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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1992-04-22, Page 15What you said about the future of Huron County In October 1991, over 500 resi­ dents answered a survey conducted by the County of Huron, with assis­ tance from the Planning and Devel­ opment Department. The survey was printed and released for gov­ ernmental and public review in March. The survey was done to find out what the community thinks are important issues to developing a prosperous future for Huron. Over 1,200 personal comments were added. Declining job opportunities and the loss of young people to the cities were a major concern to most respondents. Reasons included the lack of new industry, the closing of businesses, the diminishing number of job opportunities, and the dis­ tance Huron is from markets which increases costs for transportation and distribution. It was commonly agreed that economic development must become a top priority to avoid an economic crisis. To increase job opportunities, many respondents considered that new jobs in industry, tourism and the service sectors were achievable. They suggested that aggressive pro­ motion of the county is needed together with co-operation between the municipalities to attract new business and investment. While agriculture was viewed as a prime economy in Huron, a large majority of the respondents advo­ cated economic diversity through industrial and services develop­ ment. It was felt that to sustain Huron's economy, a combination of farming and industry is needed. Agriculture was, however, per­ ceived as being the strength of the economic and cultural base of Huron county. Many respondents expressed a future desire in keeping agriculture competitive and prof­ itable, preserving the family farm, encouraging conservation and strengthening the agricultural com­ munity. Many respondents expressed strong concerns with the education system in Huron, mainly because they felt it was failing to provide young people with job skills need­ ed to stay and live in the county. Respondents advocated that educa­ tion be more responsive, coopera­ Mixed Chicks Hens Only Roosters Turkeys Brown Egg Layers tive and integral to the communities future. A majority of the respondents supported environmental protection of Huron's wetlands, lakeshore, forests, natural areas, land fill sites and wildlife habitats. Contamina­ tion of ground water, use of chemi­ cals in agriculture, the depletion of tree cover and wetlands and the dis­ posal of industrial waste were just a few of the many issues raised. However many respondents were skeptical of whether more rules, regulations and government directives are needed or are effec­ tive. There was a keen desire for environmental protection to be practical, achievable and imple­ mented by the individual. Respondents expressed two basic responses to government - there should be less and it should be more effective. Many saw the gov­ ernment as generally one large enti­ ty and were unfamiliar with county government. Those who were, called for more public awareness, Blyth UCW delve into the past The Blyth United Church Wom­ en's April meeting was held in the church basement Thursday after­ noon. June Peck led in the study using “A Centennial Pilgrimage” as her topic. She said Japanese Canadians are celebrating 100 years of mem­ bership in the church in Canada. The anniversary is a time to cele­ brate, but also a time to reflect on some of the larger issues the cele­ bration raises. The Japanese came to Canada in 1877 bringing very little with them but their culture and language, searching for a prosperous new life. The lives of these first generation Japanese were hard and lonely. They received help from the church with language instructions and evangelizing of their lives, medical service and community assistance. The onslaught of World War II resulted in the internment of some 21,000 of Japanese Canadians to the interior of B.C. This resulted in permanent loss of homes, business, possessions and security as Canadi­ an citizens. HOWSON MILLS BLYTH NOM 1H0 523-4241 1992 Chick Days Order by April 29 for May 29 pick up and more action from county gov­ ernment. The towns and villages in Huron were generally considered good places in which to live, and the respondents expressed a strong desire to strengthen their role. There was, however, considerable uncertainty about the future well­ being of the towns and villages economies. It was said aggressive and co­ ordinated promotion for new busi­ ness and industry are required. Without this, the tax base would not be adequate to support the types of services the community has come to expect. Respondents blunt­ ly stated that without prosperity through jobs, farming, industry and services, all else is diminished. The main purpose of the survey is its contribution to the redesign of the Official Plan for the County of Huron. It is anticipated that the first draft of the new County Offi­ cial Plan will be in late 1992, early 1993. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22,1992. PAGE 15. Due To Extreme Pressure We've Dropped Our Price* FREE CHEMICAL PACKAGE Kit includes spray detergent, detergent additive, spray wax, degreasing solvent *whlle quantities last I u I HURON The United Church leaders, although slow to speak and act on their behalf, stepped in during the depression and post-world war years with help and direction, shed­ ding in their dark world light, courage and hope. No longer are they targets for conversation or identifiable minority groups to be welcomed into the church. In 1992 they are the church. June closed by telling of an experience pertaining to the subject of a doctor and Japanese patient while she was working as a nurse in B.C. Bea Chambers, president, chaired the business, opening with a poem, “April”. All repeated the U.C.W. Purpose in unison. Roll call was answered by 20 using the word “Glory”. Feme McDowell read the minutes of the March meeting. Lenora Davidson gave the card report and Marj East the treasurer's report. Gene Snell gave the birthday report. There were three birthdays in April. Mary Wightman is sent good wishes as she is returning to Braemore Lodge in Wingham. Sales Department Blyth 523-4244 WE ARE MOVING ON WEDNESDAY APRIL 29 Ministry of Agriculture and Food Ontario HURON COUNTY FIELD OFFICE TO 100 DON STREET, CLINTON, ONTARIO our Telephone Numbers will stay the same ~ (519) 482-3428 or 1-800-265-5170 WINGHAM NOG 2W0 357-2700 Minimum Order 25 Chicks Howson & Howson Limited FLOUR & FEED MILLERS COMPLETE FARM SUPPLIES