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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTimes-Advocate, 1981-08-19, Page 1Dropoption as interest rates s Laldlaw hoping tcomplete from high costs involved. He said interested in- dustries had to show the same concern. Carl Baptist, who owns property in Usborne im- mediately east of the propos- ed Laidlaw site, also feels the project has been cancell- ed and has already called on the Ontario Municipal Board to .correct the injustice" of the rezonine. In a letter to H.W. Kelly, who chaired the OMB hear- ing. Baptist recalled that he had termed the entire tran- saction a "complete and utter sham" and said it was nothing more nor less than an opportunity for some of the parties involved to realize a substantial profit. At the hearing, Baptist aired his objections and had asked for some assurance that the applicant (Laidlaw) would actually move to the new site and noted that in his ruling. Kelly had disregard- ed that request with "Because the transport company is committed to an offer to purchase". "What now Mr. Kelly?" Baptist .said in his letter. "Will this injustice be cor- Despite indications and suggestions to the contrary, a Laidlaw Transport Ltd. of- ficial told the T -A yesterday the firm still hopes to move to a proposed new site on Highway 83 at the eastern limits of Exeter. Doug Gowland, president of Laidlaw.sald the firm has not dropped plans torelocate a suggestion thatwas in- dicated during discussion of the matter at Monday night's session of Exeter council. He acknowledged that Laidlaw had not renewed an option on the property owned by Lorne Keller. Keller now has the property listed with ROYAL COUPLE WINS — Jamie Fronts and Heather Smith appearing as Royal Newlyweds were top winners in the best decorated float division of Sunday's Lucan Fair parade.T-A photo Six people hurt in area crashes Only three accidents were investigated by the Exeter OPP this week, but six people sustained minor injuries in those crashes. On Friday, a motorcycle and tractor collided on the Cre4iton Road, near the intersection of concession 4-5 of Stephen. The tractor was driven by Michael Veri, Exeter, and the operator of the - motorcycle was Ronald Griffith, RR 2 Crediton. Griffith was in the process of passing the tractor as the latter was proceeding to turn left into a laneway. The bike rider sustained minor injuries and damage was estimated at 1550. Early Saturday morning, two area youths escaped with cuts and bruises when the car in which they were riding ended up in a swampy area on Highway 83 about 3.5 km east of Dashwood. The vehicle, being driven east by Mark Vandergunst, RR 2 Crediton, was cut off by an unknown vehicle and then swerved onto the north shoulder and then came back across the highway into the south ditch. It rolled over as it crashed through a fence and then came to rest on its wheels. Vandergunst and his passenger, William Glover, Exeter, were caked in mud when they were taken to hospital for treatment. Glover required stitches for cuts on his face, arm and back. Damage to the vehicle was listed at 17,000. On Monday, a three -car collision at the intersection of Highway 4 and the Crediton Road caused damage of $6,000 and resulted in three minor in- juries. Drivers .involved were Robert Chadwick, Huron Park. George Adamovich, Edmonton, and Mary Read, Grand Bend. Building takes spurt The value of building permits took a jump in Exeter during July ac- cording to figures presented to council this week by building inspector Brian Johnston, The total hit 1230,450 and included one new home and an industrial building. The new home is being erected on Huron St. East by Jack Taylor of Stoneridge Developments and the in- dustrial building is being constructed on Highway 83 East by Landrush Inc. and will be the new home of Dan Brie Agri -Products Mfg. Ltd. Also included in totals were 13 permits for residential renovations and additions valued at 117,450 five tool sheds, garages and decks valued at 11500 and one swimming pool at 1500. a real estate firm. "We're still working diligently to complete the transaction," the Laidlaw official said from the Hamilton head office. He cited the increase in in- terest rates as one of the major complications that had arisen in his firm's plan to move and for a prospec- tive owner to develop the present site at Highway 83 and 4 for commercial use. Members of Exeter coun- cil have jumped to the con- clusion that the deal has fallen through entirely judg- ing from comments at this week's session in which con- cern was expressed that local ratepayers will face costs of about 14,000 over the rezoning of the property on Highway 83. Mayor Bruce Shaw questioned if there was some way that the municipality could be covered in the future for costs involved in Still hope to avoid hearing on centre Althought they hope BP Canada Limited may yet withdraw an objection over extended uses for the north end shopping centre owned by Hawleaf Developments, Exeter council will, proceed with an Ontario Municipal Board hearing into the ob- jection rather than take alternative steps as suggested by Hawfeaf's solicitors. On behalf of the town, solicitor Mike Mitchell, Stratford. has advised BP that he feels the company's objection to a gas bar use "is not a planning objection, but an attempt to limit com- petition." In a letter to BP, Mitchell said "Again we ask in order to avoid the cost of another, hearing to go over the same subject matter (the OMB hearing over the comprehen- sive land -use bylaw last '< September 1 which was previously heard by the OMB that you withdraw your objection. Mitchell noted that at no time did any representative from BP appear before the Board to