HomeMy WebLinkAboutTimes Advocate, 1991-12-04, Page 151
Grjd BeriS1 jnf9rmation meeting
Hope offered to residents
eager to convert to gas
By Adrian Harte
GRAND BEND - Union Gas is telling Grand
Bend area homeowners not to give up hope that nat-
ural gas service will eventually become available in
their community. That was the main message of an
information meeting held Saturday morning at the
Southcott Pines Clubhouse for the benefit of about
50 people who attended.
Dick Carey, sales manager of Union Gas' Sarnia
division, explained that a 1988-89 survey of Grand
Bend indicated a definite interest in the availability
of gas. However, the estimated $3 million cost to
bring gas lines to the area was too high for the 1,156
customers projected to use the line within five
years.
"We know there are sections of Grand Bend
where it makes no sense to pipe," said Carey of the
older cottage neighbourhoods which often have no
heating systems at all.
Carey said the main stumbling block in the origi-
nal plan was bringing the pipeline from Thedford
past the Pinery Park,
which would have few
customers en route.
"The economics are
well below what we
would have considered
acceptable," said Carey.
However, Dianne Beat-
tie, the central regional
sales manager, said that
Union Gas hasn't stopped
looking for ways to bring
gas to the area. A "differ-
ent point of view" was
adopted, to consider run-
ning a pipeline off the
Highway 4 "Hensall" line
along Highway 83 with
the idea of servicing
Dashwood and Zurich
along the way.
Beattie agreed that the line is as long, or longer
than the Thedford route, "but we don't have the sig-
nificant problem of coming across the Pinery Park".
Beattie said the cost analysis should be finished
sometime in December and will be analyzed over
the next few months.
"Today, we don't have a definite answer for you,"
she said.
Beattie said she remained optimistic about the
possibility of bringing gas to Grand Bend.
The floor was then opened to questions from the
audience. One man said he checked into the costs
of replacing his present heating system with an elec-
tric heat pump and estimated it would pay for itself
within seven years.
If he waited'ttw years for gas, he estimated he
could pay back the cost of a gas conversion within
the same time, so he asked if he should convert
now, or wait.
"If I was a bettering person, I would hold off and
see what's in that Power Corporation Act," said
Beattie, referring to provincial legislation which
may allow Ontario Hydro funds to be used to en-
courage energy substitution.
PUCs across Ontario have opposed changes to the
Act on the grounds that it uses public funds to sup-
port private industry, such as Union Gas.
Grand Bend mayor Tom Lawson asked Carey if
the 1989 study took into account the customers at
the airport industrial park. Carey agreed they had
not been included at that time and could be consid-
ered as potential industrial customers.
Bosanquet mayor Fred Thomas said the Thedford
arena benefitted from a conversion to gas.
"I'm not making a pitch for Union Gas or any-
thing...but Thedford arena was using about
$30,000 a year in oil and that was cut back to about
$15,000 the first year on gas," he said.
Thomas then asked Union Gas to reconsider
bringing gas to Grand Bend through its "southern*
route from Thedford, because he said the area is de-
veloping
o-veloping more rapidly than the area between Exeter
and Grand Bend.
In response to a question about what Grand Bend
and Southcott Pines residents could do to help bring
gas service to the community, Beattie agreed that
petitions and letters, both to the utility and govern-
ment representatives "couldn't hurt".
Carey pointed out there is a "line up" of places in
Ontario that are all inter-
ested in gas service, and
he conceded that the issue
has become very "politi-
cal" and often involves
MPPs and other govern-
ment offices.
The. Union Gas repre-
sentatives were also asked
if converting to gas from a
propane system was
worthwhile, and if an in-
vestment in a propane sys-
tem might make sense in
the hope gas becomes
available.
Union Gas representative Dianne Beattie
explains to a Saturday morning audience in
Southcott Pines how she hopes natural gas
service will eventually be brought to the
Grand Bend area.
Beattie replied that gas
is still lass expensive than
propane and conversions
are usually inexpensive
and easy.
"We can't make any promises so we'd like you to
make your own best decision," said Beattie.
Carey and Beattie also confirmed that gas rates, if
brought to Grand Bend, would be identical to other
centres in the province.
Carey also spoke of the sudden interest in energy
conservation and how a new development, the mid -
efficiency furnace, will be making a dent on the
marketplace. While not as high-tech as a high -
efficiency gas furnace, the mid -efficiency unit does
cost less and realizes a quicker payback time than its
more expensive brother.
Beattie said a combined space heater and water
heater unit is also in the works. Carey also said
sales of gas fireplaces li@v^,Artually doubled this
year.
•
One man also asked whether the installation of
gas lines would effect the forest and trees of South-
cott Pines. Beattie explained that the utility is aware
of the concern for the trees and is prepared to do a
lot of "boring" to save trees in the community.
Grand Bend councillor Bill Uniac cautioned the
Union Gas representatives not to assume that the
older parts of the village do not need gas service.
He said availability of the inexpensive heating fuel
may inspire property owners to upgrade their prop-
erties, especially since cottage use in the early and
late seasons is on the increase.
County senior planner to take
two-year leave of absence
GODERICH - Huron County's
senior planner has been granted a
two-year leave of absence although
he will still continue to work for
the county's planning department
on a part-time basis.
