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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Huron Expositor, 1985-07-17, Page 3NEWS AND FEATURES THE HURON EXPOSITOR, JULY 17, 1985 — A3 Hydro chooses Huron • Ontario Adm announced Monday it has chosen M7, a plan that will bring a 500,000 volt transmission line through Huron County, as the system to be recommended to the government -appointed joint consolidated hearings board, The decision was made by Ontario Hydro' s board on July 8, but it was delayed in being announced until the provincial government had a look at the recommendation. Now, the provincial utility has to prepare an environ- mental assessment to be presented to the government by August 1. Gillian Bennett, assistant corporate rela- tions officer with hydro said it is now estimated the hearings will be started in mid-November. It is up to the joint board where the hearings are actually held. Sam Horton, • hydro's executive vice- president of engineering and services said the recommended is considered to be the best in terms of decreasing°acid gas emissions and improving system reliability. The proposal, if approved, will have hydro constructing; —a 500,000 volt transmission line from the Bruce Nuclear Power Development to the Esso transformer station near Barrie. This line would run north of Chesley, south of Markdale and Flesherton and cross the Niagara escarpment near Lavender; —a 500,000 volt transmission line from the Bruce Nuclear Power Development to a new London area transformer station in Caradoc township. This line would pass east of Ripley and Zurich and west of Ailsa Craig; —a 500,000 volt transmission line from the new London area transformer station, along an existing 115,000 volt right-of-way, to the Nanticoke generating station. This line would pass north of the Caradoc Indian Reserve and follow the existing right-of-way east of St. Thomas to north of the Nanticoke generating station. CONSIDER ALTERNATIVES A press release issued by Ontario Hydro said it is prepared to consider alternative routes within this study area. Mr. Horton said Hydro's recommendation comes after weighing all the environmental, social, technical and economic considerations for the various system plants and their associated routes and sites. "The transmission lines and transformer station are needed to deliver all available electricity from BNPD to consumers and to improve system reliability," he said. Hydro claims even if it meets the mid-November date for consolidated hear- ings, delays caused during the environmental approvals process will cost hydro customers about $250 million and result in an extra 160,000 tonnes of acid gas emissions. A further delay in completing this project will result in an additional. 85,000 tonnes of acid gas emissions for each year beyond 1988. Further delays would also increase costs to customers by about $110 million per year until the line is built, Mr. Horton said. It was in July of 1982 the previous joint board approved a modified version of M3, a plan which called•for transmission lines from Bruce to Essa and then from Nanticoke to London via the Highway 401 right-of-way. However, a divisional court decision in June of 1984 quashed the plan stage hearings and the joint board decision is nullified. Before announcing its preferred route for a second time, previously hydro chose Ml which had transmission lines from Bruce to London then across to Nanticoke, the utility completed route and site selection studies in Huron county as well as areas east of the 401. line Hydro's announcement states it could accept joint board approval of MI or M5, both of which run through Huron County. However, Ml would be less desirable m terms of total acid gas emissions, while M5 would have a greater impact on farmland. Recent hydro studies have indicated that M3 is not technically acceptable. Despite hydra's claims, some groups have said the only reason the provincial utility wants to build the lines is to sell power to the United States. Ms. Bennett said in part, that statement is correct. She said there are three basic reasons why the transmission lines are needed. One is to continue, what she calls an adequate interchange of power between Ontario and electrical utilities in Michigan. She said in order to avoid severe disruptions, Ontario Hydro's transmission capability to interconnecting points at Iambton, Sarnia and Windsor must be strong enough to withstand such incidents as the recent hydro strike. Hydro's main reason for the transmission lines is to provide adequate facilities to deliver power from BNPD to Ontario consumers. The third reason is to meet the. growing electrical demand in Southwestern Ontario to the year 