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Wingham Advance-Times, 1978-12-13, Page 1• , FIRST SECTION ;.1 • 1'4 '• . :1!•. MR , • - • Winghat4. W041tes.dsrv. Pngomber 1,.j975 Hydro rates won't ris though rebate) will end Hydro rates charged to Wingham Public Utilities Commission customers won't change in 1979, but a 4.9 per cent rebate included in hydro bills for nearly a year, will be dropped early in 1979. "Although the rates will not be changed, the customer will automatically see about a five per cent increase in his bills," Tom McConkey, Ontario Hydro consumer service represen- tative, told the utilities com- mission a„t its Dec. 5 meeting. The anti-inflation rebate from Ontario Hydro passed on by the PUC, will run out in February or March, causing hydro billsto go up by about five per cent, he said. A similar rebate of about five per cent will be given to Wingham PUC for the following 12 months, Mr. McConkey said, but the commission decided to absorb the rebate. The Ontario Hydro rebates are a result of good short-term financial performance of the provincial utility. In absorbing the upcoming rebate of about five per cent the Wingham PUC will also absorb a 9.8 per cent bulk hydro increase by Ontario Hydro. Mr. McConkey 'said the Wingham PUC might be forced to make a substantial increase in rates in 1980 but that Ontario Hydro probably wouldn't allow a , rate increase for 1979: Where to buy Kinette Book of Memories. La0 week The Advance -Times suggested 'editorially that the Kinettes would be well advised to • publish the names of their members from whom the history of the town published recently under the title "One Hundred Years of Memeries" can be secured. Here they' are: Mrs. Bob (Ann) Crawford, 326 Minnie St. 357-1667. Mrs. Russ (Anne) Wylie, 297 Frances St. 357-1223. Mrs. Terry (Jo-anne) Eames, Maitland Estates. Mrs. Ron (Susan) Coghlin, 330 Summit Drive. 357-3315. , Mrs. John (Paula) Brisson, 250 •Shuter St. 357-12,l$; Mrs. Rick Hill, 18 Turnberry Estates. 357-3258. Mrs. Don (Evonne) Carter, 264 Centre St. 357-3406. HONORARY . KIN,ETTES Mrs. Brian (Mary Lou) Cam- eron, 210, Shuter St. 357-1565. Mrs. Bill (Shirley ),Hanula,•134 Charles St. 35724O5.., Mrs. Gary '(Marion) Watcher, 85 Sunset Cres. 357-3173. Mrs. Mac (Marilyn) Ritchie, 96 Charles St. 357-1034. Mrs. Leroy (Janice) Jackson, 360 Summit Drive. 357-1305. Christmas play will be held this Thursday `Windows of Christmas', a play presented by the children's live theatre group sponsored by the Wingham Recreation Com- mittee, will be staged , here Thursday night. The entire cast of the Christ- mas fantasy is made up of local children. The story revolves around Christmas cards which come to life and hope to change children's minds about burning the' old used cards. Both children and the Christmas cards learn about the spirit of helping others at this time of year with the aid of a magical being called the Christmas Spirit. Poetry and Christmas carolling are also part of the play, which will be held in the Wingham Town Hall at 8 p.m. Thursday. Members of the Wingham Towne Players are helping the children present the play by directing it and providing the backatage help. 'Windows of Christmas' will be presented just the one night. Tickets are available at the door and cost one dollar for adults and' so cents for children. The PUC hasn't -decided what to do about the Western Foundry large user rate. The foundry is presently on a large hydro user rate implemented 'in September which takes into account the 4.9 per cent rebate which is to be dropped. In order to drop the rebate for the foundry, the commission may have to apply for a new large user rate 4.9 per cent higher than the present one. COMMISSIONERS WANT RAISE Public utilities commissioners want a raise for the first time in four years. The commission decided it will ask Wingham town council for raises of $300 for :utilities chairman Roy Bennett and $200 each for commission members Rod Wraith and William Walden. "According to some of the other towns around, we must be working for nothing," Mr. Bennett claimed. If the increases' are approved the chairman's salary will in- crease to $900 from $600 and the other commission members will make $700 a year, up from $500. CHLORINE REDUCED A letter from the ministry of the environment informed the PUC it could reduce the level of Herb Phillips helping Sant He might not look much like Santa Claus, but Herb Phillips is, in the same line of work. For the past 22 years this member of the Wingham Salvation Army Corps haiS;been "busy - trying to -m other people's Christmases a little happier., Every year since 1956 at about, this time Mr. Phillips has ap- peared on the main streets of