voice concerns on the bylaw. The objection from BP is the only one that has been received regarding the plan to extend uses allowed in the shopping .centre. Councillor Jay Campbell said the planning board felt the hearing should proceed if the objection is not withdrawn rather than change the bylaw as the latter process would be slower than the hearing, which has been set for September 3. Campbell also suggested that there should be some attempt by council to recover the costs for the OMB hearing, saying it appears to be over an objec- tion raised to restrict com- petition. "We shouldn't have to foot the bill," he said, asking later in the meeting if they should advise their solicitor to attempt to recover their cost at the hearing. Clerk Liz Bell opined that council may not even have to hire a solicitor to represent the town at the hearing. "We • EXPAND TO CUNTON Exeter and Clinton will have one more thing in common on September 1. That's when Wuerth Shoes of Exeter take over owership of Holland Shoes in Clinton. The present staff at Holland Shoes will continue to work for the new owners. Other businesses which have stores in both com- munities now include Jerry There were 24 permits MacLean and Son Sports and issued during July. Anstett Jewellers . HILL$ILUES FINISH THIRD — The Clandeboye Hillbillies involving the Carter family were third prize winners in the comic float section of Sunday's Lucan Fair parade. From the left are, Kevin, Clarence, Barb and Joanne Carter. T -A photo nave to hire a solicitor to fepresent the town at the hearing. "We have no part in the hearing," she said, noting that it was up to lawyers from BP and Hawleaf to argue the situa- tion. Council members appeared to be in agree- ment with that contention and made no plans to hire a solicitor to represent them at the September 3 hearing. such projects if they fail to materialize. The costs were for legal counsel at an OMB rezoning hearing and engineering for drainage plans at the site. Saying that if the project had been halted due to current high interest rates, Shaw suggested it was a sorry commentary on the state of the economy. The Mayor said it was an- noying that the town had been stampeded into moving quickly on the rezoning. He admitted after Mon- day's session that he had no official word that the project had fallen through, in- dicating he came to that con- clusion when he saw the "For Sale" sign on the proposed site Council had called tenders for sanitary sewers to the site and Monday night rescinded that move. Councillor Jay Campbell said council had demonstrated theywerc will- ing to work with industry wanting to relocate in Ex- eter but said he would like tosee the town come up with some way to work quickly in such matters, but at the same time protect itself rected or, "in the interests of good planning" will all parties to it sit on their collective butts?" Baptist. who gave a copy of the letter to the T -A, said he hoped the site would be zoned hack to its original designation. WELCOME SINGER — Country and western singer Marie Bottrell .of Elmira was the feature entertainer at the Lucan Fair Friday night. Above, she is welcomed to Lucian by lion Ted Giesen and Lion president Jack Ryan. T -A photo Serving South Huron, North Middlesex One Hundred and Eighth Year & North Lambton Since 1873 EXETER, ONTARIO, AUGUST 19, 1981 WINNING COSTUMES -- Among the prize winners at Thursday's Hallowe'en party at the RecCentre, put on by the Exeter Lions Playground, were Michael Burton and Chad Hutchin son. Esmeralda the witch (Joan Pym) presented the prizes. Stuff photo Tries to allay concerns over park project Exeter Mayor Bruce Shaw moved this week to allay concerns being expressed about development of the community park, suggesting that the present phase will be completed this fall and that the canvass for funds will be 'successful if residents in South Huron start to look on the projects in the park. in a positive manner. to support it finan- cially and to assist in its ex- peditious completion. He prefaced his remarks with a note that there has been considerable agitation in the town concerning the project during the past three months. but said he was con- vinced that the committee in charge were still enthusiastic and determined complete the job. "Although progress in some areas has been ad- mittedly slow, the site has been dramatically improved over the last few months and some problem that appeared are being resolved," he said. The Mayor said there appeared to he some con- cern that the new 165,000 agricultural building would have limited use but noted it was a physical tie linking Exeter with its agricultural roots and added that he had no doubt the holding would be used more frequently than just the two days many people fear. "There have already been many suggestions put forward for alternate uses for the building and the job of fin- ding further uses will be handled by the South Huron rec centre hoard of manage- ment. "The building will provide ASSIST PLOWMEN The Huron Plowmen's Association succeeded in getting a grant of 150 from Exeter council this week. Councillor Morley Hall, in presenting the motion, noted that Exeter is a town that depends on agriculture and should therefore contribute to such events. for the immediate removal of the blight to our park -- the sheds. which have become a source of fear for many parents and centre of concern for our school ad- ministrators." Shaw added Attempting to allay the fears of some council members that the town will get stuck with financing a major portion of the new fair building. Shaw said the can- vass for funds will be con- ducted until everyone in the area has been contacted. noting that holidays have posed a problem to