The Wingham Advance Times, 1995-08-30, Page 5a
Dear ditora
4 appears that one of my neigh-
bors does not like me and is hitting
back in the way they know will
hurt me Most - through my dog:
I don' know where you would
find one of his breed with such ex-
cellenttemperament - he likes peo-
ple in all sizes and other dogs too:
The trouble is he is a good watch
dog, He is my ears. He never barks
for nothing - even inside, if I hear
him I go to see what it is and sure
enough a strange van has pulled up
by a nearby neighbor, or someone
is walking by.
He will back at a cat or squirrel
on the street, which obviously I do
not hear, but he does. He barks reg-
ularly if someone goes by with a
dog. As one of my friendly neigh-
bors( except for this person) point-
ed out, "He's just letting you knowp--the-dog never uttered a sound. He
there's someone or something must have felt foolish to report that.
there?' Ile ignores most of the chit-
dren who trust go by to get to
school, either singly or in bunches.
He is inside most of the time,
This person does not have the in-
testinal fortitude to tell me ,person-
ally. So the ,police came visiting
with a complaint, I always thought
the noise by-law kicked in at 11:00
p.m., but evidently not.
There are other dogs around that
bark a great deal but I would not
ever complain about it..
If I get another visit about a com-
plaint Twill have no reout'se put to
have him put down. Then where
will I be'!
The police are merely doing their
job. I've always had the utmost co-
operation from •them and this does
not ' change my attitude towards
them. Once the • officer came and
No hope for quiet time
when family camping
pg
When children return to
school, one of, the first
things the teachers usu-
ally request is a written
essay on "How I spent My Sum-
mer Vacation". One of the high-
lights of my summer vacation was
a recent camping trip with my
family.
My wife was enjoying her sum-
mer holidays, and although it
proved to be a break from school,
I noticed that my two boys - aged
two and five - were beginning to
take a toll on her. I approached
her one evening and suggested
that we take the family camping
for a few days. She eyed me sus-
piciously from her chair and
glanced around the comfortable
surroundings of the living room.
"Camping?" she said with a
wry smile. You see, Linda had
spent much of her youth working
at camps and like myself, was no
stranger to the outdoors.
"Sure," I enthused. "The boys
will love it - lots of fresh air,
swimming, fishing, boating. I'm
sure they'll be so exhausted by
the end of the day they'll be fast
asleep by 7:00! Come on honey,
how bad can it be?"
I envisioned peaceful evenings
by the campfire, and restful sleeps
in the cool night air.
Little did I know the difference
between fantasy and reality.
We had the opportunity to bor-
row a tent trailer from some
friends, which provided a great
deal more comfort than our tent.
After we arrived, we had to set
up, which would have been much
easier if I had eyes in the front
and the back of my head. You
see, in a campground, there are no
such luxuries as fences, so while I
was setting up the trailer and Lin-
da was unpacking, we suddenly
realized that our two boys were
nowhere in sight.
It was easy to spot them how-
ever, laughing a few campsites
away. Michael, our five-year-old,
returned quite easily, but Connor,
the two-year-old, decided to take
this perfect opportunity to play
"run away from Daddy" which
brought us through various peo-
ple's campsites. I don't think I've
apologized as much in one day.
After finally catching Conner, and
returning him (kicking and
screaming of course), I calmly
suggested it would probably he
easier to buckle them into their
car seats while we finished setting
up. Luckily, my wife appreciates
my sense of humour because it
was 29C at the time.
"But," I protested, "we could
put the air conditioning on."
Her good humour quickly be-
gan to fade.
After all was set up, it was a
perfect time to enjoy the beach.
Linda took Michael swimming
and I stayed with Connor to play
in the sand. We had a great time
making sand castles but the one
thing that I noticed, is that no mat-
ter how hard you try, sand always
has the sly way of creeping into
everything you wear and on to all
parts of your body. The, of
course, you have the chap a few
feet away who while packing up
his things for the day decides to
shake out his towel which results
in nothing short of a fierce sand
storm.
I felt like I was spending -rty
camping trip in the Sarabi desert.
Luckily, we were able to shower
and swim in an indoor pool and
hottub as well - which cleared up
the sand situation.
In
My
Opinion
Bruce MORGAN
After dinner we had promised
the boys a campfire. Normally
their bedtime is between 8:30 and
9:30, but of course, it is much too
light to have a campfire at that
time. O.K., I reasoned, bedtime
can be extended by a half hour.
But of course, once the campfire
is lit, we need to toast marshmal-
lows and hotdogs. Bedtime is now
extended by one and a half hours.
I quickly realized that my long -
hoped for "quiet adult time" was
quickly fading.
Finally, at 11:90 we had put, the
children in the trailer - together -
another mistake. They decided to
turn the bed into a trampoline and
were gleefully jumping about
when I came in a few minutes lat-
er. Linda suggested we lay down
with them and that should settle
them down. The four of us cud-
dled close and soon our boys were
fast asleep. Carefully we got up
and went outside to enjoy what re-
mained of the evening.
