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Times Advocate, 1995-09-13, Page 2Page 2 Times -Advocate, September 13, 1995 JJ? j 4 S Regional wrap up Clinton adopts $105 garbage fine CLINTON - An illegally dumped hag of garbage could mean a fine of $105 after coun- cil passed an amendment to its garbage bylaw, reported the Clinton News -Record. The bylaw enforcement offi- cers will now be able to ticket garbage offenders for three dif- ferent offenses rather than have each incident go through the courts. The three offenses resulting in -a $105 fine include putting gar- bage on someone else's property or on a property other than one a person rents, putting prohibited garbage into garbage bags such as recyclables and yard waste and putting garbage out without a tag. Special town council meeting held to avoid full hearing GODERICH - A special town council meeting was scheduled for Thursday in an attempt to avoid a full Ontario Municipal Board hearing on the Suncoast Mall expansion plan, reported the Goderich Signal -Star. Council was to review an agreement between the Town of Goderich and the developer Nu- tak Holdings Ltd. and two objec- tors. Tom Fincher, on behalf of Shoppers' Square Association and F&P Strickland Ltd., are named in the hearing. Negotiating an agreement be- tween the parties may cut short an OMB hearing scheduled for three weeks beginning Sept. 1 1. St. Marys man killed in single vehicle accident ST. MARYS - A single vehi- cle accident last Wednesday re- sulted in the death of a 78 -year- old St. Marys man according to Sehringville OPP, reported the Mitchell Advocate. John Davidson was heading eastbound on County Rd. 28, two kilometres cast of St. Marys at approximately 9:20 a.m. when he failed to navigate a curve in the road. His vehicle entered the north ditch, rolling once. David- son was rushed to St. Marys Hospital and later died as a re- sult of his injuries. OPP report- ed he was not wearing his seat- belt. Legal Aid facing $130 million budget cut GODERiCH - Legal Aid is facing financial cutbacks that could reduce it to a fraction of its current status, reported the Godcrich Signal -Star. Ontario Premier Mike Harris proposes slashing $130 million from the province's promised funding of $170 million to the Ontario Legal Aid System. According to Heather Ross of Ross and Ross, the Legal Aid Plan has historically been under- funded and is facing a deficit of up to $70 million by the end of the fiscal year. Beach boardwalk in Grand Bend discussed Chris Skalkos T -A staff GRAND BEND - Village coun- cilors are taking steps into making the concept of a permanent board walk on the north beach in Grand Bend a reality. Members of Grand Bend Council held a special interest meeting with representatives from the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority and the Parks and Recreation Com- mittee Thursday to discuss the fea- sibility of a hoard walk in Grand Bend. A board walk is included in Grand Bend's long range plan and the meeting was designed to get the hall rolling by gathering in- formation from experts with some experience related to the project. Barry Richman, past chairperson for the Parks and Recreation Com- mittee, feels they need a concrete plan in place in order to gain the community's support. "If we are going to go out to the community and the public service groups to raise funding we want to • have a plan in place that shows they are going to get a good return on their investment," said Rich- man. Jeff Jilek, an engineering tech- nologist for the Ministry of Natural Resources advised council the pro- posed location of the board walk will determine its exposure to the elements and suggested an elevat- ed structure to minimize damage from sand and water. "The north and south beaches are very dynamic and the sand tends to flow back and forth. If your look- ing for a solution to avoid main- tenance it can't be done. There will always be maintenance for the sand, vandalism and normal wear and tear," said Jilek. Pat Donnelly, a senior planner for the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority said planting dune grass would act as a buffer against the wind and sand and showed photo- graphic slides of other board walk projects in The Pinery and South Hampton that have incorporated different techniques to protect the structure from the elements. Donnelly suggested the village seek the professional advice of an engineering firm or a landscape ar- chitect. "Grand Bend is one of the better suited beaches for a project like this because of its flat and has well manicured beaches. I think it's a good idea and it's something we've been encouraging council to do for a long time," he said. Mayor Cam Ivey said the village is working with a limited budget and would like to see money go to- ward the actual construction of a board walk rather than a series of proposals on how to build one. "We have to be realistic here. We can't afford to spend a lot of mon- ey on engineers, I'm more con- cerned with spending money to get the project off the ground," Ivey said. Richman said the meeting was constructive and the advice sug- gested would be considered when they start planning the first phase of the construction process. "If the elements themselves and the dynamics of the wind and sand forces us to be more creative with the board walk I think we will end up with a better product," he said. The meeting also confirmed council and the Parks and Rec- reation Committee agree the board walk project is a good idea as it will make the beach accessible to the physically challenged and the elderly. "A lot of seniors have been living up here for a long time and all of a sudden they are at the age where they can't use the beach anymore, and a board walk would give it back to them," said Richman. "There are all kinds of people we invite to Grand Bend who don't come