HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2007-11-01, Page 22Want to learn more about
producing biodiesel? Join Ontario
Soybean Growers (OSG) and the
Canadian International Grains
Institute (CIGI) for a one-day
demonstration event.
CIGI’s portable biodiesel trailer
will be travelling across Ontario to
show producers the production
process from oilseed extraction right
through to the final product,
including a demonstration using the
biodiesel produced on-site.
“This is a unique opportunity to
show producers how they can
maximize the value of their oilseed
crops and grow a product suitable
for the expanding biodiesel market,”
says Dr. Rex Newkirk, CIGI director
of Biofuels and Feed.
Pre-registration is required for the
one-day event as space is limited.
All workshops will run 8:30 a.m. -
4:30 p.m., with a registration fee of
$40 at the door. Lunch will be
provided.
The workshops are taking place at
the following locations: Nov. 13 -
Seaforth Agriplex, Seaforth; Nov. 15
- University of Guelph, Elora Crop
Research Station, Elora; Nov. 16 -
University of Guelph, Ridgetown
Campus, Ridgetown; Nov. 19 - Port
Perry Community Centre, Port
Perry; Nov. 20 - University of
Guelph, Kemptville Campus,
Kemptville.
To pre-register call the Ontario
Soybean Growers 519-767-4131.
Dr. Newkirk encourages anyone
with an interest in biodiesel to come
to one of the events to see the
production process first-hand. The
classroom on wheels has been
created to make it as convenient as
possible for people to come, ask
questions, and learn more about
biodiesel right in their own
community.
“We are thrilled to offer this
course to soybean growers in
Ontario,” says
John Johnston, chair of the OSG
Research Committee. “Biodiesel is a
hot topic these days and we are
pleased to offer growers a chance to
learn more about it.”
PAGE 22. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2007.The new subdivision planned for
the site of the former Seaforth Public
School was discussed last week by
Huron East council after being
tabled from an early August meeting.
Since August, there had been
several changes to the site plan and a
stop work order had been issued on
the site.
With a large public presence at the
meeting, the main issues discussed
were the clean-up of the school,
involving possible asbestos removal,
and the proposed entry points for the
subdivision.
In regards to the entry points, there
were some citizens concerned that an
entrance from Market Street as well
as an entrance from Hwy. 8 could
increase the neighbourhood traffic
with people attempting to bypass the
traffic lights at Hwy. 8 and Main
Street.
Councillor Joe Steffler spoke in
favour of speeding up the process.
“I feel like we’re taking one step
forward with this situation and three
steps back,” he said. “I’m at a loss as
to what they want us to do. We want
people to build in this area to keep
our assessment and tax rate.”
Several councillors agreed, saying
that clearly they want to improve the
area.
“I just find it very frustrating,”
Steffler said.
Brian Barnim, the developer,
stayed patient with council, but did
say that there is a limit.
“I do feel that things are
progressing,” Barnim said. “This
isn’t that big, it’s a 32-lot subdivision
and there will come a time where it
won’t be worth it anymore.”
An issue arose at the last meeting
about the zoning of the property.
With talks surrounding duplexes and
quadplexes, Barnim speculated that
area residents were worried about
the clientele that his new housing
would attract.
“These houses are not geared
towards low-income, but they’re not
geared towards high-income either,”
he said. “They’re aimed at the
average person. That’s what the need
is for in this area and that’s what
we’re trying to fulfill.”
The public raised concerns about
the stop work order, and that it
wasn’t being adhered to. However,
Barnim says that the only work
allowed to go on at the site is clean-
up and that Amish workers are
allowed to work because there is no
monetary exchange. They are
working on their own time and
taking whatever materials they can
use for themselves. Barnim said he
and his people have complied fully
with the order. The stop work order
was issued by the Ministry of
Labour.
Barnim said his hands are tied as
far as asbestos removal is concerned.
They are waiting on the results of an
asbestos audit that will tell them if
asbestos remains on the site and if
so, how they are to go about in
removing it.
