HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2007-06-21, Page 7THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JUNE 21, 2007. PAGE 7.
Huron County may seek some
partnerships for health services, but
only if it makes better sense to do so.
The question was raised at the
June 6 county council meeting about
discussions between the Huron and
Perth health boards regarding
agreements that would see
improvements in the delivery of
services to both counties.
Chair of the health, ambulance
and social services committee John
Bezaire pointed out that the only
specifics in the letter of intent were
to where discussions would start and
lead.
The reason to open discussion is
primarily a question of numbers.
“Neither county has a large enough
population for epidemiology for
example,” said Bezaire.
Epidemiology studies factors that
affect the health and illness of a
population in the interest of public
health and preventative medicine.
Another area where an agreement
with Perth might be beneficial is
surge capacity, the ability to care for
a large number of patients during an
outbreak.
There have also been “very
preliminary talks” between the
wardens and CAO of Huron and
Lambton because of the issue of
beach water quality.
When the word amalgamation was
tossed out, however, Bezaire was
quick to respond. “Amalgamation is
too premature from this side. We are
simply setting out paramaters for
discussions on sharing services. If it
happens it’s a long way off.”
Also, Bezaire said, “the board of
health has made it very clear that
they are firmly in support of their
leadership model. If a merger ever
did take place, it would be under our
model or it’s a non-starter.”
Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh
councillor Ben Van Diepenbeek,
who had sat on the committee
during talks several years ago with
the Perth board believed that Perth’s
position was a little more
aggressive.
Bezaire noted, however, that there
had been changes in committees and
staff since those discussions. “I
think since then Perth has identified
some issues and there is a broad
section of ideas and concepts being
looked at.”
Bezaire said his early discussions
with Perth’s chair have been “more
of an exploratory nature. She’s
completely open to the idea of
partnering to solve some problems.”
Just enough
Brenda Finlayson, left, and Val Pethick of the Blyth Legion
Auxiliary topped this bun awaiting a sausage with onions
while topping the Auxiliary’s 30th annual penny sale off with
the barbeque last weekend. (Shawn Loughlin photo)
After nurturing the Blyth YouthPark through its three-year infancy,on Friday it will finally be all grownup and open to the public.
The final meeting of the Youth
Park committee was held Monday to
discuss rules and safety and several
other last-minute items before
opening the park to the public.
North Huron councillors Greg
McClinchey and Murray Nesbitt
attended the meeting to speak on
behalf of the municipality, which
technically owns the land. Const.
Jeff Walraven of the OPP was also
present.
Approximately 30 people were in
attendance, including around 10
children, to learn about safety
precautions and the upkeep of their
new park, which was something
McClinchey stressed.
“It is your space. So take care of
it,” he said. “It’s your responsibility
to keep it nice and to keep it so you
can use it. I think the only rule we
need is to use common sense and be
respectful.”
While hoping common sense will
go far in keeping order at the new
park, several rules have been
employed and will be posted in the
park.
While someone mentioned
bullying as a concern, Walraven saidit is important not to ignore bullyingif it’s going on and to solve theproblem.After many housekeeping itemsand last-minute decisions, the topicof conversations shifted to Friday
night, the official opening of the
park.
The park will be open and
occupied from 6 p.m. through to 8
p.m. with the official opening at 7
p.m. that night.
There will be merchants, food, and
a fish fry that is admissible by
advanced tickets only. A silent
auction will take place at 6 p.m. and
a live auction will take place at 8p.m. and will feature itemsappealing to everyone’s tastes willbe available including the highlightof the auction, a autographed SidneyCrosby jersey.Shortly after the official opening,
those in attendance will be treated to
a demonstration by hugely
successful local skateboarder Micah
Loder.
Tickets for the event are still
available with all proceeds
benefitting the Youth Park. Adult
tickets are $12, children from six to
12 are $6 and children five and
under are free.
Park ready to rock and roll
PARK RULES
1. Use at your own risk. This is an unsupervised park. Children under 10
should be supervised by an adult.
2. Users of skate ramps are to wear helmets, elbow and knee pads at all
times. Everyone who is under 18 using this park without equipment, does so
with their parents’ knowledge and permission and does not hold the Twp. of
North Huron liable in the event of injury.
3. Do not use this park if hazardous, wet or icy conditions exist. Report any
problems to the Twp. of North Huron Recreation Department at 519-357-1208.
4. Please be respectful of others, park and surrounding buildings.
5. No inappropriate language or loud music.
6. Homemade ramps are not allowed and will be disposed of.
7. Chewing gum and glass are not allowed on the hard surfaces of this park.
8. The Twp. of North Huron assumes no liability for injury as a result of
unsafe and/or improper use.
9. Call 911 for emergency first aid. The nearest phones are located in the
arena and the pay phone located on the corner of Queen and Dinsley Streets.
10. Use of any motorized vehicle is strictly prohibited.
11. The park is open from dawn until dusk only.
Pictures of Home
The Citizen is currently planning its
2007 Commemorative
Brussels Homecoming Issue
and we are looking for pictures of Brussels
to highlight its history.
Drop your pictures off at either of our offices and include
your name on the back of the photo and a brief summary.
Photos will be returned to the Brussels office at a later date.
The Citizen
541 Turnberry St., Brussels
519-887-9114
404 Queen St., Blyth
519-523-4792
Make your family part of history
In the July 26 issue, prior to the homecoming celebrations from
July 27-29, The Citizen will be publishing a special
commemorative edition with an extra 1,000 copies. Included will
be pages of family histories. You can tell your family’s history for
as little as $50 for one-eighth of a page (with enough space for a
brief synopsis and small photo of someone from your family’s
history). Or by purchasing a one-quarter page, for $100 or one-
half page for $200, you can give a more complete history.
Just bring in your family story and photograph(s). We’ll quickly
scan your precious photos and return them to you.
Tell your family’s history as part of
The Citizen’s salute to Brussels’ 135
th anniversary.
Deadline for submission is Friday, July 13.
(These rates apply to family histories only.)
By Shawn LoughlinThe Citizen
Health Unit looks at partnering
By Bonnie Gropp
The Citizen