Loading...
The Wingham Advance-Times, 1987-02-25, Page 01■ H% dro corridor sout1hward t . roc county now For the Foodland Hydro Com- mittee, an organization representing 1,200 farmers opposed to the hydro corridor through this area, the announcement came as a bitter disappointment. "We fought a long, hard fight ever since 1980. All I can say is we've done the best we could," said Bill Jongejan, Foodland Hydro Com-' mittee secretary. "We've got the best farmland in the world here. We just thought it was worth it to make that point known." Mr. Jongejan said the. primary effects of the corridor — the incon- venience of farming around hydro towers — will eventually be over- shadowed by the secondary effects which will promote more industry and take more farmland out of production. And, it is those secondary effects likely A hydro transmission corridor for this area now appears imminent as the result of recommendations made public last week by the provincial Joint Hearings Board following its deliberation over 131 days of hydro hearings last year. The Joint Hearings Board, an impartial three-member board, has recommended to the provincial cabinet that a transmission corridor be established to bring power from the Bruce Nuclear Power Development (BNPD) down to ssouthwestern Ontario. That corridor will run directly through Huron County. The corridor, identified as Plan 1, would involve a double -circuit, 500 - Kilovolt line from the BNPD and through Bruce, Huron and Middle- sex Counties to Ontario Hydro's new transformer station ;:.,c south • of London in Caradoc Township. An- other corridor would also be estab- lished eastward from the London transformer station to a generating station at Nanticoke. According to Donna Prout of Ontario Hydro, a 28 -day appeal period will go into effect during which interested parties can make known their thoughts on the decision to the Joint Hearings Board. Following the appeal period, the board would then take its findings , back to the cabinet and ask for an order -in -council, which would allow Ontario Hydro to proceed with land acquisitions for the corridor as early as Aug. 1, 1987, Ms. Prout said. Under Ontario Hydro's current timetable, construction could- then begin on the corridor in the spring of 1988, with the first "in service" of the line scheduled for March 1, 1991. MVCA me'mbers,approve 1987 budget of $2.6'million Members of the Maitland Valley are estimated at $224,000 for 1987, Conservation Authority gave their representing 8.4 per cent of the total, approval last Thursday to a 1987 while the conservation and budget of $2,672,019an 8.3 per centrecreation land management increase over last year's $2,468,065. program is expected to cost $102,746 The approval was given following or 3.9 per cent of total expenditures. presentation of the budget at the Special programs, at an estimated authority's annual meeting in $75,800, represent 2.8 per cent. Wroxeter. on the revenue side of the budget A breakdown of proposed ex- ledger, $1,998,962 in provincial penditures in the 1987 budget shows government grants are expected to the authority's water and related provide 74.8 per cent of the land management. program to ac- authority's income. The balance will count for 73.4 per cent of the total be raised through levies — $230,612, spending, or $1,961,473. Admini- general and $255,400 special -- as stration costs account for the next well as the forwarding of a $4,063 largest portion, $308,000 or 11.5 per 1986 surplus, $174,782 in anticipated cent of the total. revenue from operations and $8,500 Operations and maintenance costs in do%ations. Township council approves $418,300 road budget for '87 Morris Township Council set its on the south of the township; $50,000 road budget for 1987 at a meeting for chloride treatment; $35,000 held last Tuesday. The township will toward the new grader and $4,000 for spend an estimated $418,300 on roads a new mower. this year. Clerk -Treasurer Nancy Michie Council has two big expenditures reports the township also will on its plate for this year: a new continue its roadside spraying this grader and replacing Brown's year. .Bridge. The township has applied to In other business at last week's the Ontario Ministry of Trans- meeting, a grant of $3,965 was made portation and Communications for to the Blyth Community Centre $75,0W in supplementary subsidy for Board for Morris Township's shalle the grader and to the Ontario of replacing the brine chillena`he Municipal improvement Fund for arena. $48,000 for the bridge' Bruce Bromely and Ray The total road budget includes McNichol, Morris representatives provincial grants for construction on the community centre board, and maintenance. Council has ear- attended the meeting to discuss with marked $85,000 for crushed gravel (Please turn to Page 8) The amount to be raised by general levy represents an average increase of 6.5 per cent over the 1986 levy, MVCA General Manager Les Tervit told the members. in his budget presentation, Mr. Tervit said the level of provincial grants for administration and program administration had in- creased by just 3.5 per cent over 1986, representing a "significant" challenge if the authority expected to maintain its established programs while continuing to support the increased costs of its operation. In addition to holding the ad- ministration budget to a four per cent increase over 1986, estimated costs for operations and main- tenenace -- which are not eligible for grants — increased by 2.4 per cent over the 1986 budget. The most significant impact on the levy for 1987 is the increased local share of the soil and water con- servation program which resulted from the agreement between the provincial ministries of natural resources and agriculture and food, in addition to the change in sham rate from 85 percent in 1986 to 5o per cent this year. Water and related land man- agement