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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTimes-Advocate, 1981-02-25, Page 22Page 22 Times -Advocate, February 25, 1981 Amusement park plans used in bid for beach Malcolm "Archie" Gibbs of Parkhill used a meeting of the Grand Bend planning board in a further attempt to substantiate his claim to ownership of the beach. The meeting was called by the planning board to hear objections from the public on proposed zoning changes. A request had been received from E.G. and J. Knapp to change a residential zone to commercial to allow for expansion of their amusement park. Gibbs told the planning board that as an adjacent property owner he should have received notice of the meeting. He said that he owns lot one, concession Lake Road West, which is the main beach in Grand Bend. The Knapps Amusement park is located on the corner of Main Street and the beach. Planning board secretary Christine Smith said that notices were sent to all property owners near the amusement park who were on the assessment roll. She said that Gibbs was not on the assessment roll. Gibbs replied that he was the registered owner of lot one, and from now on he would like to receive any notices pertaining to that property at his home address in Parkhill. Gibbs told the planning board that they should "have their house in order" before they make any zoning changes to the .Knapp property. Reeve Robert Sharen said that the matter was before the courts and that it should be left there. A representative for the Knapp firm, John Brock and the Grand Bend manager Brian "Toby" Tyler showed the planning board a scale model of the proposed changes for the amusement park. Brock outlined the Knapps requests for the zoning changes. Brock said that the company owns two vacant lots behind the amusement area which are zoned residential. He said that they would like to change the zoning to accommodate amusement rides. They would like to tear down the four existing buildings and replace them with one new structure. They would also like to close off a section of Gibbs Lane, a small street which runs through their property. Brock also requested that Knapps be exempt from the provision for providing parking spaces. He said that space doesn't allow them to create a parkinglot,and that Knapps would be willing to contribute financially to the creation of a parking lot in the village. Mary's musings BY MARY ALDERSON Somehow, we made it to Florida and back. But not with any help from Mother Nature. Actually, getting to Florida wasn't difficult at all -- getting to and from Toronto airport was the hard part. We left in a blizzard and came home in pea soup fog. Remember the much - announced , big storm two weeks ago Tuesday? That was the day we had to drive to Toronto. Editor Bill finally took pity on me at noon that day, and I left work as it was just beginning to snow and blow. (By the way -- it was nice to know I was missed at work that day. After I left, some gremlins got into the headline type and had Lambton Liberal Leigh Crozier receiving the PC nomination.) Anyway, Victor put the Bronco in four wheel drive and we headed for Toronto. It was so reassuring to hear radio announcers predict that this was the worst storm of the winter, and everyone should be off the roads. I kept switching stations, but they were all saying the same thing. However, we weren't worried, because we had packed everything needed fqr survival. There were egg salad sandwiches and granola cookies. There were candles and matches in case we had to sit in a snow drift. We took ski suits and snowmobile boots and extra scarfs in case we had to walk in a blinding blizzard We had a shovel so that we could dig our way to Toronto. And we even had sleeping bags for comfortable camping in a gas station on the 401 Fortunately none of the survival kit items were needed. We ate the sand- wiches, nibbled the cookies, and blessed the Bronco as it plowed past cars in ditches and jack-knifed transports_ We took it slow and easy and made it to Toronto in just under six hours, as the snow turned to rain and slush. We checked into our hotel room and decided to go out for some supper By this time it was getting quite late, and we were hungry after the long drive. But as we perused the menu, the lights went out in the restaurant. The freezing rain had played havoc with the electricity. After a long wait in can- dlelight, and a debate about what we should do, the lights carne back on, and the cook returned to action. Our flight left on schedule the next morning, and before we knew it, we were in Tampa We found our rental car, and were at my parents' place in Lakeland for lunch. It was cool and rainy that day, but it soom warmed up, and we had a beautiful week of Florida sunshine. We certainly enjoyed the fresh fruit from my father's six orange and grapefruit trees. We visited the Kennedy Space Centre for the first time, and took in