Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Huron Expositor, 1980-09-18, Page 1Mai 121st Year Whole N0- -5871 r . , etieeerieriereenieir • FitRST; SEOTION PAGES, 1F • 20 SEAFORTH, ONTARIO, THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 18, 1980 — 28 PAGES $14 a year in ,advance Srngle Copy 35 cents , BY HERB SHOVELLER The sale of tural land to foreign investors is becoming a heated_topic iniluren county... and it has led one farmers' representative to suggest that if the situation isn't watched closely it could lead to the demise of small towns such as Seaforth. The concern about such a fate comes from Bob Robinson, the president of McKillop Townshi Federation of Agriculture. It o ows a s1iiTion, passTd—arniosi un- animously last week by the Huron Counfy Federation of Agriculture, calling for the resignation of Lorne Henderson, the Onfarie- minister of Agriculture and Food. The federation cites significant movement recently towards land deals with foreign buyers in McKillop and other county townships as the reason for introducing the resoltition. The farm organization adds it has been pursuing the issue with the provincial government for the past two years but it has taken no substantial action other than to initiate studies on the matter. "My main goal is to get through to , menclersea and get ifthlough his head -that this is going on," said John- Van. Beers,. a director of the Huron Federation and the person who introduced the resolution at the meeting. Objectors to the sale of land to foreign investors offer several reasons for their concern and others add their anger is not with local 'dealers who are selling the land. Instead, it is with the provincial government for not acting to limit such sales to foreign interests. Through talks ,with' various individuals, certain. buying patterns of the foreign investors -begin to etherge. They appear to be interested in large, concentrated blocks of land, and also, the greatest attraction seems to be to land without buildings. Both these trends worry the federation and some farmers in McKillop. The block buying is a concern to locals. "To tell you the truth, I'm not happy," said Ton .y Vanden Henget, a farmer in the township. "Here we are scratching away, and this cuts you right out. "Once they make a hole in the arca, you n lan •1 • can't compete with therm We clon't have a prayer in hell." Another McKitIcip_ farmer, MaeStewart, said from the infornihtion to ,gather, foreign buyers -appear to be interested in parcels of landof 1009 acres or more. He added a local real estate company was trying to put a package of land together to attract these investors. "A sale of a parcel of this size would make land in this area less available for farmers wanting to expand or for young farmers wanting to start," said Mr. Stewart. But Steve Murray and Bill_ Henderson, Seaforth real estate agents representing the Don Hamilton Company, said they have not apprOached farmers witb the expressed purpose of putting together a large block. "Just because we go to a farmer and ask if he wants to sell," explained Mr. Henderson, "that doesn't mean we have a putchaser. "If a farmer wants to sell 400 acres, we could sell it all to One European buyer rather than sell it to two or three here." AVAILABLE TO ANYONE "But on the other hand," added Mr. Murray, "it's available to anyone. It's not :nice's-sadly for Edit pearis:" However orte township resident, McKillop councillor Marie Hicknell, finds that doubt- ful. "There's not one sign up on the properties in these areas," she said, "Not even now. To me that's not on the up and up. "I'm not too much in favor of some of these real estate people. Nowadays people put too much emphasis on the dollar sign." Another local real estate man, Bruce Rathwell, wis out or town early:in the-weif and uoable to comment on the matter. There is at Ileast one other company looking for land in the area for off -shore buyers. This Kitchener -based firm recently advertised for land in the Blyth Standard. The farm community is also concerned that the buyers seem interested only in land without buildings. That, they contend, could cause serious problems in the future, and it led Mr. Robinson to make his ominous prediction of what could be in store for small towns such as Seaforth. Huron F of A president Merle Gunby says Canada plaque to be unveiled A plaque, recalling the liberation of Holland. and donated by former Dutch citizens -now living in the Seaforth area, will be unveiled in Victoria Park Sunday after- noon. The plaque will 'be unveiled to mark the 35th anniversary of the liberation of Holland from the Gerinan army. during World War 11. A parade will be held from Scaforth Legion Hall to the Cenotaph in