Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1987-12-22, Page 38PAGE 38. THE CITIZEN, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1987. Reprieve over on Blyth sewage rates. Up 16% The break that Blyth residents have been getting on their sewage bills for the past year will end in the new year. After much discussion at its December 15 meeting council decided to implement the provi­ sions of the original by-law which was enacted at the time the installation of the sewer system. According to the by-law the sewerage rate is supposed to be set at 297 per cent of the water rate. However when the water rate was increased from $6 a month to $7 a month last year, the sewerage rate was not raised accordingly. The residential rate remained at $17.82 a month instead of jumping to $20.79. The situation was pointed out by Zak El-Ramady of the Ministry of the Environment (MOE), which operates the sewer­ age system for Blyth, when he recently reviewed the village’s operation. He pointed out that there has been no increase in charges since 1981 while costs A Philippine Christmas Continued from page 5 glimpse of the children. At the end of the Christmas programme, each child will be given a small bag of treats by the church, usually containing items such as comb, a bar of soap, a few candies, and if the child is very fortunate, a real apple, which are very expensive in everyday life, and seldom seen on the tropical island. Each McIntosh apple will sell for 30 to 40 pesos, about $3, while Red Delicious, the most prized of all, can cost up to $5 per apple, Rev. Ramirez says. Second in importance only to the religious significance of the sea­ son, Christmas in the Philippines is a time of family gatherings, with every member travelling to the home of the eldest relative to celebrate the season. “No excuse is good enough for a family member not to be present, ’ ’ says Rev. Ramirez, adding that his family is sad that it is not practical for them to make the long journey from Blyth to the island. Instead, the Rami re zfamily will travel to Mississauga this Christmas, the home of Norma’s elder sister, and the eldest member of the family in Canada. “The money wesend ‘home’will benefit our families much more than our presence would,’’ the United Church minister declares. The traditional feast dish at the Christmas gatherings is roast pork, if the family can afford it, although beef and chicken may be substituted; even the poorest families try to save a little meat for the Christmas dinner. Sweet des­ serts are favoured as well, with egg custard or white beans boiled in a thick syrup of brown sugar being the traditional favourites. Rice cakes, too, are made for the special festive dinner. After the joyful family gathering is finally over, members go back to their own homes, buoyed by the feelings of love and closeness to both their families and to God, feelings that will survive until the Christmas season returns in yet another year. have been increasing every year. He worried that the village might not be aware of a potential serious situation because it has a large balance in the sewerage account but this will be required to pay debentures to the provincial government taken out when the plant was built. Mr. El-Ramady suggested coun­ cil increase monthly rates by at least three per cent. There was discussion as to whether this meant increasing the monthly bill by three per cent or going from the 297 per cent levy to a 300 per cent levy. In the end the councillors decided to implement the original agreement which will increase revenue by more than $14,000 a year. From the fees collected the village pays $6,262 per month to the MOE for operation of the plant and makes annual payments on the debentures for the original capital construction costs. The village still owes $49,000 in debentures. The rest of the money is held in reserve in case of major repairs needed to the system. The rate will increase 16.6 per cent, for residential users. Com­ mercial users will be charged $26.73 per month. The rate increases will hit hardest at some businesses that also got caught in a revision of what rates should be paid: residential or commercial. Council reviewed a list of all businesses using town water to make the first revisions 887-9035 Now OF Christmas The friendships we’ve made throughout the year have been our greatest pride. Holiday greetings and thanks to all! Brussels June, Gerry & Staff In the tradition of a festive, feasting season, we extend our best holiday tidings to all. Thanks for your kind patronage. We are now closedfor the season. Looking forward to seeing you in the spring! Ollie tSlitlje spirit ®ea Snom 33C&33 Sheilla & Gary Wallace since the system was installed. Hardest hit are some food outlets and hairdressers which were elevated to commercial rates because of the amount of water they use and thus the amount that must be treated at the sewerage plant. Another of the companies being hit was Howson and Howson Ltd. which Councillor Bui Howson felt should be moved up to commercial rates because of the number of employees and since other employers of similar size are also classed commercial, even though there is no commercial sewerage created in the company ’ s operations. BRUSSELS BULLS NEW YEARS EVE DANCE DECEMBER 31 BRUSSELS LEGION Dancing9to1 MUSICBYDOUG&TERRY $6.00/person HATS&HORNSSUPPUED Tickets Available Carol, Peter & Staff HOLIDAY HOURS LOUNGE Closed Christmas Eve 5 p.m. Closed Christmas Day Closed Boxing Day Closed New Year's Eve 5 p.m. Closed New Year's Day Closed Sat., Jan. 2/88 DINING ROOM Closed Christmas Eve Day Closed Christmas Day Closed Boxing Day Closed Sunday, Dec. 27 ' FROM tl>e Blyth IW Closed New Year's Eve Day Closed New Year's Day Closed Sat., Jan. 2/88 Phone 523-9381 for reservations Eleanor, Kim, Don and Staff GRAND VIEW RESTAURANT BLYTH