2000. Although it has been speculated Hydra's load growth would remain at about three per cent a year, Ms. Bennett said there was a six per cent load growth last year. Huron County Council has gone on record aselieing opposed to any transmission line that runs through Huron County. A foodland-hydro committee focusing in the Huron and Middlesex Counties is also opposed to transmission lines through prime agricultural land. Bruce Nuclear Power Development Lake Huron New London Area Transformer Station R Plan 7 Recommended.Routes & Site Off Georg,an Bay lir ii. c Barrie :Essa Transformer Statior ® 'I Milton Transformer Station 41 Hamilton 1:77:71 Study Area Recommended Route ___ Acceptable Alternative Route IR Indian Reserve Nanticoke Generating Station Lake Ene TO THE EDI'1 OR League criticism un• just tam writing this letter in response to the one in last week's paper entitled "SEA FORTH, SPORTS MINDED?" This person blames the whole minor ball association for his inability to get his son registered on time. Two nights are set aside for this reason and are well -advertised in The Expositor. While talking to me, he accused the town of having a "clique". i find this accusation unfair as my own four children who moved to town only last year were accepted quite willingly into minor ball. I happen to be the coach who informed this individual that his son cnuld not play on the travelling team, although he failed to mention he was told his son would be more than welcome to play house -league this year and come out for the travelling team next year. Also, it was explained to him that I had too many players and regretfully had to cut four players that had signed upon time. He also states these teams are not of top calibre which should not have been said by someone who has never seen the team play. If in future years this writer or any others who wish to have their children play ball would register on time and give minor ball more of a chance to organize before the deadlines set up by the W .0.B. A. , I am sure they would be welcomed and supported by the minor ball association and the friendly people of Seaforth. Yours sincerely, Dave Preszcator Pee Wee Coach Not tolerated On June28, 1985, The Hon. Jack Riddell, (Minister of Agriculture, and Liberal MPP for Huron -Middlesex), made his opinion known about Mr. Larry Grossman. I would like to take this opportunity to say the Progressive Conservative party believes in judging individuals by their capability and commitment to the betterment of society as a whole. Biases against an individual, for any other reason, shall not be tolerated. Thank you for your time and attention. Yours very truly, Deanna Such YPC Secretary Huron -Bruce (Federal) LANDFILL INSPECTION — Town Council met earlier than usual last session in order to make a tour of the landfill site. The purpose of the tour was to inspect changes being made at , the site - changes which are improving the location and will extend its life expectancy. (Mcllwraith photo) Drastic improvements make dump site tolerable Improvements nave been made m me indicate where those areas are. No person is operation of the landfill site in order to allowed to dump when that person is not on comply with regulations set down by the duty. Ministry of the Environment. Other changes taking place at the dump "We've really cleaned up the site corn- include the removal of old refuse from what pared to the way it was before," said Seaforth has become known as Doig's Bush, and the Mayor Alf Riess to council members who creation of a true base from which the dump toured the site prior to last week's council can begin its slope. An earth berm has also meeting, been created along the west side of the "The way it was before I never would have landfill property to screen the metal pile. driven a truck up to the dump site. But this is Refuse too, is starting to disappear from a marvellous improvement. eyesight, as it is being covered on a daily Mayor Ross said part of the problems in the basis with a substance known as dead sand. past erupted because people were allowed to This cover material is being provided free of come and go as they pleased. And, he said, charge by Frank Kling Ltd., with the only cost they could dump where they pleased as well. to the town being a $1.35 per ton hauling There were no signs or anything telling them charge for the material. The purpose of the where they could or couldn't dump and there cover is to prevent the scattering of litter and was no road to speak of that even. pointed them in the right direction. to control rodents attracted to the area. Now, through the installation of snow The mayor said he expected compliance fencing to act as a guide, a road of sorts has