The Times Advocate, 2008-08-20, Page 76
Times–Advocate
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Opinion Forum News
Pleased with
recent editorials
A couple of months ago while in a grumpy mood on
an endlessly rainy day I took fingers to keyboard
and chided the Times -Advocate for its
habit of printing thundering edito-
rials on world and national
there is no relationship between the volume that an
individual uses and the cost of the infrastructure. The
City of London in a far more detailed and lengthy study
of the water system in which they reviewed several
ways to charge for water including a fixed charge feel
otherwise. To date the business case in support of uti-
lizing high fixed costs has not been presented except in
the assurance of the consultant that it is fair and
equable.
I recognize that our administrative staff
are quite concerned about their ability to
predict consumption as it can vary sub-
stantially year-to-year. I have suggested in
a previous article that it is possible to tie
the current fixed allocation to residential
consumption either previous or current
and collect the full amount with little risk.
The benefit of using a water rate system that
mimics a variable rate is that we do not have to
make special allowances for residential consumers
as everyone will pay the same rate based on the
amount they consumed. A glass of water will cost the
same in every residence. This method also is environ-
mentally sound as it creates an economic incentive to
conserve, something that I believe Mayor Oke stressed
in one of his articles.
The City of London is attempting to get it right for its
citizens. It has instituted an involved community
process and discussed the changes with stakeholders.
Its many reports are available online and staff are
available to explain the process. We cannot afford to
duplicate their work, but perhaps we should review it
and discuss with them possible outcomes for ourselves
as clearly they are taking a different and very rigorous
approach than ourselves.
events while local issues were 1 Letters t e�'S
I would be remiss if I did �' the
not now congratulate you for dl ter
shifting focus and regularly
writing editorials on what is
going on outside your front
door. The handling by municipal
leaders and their consultants of the
water and sewer issues has served up plenty of local
fodder, but you have delved into other matters of inter-
est close to home as well.
Community newspapers, with local news coverage
and commentary, are a vital part of the fabric of this
great land and I am delighted to see the Times -
Advocate strengthen its contribution.
KEITH KINCAID
Grand Bend
Review London's work
I commend council for looking at creating a fairer
rate for those individuals who live in small apartments.
Council has also determined that commercial property
should not be burdened by the full cost of servicing but
should receive a discounted rate subsidized by resi-
dential users, something that I believe is needed to
protect our community's social and economic well-
being.
Council and the staff and consultants who are advis-
ing them continue to be stuck on a high fixed-rate
infrastructure fee for residential consumers which will
always result in cheaper water the more you use.
On a fully -costed basis three people washing their
cars on a Saturday afternoon could have a one to three
times difference in the cost of the water they are using.
Coun. Armstrong is entirely right — we have cheap
water but we also are creating a situation where on a
fully -costed basis some residents will pay $ 10-15 a
month more to subsidize other neighbours and com-
mercial and institutional water users. Is it fair to have
each water user pay a different amount for the water
they use?
The City of London which has been studying the
introduction of new water rates for several years in an
attempt to create a system in which the user pays in a
manner that ensures fairness and equity has charged
the infrastructure costs (fixed cost) as a volumetric
charge (variable cost). The City of London "recognizing
the consumers who use more water and generate
more sanitary flows effectively use more of the pipe
capacity than their neighbours, and therefore should
pay more of the pipe system" (report to Board of
Control, July 16, 2008, water, sanitary and storm rate
structure review).
Our consultants and staff continue to maintain that
FRED SIMMONS, Exeter
Thanks to the
community
On behalf of Epilepsy Huron -Perth -Bruce, we
would like to take this opportunity to extend our
gratitude and appreciation to the community for
their participation during the recent Glad Day
Campaign in Exeter.
Special thanks to our co-ordinator Ester Hillman
and to all the volunteers who work so diligently year
after year. Thank -you also to the local businesses
for graciously allowing us to sell on their premises.
A heartfelt thanks to all those who purchased gladio-
lus, raffle tickets, or made a donation during this
campaign.
Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological
disorders affecting members of our community. The
funds raised by this event will be used by our agency
to continue to provide information, counseling and
educational programs to those with and affected by
epilepsy. By raising funds, we have also raised
awareness about epilepsy and helped to eradicate
some of the commonly held misconceptions about the
disorder. For more information about epilepsy
please feel free to call us at 519-527-0033 or e-mail
us at epilepsy@tcc.on.ca
Once again, thank you, your support is much need-
ed and most appreciated.
THE STAFF AT EPILEPSY HURON PERTH BRUCE
Exeter bikers —A group of Exeter boys were showing off their biking skills at the biking ramp by the
Alvin Willert ball diamond in Exeter recently.Above from left are Drew Beckett, Nick Overholt, Ryan
Hoffman, Brock Horner, Bret Pincombe and Devon Jones. (photolNina Van Lieshout)
Summer winding down
EXETER — We're winding
down the days as we finish up
the last week of Summer
Playground 2008!
It is hard to believe how fast it
has gone by. Let me start by
updating you from the end of
"Cosmic Adventures" to the
beginning of "The Best of the
Best."
As you all know, we had a
creature from outer space visit
Playground unexpectedly on
Monday of last week. Luwe-Luwe, our visitor,
invaded us on our hike and became a great friend
of Playground! The kids were so excited that they
could not stop talking about her. As a result, we
all decided to get Luwe-Luwe's address so we
could write her some letters and stay in contact
with her. We are all thankful that Luwe-Luwe
responded promptly by space -mail and sent us a
package that included a lovely picture of her with
the kids. Thanks, Luwe-Luwe!!
Another exciting event took place last week as
well — our fmal trip to Fleetway and Springbank
Park in London. Our first stop was Fleetway
where the kids enjoyed two games of bowling. Our
top bowlers, Connor Selves and Nathan Papple,
had close games with scores of 164 and 177.
Great games, guys!
After the games, we dined in the park and
played a few fun games while everyone finished
eating. Once we filled our tummies, the staff and
kids spent the afternoon on the large playground
area and cooled off in the wading pool. The
youngsters' favourite piece of equipment was by
far the big disk swings that held four to five kids.
You could hardly get them off when it was time to
go home!
On Aug. 15, Playground travelled uptown to
Dairy Queen for a tour and we were given a cool
treat. The weather was not co-operating with our
original plan to head to MacNaughton Park for the
afternoon and then take a quick dip in the pool, so
we watched a fun movie to cheer up the kids.
As mentioned, this week is the final week of
Playground. "The Best of the Best" is a compila-
tion of our favourite games and activities to finish
off a great summer. Aug. 19 was "Kids Pick" day.
This is where each child got their chance to
choose and do the game or craft they loved the
most from earlier in the summer "Revenge on the
leaders" will be held Friday, so make sure you
come out to throw a pie in the face of your favorite
leader! Also on Friday, a hotdog lunch will be pro-
vided for the children so if your child enjoys hot
dogs and other treats you can just pack snacks
and drinks for the day!
Our staff can hardly wait to see everyone out for
our last two days of Playground 2008!
If you have any questions or comments about
our program do not hesitate to contact our super-
visor, Casey Cyr by phone at 235-2361 or e-mail at
exeterplayground@gmail. com
LESS
BICKELL
EXETER
PLAYGROUND
Tips to take the chore
out of exercising
• Assistance: Instead of a friend, ask a professional
to keep you accountable, such as a personal trainer,
or boot camp instructor.
• Track Your Progress: Set goals, make a realistic
plan to reach them, and celebrate when you do.
• Get Out Of The Box: If your personal trainer isn't
creative, or if the machines put you to sleep, it's time
to fly the coup and find new adventures.
•Be With Like -Minded People: You may start out
alone with you fitness goals, but don't forget that the
people at your gym, or in your group class, consider
exercise a worthy, lifestyle value. Making new friends
in this setting may be the best motivator of all.
• Find The Fun: Try something new. Join a fitness
boot camp for example, where dedication, combined
with laughter, burns so many more calories than ded-
ication alone.
4GETPIT
STAY FIT