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SECTION TWO WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14,1990 W Canadian ^ ta teaman Durham Region's Great Family Journal Established 136 years ago in 1854 Also Incorporating The Bowman ville News The Newcastle Independent The Orono News Second Class mail registration number 1561 Produced weekly by James Publishing Company Limited 62 King Street West, Bowmanville, Ontario L1C 3K9 416-1 (+5Na cn 623-3303 Fax 416-623-6161 John M. James Editor - Publisher Peter Parrott Associate Editor Richard A. James Associate Publisher Brian Purdy Mat - Donald Bishop Advertising Mgr. Plant Mgr. All layouts and composition of advertisements produced by the employees of James Publishing Company Limited are protected by copyright and may not be reproduced without the permission of the publisher. Subscription Rates _ Six Months-- $11.00 One Year--$20.00 Foreign -- $60.00 per year Although every precaution will be taken to avoid error, The Canadian Statesman accepts advertising its Its columns on the understanding that It will not be liable lor any error In the advertisement published hereunder unless a proof o! such advertisement Is requested In writing by the advertiser and returned to The Canadian Statesman business office duly signed by (he advertiser and with such error or corrections plainly noted In writing thereon, and In that case K any error so noted Is ntk corrected by The Canadian Statesman Its liability shall not exceed such a portion of the entire cost of such advertisement as the space occupied by the noted error bears to the whole space occupied by such advertisement. Parking Problem Costly Probably, many citizens of our town have been wondering, as we have, why the parking meters located on the lot alongside tne fire station on the north side of Church St. are hooded with red plastic bags. We've finally learned why. And it s quite a story. You will recall the storm that erupted when Provincial Treasurer Bob Nixon came up with a tax on all municipally owned and metered parking lots. He said he needed the money to pay for work on area roads. Whitby council decided to try an end run to avoid the tax by removing meters from their lots, making them free, and doubling, the fees on street meters. Incidentally, they were still doing it, last we heard, although there were problems. ...Here, council took a different approach sponsored by Councillor Ken Hooper with an assist from Councillor Lariy Hannah. Town staff were being allowed free parking on the Silver St. lot and others, so it was moved and approved that free employees parking be concentrated exclusively on the Church St. North lot. And that all meters there be removed, so the lot would not be subject to the provincial Commercial Concentration tax. This move saved the town $17,651.50. The $8,741.00 tax still had to be paid on the Silver St. lot and another $23,392.000 on the Division St. lot. The town is now waiting for the required signs stipulating that the Church St. north side lot is for the exclusive use of town staff plus fire fighting personnel Monday to Friday, inclusive.When the signs have been erected, the red plastic bags will be removed. You will note that we haven't dealt with the right or wrong of providing free parking for town employees. That's a controversial subject by itself. But, probably there won't be as many' citizens complaints now with the new arrangement. Taxpaying citizens won't find all parking spaces filled by cars with free employee stickers on them, while they have to pay. What a Novel Idea! Our hat's off to the bright person or persons who came up with one of the best Public Relations ideas we've heard of in recent months. We're referring, of course, to the Troubleshooter program launched this week by the General Motors dealers in Durham Region. It's unique and a free service that will be deeply appreciated by.the motoring public. Picture yourself, sitting on the side of the road, your car out of gasoline or stalled for some other reason that most of us would know nothing about. You are late for work, missing an apppointment or it's happening on. your way home and your wife will be worrying about your whereabouts. You sit there cursing your fate or neglect, you're mad at yourself for not getting that cellular phone from Ted Dennys Radio Shack, so you'd be able to call Bob's Towing or Brock's for help. You are also wondering how far you'll have to walk ■ to the nearest phone and, naturally it's raining and ' you left your raincoat at home. .'. Just as your mental state reaches the depths of despair, along comes a messenger of mercy disguised as a knowledgeable respresentative from the General Motors dealers. He knows what he is doing and even has a can of gasoline, if that's all you need. If his expertise or on the spot equipment isn't adequate for the needed repairs, he has one of those cellular phones to provide a pipeline for help. Or, maybe you would like to call home or the office to let them known where you are. Now, wouldn't that be great? . We shall follow the progress if this innovative project with anticipation because we have a fetish for exploring impassible roads and finding ourself sort of up a creek without a paddle, as they say. We also cover quite a bit of local territory in our quest for news stories and photos, so, there's a better than average possibility that we shall meet one of those two roving GM helpmates in our travels. No doubt they will have many roads to cover each seven hour day throughout the region, but sooner or later, we'd almost bet./we'll meet on the road. Good luck to them, the service sounds great and sorely needed. May we suggest that readers would be well advised to read the information carefully in the advertisements this week about this terrific event. Who Speaks for Us? They go by many different names. They are sometimes called ratepayers' groups or citizens' associations. But their goal is to keep watch on local government. ; 'i,We need just such an organization in Bowmanville. a!