Wayne Caldwell has taken an 80
percent faculty position with the
University of Guelph which begins
in January. At Thursday's county
council meeting, it was recom-
mended by the Planning and Devel-
opment Committee that some of
Caldwell's duties could be taken
over by planner Scott Tousaw.
"If you're going to be away 80
percent of the time, should you not
consider who you are going to
work for'?" asked Exeter deputy -
reeve Lossy Fuller.
Dr. Gary Davidson, the head of
planning said this is not an unusual
request since Caldwell will still
work two days a week plus nights
for the county.
"We do this because its a good
experience for the employee and its
good for the county. Most of the
planners work we can work it in on
a flexible basis," said Caldwell.
He added that in the long run the
county will be getting more value
for less money because he believes
Caldwell will bring back a lot of
knowledge from the university.
In a recorded vote, only five
councillors opposed to Caldwell
taking the leave of absence.
Bill Vanstone of Colborne Town-
ship questioned whether or not
Caldwell will have full t ne posi-
tion after the two years absence.
Davidson said Tousaw will be
given a raise in pay for the two
years and then have to take a cut in
pay when Caldwell returns.
Exeter reeve Bill Mickle wanted
TiMS-ACM:ICAO& December 4, 1991 Page 15
Asbestos removal in schools
poses problem for Board of Ed
By Ray Lewis
CLINTON - As part of its anti -
recession program, the Ministry of
Education has allocated $138,000
to the Huron County Board of Edu-
cation (HCBE) for the purpose of
asbestos removal in various
schools. Unfortunately, high tend-
ers have left the board in a tight
spot.
In his report delivered to the
board on November 25, HCBE Di-
rector Bob Allan disclosed that
four companies submitted bids ac-
cording to specification developed
by the board's consulting archi-
tects. Bids were opened in a public
session after 3 p.m. Monday, No-
vember 25.
"In all cases, the tendered
amount exceeds the total budgeted
amount of $138,000," said Allan.
The balance would be expected
to be made up by taxpayers dollars,
aril tenders ranged from $189-
$314,000.
The consulting architect has been
asked to evaluate the submissions
to know if Tousaw, a jwuor planner
can do the job was it necessary to
have senior planners.
"Can I conclude we don't need as
many senior planners," said Mick -
le.
"Do you need all these planners if
juniors can do the leg work?"
The county planning department
has a staff of six.
PANTRY
TIDE FESTIVE SEASON
• Peel
• Candied Fruit
• Cherries
Red &Green
Pineapple
• Raisins
White, Sultana, Lexis
• Mincemeat
• Nuts
• Currants
•w
. rt
OSV
,c
Ferguson Apiaries
Hwy. 84 Between Hensall and Lunch
236-4979
NOTICE OF NEW HOURS
Wad. - Sett. 9 a.m. to s p.m.
Other times call for an appointment
• ,.--_. _,-- - - —
•
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• ��► %off prices r
•
• On All Notions, Batting, Crafts, Felt,
• Patterns & Trims
• Hours:
• Mon. - Thurs. 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
• Friday 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. Saturday 9 a.m. - 5p.m.
• 397 Main St Exeter Phone 233.2842
•••••••••••••••••i••'•
w confirm the qualifications (li-
censed for asbestos removal) of
each firm and to verify the bid -
bond status of the apparent low -
bidder.
Suggestions were made by board
members to reject all tenders and
have them submit new offers.
"I know of one institution that
sent tenders back because they
were too high and they all re -bid
and chopped money off," said trus-
tee Roxanne Brown.
Allan confirmed this was a possi-
bility, but also expressed concerr
the board could be placed in ar.
awkward position if ordered to go
ahead with the removal of asbestos,
because there is a deadline before
which the money must be used.
The board intends to ask the con-
sulting architect for detailed
school -by -school pricing informa-
tion to permit the evaluation of in
dividual bid components for actual
asbestos removal and disposal, re-
pairs related to the re -assembly of
heating systems and building com
ZZ�Z7 ENDS SATURDAY zXZ31 •
D,IhOck 1 FABRICS
SUPERGDAY
fflhISTMAS SATING SALE
$050%0� a,�.���,e
On Ali Fabrics
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ponenis where asbestos has been _
removed, and related work not nec-
essarily required for the actual as-
bestos removal.
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When Canadians
work together we can
take on the world and win
To succeed in today's world,
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support for health, social and senior
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that says... yes we can.
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We've got the proof.
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creating markets around the world
for Canadian products.
CANADAIR CROUP BOMBARDIER INC
St. Laurent, tuebec
A world leader in aerial firefighting
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leader in the development of region-
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Employment has increased by more
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working together, we can achieve
STANLEY TOM
.Smiths falls, Ontario
If investing in the future opens the
door to success, Stanley Tools of •
Smiths Falls, Ontario certainly has
the key. Orr the last two years,
the Company has invested millions
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Ment by the mut 9O's.
prosperity through international
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Yes we can.
WE'vegot the people.
It's time now to unite around our
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Winnipeg, Manitoba
With exports accounting for 50% of
sales and job creation up 82% over
three years, it's hardly surprising
that New Flyer Industries Limited
Winnipeg received a 1991
da Exvrt Autard. Already a
major success in the U.S.,Neu)
flyer is now ag tressively pursuing
markets in Mexico, rnrope and the
Middle East.
Yes,we can.
Canada"
11,