Disney World for the third time, and spent the rest of the week sitting in the sun reading "Life's Like That" in back issues of Reader's Digest. And for all you folks who have been asking "Where's your tan?", I don't tan. I was pink and freckled for four days in Florida, but when I hit the fog in Canada, I automatically faded to white. Oh yes, one word of advice -- when returning from vacation, don't pick up your dog wearing new white pants. Pepper boarded with Dr. Balsdon, and we stopped for him on our way home. Our overgrown springer spaniel suffers from the idea that he is a lap dog. Craving affection, he planted himself on my lap all the way home in the Bronco. My white pants were complete with muddy footprints, and black hair at the end of the jour- ney. It was nice to come home to spring. Now you may say that spring doesn't arrive for another month. Well, we know it's spring, because Sunday night the ice went out of our river. For residents along the Ausable River Cut, the disappearance of the ice is the biggest event of the year. About 8:30 in the evening, Pepper suddenly wanted to go outside. He stood in the front yard and was barking like crazy at the frozen and quiet river. Then there was a big crash. We grabbed our coats and ran out. Huge chunks of ice were buckling and tumbling out of the water. Then the whole thing began to move. Our neighbours were already in their yard wat- ching the show. Up and down both banks of the river flashlights could be seen as more spectators came out. Soon the icebergs were tearing by, and the water increased speed. Docks, tires, picnic tables, pieces of boats, logs and even Christmas trees sailed past. It is incredible how the river could be so silent and still one minute, and roaring past the next. We stood outside and watched the action for more than hour The water rose dangerously close to the top of our retaining wall, and a chunk of ice twisted the railing off of our wrought iron stairway. Iiut by the next morning, the river had returned to her usual hanks, and peace was restored The ice break up was exactly a month later last year, when it didn't leave until the first day of spring. But, as I remember, it froze up a month earlier this season, than it did last year. The open water sure looks like spring, and it put an end to the hundreds of snowmobiles that roared by on the frozen surface. Brock said that there would be many advantages to the new plan. He said that the new building would be heated and air conditioned, with automatic door closings, so that there would be less noise from pinball machines. He said that the new park would be more attractive, and the run down buildings would be replaced. He added that existing trees would be left, and the rest of the park would be land- scaped, with fences and shrubs to act as buffers. By closing the small roadway, Brock said that there would be less main- tenance for the village. He said that Knapps were hoping to extend the tourist season with the new building and new rides, and thus be a benefit to the businessmen in Grand Bend. Neighbouring resident,:ii Charles Tvaska said that' noise is the main objection of the people living in the area. He said that outdoor loud speakers cause distur- bances. Laughter broke out when Tvaska added "they must have only one record over there". Several others backed him up, complaining about the continuous loud music and screaming children. Several residents said that by changing the residential area to allow for expansion of the amusement park, the noise would be just that much closer to their homes. Tyler pointed out'' that a "Kiddie City" would go into the part now zoned residential, and it would close each night at 9:30 because the rides would only be for very small children. Tyler said that to make the new building financially feasable, they would require room for a major attraction. He suggested that a water slide could be built if the zoning changes were made. Brock added that unless the zoning changes were made, no renovations could be done. It was decided that Brock and Tyler would meet again with planning board to further explain their requests. Some fears of residents of Green Acres were alleviated, when it was learned that entrances to a proposed plaza could be made off highway 21 rather than Sunset street in that subdivision. A lawyer for the developers, Robert Camp- bell, told those present at the meeting of the plans for a mini plaza in the area now occupied by the Fill -Ur -Up gas station and car wash. The developers want the property behind the car. wash changed from residential to commercial to create a parking area for the proposed plaza. A house, which Campbell described as "in a state of disrepair" sits on the property. The house will be torn down for a parking lot, and the car wash, which hasn't been operating in recent years will be replaced with the three store plaza. Campbell said that the only tenant lined up for the plaza is a