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Home My WebLink AboutZurich Citizens News, 1970-02-12, Page 10PAGE 71P4 .ZUfJ I1 crroxgFNS paws Centralia Industrial Park Shows Tremendous Growth Since Incorporation Centralia Industrial Park now provides more than twice the civilian employment than did the former air force base from which it has been transformed, Ontario Treasurer Charles Mac - Naughton stated in a progress report Tuesday. Approximately 600 people, including government staff, are now worsting in the park. Before the base was deactivated, civ- ilian complement was around 250. "The success of this venture continues to be encouraging," said the Ontario Treasurer, who is MPP for Huron riding. "We are well ahead of the develop- ment schedule anticipated by the consultants who recommend- ed the project to the government, Mr. MacNaughton said the eight industries in the plant will continue to generate more jobs for the area. "The Ontario Development Corporation, which operates the park, anticipates a 'sizeable increase in job opport- unities during the coming year. " A number of firms are plan- ning to expand their operations during 1970. Other industries are beginning to develop their capacity after the initial adjust- ment period. "I am pleased to say that there have been relatively few prob- lems during the transition stage for the park, "Mr. MacNaughton stated. "The O. D. C. and other government representatives have worked closely with local auth- orities to avoid any major dis- ruptions for the community." Stevenson and Kellogg Ltd., the consultants who examined the feasibility of an industrial park at Centralia, estimated that the base could be reactiv- ated as an industrial educational complex by 1974. "For all practical purposes, the job was completed before 1970, " the Huron MPP comment- ed. "This record reflects the capability of the O.D.C. staff and Mr. Jack Malone, park manager, who have been resp- onsible for the park's perform- ance." The Treasurer revealed that revenue from the park now ex- ceeds the operating cost and is making a contribution toward repayment of the province's investment in the base and the renovations that were required. Largest employer at Centra- lia is Hall Lamp Company of Canada Limited, which manu- factures automotive lighting BAYFIELD NEWS (continued from page 9) goal for them, and Eric Earl, coaching. Bayfield Girls team were: Lorelie McClinchey, Jackie Koene, Monica Gemeinhardt, Barbara Graham, Nancy Grah- am, Donna Taylor, Dianne Blok, Rhea Sturgeon, Pauline Armstrong, and Janice Middle- ton in goal, coach, Joe Brandon, ATTENTION Snowmobile Owners Buy and Save, on Our ® TWO-STROKE OIL • Home Heat Service ONE CALL DOES IT ALL! 0 Free Burner Service • Gas --- Oil — Greases CHARLES E. ECKEL "Supertest Farm Agent" Phoma 236.4411 Zurich equipment in two of the seven former hangars. It has a staff of 300. Dunlop Canada Limited has expanded into two hangars also and now.employs about 80 per- sons in its Chemline and bicycle tire divisions. Hughes Boat Works Limited, one of the first industries to loc- ate in the park, has increased its staff to more than 60. Other industries include The Dayniond Company Limited (plastic plumbing fixtures and pipe), Space- Pak International Limited (pre -fabricated housing). Ferplas Industries Limited (plas- tic strapping and twines), Acme Neon Signs (London) Limited, and `Tabor Metal Fabricators (car transports). About 175 students are enrol- led in the educational complex operated by the Ontario Depart- ment of Agriculture and Food. This includes the Centralia Col- lege of Agricultural Technology and the veterinary services school which has converted the former base hospital into a lab- oratory. All 17 classrooms of the elem- entary school are being used by Huron County Board of Education, Enrolment is 350 students. During the past year, O,D.C, has improved a number of basic services in the park. The airfield has become operational with the installation of runway lights, obstruction lights and a rotating beacon. A new 100, 000 gallon water tank gives greater fire protection and the conversion of the steam heating plant from coal to natural gas provides more uniform pressure for indust- rial processing. The community aspect of the park continues to develop. Res- idents are now served by a daily bus service, restaurant, food market, service station, barber shop, beauty salon, bank, post office and manpower centre. The extensive recreational facilities of the former air force base are being put to good use. The arena hosts several area hockey teams, as well as minor hockey, public and figure skat- ing programs. Also in operation are the curling rink, bowling alley and gymnasium. The swimming pool is a major sum- mer attraction. The base was purchased for $600, 000 in August, 1967. It was deactivated a year earlier by the Department of National Defence. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 1970 NATIONAL FARM UNION (South Huron Local 206 — District 2) MEETING IN THE Dashwood Community Centre MON., FEB. 16 8:30 P.M. Speaker: PETER MYERS Director of Organization for Ontario of the National Fara, Union Members, Former Members and Non -Members are invited to come and discuss their farm problems. BEST WISHES TO TRAYLOR INDOSTRIES LIMITED On the Opening of Your New Plant in this community! We are pleased that you have decided to locate in our community, and wish you the best of success in your future en- deavours. We are confident that a bright future is ahead for your company. 11 ZURICH and DISTRICT CHAMBER of COMMERCE LEROY THIEL President JOHN CONSITT secretary