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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2019-05-30, Page 2PAGE 2. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2019. 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 107 MARY ST WINGHAM MLS#30708798 $249,900.00 Great location to build your dream home on this 6 acre country property or development opportunity, close to town, hydro available, natural gas is in front of property to the south, private location, backs onto bush land. Call Steve Nixon 519.357.2222 #5 The “Vow”Factor Wedding Package Stag & Doe 2" wide x 4" high Engagement 4" wide x 3" high Card of Thanks 25 words Wedding Announcement 4" wide x 4" high Prebook all 5 ads in The Citizen for only $100 Savings of over $100 Be part of our Bridal Showcase Call or email today 519-523-4792 or info@northhuron.on.ca WOW! Local man changes council’s stance on A2A After a local man vouched for the future of the embattled A2A Development in Wingham, North Huron Township Council agreed to support a six-month extension for the proposed subdivision. The A2A development was originally approved five years ago and is located on the southern border of Wingham. The original plan for the site includes 250 residential properties in several phases. Doug Cerson, who works in the real estate industry and was raised in Wingham, explained that, through a professional contact in Texas, he was able to communicate with the A2A Global, based in Singapore. Cerson explained that the investors in the group are willing to go ahead, knowing that the money will be tied up for 10 years while the project is developed. He said that a meeting in Guelph will offer options to 65 real estate agents to get involved with the project. Cerson said they are “hungry to find affordable” listings. He explained that real estate wealth has moved to Guelph and Kitchener-Waterloo from Toronto and projects like the A2A development could draw attention to Huron County. Cerson said that information wasn’t being communicated between North Huron and A2A, which he hoped to facilitate. In light of the new information, council agreed to support a six- month extension being requested by A2A from Huron County, which will require action to be taken on the project by Jan. 2, 2020. To secure that support, however, Reeve Bernie Bailey proposed that A2A would have to forfeit its right to object to the Hutton Heights project that North Huron recently decided to support financially. “We’re developing here finally,” he said. “We sat on [the A2A Development] for eight years. Council is cautious to back off on one or the other.” Cerson said he was fine with the agreement. Representatives from Huron County were also in attendance, including Economic Development Officer Chris Watson, who said Cerson’s connection changed the situation for A2A, and that the “ball would be in his court.” Watson also said it was prudent to follow up on both the A2A development and Hutton Heights to make sure that North Huron is addressing the housing shortage in the area. Council rescinded a previously- passed motion suggesting that Huron County deny the extension, passing a new one supporting it. By Denny Scott The Citizen Big day The Huron Chapel Evangelical Missionary Church in Auburn celebrated its 41st anniversary on Sunday with special guest Minister Claran Martin and musical guest the Glister Children’s Choir shown above under the direction of Suzanne MacVicar, left. (Quinn Talbot photo) Closed vote didn’t break rules North Huron Township Council has been found innocent of any wrongdoing regarding a vote taken during a closed-to-the-public meeting on Jan. 7, but were found in violation of the Municipal Act, 2001, and their own procedural bylaw for not providing more information to the public. During North Huron Township Council’s May 21 meeting, a report from the law firm of Aird Berlis stated that, while a vote had taken place during a closed meeting, that vote did not contravene the rules that govern closed meetings. Reeve Bernie Bailey opined that a former councillor filed the complaint, suggesting he felt the rules weren’t being followed when council held a closed meeting regarding the location of the new Blyth Fire Hall. “We conclude that an improper vote did not occur at the closed meeting as alleged in the complaint,” the report stated. “This is because, although a vote did occur at the closed meeting, the vote complied with the requirements for voting in camera in accordance with subsection 239(6) of the Municipal Act, 2001 and subsection 5.6(h) of [North Huron’s] Procedural Bylaw.” The report did state, however, that the township didn’t adequately record the decisions made in the closed meeting, as required by the Municipal Act, 2001, and failed to adequately “report out” what transpired at the closed meeting in accordance with North Huron’s Procedure Bylaw. Council members said that the relative inexperience of council, which includes only one incumbent from the previous council, may have led to the error in judgement. “It was tough for us because we had delicate information to deal with,” Councillor Chris Palmer said. “Looking back, we could’ve added more information to the public.” Deputy-Reeve Trevor Seip said the report would serve as an educational tool for council, and also said that, aside from making minor changes, for being a council comprised of so many new councillors, it handled itself well. Bailey said that the important thing was that council learned from its mistake going forward. By Denny Scott The Citizen Twist and shout As part of its celebration of Mental Health Awareness Week earlier this month, Hullett Central Public School held a special pep rally, followed by volleyball games between staff and students. Above, Mrs. White, front, leads a dance alongside some student helpers. From left: Justin Kerr, Jillian Shortreed, Cassidy Shannon, Alexis Bernier, Hailey Wain and Kaden Heuther. (Denny Scott photo) Follow The Citizen on Facebook and Twitter for local news and photographs