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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1989-08-16, Page 10page io. the citizen, Wednesday, august 16,1989. East Wauxmosh farmers oppose re-zoning proposal East Wawanosh farmers are up in arms over a proposal that would rezone neighbouring natural envir­ onment land to recreational and would thereby place restrictions on their agricultural land. At a public meeting held on Thursday evening in East Wawa­ nosh Township office, a large delegation of Township residents voiced concerns over the rezoning of Lot 35 Concession 14 which is located south of Zetland Bridge along the Maitland River. Attending the meeting were members of Council, Reeve Ernest Snell, Cindy Fisher from the Huron County Planning and Development Committee, Roger Kaye, Authoriz­ ed agent for RKM Wood Products, owner of the property, Ron Hod­ gins, Alan Mill, their solicitor, and David Rozycki, the developer. Young Offenders Act based on 6 principles In light of recent cases involving young offenders, the Federal Government is planning to take another look at the Young Offen­ ders Act which was put into effect in April 1984. It was at that time hoped that the new act would offer a different approach in dealing with young persons in trouble with the law. The Ministry of Correctional Services states that the philosophy of the Act, which tries to reach a balance between what is best for the youth and for society, is based on six principles: 1 - Young people should bear responsibility for illegal acts that they commit, although they should not be held accountable in the same way as adults. 2 - In order to protect society, these offenders may require super­ vision, discipline, and control. 3 - Young persons have special needs because they are dependent Ms. Fisher opened the meeting by providing some background and information into the zoning plan. The area in question has a woodlot and water course and the owners desire that it be changed to recreational. Any areas surround­ ing a town, village, or recreational part would then be zoned as restricted agriculture. Ms. Fisher then stressed that this did not mean the farmers could not expand their productions. According to Ms. fisher there is a 2,000 foot buffer zone and as you move away from the park in this area the number of livestock a farmer could own would increase. This code of practice does depend on the type of livestock as well. Ms. Fisher then went on to explain that this meeting was just to find out the feelings of everyone re- the be at varying degrees of development and maturity. They therefore quire assistance and guidance. 4 - Alternative methods of formal court process should considered for them as long as such solutions are consistent with the protection of society. 5 - Young Offenders have a right to participate in deliberations that affect them, a right to minimal interference with their freedom, which is compatable with the protection of society, their own needs, and in the interest of their family, and a right to be informed of these rights. 6 - The Act recognizes the responsibility of parents for the care and supervision of their child­ ren. Young offender should only be removed from their families when continued supervision is inappro­ priate. As part of this philosophy a separate system of police proce- and neither she nor Council have a preference. “What we are dealine with tonight is change. We are here . to listen,” she stated. Following the debate Ms. Fisher said that she and Council would then consider several questions. “One - does it represent good planning? Two - what is the impact? Three - what is the better use? Four - what are the positive and negative effects? Five - does the development meet require­ ment? and finally, does the impact ■ the Ministry of Transportation and Communications did not reply. Len Palmer, a concerned farmer opened the discussion by stating that the buffer zones in Huron County were ridiculous. “There is one thing certain. We should not provide a buffer for a man doing business,” he said. Chris Palmer agreed, “At first when they asked reach beyond the Township into the province?” Mr. Rozycki, who has a degree in Forestry was the next speaker. He explained the type of park they were hoping to open and why. Clerk-Treasurer Winona Thomp­ son then read letters from the Federation of Agriculture, and dures youth court procedures dis­ positions, and correctional practic­ es have been established which are separate from those established for adults, but which provide the same basic rights that adults are guaran­ teed. If the offence committeed is indictable, the Crown may apply to have the person’s case transferred to adult court provided the offender is over 14 years of age. The records filed in a Young Offender’s case may not be used after charges are withdrawn, dis­ missed, stayed or when a young person is acquitted. They can also not be used after five years from the date of disposition, for a summary conviction offence or after the offender has completed a crimefree period of that duration from the indictable offence. Behind this is that principle that young people should not have to pay, well on into their adulthood, Maitland Valley Conservation Area that voiced strong objections to the proposal. The Ministry of Natural Resources sent one letter stating several concerns then upon furthei examination had sent another say­ ing that they would agree to partial development. Another letter raised concerns over the 2,000 foot buffer area that they felt placed undue restriction on agricultural expan­ sion. The Huron County Board of Health raised no objections and' for an isolated brush with the law, according to the Ministry of Correc­ tional Services. They believe that whenever possible, young people should be given a fresh start. Court cases involving young offenders may be open to public at the judge’s discretion. The media can not identify the accused or convicted offenders. The maximum penalty for a young offender who commits mur­ der is three years. Mr. Bob Szewczuk, Regional Young Offenders Act Co-ordinator, Metro region says that he pre­ sumes it is the penalty that primarily has the federal govern­ ment reconsidering. “Following the murder of a young woman in Midland by two young offenders recently, I think the Federal Government has decided to review certain aspects of the Act.” How­ ever, Mr. Szewczuk states, “It will take time for any changes to be made.” us about the park we thought, ‘Why not?’ But there is no way we Continued on page 14 Sabbath for resting Continued from page 3 faith, wherefore didst thou doubt.” This passage, first of all, reveals to us that we, like Jesus must take time for rest and communion with our Father. That is one reason God made the Sabbath so we can take time out from our busy lives to be in contact with God, our maker, to regain strength and composure. The fact that Jesus constrained his disciples into the ship shows how important rest and communion was to Jesus. Reasons why Peter’s faith failed him were twofold. First, he had a mixed motive in his mind. He wished to be with his master but at the same time he wanted to prove whatever the master could do, he could do. Here we see a combina­ tion of faith, love and pride. Secondly, Peter’s faith failed be­ cause his eyes were partly focused on himself and partly focused on Jesus. When he looked away from Jesus and looked down at the raging sea he became terrified and began to sink. Remember, Rev. Ramirez said, we must keep our eyes entirely focused as individuals and as a church on Jesus and his teachings. Rev. Ramirez pointed out that storms come to the righteous as well as the wicked and we must always look up to God for help, courage and hope. If we put our faith in Him, He will provide us with strength to overcome. Two hymns sung during the service befitting to the message theme were “O Master let me walk with Thee” and “Jesus calls us o’er the Tumult”. The service closed with the benediction and choral response “God Loves You”. NOTICE Institute offers chance for rehabilitation Continued from page 5 tell them to obey the law then on the other side make them break it,” he stated. DeGrandis credits the board, principal Shirley Weary, the teach­ ers the curriculum for the interest in the school from the reisdents. ‘‘Sure, the alternatives, like hang­ ing out in a mall, or getting a job, aren’t here for these teenagers, but for the most part it seems to be something they want to do and I think that says a lot for those running it,” he commented. Romeo is presently working on his Grade 12 and hopes to apply for college courses in the spring. When I remarked to him that he had done well to come so far in the Centre, he agreed, but added he was able to prove himself. ‘‘That is something you can’t do in another spot,” he claimed. ‘‘This is rehab- ilitive and we’re treated well. In the pen they treat you like animals.” Romeo is only too well aware of how they treat adult criminals. He was almost tried in adult court for his crimes, as his offence is an indictable one. Romeo explained to me, however, in an open and straight forward manner that though he didn’t commit the actual murder, he did help plan it and bury the victim. The charge of first degree murder is a serious crime and one that many believe is not being treated with enough severity when dealing with young offen­ ders. DeGrandis, who was at one time Superintendent of Don Jail and therefore understands the system from both levels, points out that people must keep in mind that though the sentence for young offenders is usually light (there is only a three year maximum penalty for murder) there is no reprieve for the juvenile offender. “Whereas an adult gets three years for breaking and entering and a young offender will only get 18 months, it is quite possible that the adult criminal will be out in nine months. For the Young Offender there is no option. There is no chance of parole and they must work hard to prove themself while they’re here.” DeGrandis also explains that a lot of information on the Young Offenders Act has not been ex­ plained properly. “They are propo­ sing changes for valid reasons, or for what may be valid reasons. A lot of what is criticized is not factual and is the fault of those of us in the system for not properly educating others.” DeGrandis maintains that he is willing to speak to groups or service clubs to help them better understand the Young Offenders Act. “The public, by and large, decides what needs changing and if necessary an attempt should be made,” he said. Of all the young men I met that day most showed remorse over what they had done. They stated that they knew they were fortunate to be in a place like Bluewater, which, though disciplined, gave them a chance to prove themselves. Jack (not his real name) was there for cocaine trafficking, which he admitted to with a degree of embarrassment. An amiable boy, he said he enjoyed having the opportunity to attend school during his incarceration and liked the sports. Bluewater has a gym, swimming pool, (which is closed due to abuse), tennis court and well-equipped weight room. John Doe also enjoyed the rec time offered at the senior level, like videos and stereos. According to Romeo, everyone plays pool at Bluewater. “When I came here I hardly ever played,” he said. “Now I’m a pro”. He also appreci­ ates the trust given to the residents by the staff though all three youths agreed that the staff can be moody. “They really should try not to bring their personal problems in here,” Jack said. Romeo agreed, “We have a lot of our own to deal with and moodiness can reflect on the feeling of the whole Centre.” Special mention was given to the chaplain who the boys say is “a good guy”. I left Bluewater that day with very ambivalent feelings. I have only heard the worst surrounding the Young Offenders Act and never considered extenuating circum­ stances. While some of the youths at Bluewater may possibly never be rehabilitated there are those others to consider. And Romeo. Though I’m sure it was in the best interest of Carl DeGrandis and Bluewater to have the boy that one staffer referred to as “the best one ever”, conduct my tour, I found myself with very mixed emotions. Why did Romeo do what he did? Despite the fact that a heinous crime was committed and someone’s life had been taken, I found myself recon­ sidering my one-sided view about the Young Offenders Act. As DeGrandis says, “There is much wrong with the system and there are changes to be made in some areas.” But, what became truly clear to me that day is that there needs to be a buffer and everything is not black and white when dealing with the issue of crime. Looking at Bluewater Youth Cen­ tre, perhaps it can and does provide the best answer at this time. CORPORATION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF GREY In the matter of the Ontario Heritage Act, R.S.O., 1980, Chapter 337. AND in the matter of the designation of property known as: “Knox Church, Moncrieff” Part Lot 31, Concession 16 R.R.#1, Monkton, Ontario NOTICE OF PASSING OF BY-LAW T ake notice thatthe Council of the Corporation of the T ownship of Grey passed By-law 27-1989 to designate the above property to be of architectural and historical significance. Dated at the Township of Grey this 9th day of August, 1989. Brad Knight, AMCT[A] Clerk-Treasurer Township of Grey ATTENTION GREY TOWNSHIP DOG OWNERS Due to an alarming increase of problems regarding dogs runn­ ing at large, the following message is urged to be followed: No owner, possessor or har- bourer of a dog shall permit his or her dog to run at large within the limits of the Township of Grey. In accordance with Township By-laws, disregarding this notice may result in impoundment fees, charges being laid and/or de­ struction of the dog. Vincent Smith Animal Control Officer Township of Grey.