ip council decided to attempt to get the same deal this week. They instructed Clerk W. H. Brokenshire to apply to the de- partment of lands and forests for a lease on the lands on the beach 500' from the water's edge along the portion of Lake Huron shoreline from the southern to northern tip of Hay Township. In many instances along the shoreline, this would actually give them licence of occupation of several cottages. They have also asked for lic- ence of occupation for the pur- pose of a breakwater at the west end of Campbell Ave. at St. Jo- seph's. The township has been dump- ing fill in this area for sometime and have now extended a road to enable cars to get down to the beach and to turn around. Council also made application to the Ausable River Conserva- tion Authority requesting a dam be constructed at the site of the bridge on concession 2 and 3 at lot 19. The present bridge will have to be replaced and council felt that the spring-fed stream would make an excellent reservoir and that the project could be com- pleted as a dam-bridge com- bination. In other business, council: Decided that if no appeals are filed by Elmer Rowe, G. Trieb- ner and Lloyd Stanlake by June 12, that payment be authorized for the Cann-Mitchell drain. — Please turn to Page 3 Zurich home seeks assistance Demands by two government departments appears to have placed the Blue Water Rest Home in Zurich in financial problems. Elgin McKinley, a member of the board of directors, appeared before Exeter council, Monday, requesting a grant to help the Kindergarten too crowded home for senior citizens built last year just west of Zurich. Mr. McKinley said the picture at the home was encouraging in that the 32 patients were paying for the operating expenses, but he said the board had built up a considerable deficit in getting go- ing. No figure of the deficit was given. He said one of the reasons was the fact the department of health and welfare had asked the home founders to scrap their "modest" plans for a 25-bed unit and build a 65-bed home. This was done, and then the board found they had to set their GB court nets $100 a minute Magistrate W. S. Pearson took only 14 minutes to collect $1,- 400 in fines at Thursday's court session in Grand Bend. Most of the charges stemmed from liquor violations which car- ried penalties of $100 and costs, while two men were each fined $200 for causing a disturbance. The only area resident fined at court was Mark Stevenson, Grand Bend, who paid $100 for drinking while under the age of 21. Over the weekend, the OPP at the resort laid another 15 charg- es for liquor and traffic viola- tions. Quebec minister issues challenge While taking part in the of- ficial sod turning of the Parkhill dam, Monday, Maurice Sauve, federal minister of forestry and rural development, gave a plea for national unity. He started his speech in French much to the amusement of the children in the audience. L.• Mr. Sauve explained this pro- ject was the first undertake n under provincial and federal AR- DA agreements, and said that while it was a small project in terms of what Canada can do, it showed that it could be done. He said Expo 67 was an ex- ample of what Canadians can do, and suggested there was no reas- on why they could not build a united country. "If we can work together we can build the best country in the world," he predicted. Engineer Glenn D. Sharpe, son of Mr. and Mrs. Verne Sharpe, Shipka, re- cently graduated from the Uni- versity of Toronto and received his Bachelor of Applied Science degree in structural engineering. Last year the SHDHS grad re- ceived his B,S,A. from Guelph University. A registration of 63 for next year's kindergarten classes at Exeter Public School has forced the board to look for extra ac- commodation. They were told at their meet- ing Monday by area inspector Frank Wilkinson that the number is too large to split into two classes. Members of the board met with council at the conclusion of their meeting and made them aware of the situation. They also wanted to know if council would have any use for a part of the temporary classrooms at SHDHS if the public school board bought the facilities. Chairman Clarence MacDon- ald pointed out the board would only want one section of the high school building, which will be sold by tender this week. Members of council indicated they could not make use of any portion of the building, McKinley told council, noting the home served several residents of this area. He said that at the present there were 32 residents in the home and the rate was $6.00 per day. While it is a privately operated institu- tion, it can not be operated at a profit. If it does have a profit, the rates must be reduced for the residents. Reeve Derry Boyle, noting that requests from the home for fi- nancial help from county coun- cil had been turned down pre- viously, said he was of the opin• ion county council would pos- - Please turn to Page 2 building standards higher in order to get assistance from Central Housing & Mortgage, making the home costlier than anticipated. "It would have been a rough situation if the government grants hadn't been doubled for the home," Mayor Delbridge noted. Mr. McKinley agreed, noting he wouldn't have had the courage to start on the project. He was not one of the original members of the group that promoted the pro- ject. "We feel we have a claim on some of the tax dollars from municipalities in the area," Mr. Receives B. A . John MacNaughton, son of the Hon. C. S. and Mrs. MacNaughton, Exeter, received his Bachelor of Arts degree at convocation at the University of Western Ontario last Wednesday. At the present time, the SHDHS graduate is Work- ing in the Ontario pavilion at Expo 67. --Photo by Doerr Want 'glorified bird bath' removed Fountain in park is ludicrous' Canners again fight decrease Canadian Canners have again asked Exeter council to reconsid- er their decision to drop the municipality's grant from $6,500 to $4,000 for the operation of the effluent disposal system at the local canning plant, "We can still not reconcile council's action," a company ex- ecutive said in a letter to council, Monday, in which he once again asked them to reconsider their plan to reduce the grant, Pew councillors appear tobave changed their mind on the matter, which was discussed briefly. However, it was decided to table the request until the next meeting, Councillor Joe Wooden opened formal discussion on the foun- tain, although members had dis- cussed it prior to the opening of the meeting. terribly disappointed," Wooden said, and Mayor Del- bridge quickly reported that ap- peared to be in agreement with most members' viewpoint. Making councillors even un- happier was the faCt it cost over $400, "It looks like something you should buy for 05," Delbridge said. The f bunt a i n consists of a fibreglass base and a small hose To say that members of Ex- eter council are disappoint- ed Over the new fountain in River- view Park is a complete under- statement. Monday night, most members vehemently criticised the foun- tain— with most of the com- ments being unfit for publication. Councillor Joe Wooden Called It ludicrous and Works Superin- tendent Jim Paisley referred to it as a glorified bird bath. Mayor Sack Delbridge stated it looked like something one might get out of a Cereal box. Those were some of the milder descriptions! A good-sized wash bowl The new fountain in Exeter's Riverview Park has brought a storm of protest from members of Exeter council, who okayed an expenditure of $400 for the item. Most of their comments on the fountain were unfit for publication and they want it removed. A decision is expected tonight at a meeting of the cen- tennial committee. However, the fountain has one use, Sohn Roelofs, whose green thumb has been re- sponsible for much of the Work at the park, finds the fountain a good place to rinse his hands.— T-A photo extending out of it that shoots water into the air. It is lighted at night by a blue seal-beam light in the bottom of the base. However, the fountain can only be turned on to a minimum stream, because the wind blowS the water away from the base. It is supposed to fall back into the baSe. and be re-circulated. After the meeting, members of council drove to the park to look at the fountain again, but none changed his opinion. "We were taken for a ride, and a long one at that," Del- bridge stated as members view- ed the ecni Iona erit, Wok den said the fountain should either be replaced or removed entirely. "I don't want to be a party to that installation." A motion was presented that council get in touch with the firm from whom it was purchas- ed to see if they would take it back, and then to get prices from a local contractor on build- ing a concrete fountain. The motion was withdrawn after members decided to leave the decision until a meeting of the. centennial committee toni ght. The committee, on which five council members sit. will be given power to act,