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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Goderich Signal-Star, 1987-10-07, Page 1Goederic 1 mimimaiummememe Kinsmen to -celebrate 40 139 YEAR — 40 GODERICH ONTARIO, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1987 60 CENTS PER COPY Aquatic compiex proposal stalled Council will not commit taxpayers to X3.1 million complex BY DAVE SYKES The future of , an aquatic centre and recreation complex for the town of Goderich is still in doubt after a detailed report and recommendation from the Aquatic Centre Committee was delivered to and received by town council Monday evening. Committee chairman, Dr. Don Neal, presented, on behalf of the committee, a detailed proposal that called for the con- struction of a scaled-down version of the original concept at a cost of $3.1 million. In making the presentation, Dr. Neal told council there was a broad base of sup- port and sustained interest in the com- munity for a recreation complex and sug- gested that it be completed in one phase. "In the end we recommend a scaled- down version with an activity area reduc- ed from 25,000 to 17,000 square feet at a cost of $3.1 million," he said. "We recom- mend it be completed in one phase, to sus- tain momentum. We want to do it right the first time and construct a quality building that's energy efficient and a source of lasting pride in the community." The committee further recommended that council approve an expenditure of $25,000 for conceptual drawings of the new complex proposal, which would enable the committee to pinpoint exact capital costs and pursue funding through provincial sources__. __ In voting to simply receive the commit= -_ tee's report, council, ultimately, is filing the recommendation and the committee, having fulfilled its mandate, will likely disband. In speaking to the committee's recom- mendations, councillors were unanimous in their concern over the funding of the project. The committee suggested that government grants would amount to $700,000; that community fundraising would generate $1 million and that municipal governments (the town, of Goderich, and the two neighbouring townships) would have to add $1.3 million to make the project go. The matter should be put on the .1988 municipal ballott in the form of a plebiscite Councillor Jim Searls said ad- ding that he couldn't vote in favor of that kind .of spending. "There's no rooms for students and not everybody likes squash and swimming," he told the meeting. "It's just a program for certain type of people and not teenagers. It should be put on the 1988 ballot. With the number of people phoning me about sewer backups, roads and sidewalks, I have my priorities, and that kind of spending I can't vote in favor of." While the committee's proposal has eliminated a number of items from the original concept, namely games rooms, aerobic rooms, an activity room and rac- quet ball court, Dr. Neal cautioned council that the committee's recommendation was merely a preliminary design suggestion. "Two courts might be appropriate and there is a lounge -activity area that can be a central area for meetings and games," Dr. Neal explained. "We had to look at it in .• a general way and we feel the square footage allows us to serve the needs of the recreation master plan. This should not be construed as a final plan." The burden to the taxpayers would be too great Councillor Bill Clifford reasoned, adding that the operating cost would also be prohibitive. "I feel the estimated cost, especially the portion raised through tax dollars, is too great to burden the municipality with at this time," he said. "We must look at our overall facilities,' spend less and provide recreational facilites for a lot more peo- ple. I have difficu y Suppol`ting this pro- ject, even the drawings." Councillor John Stringer said he not only Presenting final draft Dr. Don Neal, chairman of the Aquatic Centre Committee, delivered a recommendation to council Monday that suggested the town pursue the construction of a $3.1 million recreation complex and aquatic centre. The committee's proposal was received by council Monday and no further action is planned on the subject. (photo by Dave Sykes) expected to see more than one plan, but several funding options as well. While commendingthe committee for its diligence, he said with an operating deficit of over $300,000 for recreation annually now, he wondered "how much the tax- payers can afford." In fulfiliing the mandate of the recrea- tion master plan, Dr. Neal said the com- mittee was being realistic in its presenta- tion of plans and cost. A covered pool would not result in appreciable savings and would not satisfy the need expressed for a multi -use facility. "WE have painted the most realistic and pessimistic • scenario, with respect to capital't osts and it's not likely to be ex- ceeded. It could be less," he explained. 