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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1990-01-10, Page 1County uneasy about Huronview future, costs Huron County Councillors, con­ cerned that the Ministry of Community and Social Services may be about to throw them yet another curve on the rebuilding of Huronview, the county home for the aged, expressed frustration at Thursday’s January session of council. Tom Tomes, Reeve of Stephen and chairman of Huronview Com­ mittee of Management said he understood officials from the Mini­ stry’s Capital Service Branch were going to meet with his committee at its January 17th meeting. There were some reports, he said, that the Ministry will suggest that the county's best plan may be renovat­ ing the current Huronview rather than rebuilding. “We’re like a vo-yo”, Reeve Tomes said of the 'onstant changes in Ministry poli- The county had originally plann­ ed to renovate Huronview but after an architect’s study suggested the cost would be nearly as great as building a new facility, the Mini­ stry urged the county to look at a new facility instead. At Ministry urging, the county set up a Seniors Care Facility Committee to look into the needs of the county’s seniors. That committee, including members from the Ministry, re­ commended a new Huronview with a larger home in Clinton at the current site and two smaller satel­ lite homes, one in the south and one in the north. The county approved the plan but later was told by the Ministry it would not support a home for the south since it already supported the Bluewater Rest Home in Zurich, a privately operated, non-profit home. Later, after bitter competi­ tion, Brussels won out over Wing­ ham for the site of the Huronview North satellite. But now suggestions are that costs are soaring for the new home. Dave Johnston, Reeve of Bayfield and a past Warden, closely ques­ tioned Wavne Lester, Huronview Administrator on the contents of a detailed re-development proposal which was presented to the council for its approval. “Are we now looking at $24 ^krtllion?” he asked, noting that the report said the original cost of $67,000 per bed was es*; nated by architect Richard Seligman to have increased to $90,000 co $100,000 per bed for 1989 and was expected to increase by 12 per cent per year. “Are you suggesting that by accepting this recommendation we are approving $24 million?’’ Mr. Lester admitted that based on the estimates the cost could go to $24 million. “1 want it clear in my mind that we are approving $24 million or are we saying we will spend no more than (the original estimate) $14 million,’’ Reeve Johnston said. “1 want to know where I’m coming from.” Exeter Reeve Bill Mickle said he felt council shouldn’t be discussing anything until it got an update from the Ministry as to what options are being considered. The county has never had anything from the Mini­ stry in writing as to its pledge to support the current plans, he said. “1 thjnk it’s about time the Ministry comes to this council and gives real information if it’s on side, if the money is there.” Reeve Mickle said it seems the Continued on page 2 VOL. 6 NO. 2 WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 10, 1990.50 CENTS Decade’s first baby The first baby of the year at Clinton Public Hospital was a surprise package for Jim and Crystal Taylor, RR 1, Auburn. Andrew Boyd (Drew)hadn'tbeen expected until Feb. 2 but arrived January 1 at 10:44 p.m. Drew weighed six pounds, four and a half ounces. He’s a brother for Jamie, Ashley and Jenna and grandson for Boyd and Muriel Taylor, RR 3, Walton and Lloyd Huffman, Bayfield. -Clinton News-Record Photo Cranbrook family on vacation loses home An early morning fire in Grey Township last Wednesday destroy­ ed a home owned by Dirk Glasius. According to Fire Chief Gary Earl, neighbours contacted the fire department at 3:30 a.m. after seeing flames. The house, which is located on Cone. 11, Lot 13, one mile west of Cranbrook was fully engulfed by the time firefighters arrived. “It was a ball of fire,” Chief Earl explained. Firefighters were able to save the car from the garage and a boat. The cause of the blaze is un­ determined but it has been ascer­ tained that it started in the older part of the home. No estimate of the damage was available as Mr. Glasius was in Jamaica at the time of the fire. Citizen of Year nominations wanted The time to nominate outstand­ ing citizens for the Citizen of the Year awards for the Blyth and Brussels communities has arrived again. Each year for the past four years a citizen who has made an out­ standing contribution to each of the communities has been honoured with an award as the Citizen of the Year. Nominations are solicited from residents of Blyth, Brussels and the surrounding areas for the awards. A committee from each community then reviews the nominations and makes the award. Last year’s winners were Ida Evans of Brussels and Margaret Whyte of Londes- boro. Nominations will be accepted until February 15.