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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2001-03-14, Page 6PAGE 6. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14, 2001. Letter to the editor Accessibility an area concern Hitting the basket Several students from Grey Central Public School participated in a recent free throw competi- tion with three moving on to the next level. In back, from left: Madelaine Deitner, Laura Armstrong, Sarah Damen (placed first at Wingham Knights of Columbus competition), Crystal Daugherty, Kristen Stewart and Crystal Blake. In front, Mark Dammeier, Jeff Spieran, Frank Deitner, Ben Beirnes and Brad Stephenson (placed at Knights of Columbus event). Mark Lefor, who was absent, will continue on to the free throw competition in London, March 30. Check out our WEBSITE at www.northhuron.on.ca r INSURANCE PREMIUMS TOO HIGH? 67 Omni A Insurance Brokers Save 20-40°1 0 on your auto insurance and more on other insurance services * Free No Obligation Quote Paul Hallahan R.R. #3 Blyth (519) 523-9110 Fax: (519) 523-9278 Clinton Office: (519) 482-3434 Pager 1-888-489-2570 email:phallahan @ odyssey.on.ca Offering Insurance & Financial Services Farm/Commercial/ Residential/Auto Accident/Sickness D.S.I TOWNSHIP OF NORTH HURON Now accepting all Summer Bookings at the North Huron Wescast Community Complex for Arena Floor Rentals, Meeting Room Rentals, Sport Events, and Dances. Please call the Township of North Huron Recreation Department at 357-1208. Sympathy is extended as well to the family of William van Nes Sr. on the sudden loss of a son Nick van Nes. pannaPatrian www.participaction.com TOWNSHIP OF NORTH HURON RECREATION DEPARTMENT STILL HAS SPACE AVAILABLE IN THE FOLLOWING SPRING PROGRAMS: Ballroom Dancing March 28 - May 30, Wednesdays Turnberry Central School 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. $102.00/couple Eat Right For Your Blood Type Tuesday, March 20, 2001 Ohm Natural Health Centre 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. $14.00/person Lacrosse Bus Trip to see the Toronto Rock Lacrosse Team Saturday, March 31, 2001 Coach leaves Wingham Town Hall at 10:00 a.m. $27.00/youth; $32.00/adult; $135.00/family (Family includes 5 members or more) Those 18 years and under must be accompanied by an adult. Toronto Sportsmen Show Saturday, March 17, 2001 Coach leaves Wingham Town Hall at 8:00 a.m. $17.00/person Those 18 years and under must be accompanied by an adult. Talisman Mountain Resort Ski Trip Friday, March 16, 2001 Bus leaves Town Hall at 7:30 a.m. $30.00/person (Children must be accompanied by adult) Babysitting Blitz Thursday, March 15, 2001 Wingham Fire Hall 9:00 - 5:00 p.m. $30.00/person (Students need to be 11 years of age or older) Babysitting Blitz Thursday, March 15, 2001 Wingham Fire Hall 9:00 - 5:00 p.m. $30.00/person (Students need to be 11 years of age or older) Twig Furniture Bent Back Willow & Cedar Chair Saturday, May 26, 2001 8:30 - 4:30 p.m. $95.00/person Bent Back Willow & Cedar Loveseat Saturday, June 2, 2001 8:30 - 6:00 p.m. $125.00/person To register or for more information please call North Huron Recreation Department at 357-1208 THE EDITOR, Poor wheelchair access is an issue which affects only a small minority of people. Many towns in Ontario were founded in the late 1800s when wheelchair accessibility was not given a thought. People who could not walk simply did not go out. This remained common practice for many decades. However, now with the advances in mobility devices, people who cannot walk can go out — with the use of a wheelchair. A wheelchair is supposed to give its user the freedom to move around on his/her own. The wheeling sur- face must be flat and free of obsta- cles that make progression difficult, and wide enough to ensure that the user and wheelchair can maneuver independently. These are the main issues of the wheelchair user — issues which were not necessary to prepare for in the late 1800s. More impor- tantly, these are issues which people who can walk seldom think of now. Steps can hinder a wheelchair user's independence. Narrow door- ways and hallways are also a barrier. In the late 1800s, steps, narrow doorways and hallways were archi- By Janice Becker Citizen staff There was no success for Herman Terpstra when he returned to Huron East council March 6 in an attempt to gain approval for a minor .vari- ance. • When the minor variance applica- tion for the construction of a truck washing shed at the corner of Newry Road and Ethel Line, Grey ward, went before councillors in February, there was concern