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The Huron Expositor, 1990-07-04, Page 9Saving of Munn's Bush is viable SY SUSAN OXFORD At a special meeting of committee of council Julie 18 the future of Munn's Buil was discussed. The owners a[ the 8.2 acre mature hardwood woodlot, Drs. Ion and William Munn, propose to develop half the woodlot into serviced bnul- ding kxs and dedicate the remau ng area so the To*n of Seaforth as pork area. The Maitland Valley Conservation Authonty (MVCA) voiced an objection to the ',sweat! official plan tunendment due to lack of information concerning plans to klethe forest healthy and viable. MVCA asked the meeting two questions: what will be the impact of using this portion of the woodlot for nine residential lots?; is the proposed location, layout and density of the proposed develop- ment to for maintaining t the ability of the woodlot to survive and continue to regenerate? Arnold Spivey, spokesperson for the engineering firm hired by the Munns to assist in the development, Maitland Engineering, outlined the proposed plan in a later interview. He said destruction of pan of the woodlot to accommodate the 50 meter deep lots "depends on how much tree coverage the purchaser wants. The first 30 meters could be cleared for a house depending on the purchaser's taste. The town could require certain meterage of woodlot left for each lot." "The proposed plan suggests going south into the woods through the existing sewer easement. Road- ways would be c o nstn►ci0c' over the easements sold West Street would be extended to North Street and North Street extended west. The plan proposes woe kxs in the woods and three in open space." "1t all depends on gcuing the town's official plan amended, re- zoning the woodkx from open space to residential and the Drs. Munn getting plan of subdivision from the county. Thea sewer lines, waterlines and hydro will have to be utsttalkd by the doctors so they can yell them as serviced lots." When asked what the concerns of the MVCA were, Mr. Spivey said, "My interpretation is they want an assessment hent to determine what im- pact the houses would have an the viability of the remaining woodlot." Ministry of the Environment's Environmental Planner from the Environmental Assessment Branch, Serge Bastien, commented on en- vironmental impact assessment procedures from his Toronto office. "We are called to do assessments on major projects, and this 8.2 acre woodkx is not a major project," said Mr. Bastien. "Our ministry will be called on anyways to check the plans for the lot layout, sewers and services before we can give final approval to the plan. But we don't look at environmental impact as much as waste management plans." "Land use policies are needed to prevent problems end some of the problems we're concerned with are the abduy of the lots to fit proper sanitary systems, far CA/ample," Mr. Bastion ex lamed. "Our ministry is for an envirorlmeutal assessment over something controversial, such as a major high- 4wyayyhcorridor or nuclear site locations." "Our work with private sector plans is site specific and we loot at each case individually. We also look at things like the watershed area, storm water, erosion calmed by the cutdown and runoff. This is normal procedure for us. But an assailant is something else. For an aNMlment, and there arc dif- ferent kinds, someone has to go to the site and decide how the project can best be done." "It's unusual for us to do an environmental assessment on something the size of Munn's Bush and the best thing to do would be to have an impact study by a firm that specializes in these. If all ob- jections aren't settled, the matter could go to the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) for a hearing, and that would be expensive and slow." An engineering company from Waterloo, $ecoplans Ltd., has infor- mation *k ges pertaining to woodlot ey studies. Geoff Ganshore, consulting ecologist, said, "If the town wants to retain the woodlot badly enough they can through careful planning." "The edge trees are exposed to wind and sun but the interior trees are not. If the forest is opened tops THERE'S CASH IN THEM THAR DOGS - Larry Parker, manager of the Seaforth branch of the Toronto Dominion Bank, proudly presents a cheque for $1,008 to Seaforth Community Hospital CEO, Don Smith while the bank staff looks on. The 'dollars for dogs' were raised when TD held their annual hot dog day on June 15, serving up 82 dozen weinies to hungry Seaforthites, helping out the Hospital Building Fund. Elliott