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Home My WebLink AboutThe Citizen, 2019-08-22, Page 2PAGE 2. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, AUGUST 22, 2019. While North Huron approved funding to enable members of the Howson Bridge/Dam Committee to invite professionals to their meetings, the decision was a controversial one. The committee wanted to draw approximately $6,400 from a reserve for the structure to invite engineers and other experts to a future committee meeting to discuss the removal, refurbishment or replacement of the bridge. Members hope they can have technical documents explained so that each member has a better understanding of the issue at hand. Councillor Kevin Falconer, chair of the committee, said the hope is that having these experts explain the issue will give members a broader perspective, as well as get answers for questions that members are “using to fortify their own opinions”. “Yes, we’ve spent money for coring and reports, but... [members] don’t trust this report, or wanted to get another,” Falconer said. “Hopefully, we can come to a consensus to move forward. Until we have a report from the engineer, and get rid of the sticking points, and have a conversation... the group can’t come to a consensus.” Reeve Bernie Bailey questioned the veracity of past reports, saying council members directed results. “If that council wanted [the dam] done away with, that’s what the engineer said,” he explained. “The engineers said what council wanted.” Bailey said that proves the need for the committee as it takes the “political side” of the issue out. “We’re going to hold the power, but what we’ve done now is taken the council part of it out,” he said. Director of Public Works and Facilities Sean McGhee said he felt that bringing in the experts would remove contrary interpretations of the past reports on the dam, adding that some confusion is understandable as the reports were “horribly technical”. Councillor Chris Palmer was against the expenditure. “I didn’t realize this committee would burn through money to make decisions,” he said. “[The funds] could be seed money to take the dam down, as an example.” He also said that having members not believe what was presented was frustrating. Deputy-Reeve Trevor Seip said the request shouldn’t come as a surprise to council, and felt this was the best way to proceed. “This will give [members] the opportunity to have every question asked, “ he said. “There will be no misinterpretation and no missing information. Everyone will hear the same thing, black and white, then it’s whether they agree with a report or not.” He said by doing this, council is taking away any excuse the committee may have regarding a lack of resource or outstanding questions, regardless of whether members agree with what is presented. Council agreed to allow the committee to access the funds needed to bring professionals in to review previous documents before returning to council. Continued from page 1 racer and friend of Lee’s, said that every track should be like Walton while Phil Nicoletti, who took overall victory at the event, earning the fabled Sword of Walton, had positive remarks for Lee. “He said it was the toughest, best track of the year,” Lee said. “He’s a well-travelled rider, so that means a lot.” This year marked the retirement of Colton Facciotti, who Lee has followed throughout this career. He said it was a bittersweet moment for him when Facciotti won the Rockstar Energy 450 class title this year. Facciotti, after being crowned the class winner, and third-overall for the Walton event, is now the first six- time Canadian champion in 30 years and had some favourable words for Walton. Facciotti said the site is an important one for him, as he’s raced there, proposed to his wife there and now retired there. “I saw his first race... so it was really great to hear how special it was to end it in Walton,” Lee said. “It meant a lot to hear what he said. It was pretty cool for all of us.” Lee said Facciotti is a great rider and a great friend and Lee is happy the six-time champion is leaving the industry successful and healthy, though Lee admits he’ll miss watching Facciotti ride. Lee said there was a different atmosphere at this year’s event, especially when it came to the 250 class, which featured Dylan Wright, who took the overall victory. Wright had a cheering section including fans revving chainsaws (without the chains) whenever he passed them and when he made his way to the podium. The group also had coloured smoke bombs to mark his win. “There was a lot of buzz around the grounds,” Lee said. “Those were some loud and crazy fans. It reminded me of some of the European races.” This year’s event was also a first for Huron County, Lee believes, as the races and podium were broadcast live on Fox Sports. Lee said the race has been broadcast on the internet, or taped and played later on channels like TSN or Sportsnet. He believes this is the first sporting event in Huron County to be broadcasted live on a network television channel like that. This year marked a change in the way the site was laid out as well, Lee said, and the change seems to have gone over well. In previous years, visitors would come to the eastern gate of the grounds, but this year that gate was saved for amateur riders, industry representatives and vendors. “Because we have so many amateurs, the manufacturers wanted to be on the same side of the grounds,” Lee said. “It was a mandate handed down from them that they wanted to be closer to the amateur riders to better connect with them.” Howson Dam funds approved Live broadcast a milestone for TransCan: Lee 541 Turnberry St., Brussels 519-887-9114 405 Queen St., Blyth 519-523-4792 The Citizen We carry a variety of books perfect for all ages Stop in and check them out today Office: 519.600.4949 34 Main Street South, Seaforth Email: propertiestownandcountry@gmail.com Web: www.homeforsale.at/42187_MONCRIEFF_ROAD_xkibf-2qp3 42187 Moncrieff Rd., Blyth ~ $599,900. MLS# 30757450 Delight yourself on this picturesque property, with almost 3 acres of privacy and tranquillity. This impressive 2 story home boasts high ceilings, large rooms, a modern custom kitchen, and more. Attention to detail and quality craftsmanship is evident throughout. 5 bedroom, 3 bathroom, with a large deck surrounding this century home. To top it all off there is a 2500 sq/ft shop/shed as well. From country living to hobby farming to home business this estate offers it all. Contact Dave Boonstoppel SALES REPRESENTATIVE Cell: 519-440-2444 Or Brenda Campbell, SALES REPRESENTATIVE Cell: 519-525-9154 New L i s t i n g STEVEN NIXON Broker WILFRED MCINTEE & CO. L IMITED Bus: 519-357-2222 Cell: 519-531-0252 Fax: 519-357-4482 Email: nixon@execulink.com Web: www.stevennixon.com 249 Josephine St., WINGHAM, ON N0G 2W0 Serving the area since 1999 187 DINSLEY ST., BLYTH MLS#30757486 $240,000 Great starter home with 3 bedrooms, corner lot, bustling home town of the famous Blyth theatre and Cowbell brewery, spacious 1450 sq ft with new kitchen 2017 plus newer insulation, wiring, plumbing, flooring and drywall, gas furnace and central air, shop/garage for the hobbyist 34.5 ft x 18.3 ft. Call Steve Nixon 519.357.2222 NEW L I S T I N G By Denny Scott The Citizen Big winners The Walton TransCan hosts the last race in the 450 MX class of the Rockstar Triple Crown competition, making the local event of significant importance both nationally and internationally. The day went to Phil Nicoletti, centre, who posted a 3-1 record, claiming the Sword of Walton. Second place, at left, went to Cole Thompson with a 1-3 record. Walton fan- favourite Colton Facciotti claimed third with a 2-2 record. While Facciotti was third on the day, he did claim first place in the series with his two second-place finishes, earning him the honour of being Canada’s first six-time champion in 30 years. Nicoletti took second place in the series with Mike Alessi, not shown, claiming third overall. (Denny Scott photo)