The Rural Voice, 1978-10, Page 53S"ucee Ce r49xieulteete
NEWSLETTER
The Bruce County Federation of Agri-
culture held its monthly meeting Septem-
ber 12th at the Underwood Community
Centre, Underwood. The meeting was very
well attended, 86 people were present,
including the two guest speakers.
Brian Donaldson of the Local Organiza-
tion Board explained the line fence act. He
described the changes to act very carefully.
He related the new changes in the act to
old act and explained the board's reason-
ing on these changes. He then asked for
comments from the floor and a lively
discussion followed.
The main concern of all farmers present
centred on the proposal in the new act to
allow fence line viewers to assess as much
as 100% of fencing costs to one owner.
Allan Dally of Tiverton stated that 50/50
maintenance of fencing should be made a
condition of owning land. Brian Ireland,
chairing the meeting put this in a motion to
the floor and the vote supporting it was
almost unanimous.
Wayne Roberts of Saugeen Township,
wondered if the fence line viewers, given
the latitude of the new act, could order a
farmer to supply chain link fencing along
adjoining school yards. Allen Dale, answer-
ing for the board of educatign pointed out
that fencing required around a school yard
was entirely the school board's responsi-
bility.
Lloyd Lamont felt municipal by-laws
would give for better control of fencing by
area, and that a Provincial fence line act
was too extensive to properly serve each
municipality. Brian Donaldson pointed out
that Section 354-1 of the new act permits
municipality control. He emphasized that
the new act was being made for urban as
well as rural owners.
Not all farmers agreed on the 50/50
designation of fence ownership. Arthur
Gail of Greenoch Township pointed out
that in many cases one farmer may have to
maintain the hardest part of the fence and
this would ilot result in a 50/50 cost
sharing.
Garland Foreman of Greenoch Town-
ship pointed out that good will can work far
better than any fence act. His cattle got
into a neighbours crops twice, and after
calling in the fence viewers he and his
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neighbour were able to sort things out
themselves.
Walter Forrester, Bruce County's
Executive Director from Ripley, voiced one
of O.F.A.'s major concerns about the new
act. The exemptions from the act for
utilities, municipalities and Provincial and
Crown corporations should not be per-
mitted. With the proliferation of High-
ways, Hydro corridors, etc. these exempt -
tions are critical.
Many other farmers entered into the
discussion from the floor and it was
obvious all were concerned about the new
act. Copies of Bill #135 can be obtained
from your local M.P.P.This bill had first
reading June 22, 1978 and is in the process
of becoming law. The Ontario Federation
of Agriculture is attempting to have much
of it revised before the next reading. Your
interestand assistance are essential or you
may have to live under legislation not at all
to your liking.
(Continued on Page 5 5 )
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THE RURAL VOICE/OCTOBER 1978 1'G. 53