Ontario Community Newspapers

Whitby Free Press, 7 Jun 1989, p. 1

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Singular representation urged North ward councillor Ross Batten wants singular represen- tation for Whitby at both the probincial and federal levels. South Whitby is now represen- ted provincially by Allan Furlong whiIe the north of Whitby is representedby Sam Cureatz. At the federal level, the south is represented by Rene Soetens and the north by Ross Stevenson. Batten said that is confusing to the public and should be changed. "We are the tail end of the ridings," said Batten. He decided Whitby had a pro- blem when he wanted to respond to comments made by Soetens in The Free Press about the landfill site issue. "I read Rene's comments and. went to look up his nurnber in the phone book and it was diffi- cult to find. I didn't know where to find him," said Batten noting Soetens has done his best to advertise his constituency office, which is located in JPickering Village. But Batten believes single representation for Whitby at both the federal and provincial levels would make it easier for the public, elected officials and council. "Local politicians' main con- cern is Whitby, but is it Rene's who also has to represent Ajax and Pickering?" 'Po correct the problem, Batten will ask council next Monday night to petition both the Pro- vince and federal governments to provide singular representation for Whitby. He expects his notice of motion to be approved by council but is unaware what will happen when both levels of government are notified of the decision. "At least we will have our concerns registered,"he said. Whitby was split up in 1986 when ridings were last redistri- buted. Town wants more facts about plan for destroyer SOS picnic CHAD BOLTON, 4, of Whitby, did the "tube crawl" at the Save Our Shore picnic held at Heydenshore Park Sunday. More than 200 people attended the .picnic. SOS is now waiting to appear before council when they wil present a petition with more than 1,700 names opposing the removal of a public walkway as part of the Coscan proposal for Port Whitby. Vince Ohprecio-Free Press photo By Mike Johnston Members of Whitby's ope- rations committee want more financial information from the Royal Canadian Naval Heritage Association before a decision is made on whether to allow the HMCS Ottawa, a St. Laurent Class destroyer, to be berthed in Port Whitby. The group announced its plans earlier this year te the Town but received a setback when plan- ning department recommended that council not support the move. The association had asked for time to answer the department's concerns and they presented those answers Monday night. Norman Galka informed the Town of the benefits of the ship and possible user groups. Howe- ver, councillors still want more financial information. "We need a lot more hard facts. You have to lay out the financial feasibility," said regip- nal councillor Tom Edwards. Galka provided councillors with some of the costs associated with the ship - $175,000 annually for salaries, $71,000 for equipment, $56 for annual main- tenance - but ie did not give figures on available funding. Galka replied that the ship which he said is te be designated as a heritaee ship, will receive federal funding after it is decom- missioned in 1991. But Galka told committee he is caught in a catch-22 situation. "Before you can get the ship you have to have tbe berth and before you can get the fundin you have to have the ship," said Gaîka who said the Canadian Naval Board will be discussing the association's proposition June 10. If the board approves the plan, Galka said a eivate M bers Bill would then be introduced in Parliament to declare the des- troyer a historical ship. "This ship would be like Fort Henr and Fort York in Toronto and ngston," said Galka. But while councillors were generally enthusiastic about the proposal, they repeatedly asked Gaika about financing of the shi ' e need more. We need to know the lon e economic abi- lity of this ship to carry itself,» said regional councillor Marcel Brunelle. The main conern of the plan- ning department was the econo- mic feasibility of the ship to support itself. The department noted that if there was a finan- cial problem, the Town might have to get involved and assume financiai responsibility. Galka, however, said that would not happen. "She will ha financed to the hilt. The whole idea is to make the ship self-sufficient," said Galka. During his prrsentation he in- dicated parts of the ship would be leased to various organiza- tions such as the Canadian Coast Guard, RCMP, OPP, Canadian Reserve Forces and Canada Cus- toms and Immigration. Four-more buses wanted «We have seen only the costs. There is no assessmentf of in- come," said Edwards. Committee asked the associa- tion to meet with planning department and discuss further financial implications. Other concerns of the depart- ment were the compatibility of the ship at the harbor and park- ing availability. Galka did not see compatibility as a problem as he noted the harbor was built as a maritime area. He also indicated there was parking available at the GO station, Heydenshore and Iro- quois park, which would be within a short walking distance of where the ship would be berthed, near the old pumping station. The HMCS Ottawa is a 280-ft. Canadian destroyer, and was ori- ginally named HMCS Griffen. Planning department is to report back to committee after the meeting. By MikeJohnston buses from GO Transit ata rent Wednesday, June 14 from 6 to 9 He also criticized Whitby The purchase of four new 40-ft. of $100 per day per bus. p.m. at the minicipa building to Transit, noting it had a repu- buses at a cost of $925,000 was The new buses will be used get conments on te new routes. tation for the highest "dead recommended by Whitby's e- when the Town's new peak hours Crowley bas also recommen- head" time i the Province. rations committeé Monday niglt. go into eflect. ded fares be incased fhr aduits cre Cowle was eferingoyingh The buses are expected to be The peak time period schedule to $1 from 70 cents, student tue wben Whitbys buses travel subsidized to the cost of $693,00 was resented to committee by fares would go to $1 fro 55 back and forth to Bowmanville by the Province. The Town would David Crowley of Tranplan Asso- cents and seniors' fares increase where they are now stored. pay the remaining $231,250 from ciates who bas been studying the to 50 cents from 45 cents. the development reserve fund. Town's transit schedule for the He also recommended the He bas recommended. the The buses are required to im- past few months fares not be increased until the, Town construct a bus depot air plement the Town's new transit Crowley told committee the 'new schedule is operating effi- within its borders. schedule on Monday, Aug. 21 pak hours'of 5:45 te 9 a.m. and ciently Crowley said his next step is this year.3to 7:20 p.m. will see six bus now tofme tune the times by pages 26-27 But because the buses will not routes, each operating on a 20- «Give people the service ad travelling the new routes. be available by thén, committee minute time destination then increase the price," said He wil1 report back te commit- gave approval te eaci~ four A public meeting will be eld Crowleyt the public meeting. when th Town's new peak.hours 930 more to be bused see page 5

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