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Clinton News-Record, 1985-09-04, Page 1•r NO. 36 m 120TH YEAR. WEDNESDAY S.,EI EIVIBER 4,1985 50 CENTS Survey stirs committee By Alan Rivett HURON COUNTY - Many motorists in Huron County must have been• wondering about the curious signs adorning the roadsides during the final days of August. The 25 signs stating "Ontario Hydro staked this power route before public hearings ? ! " were placed on county and paved roads from London to Ripley on August 30 and remained up through the Labor Day weekend. It's part of a publicity campaign by the Foodland Hydro Committee, a group opposing a hydro power corridor through Huron County farmland, to draw attention to hydro's survey work in the area. According to Glen Ribey and Gerald Dustow, both members of the hydro committee who were responsible for erecting the signs, the survey, is unnecessary because hydro claims it's to be used for an aerial survey. The hydro committee members say this survey has already been completed which leads them to believe Hydro is staking the actual route prior to the hearings. "This is just another instance of their arrogance, thinking they can .go ahead with this line before any approval has been given. It's another sign of their incompetance," said Mr. Dustow who, along with Mr. Ribey, have farmland in which the proposed hydro route would affect.. Hydro announced. its plan for a 500,000 volt transmission line through Huron County on July 8 of this year. The plan called M7 would involve a power corridor running from the., Bruce Nuclear Power Development. ( BNPD) to a London area transformer. The line would pass" east of Ripley and Zurich and west of Ailsa Craig. Another 500,000 volt line . would run from the BNPD to a transformer near Essa. The third part of •the plan involves a 500,000 line. from London to the Nanticoke generating station. Ontario Hydro's ' media relations spokesperson . Lois Wallace, says the surveying in Huron County is part of Hydro's plan to stake all the recommended and alteraative routes in order for an aerial photograpWtebetaken oftheareas. "' " • "It's being staked in order to establish reference points so aerial photographs can be taken of all routes. The reference points will 'correspond with the aerial photograph. It's not a staking of 'the route itself," she said, adding that theaerial photographs will be used to show the proposed plan at the public meetings. Glen Hoglund, Hydro's project engineer, says the surveying using the aerial photography called artho-photography will be used fora highly detailed preliminary lay -out of the route. Theactual ground surveys''• which will ultimately, decide the. tower placement will begin only after the. hearings and assuming approval is given.. The surveying which started in early July l l� - Thebiggest event. of the year will be Stagein Myth this ' eekend, September 6 7 and awn the hue steam machines roll into the tillage for the ?Alb nual Huron Pioneer Thresher and Hobby Association reunion. The thresh.., 's reunion attracts more th n 10,000 visitors each year and offers an unique look at agriculture practices from the past. Gerald Dustow "(left), and Glen Ribey pound into the ground one of the 25 signs they erected over the Labor Day weekend to protest the surveying being carried out by On tario Hydro. Both men, belong to the Foodland Hydro Committee who . oppsoe the in- • stallation of a hydro corridor through Huron County's prime agricultural land. (Alan should be finished by mid-October, he says: findings concerning .the proposed 'hydro If . appiloval for the plan is given y' the route. Ontario government,. the` work on the power He also announced the times and dates -for 'corrid'o, r could begin by 1987 "assuming the the public hearings for discussions on the ,. hearings don't takeforever." ..... .. , project. The preliminary bearing will take The. Foodland. Hydro Committee is also place on October 16 at the Holiday Inn in concerned about Hydro's inaction towards Guelph. He said. another meeting is providing the public with copies of the tentatively set =for the same location on environmental assesssment. The document November 12 with other meetings meetings was slated for release to the Ministry of the announced after that point. • Environment on August 3, says chairman Tony McQuail. . Jane Rose, a member of the Foodland The, document, he says; will be a major Hydro Committee and a member of the s) • instrument they will use when appearing group's promotion and information ±'! before the Hydro hearings. "We'll know committee, says the signs were a way of then what environmental impact the towers telling the public that the group is closely will have on the farinland." - 'monitoring the movements of Hydro Mr. Hoglund said the enviromental concerning the proposed hydro corridor..< assessment is currently being sent out to ' "We want the publicity to be ongoing but those , Who requested them. He said the not disruptive. The public should not have to document hag been cleared through the, be subject to rallies and demonstrations. Ministry of the Environment and consists of We're hoping we're doing it in a considerate five large--- -volumes of environmental way," she said. cr•. ni g.�i'�1fi�P�z"9. ss'siT`57rEx'^.wYtt:S;;".54}vL'ryi�BL'se.gpozentG 4,==&441 uteat:595'A trd,1^�.Ypz.,m .e..2'k:duf."