I have never seen so many stars
in my life as I did that night. They
blanketed the entire sky and more
than once I almost fell backwards
out of my lawn chair from look-
ing up. As we were quietly chat-
ting I suddenly heard a grunt and
a snort from a few feet away.
"Bruce," said Linda nervously,
"what is that?" I followed the di-
rection her finger was pointing
and saw something fairly big and
menacing moving towards us. I
had not idea what it was, but I
was up and moving towards the
car before Linda even moved.
Suddenly, I heard her starting to
laugh and the big, snorting animal
was nothing more than a fat, stray
dog, coming to collect any scraps
left under our picnic table.
"Some hero you are," my wife
challenged.
Sometimes in life one cannot
justify their actions, so I didn't
even try. But we laughed so long
and loud about it that we received
hushed warnings from people
nearby. Finally, we crawled into
bed and were comforted by the
thought that at least the boys
would sleep in late the next morn-
ing.
Every campground has what is
referred to as "quiet time": The
only problem with that is that
Connor can't read and at 5:30 the
next morning was up and about
wanting to go "wings, wings Dad-
dy". (Which when properly
phrased is "Please Daddy, would
you bring me to the swings?") I
groaned and rolled over, trying to
wipe sleep and sand from my eyes
and promised my wife $1,000 to
take him outside. She smiled and
snuggled down deeper in the cov-
ers. "Remember sweetheart," she
sighed, "this was you idea."
The rest of the weekend contin-
ued in a very similar blur. We did
enjoy a great time fishing, swim-
ming and boating, although
peaceful relaxation never really
entered the picture. And the eve-
ning that we arrived home, I fully
understood what people mean
when they say they need a vaca-
tion from their vacation.
Oh, by the way, we've already
made plans to return next year.
If someone is in need of help, 1
try to give it to anyone at anytime.
Anonymous complaints should be
put in the garbage like anonymous
letters or phone calls.
1 trust the complainant is now
happy. I have not been well for a
while now and this is just one more
stress that I don't need.
Living alone is not fun. It seems
that someone wants to leave me en-
tirely unprotected. For their infor-
mation, I never carry money or
keep any in the house.
Margaret Wormworth,
Wingham
P.S. Leo is a stray, and as I'm a sort
of halfway house for the Humane
Society he was brought to me.
When I had my other little dog put
down with an injured spine, I kept
this one. Perhaps I should have his
vocal cords removed? He was not
barking at 2:00 a.m. as alleged.
MPPs nvt
allowed to
represent
electorate
Dear Editor:
The parliamentary system in
Canada is practised on the whole as
a democracy and should be operat-
ed of, for and by the people.
One fly in the ointment, so to
speak, however, is the ever-
increasing use of order -in -council
decisions and the legislating of
laws into force by the Cabinet of
e whichever government happens to
be in power.
Using this method, the great ma-
jority of MPs or MPPs, not in the
Cabinet, have absolutely no say, in-
put or vote on whatever is being de-
cided or passed.
As an example, In Wellington
County, our good MPP Ted Arnott
was elected to the Ontario Legisla-
turewith an overwhelming majori-
ty. However, he was not given a de-
served` Cabinet posting and so
Arnott has not really represented
his constituents thus far and will _
not be able to do so until the Onta-
rio Legislature is called into ses-
sion.
The Harris government has con-
ducted all government business and
decisions through order -in -council
since the June election. This man-
ner of governing is definitely not
democratic by any stretch of the
imagination.
MPPs are elected by constituents
to represent them in all the many
facets of government - not just to
participate in what is left over.
Robert S. Cherry,
.. Palmerston
AM 920
decision
regrettable
Dear Editor:
I regret very much, the decision
CKNX has made to end the local
church services broadcast on radio
station AM 920 on Sunday even=
ings at 7:00 p.m.
In the past, when CKNX was
owned and operated by the Cruick-
shank family, it's first priority was
to serve the needs in every area of
broadcasting in the local communi-
ty. It seems now that unless a time
slot generates advertising revenue,
CKNX is no longer willing to air
such program. I don't think that a
one hour time slot out of a week
should affect their profit margin by
that much.
But I guess I have to accept the
fact that it was a business decision.
Allen Robb,
Wingham
Apology
offered for
postponement
Dear Editor:
As co-ordinator for the Fashion
Show "The Artful Dresser" for the
Blyth Festival Art Gallery, I must
apologize for its postponement last
Saturday due to circumstances be-
yond my control, and for any in-
convenience caused to patrons.
Watch this space for details of
rescheduling.
Janet A. Baillie,
Wingham
Validation...Local photographer Ward Robertson has been awarded his certificate indi-
cating membership in good standing with the Professional Photographers of Canada. Robert-
son said the award indicates a certain level of professionalism and quality for consumers seek-
ing a photographer. in addition, the certification opens the door for professional development
and a network of photography resources.
No winners ems in decision
GORRIE—As suggested by
Ontario Municipal Board member
D. W. Middleton at the conclusion
of a hearing, requested by Tom
Miller of Wingham, and held at
Howick Township Office on May
8, there are no clear winners in his
decision.
