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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTimes-Advocate, 1986-10-15, Page 1J Hay towltablp is getting its waterline . • Chairman Hugh W. Kelly approved all bylaws pertaining to the project as submitted at the close of the second day of an OMB hearing convened this week to consider objections to the pro- ject, which proposed to bring water from the Grand Bend filtration plant -along Highway 21 at an estimated cost of $1,372,500. Most of the morning had been spent listening to arguments raised by Ex- eter lawyer Elmer D. Bell, Q.C. on behalf of his client, Elgin Hendrick, that the disparity between mill rates paid by immediate benefit and defer- red benefit property owners was too great. Farmers and cottagers alike A STARTING SKATER — David Overholt gets some help from Lynn Workman as he takes part in Monday's skate-a-thon .sponsored by the Exeter figure skating club. T -A photo. Shaw is optimistic on landing industry Exeter is one of two communities being considered as a site by an in- dustry involved in the steel business. Mayor Bruce Shaw reported this week. Shaw and Deputy -Reeve Lossy Fuller hosted a tour of the firm's ex- ecutives in town last week and the Mayor said he was very optimistic that they will decide to locate here. The firm would employ about 15 people on a three -shift basis at the outset. After talking with the two ton elected offmuffs and members of the town staff, the industrialists also talk- ed to two local owners of industries in town and Shaw said the latter were in- strumental in having Exeter placed on the "short list" being considered. "They were very favorably im- pressed," the Mayor commented.' If the town is successful, the firm plans to be operational by April 15. Shaw said an announcement regar- ding the firm's final decision is ex- pected by at least the end of the month and possibly as early as this weekend. Municipalities plan more talk on grant Officials from Exeter, Stephen, Osborne and flay failed to reach an agreement over funding of recrea- tional programs and facilities in the South Huron rec centre at their meeting in Stephen last week. • However, Exeter Mayor Bruce Shaw said that some steps were taken in that regard and another meeting has been scheduled for November 6. In the meantime, the four councils are to decide whether they prefer to have grants made to the South Huron board on the basis of the number of hog" eholds served by the Exeter facility or the actual number of users from each of the municipalities. Shaw said that representatives at the meeting agreed that residents from municipalities not contributing should face a surcharge for the pro- grams and facilities they use. Any agreement by the fou area municipalities would be for 1987 and the grants from Stephen and Hay for the current year are still not known. Shaw had indicated that Exeter council will be making grants to local minor ice groups in January to help them offset the new ice rental rates at the rec centre. In reporting on the meeting to the rec board on Tuesday, Stephen Reeve Tom Tomes said "the main thing is we're talking; the four councils have finally got together on it". He said he hoped something con- structive would come out of the deliberations. "That's good," responded board chairman Jim Workman. + f who can hook directly into the tinmli line along HighWey 21 will pay thq higher 20 mill rate, Kelly noted, whit those not fronting on the highway MA requiring branch lines will pay 10.84 mills, He said the board had beard no,, evidence to convince it that "this par, Reuter rate structure is unreasonable or unfair to anyone". Kelly pointed out that cottagers wishing the luxury of the new water system will pay every dime, with no subsidy, and the cost of running a line from a service connection was the responsibility of the property owner. "The cost of the total project is what the board decides is equitable or inequitable, and those paying 10.84 mills are paying the same toward the main trunk as immediate benfit pro- perty owners because the greater density of cottages means the assess- ment of the deferred benefit area is greater than that of the immediate benefit properties", Kelly said. In his summation, Kelly also pointed out the 20 mills will only be assessed for a ten-year period. • Bell had indicatedthe first session while representing Hen- drick, who owns land alongt[ighway 21 and supplies water to Norman Hee is and Cedar Bank, and Lorne Liver, operator of a water distribution system in one of the sub- divisions along the lake, that no one bas opposed in principle to the uilding of the line. Hite clients' only concern was the apportioning of costs. Kleinstiver did not attend the Wednesday session. Of 21 objectors, Hendrick was the only fanner. Nineteen of the objectors own property in the deferred benefit area. Hendrick's arguments included the fact farmers' operations will be restricted, and this was "no time to treat farmers unjustly." He com- mended Clay councillors for their ef- forts in obtaining the grant which will pay almost three-quarters of the cost of the main trunk. The only other objector to appear before the board was Richard Poehler, from Fort Wayne, Indiana. He said none of