Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2004-03-18, Page 1Sweet treat The warmer weather last week has been very helpful to maple syrup producers as they report a good run so far this year. Robinson's Maple Syrup producers have been busy as they already have half their crop collected. Bill Robinson drains the syrup out of the steam pan at Robinson's Maple Syrup camp, so it will be clean for boiling when the next run of sap is ready. (Elyse DeBruyn photo) Most maple syrup producers report good run this season NORTH HURON PUBLISHING COMPANY INC. I Inside this week Pg. 6 Pg. 8 Changing world challenges WI Midget Girls in provincial tourney Pg' 15 z Auburn raises funds for family Pg. in Michael Ondaatje 17 comes to Blyth Lu ow cio wins at wood Pg. LI) sh e Citizen Volume 20 No. 11 Thursday, March 18, 2004 $1 (93c + 7c GST) HE out of Blyth fire board By Bonnie Gropp Citizen editor . North Huron council at its Monday night meeting approved a recommendation that will allow Huron East to withdraw from the Blyth district fire area board. Representatives from Huron East, mayor Joe Seili, deputy-mayor Bernie MacLellan and - clerk- administrator Jack McLachlan, met with the board March 4 to discuss the agreement . MacLellan stated that the municipality had withdrawn from the agreement feeling that they had no legal authority to do so- based on information received from solicitors and the Ontario Fire Marshal's office. The area in the McKillop ward, which was the reason for the move, was closer to fire stations within the Huron East boundaries than to Blyth. Council's feeling was that the money being spent on fire protection could be spent within Huron East. While some board members disagreed with Huron East's position that they could legally withdraw from the agreement prior to the 2008 termination date, both wanted to avoid the cost of a legal battle. Huron East was asked to consider an exit fee to withdraw from the agreement. Given time to discuss the suggestion, the Huron East reprepsentatives retured to the meeting. MacLellan said that they would like Blyth to continue to provide first respOnse services to the area as the other departments do not have this service. In return the municipality would pay $4,000 per year for five years. The board discussed the proposal later in the meeting and the Continued on page 3 By Elyse DeBruyn Citizen staff The winter was good for something this year as maple syrup producers report a better run than last year. At Robinson's Maple Syrup Products, north of Auburn, tapping, began on Feb. 28 and continues with an excellent run this year. Susanne Robinson said they have been busy this year with half the crop already collected and only three days off since they started: "The sap has run a little every day. Not a huge run, but every day we get some to boil," she said. Barb Storey of Seaforth, said it has been a "very good run" this season at Winthrop Maple Syrup and they have been really busy since they started tapping around Feb. 26. "It has been better than last year with the weather co-operating. The quality is nicer than last year too," she said. Storey said last year the sap was murky and dark, but this year it has a nice crystal clear colour to it due to the colder weather that has been keeping the sap nice and light. Unfortunately, Boyd Taylor of Blyth, said it hasn't been a good run for him this season because of the cooler weather. He said about 4°to 5°C outside would be much apkeciated to help the sap along because the trees are triggered when it is freezing at night and above 0°C during the day. He said there has been a lot less snow than in other years as the mild weather knocks the snow down making it easier for them to work in the bush. "Last year (in the bush) was a different story. The snow was three to four feet deep," said Taylor. He also said the syrup is of "compatible quality to other years." Similar to Winthrop Maple Syrup, Robinson said the sap is crystal clear also and the syrup is light or extra light in colour. "It's unusual to have light syrup this time of year. Last year the syrup was darker. Every year is different when making syrup," said Robinson. Taylor said he enjoys a darker syrup, but "other people enjoy the light stuff." Robinson said last year they started tapping mid-March and had only a two-to-three week run. "It's entirely different than last year. This year has been normal with cold nights and warm days," said Robinson.] OSTAR has MI on edge By Bonnie Gropp Citizen editor Concerns about the expected OSTAR funding was one of the reasons North Huron council decided Monday night to defer any decision on tendering for the Wingham water contract. Clerk-administrator John Stewart first told councillors that the lowest of three bids in the amount of $519,427.85 was higher than the engineer's original estimate of $450,000. However, he also noted that administration was still not sure where the township stood on its OSTAR money. "Where is it and when do we get it." He alluded to comments made by the provincial minister at a recent convention when asked about the OSTAR funding. "I understand the reply was that the previous government committed money they didn't have." Stewart said while the environment ministry has made it clear that the upgrades to water systems must be completed by June 30, without the OSTAR money this will be impossible. Treasurer Donna White has been attempting to learn more about when and if the money is arriving, but by Monday there was no more information. Stewart suggested that the recommendation for tendering be deferred until the next meeting. "Um not sure we will have any more answers by then,,but we won't have any less." Stewart noted that they are still waiting for the money from the _ Blyth upgrades of a year ago. "We're carrying that. I'm sure the money will come through, but when." Councillor Archie MacGowan asked that a resolution, be sent to MPP Carol Mitchell as well as federal government. "This is getting a little scary." Stewart agreed and expressed his frustration saying, "In my opinion this all comes from two people who didn't do their jobs in Walkerton." Stewart did note that OSTAR has been "swamped" with applications which are coming in at higher estimates than anticipated when studies were originally done. The limited number of contractors for the work can "set their price and they're coming in higher." Reeve Doug Layton said he has spoken with Mitchell who has requested documentation. Stewart said this information is being prepared. "But I do think we need some commitment from the current Liberal government. If they were to come out and say they are not going to honour this I don't see how we can do it." MacGowan noted that without that guarantee it's impossible . for municipalities to plan theif,, spending. "This is ridiculous."