The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink AboutThe Citizen, 1989-02-08, Page 6PAGE 6. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 1989. Opposition building against rails-to-trails plan The rails-to-trails movement has hardly got off the ground yet, but already opposition is building against the idea. All three area-reeves through whose townships the abandoned Guelph-to-Goderich CP Rail line travels expressed opposition to turning the right-of-way into a trail at Huron County Council Thursday. Hullett Reeve Tom Cunningham raised the issue during a report of the Huron County Planning and Development Committee. He said farmers in his township were worried about problems that may be associated with the proposed trail such as who would maintain the trail and who would be respon sible for liabilities. Leona Armstrong, Reeve of Grey said her council was concerned that the provincial government might Letters to the editor approve the plan and dump the problems of higher costs of main taining municipal drains back onto the local municipality. Her town ship had a municipal drain to install that would be much cheaper if an open ditch could be cut right through the right of way than if it had to be closed in to keep the right of way open for trail use. Doug Fraser, Reeve of Morris said farmers in his township were very much concerned about the prospect of a trail. They had indicated to him they’d like to see the land go back to the farmers, they said. Gary Davidson, Director of the Planning and Development Office said that the concerns over the possibility of trail development should be put in perspective. CP Rail’s policy for abandonment of rail lines is first to offer the line to the provincial government, then if rejected to the county, then to the municipality and finally to the private landowners along the right of way. The province has simply asked the railway for time to consider alternative uses for the right of way, Mr. Davidson said. The Huron County Planning and De velopment office has indicated to CP Rail that the province should be given time to investigate those alternatives. It is important for municipalities to consider what is involved, Dr. Davidson said. CP will remove the rails and the bridges to lessen its possible liability but the decision has to be made as to what to do with the actual right-of-way. Meanwhile a meeting of concern- ,ed Morris Township landholders along the rail line was held Thursday in Walton to prepare a presentation to township council at its Feb. 7 meeting. The landown ers, a spokesman said, would like to see the township take over the right of way, distribute it back to the farmers with whatever land that can be reclaimed for farm use reclaimed and the rest reforested. At this point the pro-trails sup port is still trying to organize with a meeting scheduled at Linwood on Feb. 25 to try to bring supporters along the line together. Heart month begins THE EDITOR, Every year February is set aside for the Heart month. With research and education, the death rate has been lowered by 34 per cent from heart disease and stroke during the past 25 years. We still have a long way to go. As the population ages, the need for research can only grow. Please give when the canvassers call on you. Help us to improve your odds against Canada’s #1 killer. The canvassers calling on you in Blyth will be: Kathy Bromley, Alma Madill, Sherron Stadelmann, Melda McElroy, Linda Stewart, Mary Holland, Marjorie East, Lois van Vliet. If you are missed and wish to give, you may leave it at The Saga. Lois van Vliet Co-ordinator for Heart & Stroke Foundation for the Village of Blyth. Theatre seeks information THE EDITOR, Every year, over 40,000 people visit the Blyth Festival from June to September. Our visitors inquire at our box office about dining and accommodation in the area. This year, the Blyth Festival is creating a special Dining and Accommodation Guide for our theatre visitors, so they can better plan their vacation before they arrive. This new visitor’s guide will be distributed throughout the area: at tourist information booths, attractions and mailed to everyone who requests more information on the Blyth Festival. If your business would like to be listed (for a registration fee) under one of the following listings: bed & breakfast, country inn, accommodations, family dining or fine dining, please call Jane Gardner at the Blyth Festival 523-4345. Jane Gardner Blyth Festival. Music results Heather Wheeler of Bluevale received First Class Honours, 100 per cent (perfect paper) in Prelimi nary Rudiments of the Royal Con servatory of Music tried in Blyth in December. She will receive her Grade V Pianoforte Certificate now. Cindy Bernard of Brussels re ceived First Class Honours 86.5 per cent in Grade II Rudiments of the Royal Conservatory of Music tried in Stratford in December. She will now receive her Grade VII Piano forte Certificate. Both are pupils of Mrs. Winona Martin of Brussels. You can help build the future through non-profit housing. ANNOUNCING EMA 1988/89 BRUSSELS BULLS A product of the Brussels Minor Hockey System, Bruce is playing hisfirst season of J unior Hockey. A tenacious checker who plays the pest role by irritating opponents, "Brewster" makes up for his lack of physical size with desire and hustle Bruce is presently enrolled at Centralia College. BruceJohnston Rightwing #19 THIS PLAYER PROFILE IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY BRUSSELS 887-9740 The governments of Canada and Ontario are building for tomorrow. We have plans to create a wide range of new non profit housing, and we need your group to get involved and develop non-profit housing in your community. This program will be sub sidized by the Government of Canada through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corpo ration and the Province of Ontario through the Ministry of Housing. Funding is available to non profit and co-operative organi zations, churches, service clubs and other community groups interested in sponsoring affordable housing. In some neighborhoods, citizens have received govern ment grants to set up their own community-based groups. The result is affordable housing for moderate and low-income families, senior citizens and single adults. For more information, your community groups should contact the nearest regional office of the Ministry of Housing listed below. The deadline for preliminary applications is April 28,1989. Help build for the future. Get involved in non-profit housing today. Non-profit housing-everyone benefits. Canada ©Ontario Regional Offices of the Ministry of Housing: 55 Hess St. S. Hamilton L8P4R8 (416) 521-7500 If long distance dial toll-free 1-800-263-8295 380 Wellington St. Ste. 1100 London N6A 5B5 (519)679-7110 If long distance dial toll-free 1-800-265-4733 1365 Richmond Rd. Ste. 300 Ottawa K2B 6R7 (613)820-8305 If long distance dial toll-free 1-800-267-6108 1191 Lansing Ave. Sudbury P3A4C4 (705) 560-6350 If long distance dial toll-free 1-800-461-1190 540 West Arthur St. Thunder Bay P7E5R7 (807)475-1465 If long distance dial toll-free 1-800-465-5015 4950 Yonge St. Ste. 400 Toronto M2N 6K1 (416)225-1211 If long distance dial toll-free 1-800-668-0208