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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2007-08-23, Page 20PAGE 20. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, AUGUST 23, 2007. A request for relief from a penalty for starting construction of a building without a permit will be considered after more investigation of the circumstances, Morris- Turnberry councillors decided at their Aug. 14 meeting. Councillors were responding to a presentation from Dave Golley who protested it was unfair to be asked to pay double the normal permit fee because construction of a fabric-shelter-style building had commenced without a permit. Golley claimed he had been in discussion with Jeff Layton, Morris- Turnberry’s chief building official (CBO) for several weeks and understood there was no problem. On the day the company arrived to install the shelter he dropped off the application, unaware that Layton was off on leave, Golley said. But Dave Black, acting CBO, said that the building code requires a complete application and payment of the permit fee prior to the start of construction. While the company making the structure did send through plans for the building, there was no site plan filed and the permit had not been paid, he said. Under regulations, the CBO has 10 days to issue the permit once all the needed documents are received. Black said that while from what he can see, the work done is fine, he was unable to inspect the cement footings because the work had been completed. “We’re walking the line here. These inspections weren’t done.” Golley received support from one councillor. “I think if Jeff had been here things would have gone a lot smoother,” said councillor Bill Thompson. “Jeff wasn’t here. We should be a little flexible.” But others were opposed to leniency. Mayor Dorothy Kelly and deputy-mayor Jim Nelemans worried what would happen if councillors started bending the rules of their own bylaw. Councillor Mark Beaven noted that the footings had already been installed before Golley had made the application on the morning the structure was to be erected. “What would have happened if Jeff said it was going to take a week (for the permit)?” In the long run, councillors decided to wait until Layton’s expected return in September to get more information before making a final decision. A blend of the past and the present has brought a fresh face and a bright outlook to Blyth’s downtown. Maple & Moose, a co-operative venture featuring Canadian-made products, officially opened its doors Aug. 1. For months the community has watched the extensive renovations to the buildings located at the south end of the downtown core. The front facade replicates the 1800s design, while inside the building was stripped down to the original brick. Tin ceilings were exposed and wooden floors restored. It is an inviting environment for the varied items being sold. Co-ordinator Bev Elliott said there are currently 20 vendors selling everything from gourmet foods to unique works of art. The products at this point come from all across southern Ontario. More will be coming on board she said. Vendors pay a rental fee, then agree to work one shift a month. The hours at Maple & Moose are 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday until the Festival season ends, Sept. 15. The store will then close at 5:30 p.m. “In the winter, we’ll see,” said Elliott. “The hours will all depend on how busy we are until Christmas.” Morris-Turnberrycouncil investigatespermit relief request New look People have been coming in to check out the home-made Canadian products offered at Maple & Moose, which opened its doors in a newly- renovated downtown building in Blyth this month. From jewellery to art and preserves, the co-operative boasts a wide variety of quality items. There are currently 20 vendors retailing through Maple & Moose, with others set to go, according to co- ordinator Bev Elliott. (Bonnie Gropp photos) LAWN QUESTIONS? Organic Programs Available 524-2424 -Trust the Professionals - ACCREDITED Blyth’s new store offers homemade ‘Canadiana’ By Bonnie Gropp The Citizen By Keith Roulston The Citizen It’s like shopping with the Heart and Stroke Foundation’s dietitians, who evaluate every participating product based on Canada’s Food Guide. www.healthcheck.org PUBLIC NOTICE BLYTH HULLETT LANDFILL SITE Notice to amend the fees and charges for the Blyth Hullett Landfill Site. Pursuant to the Ontario Municipal Act, S.O. 2001, Part XII Section 391 and Ontario Regulation 244/02, Section 4(1-3), the Board of Directors for the Blyth Hullett Landfill Site will hold a public meeting to consider amendments to the existing Schedule of Rates. This meeting will take place during the Regular Board Meeting, Tuesday, September 18, 2007 at 5:00 p.m.in the Central Huron Council Chamber, 23 Albert Street, Clinton, Ontario. Further information may be obtained by contacting the Central Huron Municipal Office at 482-3997 or email info@centralhuron.com or the North Huron Municipal Office 357-3550. A copy of the proposed amended Schedule of Rates will be available at the municipal offices and websites www.central- huron.com or www.northhuron.ca . Richard Harding, Clerk Administrator Municipality of Central Huron