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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTimes-Advocate, 1996-02-07, Page 3Times -Advocate, February 7,1996 Page 3 Centralia Library gets reprieve from closure .► Continued from front page books." Due to the proposed closing of the Centralia branch, its January circulation of approximately 287 was less than half of what it was a year prior. "I imagine it will all get resolved eventually," said Hyde, adding she feels the library "will be closing in a not too definite future." Hyde is upset about the uncertain status of the branch and had earlier expressed feelings of regret about its possible closing. "I'm rather sad that it's closing because a lot of people have gotten used to using the library," she said. Over the years, the branch has provided an impressive track record of relocation and growth. "Centralia is pretty active. They have increased their circulation," noted Armstrong. The original Centralia library was established in a local barber shop in 1946 with 19 books and a yearly circulation of 99. By the end of the following year, the library had 62 books and a circulation of 720. The library's financial support came from County and Stephen Township grants as well as fund- raising events such as euchre par- ties and concerts. By 1948 the library's hours had doubled and the centre moved to a larger room in a private home. In 1953 the library relocated to Cen- tralia's Main Street. In 1977 the library moved to J.A. McCurdy School in Huron Park. Known as the Huron Park Branch Library, its circulation rose dramat- ically from 745 that year to 5,965 the following year. When the library space was re- quired for school use, the library once again moved, this time to the Centralia Community Centre in 1988 and its name reverted back to the Centralia Branch Library. This resulted in a 37 per cent increase in circulation. To date, the library original Harris cutbacks. holds about 259 memberships. "The kids are going to have to find other places to "We all wish go," she said. If the Centralia the library branch closes, The Ex - board will go eter Public Library will ahead with be the closest library what they're do- forn Park resCentraliaidents. and Hu- roThe ing...I wish they Huron County Library would make up also operates a free their minds. If Bransp000ks-by-Mail service for readertatirson. who lackAac- they're going to t close it, close cording to Hyde, there it." has not been a need in the Centralia area for such a service until now. "That library card is good at any branch in Huron County," she re - According to Hyde, the library's closure is not a new issue since its future has been dis- cussed for the past 10 years. Two years ago, area citizens fought to keep the library open. The township's council approval was required before the centre could be closed it since it was the only Branch 3 li- brary left in Stephen Township. "It was pretty quickly resolved," said Hyde, adding her suspicions grew about the new pro- posed closing with news of the minds patrons. To transfer libraries, members may contact Hyde or the Huron Public Library headquarters in Clinton. If the six libraries close, ex- plained Armstrong, "there's still going to be 12 libraries serving a population of about 60,000 peo- ple." "It's not easy to find those dollars within the budget," she said, adding there is a possibility the Centralia Branch Library may remain open. The library board will discuss the future of the libraries at its meeting next Tuesday. For now, the Centralia Branch Li- brary is open from 3:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesdays. Maxine Hyde, 'who has been the branch supervisor of the Central Branch Library for 17 years, wants the Huron County Library Board to make a move concerning the future of the library. Annexation recognized form Ofitiestraa0 Heather Mir T -A staff EXETER - Bosanquet is not in- terested in amalgamation with Ex- eter, Grand Bend, Stephen and Us - borne. At Friday's Amalgamation Committee Meeting it made its message clear. But Administrator Ken Williams expressed concern the group may have plans to pursue annexation. "If the intent is to commence such negotiations, I think we have a right to , demand formal no- tification," said Williams, i adding, "Let us know what your plans are so we can incorporate them into our own plans." Judging by a map attached to the meeting agenda outlining com- munities of interest, this is exactly what the group intends to do with the full support of the Omnibus Bill. "Bill 26 acknowledges annexa- tion as a recognized form of re- structuring," said Liz McGrath, a New phase for park project EXETER - John Stephens and Ted Jones of the Exeter Lions Club approached Council Monday night to present a proposal for Phase II of the scenic gardens at MacNaugh- ton Park. With the extensive work being done by the PUC, the time is appropriate, they believe, to take advantage of any savings that might be available in the construc- tion onstructtion contract to enter the next phase now rather than w:+iting a few; years. The plan calls for S40.000 from the Lions Club and $40,000 from the town. Councillor Joe Rider suggested they consider going to the Public. Stephens replied they ". .. don't have the nerve to go can- vassing." Rider replied jokingly ". .. it took some nerve to come to coupcil after the provincial cut- backs." Stephens countered it is better to do the road -work now rather than in five years. The issue was tabled until more information is Available concerning detailed costs and possible savings in the PUC contract and how the town will'benefit from those savings. Ministry of Municipal Affairs fa- cilitator from the boundaries