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The Citizen, 1989-02-22, Page 7Letters to the editor THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 1989. PAGE 7. Farmers more important than trail to economy THE. EDITOR, As a farm family who owns land adjacent to the C.P.R. abandoned line in Hullett Township, we wish to express some pertinent concerns regarding the current issue, “From Rails to Trails.” We feel that the majority of people who are promoting the recreational corridor do not own property adjacent to the rail line and therefore do not fully under­ stand the implications it would present. It is not their privacy that is being invaded! How would they like it in their backyard? Reality must be faced. Granted this trail might provide some recreational enjoyment but how much thought has been given to the cost of maintaining this proposed recreational corridor. Expenses such as liability insurance, police surveillance to prevent vandalism and crime, garbage collection, weed control and drain mainten­ ance must be met. As farmers, we resent the state­ ment published in the Opinion Column of the Citizen on February 15, 1989. I quote, “One thing is certain, there won’t be any jobs created by turning this land back over to the farmers along the line.” It is appalling that some people residing in our midst display such narrow mindedness as to think the farmer doesn’t aid the economy of our country. Don’t forget Blyth was known first as an agriculture community. Other tourist attrac­ tions developed many years later. All of the businesses in Blyth have reaped benefit from the area’s farmers. Perhaps it would be wise for the writer to consider on which side his bread is buttered! In closing we would strongly urge the councillors of each munici­ pality affected by this issue to seriously consider the concerns of the property owners involved be­ fore making a hasty decision to support the “Rails-to-Trails,” movement. A Farm Family Concerned About the Future. Gordon, Bernice Gross and family. ANNOUNCING FAffl 1988/89 BRUSSELS BULLS Use trail money for deficit instead THE EDITOR, From Joan Van den Broeck's letter to the editor in the February 15, Citizen, one might be inclined to think there is a pile of money sitting somewhere causing some­ one great concern about where to spend it. I doubt this is so. But, if this money does exist, would it not be in everyone’s better interests to use it to pay down some of our government’s debt to lighten the staggering load of interest we, the taxpayers, are currently carry­ ing? There is one point in the afore­ mentioned letter that I can agree with. That is, that railway abandon­ ments may become “one more scar across the landscape.” In my Tourism can provide jobs THE EDITOR, A recent survey done under the auspices of the Huron County Planning Department found that Huron residents want to see tour­ ism developed throughout the County and not just along the Lake perhaps one-sided concerns. Agri­ culture is, of course, one of our main economic bases but there are other considerations to be taken into account. Jerry McDonnell RR 3, Blyth. opinion this Goderich to Guelph rail line has already done just that over the last couple of decades. That’s one reason the farmers want the land back, so it will be cleaned up and put back into production. The reason most often given by C.P.R. for this deterioration has been, “lack of funds”. Should we really believe that recreation pro­ jects will have priority over tran­ sportation, for funds? How can Ms. Van den Broeck state that an abandoned railway will be “subject to abuse by an unsympathetic public” and then expect us to welcome the same people into our communities and backyards, as responsible, money­ spending, “trail users”? Charles Shobbrook. Steve Fritz Left Wing #20 The Bulls' top minor league prospect, Steve is playing his first yearofMidget Hockey as well as being afull -timeaffiliate player with the Jrs. Fast, quick and smart with the puck, Fritzy is a versatile skater who gives 100% whatever the situation. Steve is enrolled at Seaforth District High School THIS PLAYER PROFILE IS BROUGHTTO YOU BY BRUSSELS 887-9740 shore. The “rails-to-trails” pro­ posal would seem to be one way of accomplishing this. As well, trails would provide new recreational areas and activities for those of us who live here. I realize there is opposition to the idea of multi-use trails, but we must be open-minded and not stop with only our own selfish and Trait would cost too much THE EDITOR, In the last few weeks there have been numerous ideas proposed in the Rails-to-Trails debate. One of the key factors that should be considered is funding. The abandoned C.P.R. lines will need to be surveyed, a task that could run into thousands of dollars. When dealing with the C.P.R., as a company, and any association (landowners or the pro-trail organ­ ization) legal advice and fees will also have to be considered. Other financial aspects will be money needed to build adequate fences; a legal fence has a minimum of three wires along a public thoroughfare, providing rest spots with wash­ rooms, and garbage containers at each one-and-a-quarter miles. The existing C.P.R. bridge will need to be repaired and maintained to ensure public safety. Further con­ cerns for public well being will be the right of ways from the trail -- How will these intersections be worked and at what cost for sign postings? Over the course of a lifetime, how can the Rails-to-Trails Com­ mittee guarantee that they will have adequate finances to ensure garbage disposal and trail safety? Will they be responsible for any collisions, deaths, and/or damages that may arise from the use of the trail because of poor co-operation between snowmobilers, motorcyc­ lers, bikers, walkers, and vehicles at intersections? 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