Wingham and surrounding communities with the familiar Salvation Army kettle, inviting donations' from Christmas. chlorination in town water to .1 parts per million from .2 parts per million. The ministry recognized that two bad water samples taken June 21 and June 28 this year may have been due to a chlorine pump which was out of operation and a result of the, chlorine supply running out overnight and on weekends. The letter acknowledged that the water supply was problem free in the third quarter of 1978 and that chlorine was added to the water at all times, not just weekdays. It recommended a minimum of .1 parts per million as the chlorine concentration, and that the concentration be doubled if any problems are found. Wingham PUC Manager Ken Saxton reported the chlorination was reduced Nov. 27 to .1 parts per million. In other business, the com- mission is checking into a discrepancy between hydro consumption charts at Western Foundry. Mr. Saxton said the seal had been broken on the PUC meter at the foundry and it was found to be 12 hours out of syn- chronization with, a nearby has been a 25 years shoppers. He rotates among Wingham, Teeswater, Brussels and Lucknow, but spends weekends and the week leading uP ,t9 Christmas here, The money raised in this way goes to help 'needy families, around this, area celebrate a happier Christmas and any left over is used to help those in need throughout the year. Keep this in mind when you pass him on the street. It's the best kind of gift- foundry meter. According to foundry charts produced by its own meter, the foundry is entitled to a $4,300 hydro rebate under an off-peak usage agreement, Mr. Saxton said. According, to the PUC meter, there should be ,no discount. "We'll assume honesty until proven otherwise," Mr. Wraith said. Foundry officials are presently studying when the 12 -hour discrepancy occurred and the utilities commission didn't decide what it will do about the case. Mr. Wraith recommended that in .the future a Joundry official initial the meter reader's form as proof that the PUC meter is properly sealed before and after the meter reading. l'''' '0 iniu.recl in Hy. 4 collision Togey Wetly of Francis StrFet, WinghnIn received minor injtaties Saturday when the car in whleh she was riding was in- vpl*ed in a collision north of WO. The driver of the car, Rebarah MacDonald of Tetwater, also received minor fairies, Ontailio Provincial go ge,Teport, e11::•accident occurred when t.,1*Ma9Donold car and a vehicle ven by Kenneth A. Smith of 2, Wingham collided on High - 4 southof the Huron -Bruce kir undary road, Turnberry aranship. No further details are atAilable. ;There were a total of five motor Vgbicle collisions during the week 4t' Dec. 440 causing an estimated $8,600 in property damage, OPP report. Tenders called Tenders have been called for resurfacing Highway 87 from Wroxeter east to Harriston, a distance of about 14.5 miles, transportation minister James Snow announced recently. The tenders on the project will be opened at ministry headquarters in Downsview Jan. 10. ak.kaala's. 1/4 DREAM COME TRUE --Sitting on Santa's knee ,Was a dream Virile true for 240arzO1d"..:' Developmenl to continue Sarah Phfllips. She was wide-eyed with excitement when she got the chance' Saftirday . • the Wingham Armouries. • followinig stop -work order Developer Hans - kthwmaseasn. uyvenhoven Histodcal Society member e CliStso Mr. Chappell, whose duties is hoping to resume Work in wake of a stop -work order isamed by town works commissioner Maitland Estates this week in the spector, was instructed to issue the stop -work order by the sta. rs in Ag. d Foo , Include those of building in - Mike Chappell Wingham planning board, acting • - Mr. Kuyvenhoven said MondayRobert Campbell, on the advice of Gary Davids,on, his solicitor, head of the. Huron County who also represents the "town of planning department. At a meeting of the planning Wingham, is working en an agreement with 'the town that board Dee. 6 Chairman Tom would allow him to continue Lyell 'and 'Vice Chairman Jim a,a building pending Ontario att notedMr. Kuyvenhoven had Municipal Board approval of a rted pOuring foundations for special zoning.bylaw. I go houses in Mainsail Estates As far as -11r. Campbell is -'he'' thtiliard t's,wSaillils dihngoldiirg"tre 41allpg; concerned everything is OK, he ••.1. . . piinations for the permits pen - reported, adding he has signed ving,m--.