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The Citizen, 1997-07-16, Page 13PAGE 14. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, JULY 16,1997 Morris Twp. council Bylaw passes approving zoning amendment A public session was held in con­ junction with the June 24 meeting of Morris Twp. council, to discuss a zoning amendment for Lot 30, Cone. 1, belonging to David John­ ston. The zoning amendment would result in a change from General Agriculture (AG1) to Agricultural Small Holding-Special Provi- sions(AG4-13). The rezoning rec­ ognized a barn and surplus residence which were severed from the surrounding farmland previous­ ly. The bylaw permits six animal units on the property. There were no objections to the rezoning from the Huron County Health Unit nor from anyone in attendance. Council passed the bylaw approving the amendment. Councillor Keith Johnston had declared a pecuniary interest prior to the discussion and had left the chambers during the public session. Brian Treble of the Huron Coun­ ty Planning Department informed council that the rezoning applica­ tion for John and Barbara Kerr had been approved and the meeting would be held July 8. A minor variance for Wayne and Paul Fear will be heard at the same time. A motion was passed to amend the drainage site plan policy. It stat­ ed a drainage agreement be required for building permit; that drainage be installed 30 days after occupancy and a deposit cheque of $1,000 be submitted and held until completion of the project. Drain maintenance requests for Pease and Higgins Drains were accepted. Drainage Superintendent Gary Nichol informed council of contin­ uing problems with Rintoul Drain, particularly under the county road. Council passed a motion to request repairs to the drain, subject to approval from the Mailland Valley Conservation Authority. Council heard from the Wingham Area Fire Board that the board would be charging $1,258 per hour for auto accidents and $500 per hour for regular fire calls. All members of council, except Keith Johnston, attended the work­ shop for councillors and staff regarding the county's official plan, July 3. A request from Ken Swanson for a three-way stop at Brandon and Hamilton Streets in Belgrave will be considered. Council will contact the OPP to see if they will erect radar to slow down speeders. The possibility of sidewalks on the south side of the street will also be examined. The cost of cutting noxious weeds in 1996 on the property of Keith and Bonnie Pletch will be added to their tax bill as they had refused to cover the cost. A bylaw was passed to dedicate Part 9, RP22 RD-154, as a public roadway. Council also requested the remainder of the roads in Bel­ grave be checked for registration. Council added their support to four resolution which came before them. They were: Monaghan Twp., requesting Premier Harris hold a full inquiry into the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing's restructuring process; Town of Rockland, asking the province not to transfer the responsibility for services until January, 1999, to allow municipalities to prepare; Village of Iroquois, urging the provincial government to reconsid­ er the removal of tourism signs from major highways and City of North York, requesting the govern­ ment not remove the gross receipts tax collected by municipalities. A donation of $50 was granted to the Salvation Army. Council donated 12 history books, one plate and six hats and shirts to the Huron Tourism Lottery Calendar of 1998. A Toshiba photocopier will be purchased from Bluewater Office Supply. WDCLA earns Service Innovation Award Wingham and District Community Living Association is the proud recipient of The Centre for Management of Community Services 1997 Innovation Award. A winner was selected from each of three regions in Ontario: South­ west, East and North. Wingham Community Living was selected for the award from a panel of judges made up of colleagues from around the pro­ vince. The Centre for Management of Community Services is a non­ profit organization funded in part by Ontario's Ministry of Community and Social Services. Their mission is to assist other ministry-funded agencies in meeting increasing demands for more communit-y- based services within today's financial realities. Each year they recognize organizations from across Ontario for their outstanding work on behalf of people with disabilities. Specifically those groups that are innovative in the way they provide service. Early in 1994 staff of the Wingham and District Community Living Association submitted proposals outlining a new structure using a 24-hour approach to supports. In October 1994 the new structure was introduced. It is a significant feat to change an entire organization, but that is what has happened. The Wingham Association has moved to a team approach of providing services based on individuals' needs and desires rather than sticking with a menu of existing programs. In order to do so, staff roles were clarified "to offer choices and to help people make connections within their community." As a result of the changes in the way the association operates, people are now served in their