1200 per family is a low tarrif and I think people expect to pay more. The revenue is ,on the low side and the deficit ($45,000) is realistic and in the same range as the arena. It is a facility that will serve a broader range of people and people are not blind to the implications of this project." When the original conceptual drawings wereprepared by Moffat Kinoshita Associates Inc. and presented to a public meeting in February, the cost of the 25,000 square foot facility was estimated at $3.6 Lions, Kinsmen ready to donate to complex The concept of a_ recreation complex has been with this community for several years and some service clubs, groups and industries were prepared to make a substantial financial commitment to the project. While council received a report from the Acquatic Centre Committee which sug- gested the town pursue the construction of a multi -use recreation complex at a cost of $3.1 million, the issue is dormant for the moment. The report has been received and the committee, its mandate fulfilled, will likely disband. After Monday's council meeting, two local service groups made known their in- tention to help finance the project. The Goderich Kinsmen Club had a prepared statement which outlined its in- tent•to donate $15,000 to the construction of an aquatic centre in the town. The dona- tion was contingent upon council approv- ing the project and represented a first- year donation. Club representative, Matt Pearson, said the decision of council was "pretty disap- pointing". He said the aquatic centre is needed for the town and widely supported by the public. The club had hoped that its support would encourage"council and other service groups to examine the project and support it. The Goderich Lions Club was also prepared to support the venture and representative Bob Woodall said there was a recommendation from a committee to the club's directors to commit $100,000 over five years if the recreation complex was to go ahead. million. That translates into a square foot cost of about $9.5. Dr. Neal explained that the committee used a more realistic figure of $120 to $130 per square foot. Despite the projected cost of the facility, Dr. Neal told council that there was over whelming support' and enthusiasm in the community for the complex. "The support at the service club level and the industrial level is overwhelming," he said. "Service clubs are strongly in favor and looking for major projects. The . $1 million from the service -industrial group could be underestimated. "One industry has already budgeted a large amount for this project in its 1988' budget. There ' is strong support. It deserves further consideration andin- vestigation. There are costs, I recognize, but a $25,000 expenditure would generate plans and cost estimates for further study. It could be used for future consideration." Citing operational losses at pools in both Kincardine and Vanastra, Reeve Harry Worsell said he could not support the pro- ject and the burden it would put on taxpayers. Deputy -reeve John Doherty said he felt sorry for Dr. Neal adding that he was in the same predicament 12 years ago when he was recommending a new roof for the arena on behalf of the recreation hoard. "unfortunately,' I can't agree with the figures," he said. "$1 million from service clubs is high and that money comes from taxpayers anyway. $1.3 million from municipal governments is again using tax- payer's money. I am not against a com- plex for the community but we have to be realistic. We've dealt with Goderich• and Colborne Townships before and there's never been anything in writing for contributions." Turn to page 2 • St. John's Ambulance faces tough times BY TED SPOONER The Goderich brigade of the St. John's Ambulance needs money to replace much needed training equipment, first aid sup- plies and for repairs and maintenance of their ambulance. St. John's provides first aid and CPR ( cardio-pulminary resuscitation) training for the private sector and industry. The non-profit, volunteer organization also provides prompt, on the scene first aid at sporting events and any community gatherings. "Government statistics show that most people die from lack of fast, effective first aid," said Gary Renaud, District Chair - 0 man of the St. John's Ambulance. Recently, an incident took place in Goderich to illustrate the usefulness of first aid and CPR training. At about 4:30 p.m. Friday, a Goderieh firefighter, parked on the Square, noticed the driver of a truck stopped at the corner of West. Street, "having difficulty." IChe man began having convulsions and the firefighter pulled him from the truck.. One lady ran to call an ambulance while another lady helped the firefighter per - New training equipment needed form CPR. The two had the man revived by the time the ambulance arrived. The firefighter, Mike O'Brien, had received first aid and CPR training from the Goderich Brigade of the St. John's Am- bulance as part of his fire department training. This same training is available to anyone. The birgade uses both adult and infant mannequins, films and books to train peo- ple in CPR and first aid. The dummies currently being used are 7-8 years old and are becoming worn out, said Renaud. Adult mannequins cost $750 each and in- fants cost $650. The brigade has 10 adult and three infant dummies and including bandages and splints, $9,000-10,000 worth ,of equipment is used at each training ses- sion. As the equipment wears out, they are unable to train as many people. The brigade must also buy new films and books when the Ontario Council changes standards. The council consists of doctors who decide what is the best first aid pro- cedure. They recently revised all CPR and first aid procedures and new films must be purchased. St. John's Ambulance, which