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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHuron Expositor, 2005-12-21, Page 5Opinion The Huron Expositor • December 21, 2005 Page 5 SIESEEZEIP Huron -Bruce economic development an important issue for federal election To the Editor, With an election currently before us, I feel it is a good time to discuss economic development for Huron — Bruce. If the steady appearance of empty storefronts in Exeter is any example, it is time for politi- cians/bureaucrats/community/businesses to work together to identify the problems and find solutions. In my view, job retention/creation should be a key concern in the upcoming federal election. For example, Huron Industrial Park would be a welcome addition to any community. However, South Huron council together with federal funding through Huron Business Development Corporation (HBDC) hired a con- sultant to prepare a report (cost apparently $50,000) which Mayor Morley and CAO Larry Brown told me determined they should not acquire the Huron Park airport lands or former college. When I asked before council for a copy of the study, Mr. Brown refused to provide one. I was able to acquire a copy of the study through HBDC and cannot find any indication in the study why the municipality should avoid invest- ing in Huron Industrial Park. I find it interesting that other communities in Huron - Bruce support airport development, yet South Huron hires a consultant at taxpayers' expense to determine the opposite. From the Nov. 29 Kincardine News: Council is endorsing a project that could see the eventual construction of 28 airplane hangars at the Kincardine Municipal Airport. Council showed its support for the project by allocating $10,208 to pay for the design of the hangars and the tendering of the project, at its Nov. 16 meeting. "I believe a vibrant airport is the sign of a, vibrant community," Deputy -Mayor Sandy Donald said. Recently, a group in Goderich was awarded $40,000 in "seed money" through HBDC to hire a consultant to explore the possibility of a col- lege for the community. From CKNX radio news: "Support is growing for a community college in Goderich. Spokesperson Monica Walker -Bolton says they're putting a committee together to work on site selection. And she says the next step is set- ting a curriculum. She says they're looking for public input on that, but they want to tie into the marine and rural heritage of the Goderich area, as well as reflecting the training needs of local industry. Anyone with suggestions can contact Monica Walker -Bolton at the Huron County Planning Department." I feel it is a conflict of interest for a taxpayer - paid staff member of the Huron County Planning Department to be sitting on a commit- tee pressing for a college in Goderich while the former college in Huron Park lies empty. As a county planner, why isn't Ms. Walker - Bolton (and other county officials) in conjunc- tion with HBDC exploring the possibility of developing a college at Huron Park? I brought these concerns to the attention of Huron -Bruce MP/federal candidate Paul Steckle. As in 2005, the federal government apparent- ly provided $2.3 million to fund HBDC opera- tions. Mr. Steckle told me he does not have any influence over the way HBDC runs their opera- tion. I find it strange that the federal govern- ment provides funding for HBDC yet, according to Mr. Steckle, an MP apparently has no influ- ence over a non -publicly elected organization funded by the federal government. I would suggest voters ask the Huron -Bruce candidates their economic development vision/plan for Huron -Bruce beyond tossing cheques to HBDC, agriculture bandaids and Bruce Power. (Wally) Peter Fydenchuk Crediton 1E11=1, Two men narrowly escape suffocation in large vats at Egmondville brewery in 1905 DECEMBER 17, 1880 Hensall villagers were disturbed from their peaceful slumbers about one o'clock on Monday morning by the alarm of fire, fire, sounding. from all parts of the village and at the same time dense columns of smoke could be seen ascending from the kitchen and woodshed of the Mansion House, where the fire had accidentally caught. A scene of bustle and excitement prevailed, which was intensified by the sight of several prominent boarders rushing out their trucks and cloth- ing, but we are pleased to state through the prompt and energetic action of our village people who really equal if not surpass roan fire companies, the flames were quickly subdued with but slight damage to the building and its contents. DECEMBER 15, 1905 The Messrs. Kruse Bros. of Egmondville, have purchased the old Bank of Commerce property on Main Street. They intend engaging in the meat and general provision business: Two men named Jamieson and Jeffrey had a narrow escape from death by suffocation at Bolbert Bros. brewery in Egmondville, on Saturday morning last. One of the large vats was being cleaned before being painted and in order to dry it they had a charcoal fire burning in the vat. The fire was not going well and Jamieson went into the vat to freshen it up. Shortly afterwards .Jeffrey looked in and saw Jamieson lying on the bottom gasping for breath. He jumped in but was unable to get Jamieson out. He too was nearly overcome by the gas, but managed to crawl out and sum- mon help. DECEMBER 19, 1930 Mrs. Alex Broadfoot of Tuckersmith, and Messrs. Thomas McMillan, M.P..J.M. Govenlock and W.H. Golding were in Toronto this week attending the Liberal conven- tion as delegates from the South Huron Association. William Charters of Mill Road, Tuckersmith, recently sold five head of pure bred Leicester sheep to .the University of Saskatchewan. These animals, which were among the finest type of the breed, were shipped from Seaforth station the first of the month. DECEMBER 16, 1955 Seaforth scouts were honoured Monday when for the first time in the history of scouting in Seaforth, Queens Proficiency Badges were presented to local scouts. The first completely new store to he erected in Seaforth in many years began serving the public Thursday morning when Cleary's IGA market opened its doors. Owner of the business, James (Teary has been a yell -known Seaforth businessman since 1923, when he purchased the grocery business which had been operated by the United Farmers of Ontario. In the intervening thirty-two years the business had continued to occu- py accommodation a few doors north of the new building. DECEMBER18, 1980 Seaforth may get a third grocery store if a zoning change applica- tion, presented to council Monday night, is approved. Clerk Jim Crocker showed coun- cil site plans and a design for a 900 square foot "architectural block" building labeled Seaforth IGA, and said Harold Smith is asking for the zoning change as a agent for Bill McLaughlin. The site is on the north side of Goderich St. E. and includes a for- mer car storage of and the property west of it, which now has on it a small frame house.