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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2019-05-16, Page 10PAGE 10. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2019. Council concerned with Vanastra grow Huron East Council is concerned about a new marijuana-growing operation in Vanastra and how it’s affecting neighbouring residents. Tuckersmith Councillor Ray Chartrand raised the issue at council’s May 7 meeting, saying he had been approached by a number of residents about the new business, asking what could be done. Huron East Mayor Bernie MacLellan supported Chartrand’s statement, saying that he attended Jane’s Walk and heritage scavenger hunt the previous Saturday and the smell from the operation was strong at several points in the community. Chartrand said that it was his understanding that the operation is authorized by the federal government to grow marijuana in the former home of Plant Paradise. However, with the strong odour of the marijuana plants, he said a number of residents have complained about the operation, asking about their options, if any. Chief Administrative Officer Brad Knight admitted that he and staff were also in the dark on the federal initiative and said that the roll-out of marijuana legalization has been rather haphazard. Knight pledged to prepare a report for a future council meeting. By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen Terms of reference debated North Huron Councillor Chris Palmer said he was surprised to hear that the committee behind the potential move of the North Huron Museum was treated differently than the committee behind the future of the Howson Dam. “There’s a fair difference between the terms of reference for the museum and for the bridge/dam,” he said during council’s May 6 meeting. “[The museum terms] seem to [contain] more optimistic, positive goals.” Palmer said that, while council will have the final say, the museum committee, if the draft terms presented during the meeting were any indication, seems to have been created with a final goal of moving the museum in mind. Councillor Anita van Hittersum took Palmer’s concerns a step further, saying that, if the goal of the committee was predetermined, it shouldn’t be a committee of council. “Can’t they start as a separate committee?” she asked. “Aren’t these people already in a committee?” Director of Recreation and Community Services Vicky Luttenberger reminded council that those sought for the committee said they would contribute volunteer hours to make the relocated museum a reality, reducing staff time. “They want to see this move forward,” she said. “They have been specifically identified as being willing to come forward.” She said that while an official decision to move the museum to the train station had yet to be made, many of the conversations about that move had already taken place. Chief Administrative Officer Dwayne Evans added that the process for deciding the future of the museum was further along than that of the Howson Dam. “The bigger question now is how? How do we [move the museum],” he said. “If the project is approved by council, we would be moving to the train station.” Palmer wasn’t convinced, however, saying that the proposed invitees to the committee are all in favour of keeping the museum. He said those five people need to be joined by committee members who will “want to ask the tough questions.” “It’s wise for us, and will perhaps save time,” he said. “As long as there are people asking these questions, we may be making it a little more difficult for those wanting to go one way.” Councillor Paul Heffer said he would like to see representation from each ward on the committee as well, not just people from Wingham. Council approved the draft document to be brought back to council for adoption at a later date. There are so many people out there who do so much to improve their community. This is your opportunity to show your appreciation for all they do. Each year a committee chooses an outstanding citizen from each of the Blyth and area and Brussels and area communities to receive an award for contribution to the community. If you know someone you think should be honoured, please fill in the form and send it in. You may attach a longer explanation of why you think your nominee should win, if you like. If you have nominated someone before and they didn't win, we encourage you to submit again. Emailed submissions can be sent to Shawn Loughlin at editor@northhuron.on.ca I nominate ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ as Citizen of the year for I feel she/he deserves this award because______________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Nomination Deadline July 31, 2019. Name and phone number of nominator Fax: 519-523-9140 Box 429, Blyth, ON N0M 1H0 or Box 152 Brussels, ON N0G 1H0 ❑Blyth & area ❑Brussels & area 34th Annual Citizen of the Year Award Nominations Open Looking for local heroes By Denny Scott The Citizen Artists of tomorrow As part of the opening of the annual Student Art Show at the Bainton Gallery last week, the artists behind the dozens of works on the walls and on pedestals around the room were asked to stand next to their projects, showing just how many students participated. (Denny Scott photo) The big day Mitch and Mama’s Café and the storefront for the Homegrown Food Basket opened in the former home of Cinnamon Jim’s late last month. Standing behind the counter are, from left: Jef MacPherson of the Homegrown Food Basket, Mitch and “Mama” Charity Hilson. (Denny Scott photo)