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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Times Advocate, 2005-05-04, Page 3Wednesday,May 4, 2005 Exeter Times -Advocate 3 Sewer project "very doubtful" this year By Scott Nixon TIMES -ADVOCATE STAFF SOUTH HURON — Denied during the first round of a major grant, the $4 million Crediton/Centralia sewer project is "very doubtful" for this year. The engineering and designing for the project, which would see sanitary sewage systems installed in both villages, with a new pumping station in Crediton, is basically finished and the municipality was simply waiting to hear whether or not it would receive a Canada -Ontario Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (COMRIF) grant of 66 per cent. When round one of the grants was released last week, the Crediton/Centralia project wasn't on the list, leaving the municipality waiting to apply for the second round. When asked if there was any possibility the project could go ahead this year as planned, South Huron chief administrative officer Larry Brown said, "It's very doubtful." South Huron council discussed the denial Monday night, with Brown suggesting council decide whether or not it wanted to keep the sewer project as its first priority in seeking a grant, or make the planned $11 million Lake Huron pipeline the municipality's num- ber one project. South Huron still has a grant pend- ing on that project and hasn't received word yet on whether it will be approved for funding. After some discussion, council agreed the sewer project is still South Huron's number one priority and once application guidelines are announced for round two of COMRIF, the municipality will pursue another 66 per cent grant. Speaking on why the project was denied a grant in round one, Brown said the government wouldn't tell him why South Huron was turned down. He said there are three criteria for being eligible for a COM - RIF grant: health and safety, public policy and value for money, all of which the Crediton/Centralia sewer project meets. He said he knows of another similar project which received funding but its value for money wasn't as strong as South Huron's. Deputy Mayor Dave Urlin said there is sometimes "no rhyme or reason" for which projects get turned down. He noted Ashfield Colborne Wawanosh received funding for two bridges. Brown said he has heard round two for COMRIF could start in six to eight weeks, but he thinks it will go into the fall, making the sewer project a slim pos- sibility for this year. If South Huron receives a grant in the second round of COMRIF, the sewer project would go ahead next year. South Huron also intends to have discussions with Bluewater on the Lake Huron pipeline, since Bluewater has decided to connect to South Huron's line via a new pipeline to Hensall. Other council notes: Former clinic sold The former Family Practice Clinic at 489 Main Street has been sold by the municipality to Derek Bakelaar and his Digisplint Canada business for $120,000. As part of the agreement, Bakelaar can rent the building from the municipality for $500 a month for up to five years before closing the sale. County budget Exeter resident Jim Chapman attended Monday's meeting and said he hoped the three South Huron councillors who sit on Huron County council would vote against the county's proposed budget, which so far will see a 17.5 per cent increase. "I think that's a pretty big bump at one time," Chapman noted. County council was to meet Tuesday after the Times -Advocate went to press. When Chapman asked why there is such a sharp increase proposed, Morley said provincial download- ing is a major factor — big ticket items such as social services and ambulances are now county responsibil- ities. Even if the county lowers its increase to 14.4 per cent it won't see an increase in tax dollars collected, Morley said, because the county took $3 million out of New seniors' residence proposed in Lucan By Stephanie Mandziuk TIMES -ADVOCATE STAFF LUCAN — Residents in a small Lucan neighbourhood have many unanswered questions and for now most are opposed to a zoning change in their backyard. Andrew Mclhargey wants to con- struct a seniors' building on a half acre lot on William Street near Frank Street. Marystown Manor would have as many as 27 rooms with some com- mon areas for residents to share, like a kitchen. Seventeen residents showed up for a public meeting Monday night to get some answers. They learned the process is in the early stages and the developer needs to satisfy several conditions set out by the township's planner, before a zoning change can even be considered by council. The devel- oper needs to provide the township with architectural/engineering plans, land surveys, flood risk reports and the legal status of prop- erty lot eleven. Currently the site in question is zoned R2 and needs to be rezoned to R3, making way for a 1.5 storey apartment -like structure. • In other council news, Lucan Biddulph council approved a prop- erty tax increase of two per cent April 28. • Bluewater Recycling has changed its collection day for Lucan Biddulph from Thursday to Friday. • Residents are being reminded about the township's upcoming large garbage pick up days for items like mattresses, tables, chairs and outdoor brush. May 9-12 are pick up days in Lucan, followed by Granton May 13-14. The rest of the township will have its pick up days May 16-18. •Fire chiefs from across Middlesex will be meeting at the