Mayor Joe Seili said that the plans
brought forth by Barnim are almost
exactly the same as the plans they
had in mind before the school was
built on that land.
Seili said that he is not opposed to
the construction of a subdivision,
and that Barnim has worked well
alongside council.
“[Barnim] gave up two lots for
snow removal accessibility already,”
Seili said. “I’ve studied this plan over
100 times and I just can’t see a better
way.”While the main issue that dividedthe public remained the accesspoints, most in the room could agree
that they weren’t opposed to a
subdivision and invited development
into their community. However,
Barnim said he didn’t care if there
are one entrance or two, but the
public was divided.
The main concern regarding an
entrance from Hwy. 8 was increased
traffic and safety concerns of
children playing in the area being
endangered by drivers attempting to
bypass the main intersection in
Seaforth.
However, another safety concern
was raised with the existing
structure, the dilapidated, abandoned
former Seaforth Public School,
which citizens say has become a
popular hangout for kids to vandalize
and occupy illegally.
Steffler said that it would be in the
town’s best interests to get rid of the
abandoned school as soon as
possible. Also, he added, a positive
impact new housing would have on
the community.
Council couldn’t rule on the
rezoning application until the
amendment receives approval from
county council.
However, council gave the bylaw a
first and second reading so that the
issue could appear at the upcoming
meeting scheduled for November,
after which the bylaw will return to
Huron East council for a third and
final reading.
Bio-diesel
demo for
soybean
growers
When does a craft become art?
This question will be explored at the
upcoming Goderich Co-op Gallery
gathering , titled Fabric as Art - a
brief overview, on Sunday, Nov. 4 at
2 p.m.
Since medieval times when
tapestries were woven to warm cold
castle walls, original designs have
been used with natural dyes. Pioneer
ancestors hooked, knit, crocheted,
quilted, and did weaving as a matter
of necessity. Frequently they created
their own designs and patterns as
well as spinning and dyeing their
yarns.
Peg Kellins , a member of the
Ontario Hand Weavers and Spinners
from Clinton will participate. Also
Marjorie Duizer, from
Londesborough, an internationally-
renowned rug hooking teacher will
also share her knowledge. Marg
Steele who lives near Auburn, raises
sheep and designs knitting patterns.
She looks forward to sharing her
passion for wool.
Quilters by the Square , famous
for their expertise in this craft/art
will join the group. Longtime Co-op
member Anna Schmitz will round
out the group. She will talk about her
inspirations when creating her fabric
collages.
Attendees will have a chance to
chat with the presenters afterwards
when refreshments are served. The
admission fee will be free for
members of the Friends of the Co-op
Gallery, and $5 for non-members.
For further information , contact
the Co-op Gallery at 519-440-0523,
or Carol McDonnell at 519-523-
9715.
The winners
Blyth Skating Club helds its annual Skate-a-Thon on Friday night. The winners were, back
row, from left: Spencer Lazarevich, Keyonia Johnston, Caitie MacDonald, Griffin MacDonald.
Front: Ally Toll and Shayna Toll. (Vicky Bremner photo)
Huron E. council revisits issue
THURS. JAN. 10/08 – 7PM
BLYTH MEMORIAL HALL
www.tommyhunter.com
Tickets on sale at Blyth Festival
Office, Blyth General Store, Ernie
King Music (Goderich & Wingham),
Dixie Lee in Clinton.
Credit Card Orders:
1-800-465-7829
Goderich District Collegiate Institute
260 South Street, Goderich
Saturday, November 3, 2007
9 am to 4 pm
Admission $2.00
Café and Babysitting available. Over 80 vendors!
For more info call Brenda 519-524-7353 or 519-565-5296
Larry Mercey & Friends
Christmas Show
Blyth Memorial Community Hall
Friday, November 30th
Show time: 7:30pm
The Rankin Sisters
Monday, Dec. 17
at 7:30pm
Blyth Memorial Hall
1-877-862-5984 or
519-523-9300
www.blythfestival.com
By Shawn LoughlinThe Citizen
Craft
meets art
in Co-op
exhibit