."S PUC will supply more power CLINTON - Motorists in the south end of town may have been a little curious as to the huge hole near the CNR tracks. The underground hydro line, which was completed on August 23, was part of the Clinton Public . Utilities Commission's (PUC) plan to 'supply more power to the south' edge of town, says PUC manager R.J. Guss Boussey. The upgrading of the hydro lines' says Mr. Boussey, was necessary because the ex- isting lines were overloaded with no room for expansion to accommodate new develop- ment in the area. The underground route was used because it is more economical than overhead lines. The line should allow for expansion for 40 to 50 years in the future. The construction which began on August 21, called for a 105 foot line surrounded by 12 inch steel casing to run underneath the CNR tracks to the East Street sub station. The line was placed down 15 feet so not to in- terfere 'with. CNR signal circuits, .water mains, gas lines and highway drains. It will proceed from the sub station underground to Gordon Street where it will go overhead the rest of the way into the southern section of Clinton. • "We Wei it wui do the job for quite a few years," he said. The cost of the project is $10,000 which also takes into account the. upgrading of the sub station last year. Gordon Hornblower, of Arkona, . was contracted to do the underground work while the engineering work was completed by Huron -Middlesex Engineering of Exeter. To further meet the hydroneeds of Clinton and area, a new transmission station is in the works, says Mr. Boussey. The work on the 16,000 kv system will. begin in September and will be in Service by fall of next year. Jim Fitzgerald named. to R iddell s staff Two Huron County men have been added to the staff of Jack Riddell, the Province's new Minister of Agriculture and Food. Earl Datars of Dashwood and Jim Fit- zgerald of Clinton join Mr. Riddell, who has been the MPP for Huron -Middlesex for the past 12 years. Mr. Fitzgerald, 38, who has lived in Clin- ton for 13 years, was editor of the Clinton News -Record for 10 years, and for the last three years, has owned and operated his own pnotograpny and custom framing business. A native of London, Ontario, Mr. Fitzgerald was appointed by Mr.Riddell to the post of Executive Assistant and will be in charge of the day-to-day operations of the Minister's office, as well as helping advise Mr. Riddell on communications and con- stituency matters. Married to the former Lois Illrnan of Monkton in Perth County, the Fitzgerald's have three children. Mr. Datars, who is a Dashwood native, will act as driver/attendant to Mr. Riddell. Well-known to area residents as the former owner of Datars Sunoco Service of Grand Bend from 1952 to 1970, Mr. Datars has, in recent years, been involved in the con- struction industry as a supervisor, working on large projects in Sarnia and Alberta. Mr. Datars, 54, will be responsible for ensuring Mr. Riddell is kept on time for his very busy schedule in his new portfolio. School board settles salary increases By Wilma Oke A Stratford man, Randall C. Brown, 32, of Kathryn Crescent, has been hired as assis- tant superintendent of business and finance for the Huron -Perth County Roman Catholic Separate School Board, effective September 1. The board increased the daily ratio paid to the drivers of school buses owned by the board by 3.5 per cent or increase from $26.02 to $26.80, plus an extra allowance of $15 per month for, out of pocket expenses for the school year 1985-86. The school bus rate was increased by 4.3 per cent for bus companies engaged by the board plus an extra allowance of $15 per month. For extra curricular driving the hourly rate was increased from $6.60 per hour to $6.83, an increase of 3.5 per cent. The resignation of Agnes Walsh, a.teacher at St. Aloysius School in Stratford was ac- cepted, effective November 7, 1985. The board set the interim salary of a secondary school principal at $2,000 above that of an experienced elementary prin- cipal. Maribeth Fobel, a half time teacher at St. Michael's School, Stratford, will be a full- time teacher effective September 1, 1985, while Karen Vredeveld will be hired as a half time teacher at the same school. The board paid an assessment fee of $1,225.00 to the Ontario Separate School Trustees Association (50 cents per pupil) toward court costs of the legality of funding Catholic secondary schools according to Bill '30. Sharon Walsh was appointed custodian at St. Patrick's School in Kinkora with duties to commence August 27. The board accepted the tender of the Mitchell -Logan Parish for the purchase of the portable classroom at St. Patrick's School, Dublin, for $500, the highest of two tenders. It is expected the portable will be moved about raid -September. The board endorsed a resolution from the York Region Board of Education to the Minister of Education recommending that a high priority be given to developing a means of ensuring that software used on the ICON (the education computer) and the media for Turn to page 2 The three• ` di* is hlghgh� yby the Perfolrmances of the lumbering old steam engines. Other special feces include a Saturday afternoon co' ty parade, starting at 1 p.m., a craft s ow, step dance and fiddling competition, good eating, con- tests and entertainment, This week the News -Record is featuring a special supplement, outlining the highlights of the show and the history of the steam. Alan Pope claims he's ready to run by Todd Mowatt The political stage was set in Blyth as a number of political and theatrical dignitaries attended the screening of Gar- risons Garage last Tuesday night. Alan. Pope, Cochrane South MPP ,was on hand and announced unofficially that he was. intending on running in the upcoming Progressive Conservative leadership race. "Since you fellows have past this week's deadline, I guess it is safe to tell you that I will be entering into the leadership race," Pope said confidently with a grin. Pope went on to explain how a candidate assesses his chances and prepares himself for such a decision. "I have been phoning around the province and determining my chances. I have talk- ed to a number of my colleagues and 1 have been assessing my chances. I have