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Huron Expositor, 2017-01-25, Page 88 Huron Expositor • Wednesday, January 25, 2017 Central Huron takes await-and-see approach to 2017 while Huron prepares to tackle high speed Internet Darryl Coote Postmedia Network Following a challenging though positive year for Cen- tral Huron, its mayq'r, Jim Ginn, expects 2017 to be used to assess what options the town has in the years ahead. "2017 will be probably a stand -pat year," Ginn said fol- lowing the regular county council meeting held on Jan. 4. For 2016, financially, Cen- tral Huron met all of its obli- gations, he said, and council has already dealt with the /1 worst part of our budgets," specifically pricing in polic- ing costs. He added that last year also saw the ending of cuts to Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund grants, which offer lower -tier gov- ernments stable funding. "I think going forward it will be a little easier," he said. "Our grants for infrastructure are increasing and will increase in the next few years." He said that when they finish paying off the debt for the solar panels that, too, will free up cash. "I think the toughest budgets are behind us. Now, so going forward, we hope to be able to either reduce taxes or do more paving projects and provide more services to residents," he said. Whether Central Huron reduces taxes or paves streets will he a decision needed to be made by coun- cil, he said. This new year, he said, will be an exciting one as the municipality is planning a big celebration to usher in Cana- da's 150th anniversary on the weekend following July I. Also, there are projects, he said, to rejuvenate Clinton's downtown park. "Big plans for the renova- tion of the park in downtown Clinton with a splash pad, skateboarding park and pavil- ion put up. So we look forward to doing some improvements to the main street. And, also, we're hoping to get out to the INDIAN RIVER DIRECT CITRUS TRUCKLOAD SALE Friday, January 27th-12:30pm-1:30pm Seaforth Agricultural Society Florida$4\ Florida Seedless Ruby Red $351 Navel Oranges 20 LB B019 Grapefruits 2018 809.9 www'.indianriverdirect.com ATTENTION ADVERTISERS: EARLY DEADLINE EARLY DEADLINE FOR the February 22nd Seaforth Huron Expositor ALL ADS must be in by IOam on Thursday, February 16 • • • • • `d 1 iedia Sales Co _tn. , deGans. eganedia.com seaform iIL'on Expositor 8 Main St., Seaforth PH:' 519;527-0240 www seaforthhuronexpositorcom riiiii,i:icall,i44111u.7xNIlCX9/yl465 rural areas as well, the ham- lets, and do some improve- ments there, too," he said. Ginn said he doesn't expect too many challenges in 2017, though he hopes for a light winter so their snow -removal budget is kept at a minimum. As warden of I luron County, Ginn said he is looking to bring high speed internet to the region, which he stated as one of his objectives when he became warden late last year. "Internet access is the big one for me. I think it's abso- lutely critical that we get high speed internet to all our resi- dents so we'll be working hard on that one. That has got to be my number one hope that we succeed with," he said. He "hopes" council makes the decisions necessary in 2017 to put together a con- crete plan for bringing inter - net cables to Huron. He added that it will still be years before residents have access to high speed internet. "Getting the cable in the Huron Out Special to the Expositor Hesitantly, he wandered into the church office. Clearly not dressed for success, he asked if we helped with food or food cards. He, his wife and three children, including an infant had been staying with his sister- in-law. That morning the ten- sion of having a family of 5 on the sister-in-law's doorstep erupted and they were kicked out The food had to be some- thing they could eat without cooking. His wife and children could make their way to the Women's Shelter, but he would have to find somewhere out of the cold until they could figure things out. Although helped with a bit of ready to eat food, and a grocery store card, it is a helpless feeling to watch some- one without much hope walk out into the cold. Stories like this are told too frequently in the villages and town of Iluron County. Whether we want to recognize it or not, homelessness exists throughout the County, although it may be more hid- den than in a large city. "Couch Surfing': that is, staying with a family member or friend until the welcome wears out, is still homelessness - as the individ- ual is at the mercy of the host It is not a permanent residence and is precarious at hest. Increasing rental and hydro rates, in addition to the rising cost of food combine to make it very difficult for many 66 1 think the toughest budgets are behind us. Now, so going forward, we hope to be able to either reduce taxes or do more paving projects and provide more services to residents. — Jim Ginn, Central Huron mayor and Huron County warden ground is another story, but we need a plan on how we're going to move forward with it. of the Cold individuals to make ends meet on a monthly basis on the hourly wages or social assis- tance programs they receive. Due to these factors, more fam- ilies and individuals are experi- encing or at risk of experiencing homelessness in our own com- munity. This is not just a prob- lem for large urban centres Over a year ago, County staff, and the leaders of vari- ous churches in Goderich began meeting to see if they could address the need for emergency shelter beds for men in the County. Big questions were raised such as: Are there enough people who would use the services to make it viable? Are we able to recruit enough vol- unteers to make it work? A pilot project was envi- sioned that would help stake- holders answer those ques- tions. Lakeshore United Church in Goderich needed very little in terms of renova- tions to accommodate the 'Huron Out Of The Cold' Men's Shelter temporarily. I lowever, it is a busy place most evenings, so the Shelter doors will not open until 9:30pm after all church and community pro- grams are finished. Male Guests will spend the night, with a mattress, warm bedding, a bowl of soup while caring staff and volunteers ensure their safety, dignity and respect. Guests will be provided with breakfast and then leave the Shelter by 8am. Darryl Coote Central Huron mayor and Huron County warden Jim Ginn. We need to get the funding in place and then we'll have to go out and hire companies to install [the cablest"'he said. Similar to installing hydro or natural gas, high speed internet is a utility that is difficult to implement in rural communi- ties, but it needs to be done. "We need to get it there in a five-year time span and I think it's essentially economically as well if we're going to attract small businesses. And I said before, we have a wonderful lifestyle here ... that people could come here and set up home business if we had those intemet connections," he said. Due to the late hour for opening the Shelter doors, there will be a warming Cen- tre offered at the Goderich First Baptist Church on Mon- treal St. from 7pm to 9:30pm. There will be warmth, volun- teers and simple food availa- ble for those intending to use the overnight Shelter later that evening. Should the need prove sufficient to continue the project - a permanent site will be secured for the next shelter/cold season likely beginning in November 2017. At a permanent site, the doors would receive guests at 7pm. The success of the project will rely on the commitment of volunteers to assist the staff each night. We are requiring individuals over 18 yrs who are willing to stay awake through the night, once a week, once a month, or what- ever suits the volunteer. The usual volunteer shift will be from 9:15pm to 8:15am. Vol- unteers need an open and caring heart and willingness to treat everyone with respect and dignity. Volunteers are also needed to help at the Warming Centre from 7pm to 9:30pm. Donations to the 'I luron Out Of The Cold' Shel- ter can be made to Lakeshore United Church in Goderich. Gift cards to grocery stores is anotherpractical way to help support this County wide project. CONTINUED > PAGE 10