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Huron Expositor, 2004-04-21, Page 22 -THE HURON EXPOSITOR, APRIL 21, 2004 fin how to make your pool a simple pleasure, Come to our free, " r ► -' motional evening. We'll ou how to open our pool, and give you tips on how to ep your water sparkling all summer long. Thursday, April 22 @ 7:30 pm MIDDEGAAL POOLS & SPORTS 234 Main St., Seaforth 527-0104 Refreshments and door prizes (Want at FREE oil chang Join the TMP Oil Change Club! Buy 3 oil changes and you'll get the 4th oil change Free! With each service OHI Change Club Members also receive... FREE 25 Point Inspection FREE Exterior Wash FREE Interior Vacuum ‘)i.LJ OIL CHANGE CLUB MEMBERS OIL CHANGE $2495* Includes chassis lube, oil replacement with up to 5 litres of Quaker State 10W30 premium motor oil, oil filter replacement. 'For most domestic cars and light trucks (excludes diesel engines) LIMITED TIME OFFER LT (9AOTOR PROD S AUTOMOTIVE BALES a SERVICE CZ 220 Main Street S. Seaforth 527-2291,, News Business, government and environment key issues in recent community survey_ By Susan Hundsrtmork Expositor Editor Business development, government and the environment are the three biggest issues facing the community of Huron East, says a recent community survey completed by the economic development committee. "Community spirit is very high in Huron East but local government is seen as both a strength and a weakness," said economic development officer Ralph Laviolette at last Thursday's public meeting unveiling the results of the survey. "People have not had an easy time with amalgamation and perhaps it's time to put it behind us so we can work together better," he said. Of the 199 responses to the 2,200 households where the surveys were distributed, 34 per cent said more industry and business is necessary to create more local employment. Twenty-three per cent said local government needs to deal with such issues as high taxes, a low tax base, sewage and garbage concerns, policing and education. And, 22 per cent said clean drinking water and issues of air and soil pollution is a key issue in the municipality. Other issues facing Huron East were listed as a lack of variety in shopping facilities and a need for more stores, a need for more doctors and medical services and the prevalence of large hog farms Business development is the number one key issue facing Huron East. and BSE. Areas the community should focus on were ranked in the survey as the health clinic, police services, shopping facilities, recreation, nursing homes and waste management. "The survey shows that the services offered in the community are not well known by folks and there's a need for various agencies to make themselves better known," said Laviolette. "And, people just want to see more recreation in general," he said. He said the survey shows an interest in setting up more festivals with seasonal themes and a huge interest in the offering of farmer's markets in the municipality. "If anyone wants to set up a farmer's market, you'd make a fortune here," he said. The survey shows that 70 per cent of respondents shop in Seaforth while in Huron East compared to 27 per cent in Brussels and that 69 per cent shop most regularly in Goderich while travelling Huron County. As" well, 68 per cent "go to London when leaving Huron County. The items purchased most often in Huron East include groceries, hardware and gas while the items purchased in Huron County most often include clothes, groceries and household items. Respondents also go elsewhere for clothes, groceries and shoes. Problems identified for the business growth in the community include too much competition from outside areas, limited customer base and prices too high in local Local government is the second key issue facing Huron East. stores. "While we're not so good on competitive pricing, people think we're very good on overall customer service," said Laviolette. "But, if we attract someone down Main Street, there should be something going on, the shops shouldn't be closed," he said. PP"‘11 Water quality Is the third key issue facing Huron East. ."Knowing customers' names, providing a pleasurable shopping experience and creating a warm, friendly business relationships are keys to success," said the survey. Laviolette said the survey shows a large interest in environmental issues in Huron East, with a overwhelming support for recycling and a concern about forest cover in the area. "Since Huron East lies at the head of two large watersheds feeding Lake Huron and has sinkhole locations scattered around the municipality whereby surface water finds a direct route to the watertable, residents are and should be concerned and will take a strong interest in the effects of community action on water and air quality," said the