photo. How can you be a Crime Stopper? Many people wonder how they can call Crime Stoppers and receive a ,-ward while their identity remains unknown. When a "tipster" calls, they are given a personal identification code that they can use to call back and check on the prog- ress of their case, offer further information or claim a reward. If you are entitled to a reward, you choose a time and place for the cash payment and identify yourself with your personal identification code. To further protect your identi- ty, the reward can be paid by some- 'ne who does not come from the same part of the county that you do. You never give your nam( when you call, so there is' -no way for anyone to know who you are. Another thing that happens with Crime Stoppers is that a tipster will call a Crime Stroppers program in other areas to report crimes in Huron County. This way, if they feel the local coordinators might How to get your financial life in shape. •protection for mortgage, business, family income. disability or estate; •retirement planning, RRSP'e, RRIF'e, and annuities; •employee benefits and pension plans •investment, GICs, Mutual Funds and Registered Education Savings Plan •Term Deposits Call me: Tony G. Arta 107 Main St. N. Seaforth, Ont. Setiarth: 527Lades: 4.12-1g41 SunLife recognize their voice, tney uu tui. have to worry. The call will be relayed to the Huron County Crime Stoppers program. The majority of tipsters who call, about 90%, do not call and request a reward but rather to help stop crime within their community. It is a way for them to help clean up crime and remain anonymous. Many calls are in response to the caller having read a Crime Stoppers "Crime of the Week" newspaper article. They either know about the Crime in the article, or it reminded court. them of another crime that they do know about, prompting them to call. crime Stoppers is a community program meant to serve the area, but it requires public tips in order to work. If you have information about a crime, call CRIME STOPPERS OF HURON COUNTY, 1-800-265-1777. You will be eli- gible to receive a reward of up to $1000.00. You will never have to reveal your name nor appear in in the matter of the Ontario Heritage Act, 1980, R.S.O. Chapter 122. NOTICE OF INTENTION TO DESIGNATE TO: CITIZENS OF SEAFORTH DONALD AND CATHY PLETSCH ONTARIO HERITAGE FOUNDATION Take notice that the Council of the Corporation of the Town of Seaforth, on the 8th day of May, 1990, decided to designate the lands and buildings known municipally as The Pletsch Residence, 19 Sparling Street, as pro- perty of architectural and historical value or interest under The Ontario Heritage Act, 1980, R.S.O Chapter 122 SHORT STATEMENT OF THE REASONS FOR THE PROPOSED DESIGNATION PLETSCH RESIDENCE - Built in 1895, The Pletsch Residence is of red brick construction, and is notable at the exterior for the ornamental gables incorporating heavily carved brackets and trim The curved cast -stone window heads are of a unique design for this area, as are the curved stained glass window heads at the living room and upper hall The open ing to the front porch features a keyhole window Of particular interest is the exceptional interior front hall and trim which includes a leaded cut -glass front door, stained glass transom, sliding doors into the living room which have etched and handpainted floral motifs, 2 stained glass windows on the north wall of the stair, ono of which may be associated with the tradesman who prepared stained glass for the local Presbyterian church As well. there is also exceptional detail ing on the woodwork which includes a fully panelled stair. twisted spindles, ornamental surrounds for windows and doors with fan motif corner blocks, carved newels, and spindle work in the arch containing the sliding doors unto the living room The house also, is associated with I V Fear, who was involved +n the founding of the first telephone in Seaforth Notice of objection to the designation may be nerved on the Clerk with++, thirty days of the 20th day of June, 1990. Dated al Seaforth, this 12th day of June, 1990 JAMES CROCKER, AMCT CLERK -TREASURER ai floe can fall down or be Mown down, roots exposed and the trees stressed. That's the risk of buy trig a wooded lot." "'Through careful planning, though, these problems can be lessened. A woodkx the size of Munn's has aesthetic value and is a common wildlife habitat. Measures have to be followed to protect the remaining woodlot." "The location of the lots is impor- tant. Usually it's better to opal the east