HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1994-04-20, Page 6PAGE 6. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 1994.
Farmers want to lease land for agriculture
Planning for the future
Jim Phelan, right, of Morris Twp. discusses possible uses
for the abandoned rail line, which runs from Goderich to
Guelph, with a fellow resident. The first of several public
meetings was held at the Auburn Community Centre
Monday night to get input for interim use of the property.
Continued from page 1
for several years.
Many of the people wanted the
corridor to remain for recreational
use, to draw tourists to the area for
an economic benefit as well as
environmental.
There was also the suggestion
that the line remain as a continuous
corridor and not fragmented into
sections with no connections.
A few farmers requested the land
be leased back to them for the
purpose of agriculture. They
expressed concern that any use for
the land other than farming would
be a nuisance to them. "Who will
be responsible for damage to our
crops caused by deer or
groundhogs which will inhabit the
trail," questioned one man.
Mason Bailey, a Blyth
Councillors was concerned about
the upkeep of the fencing and
drainage along the line as the
railway companies had an
agreement established with the
farmers. A government
representative said each case
concerning fencing and drainage
would be looked at individually.
"We should be considered
landowners just like any other
neighbour and the issues which
arise concerning joint issues will be
solved in the same manner," he
said.
A phone number was given (519-
587-2276) which will be the
government department 'hat will
deal with any problems on the
property. The deal for the land is
not to close until June 15 and the
province will not be responsible for
issues until then, the spokesperson
said.
Four landowners stated they
would be willing to pay their share
of the cost to level the corridor and
return it to agricultural use. Two of
the farmers, John Daer and Chris
Cowan, wanting this solution live
in Hullett Township.
Several items were mentioned as
criteria for the final decision mak
ing.
There were many individuals
who did not want to see the land
fragmented feeling it should be a
multi-use property which is envi
ronmentally friendly and is not
interfering with the adjacent
landowners present land use.
Safety issues dealing with rights-
of-way for crossings were a con
cern for farmers with land on both
sides of the line.
The government spokesperson
said these issues could also be
resolved on an individual basis
with a little co-operation between
the parties.
The groups interested in main
taining the property as recreational
saw an advantage to this use
because it could benefit the econo
my of the region by bringing peo
ple in and felt this should be
considered in the decision.
When Ms Muegge asked if there
were any other questions which the
residents wanted answered at this
time, the issue of taxes arose.
There was concern as to who
would be responsible for the prop
erty taxes in the case of an organi
zation managing the land but not
leasing.
The government spokesperson
said, "I cannot honestly answer that
question because that is something
we had not thought of. That is why
these meetings are so important, to
get your questions answered. I will
do my best to have the answer for
that at the next public meeting
which is to be held in Walton on
April 21."
Doug Robertson, a member of
the Public Advisory Committee
closed the meeting by advising
everyone in attendance that the
land can be used to the benefit of
all with some co-operation.
"The advisory committee hopes
to have the tabulation of ideas done
by May and something in place by
the fall," said Mr. Cunningham.
Everyone was invited to attend
the Walton meeting and to bring
other interested persons who were
unable to attend the Auburn meet
ing.
HCBE moves principals
The HCBE has announced the
principal and vice-principal place
ments and transfers for the 1994-95
school year.
The moves were made to fill
positions vacated by retirement or
leaves of absence.
Helen Crocker will move from
teacher at Victoria PS to vice-prin
cipal at Walton PS.
Vice-Principal Margaret Allen
will move from McCurdy PS to the
principal's position at Hensall PS.
Patty Brereton, area resource
teacher and night school principal
in Goderich, will now take over as
principal at Zurich PS.
Principal Dave Brereton moves
from Turnberry Central PS to
Holmesville PS.
Phil Parsons has been promoted
from vice-principal to principal and
will assume his duties at Turn berry
Central PS, leaving Ho wick Central
PS.
The new vice-principal of Mc
Curdy PS will be teacher Lome
Rideout from Hensall PS.
Vice-Principal duties at Howick
Central PS will be assumed by
teacher Dave Shaw, an area
resource teacher.
Vice-Principal Lois Tebbutt of
Clinton PS will be taking a one
year leave of absence and will be
replaced by Acting Vice-Principal
Dave Higgins, a teacher from the
same school.
Belgrave Kinsmen
Calendar Draw
April 10, Trina Leishman,
Bluevale; April 11, Louise Bos
man, Belgrave; April 12, Jamie
Robinson, Wingham; April 13,
Deanna Griffin, London; April 14,
Joy Dennis, Lucknow; April 15,
Matt & Kendra Merkley, Wing
ham; April 16, Kelly Martin,
Wingham.
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