Mr. Middleton advised at the
completion of the hearing the
board would delay issuing its deci-
sion so negotiations might contin-
ue between Mr. Miller and the
Township of Howick for the ac-
quisition of property in the Village
of Wroxeter.
However, no negotiations have
taken place, so the OMB decision
will stand.
That decision allows. Mr.
Miller's appeal in part. It approves
an Official Plan amendment to the
township's Secondary Plan, as re-
quested by Mr. Miller. It also re-
zones the property for Village Res-
idential (from Open S.pace-
Parkland).
However, based on evidence
given by Paul Dawson of the Hu-
ron County Health Unit, the board;
is persuaded the two under -sized
lots awned by Mr. Miller and his
wife, are= not appropriate for the
development of two houses.
Therefore, the board deems lots
18 and 19 of Registered Plan 316
Battery
drive
raises $
for 4-H
HURON COUNTY - Huron
County 4-H Leaders' Association,
along with 4-H members, has again
collected a trailer load of batteries.
These spent lead -acid batteries can
be dangerous if left lying around.
During June and July, over 1,000
batteries were brought to one of the
eight depots throughout the county.
Thanks to the various dealers who
supplied a safe spot for collection
and to those who brought in the
dead lead -acid batteries. Huron
County is a safer place and 4-H has
funds to help finance some of its
programs.
Watch for news of the collection
again next year.
Bill and Shirley Hart, accompa-
nied by Eileen Marks, spent the
weekend with Adrien and Elaine
Poirier in Mississauga, where a sur-
prise 50th birthday party was held
for Adrien. Milly Nixon of Ford-
wich, Glenn and Elizabeth
McKercher of Jamestown and
members of the Poirier family also
were guests at the birthday party.
Tim and Maud Eaton of Seaforth
visited with Hazel Griffith last
Wednesday.
Peter and Lourdes Isabelle and
Chris, Dan and Yoly Isabelle, Lin-
da Beatty and little Kevin all spent
last weekend at Peter's home here.
On Saturday, they held a memorial
service for the second anniversary
of their mother's passing with Rev.
Jeff Hawkins and friends June Ma-
cEwen, Florence Dickison and Ha-
zel Griffith all in attendance.
Oliver and Audrey Riley attend-
ed the visitation for their brother-
in-law, Gordon Hopf, at the Heim -
buck Funeral. Home, Stratford..
to be one lot "and this will provide
adequate space if a secondary sep-
tic system is required."
REFUSED AMENDMENT
Mr. Miller appealed to the OMB
when the township refused his ap-
plication for a zoning amendment
to allow for residential develop-
ment on two lots "in the Village of
Wroxeter.
The township had believed it
owned the two lots and had been
unsuccessful in a bid to purchase
them from Mr. Miller.
The lots disappeared from the
assessment rolls early in 1900 and
were only discovered and returned
to the rolls in 1988.
Mr. Miller purchased the lots
for $5,000 in 1993, and later the
lots were changed to be in the
name of Mr. Miller and his wife,
so there were two separate lots.
At the time of the purchase, Mr.
Miller was Clerk -treasurer of How -
ick Township. On May 5, just
prior to the OMB hearing, the
township offered Mr. Miller
$15,000 for the lots.
The property= was ' designated
Open Space in September, 1976,
and approved- by the Ministry of
Municipal Affairs in 1984. How -
ick Zoning Bylaw 23 of 1984
zoned the lands parkland.
Howick's village Residential
Low Density (VRI) zoning irr os -
es regulations with a minimu ,of
1,850 square metres, a lot fron ge
of 23 metres and a lot depth o � 6
metres. The two lots are conside
bly deficient in lot area and in to
width, although they meet the min-
imum lot depth required by the
zoning bylaw.
FEW OBJECTIONS
The lands originally were the
site of a foundry which has disap-
peared. Presently they are worked
as part of an adjacent farm. The
township owns the lands surround-
ing the lots on three sides.
In response to the circulation of
the Official Plan Amendment and
Official Plan Referral by the town-
ship, following Mr. Miller's appli-
cations for amendments, there
were few objections.
The Township of Wallace, the
Ministry of Transportation, the
Huron -Perth Separate School
Board, the Ministry of Natural Re-
sources, the County of Bruce Plan-
ning and Development Depart-
ment, the Township of Minto, the
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture
and Food and the County of Perth
had no objections.
The Huron County Health Unit
advised if the two lots were to be
permitted, the house size would
need to kbe restricted since the lot
would be unable to provide a sec-
ondary septic waste disposal sys-
tem. The health unit recommended
the two lots bejoined to form a
single residential lot.
The Wroxeter Park Board indi-
cated by way of a letter its concern
that residential lots would be an in-
terjection in what the board be-
lieved to be park lands.
During the hearing it was noted
the township had no objection to a
proposal to sell similar lands adja-
cent to a park in the Village of
Gorrie, even though the sale of the
Gorrie lands would leave less buf-
fer than exists in the Wroxeter
Park concerning the Miller lots.,
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NOG 2W0
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