survey. Laviolette suggested that the survey be done again when some of the issues have been dealth with locally. "There are some big issues for council and the economic development committee to deal with," he said. Huron East poised to take advantage of current trends among baby boomers From Page 1 Ideas included a cleaned - up and vibrant Main Street in both Seaforth and Brussels, more industry and agri- business, farmer's markets, increased populations in the urban areas and as many as 10 doctors at an expanded clinic who allow the return of 11111 M y 1 New ARRIVALS Visit us for the area's largest selection of giftware! Shop Early for Best Selection! Nifty Korners *Ptimelkatack 4141~4- 33 Main St. Seatorth 527-1600 Team Vincent's Riding Lawn Mower & Garden Tractor SPRING SERVICE SPECIAL Includes: • 10 pt. inspection • Change oil & filters • Grease all bearings •Complete cleaning egg Parts I. Extra o' Lawn Mowers 7 point inspection 49' 31999 or Chain Saws 6 point inspection We Service All Makes & Models ZWELC011af FARM EQUIPMENT Clibasciott Just North of Seaforth 527-0120 www.teamvincent.com surgery and obstetrics to Seaforth Community Hospital. The vision for the future also included a technical training centre for skilled trades in Huron East, public transportation between Seaforth, Brussels and Vanastra, more restaurants and campgrounds and more interaction with the public and council. "We're committed to the notion that people have a tremendous capacity when they work together. The community. business and industry arc especially strong when everyone works together. You can shape the Huron East you'd love to sec," said David. Laurel told Huron East politicians that the recently .completed community survey shows that the municipality already has a lot of strengths that morc people need to know about. "Wouldn't it be great to have a training session and talk to the young people pumping gas and working at restaurants about how to promote the area? Wouldn't it be great for that kid to be morc aware of how he participates in local tourism," she said. Laurel said Huron East is poised to take advantage of many current trends, especially those among the baby boomer generation which was born between 1946 and 1964. She said baby boomers love Victorian architecture, pointing out how Victorian houses and townhouses are being built by thc subdivision in Toronto. "The baby boom is in love with small towns. That's why Disney's Main Street is Victorian.And, Seaforth is by and large Victorian," she said. She suggested thinking about tying the downtown strcetscape together with Victorian screendoors on every storefront. "That way, you set the stage for expectations and the Maursan WNdfon Res 519-527.1119 WOKE USING Sera m WWW. mis.ca Culligan REAL ESTATE LTD. 8 Main Street, Seaforth 519-527-1577 office Linda Dz$obs R.. 519-522-0221 www_scIlirigscr1fortli_coe71 ...for Another Growing Season) Come and browse through the greenhouses to see and smell spring. Pansies are In full bloom. Bring In your container and we will pot It up In your favourite colours and it will look gorgeous when you pick It up In the middle of May. 40,04, vilikefle' May 1st and 2nd, 2004 9amto6pm red's Tasty Tomatoes ready soon! Conti 14iet4f 77688 Orchard Line R.R.#1 Bayfield 519-482-3020 streetscape looks unified and welcoming," she said. Laurel said Huron East's agricultural sector is able to meet the growing demand for locally grown organic food. "The community survey says there's a huge interest in farmer's markets and farmgate stalls. Maybe there's something there we can take advantage of," she said. When considering requests in the community survey for businesses Tike shoe stores and fine dining restaurants, she said council should research the statistics that show the population base necessary to keep each business alive in a community. Economic development officer Ralph Laviolette said that both the community survey and council's strategic planning session gave me a "wish list" for future development. "What it needs is your enthusiasm and the sense that the municipality wants to move forward," he said. "We've got many groups in the community and there aren't many circumstances that bring them all together but a vision of thc future could provide that glue," he said. Impaired driver found on Kinburn Line A 28 -year-old Central Huron man was charged with driving a motor vehicle with over 8,0 mgs. of alcohol in his blood after he was stopped on Kinburn Line in Huron East on April 16 at 11:45 p.m. The red 1988 four -door Buick was stopped by police who found the driver to have alcohol on his breath. The driver failed roadside tests and was taken for breath" tests, which showed he was close to twice the allowed level. The man is scheduled to attend court in Goderich on June 7.