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Home My WebLink AboutTimes Advocate, 1994-02-02, Page 5Times -Advocate, February 2, 1994 Page 5 Granton farmer Sleigh ride business provides low-cost fun By Catherine O'Brien T -A staff GRANTON - Good old -fashion fun. That's what Bob O'Neil's business has provided for customers over the last 17 years. And that's what people can ex- pect when they visit his farm for a sleigh and hay ride. W;th 16 purebred Percheron horses, O'Neil can provide rides for couples, small groups or more than 70 people at a time. "I'm the fourth generation on this farm to have horses. It's a strong family tradition," he said. "It's something that everyone can enjoy without spending a lot of money." And that's what has lead to the steady growth of the business in the last few years. "People don't have as much mon- ey to spend, but they still want to have fun," he said. "They're getting back to the old way of eptertaining with a ride and then a potluck get together at some- one's house." It's also a great way to enjoy the winter season - if your bundled in warm clothing. He takes customers for an hour long tour of winter scenes along his farm property. "Everyone has a good time," he said. O'Neil said he feels the key to the business is a love of horses and pleasure in meeting new people. And this has helped the business progress from horse breeding to the rides. O'Neil said he always enjoyed taking people out for rides with his horses. "At first, I just took friends out," he said. "But then demand in- creased to a point where 1 would have to stop some of my other busi- ness just to take people on rides." So he decided to make the sleigh and hay rides a full time business. Since then, the business has been growing mainly by word of mouth. Bob O'Neil gets a team of horses ready for a sleigh ride. During busy periods he can have four teams on the go at once. Will Iocal construction recover in '94? EXETER - Will the slump in Ex- eter's building activity turn around in 1994? It is a little early to tell, but according to building official Dave Moyer, there is reason to he hopeful. Moycr presented his building re- port to council last Monday, which showed a 1993 year-end total of $3.5 million worth of construction. That compares favourably with 1992's total of $3.2 million. Moyer said part of Exeter's slump relates to the lack of activity in the housing market. Only about 14 1993 building tops $5.4 million in Stephen CREDITON - Stephen Town- ship's year-end summary of huild- ittg activity shows that construction in the municipality was up consid- erably over 1992 levels. The annual building report indi- cates that over $5.4 million of con- struction was started in 1993, com- pared to $4.6 million in 1992. However, Linda Oliver at the township office noted that 1991 construction values were $6.4 mil- lion. "So we're up and down," Oliver observed. INVESTMENTS GIC/RSP 1 Yr. - 4.00% 3Yr. -4.75% 5Yr. -5.75% Segregated Funds 1 YR. - 22.31% 2 YR. - 12.94% 3 YR. - 14.89% Gaiser- ale 235-2420, 238-8 4 • ♦ rain SNbieec5- to change. Short- term ran available. Sego -gated f i 4 roles rtftect actual past performance. Paws return will vary. homes were built in 1993, he said, and only about 15 in 1992. A good year for housing construction would see well over 20 homes started. The difference for 1994 is the availability of attractive lots upon which to build, compared to a long drought of buildable lots in town. As for the early months of '94, Moyer told council he has received several inquiries about construction of commercial properties in town - a good sign. "I think there's going to be some commercial activity. I can't say about the housing," said Moyer. WE'VE EXPANDED TO SERVE YOU BETTER VISIT OUR NEW LOCATION Al 414 MAIN STREET EXETER 235-3931 YOUR ONE STOP SECURITY SPECIALIST DOOR LOCKS -ENTRANCE AND PRIVACY DOOR KNOBS -PASSAGE All"TOMOTIVE, SNOWMOBILE, MOTORCYCLE GUN LOCKS SAFES SECURITY SYSTEMS ETC SEE OUR NEW COMPUTERIZED KEY MACHINE DASHWOOD LOCK AND KEY BONDED ALL PRODUCTS AND WORKMANSHIP GUARANTEED DASHWOOD 237-3426 EXETER 235-3931 "I have people coming from To- ronto, Windsor and from far north," he said. O'Neil also does a lot of business with church groups, day cares, as well as companies. And special occasion are always a busy time with couples. "We had all four teams out for Christmas and New Years and 1 ex- pect the same for Valentines Day." As well, when the weather gets warm, he expects the flow of cus- tomers to remain steady as people use the small park on the back of his property for corn roasts and pic- nics. "If it involves fun, chances are you can find it here year round," O'Neil said. A New 01101." 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