Loading...
Clinton News-Record, 1987-07-15, Page 1G�(:OMNI -81'1`x(;-THF: Iw'i "TF# S'1'A\I)%I31)-"1'FIF: 1311 FIFA .1) Gil Gil. NO. 28 WEDNESDAY, JULY 15, 1987 50 GENTS Draper Brothers and Reid turned down LAST CANADIAN PIANO MANUFACTURERS 41A17 BE FORCED T() CLOSE THEIR DOORS CLINTON - Whether or not Draper Brothers and Reid Ltd. piano manufac- turers will be able to keep their doors open or not is a "very, very hard question to answer," said owner Paul Ryckman. In early June, Mr. Ryckman met with representatives from the Federal Business Development Bank ( FBDB) who were there on behalf of the federal government, the Ontario Development Corporation (ODC) who represented the provincial government and Clinton Royal Bank Manager Steve Fraser to discuss a loan which the piano manufacturers need for operating capital. The results of this meeting were announced last week with the government approving a loan but the Royal Bank turning Mr. Ryckman down. "They're tarring me with the same brush as the previous owner," said Mr. Ryckrnan. "They're totally unco- operative." According to Mr. Ryckman, officials of the Royal Bank, through the Clinton branch manager, suggested he put fresh equity into the industry, do some plant rehabilitation and refurbishing so his line of credit could be increased. He fee'ls-lie did what was asked of him but was still turned down. "As far as I'm concerned I did exactly what they asked of me to do through the branch manager," commented Mr-. Ryckman. The company owes $1 -million to 120 creditors, 110 of them unsecured. For this reason, Ryckman would like financing arranged by the end of the month so he can clear up the company's debt. When the company is at full working capacity, it employes 40 people, but at the present time only five people are working and it's not because the work load isn't there as they have a number of orders but ( they don't have the operating capital to fill thenr. A firm in Chicago has placed an order for over 1,000 pianos but filling this order is not possible at the present time. No Grants Although Draper Brothers and Reid Ltd. is the only piano manufacturer left in Canada, there are no grants which the company is eligible for. Mayor John Balfour, who has been involved with the issue since July 1986, explained why by saying, "Clinton has a tier one status which means there are no special incen- tive grants for industry to locate in Huron County. "Clinton has no unemployement but that's because a lot of the people work out of town so the system ( various tiers rated on unemployment figures) is working against us," he said. • However, Mayor Balfour did say MP Murray Cardiff is trying to change the county's status and steps are being taken to monitor it. "So, when it comes to Draper Brothers and Reid, the whole tier assistance pro- gram is unavailable and that narrows their channels of help," said Mayor Balfour. Just recently, the FBDB approved a $400,000 loan and the ODC approved a loan for the same amount prior to that. However, they do not have the bank's backing. In Mayor Balfour's opinion, "BotlMevels of government have tried their utmost, for the tier and the area involved. Now they need private investment to meet the banks requirement." Important To Clinton The reason for Mayor Balfour's involve- ment is easily explained. "We need the industry here real bad. We can't afford to lose it - the country can't af- ford to lose its last piano manufacturer. "If we ) Clinton) do lose it, it cuts off other possibilities for the municipality," continued Mayor Balfour. "Not only do we lose jobs and the industry, we lose the tout ism aspect." Mayor Balfour said, that if the company was to refurbish the building like they in- tend, it would add to Clinton's tourist attractions. "People ° would be surprised at the number .of people who come to see the school'car and the town hall. If the piano factory was added, the possibilities would be unlimited," he said. Draper Brothers and Reid Ltd., who make Sherlock Manning pianos, have been piano manufacturers since 1875. Although it is quite evident to those in- volved that the 'Town of Clinton needs Draper Brothers and Reid Ltd., Mr. Ryckman says not everyone feels that way. In the July 14, Globe and Mail, reporter Cathryn Motherwell writes, "Mr. Ryckrnan said the company's commit- ment to Clinton has been questioned because it's not a manufacturing centre." The story goes on to quote Mr. Ryckman, saying, "Nobody really wants to get too involved because it's in Clinton." However, Mr. Ryckman pointed out that the Town of Clinton has something to offer his company that major manufacturing centres don't - third generation piano craftsmen. But Clinton will not he the only losers if the company closes it's doors. In 1986, the federal government collected $3.5 -million on an 11.3 per cent tariff levied on im- ported pianos sold in this country. te X1411 A 1 AMR r A mo.4111 218. :71010211 91r. I n .+pec f x.7t Aitc$1 t4 oei mo. Si a1 so 81 of el *a"1 of •s sI �r ,a► 41 yo These men are finding it hard to smile these days. Andy Burgess (left), plant manager, and Paul Ryckman, owner of Draper Brothers and Reid Ltd. do not know how much longer this time clock will be used by the company employees to punch in and nut of work. The last remaining piano factory in Canada is having a dif- ficult time obtaining money to use as operating capital. Draper Brothers and Reid has an order for over 1,000 pianos, but can't get their hands on the money to purchase the piano parts. ( Anne Nare- jko photo) Search on for HULLETT TWP - The search is on for a new councillor here after Harvey Stewart resigned from the position during council's July 7 meeting. In a telephone iinterview with the News - 4 new Hallett councillor Record, Mr. Stewart said that chose not to comment on his reasons for resigning, in- dicating there were many small fabtors involved. Anyone interested in filling the recently' Bayfield Reeve Dave Johnston and Claus Breede, director of the Huron County Pioneer Museum, discuss plans that could see the old Bayfield Town Hall used in part as a satellite museum. (Shelley McPhee Haist) Public opinion sought on town hall future vacated seat should have their applications r