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The Citizen, 2016-10-06, Page 17NH extends waste contract North Huron Township Council approved an extension on the contract for waste removal for nine months in order to find the best fit for the municipality. During its Oct. 3 meeting, council reviewed a report from North Huron and Morris-Turnberry Public Works Director Jeff Molenhuis that explained that, in September when staff started looking at tendering for waste removal, it was decided more time would be ideal because issuing a bid document, recommending an award and switching services to a new provider would be difficult in four months. Part of the reason for staffs concerns was the Waste Free Ontario Act and how changing legislation could impact waste collection. Staff feel that a year, from that initial review time, would be sufficient and requested staff extend the existing contract between North Huron and Waste Management of Canada Corporation nine months to the end of September, 2017. While staff did agree with the request, there was some discussion about service levels and public input on waste collection. "When we send out the terms for the RFP, is there going to be a conversation about service level?" Councillor Trevor Seip asked. Molenuis explained that, when a draft terms of reference is designed for the RFP [request for proposals], the level of service will be considered. Councillor Bill Knott asked what kind of public consultation may be looked at as he was told some ratepayers in North Huron's rural areas have concerns about their pickup schedules. Molenhuis stated that public feedback can be part of the process for the RFP and that extending the contract allows time for that, however, Chief Administrative Officer Sharon Chambers explained that waste collection has not been brought up at public meetings and that Kelly Church, the Public Works Director for North Huron prior to the department being amalgamated by shared services with Morris- Turnberry, had provided the opportunity for feedback which had generated few responses. Council approved the extension of contract. Hall project gets ,,980,000 grant Continued from page 1 over 41 years is a theatre unparalleled in its national focus, its national import and, consequently, its national influence," he said. "This grant is, in essence, an assertion by the people of this country that our own arts and culture is not a frill or luxury, but is instead a vital piece of our infrastructure and social fabric. The Blyth project will continue to be a national beacon, with the Blyth Festival as its freshly refurbished bulb burning brighter than ever." The renovation of Blyth Memorial Community Hall is underway and will be completed for the start of the Blyth Festival 2017 season. The entire $3,800,000 project will position Blyth Memorial Community Hall for the future, while at the same time respecting the heritage of this architecturally - significant landmark in Blyth. This renovation is phase one of an ambitious three-phase plan being undertaken by Blyth Arts and Culture Initiative 14/19 Inc, as explained by Project Director Peter Smith. "The Board of Directors and management of 14/19 Inc. are delighted that the Cultural Spaces Grant from the Ministry of Heritage will assist in seeing phase one of our economic development plan to revitalize the village through arts and culture, move forward with full funding in place," says Smith. "We know an improved Blyth Memorial Community Hall, our deeply valued 441 dancing club holds first meeting By Jolande Oudshoorn The first meeting of the Wawanosh Line Dancing Club was held on Sept. 23 at the Auburn Community Hall at 7:15 p.m. Members started the meeting with the pledge and elected the officers of the club. Loretta Higgins is President; Grace Hallahan, Vice -President; Deanna Haanstra, cover designer; Jolande Oudshoorn, press reporter and Abby Robinson, attendance recorder. Next, members learned about proper footwear and judged four classes of shoes. Following judging, they learned about the history of country and western dancing. For the activity of the meeting, members started a warmup with the chicken dance, followed by learning the electric slide and a more difficult dance, Mama Maria. heritage cenotaph, community centre, and home of the celebrated, national theatre company, the Blyth Festival, will provide increased opportunity for cultural programming and added comfort for theatre guests and community users alike. The revitalization of this venerable hall will contribute to the growing positive spirit in the village — something that will impact county- and country -wide." The Canada Cultural Spaces Fund seeks to improve physical conditions for artistic creativity and innovation. It is also designed to increase Canadians' access to performing arts, visual arts and media arts, and to museum collections and heritage displays. The fund supports the improvement, renovation and construction of arts and heritage facilities as well as the acquisition of specialized equipment. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2016. PAGE 17. The start of something big The Blyth Friends of the Village group were chosen to plant and maintain a Canada 150 tulip garden for the country's 150th anniversary next year. The village was one of 150 communities across Canada chosen for the honour. Shown planting tulips during a special launch ceremony on Saturday are Blyth Arts and Cultural Initiative 14/19 Inc. Administrator Karen Stewart, left, and MPP Lisa Thompson Blyth office staff member Sarah Baird (Vicky Bremner photo) Imagine you had a sales staff calling on 1800 homes a week That's what you get when you advertise in The Citizen. Every week your message, whether a tiny classified, or a full page ad, goes to more than 1800 homes in North Huron...and unlike many salespeople, we're welcomed inside. What's more, we're often asked to stick around for a whole week. If you're not taking advantage of this opportunity to tell people about your business call today. Put your sales staff to work for you. Call 519-523-4792 or 519-887-9114 The Citizen ;r