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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2019-06-27, Page 3THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2019. PAGE 3. County approves Heritage Plan Brussels capable of $1.75 million for arena: report Another satisfied customer On Sunday, Goderich was taken over by Huron County’s annual Multicultural Festival and many residents and visitors were on hand to take in the festivities. Here, Faith Finch gets her face painted, looking to be happy with what she sees in the mirror. (Hannah Dickie photo) After an empassioned history lesson and justification for the Natural Environment Update for Huron County, formerly known as the Natural Heritage Plan, Huron County Council is going forward with the update, which has proven to be controversial. Huron County Senior Planner Denise Van Amersfoort spoke to the plan at council’s June 19 meeting, seeking not only to bring new councillors up to speed, but to obtain clear direction on how the Planning and Development Department should proceed. Van Amersfoort said she sought to correct some misinformation and misunderstanding in the public, while at the same time implement some points well-taken that arose through the public consultation process. When it comes to public input, Van Amersfoort said there were numerous clarifications made to ensure the department was being straightforward in its intentions with the project. In her report, she stated that none of the natural environment policies in the update are intended to limit the ability of agricultural uses to continue. She also said that when it comes to policies monitoring adjacent lands, it was important to be clear that the county is not implementing buffer zones, but rather that any construction in lands adjacent to natural heritage features would be subject to further review. This would ensure that whatever is being constructed would not adversely affect the lands. All normal farm practices are permitted to continue in these adjacent lands. In addition, Van Amersfoort said that by way of council’s direction, the department was also moving ahead with different setbacks than those recommended by the provincial government. While the provincial government had recommended thresholds of 120 metres for both provincially- A feasibility study carried out by Campaign Coaches has determined there is the capacity to raise at least $1.75 million in Brussels for the renovation and expansion of the Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre. The study, commissioned by Huron East Council, was discussed at council’s June 19 meeting. It outlined the potential for nearly $2 million in fundraising as well as some concerns voiced by those approached to commit funds. The most prevalent and consistent concern was whether Huron East would come on as a funding partner. While council passed a motion declaring its support in principle ahead of last fall’s municipal election, no dollar figure was attached to the motion and no official action was taken. With the potential for just under $2 million in fundraising, that would leave a large gulf between the fundraising capability and the anticipated $4.5 million cost of the new centre. The report from Campaign Coaches suggested establishing a community-based fundraising campaign with a goal of $2 million. The organization also said that timing of the campaign is crucial, adding that it should be completed before construction on the centre ends. Campaign Coaches suggested a 12-month campaign with a recommended end date of October, 2020. By early May, those involved with the feasibility study had conducted 29 of a potential 35 interviews with potential sponsors, saying that while the feedback was good, there were some concerns. At that point, the highest single fundraising commitment was $100,000 with others saying they’d be willing to commit between $50,000 and $75,000 to the project. The concerns outlined by potential donors were: • Many feel like the municipalities (Huron East and Morris-Turnberry) are not supportive of the project and they are not willing to donate until the municipality does. • A clear business plan for the daily operations of the facility after it is constructed is needed. Many donors said they would only donate more than $25,000 if a solid business plan is in place. • The facility must have a dedicated programmer to keep the facility busy and attract new business. • They want the facility to be more than just hockey and to include other activities to make it worthwhile. • They would like to see financial reports for the building (or a similar building) to determine operating costs such as water, hydro, etc. • They are concerned about the tax implications on the community’s residents and their annual costs. • Several potential sponsors also asked if the community needed as large of a renovation as has been proposed. When asked, the majority of those interviewed were unsure if a $4.5 million project was attainable. Fifteen said yes, while five said no and 13 were not sure. The report also stated that many potential donors were very interested in the establishment of a fitness centre in the building. There was also discussion about the inclusion of a walking path. Campaign Coaches suggested that the community portion of the fundraising campaign should only account for between 20 and 30 per cent of the total cost, while municipalities and provincial funding should cover the rest. In the report, the next steps outlined stated that the establishment of a business plan should be a top priority. Then, the committee should take the plan to council to gain financial support from the municipality. Big Jobs Little Jobs Odd Jobs Even Dirty Jobs Place an ad in our classified section in The Citizen Good Employees are hard to find Let us help you find the ideal person! We have need to use this prayer at all times! (Charles Spurgeon) “Do not forsake me, O Lord! Do not be far from me, O my God!” Psalm 38:21 Frequently we pray that God would not forsake us in the hour of trial and temptation--but we too much forget that we have need to use this prayer at all times.There is no moment of our life, however holy--in which we can do without His constant upholding. Whether in light or in darkness, in communion or in temptation--we alike need the prayer, “Do not forsake me, O Lord!” “Hold me up--and I shall be safe!” A little child, while learning to walk--always needs the parent’s aid. The ship left by the navigator--drifts at once from her course. We cannot do without continuous aid from God!” Let this be your prayer every day: “Do not forsake me, O Lord! Do not be far from me, O