home communities as opposed to being bused in to a central location. Services are now individualized and person centered. Local communities are more aware of the needs of citizens with disabilities and are more inclusive. In addition to these significant achievements, several cost savings were realized allowing more resources to be put towards helping people achieve independence. The Wingham & District Community Living Association strives to ensure that all people with developmental disabilities live in a state of dignity and share in all elements of living in their community. Huron Health Unit warns of swimming hazards "Warning... Bathing Hazardous, polluted waters. Swim or bathe at your own risk. Huron County Health Unit." "Warning... Following rain­ storms, the water at this beach may be temporarily polluted for up to three days. Bathers are advised to take suitable precautions if choosing to swim. (Don't submerge and don't drink the water). Huron County Health Unit." These are warnings on signs which you may see posted on one of the public access beaches in Huron County. For people who enjoy the pleasure and health benefits of swimming in natural water the posting of a sign on the beach with those words can be frustrating. Public health inspectors post a beach after collecting water samples every week and sending them for analysis to laboratories that examine the water for E. coli bacteria. High levels of E. coli in water indicate contamination by human or animal waste. The Huron County Health Unit monitors and samples the water quality at 19 Lake Huron public access beaches and 15 inland river recreational swimming areas. Beginning June 20, Huron County residents could find out which beaches were posted. The "Beach Water Quality Hotline" will be accessible 24 hours per day, seven days a week by calling 482- 3416 and asking for the Beach Waler Quality Hotline or pressing *501 (star-5-0-1) on a touch tone phone dial pad. The hotline will provide a list of beaches that have been permanently posted with signs indicating temporary pollution with elevated levels of E. coli bacteria. E. coli bacteria are generally found in animal and human wastes and are used as an indicator for water quality of recreational bathing areas. E. coli bacteria may cause illness if precautions are not taken. After a heavy rainfall or extensive wave action, historically, E. coli levels are elevated for up to three days at those beaches posted and listed on the hotline. The hotline also indicates when the last rainfall was noted. Health Risks • Health risks from swimming in contaminated waters range from stomach aches, diarrhea and vomiting, to infections of the skin, ear and eye. The risk is high if swimmers accidentally swallow water or completely dunk their heads, behaviours more common in young children. Causes of Contamination • Untreated or partially treated sewage from municipal treatment plants can end up in natural waters during periods of heavy rains when the capacity of the plant is exceeded. This raises the bacterial count to an unsafe level and makes waters unsafe for human contact. Some sewage never reaches a treatment plant and empties directly into natural waters. Both of these situations can cause high levels of E. coli Continued on page 18 Cty. wins economic award The County of Huron and the Huron Tourism Association have received an award for excellence in the annual American Economic Development Council's (AEDC) "Promotional Materials Awards Competition." The county's entry, the 1996 Huron County Travel Guide was recently awarded a superior or second prize in the category "Tourism Literature" at AEDC's annual meeting in New Orleans. There were over 1,108 entries in 27 categories; judges gave up to four awards for each of the 27 categories. "We are proud of Huron County and its tourism industry and this award clearly indicates that we’re doing the right things. We have a beautiful area to share and tourism activity means growth, prosperity and jobs for our people - that's the bottom line. That's what the county is working toward," said Warden Murray Keys. "With tourism as the county's second largest economic generator, we are pleased that the county's efforts are being recognized internationally." The County Travel Guide lists all county tourism-related businesses and attractions such as: accommodations, golf courses, bed and breakfasts, antiques and boutiques, theatres, restaurants, beaches, attractions, museums, recreation, campgrounds, conservation areas, artisans and art studios, hiking and skiing trails and special events. The 1997 County Travel Guide was launched al the 1997 County Tourism Event and Brochure Swap in Wingham this spring. Copies of the guide have been distributed to local establishments, area and Ontario Travel Centres, border crossings and to hundreds of individuals requests. ENTER "Our Heritage Contest" Correctly identify the people & event in this picture. Send your entry to the Citizen Office, Box 429 Blyth or Box 152 Brussels, or drop it in before Tuesday, July 22 & you could win one of our Homecoming souvenirs. If several entries are correct a draw will be made. Brussels Homecoming *97