branch. The map, drafted by staff mem- bers, was drawn based on dis- cussion between members of the committee. The area of interest in- cludesmunicipalities involved in discussions as well as adjusted county boundaries: Williams said the amalgamation discussions, which began as a positive step, could "turn into a boundary war, if not handled properly." With the joint municipalities set on ex- panding boundaries into Bosanquet, Grand Bend Mayor Cam, Ivey sug- gested to Williams it would be pru- dent for the town to accept the in- vitation to join amalgamation discussions. "Municipalities don't have to be at this table to be studied as a com- munity of interest," he said. Stephen' representative Tom Tomes said the boundary changes proposed in the amalgamation dis- cussions should have been dealt with in previous legislation. nder. Bill 26 "Lambton County has to be told there is an area of interest that we think should be adjusted. It should have been done in Bill 35," said Tomes. Citing geographic reasons, the Bosanquet representative said the town is talking with its neighbors inducting Forest, Arkona and Thed- ford abqut amalgamation. This does not however, preclude the sharing of services with other mu- nicipalities where possible. "We must be cognisant of the ge- ography," said Williams. Although it could be until the end of February before the province re- leases regulations for municipal re- structuring, members of the com- mittee were told by ministry representative they were on track. McGrath said if the first round of municipal grant cuts did not serve as an incentive to pursue amal- gamation, further cuts may stim- ulate more interest in rural Ontario. "The spring budget may have an impact," she said adding, "Those municipalities that think they don't �wn&Coimtiy Home Comfoit INSTA-FLA CFM The Weft in c.. rkgr... r.cudryr Enjoy the warmth & convenience of your natural gas fireplace this winter and... DON'T PAY UNTIL OFFER GOOD iJIJ17L MARCH 16/9li JANUARY 1997 Town & Country Home Comfort 359 Main St. Exeter 235-2032 need' to restructure have missed the message." In other committee business, a work plan was drafted outlining is- sues to be discussed at future meet- ings including transportation ser- vices, Public Utility Commissions, environmental services, recreation, police, fire and administration. The plan, which is hoped to be completed by the end of May, will be presented to the ministry. A communications plan was also drafted by staff and a sub- committee was struck to define communities of interest and com- municate information to the public. AMAZING! BUT TRUE! FREE RENT! Prime commercial/office space on Main Street. Office suites from $29.00 per week plus FREE RENT! Details CaII 235-3777 White, 567 g. sliced loaf Bread 59° Fresh Made Soup & Sandwiches, Coffee, Donuts Cherry PIe 8" 2.49 Hamburg Rolls pkg. 8 .690 (limit 3 pkg. per customer) Bismark Donuts 6/1.99 Monterray Jack Cheese 3.99 Ib. Valentines! t► Cakes, Cupcakes, Candles Our own Bagels 6/1.49 Bakery & Cheese House 444 Main St. 235-033 featuring Computer Hairstyle Imaging - ONE DAY ONLY - Mon., Feb. 12-9 a.m. to 7 p.m. (by appointment only 4 pictures .::..J24.95 (taxes 8 pictures $29.95 not 12 pictures $34.95 included) Video (12 pictures) $26.95 1► CALL NOW! r Appointments will disappear quickly! PLUS!! We pay the GST and PST ALL WEEK on ALL: products (Joico, Tressg and Paul Mitchel) MON. FEB. 12 TO SAT. FEB. 17 , FREE DRAW for a special Joico Gift (to be made on Saturday, Feb. 17) , FREE ROSE to every lady customer on Valentine's Day (Wed. Feb. 14) We also have GIFT CERTIFICATES to pamper that special someone! 235 -HAIR Vicki V Kim , Terri, Rhonda PUBLIC NOTICE 11 471 ., sr ' • ani LONDON/MIDDLESEX WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN The Draft Task 1 Report for the London/Middlesex Waste Management Plan is now available for public and agency review and comment for a period of 60 days. The Draft Task 1 Report consists of 6 sections: 1. The Waste Management Planning Process 2. Study Area Description 3. Description of the Existing Waste Management System 4. Future Waste Quantities and Adequacy of the Existing Waste Management System 5. The Problem or Opportunity 6. Public and Agency Consultation Activities Copies of the Draft Task 1 Report may be viewed at the London Public Library Main Branch, Middlesex County Libraries, D.B. Weldon Library at UWO, Fanshawe College Library, the City of London Clerk's Office, and at municipal offices throughout Middlesex County. You may purchase a copy of the full report for a fee of $20.00 for a hard copy, or receive an electronic copy on disc at no charge. The Executive Summary for the Draft Task 1 Report is also available at no charge. The Executive Summary and other information updates are also available through the City of London Homepage at: http://www.city.london.on.ca. Background work for Task 2, "Identify & Evaluate Alternative Waste Management Systems & Diversion Opportunities," has now begun. Planned Public Consultation activities for Tasks I and 2 of the Waste Management Plan include: - a newsletter to be distributed during February - two Open House/ Workshops in early march in the Town of Strathroy and the City of London. If you require additional information regarding the Draft Task 1 Report, or the Waste Management Planning process In general, If you wish to submit a written response regarding the Draft Task 1 Report, or If you are Interested In participating In one of the planned Open House/Workshops, please contact: Wayne Fenton, Project Manager London/Middlesex Waste Management Plan Box 5035 300 Dufferin Avenue London, ON N6A 4L9 Phone: 519-661-2459 Fax: 519-661-5931 e-mail; wfentonOcity.london.on.ca.