in bare feet." Council is planning to approach Franshaw College in hopes of so- liciting the aid of students who may want to take on the role as en- gineering or architectural design consultants before drafting a plan or estimating costs. Ivey said he hopes to bring the is- sue to a public meeting soon in or- der to get input from the com- munity. Stephen deals with variances CREDITON - At the September 5 meeting Stephen township council dealt with two minor variance appli- cations. One from Peter Becker for his property at Lot 20, Concession 19 was accepted and a public meeting will be held on September 19 at 7.30 p.m. to consider the application. An application from Sharon and Kevin Parker at Lot 10, Concession 16 was approved subject to a number of restrictions. The structure in question may not be used for perma- nent habitation and the minor variance applies only to the existing structure and any expansion in the gross floor area of the structure for the purpose of a bed and breakfast facility will require further approval from the municipality. No objection was received from the Huron County Health Unit and the Huron Planning and Development Department. The township of Stephen supports the appointment of John Morgan as the new chief of the Exeter and area fire department and Cam McLeod as deputy chief. Council supported a resolution from the township of ltoxborough which will request the Province of Onta- rio to ensure that school boards do not pass budget shortfalls onto municipalities. A proposal from the Bank of Montreal to provide banking services for the township of Stephen for a three year term was accepted. A vacancy on the police village of Crediton board of trustees has been filled with the appointment of Wayne Brunzlow. He was sworn in by administrator Larry Brown and was accompanied by one of the other trus- tees Bill Wilds. Council is supporting the proposed design -build pro- cess for the expansion of the Grand Bend sewage plant to allow for a capacity of 3000 cubic metres per day. It was agreed to have service connections installed where requested along the waterline being constructed to serve the town of Exeter, and to install a 12 inch valve at the corner of Huron roads 4 and 21. Also, con nection studs will be provided at sideroads 15 and 20 to the satisfaction of the road superintendent. Biddulph hears about ABCA LUCAN - At the September reg- ular meeting, Biddulph township council heard a report updating op- erations of the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority from the Lucan-Biddulph representative Bob Benner. Benner said there would be no new operations this year. The wa- tershed budget had not been in- creased for the past three years, but the Authority has hit an end to in- ternal reductions and now must in- crease the levy to member munici- palities. At their last meeting, Authority members approved a levy increase of six percent hoping for a five per- cent increase in the assessment to offset the majority of this rise in levy. This whole scenario was devel- oped prior to the latest provincial government cutbacks which will greatly affect the eventual out- come. The ABCA will probably face a very different operation next year. They are attempting to organize a one window operation for permits. This would include MOEE, MNR and ABCA. Benner said his board of directors believes they are in the best position to administer this window for all re- quired permits. That ABCA is also actively pursuing this and other op- portunities such as amalgamations as money saving techniques. Bruce Smith, the new London Middlesex MPP attended this meet- ing to hear concerns that council members may have. Councillors posed questions to Smith regarding the Granton sewer system study, school board and mu- nicipal amalgamations, welfare (es- House of Commons so that those pecially student welfare), the ability sections of the legislation affecting to pay off debentures and the Chil- the continued ownership and legal dren's Aid Society. use of firearms by responsible Ca - In regard to the Granton sewer nadians can be removed. system, a resolution regarding the draft environmental report is pend- ing awaiting further information. Councillor Paul Wallis presented some information from Septic. Clerk Larry Hotson was instruct- ed to set up a meeting for the last week in September between UMA, Septic and the MOEE and any oth- er organizations deemed necessary by any of the parties. Council went on record in oppos- ing the federal government's legis- lation Bill C-68 on firearms con- trol. Councillors will be supporting a resolution from the Ontario Federa- tion of Anglers and Hunters which requests the Senate of Canada to refuse to give approval to this leg- islation and send it back to the Hay Council lets contract for new building flooring ZURICH - At the September 5 meeting, members of Hay township council accepted a quote for the supply and installation of flooring for the new municipal of- fice which is under construction in Zurich. The contract will be let to Grand Bend Decorating and Floor Centre for $8,486.88. Council supported the resolution of the township of Roxborough regarding the government of Ontario en- suring that school boards not he permitted to download their funding cuts. The clerk was instructed to forward a letter to all property owners assessed on the Lakewood Gardens South municipal drain and the Highlands II municipal drain reminding them that eavestroughs are not to be hooked directly into the drain and provide information on inspections and repairs as discussed. Hay council will be supporting the Ontario Federa- tion of Anglers and Hunters in their opposition to the federal government's Bill C-68 gun control policy by asking the Senate to refuse approval and send it back to the House of Commons to have some sections re- moved which affect continued