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Home My WebLink AboutThe Times Advocate, 2004-03-17, Page 22 Exeter Times–Advocate Wednesday,March 17, 2004 Regional wrap up Residents try to save pool GODERICH — Close to 40 people filled council chambers at Town Hall March 8 to protest the potential closure of the local outdoor pool. The Goderich Signal - Star reported concern for the Judith Gooderham pool's future was heightened last month after the board of management for recre- ational services passed a motion calling for the decommissioning of the pool and wading area. Council held the mat- ter over for discussion as part of 2004 budget deliberations. Jr. D. franchise SEAFORTH — The McGafka Pro Group, London investors who applied for the Junior D franchise in Seaforth, have withdrawn their application with the Ontario Hockey Association. The Huron Expositor reported the group pulled out after a local group decided to put forth its own bid. Message for province BLYTH — Clerks and treasurers from around Huron County are initi- ating a "strength in numbers" approach when it comes to help- ing the Government of Ontario understand what will ease financial burdens faced by municipalities. The North Huron Citizen reported the HCCTA has been com- piling a list of recom- mendations aimed at improving such areas as policies and financial assistance. In a presen- tation to Huron Bruce MPP Carol Mitchell, the organization has out- lined eight main areas of concern, ranging from the problematic 310 -5 -5 -capping used in tax assessments to water quality legisla- tion. Groups ask MPP for funds CLINTON Approximately two dozen Huron County residents, including delegations represent- ing TV Ontario, munici- palities and Homes for the Aged, gathered at the Holmesville hall March 8 to plead for more provincial gov- ernment support at a town hall meeting host- ed by Huron -Bruce MPP Carol Mitchell. The Clinton News - Record reported Mitchell opened the meeting by noting the province faces some tough decisions in light of the $5.6 million deficit. Water meeting scheduled By Pat Bolen TIMES -ADVOCATE STAFF VARNA — A public meeting is planned for April 13 in Hensall to decide which water supply option will be selected for the community. The meeting was set Monday night at the Bluewater council meeting after council members were presented with a report on the water supply options from Steve Burns of B.M. Ross. Burns told council that after South Huron made the decision to connect to the London pipeline, it opened the door to options for Bluewater including one that would extend the pipeline to Seaforth. The cost to bring the pipeline to Exeter would be $10.8 million, to extend it to Hensall would cost another $4.3 million and building it to Seaforth would cost $26 million in total. Burns added the federal government has money for large projects with regional strategic value and the Exeter/Hensall/Seaforth pipeline could be classed as such making it eligible for up to 50 per cent grants. He reiterated the options available to Hensall besides the pipeline, which include nitrate removal at a cost of $1.8 million and operating costs of $60,000 a year, or drilling wells for $1.6 million with operating costs of $60,000 a year. Asked by Coun. Bill Martin if the pipeline costs would go down if other communities such as Clinton and Mitchell wanted to be involved, Burns said they would. He told council Hensall required a certificate of approval by June for its water system which was not going to be possible, but an extension could be applied for. But Burns said "a decision will need to be made very soon. If there is an interest in the pipeline or well option, there will need to be an environmental assessment." Asked by Mayor BM Dowson what the cost would be, Burns said between $10,000 and $15,000. A motion was then passed authorizing the environ- mental assessment. After the public meeting was decided on, Deputy Mayor Paul Klopp said it should be clear that although the assessment had been started, it was a matter of process. "The meeting is for public input and the decision has- n't been made yet.It will save money doing it this way so we don't have to have another meeting,"said Klopp. OPP Occurences In other council business, OPP Const. Tim Tatchell and inspector Gary Martin presented their report to council on criminal occurrences in Bluewater in 2003. Martin said for the first time in six years the OPP were up to their fully staffed number of 78 officers. Asked by Coun. Bill Martin if there were any signs of organized criminal activity such as biker gangs spread- ing into the area, Martin said there are none he was aware of. Coun. Jim Fergusson asked if there were initiatives the municipality could undertake to deter crimes like break and enters. Martin said much of crime prevention was common sense. "We all have to be more alert. Organized pro- grams work well but it is hard to keep interest up when nothing happens." He pointed out basics such as alarms, fencing and automatic lighting also work well and added there did- n't seem to be youth issues in the area that are seen in other communities. Meetings Besides the water meeting at 7 p.m. in Hensall, April 13, several other meetings are scheduled. There will be a public meeting for information on the Nutrient Management Act (NMA) and the proposed NMA by-law March 22 at 7 p.m. in Varna. There will be economic development workshops March 30 at 7 p.m. at the Hensall Community Centre and April 26 at 7 p.m. at the Bayfield Community Centre. POLICE BRIEFS Drug warrant results in two arrests BLUEWATER — Huron OPP executed a drug search warrant at a residence 011 Mill Road in Bluewater with assistance from the OPP Drug Enforcement section March 12 at approximately 7:15 a.m.. Officers arrested two people at the residence for pos- session of cocaine, marijuana and methamphetamines. John Prouse, 46, of Bluewater has been charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking, possession of cannabis marijuana and possession of methampheta- mines. Shaunna Ross, 25, of Bluewater has also been charged with the same offences plus breaching proba- tion. Ina Russell and Diane Volland dance to the music of the Staffa Old Tyme Band at the St. Patrick's Day party at Queensway nursing home March 13. (photo/Mary Simmons) SH sewage system flaws Continued from front page into any incentive program are people having sewer problems; those with no problems aren't going to participate because they have nothing to gain. He said if the municipality is serious about doing something, it should offer a $500 or $1,000 incentive to disconnect roof drain connections within the next five years, after which it becomes mandatory for all homes to disconnect. Adding to the flooding problem, Oke said is the fact some roads in Exeter are poorly designed because they were not engi- neered to sit low enough to collect water off lawns. "We've got to start designing the streets in this town properly," he said. Hockey agreed and said new roads are being designed to take water from lawns. Other notes from Monday's meeting: Dust and gravel tenders The dust control supply tender was awarded to low bidding company 552976 Ontario Limited, at $23.29 per cubic metre of salt brine. Low bidder Jennison Construction was awarded the gravel sup- ply tender at a price of $130,000. Juno Beach support At the request of Exeter resident and Juno Beach landing veteran John Brintnell, South Huron agreed to sponsor a $250 memorial brick for the Juno Beach Centre in France. The centre honours the sacrifice of Canadian Second World War veterans. The money for the brick will come out of the municipality's economic development fund. TO1\ VISA Mas teYCaN DON'T HIDE SMILE WIDE Renew Your Smile with Confidence at... TOWY DYTDE CLIMC Gary �5a11awhy D.D. Phone: 519-284-9969 145 Qteen 6t. t, 6t. Mary6 Gary Sallaway, Denturist