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Huron Expositor, 2005-10-19, Page 13The Huron Expositor • October 19, 2005 Page 13 News Federal heat rebate won't go far for local poor Huron agencies predict increased demand on social services as fuel prices climb Susan H u n d e r t m a r k With local agencies anticipating a greater demand on social services "The rebate is a little bit of money but it's hard to tell how well it will benefit any- one," she says. While she says it's "better than noth- ing," Harris also ques- t i o n s whether $ 2 5 0 , which is j often less than the amount of one month's heating bill, will help who receive the rebate. have their child tax credit taken away from their social assistance cheque. Will this be taken off as well?" she asks. this winter as fuel prices climb, a heat rebate from the federal gov- ernment is being wel- comed. But, some are saying the $125 for single peo- ple and $250 for senior couples and families receiving the child tax benefit won't go far. Angeline Swart of the Seaforth food bank says she's anticipating a greater use of the food bank this winter with fuel prices rising. "I'm already hearing people saying, 'What are we going to do come winter time.' It's definitely on their minds," she says of food bank clients. With utility bills making up a large percentage of the budget for low income families, Swart says people often choose to pay their heating bill and seek help from the food bank for groceries. "The numbers at the food bank won't come down, that's for sure. They need their heat," she says. Swart disputes the federal govern- ment's plans to pay more to couples than single people. "I can't see where it's easier to heat a home because only one per- son lives there. It should be per household," she says. Michelle Gaynor, Huron County manager of Ontario Works, says 80 low income families and singles in Huron County have been helped with emergency support for heating costs in 2005 so far. Ontario Works provides up to $500 in one-time funding through a program called Pathways for emer- gency support with heating, rent and housing. Gaynor admits that the $500 usu- ally doesn't meet heating bills that can surpass $2,000. "The program is just supposed to get people back on their feet," she says. Gaynor says the demand on the Pathways program will probably increase this year as fuel prices rise. Lynne Harris, of the Huron County Social Justice Coalition says the federal announcement still has a lot of unanswered questions, such as whether or not families on social assistance will have their heat rebate taken off their assistance cheque. "Families on social assistance 'The numbers at the food bank won't come down, that's for sure. They need their heat,' -- Angeline Swart, of, Seaforth food bank "Why not try to solve the problem of why the fuel rates are so astro- nomically high to begin with?" she says. `If they want to do. something for people, they should make the fuel companies prove there's a shortage,'— Huron East Coun. Larry McGrath Huron East Coun. Larry McGrath, who owns a plumbing and heating business, agrees. "If they want to do something for people they should make the fuel compa- nies prove there's a shortage," he says. McGrath also questions the amount, which he says won't buy a month's heat. "The seniors are going to struggle , and they're nervous about it. The rebate's a help but it's too little," those he says. Bill Zehr, of Festival Hydro, Announcement to Shareholders Of Green Breeze Wind Park Development Inc. \1\1( v,'i't'h III;011,1)111110Q 1'' t111:111, .114: t t 01,14 ..i11I..'l'. Illi Iti=01 L \'.'li. litt+ - t'.. t' 111 1111•.'1 tt + t,ltl t Iy ii ' _,. i I f . 1►i, • says As a.result of your support, Green Breeze has submitted a fully compliant bid to the Ministryof Energy fqr a 79.5 -megawatt wind prk in Huron. AH Green Breeze Wind Park Development Inc. shar,hoiders will receive a "SPECIALt RIGHTS OFFERING" via mail, in recognition of this support. We would also like to thank the members of the community who have helped our company by providing land leases, contracting services, municipal support and others who have made this all possible. THANK YOU! Prong Sustainable Economic Development and Ownership to the People of Ontario. the heating rebate will be helpful in the face of rising fuel costs. Festival Hydro, which has par- ticipted in a Share the Warmth pro- gram for the past two years, helped more than 30 customers with emer- gency funding to keep their heat and hydro running during the win- ter. "We're hoping to continue the pro- gram this winter," he says. aoi�u�p eawsi 1994 Grand Prix 1990 New Yorker 1993 Acclaim 1995 Grand Am MORE GREAT CERTIFIED CARS 1996 Sunifire GT $3750 1999 Cavalier $3995 1996 Regal $2995 2000 Focus $6995 1997 Sable $3995 1998 Grand Prix $4500 1996 Grand Am $3995 1996 Voyageur $3995 1993 Astro $2995 1995 Windstar $2500 1998 Blazer 4x4 $6995 1996 Lumina MPV $3995 1994 Transport $3995 1995 Intrepid $2500 A&T Auto Ontario St., Clinton 482-8439