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Page 6, Whitby Free Press, Wednesday, January 20, 1993 The only Whitby Newspaper owned and operated by Whitby residents for Whitby residents! Published every Wednesday by 677209 Ontario Inc. at 131 Brock St. N., Whitby, Ontario L1 N 5S1 Phone 668-6111 Toronto Line 427-1834 Doug Anderson - Publisher Maurice Pifher - Editor Alexandra Martin - Production Manager 2nd Class Postal Registration #05351 To the editor,... Ironic, isn't it? To the Editor: Whitby council recently criticized Durham Region's planning committee for not supporting their position on the issue of the proposed location of the freeway link in west Whitby. The province, in its non-wisdom, is proposing an eight-lane freeway link between the 401 and the future 407, right near a built-up residential area. i have to question the reasoning of the Region in making the decision to support the province when it is very apparent that several other routes are both environmentally and economically more sensible (but that's the politics of non-reasoning). Having served on Whitby council while the proposed routes were brought forward for review, it was obvious several other alternatives would have made more sense, and would have satisfied both Ajax and Whitby. What is more puzzling is the decision as where this link goes. It has absolutely no bearnng or Events were a success To the Editor: On behalf of the Whitby General Hospital Auxiliary, I would like to thank you' and the staff of the Whitby Free Press for coverage iven to us for our recent fundraisi events, Fall Sweater Sale onO .22 and Mini Bazaar and Bake Sale on Dec. 3. Both events proved to be a great success in spite of the tough economic times, raising a total of $2,359, and we wish to ektend our thanks to everyone for their help and support. Our Christmas raffle draw held Dec. 17 raised an additional $700 for the hospital. Joan Harvey Public Relations Generous contributions To the Editor: The Volunteer Association of Whitby Psychiatric Hospital would like to extend sincere thanks to each and everyone who contributed so generously to the Volunteer-a-Wish tree-lighting event and the annual Christmas gift drive. As we enter a new year, perhaps you have given some thought to volunteering in some capacity. To learn more about a unique volunteer opportunity, give us a call at 668-5881, ext. 5292. Our wishes for a very Happy New Year. Joanne H. Ashley Director, Volunteer Services impact on other municipalities, so rejecting Whitby's request makes no sense at all. i recall the position taken by the Region with regard to the open-space areas of west Whitby when discussion first began on the Region's new official plan. An eight-lane highway is now proposed to go right through the area that Region planning staff wanted to protect from development. Ironic, isn't it? The real issue is not whether the Region is supporting Whitby's position because, even if the Region did, the position of the province is what really counts, and it won't change until there is a return to a 'common sense' style government in Ontario. lt's only then, when our elected off icials will again be able to present a case based on facts, that we may be able to change the outcome. Whitby has every right to be upset with the decision and councillors should not be afraid to demand the attention of their elected provincial member. For Whitby not to have had the opportunity to make their case is more a matter of neglect or, perhaps, fear of reprisai from his own NDP government by our provincial MPP Drummond White. On the positive side of this issue, it may take 25 to 30 years before the link actually goes ahead. Considering we have a provincial election coming up in two years, it is not impossible to have the matter reconsidered. Until then, let's not give up just • yet. Lynda Buffett Former Whltby councillor Support is appreciated To the Editor: On behaif of the Whitby McDonald's Restaurant, I would like to thank all the people of Whitby who donated gifts to our annual 'Gift of Christmas' toy drive. h is only with the support of such people that the toy drive is a success, and it is the less fortunate children of Durham Region who benefit. Even in these economic times, it is good to see that people still care and give. i would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at St. Paul's, the 16th Whitby brownies and especially the Whitby Firefighters, local 2036 for their continuing support. Ray Glichrist Owner/Operator McDonald's Restaurant Whitby Viewpoint A part of the solution By Stephen G. Leahy For every important issue in the town or region, be it the location of garbage dumps, new superhighways or another strip plaza, there are ordinary people who are opposed to the project or its location. Most often, the citizens who become involved in these kind of local issues are those who wili be most affected. Gererally termed NIMBYs (not in my backyard), their primary objective is to get whatever project proposed as far away as possible from where they live. Examples of this are everywhere -- put the proposed dumps in Pickering or Newcastle but leave