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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 • ,.--_. _,-- - - — • • • • • • • • • • • • ��► %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 • •• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • ponenis where asbestos has been _ removed, and related work not nec- essarily required for the actual as- bestos removal. BRILLIANCE IS WRI I I EN IN STONE. A Lazare Diamond comes with its own identification system. So, like the love it represents, its inscription is unique, providing immediate and positive identification. 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