with the Ministry directive's for operation of emerged at the dump site. There are also set the landfill site would extend its life by one areas where people can dump different types year. Beyond that, he said, there is no of refuse and a part time person on duty to guarantee. County council supports Perth County councillors support the board of education's decision to not sit down in negotiations with the secondary school teachers. County clerk -treasurer Jim Bell said he wrote a letter to the school board as well as the 14 municipalities represented on the council indicating the county's support. Mr. Bell said the original idea for the letter came from the county's community set -vices committee. The recommendation then went to the county's administrative committee. It was the administrative com- mittee which directed Mr. Bell to write the letter. All of the 14 representatives on county council sit on either the administrative or community services committee. . In fact, representatives of the school board and the secondary school teachers met in a mediation session handled by Prof. Graeme McKechnie of the education relations Rally the beginning Continued from page Al Doug Garniss of Wingham, president of the Huron County chapter of disappointment OFA, said while he sensed a general disappointment among farmers about the rally, he felt they got their message across. He was particularly disappointed with Mr. Riddell, he said. "We went in hoping to hear some good news," said Mr. Garniss. He was anxious for some word on the proposed farm credit review board and on interest subsidies, but heard nothing on either one. For him, as for many farmers, the "unit. (shown by participants) was more valuable than the rally." He also said them was some talk among farmers on his bus that more rallies, perhaps even one in Ottawa, might bring results. "There's a limited amount the province can do," he said. MORALE BOOSTER One farmer who didn't expect the rally to do much - except to provide a morale booster - was Ken Brindley of Goderich. A farmer for eight years, Mr. Brindley said, "Farmers are going broke and the government is doing nothing. These politicians, they need to have their heads held under water." "They don't understand what it's like to lose money," he said. They give themselves a raise every year, "but where's our raise?" Farmers, said Mr. Brindley, have been taking reductions for years m the prices they've paid for their goods. "Will (the Farm) Credit Corporation take one?" he asked, He was really taken aback by Mr. Riddell's speech, he said. "He's done a 180 -degree turn in two weeks," said Mr. Brindley. "The way he board commission, a division of the provincial ministry of education. No announcements have come out of that meeting. The school board has since met on July 3 in an, in -camera session. It is believed the secondary school teachers and the mediation session were discussed, but . nothing has been reported in open. In fact, a school board spokesman said the closed session isn't finished. No copies of the letter will be circulated to Stratford or St. Marys councils. talked really surprised me." RiDDEIL"A JOKE" Everyone thought Mr. Riddell "was a joke," said the farmer. "He beat around the bush and (NDP chief) Bob Rae cut him to pieces." Mr. Riddell "gave us a real snow job," said Mr. Brindley, who's always been a self - described strong Conservative. But after listening to the speeches Wednesday, he would consider voting NDP. "if I were in trouble and Minister of Agriculture, I'd I called the still be in trouble," he said. He can also see farmers getting "a little more radical" if things don't change. "If they (in the government) don't take notice, there's going to be lots more harassmene. We're in trouble and (the politicians (ar& letting us fall by the wayside," he said. To the suggestion made by certain politicians that farmers should just sit and take whatever's coming to them, Mr. Brindley said, "The farmer who just dies quietly is not really a good farmer. Details remain sketchy on interest relief package One Liberal election promise generating a lot of discussion is an interest subsidy program for farmers. Agriculture Minister Jack Riddell has said he would introduce before the end of the session a bill which would ensure farmers pay no more than eight per cent interest on their loans, whether from banks, credit unions or the Farm Credit Corporation. Few details are known at this point, but Mr. Riddell has given some indication of what might be in the package. He said the maximum loan for which a farmer could get the eight percent rate would be $200,000. He also said the program will not be universal, meaning the government will have to establish