donut shop. Residents of the Green Acres area said that they did not want exits and en- trances to the parking area off of Sunset and Lancaster streets. Campbell said that the drives could be changed to Ontario Street (Highway 21). One resident said that they didn't want to have traffic tie-ups such as those on the corner where the Baskin- Robbins ice cream store is located. Another resident said that making a turn onto highway 21 from Green Acres is difficult now, and that increasing traffic would be hazardous. No objectors were present at the meeting with regards to a proposed zoning change on property owned by Mac Malloy to allow for a retail store. NDP pick candidate Ralph Wensley of London was chosen New Democratic Party candidate for Lamb - ton in the upcoming provin- cial election. at a nomina- tion meeting in Watford Monday night Wensley. who is semi- retired. ran unsuccessfully in Essex in the 1968 and 1972 federal elections against Agriculture Minister Eugene Whelan Wers'ley has worked as a re search pathologist and is a former employee of Agriculture Canada. I AMUSEMENT PARK CHANGES PLANNED — Knapps Amusement Park manager Toby Tyler brought a scale model of proposed changes to Grand Bend planning board meeting Thursday night. Questioning Tyler about the model were Bruce Griffiths and Mel Douglas. Superintendent promoted Leaves Pinery After eight years at Pinery Provincial Park, superintendent Bruce Houck is moving on. As of March 1, Houck will be promoted to parks supervisor fortheCam- bridge district. He will be stationed at Bronte Creek provincial park in the Burlington -Oakville area, just off the Queen Elizabeth Way. As parks supervisor, he will be looking after all recreation activities in the district. Houck says that Bronte Creek will be a very different park from Pinery. While Pinery is called a natural environment park, and has a large camping area. Bronte Creek is called a theme park, and has no camping at all. The Bronte Creek park in- cludes a century old farm and farmhouse. The farm is operated pioneer style with horses and hand labour. An orchard of fruit trees is also on the farm. There is a children's farm and play area. The park is for day use on- ly, and includes a picnic area. tennis courts and a pool. In winter it is open for skating and tobogganing. Houck says that he has enjoyed his eight years at Pinery Park. "It's been quite a learning experience an opportunity to work with a lot of young people," Houck said. The Pinery depends on students for summer staff. Houck pointed out that things will be different at Bronte Creek. Retired people are employed to work on the century farm. Hoick came to Pinery Park in 1973, after three years as superintendent of Ipperwash Provincial Park. Prior to that he worked in several parks in northwestern Ontario. His hometown is Fort Frances. Last May he celebrated 25 years with the Ministry of Natural Resources. No successor at Pinery has yet been named. Houck said that he is quite concern- ed about who will be taking over the park. The an- nouncement will be made by Chatham district manager Jim Parker. LEAVING PINERY — Superintendent Bruce Houck is moving to Eronte Creek Provincial Park after eight years at Pinery. Staff photo GRAND BEND PUBLIC SPEAKERS — Top public speakers at Grand Bend Public School in their recent contest were Gerald Vogel, 12, who spoke on Hammond Organs, Leanne Jen- nison, 10, who spoke on skating and Debbie Sawyers, 11, who spoke on sisters.Staff photo PC's acclaim Henderson At a meeting in Petrolia Saturday night. Minister of Agriculture Lorne Hender- son was acclaimed as the Conservative candidate in the Lambton riding for the provincial election March 19. Henderson, 60, is seeking his sixth straight victory. Ile stressed his 35 years' ex- perience in municipal and provincial politics, 18 of which has been in Queen's Park. He said that the Conservative government has a good record of providing assistance to Lambton county. Ile said his goal is to "continue im- proving (government)' ser- vice for everyone in Lamb - ton," especially in the areas of health. education, recrea- tion. the environment and tourism. Guest speaker at the meeting was the party's provincial president David McFadden. McFadden said that I'remier William Davis' decade at Queen's park has been one of cool-headed leadership during which tough decisions were made. McFadden said that the Davis government has been trimming the public service since 1975 We have a team at the helm with experience in how government and the economy works," he said. About 500 people were pre- sent at the meeting at Vic- toria Playhouse in Petrolia. Best Interest 143/a% We represent many Trust Companies. We are often able to arrange for the highest interest be- ing offered on Guaranteed Investment Cer- tificates. ' subject to change 4:4F Gaiser-Kneale .EXETER 235-2420 Insurance Agency Inc. Insurance Agency Inc. GRAND BEND CLINTON 238-8484 482-9747 