the 12 property Ames Serving South -Huron, North Middlesex One Hundred and Fiftee • 1 water line dwuers in North Ridge wanted the line, as they bad an adequate and satisfactory supply of water. Dr. John Mount from London, who has a cottage in Cedar Bank, attend- ed the second day of the hearing to say his primary concern was the adverse affects of health from the high iron content in present water supplies. Qdldren and the elderly suf- fered from "Montezuma's revenge" as a result of the irritant effect on the intestinal tract when this water is in- gested, and the iron can act like a poison under certain medical conditions. The first sworn witness to address the more than 50 people crammed in- to the Hay township hall in Zurich on the first c y was consulting engineer Burns M. Ross. He briefly outlined the events leading to the present situation since being asked by Hay Township in 1979 to conduct a study and prepare a preliminary report on. extension of the water system into4he township. Studies had shown the inadequate supply and poor quality and high iron • and sulphate content of water in some communal and private wells. After a public meeting in 1963 proved a ma- jority of property owners in the af- fected area wanted a new water supp- ly, a request by Hay for financial assistance was turned down by the ministry of the• -environment on the grounds funds were not available for such projects for seasonal residents. Another public meeting in August 1984 was followed by the mail -out of 849 ballots. Of the 639. returned, 430 voted to have council proceed anyway. Council couldn't, as their borrowing capacity was limited to $700,000. The newly elected Liberals gave the project the green light with a grant of $1,018,807, representing 74.23 percent of the estimated cost of construction of the feeder main and services to highway properties. The township plans to debenture their $353,693 share over a 10 -year period. (The cost of connector Ts at the en- , trance to each subdivision, and Please turn to page 2 dvoc & North Lambton Since 1873 Year EXETER, ONTARIO, October 15, 1986 Price Per Copy 60 cents Farmers get some beans off; no word on Wise visit yet Area farmers got their first break and while there was evidence of some from the weather in over a month this" mould, the majority appeared quite weekend and took full advantage of it satisfactory and yields were close to to harvest a considerable portion of the white bean crop that was salvageable. Some managed to get into the fields on Friday, while others followed suit onSaturday and Sunday. Combines were running around the clock before the weather dealt another crushing blow with over an inch of rain. Lloyd Whitesell of W. G. Thompson & Son said a "terrifically big run" came into the mills over the weekend and he indicated he was amazed at the quality of smite of the beans after what they had gone -through with con- jinugl;•aip..for-the past month. -Moisture levels were ruttl]1'rlg n8'ly slightly higher than normal and, "pickers" ranged anywhere, from seven to 20 percent. "They're rough, but we can make something out of them to keep this in- dustry going," he said. Whitesell estimated that up to 60 percent of the beans are now harvested, and expressed concern about anything left in the field in view of the heavy rainfall on Sunday night and Monday. Paul Ducharme of Hensall, District Co- Op said some farmers indicated they were getting yields as high as 20 bushel per acre and a few were even running higher than that. He too indicated the quality of the beans was not as bad as had been feared. Bob Readings, secretary -treasurer of the Ontario Bean Producers Marketing Board, said on Monday that it is estimated that about 250,000 bags of beans came off this week and total production for 1986 now stands around 450,000 bags. Before the rain hit, the Ontario crop had been estimated at close to two million bags. "That's just a dream now," he lamented. Readings said that if favorable con- ditions returned quickly another 250,000 to 300,000 bags could possibly be harvested. Some soybeans were also harvested during the brief hiatus from the rain HAY DECLARES The township of Ilay is supporting the request of Ted Soudant and the Huron Vegetable Growers Disaster Committee in seeking financial held for lost crops. At a special meeting Thursday. council passed a resolution concurr- ing with the request to designate the township as a disaster area as the result of heavy rains in September and will notify both levels of govern- ment of this resolution. BUYERS AND SELLERS — This week's book fair at Precious Blood Separate School was very successful. Shown•ot the cashout table are Jennifer Stasik, Renee Kellerman, Jennifer Lovier, Bryden Gryseels agd Jaime Polso. T -A photo average. Paul Klopp, Zurich, president of the Huron Federation of Agriculture, said this week that he was still hopeful that federal agriculture minister John Wise may tour the area to get a first- hand look at the crop damage. Klopp said that he had talked to of- ficials in the Wise office on Tuesday and expected an answer in a day or two whether such a tour would be held. However, the Huron F of A official said he was hopeful that at least so- meone from the minister's office would