the can- vassers. "The committee would like to remind everyone that it is looking for a S75 dona- tion from each family and that each donation is tax deductible." he concluded in his prepared statement. in a closing remark. Shaw said that people should look at the project in total as providing something for everyone in the area and not look at specific areas in which they themselves may not have an interest. Long way in the future Price per copy 40 Cents Envision two new bridges While there is a cu -'ent debate regarding the need for a sidewalk on the east side of the bridge over the Ausable River in Exeter, in the future there may be similar debates .about walkways on two new bridges envisioned by the local planning board. Emphasizing that it was a long way in the future, Coun- cillor Jay Campbell outlined some of the proposals for new roads and bridges to provide Netter access in the community "It's planning in the truest Interest rate hiked Despite expressing con- cern at past meetings about high interest rates and the effect on the economy, members of Exeter council jumped on the band -wagon this week to set a rate of 24 percent interest on local tax arrears. Under new legislation introduced by the Ontario government, municipalities are allowed to charge in- terest rates of P2 percent over prime on overdue taxes and accounts. Exeter's rate won't quite be the maximum. They decided to round it off at an even 24 when it was noted that the maximum could have been 24.25. In making the recom- mendation, finance com- mittee chairman Bill Mickle said his committee felt they shouldn't become a banking facility by carrying tax arrears at a lower interest rate than what taxpayers could expect to pay at len- ding institutions. ('ouncillor Jay Campbell, who said he had been hesitant about approving the rates on the basis that it would hurt those who couldn't afford to pay taxes, agreed that the town rate should he comparable with the banks to prevent ratepayers from working the system it had been noted that some taxpayers were withholding taxes due to the previous low interest rate and investing the money to actually make a gain. The previous maximum allowed on tax arrears was 15 percent. Campbell also noted that to allow such a situation to exist was penalizing those who pay their taxes in that the lower rates gave non - payers a break. At any rate, Exeter has one of the lowest tax arrears totals of any area municipality. Outstanding taxes for the 1980-79-78 period stand at about 835,000. sense." he said. noting that some of the roadways may not appear until after the turn of the century. The first priority, the plan- ning board chairman said, was extending Pryde Boulevard south to meet up with Huron St. Number two on the list was a plan to alleviate the heavy truck traffic in the western part of town by building a four -lane in- dustrial road on the western limits of the town or even on a portion of Stephen Township so the road could continue north past the Canadian Canners plant and eventually join up with HighwaV• 8:1 The first phase of that project was listed as a road from Huron St to Wellington and Campbell said that the next phase would he par- ticularly expensive as it would require another bridge over the river in the vicinity of the CNR tracks. As part of the project for the new roadway on the western out -skirts, Wellington St. would then be extended westerly to meet up with it. "Further down the road," he continued. would be a roadway and bridge to hook up the north and south por- tions of the community on the east side. It was in- dicated that possibly River- side Drive would be extend- ed south to cross the river and hook up residents of the north with the rec centre and schools and provide easier access for the southern residents to the curling rink. The proposals are still very much in the discussion stage and the ideas are being circulated to local officials. such as police. PUC, hospital. etc for their input. The intent is to get the alternative routes into the planning 1T1rocessso that when the need arises. the most viable and chosen routes will still he available. LIONS IN PARADE Exeter lion John Stephens and Easter Scab T or C')nctine Eosterbrook ride in Sunday's lucan Four pn'c. '• T•A photo Ball event too wet in several aspects The organizers of the Ex- eter fastbatl tournament planned to have their event wet ss,th tkl1/t' this past weekendand.ls it turned out it was too wet with rain). However. there was a suggest -on this week at Ex- eter council that the event should he dried off a bit. and while the organizers hope it does dry ;or this weekend's rescheduling. it is not in the same was as some council menihers want it dried up. In view of (he cancella- tion. council was asked to approve another resolution to allow org.lnizers to get a liquor permit for this weekend It wasn't smooth sailing. as ('ouncillor Gaylan Josephson questioned ap- proving the sale of liquor at the co rnlunity park on Sun- day. su gesting that when council approved it the last time not .111 members were awr'rc they %sere okaying I1- quo- sales for .1 Sunday as well ,as ',iturdav He added th.it politicians with greater experience and authority had denied the sale of boom ,at major league baseball to- the Toronto Blue .lays and Montreal Ex- pos and perhaps Exeter's politic-1.ms should follow that example espe't iaily In reg,,id' to Sunday liquor sale ,at the hall tournament. However he gained sup- port only from ('ouncillor Mores 11.111 in opposing a motion ,luthorvuig booze at the grounds for both Satur- day ;Ind Sunday So. unless the 1,('130 have a change in heart. fans and players will he able to drink on troth the Saturday and Sunday games at the local hall lark