capital projects scheduled in the 1987 budget include: --Listowel Conduit project, completion of Phase 6 and initiation of Phase 7, $1,295,000. --Wingham Special Policy Area, to develop flood proofing, $12,000. --Ashfield Township flood -erosion (Please turn to Page 8) which are of most concern to the committee. "How large will London become with 15,000 acres about to be annexed by the city?" he asked. "Is that the stewardly thing to do as every acre is unique in its produc- tion ability." He also suggested the new hydro corridor would be supplying London with five times as much power as it really needs. He also spoke out against Ontario Hydro's claim that the corridor will make the interchange of power easier between Ontario and Michigan. He said the hydro cor- poration should not be subsidizing the Americans With cheap power. "The real reason they're (Ontario Hydro) coming through with the line is to be near the Michigan utilities," he said. "Should agricultural land have to pay the cost to have Americans get cheap, subsidized power that Hydro has in surplus? I don't think it's fair." The line from London to Nanticoke will also disrupt farmland in Kent and Essex Counties, he added. Although the Foodland Hydro Committee may be down, Mr. .Jongejan said it was certainly not out of the fray. He said the com- mittee will meet shortly to "pick up (Please turn to Page 8) Charges pending in Sunday brawl at Lockridge Wingham Police were called to Lockridge Memorial Arena Sunday to put an end to brawl among - several Midget hockey players who continued to fight even after they had been ejected from the game by referees and sent to their dressing rooms. Police Chief Robert Wittig said the players, instead of going directly to their dressing ra►ms� following the ejections, resumed fighting in the corridor outside the dressing room area, resulting in a call for police. The fighting resulted in injuries to at least one of the combatants who was taken to Wingham and District Hospital for treatment. Chief Wittig said Monday that investigation into the occurrence is still continuing, although charges against up to six participants are pending. Because, all of the six involved were under 17, any charges will be laid under the Young offenders Act and publication of names, therefore, is not allowed. The game was between Wingham Lions Midgets and Durham and was one of a round-robin playoff series. Final score of the game was 8-2 for Durham. 1987 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE — Vince Judge of Listowel was re- dent, George Wicke, Ellice Township, conservation areas advisory acclaimed as chairman of the Maitland Valley Conservation Authority at board chairman; George McBride, Kinloss Township, community rela- the authority's annual meeting on Thursday. Members of the MVCA's tions advisory board chairman. Jack Graul, provincial representative, 1987 executive committee are from left. seated, Marlene Shiell, secre- member -at -large; Carman Kaye, Minto Township, water management fary-treasurer; Bruce McCall, Brussels, vice-chairman; Mr. Judge. Les advisory board chairman; Norman Haid, Mornington Township, land Tervit, general manager. Standing, David Gower, Goderich, past press- management advisory board chairman. TURNBERRY SPEAKERS — A public speaking competition was held at the Turnberry Central School. Win- ners in the individual categories were: back, intermediate, Julie Fortune, first, Rob Thompson, second, Fa- bienne Glauser, third; front, junior, Shawn Fair, first, Dana Mathers, second and Jennifer Eadie, third. Reduced provincial funding creates backlog of projects Continued reduction in provincial funding allocations since 1980 has created a backlog in priority projects of conservation authorities. Concern over the effects of this reduced funding was expressed by Maitland Valley Conservation Authority Chairman Vince Judge of Listowel: Mr. Judge made his remarks during presentation of the chairman's message to the authority's annual meeting in Wroxeter on Thursday. In 1985, not only were provincial grants to conservation authorities less than those allocated in 1980, but with inflationary effects taken into account, the amount of "real grant dollars" available to authorities was about 35 per cent less than that provided in 1980. Until such time as the provincial government reverses the present funding direction and makes suitable allowances for inflation, the backlog of priority projects will t' t ,til Jd s'd reason,pble time frame as a result of the lack of funding and to a growing list of other necessary projects across the province. in his remarks, Mr. Judge speculated on the possibility of sweeping future changes facing conservation authorities as a result of the AC'AO brief to Mr. Kerrio. Authorities could have new ad- ditiona sponsibilities in the future, h ,aid. In turn, present p cp res onibilitles also could rove to be of lesser s4hific•ance in the years to come. Although such prospects can project frightenirg overtones, Mr. .Judge felt it important for authorities to continue to prove they can operatea viable program witha firm sense of purpose and com- mitment. Authorities must continue to develop the necessary support for these programs from their provincial and municipal partners. "It is only through this action that we will continue to provide the ef- fective and economical delivery of resource management programs," he said. Mr. .Judge stressed the im- portance for MVCA to continue to undertake new projects through the municipalities in order to maintain or increase the current level of .funding, about $2.5 million in 1986. The authority was not without its share of disappointments in the past Near, he said. "The pro -active support we have come to appreciate from the MNR has been somewhat lacking on the Wingham Ilowson Dam 'project. Technical details notwithstanding, this is a prime example of the