Victoria Park. Gordon DeJong, a member and organizer of the five -person committee arranging the memorial plaque dedication, announced the plan earlier this summer. Mr. Dating is seargeant-of-arms at Branch 156. of the Legion. Please turn to page 17 this suggests absentee ownership which The tv7crireal estate agents disagree. "A tends to depopulate and area. That, in turn, . lot of these people who buy land," explained leadlb a &Cline in farm families wiucn Mr. Henderson, the only way they'll buy it translates -into a breakdown of 1110--.0111- funnily at large, objectors say. "If all of the buildings are empty," said _ Mrs. Hicknell, "then first go the schools, then the churches and thert the towns." is if they can rent the land." "They would" prefait if the vend -ors stayed in the buildings," added Mr. Murray, "before, this .thing there's never been any problem. They've known about it Mr. Robinson echoes her concern, in other areas. ' "When the properties are bought, it Another concern cd the federation, voiced reduces the number of farm families," he by president Gunby, is that when this land said. "When you have absentee ownership, • Comes up for resale, the only people able to it isn't good for the small towns. afford it will be large companies. Once REDUCED TAX DOLLARS "If buildings are allowed to collapse, it even reduces the tax dollars," which means, he added, this lossonust be assumed by the remaining residents. "There are some of the side effects of what may not be initially seen," he continued. "People may think these things don't effect them, but they have to" • Mayor gets discharge Seaforth mayor John Sinnamon was given an absolute discharge in provincial court in Goderich Monday on charges of causing a disturbance by shouting. , A second charge against the mayor, obstructing a police officer, was withdrawn. The charge laid against Mr. Sinnamon by Seaforth police "originally read causing a distubance by fighting but in court the description was changed to by shouting. The charges resulted from an incident July 20 at the main intersection in Seaforth, after the mayor complained to Constable Peter Van Meekeren that a group of people were throwing a frisbee and smashing beer bottles on the street. The constable was attempting to disperse; the group when the shouting started. whiaf led to the charges. At the trial the prosecution "blows had been struck". Another person charged in the altercation. Randy Buuck of Seaforth, was fined S350 or ten days in jail. Judge Glenn Marshman of London sentenced Mr. Buuck, 'who had pleaded guilty, after the prosecution noted the accused had several previous offences. "There's some minor differences this time." said Judge Marshman, comparing Mr. Buuck's record with that of the mayor. "Out of this entire episode." said the mayor's lawyer Paul Ross, after the trial, "John still has the same attitude toward the police In Seaforth as he had before." noted some again, the young person interested in getting a farming start could find it difficult to compete, they say. "Our main concern," wrote Mr. Stewart, "is the fact that it is difficult for our young people to start farming now and' the extra press= on land value makes it more difficult." That worry is shared by Mr. Gunby who noted that a push in foreign ownership does put upward pressure on farmland prices. "I just bought 100 acres last fall," said Mr. Vanden Hengel, "I'm glad I did it then." NOT ARTIFICIALLY HIGH The real estate representatives argue, however, that the interest of foreign buyers does not create an artificially high price for land. Mr. Murray said the land 'is -fisted at S2 400 an acre, but that is only the asking price. He added that earlier this year land was sold to a local resident for more than $2200 an acre. That, he suggested, was representative of current land values. "It would be nice if we could sell to Canadians," said Mr. Murray. "It's more satisfying to us knowing that a young Canadian farmer is getting a start. "The federation can point their finger one way, but they should look at themselves. We know all kinds of young fellows who want to buy and Farm Credit won't even look at them." Mr. Murray addedthe federation should be putting pressure on government to make it easier for the young farmer to get the assistance. Later, however. Mr. Henderson described what foreign buyers were willing to invest in high quality land. PAYING CASH "They're.paying cash for the land." he said. "These foreign buyers will pay top dollar for seven. eight, nine hundred acres at once. That's sorting of knocking the local farms out." Several of those concerned said they understand why a person would sell. "if' aomeone asked me if I would sell. sure I would." said Merle Gunby. "There's