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Home My WebLink AboutThe Citizen, 2001-03-14, Page 1ESTABLISIii) 1E01 awatimamosemiss ,•., 75 Cents (70c + 5c GST) Reluctant Cyborg Grey Central Grade 4 student Brian Burgess seems a little unsure about his role as a Cyborg when he dons one of the creations shown by mask maker Wendy O'Brien. In the background is a lion created by O'Brien. The artist visited 43 classes in the Avon Maitland District School Board area conducting workshops on her craft. In Dianne van Vliet's Grade 4 class at Grey students were using the theme Medieval Myths and Monsters for their creations from cereal boxes. The workshops were part of the Attitudes program, supported by the Foundation for Enriching Education's annual dinner cabaret and auction held last November. Volunteer use at Belgrave arena raises some concern for rec. dir. Volume 17 No. 11 e Citizen Wednesday, March 14, 2001 .v9s5-2000 Inside this week Pg. 6 Pg. 8 Pg. 10 Pg. 18 Pg. 19 Grade 10 testing brings good news bad news There was both good news and bad when the Avon Maitland School District Board and Huron Perth Catholic District School Board received test scores from the province-wide Grade 10 literacy testing. Wendy Anderson, chair of the AMDSB said that while the 70 per cent rate for that board surpassed the provincial level, there is concern with the number of students who fell below the acceptable mark. The AMDSB achieved a 70 per cent success rate for students passing for all those who wrote the tests. When the entire student population was averaged into the figure, 65 per cent passed. (Those who do not write the tested are added to the fail column.) For the HPCDSB, a pass rate of 70 per cent was also achieved with 68 per cent of the entire class passing. The provincial average was just 61 per cent. This is the first year the Grade 10 evaluations have been administered and will not be used to determine individual student success. However, beginning in 2001-2002, all students must pass the exam before they are able to graduate. Plans are already in the works at the AMDSB to address the failure rate and adjust programs to ensure greater student success, said Anderson. A further breakdown of the numbers with regard to school-by- school results will not be available until later this month or early April. By Bonnie Gropp Citizen staff It's a system that has worked well for years, but in this dog-eat-dog world the Belgrave Community Centre board may need to make some changes or perhaps get bitten. At last month's board meeting, North Huron's Director of Recreation/Facilities Dan Cousins expressed concerns, regarding lawsuits and safety issues over the use of volunteer labour at the arena. In a telephone interview last week, Cousins explained that while he commends the community and its volunteers for the important role they play, there is "a fine line we walk with them. We have to have volunteers, but if we're going to be doing something we better be doing it right." He warned that volunteers should be using the guidelines set out by the Occupational Health and Safety Act. In particular this year, the use of volunteers for clearing snow from the roof has been a cause for concern. All workers on a roof must use fall-arrest or travel-.estraint equipment in accordance with the fall-protection requirements of the Regulations for Industrial Establishments, the guidelines state. North Huron Councillor and board member Murray Scott said that since the meeting he has received a good deal of feedback from people concerned about Cousins's comments and what it means. "I think it may be being blown a little out of proportion," Scott said. "I think the comments were to make us aware. Times are changing." "I have just brought this information to their attention," said Cousins. "As a management board they should be concerned." While the use of volunteers is a common practice, it doesn't necessarily make it right, said Cousins. "Sometimes it's better in the long run to spend some extra money." From where that extra money will come is what worries some board members. Chair and Turnberry - Morris Councillor Kevin Pletch said that to "to pull away the volunteers means these arenas won't survive. I'm sure Cousins is right, but..." Another worry Cousins had was with regards to the fowl supper in October, a major fundraiser for the arena, which is attended by approximately 1,000 annually. He noted that on a different day when he visited the arena, the two exits were snowed in. "There has to be due diligence. People have to be able to get out. It is just something I brought to their attention." With the board scheduled to meet Thursday night Scott suspects the issue will receive further attention. "I believe we should pay heed to some of the recommendations," said Scott. Cousins suggests that the board "re-group, look at how we're doing our business and make sure we are not putting anyone in harm's way." "It's a dog-eat-dog world. There's a safe way to do things and if we want to continue doing them the unsafe way we have to realize there may be consequences to pay." he said. Rezoning brings debate By Janice Becker Citizen staff 'A proposed rezoning in the community of Cranbrook caused considerable concern. Several residents attended the March 6 session of Huron East council to speak against a rezoning for Alan Fretz, Part Lots 17-20, Register Plan 208A which would allow him to construct a building to be used for a welding/repair shop. Pubic meetings had been held by the previous Grey Twp. council with concerns forwarded to the Huron County Planning Department for discussion with Fretz. Grey Twp. council decided not to make a motion on the rezoning, leaving it to the new Huron East council. The rezoning application addressed by Huron East included a 10 p.m. curfew for hours of operation of the business, a height and lot coverage limitation akin to residential low density zonings, the accessory building would not have a setback of more than 70 feet from McNabb Line and large openings such as doors would be on the west side. Also as part of the rezoning was the condition that a planting strip by planted next to abutting properties. Letters had previously been received from Stan and Bev Bentley and John • and Peggy Weins expressing concerns about noise, fumes, property standards and non- compliance of the current business operation. As he had stated at earlier meetings, Fretz told Huron East councillors that the construction of the workshop was meant to eliminate or alleviate most ..f the concerns of his neighbours. With more work area, he could store chemicals and paints inside, noise would be reduced and if he were able to operate the shop as a full time business, there would be little need to work into the evening. He currently works late hours due to outside employment. Residents reiterated their concerns to Huron East councillors. John Weins expressed displeasure at the location of a tree buffer which was being planted, saying it was too close to his weeping tiles. He asked who would pay if it was damaged. Huron East Clerk-Administrator Jack McLachlan said the homeowner would have to pay for tits own tiles as there is nothing to stop a property owner from planting trees anywhere on his own land. Weins said Fretz was t to cover the building so he is planting trees, but he should have re -peel for others' property. Cranbrook resident Dean Bentley asked who would be responsible for ensuring the property was kept cleaned up, referring, to rundown Continued on page 15 Huron East council rejects minor variance Area skaters win medals Local producer a director with 810 Woman marks 98th with open house Former area woman wins prestigious award