has been in Canada for 100 years and in the Goderich district:since 1959, relies soley on the money hey charge for training and dona- tions to cover costs. They, at best, hope to break even with the fees they charge for training, said Renaud. For example, of the $55 they receive from the Wgrkmans Compensation Board for training industrial personnel, $32 stays in Toronto for certificates and course development, $15 pays for books and the instructor receives an honorarium. What is left over is used to help pay for other services, said Renaud. St. John's do not charge a specific fee for attending sporting or community events. They ask for as much of a donation as the group can afford. In addition, they do not charge for the care they provide. The ban- dages and supplies they use to treat the in- jured are administered free of charge. However, said Renaud, the equipment must be replaced and is expensive. "At a track meet we would treat four or five kids for cuts, scrapes and bee stings," he said. The Goderich Brigade has the only mobile response unit (ambulance) in the area. The unit provides a sheltered en- vironment to treat the injured and acts as a highly visible first aid presence. At one time, there were three such first aid units in the area. The brigades in Seaforth and Brussels could. no longer afford to keep their units. When cost cuts have to be made, often the ambulance is the first to go, he said. In the case of racing establishments, such as the Clinton and Goderich Raceways, they cannot operate without an ambulance in attendance. They also donate what they can afford for the service. Turn to page 3 b years of service The Association of Kinsmen Clubs has' long been recognized as Canada's Young Men's Service Club. An all -Canadian service group whose motto is "Serving the Community's Greatest Needs" Kinsmen was founded by Hal Rogers after the First World War in Hamilton. Since its humble beginnings in 1920, Kinsmen has grown to become a forceful and dedicated young man's national ser- vice organization. While the national organization is look- ing towards nearly 70 years of service, the Goderich Club, an exemplary organization with a rich legacy of service to this com- munity, is celebrating 40 years of existence. In recognition of the anniversary of its charter, the Goderich Kinsmen Club is holding a special anniversary celebration on Saturday, Oct. 17. During the afternoon hours., 2-4;30 p,ln,, the public is invited to an Open House at the Kinsmen Centre on Keays Street. The public is invited to socialize and view the awards and pictoral history of the Goderich club which will he on display. That evening, the club will be hosting an anniversary dinner and dance at the Goderich Memorial Arena, com- memorating the clubs charter night, May 14, 1947. Former Kinsmen and K-40 'members are invited to attend this an- niversary function as the club celebrates serving the community's greatest needs for. 40 years. Alcohol, drugs program focus Goderich District Collegiate Institute, in conjunction with all other secondary schools under the Huron County Board of Eduction, is running a new program from Oct. 26 to Nov. 6, entitled Alcohol and Drug Awareness Program for Today ( ADAPT 1. ADAPT is designed as an awareness program .for all citizens of Huron County - students, parents, the elderly dealing with the effect and possible abuse of alcohol and drugs. The program was in- -ittaTed as a result -of the t ecommenda tions - of a local coroner's inquest. ' Numerous guest speakers and special topics are scheduled at the high school for the two- week period. As well, there will be many in-depth class sections for local high school students. Minor athletic groups aided This past May, the Goderich Kinsmen club staged a successful sports celebrity dinner in Goderich, designed to become an annual event in aid of minor sports in Goderich. . The dinner was an unprecedented suc- cess and this week, the club announced that $5,000 raised from the dinner and auc- tion had been awarded to six separate sporting groups in Goderich. The Goderich Minor Hockey Association will receive $1,500; the Goderich Figure Skating Club $1,000; the Goderich Ringette Association $500; the Goderich Sailors Junior C hockey team $1,000; Goderich Minor Soccer Association $500 and the Goderich Minor Softball Association, $500. Matt Pearson of the Goderich Kinsmen Club said that because of the financial suc- cess of the dinner, the club was able to assist six minor groups financially. Before the contributions were made the recrea- tion board was consulted to determine Local needs. INSIDE THE SIGNAL -STAR Football at GDCI The Junior and Senior Vikings•football teams hosted the Exeter South Huron Panthers teams last Thursday afternoon at GDCI. While the local junior team was victorious in defeating the Exeter juniors .by a score of 38-13. However, the senior Vikings were shut out by the Exeter Pan- thers with a score of 14-0. For complete details and pictures, see the front page of the Sports section. All for vision The third annual Walk-A-Dog-A-Thon was held Sunday afternoon in Goderich with about 30 dogs and their owners par- ticipating. Sponsored by local and area Lions clubs, the event raised approx- imately $3,250 for Canine Vision Canada. For story and pictures, see the front page of the Community section. 1