about both the location of the shed and whether the variance should be considered minor. Terpstra had hoped to build the structure along Newry Road, six metres closer than standard codes allow, with entrance doors facing west. Seaforth Councillor William Teall questioned if six metres should be considered minor while other coun- cillors asked why the shed could not be located to the east of an existing implement shed. In response to the concerns, Chief Building Official Paull Josling told councillors at the March meeting that the location had been selected to move the entrance away from an existing well and construction to the east of the implement shed would consume more agricultural land. It would also require more fill. Terpstra added that the suggested site would limit future expansion of the implement shed. The recom- mended location was also preferred by his insurance company to limit the potential for a fire in one build- ing from spreading to the other. With three councillors absent and Grey Councillor Alvin McLellan declaring a conflict of interest, Terpstra's application was turned down after a split, recorded vote. Voting to approve the minor vari- ance were Brussels Councillors Greg Wilson and Joe Seili, Tuckersmith Councillor Bill DeJong and Seaforth Councillor Dick Burgess. Voting against the variance were Deputy-Mayor Bernie MacLellan, tecturally economical, but for the wheelchair user, these architectural thoughts are a failure. I have used a wheelchair for many years, and I have encountered poor wheelchair access a great many times. Often, the snow and ice keep me and my wheelchair house-bound, but in reality, a tight-cornered entrance, a narrow doorway, and a step at the door are really what keep me and my wheelchair house-bound. Unfortunately, I can not enter these establishments independently. I can- not limit poor wheelchair access to Brussels alone, but to all towns in Ontario. Access can be improved in many buildings by constructing ramps. Narrow doorways and hallways can be widened, or doors can be situated so that the wheelchair and its user can enter independently. Although wheelchair access for businesses is ,trictly voluntary, it is a strong start to eliminating the issues of the wheelchair user. As our society ages, the number of people affected by these issues will grow consider- ably. The time to face wheelchair accessibility is now. Shelley Smith. Seaforth Councillor William Teall, and McKillop Councillors Sharon McClure and Ferg Kelly. Mayor Lin Steffler, Grey Councillor Graeme MacDonald and Tuckersmith Councillor Larry McGrath were not present. Youths are coming back to country By Rene Morissette Statistics Canada While some young people are still leaving rural areas to take advantage of the many attractions offered by the city, others are voluntarily deciding to live in the country. A study by Statistics Canada shows that despite migration differences from one province to another, rural areas have experienced net popula- tion gains for those in the 25 to 29 age group. Young people aged 15 to 19 are the most likely to leave rural areas for urban communities. In addition, 25 per cent of young people who move to the, city "return to the land" 10 years later. Quebec, Ontario, . Alberta and British Columbia are among the provinces that have experienced net gains in their rural population of those aged 15 or older. The study is based on figures cov- ering the period from 1991 to 1996. FROM ETHEL Grey teen runner-up. at Listowel's Paddyfest A youth from Grey ward present- ed herself exceptionally well at the Listowel Paddyfest ambassador competition. Crystal Edgar, a Listowel District High School student, was named first runner-up and also earned top spot in the talent contest. Edgar competed against five other young ladies, all from Perth County. She. is the daughter of Bethany and Gordon Edgar of RR2, Bluevale. Paddyfest runs from March 3 to I7. Council says no to minor variance The Ethel euchre was held on March 5 with 10 tables in play. It was hosted by Dorothy Dilworth. Winners were: 50/50, Ken Crawford and Verna Crawford; high, Edna McLellan and Neil Hatt; lone hands, Verna Crawford, Charlie Harrison and Allan Edgar; low, Margaret Bateman and Frank McKenzie; tally, Margaret Crowe, Murray Keifer, Eva Harrison, Joe Vollmer, Donna Mo6re, Bob Bremner, Iola_ Subject, Harold Metcalfe, - Violet Smith, Adrian Verstoep, Shirley Verstoep. The next euchre will be held on March 19 at 8:30 p.m. Sympathy to Barb and Larry Ward and family on the loss of Barb's father Alexander Valiance of Harriston.