also been trying to gather some support across parlia- ment. I feel good about running and I am physically and emotionally prepared," Pope said. It was reported Wednesday that two in- fluential MPPs have left the camp of Dennis Timbrell and at least one has sided with Pope. "The problem is we are in opposition and we have to have someone more forceful. A leader that will be prepared to go for the jugular. Pope is prepared to do that," Ron McNeil, Elgin MPP and dean of the legislature said Wednesday. McNeil explained that Pope won his sup- port when he made a special trip to St. Thomas earlier this year as health minister to straighten out financing problems for the St. Thomas hospital. Dick Treleaven (Oxford) is the second MPP to pull his support away from Tim- brell. Treleaven said he was so disappointed with Timbrells last campaign that he is un- committed this time around. However with Timbrell's support weaken- ing Pope could gain supporters as the leadership race begins. Pope was questioned on why he didn't run in the last Progressive Conservative leader- ship race. "At that time I felt after I analyzed the situation that I wasn't ready..I also felt that others would have taken some support out of my natural constituency," he said. Pope was then asked how he felt about the possible competition from his colleagues. ave enjned being Attorney General, candidates. But I can tell you that I 'have gained a lot of experience over the past number of months. At the last leadership convention those who•ran had their chance and I believe this is mine. - ' "It's time we turn the page on the last 12 months. Don't get me wrong, I was and still am' a loyal supporter of Miller and I have no regrets. I fought as hard as I could for my leader. "Now I believe we need a leader to unite the party and get the 11 seats back that we need to form the government," he said. The questioning then turned to the issues that confront both the government and the people of Ontario, free trade with the United States and separate school funding. "The issue of Catholic funding ' will definitely be discussed during the leader- ship campaign. Over the summer months we have been listening to what the people have had to say. After the first round of court hearings we will assess our position on the issue and deal with the specific' issues in- volved. "We roust remember we are only talking about an extension of funding from grades 10-13 and it's not like a whole new system is being started up. "The thing we are going to have to look at is what kind of an educational system we are going to have in five years? "Looking back in history, many of the older universities in Canada were started by different faiths and they evolved up through the years to the type of system that is in place today. There are examples that sup- port both sides of the question and we along with the, people will make our decision," Pope said. With respect to the issue of free trade Pope said the matter needs immediate at- tention. "Mr. Peterson cannot avoid to discuss the issue of free trade until November. The Gib- buns'13ill'is going through Congress in the United States. The bill allows the termina- tion subsidies on foreign resource pro - duets without hearing. This bill would allow the A.P.S. -to place, quotas or counterveiling duties on a- number. of Canadian products. Inclaermg oi:l, gas, lumber and agricultural products,, • "The. time to act is now, you can't stick your head in the sands of Grand Bend and say your not going to talk about it. That's not bemg•responsible to the workers .of the. pro- • vine," Pope said alluding to Peterson's suns ner home. • Pope has been in politics for 21 years. In his youth he was national president of • the young Conservative party for three years anda municipal Alderman for two. Then he entered the realm of provincial politics and he has had many great suc- cesses. ' "I have lead a very interesting life and I ""I° a ttlibt"gbtiig to run''datan' anyaof"' he—'' nater' 'Wealth—and then Ministate cf' Natural Resources." The most challenging portforlio for Pope .. was that of Attorney General because of the challenges that he was faced with. "I helped change the family law reform act. It took a lot of . work, but it solved a number of social problems. The curtain has now opened on Alan . Popes leadership bid. The Conservatives have yet to set a date for a convention, but one things for certain. When the race begins Popes going to have some stiff competition Police salaries settled CLINTON - Salaries for members of the Clinton Police Department were decided upon at council's August 19 meeting and will be retroactive to January 1 of this year. Effective January 1, the police chief earn- ed $33,660 and received an increase of $1,514 the beginning of July. A sergeant was mak- ing $29,940 in January and received a raise in July to put him at $31,287 a year. A first class constable's salary as of January totalled $28,332, and effective July 1, was raised to $29,607. A second class con- stable was making $26.113 during the first half of the year and $27,288 after July. Third class constables made $24.467 and received a raise to bring their yeas ly income to $25,568. Effective July 1, probationary constables earn $21,354, an increase of $920. While setting the salaries, council also agreed to match an additional one per cent which will be deducted from each officer's salary and contributed to the Ontario Municipal •Employee ,Retirement System (OMERS). ' Another school year started on September 3 and Billy Watson and Mervyn Gass were two of the first students to choose a' desk in Dick Roorda's Gr. 3 room at Clinton Public School. Teachers t county prepared day lessons for the first in order to get the students back into the routine ( Anne Narejko photo)