Lucan firehall on the evening of May 10. At the same time a mini trade show is being held to display the latest in firefighting equipment. Hensall Union Cemetery looks for funds By Scott Nixon TIMES -ADVOCATE STAFF SOUTH HURON — The Hensall Union Cemetery needs financial assistance to help repair and restore deterio- rating monuments. Cemetery chair Robert Bell and secretary -treasurer Joanne Rowcliffe recently appeared before South Huron council, explaining to the municipality the ceme- tery's plight. The Rodgerville Road cemetery is still active, although Rowcliffe explained only 10 burials are held at Hensall Union per year. As was explained at the council meeting, a major rea- son the Hensall Union Cemetery finds itself in need of fmancial assistance is because the provincial govern- ment won't allow the cemetery to access the $46,000 it invested in a "perpetual care fund" set up by the province in 1993. Mayor Rob Morley explained the province recom- mended cemeteries invest their savings in the fund, but are now only allowing cemeteries to use the interest they gain on their savings. Bell said low interest rates have meant the cemetery only receives about one third the interest from the fund compared to what it received five years ago. In the meantime, expenses such as grass cutting have increased. Bell said as a result the cemetery can't afford to main- tain its aging monuments, some of which are becoming dangerous. Rowcliffe explained that some of the monu- ments are "stacked," and, at more than 100 years old, are in danger of falling over if they are rocked. After making inquiries to Queen's Park and Huron - Bruce MPP Carol Mitchell's office, Morley said he learned the only way for cemeteries to access their per- petual care funds is if they expand their boundaries by buying new land. That situation, Bell told the Times -Advocate Monday, doesn't help the Hensall Union Cemetery because it still has enough land for another 30-40 years. The estimated cost of repairing and restoring 25 mon- uments at the cemetery is $6,000, which the cemetery requested from South Huron. The municipality suggested the cemetery board con- tinue to look for funds elsewhere and then return to council for a decision. Morley said he spoke to the may- ors of Bluewater and Huron East about the possibility of the three municipalities sharing the cost of the repairs and received positive feedback. Bell said the cemetery planned to also approach Bluewater and Huron East regarding funding. Rowcliffe said many of the names on the monuments have links to families still living in the area — she won- dered if some of those families would donate money to maintain the monuments. "It's a sad situation," Coun. George Robertson said. The cemetery conducts its own fundraising and is run by a board of directors. It has no affiliation with any church or municipality. reserves last year to put towards budget expenses. While he doesn't like the 17.5 per cent increased, Morley said he doesn't know how else the county can deal with its heavy expenses. Urlin said in the early 1990s the county passed some budgets with zero per cent increases and even one where taxes went down. "I think we're paying for that now," he said. "Do we have one too many levels of government?" Chapman asked. "That depends who you ask," Urlin responded. COMRIF funding dry for local municipalities By Pat Bolen $16.8 million and a TIMES -ADVOCATE STAFF wastewater system in North Middlesex, Ailsa VARNA — Bluewater Craig/Nairn costing $10.7 and South Huron came up million. empty last week in a fund- COMRIF money was not ing announcement for going to be available after Canada -Ontario Municipal May 1. Rural Infrastructure At the Bluewater council (COMRIF). meeting April 25, Matt Funding for 120 projects Pearson from B.M Ross was announced April 25 was asked by Bluewater with several area govern- mayor Bill Dowson what ments receiving money Bluewater should do from the $240 million regarding the next round handed out. of COMRIF funding. COMRIF was established Pearson said the munici- in November 2004 to help pality had to keep apply - fund improvements in ing and the cost to resub- rural roads, bridges, mit was minimal. water and sewage infra- Pearson added it was structure. not just the Bluewater Among the projects project that didn't receive receiving money was funding. "A lot had good $3.07 for a $4.6 million funding, it's frustrating." wastewater system in Bluewater council then Goderich, $11.2 million voted to resubmit its for construction of water request for the next round mains and lines in of COMRIF funding later Lambton Shores costing this spring. Rogring succe for Lions Club The Lions Club of Lucan and District presented two cheques for $4,250 each to two local charities Monday night. The money was raised when 500 peo- ple attended the service club's annual fish fry and silent auction last February. Vice president Jason Coulter presents the cheques to Pam Tweddle (left) of the VON and Sharanne MacDonald from the Heart and Stroke Foundation. (photo/Stephanie Mandziuk) Unusual Finds DOLLAR & DISCOUNT OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK LARGEST DOLLAR & DISCOUNT STORE IN HURON COUNTY Mother's Day Cards $1.00 Lots of Great Gift Ideas for Mom Chocolate Truffles $2 L bdorChocolates $Z1,99 NO GARB, SUGAR FREE aiocdate Truffles S2 456 MAIN ST. EXETER COMPLETE $1 PROGRAMME! PLUS LOWEST PRICED FAMILY DISCOUNT ITEMS! OVER 125' OF SCRAPBOOKING & CRAFTS