visit Huron. Noting that there have been GETTING A HAPPY FACE — Scott Reid gets his face painted by o clown prior to Thursday's Sharon, Lois and Bram performance at the South Huron Rec Centre. The two shows sponsored by the Henson) Nursery School were well attended. T -A photo estimates that about 60 percent of the white beans have been lost, Klopp said that even with topprices, some of the cheques coming won't pay growers' bills. When asked what he hoped would be accomplished in talks with Wise or Please turn to page 2 Two injured in collisions Two Huron Park residents were in- jured in collisions in that community this week. Most seriously injured was larence Borden. He 1ott control of Tits `vehicle on Algonquin Drive on Saturday and the vehicle rolled over. The Huron Park man was taken to South Huron Hospital and then transferred to University Hospital in London due to a neck injury. On Wednesday, 10 -year-old Peggy Wilkinson sustained minor injuries after she rode her bicycle out of the parking lot beside the arena into the path of two cars coming from each direction. Christine Abbott, Kitchener, was northbound and John Christie, RR 2 Staffs, was southbound. The Abbott vehicle collided with the bicycle and also the other vehicle although both drivers braked quickly to avoid a more serious•incident. Total damage was only $300. The other crash of the week was on Wednesday as well at the intersection of Queen St. and Highway 4 in Hen - sell. Vehicles involved were driven by Catherine Bell, Hensel], and Martin Scott, RR 7 Lucknow. Total damage was $500. Won't declare disaster, but ask aid- for growers After receiving a request from the Huron County Vegetable Growers Disaster Committee to declare the municipality a disaster area, Stephen township council is passing on a resolution to both levels of govern- ment for assistance. While not declaring a disaster area, council is asking the federal and pro- vincial governments to consider the inadequacies and inequities of the provincially managed Crop Insurance program. The resolution indicates loss of crops will not only mean financial hardship to the farmer, but also to the township in which they are con- sumers and taxpayers. • Council feels that if financial aid (Deduced interest rates on loans or credit extensions on others) does not come from some levels of govern- ment,this disasterwill result in a long term financial disability to farmers, the rural community and the con- sumer in general. The resolution concludes with, "The agriculture industry is then backbone of our township, province and coun- try. Without serious and equitable modifications to the crop insurance program and relief from lending in- stitutions in the near future, this in- dustry itself will no longer exist as we know it. Council has given tentative ap- proval to an extension of 58 homes for Grand Cove Estates providing ade- quate space is left for a road allowance on the south side of the pro- perty for a possible outlet to Highway 81. Grand Cove solicitor Andrew Orr and Huron planner Wayne Caldwell attended -the meeting. Council will also check into traffic and zoning amendments. Decision was reserved on a development application for the Green Forest subdivision, adjacent to Gill road. A zoning change from VRI to HC for Baker Motors was approved subject to several provisions being satisfied. Building official Milton Dietrich will be attending a building industry seminar in London, November 18. The contract to supply fire answer- ing service equipment for the three fire brigbades in the township was let to Two -Way Communications of Waterloo. Gerry Giles was named a perma- nent member of the Huron Park volunteer fire department effective October 1. Clerk Wilmar Wein will be atten- ding a Municipal Clerks and Treasurers Zone two meeting in Ar- thur, October 16. Thieves continue onslaught on area thieves continued their successes in the area this past week as .they made off with almost 87,000 in items from two schools and two communi- ty centres. The Stephen and Osborne schools were entered on Wednesday night, as was the Kirkton-Woodham Communi- ty Centre. The Hensall arena was hit on Sunday. At Usborne Central, the yeggs 'escaped with a VCR, projector, microwave oven, camera, luggage, two telephones and a cash box with $75 in it. The total loot there was f2,400. About $2,200 was stolen from the Stephen Central school. The loot in- cluded a VCR, computer, and wall clock. Liquor valued at Was taken from the Kirkton-Woodham com- a ' munity centre. Cigarettes and chocolate bars valued at 8400 were included in the loss at the Hensel) arena. There was $335 in cash taken, along with a com- ponent system to bring the total value to *1,200. About 8200 in food was spoil- ed when the theives left the door open on a refrigerator. •A bicycle valued at 8100 and $200 lawn mower were also reported stolen in the area this past week as the rash of thefts continued. During the week, the local detach- ment officers laid 54 charges under the Highway Traffic Act, two under the Liquor Licence Act and four under the Criminal Code. One person was charged with impaired driving. Three complaints of damaged pro- perty were included in the 32 general occurrences reported by the Exeter OPP. ,