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
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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,
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The plan, which is hoped to be
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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.
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PUBLIC NOTICE
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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.