at the clerk's office by 4:30 p.m. on July 27. Council will be meeting on July 28 to choose the new couneiilor. By Shelley McPhee Haist BAYFIELD - The future of the old town hall here remains uncertain but a growing drive is afoot to save the 105 -year-old structure. Public opinion is being sought in an ef- fort to determine how villagers would best like to see the town hall used, and how much money they are willing to spend to restore the building. The town hall, located on Clan Gregor Square, has been condemned from exten- sive public use for the past several years as the structure no longer complies with the building codes or fire safety regulations. Reeve Dave Johnston has indicated that the town hall has as choice of two futures - to be refurbished, or to be torn down. At a July 6 cfrdfied meeting, attended by more than 25 local residents, the two op- tions were discussed in detail with Claus Breede and Chris Borgal. Mr. Breede, director of the Huron County Pioneer Museum will be conducting a study on the town hall. Mr. Borgal, a Blyth architect, has conducted a preliminary structural study on the building. Mr. Breede said the town hall is a "con- troversial project, but well worth the time and effort. It has a checkered past and regrettably was moved from its original site, therefore it may not be eligible for some grants." The town hall, built in 1882, was moved to its present site on Clan Gregor Square in 1920. Mr. Breede indicated that he favored the renovation of the town hall, but he stress- ed, "You must find'a purpose and use for the building. A heritage building without a use is not an asset to the community." Those in attendance at the meeting, for the most part, supported plans to restore the town hall. They were told that it could cost between $75,000 and $100,000 to repair the building. Reeve Johnston said that some govern- ment funding may be available to help cover the costs of the work. However, he indicated that some of the costs may have to bFratsed-1crwally "For a $100,000 p ect," he said, "the village will pay at 1ti st $15,000 and as much as $50,000. Publi commitment to pay at least 50 per cent of the cost must be there." Mr. Breede added, "in the 1970s the pro- vincial government gave awo,y arenas Now money is only given out if strong public financial support is also shown." As well. the town hall will require annual maintenance and operating funds. A $10,000 figure was given as a rough estimate of such costs. Reeve .Johnston added. -Capital dollars aren't hard to raise. but operating capital is. it will need several thousand dollars to run this each year. The town hall could be rented out as commercial space if the village cannot afford to operate it." Further study will determine construc- tion and operating costs, and availability of funds. While costing was discussed at the meeting, a greater portion of the time was spent debating possible future uses of U town hall. Those attending themeeting in- dicated that their primary concern with the town hall was directed at future uses. it has been suggested that a refurbished town hall could be used in part to house a satellite museurn. This scheme would see the town hall housing artifacts and displays made available from the Huron County Museum. As well travelling ex- hibits from the Royal Ontario Museum may also be displayed. As well the building could also be used for small public functions and for a variety of other purposes, including a public art gallery, for craft shows annd teas, theatre and music productions. • entire building will not be used as a museum," Reeve Johnston noted. "it will be used for various purposes. It will be a public building with displays,- He further indicated that while the museum concept has been addressed, he stressed, The town hall doesn't have to be a museum. it's a concept that we're toss- ing out to you. it doesn't matter what it is as long as it's supported and it's financial- ly feasible." The Reeve noted that the satellite museurn concept has been suggested because government funding is available for such uses. Mr. Breese warned that a satellite museum should not be confused with ideas of setting up an independent museum in Hayfield. He suggested that to develop a new community museum involves a great deal of work and money. He said that there are more than 650 museums in Ontario and the government is limiting funding for new museums. However, the government supports county museums in their work to take on such leadershipr in - roles in their mandate.Fo in- stance, the Lambtori County Heritage Museum in Grand Bend, has assumed the leadership role for more than six smaller museums in that region. "To develop a brand new museum in Bayfield would be like •opening Pandora's Box," he suggested. Some concern was raised about the building and heating standards that would be required in the town hall if it were to be used as a museum. Arc ect Chris Borgal advised against mai al mg the building without a heating system. He said, "An unheated building means that foundations will begi-. to heave. The basement and main areas need to be maintained above the freezing temperature in winter. Basic heating needs in winter won't be expensive." Reeve Johnston said that the building should be designed for year round use. He further noted that if the building was not heated, the water system would require drainage over the winter months. He added, "Still, it's a public decision if you want to use the town hall for four or five months a year, but funding will be limited if the building use and functions are limited." Public input will determine the future of the town hall. Mr. Breede has compiled a questionnaire that is being hand delivered to residents in Bayfield. The questionnaire will be used to survey public opinion regar- ding the building. It will ask people to offer suggestions on future use as well as to sug- gest how much money should be spent on the building. The surveys will be collected throughout July and August. It is hoped that at least Turn to page 3• CLINTON PUBLIC HOSPITAL BUILDING FUND 4 z O 0 0 4 LA W est 400, 000 375, 000 350, 000 325, 000 300. 000 275, 000 250. 000 225, 000 200, 000 .. , 175, 000 150, 000 100, 000 c • 1909 •