Caribbean scuba diving slides shown to WI Nineteen ladies attended the Women's Institute meeting, held last Thursday afternoon in the S.S. rooms of the United Church. The topic was Citizenship and World affairs convened by Karen Woods. She spoke on the motto of, "A good example gets best results". Karen showed slide pic- tures of her and her husband Wayne, scuba diving on the island of St. Thomas in the Caribbean on their winter vacation. Karen reported that the colors of fish and the coral under water were quite beautiful. Roll call was answered by "Name a prominent Canadian woman and tell why". "Did you know?" was given by Janis Peckitt. Janis brought greetings to the group from the Pizza Delight restaurant which she and her husband operate. She said they make all their own dough. President, Brenda Love, presided for the business. Lunch hostesses were Marg Desjardine, Marj Mason and Olive Miller. 4-H news Grand Bend 4-H club number one have chosen the club name of "Seam Rip- pers". The girls have held meetings two and three at assistant leader Thea Stokkerman's home. Roll call for meeting two was "The pattern fabric I have chosen for my 4-1-1 project." The girls pin fitted their patterns and did alterations where needed and traced and cut out garments. Meeting three roll call was "Name a piece of sewing equipment and its use". The girls were instructed on stay stitching, darts, gathers, seam finishings and how to press, and had a quiz on pressing. Home activity was to complete the dart sample. Meeting four will be held on Feburary 24th. Grand Bend 4-H club number two "The Calico Cutters", held meeting four Tuesday evening February 17, at Cathy Allister's home. Roll call was to "Name an area of a garment where you would apply inner facing to provide stability". The girls have their sewing garments marked and cut out. Leader Elaine Ducharme and assistant leader Shirley Whitney demonstrated how to apply inner facings and how to put in a lapped zipper. The girls worked on samples of these two projects. Church of God news About 30 children, youths and leaders met Friday night at the Church of God. The children have been studying "I'm a special person". During this session they each worked designs on squares of cloth, pertaining to their special ability, such as music notes, crayon art, math and etc. One of the leaders has put together the children's work which will hang in the S.S. rooms. The youths had a study period on "values". After- wards all met together for lunch refreshments. The Beavers, Cubs and Scouts and their leaders attended church here together in a body, Sunday morning. Rev. John Campbell spoke on David and his encounter with Goliath. Scripture was read by David Wilson. Offertory music, "Because He lives", was played by Laura Campbell on piano and Sharon Vincent with guitar. Special music was a solo by Marian Steckle, "Jesus will walk with me." Anglican church news Rev. G. Anderson based his sermon on the 15th chapter of St. Paul's letter to the Corinthians, verse 22. He spoke about the Garden of Eden where all was per- i 1 We'll Do the Job �(� '�' _ Right... fection, God and man were at peace - and sin was unknown, a perfect state. Coffee hour hostess this morning was Mrs. Elizabeth Brownlee. United church news A bouquet of red roses were placed in the church today by Mrs. Lena Corn - ford, of Grand Cove, in loving memory of her son Eric Cornford, who died February 15 in Toronto. Rev. H. Moore's sermon topic this morning was "Does Christianity work?" During the children's story Rev. Moore said this was Baden Powell Sunday ','hen cubs and scouts gather together to worship. He told the children about the happiness of a smile, and the pleasure of passing on good news, kindness and laughter. Choir anthem today was, "The voice of Jesus". Bible study groups are cancelled for the next two weeks. Guest speaker next Sun- day will be Peter Snell, of London. In the event of emergency, the Rev. Brian Elder of Crediton has agreed to be of assistance during the ab- sence of Rev. Moore for the next two weeks. The Grand Bend congregation will hold a pot luck dinner and family evening on Friday, March 13, beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the church. Whatever the project, call on us for Ready -Mix Concrete • RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • FARM (Including Manure Tanks) FREE ESTIMATES C. A. McDOWELL LTD. EXETER, ONTARIO Plant: 235-0833 Office: 235-1969 AtrPA QM`„ "" Through February. select from our extensive collection of upholstered furniture at substantial savings. Whether you're starting from scratch. or giving an old space a new face, you want your home to be functional, fashionable, and above all personal. It's just that special care that we strive to give you. We've got endless ideas about color. fabric, accessories and the flair for style that puts it all together with you in mind. 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