frustration that.can develop within the priorities system for projects)." Ilowever, he indicated the Howson Dam issue should he resolved this year. con mue u F" He said his remarks were taken Turn berry has deficit from a brief presented recently to will receive $177,300 in road subsidy Ontario Natural Resources Minister Vince by the Association of $17, 000 for 1986 Conservation on Authorities of Ontario.. of That brief emphasizes the pressing Turnberry Township recorded a . fourth concession and Victoria need for change to the government's deficit of almost $17,000 in 1986. Street in Lower Town.. existing conservation authorities mainly due to two large, unbudgeted The township also will apply for program structure, he added expenditures. $52,000 in supplementary subsidy Locally, MVCA is finding that Rob Lightfoot of the accounting from the Ontario Ministryol Trans - projects fully supported by the firm Montieth and Monlieth of portation and Communications to member municipalities - are Stratford attended last Tuesday's finish paving on the B-line and unable to proceed within a council meeting to deliver the $12 000 for a new pick-up truck Police charge young suspects in breaks, theft The Wingham Police Department. has charged four youths in con- nection with break-ins at two Wingham restaurants Saturday night as well as a theft from a parked vehicle which occurred Friday night. Police Chief Robert Wittig said two of the young offenders have been charged in connection with the break-ins at- the Riverboat Restaurant and the Riverview Drive -In. A quantity of alcohol and cigarettes was taken from the Riverboat, Chief Wittig said, while cigarettes only were taken in the Riverview Drive-in break-in. Two other youths have been charged in connection with the unrelated theft of alcohol and music tapes Friday from a vehicle parked in the Toronto -Dominion parking lot. Chief Wittig said partial recovery of the stolen goods has resulted from the polcie investigation. Firemen called out to false alarm Firefighters from the Wingham department were called out Sunday evening to what turned out to be a false alarm. Fire Chief Harleyy. Gaunt said a Lower Tov:n resiAellt grew alarmed when it looked as if his neighbor's house was on fire, so he telephoned the depa rtment.. However, once the firefighters were on the scene they noted that smoke from the foundry and Sunday night's fog made it appear the house was on fire when really it was not. The department, responded to a chimney fire call late last Thursday afternoon to the Jack Ruttan residence at Fordwich. Mr. Gaunt reported no damage. financial statement. Turnberry already has been told it Although the township incurred a will receive $177,300 in road subsidy deficit last year, Mr. Lightfoot said from the MTC in 1987, but it must it was due to an unbudgeted $11,700 spend a minimum of $268,000 in for Turnberry's share of the order to get the money. Belmore arena roof and $6,400 in Dale Lougheed, manager of the unbudgeted expenditures toward the United Co-operatives of Ontario, township waste disposal site. attended the meeting to provide Aside from those two items, council with an update on the Co - spending in the township last year Op's garbage situation. was close to budget, said Clerk- One month ago Mr. Lougheed Treasurer Dorothy Kelly after the approached council about the meeting. possibility of the Co-Op's dumping of in other business council passed a some feed wastes and paper gar - road budget as presented by Ross bage at the. Turnberry waste Nicholson, road superintendent. disposal site, since it is located in the Council has several large projects township and its previous it would like to tackle this year, but arrangement for garbage pick-up since there is not enough money in had terminated. the budget, it is applying for $80,000 Whit they could not turn away the in Ontario Municipal Improvement garbage from the Co -Op, council Fund subsidy for construction on the (Please turn to Page 8) Health unit announces plans to hold rabies clinics for pets The Huron County Health Unit exposures to the disease occur from says more than 92 cases of animal contact with owned, unimmunized rabies were reported in the county in dogs and cats — often one's own 1986, compared to 36 the year l,efore. household pets. Special low-cost clinics will be As a result, 50 people have held and pet owners in Huron will be received the anti -rabies vaccination charged only $6.00 per animal for the after coming in contact with a rabid rabies vaccination. Owners also animal, says Dr. .1. K. McGregor, the option of going to their county medical officer of health.have regular veterinarian. Under a provincial regulation- An immunization certificate will which has been adopted in Huron be issued to the owner, indicating County, Dr. McGregor says it is when and where the animal was compulsory for all dogs and cats vaccinated and when the vac - three months of age and over to be cination must he repeated. in ad- vaccinated against. rabies. The dit.ion, a rabies identification tag regulat.ion is intended to protect will he provided for each vaccinated people from the disease, he. adds, as dog and cat. most cases of human anti -rabies The regulation require--, that dogs treatments result from contact. with and cats he re vaccinated on a cats and dog's which have been in- regular bAsis. Pet owners who do not. fected by a rabid wild or domestic comply with the regulation are anf►nal. subject to a maximum fine of $5,0()0. Although vaccinating domestic in the interest of protecting the animals is the only harrier between people in the community from rabies and people, only 40 per cent of rabies, the Huron County Health dogs and 15 per cent of cats in Unit urges dog and cat owners to Ontario currently are immunized. meet the regulation by getting their More than 50 per cent of the human dogs and cats immunized.