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The Times Advocate, 2006-09-06, Page 44 Exeter Times–Advocate Wednesday, September 6, 2006 =CNA TIMES ADVOCATE PUBLICATIONS MAIL REGISTRATION NUMBER 07511 We acknowledge the Financial support of the Government of Canada, through the Publications Assistance Program (PAP), toward our mailing costs. Canada Jim Beckett – Publisher Deb Lord – Production Manager Scott Nixon – Editor tirt Published by MetrolandiPrinting, Publishing & Distributing Ltd. 424 Main Street South, P.O. Box 850 Metroland Exeter, Ontario NOM 1S6 • (519) 235-1331 EDITORIAL Good news for Huron Park very once in a while, the government makes a correct decision. So far, it looks like the move J to sell the residential side of Huron Park to Parkbridge Lifestyle Communities last May was wise. As this week's front page story indicates, Parkbridge has decided to allow Huron Park resi- dents to buy their homes if they choose; if not, they can continue to rent as long as they like provided they are tenants in good standing. Houses in Huron Park will also be sold to the general public, although current residents of the park will get a lower price. Residents of the former air force base weren't sure what to think when news broke last spring that the province had sold the residential side to Parkbridge for $8.5 million. Some worried they would never be able to buy their homes. Others simply worried what Parkbridge's plans were. The Ontario Realty Corporation, the body that manages land for the province and oversaw the sale, wasn't always forthcoming with answers. No doubt there are many residents of Huron Park who have no interest in buying their homes or sim- ply can't afford it. Instead of booting them out, Parkbridge has promised them they can continue renting. And for those who do want to buy their homes, they will be able to do so at a cheaper price than the general public. Sounds like a good deal. Because of the nature of Huron Park's history and its ownership by the province, Huron Park has always been an interesting community and one that finds itself in the news often. Residents should be pleased to see some good news come out of the park. In the past, people have worried Huron Park would turn into "another Vanastra." It doesn't appear such a fate is in the village's future. Over on the industrial side, things also seem to be looking up. The province's plan to privatize the park is slowly coming together (finally), with some busi- nesses in the park officially buying their buildings and land, allowing them to expand and improve their property. What will happen to the former site of Centralia College and the airport still remains to be seen and they are important properties that could determine the future success of the park. But over on the residential side, which will be renamed Huron Village Green, residents should be pleased they finally have the option they've been looking for — the ability to buy their homes. Editorial Opinion It's just a simple request It's a little thing called respect. That's all they want from their community — just this simple request. The ARC Advocates opened my eyes to so much last Wednesday. This beautiful, bright bunch of people, adults with developmental or physical challenges are just that — people. People with feelings, people who like to hang out and have fun with their friends and people who have dreams. The ARC Advocates established their group in January, promoting awareness in our community. They don't ask for much, just to be embraced and included. Yes, my eyes were opened Wednesday night as I sat in the Connect Centre in the basement of the South Huron Hospital and listened to the members of the ARC Advocates speak. And suddenly during their hour-long presentation I began to feel selfish. They hope for respect; I demand respect as do most others I'm assuming. They simply want a wheelchair accessible com- munity. One group member's words really stuck out. He said when he goes out and realizes a certain place is not wheelchair accessible, he gets embar- rassed. Wow, can you imagine going somewhere and not being allowed to participate because your hair's the wrong colour, you're too short or perhaps too fat? The stories told and speeches made during the meet- ing were remarkable. The Connect Centre was full, so it seems that South Huron community is receptive to the ARC Advocates and their vision for: "South Huron to be a stronger and more inclusive community — a place where diversity is embraced and celebrated, and where everyone has the same oppor- tunities to participate in the life of the community and the same responsibilities towards society as all other citizens." It's just a simple request, something I expect everyday so why should this group be any different? I've always been taught to treat every- one the same way I want to be treated and I have stuck to that all my life. We can learn from the ARC Advocates for many reasons. One, is the fact that they do not take anything for granted as do I and many others at times. They're pleased when a location is wheelchair accessible so they can be included. I'm pleased when I go somewhere and a new outfit, there is heat or air condi- NINA VAN LIESHOUT KICK THIS AROUND I've bought tioning in the facility, good food's available, my friends are there and so on. I'm not shallow but I'm sure you can see where I'm going with this. The ARC Advocates taught me a lot. And I am pleased I was given the chance to attend such a wonderful meeting by a group of self -advo- cates, a group with a simple request. About the Times -Advocate Address & Office Hours Times -Advocate, 424 Main Street South, P.O. Box 850, Exeter, Ontario NOM 1S6. Our office is open Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Closed on Holidays. Contact Us By Phone or Fax Classified ad & subscription sales (519) 235-1331 24-hour automated attendant (519) 235-1336 Fax number for all departments (519) 235-0766 Subscription Rates One year rate for addresses in Canada: $40+GST Two year rate for addresses in Canada: $72+GST One year rate for addresses outside Canada: $140 Call (519) 235-1331 to order a subscription. Classified Rates Word ads: $11 for 20 words, 20c for each additional word+ GST. Notices (births, deaths, announcements, coming events, memoriams, cards of thanks): $15 + GST for up to 50 words, All ads must be pre -paid. The classified ad deadline is Monday at 10 a.m. Display Advertising To place a display ad, (519) 235-1331 weekdays 8:30 to 4:30 p.m. or evenings (519) 235-1336 (leave mes- sage) or toll-free at 1-888-270-1602. Deadline: Fri. 2 p m. E-mail Us Web site: www.southhuron.com TA e-mail addresses consist of the person's first initial and last name followed by @southhuron.com. For example, Jim Beckett's e-mail address is <jbeck- ett@southhuron.com> Our general e-mail address is ads@southhuron.com. The Times -Advocate Team Publisher Jim Beckett ext. 109 ADVERTISING Deborah Schillemore ext. 112 EDITOR Scott Nixon ext. 105 REPORTERS Pat Bolen ext. 113 Nina Van Lieshout ext. 107 CUSTOMER SERVICE Sue Rollings ext. 101 Elaine Chipchase ext. 102 COMPOSITION DEPARTMENT Manager Deb Lord ext. 103/114 Heather Bilcke ext. 103 Kelly Gackstetter ext. 103 ACCOUNTING STAFF Anita McDonald ext. 104 Ruth Slaght ext. 106 MargPertschy ext. 111 Heather Clarke ext. 206