no point in a farmer selling to a neighbor at a tower price. because he could turn aronnd a Please turn to page 3 Races expected in townships Stanley Township has a ten-year tradition of electing their council members by acclamation.lhat tradition will change this Nov. 10. now that there's a race for the reeve's position. Tom Consitt, who farms in the Varna area, has been reeve of the township for the past two terms and plans to seek the office again. Mr. Consitt said he thinks things are in pretty good shape in the township. and doesn't know of any issues causing concern. Paul Steckle, deputy -reeve for the past four years, also announced recently that he'll be running for reeve in the upcoming municipal election. Don Brodie. of R.R. 1, Brucefiehl , has now announced he'll run for the vacant position of deputy -reeve. Mr. Brodie has served on council for the past eight years - always elected by acclamation in that period. • Mr. Brodie said he is disappointed that deputy -reeves will no longer serve on Huron County council, after that council decided its membership had grown too large. After the November election only reeves will attend Huron County council meetings. Don Brodie said one reason why he was slow in making up his mind to seek the deputy -reeve's job was because he was disappointed he wouldn't have the op- portunity to attend county council. After serving as reeve of McKillop Township council for a decade, Reeve Allan Campbell has decided he won't be Seeking re-election in the Nov. 10 minicipal election. Mr. Campbell, a retired farmer who works for a local real estate company, has served on the McKillop council since 1960. He said his wife encouraged him not to run for office again. and he said jokingly, he'd better take her advice since "we don't want a divorce in McKillop Township." When asked how he'll fill the Monday afternoons reserved for council sessions, Mr., Campbell id the rest of council "have Inside this w The Daredevils Intrepid reporter Paul EIIis joined .pilot Ross Smith of R.R. 1, Mitchell; for a ride in 1 an antique 1946 Fleet Canuck. The cloth -covered plane, which doesn't have any doors, gave Paul some exciting moments and an opportunity _ for some ovetlead shots of the Seaforth area. See story and photos on page IA. Unique Reunion The former O'Connor sisters of Dublin had a very unusual reunion this summer - they exchanged memories while touring the Holy Land and Europe. Their visit included a private audiehce with Pope John Paul II. See story on page 5. agreed they'll let me sit (at the meetings) as a backbencher, if a keep quiet." Harvey Craig, a Walton area farmer who has, been deputy -reeve for the past two years, is going to seek the reeve's position. Mr. Craig has been a member of council since January. 1969. Neither Mr. Campbell or Mr. Craig were aware of any other township residents ivtio have decided to run for council at this time. The situation in Hullett Township is still undecided. When contacted Wednesday. Joe Hunking of R.R. 1. Auburn, who has been tovenstiip reeve for the past two years, said he hasn't decided whether he'll run for office again. The reeve said he doesn't think he'll have reached a decision on seeking re-election for d couple more weeks. Mr. flunking has served on conned for 13 Please turn to page 17 WHAT A STORYI—The expressions on the faces of these youngsters reflects their reactions to a story being read to them at Saturday's Jungle Party held at the library. The children also took part In games, crafts and a sing -a -long. More photbs inside. (Photo by Ellis) Seaforth picks new accountants A special meeting of Seafotth council was held Friday eaentng to decide which of two mounting fit -ins sill handle the town's financial affairs. The finance and general goaernment committee net earlter with representattaes from Clarkson. Gordon. the town's regent auditots and a representative of Atkinson. Trines. Leach and Neill. the accountants who recently opened a Seaforth office. to hear audit proposals. Members of the Seaforth PUC also considered the audit proposals at the meeting Council members accepted the corn. mittee's recommendation to lure the firm of Atkinson, Innes. Leach and Neill as auditors for the town of Seaforth. The PUC members concurred with this decision and the firm will also be doing PUC auditing The committee's decision was based or! "the benefit and availability of a qualified local firm as well as their previous municipal experience and their fee." according to council minutes. The Clarkson. Gordon fee proposal was S7.500 for the town auditing and S4.500 for the PUC. hydro and waterworks audits The Atkinson. trines. Leach and Neill fee proposal was $5.500 for the town and S3.000 for