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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLakeshore Advance, 2011-04-06, Page 7Daycares OK with JK, reports official VVNdnesclek1, Apdyl6,'2'011' • tAlt'e ttto+b'Adwhtlee 7 Cheryl Huth OMI AgefxY What the end result of a provincewide • full-day Junior Kindergarten program will have on daycare centres has yet to be seen. Upon questioning from Corals Bernie MacLellan (Huron East) at I luron Coun- ty's March 23 committee -of -the -whole session, Children's Services Manager Fvy McDonagh says it is still tots early to gauge what kind of impact full-day JK will have on the county's daycare programs since alt schools have yet to offer it, So far, she says, the Clinton Coopera- tive Childcare Centre has been the one hardest hit since full-day I K is available at both the public and separate schools in Clinton, Lambton Shores CONTINUED FROM < PAGE 6 Other The other ways the Municipality plays a positive role in supporting its economy is by ensuring that the basic needs of business and industry can be rnet, such as ensuring there is sufficient sewage treatment capacity to accommodate future growth, water supply and good mads, sidewalks, power, natural gas etc. The Municipality has also been able to keep local tax rtes low for both residents and business as evidenced in the last two BMA studies we have participated in. One of the projects staff is undertaking is an exploration of expanding our mar- keting of the Legacy and Shores Recrea- tion Centres, The Forest Amphitheatre, etc., for "outsized events" like Home/Cot- tage & Garten Shows, Boating & Fishing Shows, Corporate Conferences, etc., that would serve as a draw to visitors from outside the municipality. Summary As mentioned earlier the economy has gone through and slowly coming out of a rough few years, with the after effects of 9/11, American/Canadian passport legis- lation, tightening alcohol regulations, fluctuating currency values, stock and financial market collapse, expanding "Big Box" stores in the larger cities nearby, etc., but through it all the local economy is hanging tough. The attached schedule provides some insights into the ongoing reinvestment in the local economy. Council recently heard the presenta- tion from George Mallay about the efforts of the Sarnia Lambton Economic Part- nership to promote our area to businesses across North America and throughout the 'R world and to develop local business incu- bation investment as well. It is clear that Tourism Sarnia Lambton has gone through some tough times in determin- ing its mandate and marketing strategy. The County has approved additional funding for 2011 and it is hoped that we reap the benefits of a new strategy to tour- ism promotion and development in Lambton Shores as a result. If not then a "local solution" needs to be developed. "They (the (:CC) really "Neth has been incredibly haven't shown any great loss at helpful," notes Michaud in ref - this time," says McDonagh, erence to the new job descrip- noting part of the rationale for tion required given that Ross that may he the popularity of took on a number of extra infant and toddler programs, duties after starting with the which are more costly to run county as its chief librarian in but also in demand. the 1980s. hlcDonagh says it appears 'Though the hiring commit - parents would rather place tee was originally slated to infants and toddlers in include two public members licensed daycare facilities than of the library petard, three pub - private homes. lic representatives were even - Another Look wally agreed upon after four Ashfield Colborne trustees were nominated and Wawanosh \voteld like to take a only one, County Cortin. Dave second look at a proposed Mach (North 1luron), turned countywide mandatory septic down the opportunity. system maintenance program As it stands, the candidates but, a s Conn. Ben Van for cultural services director Diepenbeek (ACW) learned, are slated to meet with a hiring doing so will require a sched- committee that will consist of used appearance by program County Warden Neil Vincent lead Bob Worsell at an upwoui- (North 1 luron), library hoard ing committee -of -the -whole chairman Brian Bamim (Cen- session. it will also require an trap I iuron), library board vice - agreement by councillors to chairman Bill Siemon (Huron raise the issue from the table. East), along with board trus- Coun. Bernie MacLellan tees County Conn. 'lyler I les - (I !mon East) is still open to sen (Bluewater), Peggy Men - hearing more about the pro- Lies and Phil Landon. graun, but says receiving a whit- let's Near it ten report would also he County Warden Neil Vin - welcome. cent is urging fellow council - Ready to litre lors to decry any changes to a The committee is armed provincewide coyote preda- and ready to hire. tion program that could result 'thanks to motions approved in fewer animals being caught. by the 1luron County Library Vincent note the deadline to Board at its March meeting, submit letters of concern is fast the library board has both approaching and should be approved a committet' forwarded to him by the first entrusted in taking car' of the week of April. hiring process for the county's AC OK new cultural services director After some debate at an ear - in the wake of Beth Ross's deti- lier session, councillors art' sloe to retire come lune, as giving a thumbs up to plans to well as a comprehensive job include air-conditioning units description cradled by t iuman in the 31 apartments being Resources Director Darcy constructed at the I luronview Michaud. site near Clinton. IWO HURON COUNTY PUBLIC NOTICE The Council of the County of Huron intends to consider the 2011 COUNTY OF HURON BUDGET at their County Council meeting in the Council Chambers, Court House, Goderich Wednesday April 6th, 2011 at 9:00 a.m. Barbara L. Wilson, ('ounty Clerk, 'The Corporation of the ('ounty of I turon, 1 Court House Square, Goderich, ON N7A 1 M2 Not (Off the Press Councillors agreed to support the details of a management agreement recently hashed out between the Maple Tree hoard of directors and the county in order to meet a funding deadline set out by the province. County Warden Neil Vincent says while the situation is somewhat unfortunate in that the county did not see the wisdom in moving forward with the development and yet the province went ahead and funded it, the end result is the involved parties nonetheless deserve praise for their efforts in getting the "best possible deal.' Partnership Sought County Councillors learned EMS offi- cials will be working with their Perth County counterparts in order to crenae a !MUM' aid assistance agreement in the event of a disaster in the region. Out With the Old 'lite County's I comes department will he investigating the hest possible way to dispose dated high -low beds after Teeing able to purchase a number of new ones. While Ilomes Administrator Barb Springall says the plan is to sell the old beds to interested parties, Coon. John Grace (Goderich) says one possible plan is to donate them to Global Medic, a small Canadian non-governmental organiza- tion that provides emergency relief serv- ices to disaster victims, tvorldwitie. It also trains medical personnel and donated medicine to developing and war-torn countries. Springall says though there is merit in the suggestion, the problem is shipping the beds would be pricey. "'they're20-year-old deeds, I don't know what their value would be," she adds. Councillors James Ginn (Central I!uron) and Bill Menton (Iluron East) suggest it makes the most sense to give county residents the first chance to pur- chase the beds and, ultimately, council- lors agreed to leave it up to the hones department on how hest to deal with it. 54 Ontario St. S., -Grand Bend sEA'c)NAt (1 � :�' low l:)Fcol; 519-238.5612 Sunday, April loth 12 noon - 4 p.m. Tastings by the Cider Keg U Saxon Chocolates Winners of our Ciiftl3asket Draws Nikki Cooke & Rhonda Payne Open: Wed. - Sat. 10 - 5: 0pm, Sun. 12 - 5pm t's�''{ I-� u m e (:rand Bend and Area 2011 Spring Potpourri Program Pine Dale Motor Inn, Grand Bend April 11 - Narcisse C'anlin April 18 - The Artist Within May 2 - From the Ground (Ip May 9 - Wine Tasting May 17 Organic Oasis Farm 'four Tel: 238-5419 or 238-2847 H:mait: lwilbur@hay.net www.partnersinlearningsq The fee for the 5 -week Spring Potpourri is $20. or $S per course.