my God! Father, do not forsake Your child--lest he fall by the hand of the enemy. Shepherd,do not forsake Your lamb--lest he wander from the safety of the fold. Great Gardener, do not forsake Your tender plant--lest it wither and die! Do not forsake me now, O Lord! And do not forsake me at any moment of my life. Do not forsake me in my joys--lest they absorb my heart. Do not forsake me not in my sorrows--lest I murmur against You. Do not forsake me--for without You I am weak, but with You I am strong. Do not forsake me--for my path is dangerous and full of snares. Do not forsake me--for I cannot travel without Your guidance. The hen does not forsake her chicks. O Lord, give me refuge under Your wings. Do not be far from me, O Lord, for trouble is near--and there is none to help. Do not forsake me, O Lord! Do not be far from me, O God of my salvation!” A Grace Gem Submitted by: Immanuel United Reformed Church, Listowel, ON 519-291-1956 401 Albert Street, Box 340, Brussels, ON N0G 1H0 Phone: 519-887-6336 ~ Fax: 519-887-6438 email: riversidefuneralhome@hotmail.com www.riversidefuneralhome.ca Nominate someone you know who doesn’t have a subscription to The Citizen but should! Promoting our Community CitizenTh e $1.25 GST included Serving the communities of Blyth and Brussels and northern Huron County Thursday, December 13, 2018 Volume 34 No. 49 RESPONSE- Pg. 3 Morris-Turnberry Mayor calls for autonomy CONCERT - Pg. 6 Brussels Ministerial comes together for show FUNDING - Pg. 2 Education Minister in Blyth to hand out grants Publications Mail Agreement No. 40050141 Return Undeliverable Items to North Huron Publishing Company Inc., P.O. Box 152, BRUSSELS, ON N0G 1H0 INSIDE THIS WEEK: Seaforth’s Fisher elected Huron East Deputy-Mayor 4-H Clubs awarded Seaforth Councillor Bob Fisher is Huron East’s new deputy-mayor, besting two others who put their names forward at the inauguralmeeting of Huron East Council onDec. 4.Fisher, Tuckersmith CouncillorRay Chartrand and Grey CouncillorAlvin McLellan all let their namesstand for the municipality’s second-in-command position. This came after Huron East eliminated the at-large deputy-mayor position, reducing the size of council from 12 members to 11 just ahead of October’s election. It was Fisher who nominated Chartrand for the position. Chartrand then paid the favour back by nominating Fisher. Former Deputy-Mayor Joe Stefflernominated McLellan for theposition.Fisher told his fellow councillorsthat he has lived in the community for over 40 years. In addition, he hasbeen a councillor for 12 years and spent nearly 40 years in business, all experience he felt would aid in being the deputy-mayor. Fisher also listed a number of projects he’d like to see undertaken or continued both in Huron East and in Huron County. In Huron East, Fisher said hewanted to see the municipality’scommunity centres better utilizedand to promote a harmoniousrelationship between residents of all of Huron East’s five wards.At the county level, Fisher said he wanted to see a greater focus on tourism, saying that Huron County could easily be the Prince Edward County of southwestern Ontario. He also said that while the county’s accessibility advisory committee has done a lot of great work, there is still more to be done.Fisher also said that, as someonewho is legally blind, he also hopedthat being named deputy-mayorwould inspire others with disabilities saying that if they “get [their] ass offthe couch and do something” like he has they can accomplish anything. McLellan said that his decades of experience as a councillor and on numerous boards and committees would make him an ideal choice for the deputy-mayor position. He said that being self-employedwould ensure that he wouldn’t missany meetings, adding that he hates tomiss any council meetings.He said he had been asked if he The Huron County 4-H Leaders’Association Awards Program wasrecently held at the SeaforthAgriplex, recognizing 4-H membersfor their efforts throughout the year.COUNTY AWARDSLoretta Higgins won the MurrayCardiff Award for Top All-RoundMember.The Don Pullen Award for highest overall score in the county went to Evy Verschaeve. She also won the Dedication Award for dedication to the club. The Warden’s Novice Award for first year competitive member with the highest score went to Emily Datema. The Ben Lobb Award for thejunior member with the top essaywent to Kayla Drennan.Emily Franken won the OntarioPlowmen’s Association Award foroutstanding agricultural 4-Hmember as well as the LongstandingGraduating Member Award. Shealso received her graduation seal.The Citizen-Rural Voice Awardsfor press reporter book competitionawards went to Dugald McIntosh (first) and Mercedes Prout (second). The Huron County 4-H Leaders’ Association Award for club secretary book competition were awarded to Emily Bieman (first) and Kayla Drennan (second). The winning team for the county Go for the Gold Competition wasthe South Huron Sheep Club Teamwhich consisted of Amanda Bos,Rachel Gras, Grace Hallahan andEvy Verschaeve.The Top Gate Sign Award for the White Christmas The snow was falling on Friday night as Clinton held the final Santa Claus parade of the Huron County season, bringing residents and visitors out to the town to help celebrate the holiday season. One of the main attractions of theparade every year is the Clinton Pipe Band, seen here appealing to the ears of all in attendance. (Nick Vinnicombe photo)Continued on page 12 REALIZE YOUR DREAM IN IT TO WIN IT: brought to you by the Libro Prosperity Fund, Wingham BIA, North Huron Economic Development Committee, Huron County Economic Development and Community Futures Huron. Enter the In It to Win It contest to Win! $10,000 Prize Package. Receive invaluable (mandatory) business training to give you a good foundation in your dream to expand an existing business or establish a new business on Main Street in Wingham. Full details at www.northhuron.ca Contest opens December 12Applications will be accepted until January 25th, 2019 at 4:30 pmForms are available online or at the Township of North Huron office at 275 Josephine Street in WinghamEmail: inittowinit@northhuron.caor call the Project Co-ordinator at 519-441-7629. Continued on page 15 By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen June winner of a 1 year subscription to The Citizen is Pat Brigham, Blyth (nominated by Leslie Caldwell). Riverside Funeral Home will sponsor one new subscription per month. Call, email or fax your submission to Riverside Funeral Home - include person’s name, complete mailing address and your name and number. By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen Continued on page 8