-MB•aPproval of the bylaw paper agreeing to accept or responsibility in Case the OMB ovkling for construction of ad -1. ditional 'single semi' homes on does not approve the bylaw. He small lots. • said he hopes to'resume con- Mr. Davidson recommended struction this week to avoid having to lay off workers during ((iontinued on page 9) giving of all. • • SALVATION ARMY -It is Christmas time again so Herbert Phillips, Salvation Army color sergeant, is on Josephine Street again accepting money for local work by the Wing - ham corps of the,Salvation Army. He has been helping with the Christmas fund-raiser in town since 1956. A film entitled "Growing Together" was the highlight a the annual meeting of the. Wingham Horticultural Society held Thursday evening of last week. A small but enthusiastic crowd viewed- the film, a color production produced by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food 14.1.§.Leg".441,e1410,. arr-41$ l 4:,.;;, in wan. Bob Men are Wed known in Wingham • The film starred Mrs. Daisy Connell, a society member, as 'Daisy Child', a kindly grand- mother instructing her grand- children in the manner of caring for a garden. The production Santa pays visit to Wingham Santa Claus came to Wingham Saturday afternoon and hundreds of people.either lined up to greet the white -bearded fellow or to join the parade in celebration of his visit. • The, Wingham Junior Citizens, sponsor a of the annual parade for Santa Claus, called the parade a big success, despite fewer float entries this year than last. Whigham Public School, students outnumbered parade participants from any other group as 100 children toured down Josephine Street carrying signs printed with every year of Wingham's history. Of course the big attraction was the man in the red suit at the end of the parade. Accompanied by three elves, Santa blew kisses and waved to children during the parade and then set up shop in the Wingham Armouries to hear what local children want for Christmas. After filing through a line where the Junior Citizens were handing but Christmas goodies, the children crowded around to have their chance to giye the jolly fellow some last-minute advice for his gift list. Children and parents were so eager to see Santa, he was soon mobbed by them until the elves organized things. PARADE WINNERS The Wingham Cubs won first prize and $50 for their children's category entry in the parade and Wingham Public School picked up second prize and $25 for their work on the signs. The Wingham and District Snowmobile Association's display of various makes of snowmobiles won first prize in the service club category and the Wingham Kinsmen Club placed second with its How the Grinch Stole Christmas float put together under the supervision of Don Carter. In the commercial category, Holiday World captured first with a float inhabited by unusual animals. Jack King's float was second in the category and won $25. Groups which haven't received their prize money yet can expect it shortly, Junior Citizen Sandy Brenzil said Monday. There were many groups participating in the parade besides winners, as the Wingham Canadettes were featured despite the cold and snow. The Wingham Beavers had it easier as they got to ride on their float over the parade route. The Cubs' color party marched behind, the Beavers. The Wingham and District Association for the Mentally Retarded took advantage of the • big crowds in town for the parade and held a Christmas bazaar and craft sale in the IOOF hall. The goods were made by trainees at the Jack Reavie Opportunity Workshop and were almost sold out. .Connie Jamieson of the workshop said the group made about $525 profit with it'S sale though some crafts were unsold. Anyone wishing to buy Christmas gifts at the workshop can do so from 9 to 3 weekdays at the John Street workshop. Stores also took advantage of the big crowds in town for the Santa Claus parade and did a lot of business both before ,and after the parade. received commendation across Canada for its Content and those who saw it praised it ilighly.. • These present were 'Welcomed' the president, Mrs., 1. E. Withrey, who thanked them for coining despite the unpleasant weather. Thi minutes of 'the last annual meeting were read and letterse correspondence,, eluding a letter from the district director, Mrs: Maisie Bray of Lion's Head, dealing with coming Gordon Baxter, treasurer; events.Go rd presented the audited financial sLaLement.'report snowed income in the amount of $2,006.23 and expenditures of $1,846.66, 'leaving a net surplus for the year of $159.57.' Frank Madill, reporting for the membership committee, stated that the past year saw the largest number in 'the history of the society, at 265.' Roy Bennett gave a detailed account of the local plantings at different locations around Wingham. Mention was made of the possibility of starting again the tree -planting program which has been dropped for the past couple off years. The society will take this matter under consideration