Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1991-11-20, Page 4PAGE 4. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20 1991. Editorials Caught in a dilemma Huron county’s lakeshore municipalities find themselves in a dilemma that is typical of the problems facing society as the 20th century rolls towards its end. The Ministry of the Environment has slapped a development freeze on areas along the lakeshore that aren't served by municipal sewage treatment facilities. In a letter to the County's Planning and Development office, a Ministry official expresses concern about the number of developments depending on private treatment facilities (read septic tanks). County politicians are understandably upset about the situation. With the farm economy in disastrous shape, with the rot spreading to urban centres with more and more layoffs from factories, development of recreational property seems to be the one part of the Huron economy that is growing. One reeve mentioned a developer ready to spend $5 million to set up a subdivision. But the problem is, if development goes ahead and problems with inadequate sewage treatment develop, the townships could be killing the goose that laid the golden egg. Already beaches are routinely closed in Huron each summer because of pollution. Some of this comes from landuse problems upstream in the various rivers that flow into the lake: everything from manure runoff to poor septic systems. But some of the problem also comes from septic tank failures along the lakeshore. The problem will only be compounded as the density of septic tanks increases. The soil just can't cope with the problems if there are too many septic systems in too small and area. If the lake is polluted any worse than it is, the once-blue waters of Lake Huron may cease to be the attraction that has brought thousands of tourists to the area every summer for nearly a century. On top of that, it may be a case of "pay me now or pay me later". The Ministry warns that if in future it is determined a better municipally-operated sewage treatment system is needed, both the municipalities and the province will be on the hook for a huge expense. Sewage treatment in a relatively compact area like Blyth or Brussels was expensive enough, but imagine stringing sewer lines from Amberley to Grand Bend? Lakeshore municipalities may find themselves in a no-win situation on this one. They may feel they need the development but can't afford the cost it might bring, both environmentally and in dollar terms. They face, in a small way, the same dilemma that our entire western economy faces: the battle between jobs and dollars now and trouble down the road. Congratulations The municipal elections are over. The new councillors and trustees will be sworn in early next month. It's time to congratulate all those who offered themselves for office, and all those who took time to be involved. Municipal elections are notorious for the poor turnout of voters at the poll. Local municipalities under the circumstances, must have produced some of the better voter turnouts in the province. The turnout ranged from 45 per cent in Morris and Grey townships to more than 80 per cent in Blyth where a hot race of eight candidates for four council positions, plus a two-way race for reeve, stirred interest. There were many tired candidates by last Wednesday, the day after the public had had its say. It may only have been a municipal election, not a provincial or federal one in which the winner took on a well- paid, full-time job, but many of these candidates gave it their all. Some took time away from their work to go door to door. All certainly sacrificed time with their families. They have probably learned more about their municipalities in those visits in the homes, than the voters learned from the candidates. It's not often that a politician gets to meet nearly every one of his or her constituents face to face. In these tough economic times it's likely the candidates got many a lesson in economics, and demands for action on things they have no control over. Under the circumstances, it's too bad more of these hard-working, community-minded people couldn't have been rewarded with council seats. We can't have too many people who care about the welfare of their community. Perhaps the councillors who were elected should look at this pool of caring people as a resource the community can't afford to waste. Perhaps ways should be found to involve some of these dedicated citizens in other activities that will assist their communities. We owe them a lot for going through so much to help their village or township. Reflections Letter to the editor Writer supports brick decision THE EDITOR, Huron taxpayers are right to keep an eye on costs during these reces­ sionary times but let's not lose sight of the big picture. The extra $46,000 being spent on Canadian brick for the Huronview homes amounts to 82 cents per capita. To be a Canadian today means making a few moral deci­ sions and sticking to it. The people who grumble and complain about the extra money spent supporting Canadian industries could be among the thousands heading south, on a fairly regular basis to help undermine our economy by spending their dollars there. We have to decide whether we will pay the extra bit and support our country or will we throw in the towel and join our neighbours to the south? Like so many important things in our lives there are prices to pay. It looks like ours is 82 cents. Bite the bullet! There could be some innovative ways to save a little and direct it towards the project. Volunteers could make brown bag lunches for county councillors twice a month to save luncheon costs and direct the savings towards buying Canadian. Rhea Hamilton Auburn. CitizenTheNorthHuron P.O. Box 429, BLYTH, Ont. N0M 1 HO Phone 523-4792 FAX 523-9140 P.O. Box 152, BRUSSELS, Ont NOG 1 HO Phone 887-9114 FAX 887-9021 The Citizen is published weekly in Brussels, Ontario by North Huron Publishing Company Inc. Subscriptions are payable in advance at a rate of $20.50/year ($19.16 plus $1.34 G.S.T.) for local; $19.16 + $1.66 for each month after March 31/92 ♦ G.S.T. for local letter carrier in Goderich, Hanover, Llstowel, etc. and out-of-area (40 miles from Brussels); $60.00/year for U.S.A, and Foreign. Advertising is accepted on the condition that In the event of a typographical error, only that portion of the advertisement will be credited. Advertising Deadlines: Monday, 2 p.m. - Brussels; Monday, 4 p.m. - Blyth. We are not responsible for unsolicited newscripts or photographs. Contents of The Citizen are © Copywright. Editor & Publisher, Keith Roulston Advertising Manager, Dave Williams Assistant Editor, Bonnie Gropp Second Class Mail Registration No. 6968 Serving Blyth, Brussels, Auburn, Belgrave, Ethel, Londesborough, Walton and the surrounding townships. ............ .........................— ................................................—...........—■—..............—■— — ............................................- .......... .—