ownership and legal use of firearms by responsible Candians. Chief building official Milton Dietrich attended the meeting to discuss lot grading in relation to proposed septic beds. Council is supporting the township of Ashfield's re- quest to Huron County council to review alternate methods of waste disposal as technology and regula- tions have changed since the last county review. The township's municipal water line will be extended to the north part of Lot 11, Lake Road East Concession subject to the property owner paying all of the assessed costs and subject to the township engineer's verifica- tion. No objection was voiced to the request from the Zu- rich and District Optimist Club to sell media bingo cards within the boundaries of the township. Anew twist for all fair goers at Exeter Fall Fair EXETER - The 1995 Exeter Fall Fair is taking an interesting twist this year, with its focus on "Farm Machinery". It will give the fair goer a chance to see the modern new technology, in farm implements and tractors, and the antique version of yesteryear as well. Once again, the fair will be full of family activities and events to keep every member of the family busy. The excitement opens on Friday night at 6:00 with the exhibits and displays ready for all those to see how the judges made their decisions. There is also an evening of enter- tainment, the official opening and the Fair Ambassador competition. A full day of fun awaits you on Saturday with the horse show all day, the fair parade on Main Street, pet show, cooking demon- strations, midway, wildlife show and of course the exhibits and displays will remain at the arena. Saturday evening will feature a dance for young and old with music supplied by "Sound Advice", a new group from the Exeter area. A per- fect way to wind down on a busy fair day, talking with friends, listen- ing to good music, dancing and having a good time. Sunday continues the fair weekend, starting with brunch catered by the Exeter Minor Hockey Assoc. The Animal Shows continue through the day, followed by the popular "Bingo" game and draw ticket win- ners. Public meeting to be held on September 25 Hensall HEDC will host meeting to discuss co- ordinator position HENSALL - The Economic De- velopment Committee Meeting minutes 4eported at Monday night's council meeting announced a pub- lic meeting to be held at the com- munity centre Monday, Sept. 25 at 7pm. The meeting will be held to gain public input regarding a community development coordinator for Hen- sall. A special edition of the HEDC newsletter was drafted and includes a ballot box opposing or supporting the creation of a co- ordinator position. The guest speaker and chair for the meeting will be Dr. David Douglas, Uni- versity of Guelph. In further council business, Grant St. John's letter of resignation from the position on the committee of Adjustment and Property Standards was accepted with regret. St. John will be relocating to the Blenheim area. The vacant position will be advertised in local papers and on cable. The report of the clerk indicated that after the June 26 BiA/council meeting, Bill MacGregor of Mac- Gregor Farm Accounting Services, 116 King St., expressed interest in becoming a member of the HEDC and attended the Sept. 6 meeting. His name has been forwarded to the striking committee. Rabies Vaccine targets Huron and Lambton counties • MAPLE - The Ministry of Natural Resources will be continuing its Targe -scale experiment to control fox rabies in Ontario this year. During September 18 and October 4, the Rabies Research Unit will conduct an aerial vaccination program in parts of Huron and Lambton county in an ongoing attempt to immunize foxes against rabies. The Ministry will drop baited rabies vaccines in non-pepulated areas from two low flying aircraft from approximately 250 metres above ground. The waxy substance flavored with chicken and cod oil is em- bedded with 1.8 milliliters of a special rabies vaccine. When a fox cats the bait, called "blister packs", containing this vaccine it becomes pro- tected from rabies preventing the spread of the disease. Charles Maclnnes, Coordinator of the Rabies Research Unit said the disease fluctuates from year to year, however, they can see the number of rabies cases dropping in targeted areas. "The affect of the bait drops has worked better than expected. Rabies is down all over the province and our intention is to get rid of it com- pletely," said Macinnes. According to Maclnnes there were 72 con- firmed rabies cases in Huron county in 1993 and only 16 cases in 1994. Similarly, in Lambton county, there were 76 cases in 1983 compared to 15 cases in 1994. Since the beginning of the experimental fox rabies control program in 1989. pro- vincial cases have dropped dramatically and are now at their lowest levels since 1961. "We hope to have fox rabies eradicated by the year 2001 and so far we seem to be ahead of schedule," said Ma- clnnes The rabies -bait has been approved by Agriculture and Agri -Food Canada. Eating the bait will not harm a dog or a cat but it will not pro- tect these animals against rabies. Domestic animals arc immunized through a rabies injection given by a veterinarian. Each bait has the Rabies unit telephone number printed on it for in- quiries in addition to the message: "Rabies vaccine - Do Not Eat." The vaccine in the bait is a live -virus and is not considered hazardous to humans. "We haven't tested it on humans but we feel there is a small risk of contracting the disease if exposed to the bait. Anyone who may get the vaccine on themselves should talk to a doctor," Maclnnes said. The Ministry has dropped 4.8 million blister packs in the last six years and so far there has not been any recorded cases of humans con- tracting the disease. "We hope to have fox rabies eradicated by the year 2001 and so far we seem to be ahead of sched- ule"