or north east side, not the youth. The west and south sides of the woodkx should be left alone to reduce impact. Prevailing westerly winds will bring wind damage to trees open on that side, and the south sun can scorch the open rtes." "'The grade of the land must be studied. If, for example, it is gently rolling the house lot grade must be matched with the woodlot grade. The watertable will be altered by the development. Complete water - tables have been depleted after development." "These are large lots and an ad- vantage to that is less housing. Each lot could have 25 per cent tree cover and that would retain more acreage of the woodlot. Homeowners usually would keep their yard wooded and if they wanted they could nestle a chain link fence around their property to prevent intrusions by the public." "A woodlot survey and tree saving plan would involve a day of field work at the site and some office work to complete a report. The cost would certainly not be $60,000 like someone suggested at the meeting, but rather more around the $5,000 mark for something of this size. These costs could be divided into the cost of the lots. Costs would go up if we had to attend meetings or go to an OMB hearing." Phil Beard of the MVCA said in a later interview, "the MVCA is not opposed to some development in the woodlot. We voiced an objec- tion because there's no information about the trees in the proposed plan." "A forester should look at the site and help decide where the lots should be cut. Many people don't realize the woodlot is part of our life support system." "We'll write a leuer to the county planning departrnent about our concerns and that we recommend a woodlot assessment. The plan can be prepared that identifies where locations of the building envelopes should be established so that die back of the trees doesn't occur. If the objective is to have residential lots in a woodlot setting, it must be designed to fit in with the woodlot. And for that you need a forester to assess and advise on it. This project started on the right track and should finish on the right track. Munn's Bush is over 70 years old and is a part of Seaforth's heritage." THE HURON EXPOSITOR, JULY 4 1990 9 • OBITUARIES GORDON WILLIS Gordon Willis of the Green Val- ley Manor, Poway, California. died on cit June 26, 1990. He was 85. The son of the laic W.G. Willis and the fomes Maude Willson, he is survived by his wife Azilee. Mr. Willis was processed by a sister, Mrs. Beth Bechely. . Funeral services were held at El Caruulu Mortuary , Sar Diego, Califunws. BIRTHS KERSEY - Bill and Linda wel- come with love to their hearts and their home a son, Patrick Gordon, born at Kitchener -Waterloo Hospital on June 20, 1990, 3:37 p.m. weighing 8 lbs. 6 ozs. Proud first- time grandparents are Juen Heard of Seaforth and Patrick and Joan Ker- sey of Halifax, Nova Scotia If you wish to secure a lifetime income from an RASP ur are intivest.0 in 00 101 RRSP wweetments al vr'y comp.bw rates c"Arnold J. Stinnissen 527-0410 � SunLife Wat•r Well DRILLING W.D. Hopper oed Sona 4 MODERN ROTARY 1110i Neil Owl 322-1737 $22-0S2S 1 • Usborne £ Hibbert Mutual Fire Insurance Company ',motor, Oster.* NOM 150 (Established in 1876) Provides Full Insurances Coverage for Form Properties New Applications Are Welcomed DIRECTORS 8 ADJUSTERS god► Harrigan R R 3 futon 227-1305 Lary Gordtn.r R.R 2 Sloito 345.2678 Lloyd Morrison R. R I St Marys 229-8771 Lorne Feeney R R 2 Dublin 345.2543 Jodi Hodg.rt R R t Kirkton 229-6152 Joseph Chaffs R R 5 Mitchell 348.9705 AGENTS Ross Hodgen Woodhom 229-6643 John Moore, Dublin 345-2512 Joseph Uma Mitchell 348.9012 Head Office. Exeter M-0350 Fire oxtlnnulshors for solo to our polity holders of below cost. Rohl. ore fro* - chock with your agent. VISA AINOIM GODERIC'H EXETER 524-6901 235-2202 FINISHING TOUCHES... • GREETING CARDS BY CAM.TON CARDS • GIFTWARE & BOWS • INVITATIONS ; WINDOW CONTEST WINNER .:ter The winner of the Seaforth BIA Window Decorating Contest was Sills Home Hardware. Above, Cathy Vida of the Seaforth BIA presents Jim Sills with a cow patty clock. The judges had a difficult time deciding on a winner, and felt honorable mentions should go out to: Primrose & Pinache; Stedmans; Kling's; Stewart Bros.; and Seaforth Automotive. Congratulations all merchants who participated! ATV MOUNTED WICK WEEDER Let W.G. Thompson and Sons help keep your fields clean by eliminating your milkweed problems Call us today Seaforth Hensel) Mitchell Ailsa Craig Granton Pt. Albert 345-2545 262-2527 348-8433 293-3223 225-2360 529-7901