HomeMy WebLinkAboutClinton News Record, 2015-09-02, Page 3Wednesday, September 2, 2015 • News Record 3
Ontario farms face issues new and old
Laura Broadley
Clinton News Record
The Ontario Federation of
Agriculture recently held a field
day in the Durham region where
it highlighted four topics of spe-
cific interest to farmers: energy
rates, infrastructure support,
farmland preservation and polli-
nator health.
Energy rates are on the minds
of farmers because of input costs
are increasing, said Don
McCabe, president of the OFA.
In order for farmers to com-
pete in the global marketplace it
is essential that they have access
to competitively priced energy,
said McCabe.
"Right now our electricity bills
are continuing to rise and that
makes it extremely difficult for
rural Ontario," said McCabe.
Natural gas is half the cost of
electricity but less than one fifth
of Ontario farms have access to
it, according to the OFA. The
OFA is asking for a farming
industry rate.
The OFA is also calling on the
government to create natural gas
Laura Broadley Clinton News Record
OPP are investigating a fire that was
started in a portable toilet that was
located next to the north side of the
Hensall municipal building on August
22. The portable toilet was destroyed,
the building was damaged and two
windows were cracked.
infrastructure program and rates
specific to rural areas. Competi-
tive energy rates and reliable
infrastructure are key to the sus-
tainability of Ontario farms.
"Natural gas is the cheapest
form of energy available right
now and we need it for rural
farms and businesses to be able
to grow and prosper," said
McCabe.
Alberta is 100 per cent ser-
viced in rural areas and Sas-
katchewan and Manitoba are not
far behind, said McCabe.
There won't be any need for a
good infrastructure program if
there is no viable farmland or
water sources left. The OFA is
asking for land use policy and
protection of the province's ara-
ble land for agriculture.
Farmland preservation is an
absolute necessity because
Ontario has a very limited
amount of viable soils, explained
McCabe.
In July the provincial govern-
ment introduced regulations
that will limit the use of neonic-
otinoids, which the OFA said is a
burden on seed dealers and
farmers. McCabe said it will
impact buying decisions for the
2015/16 season.
The federation is working with
the government to make the new
legislation something all parties
can work with. Neonicotinoids
are not the whole picture in
terms of pollinator health and a
more comprehensive strategy
needs to be developed, said
McCabe.
Pollinator food sources and
commercial beehive use are
among the other issues sur-
rounding their health, explained
McCabe.
"The reality is that the farmers
need to get out and find out
what's being said and what's
being done here," said McCabe.
"There are upcoming meetings
for people to learn about this
stuff."
McCabe said apart from the
four issues discussed at the field
day, phosphorus loading in Lake
Erie is another topic that is of
particular interest to Ontario
farmers. He said this will be a
part of a larger campaign to look
at the Great Lakes Protection
Act.
"Farmers will be seen as a
source of pollution when we
need to be also seen as folks who
are doing stewardship on our
land," said McCabe.
Another issue McCabe said is
important for farmers to be
aware of is Ontario's cap and
trade system, which puts a limit
on the sources of greenhouse
gas emissions.
Farmers have the ability to
help the province meet some of
its obligations but they need a
system that works appropriately.
The need for carbon credits to be
recognized is a part of the step
forward, said McCabe.
McCabe said there is always
the hope to get an issue off the
table but energy rates and
infrastructure programs are
topics that haven't been
resolved.
Farmers get one year at a
time put their crop in, harvest
and get things done, he said.
"We have to have the tools
available to us to be able to do
that job the best we can in a
world of competition."
OPP investigating fire in Hensall
Laura Broadley
Clinton News Record
Huron County OPP are investi-
gating a fire that they said was pur-
posefully started in a portable toilet
located on the north side of the
municipal building in Hensall,
located at 108 King Street.
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The fire started between 10 and
11 p.m. on August 22, according to
an investigation. The Hensall Fire
Dept intent extinguished the fire.
The portable toilet was destroyed.
The side of the building was dam-
aged and two window panes were
cracked as a result of the heat.
Total damage is estimated to be
in the range of $10,000.
The OPP is asking anyone with
information about the incident to
contact them at 1-888-310-1122.
If you wish to remain anony-
mous, you may call Crime Stoppers
at 1 -800 -222 -TIPS (8477). You may
be eligible for a cash reward of up to
$2,000.
Reminder!
Due to the Holiday
on Mon., Sept.
LABOUR DAY,
the editorial & advertising
deadline for the
Wednesday September 9
issue is
THURS. SEPT. 3
AT 2PM
News Record
53 Albert Street
519-482-3443
There were a few tears shed in the
winner's circle this Sunday at Clinton
Raceway as racing fans, family and
friends took a day to remember those
who have passed, during the tracks
annual all memorial race day.
After each memorial race, family and
friends gathered in the winner's circle to
present the winning owner with a bronze
horse statue, engraved with the names
of those being honoured.
One of those such was trainer Murray
Weber of Thamesford Ontario. Weber
passed away in May of this year and is
sadly missed by his family. Making the
on track presentation today were his
daughter, Tracey Weber, her son, Justin
Weber, her Mother, Pat Weber, and her
daughter's boyfriend Daymien Brak
and her daughter Jamie -Lynn Weber-
Culleton. The Murray Weber Memorial
Trot was won by Jimori Shimmer with
a gate to wire victory by driver Lorne
House for trainer Jim Ellis.
Sunday September 6 marks the final live
race date for the 2015 season at Clinton
Raceway. The Huron County oval will be
welcoming backsome of the top names in
harness racing with it's biennial Legends
Day event. Eight hall of fame driver's will
gather in Clinton to help raise funds for
the Clinton Public Hospital Foundation.
More information is available by visiting
www.clintonraceway.com
Live All gvnw w x Lov►g
NORSE RACING
SUNDAY SEPT 6
LEGENDS DAY
DAVE WALL, DOUG BROWN, JOHN CAMPBELL, MIKE IACHANCE,
RAY REMMEN, BILL O'DONNELL, RON WAKES & STEVE CONDREN
100% of ticket sales to Clinton
Vosnial FounlaILIn Public Hospital Foundation
cfamort
Clinton Raceway Presents
S PER
SUNDAY SHOW
every live race day in the 2015 season!
147 Beech St.
519.482.1678
clintonraceway.com