Whitby alone; move the proposed 401/407 link away from my neighbourhood and put it further west in someone else's neighbourhood. Citizens from differing communities or neighbourhoods end up fighting each other and confusing the hell out of the politicians. Whatever decision is made, some group of people is unhappy and angry at their elected representatives. Unfortunately, in all the yelling, the basic questions of whether the proposed project was necessary, still made sense or could be done ariother way, doesn't get asked. The objective of most citizens faced with a dump or highway 50 metres from their back door is to get it moved, or move themselves. We can't keep pushing or running way from these problems. We need to question the basic reasons as tu why we are so often faced with decisions about whose neighbourhood gets wrecked this time. Fortunately, there are more and more ordinary people forming local volunteer groups to look at the basic problems and do something about it so that everyone benefits. One of those groups, Durham Environmental Network, has just produced 'A Household Guide to Waste Reduction and Recycling in the Durham Region.' The guide throughout its 46 pages has hundred of tips, ideas and practical suggestions on how the residents of Durham can reduce. reuse and recycle household waste. For instance, the guide shows what to do and where you can dispose of oil, antifreeze and tires; where to take plastic, pop can tabs or propane cylinders; shows you how to make safe and effective alternatives to cleaners and pesticides; lists charitable organizations and their needs for used clothing, linens, kitchenware, toys and so on. The guide also relates how to save money by listing many places where one can rent ail sorts of things; or get broken things repaired, saving on the hefty cost of buying something new. (Our VCR was broken and instead of saving up for a new one, we got the old one fixed for only $50.) The guide was produced and distributed by Durham Environ- mental Network (DEN) volunteers. DEN is a non-profit organization made up of ordinary people who want to do something positive about the region's environmental problems. Since the only real solution to any problem involving garbage is to dramatically reduce the amount of garbage each of us produces, DEN decided to produce the guide to help residents reduce. Taking things one step beyond recycling, the short booklet aiso shows us how we can make a big impact on our garbage production by reducing, reusing, renting and repairing. DEN's volunteers, through discussion, education and co-operation, are creating positive solutions to fundamental issues such as waste management, energy production and conservation, preservation of green space and air and water quality throughout the region. Groups such as DEN know that moving problems around the province isn't the solution, nor can we keep running away from them. We have to face the problems, understand what is involved, communicate with politicians, business interests and with each other. As we all learn, we find new solutions or alternatives. In moving away from "l'm right, your wrong" confrontations, we gain the strength from working together so that eeryone wins -- including our environent. Copies of 'A Household Guide to Waste Reeduction and Recycling in Durham Region' will be avaliable in Whitby, starting in February, at Information Whitby, 900 Brock St. S., The Book Between, 113-8 Dundas St. W., My Dad's Store, 116 Brock St. S., Canada Trust on Thickson Rd. S., Parky's 2nd Hand, 118 Dundas St. W. and Oshawa Garder Centre, 5515 Thickson Rd. -N., Brooklin. DEN can be contacted by phoning 416-509-3156 (Pickering). Opinions expressed are those of the author. To the editor... Outraged To the Editor: An open letter to Brian Mulroney. On Oct. 26, 1992 the people of Canada said 'No' to your constitutional reform package. The revised constitution had not even hit the bottom of the waste basket when you and your cronies were already going about implementing the defeated Charlottetown Accord on a piecemeal basis. On the last Friday before Christmas recess, with only 20 members in the House, you had the audacity to arnend our constitution and entrench New Brunswick's official bilingualism legislation into the Canadian constitution. I am absolutely outraged at your arrogant flaunting of the expressed will of the Canadian people. You may have the legal right to do this dastardly deed, but just because it is legal doesn't mean it is right. Either you can't hear and can't read, or you and your government are utterly bankrupt of any moral principles. i will leave it to the voters to decide. I know you will say that New Brunswick approved the Charlottetown Accord, but i say to you, "so whatr; it is not New Brunswick's constitution you have revised, it is Canada's. That means that all Canadians should make the decision. Will you never learn? Frank McKenna has made his deal and now he gets road funding. Brian, it will be interesting to see who you invite to the next taping of 'Let's Make a Deal.' Garth Wunsch President Ontario ProvIncial Confederatilon of Reglons Party