criteria to decide who qualifies and, more importantly to most farmers. who doesn't. Mr. Riddell had been expected to make the announcement at the rally at Queen's Park Wednesday, but it never came. Asked why later, Mr. Riddell said his civil servants were still working out the •details. While the rally was underway, Federal Agriculture Minister John Wise announced a debt assistance program for farmers. His legislation will give judges the power to order reductions in farm loan repayments. Ontario Federation of Agriculture Presi- dent Harry Pelissero said he's happy with Mr. Wise's decision. The suggestion that an independent debt review board with - full legislative powers didn't sit well with him, he said. "rm glad to see them give that power (to mediate debt review) to a group that's u_ -sed to handling it, namely the judiciary," said Mr. Pelissero. Lions pool reopens doors in 1950 100 YEARS AGO July 17, 1885 - The annual meeting of the Conservative Association for the West Riding of Huron was held at Smith's Hill on Monday of last week. Owing to the inconveniences of the season, and the absence of immediate political excitement, the attendance was not as large as usual. After the reports of the president, treasurer and secretary had been read and 'considered, the election of officers •was proceeded with, resulting in the re-election of all the old officers, including the vice-presidents for each municipality. Mr. Wm. Huston M.A. of Portage La Prairie, formerly teacher in school section No. 1, Usborne, read a paper on the practical aspect of spelling reform, at the last meeting of the Manitoba Teachers' Association. 75 YEARS AGO July 15, 1910 - From a western paper we learn of the success of a couple of old Clinton boys. Mr. John Irwin, son of the late Richard Irwin, has recently been appointed General Superintendent of the Canadian Northern Railway, with headquarters at Saskatoon Sask. ; and in the same town Mr. William Muir, formerly of Clinton also, is superin- tendent of the western branch of the Canadian Northern Telegraph and Express Co. As we expected it would do, the Toronto Mail and Empire lays the blame for the suicide of Gouldthrite on the Dominion Government. It also casts upon the government the blame for the sudden death from heart disease of the Winnipeg lawyer, Prudhomme, who died in that city on Saturday. 50 YEARS AGO July 19, 1935 - The swimming pool at the Seaforth lions Club Park, which has been the pleasant mecca of countless children during the years since its construction, is at present undergoing extensive renovations. The pool has been drained and during the past week workmen have been bray rnirioving tons of silt and mud which have accumulated on the bottom since the pool was last cleaned in 1930. IN THE YEARS ALONE Somebody or other left a potato stalk in the Expositor office on Wednesday morning which measures 571/2 inches in length. Unfortunately, no name was left with this championship sample and so credit cannot be given to the grower. However, if he or she supplies the necessary information, this omission will be remedied in an early issue. 25 YEARS AGO July 14, 1960 - councillor Edmund Daly was named Acting -Mayor to act for the period of Mayor B.F. Christie's illness as council met Monday evening. With ideal weather conditions, the Hensall Legion and Ladies' Auxiliary 468 enjoyed a delightful picnic at Jowett's Grove, Bayfield, attended by over 70, members and their families. COMMUNITY CALENDAR Wednesday, July 17 6:30 p.m. - Bantam Boys Baseball Game at Optimist Park. 7:00 p.m. - Men's Fastball at lions Park. 9;00 p.m - Swingers - Ladies Slo-Pitch Game at Optimist Park. Soccer - Squirts 7 p.m., Optimist Park Thursday, July 18 .6:30 p.m. - Girls House League Baseball at Lions Park. 7:00 p.m. - Sluggers - Ladies Slo-Pitch Game at Optimist Park. 830 p.m. - Wildcats - Ladies Slo-Pitch Game at lions Park. Friday, July 19 Soccer - Atoms & Mosquitoes 6 Seaforth High School 6:45 p.m. - Men's Fastball Tournament begins at lions Park. 7 30 p.m. - Roller Skating at the Arena. 9:00 p.m. - River Rats - Men's Slo-Pitch Tournament. P.m., Saturday , July 20 9:00 a.m. - Men's Fastball Tournament continues all day at Lions & Optimist Parks. Sunday, July 21 9:00 a.m. - Men's Fastball Tournament continues at lions Park. 7:00 p.m. - Optimist Slo-Pitch at Optimist Park. 7:30 p.m. - Roller Skating at the Arena. Monday, July 22 6 p.m:- Boys House League at Lions Park 7:00 p.m. - Men's Fastball at Optimist Park. Tuesday, July 23 6:30 p.m. - Pee Wee Boys Baseball at Optimist Park. 6:45 p.m. - Ladies industrial Fastball at Lions Park. 8:30 p.m. - Ladies Industrial Fastball at Lions Park. 9:00 p.m. - Ladies industrial Fastball at Optimist Park.