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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2005-11-17, Page 21THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2005. PAGE 21. N. Huron faces shortage of land for development By Bonnie Gropp Citizen editor While a boundary adjustment between North Huron and Morris- Tumberry has opened the door for future residential development in North Huron, the fact remains that the township has very little property for expansion. It has been a concern for reeve Doug Layton since he was elected five years ago. “The potential for commercial or industrial development is almost non-existent.” Residential is a bigger worry, however. “We have been short on residential land. There just isn’t the selection and you have to be able to offer people choices. With this transfer of land we will be able to give them that choice for a number of years.” Layton stated that he thinks the timing of the transfer was perfect as well with the re-start of the Bruce A units at Douglas Point, which could see people moving into the area. Currently, North Huron has the lowest assessment roll in the county. The only answer is to see more people and commerce move into the township. “It’s a problem we have to address. I wish there was an easy fix, but the only thing we can do is sell our community.” The catch-22 on this, however, is that the result of the services provided and the low assessment is high taxes, which may deter people from settling in North Huron. Layton expresses some frustration over the idea that taxes are too high. “If individuals stop and realize when they have police service, fire, well- maintained streets and roads, arenas what they are getting for their tax dollars.” Also, he notes, that with the downloading and new regulations that continue to come in from the province, “taxes are going to be high all over.” “We thought water cost us money. Sooner or later these small municipalities are going to have to do something with septage and that will be a huge cost.” The only way to keep taxes in line is to build. “Every time a building goes up in North Huron it jingles the cash register. We need more assessment and hopefully the services we provide will attract people here.” If people buy a car, Layton said, North Huron council briefs $28,529 owing on Blyth arena North Huron council at its Nov. 7 meeting were presented with an update on the status of the Blyth arena debt. The balance remaining to be raised is $28,529.30. Clerk-administrator John Stewart said that the Heart and Soul campaign committee has indicated that it is considering one more “good-sized” fundraiser that would hopefully clear the books. *** Council asked that a response be sent to a Wingham resident concerned about the restrictions placed on the Josephine Street ball park usage. Council had previously made a they pay huge taxes and never know where the money goes. “You pay your tax bill here and 30-40 per cent of that money goes back to benefit you. You can see where the money went.” Layton also said that amalgamating bigger than they had would have served the township well too. “I don’t’ believe we went far enough. We’re providing services now to outside communities.” Attracting industry is a challenge for the entire county, said Layton, who is nearing the end of a term as county warden. With less than 60,000 people living in Huron and no strong workforce attracting a big industry is not likely to happen. “We’re off the beaten track and they seem to want to decision that adults no longer be permitted to use the park due to its proximity to the highway and to residences. A letter received from Dave Bourne expressed concern that this would now limit the groups that wanted to have tournaments as it would mean there was only one diamond for adults in Wingham. Stewart noted that a developer had expressed interest in the property and had indicated that he would help with relocating the diamond or upgrading the Optimist diamond. “If we upgrade the Optimist field, I think we can meet the needs that now exist,” said Stewart. However, he added, that should ball increase in be where the population is.” However, economic development groups in the county and in the townshp continue to work on attracting industry to Huron. And should it occur, Layton points out that the benefits will be felt everywhere in the county. “I guess being warden 1 look now at the whole county. The more we can bring in, even if it’s Central Huron, there will be an impact in North Huron.” For now, the North Huron/Morris- Tumberry land transfer is a great start for those municipalities. “I believe that (Morris-Turnberry mayor) Dorothy Kelly and I agreed that what will benefit us will benefit them and vice versa.” popularity again this may not be sufficient. *** The rental fee for Memorial Hall was waived for the Blyth Public School’s annual Christmas concert and rehearsal. Stewart explained that the school board and municipality have a reciprocal agreement. *** The contract for snow removal at the Richard W. LeVan airport was awarded to D&I Wattam Construction Ltd. at the cost of $59 per hour. *** Council endorsed a resolution from the Twp. of Tecumseh asking The boundary provides land for commercial highway development in Morris-Tumberry. “This land transfer took a lot of years. I’m glad these council worked together to let it happen. It’s a win win,” said Layton. It also looks good to industries that might want to build in the area. “It means a lot for them to see communities working together because it spins off to them.” With that in mind, Layton would be happy to see future pfoperty talks take place. “The door’s always open for more. Whatever I can do to help another municipality out 1 will. We all realize if we want to make North Huron the place to be it’s time to do our share.” debt the federal government to extend the expiration of a passport from not later than five years to 10 years from the date of issuance and from three years to five years for children under three. *** A resolution from FarmGate5 asking the Canadian government to continue to work for a balanced trade deal that benefits all farmers including those in the dairy and poultry sectors received council’s endorsement. *** Council gave permission to Blyth Communities in Bloom to order flowers for Queen Street and the bridge for next summer. 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