in view of the fact that next year is the 100th an- niversary of the town of Wingham. Stewart Beattie reported for the flower show committee and Mrs. Ena Ritchie for the social committee. ' Mr. Madill also presented the . • report of the nominating mittee and this. repot was ;• adopted after duly Caine for , nominations ,from the fleor. • following Will be the Officers and directors for , the corning itent; , • president, Mrs Morrey, first ''vice-president,.hti4t. 4 , . . •Mik. directors, StewartReattie; Frank ! rMepaldaiclel; liugbMandell,'-WayneEstiiMrs. Ena Ena Ritchie, Miss Merle WilSinn, two-year directors, Roy Bennett,' John Donaldson, Mrs. Catherine Forsyth, Mrs. Annabelle Hoy, Jack Walker; auditors, Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Ellacott. The secretary and treasurer' will be • appointed by the, directors at a later meeting. ? Delegates to the annual district meeting to be held in Tara the middle of April are Mrs. Krug, Mrs. E. Kibby, Stewart Beattie and Ed Fielding. Before adjournment and a social time, those present were reminded 'of the district photographic competition ending in January. Mrs. Morrey also mentioned the large part played by the local sciety at the recent International Plowing Match. She gave a short resume of a flower show she attended at Eastbourne, England, early in , November and a visit to the Kew Gardens •in London, England. Planning bd. to hold meetings for input into plaza proposal The Wingham planning board wants to investigate further a developer's proposal to build a small shopping plaza here and plans to held a series of meetings on the topic early next year. The meetings' have not yet been scheduled, but anyone wishing to attend or make a presentation should contact Bill Renwick at the town clerk's office. The motion to pursue the matter fur- ther came during the planning board's meeting last week, following a presen- tation by Ian MacNaughton of Kitchener who is the planning consultant for developer Jerry Sprackman. At that time Gary Davidson, head of the county planning department, told the board it had two options: to say `no' now and end the matter or to ask for a site plan and more information and then hold a series of hearings. "You're almost beholden 'to give it a chance," he told the board and, atter a committee of the whole discussion, board members agreed. Mr. MacNaughton, who had previ6Usly met with town council, told board members he wanted to discuss possible uses for the site. The prime tenant would be a 20,000 square foot supermarket, but there would also be a further 14,000 square feet divided into smaller shops and Mr. Sprackman wants to know what sorts of businesses would be allowed to occupy them. The area proposed for the plaza, south of the Canadian Tire store, is currently zoned C-5, highway commercial, and Mr. MacNaughton indicated he would be satisfied to have the zoning left the same, with an extension of uses to include the supermarket. The other option would be to assign it a special zoning with a list of specified uses, Mr. Davidson said. Mr. MacNaughton said Mr. Sprack- man is interested in uses including eating eStablishments, offices, a veterinary clinic, auto supply store, barber shop or beautician, and financial establishment. He does not plan to include retail stores such as clothing or furniture. One dissenting vOice at the meeting came from Patrick McLaughlin of M. Loeb (London) Ltd., parent company for IGA atores, who told the board he feels the town is well satisfied right now and there is no justification for another supermarket. He claimed his company can document the disruptive effects such developments have had in other southwestern Ontario communities and urged the planning board to take this into consideration in its decision. In response to a point by Mr. Davidson, who noted the board is primarily con- cerned with land use and not with the possible viability of the stores, he argued that the job of planning goes beyond just land use. "I agree," Mr. Davidson responded, "but unfortunately the provincial legislation doesn't." The board agreed to allow represen- tatives from M. Loeb to make a formal presentation during a later meeting. Mr. MacNaughton claimed that studies carried out for Mr. Sprackman over the period of a year have established that there is a . market for this type of development in this area and Mr. Davidson appeared to agree. He said when people are asked whether they want another outlet they generally say `yes' and added one thing that came out in the recent survey by the Rural Development Outreach Project is that people want another food outlet in the area. The planning board will hold its next meeting Jan. 17. • a, lit