the PUC audit. OMB will hear Vanastra rec case BY WILMA OKE Tuckersmith township courted Tuesday was notified by the Ontario Municipal beard that a hearing will be held at 10 a m. Thursday. October 23. at the Vanastra recreation complex on by-laws concerning the responsibility for the debenture debt of Wheat Waver Katie Kerslake, 14, of R.R. 2, Staffa, learned an age-old craft this summer. the art of wheaXweaving. She's hoping the good luck associated with the craft will continue when she displays her braided doils and mordiforms at the Ciderfest. See story on page 3. einee School Days School days, school days - the days of the one -room school are reca led in a photo of the clas of .S. No. 1 Separate School, McKillop and Logan Township. The school is now Ken Ryan's driving shed. See photo on page 2. S130.000 against the recreation complex. The need for the hearing arose from opposition by 83 Vanastra ratepayers against an amen.ging bylaw council passed in April. 1980 which would mend or correct a bylaw passed in 1974 calling for the S130.000 debenture debt against the Vanastra recreation centre to be paid by all the ratepayers acreas the township. Contrary to the bylaw. fnr the past six years, council has been charging the debt only to the land- owrierkin the hamlet of Vanstrait had been apparently the original intention of the bylaw that only Vanastra residents would pay for the centre as agreed to in a petition signed by a reported 79 per cent ef the landowners.. It has not been determined why the bylaw, that required Ontario Municipal Board approval, was incorrectly worded. With many or most of that original 79 per cent of the Vanastra ratepayers no longer living in the hamlet, the present ratepayers feel it is an unfair burden. This feeling is intensified because the recreation complex has changed from the original concept of the Vanstra residents who wanted an outdoor swimming pool. They say it is now an expensive indoor pool used mainly by people living outside of Vanastra; the skating rink is now a private curling club whose membership includes very few Vanastra residents and the community hall has an expensive rental fee and is rented by people mainly outside the confines of Vanastra. Another contentious issue is that the recreation complex is oned the township and is managed hy the township council with the Vanastra residents having no voice in the management Last month council sated to support the amending bylaw. the. subject of the OMB hearing to be held October 23. with the exception of Councillor William Brown who said he "could not go along with the bylaw", and was the lone dissenting vote. Reeve Ervin Sillery, Deputy reeve Robert Please turn to page 17 Hullett rejects MNR road closings Huliett township receritl turned down an offer from the Ministry Governmental Services regarding the closure of three roads in the Hullett Wildlife Area. The roads whiih the Ministry of Natural Resources would bike to close are Con. 4.5 from lot 'Jo Lot 20. and the north -south sideroads. 11.11 and 15. 16 from Con. 2.3 to Con 5,6. the sections running through the conservation area. The Ministry made the council .a nominal offer of S2 for the roads. . Harry Lear. Huliett Township clerk. said the roads are passable during summer months but are flooded for a short time during the spring. The clerk said he believes "road closed" signs may by posted on the roads already. Council turned down the ministry's first offer, and made the ministry a counter-offer which involves a parcel of 'land now owned by the Ministry Of Ndfilral Resources. Art Carr. of the Wingham office of the Ministry of Natural Resources, said his ministry hoped council would initiate road elosure-prcieetdings under the Municipal Act 41 at the same time as the Ministry is completing their land ac-quisition for the wildlife area. The ministry is still trying to purchase three properties on the outer perimeter of the wildlife conservation area. Mr. Carr said notice of expropriation have been mailed out to the three landowners of the property in question. Lanowners should receive these notices by the end of the month. Mr. Carr said the ministry can't discuss the parcel of land Hullett Township council is interested in, until negotiations with these three landowners are complete. Mr. Carr said he understands Hullett council would like. to exchange the 66 foot swathe of land in the road allowances for anOther parcel of land now owned by the Ministry of Natural Resources.. Harry Lear, the clerk, said council is concerned losing the land now held in road allowances could affect grants available to the municipality. He said the township has already lost monies in tiotafion with the. opening of the Hullett Wildlife 'Area.