-For that matter, any of the communities communities within our municipality might do .well to form citizen committees which will protect the common interests interests of each local community. And, in some areas, such groups already exist. Unfortunately, not in Bowmanville. à-iBowmanville has no shortage of community organizations. But these are specialized groups established for a specific purposes. There are church" groups, fraternal clubs, service organizations, organizations, a business improvement area board, and recreational groups. But there is not one organization which might be available to monitor the local government scene and make recommendations, recommendations, launch petitions, raise objections objections or even give local government a pat on the back when one is deserved; deserved; Hero is why we think some form of ratepayers' organization is necessary in Bowmanville: Firstly, we are faced with the reality reality of big government in our fair town. Our purpose here is not to argue the merits of big government. But the reality reality is that an individual has less of a chance getting across his or her ideas if he or she speaks only for himself amidst a bewildering maze of offices, regulations, and agendas. There is nothing wrong with rugged individualism. individualism. But there is also a certain amount of safety in numbers, An individual citizen will lind it difficult difficult to fully understand the complexities complexities of local government not because he or she is incapable of understanding understanding such things but because he or she is an amateur and local government is now in the big leagues. '"■'A ratepayers' group could divide up the' workload and more adequately •V'HU monitor events taking place in the Town of Newcastle's local government. A ratepayers' group could provide a forum where ideas contrary to the will of the local powers-that-be could be freely expressed. Such an organization would allow people to gain insights and knowledge about local government and possibly run for public office at some time in the Mure. Where else can potential office-holders gain the political experience experience and general knowledge needed to run for election? Best of all, a ratepayers' association would help keep alive the local identity identity of our community. Whereas Newcastle's Newcastle's Town Council must rightfully represent interests of all residents of the municipality, a ratepayer association association can be a forum for local concerns. In suggesting the need for a local citizens' association, we arc certainly not criticizing local councillors for the job they arc doing. Rather, wo arc suggesting suggesting that they could do an even better better job if they worked in co-operation with on informed, progressive, productive productive and interested group of citizens. Some might suggest that it is up to the local newspapers to ensure that citizens are adequately informed. This is true. But, what happens when citizens citizens wish to take action over some of, the issues they may have heard about or read of? Where do they start? Where do they turn? They could turn to a local citizens' committee if wo had one. One individual can try to piny a role in local government through attending meetings, telephoning his or her councillor councillor or providing input in some other fashion. But, in this day of big government, it appears as though a distinct organization organization is needed to communicate with the government. And that is why Bowmanville needs a citizens' committee. Who will lake up the challenge of starting ono? Reception was Rude Ah, The Country Life... (Intended for last week) Dear John: What a rude reception about a third of the taxpayers taxpayers got last Monday at tne Council meeting! "Get the Police Out, Don't let them in out of the cold, not even in the Hallway. (Freeze)! I do hope they all remember next time there is a vote to be cast. Council (knew very well what the people are looking for. It's a chanCe to vote which was denied them by the Davjs Gov't, when we had Regional Gov't shoved down our throats, which increased increased our taxes. Oh yes, I know all about it. Now, you .have to go over to Whitby and be insulted and get on your knees and beg for anything. anything. Take your pocket book and lots of money with you. The only town in the area gets brushed off and a village village gets the nod. They take over our Town Hall and call it Newcastle. You are now to E ay your taxes to Newcastle. ' it had not been for the boys at the Legion, they would have removed the Cenotaph too. The boys stopped that in a hurry. They then proceeded to tear down the Town Hall, replacing replacing it with an expensive monstrosity which cost upwards upwards of five or six millions of taxpayers money. They have renamed everything possible except the water tower and would have done that if it hadn't been for Water Rundle. We can hardly wait for them to rename the Bowmanville Hospital, because everyone born now comes out with a certificate "Born in Newcastle." Newcastle." Nice to hear that Cour- tice is getting a post office of its own once again, which they had back in the thirties. thirties. You people up that way had better watch out or they will probably call your new office Newcastle. Your damned right I'm mad and only one thing will soothe me, and that is to be living back in the place where my father worked in the post office for 63 years - Bowmanville - where I have lived for nearly 75 years. Speaking for the Town of Newcastle, Bob Willsher told Council that he believes believes the present name (Newcastle) is supported by the majority of the town's population, estimated at 42,000.1 wonder if he talked to any of the 6,000 petitioners petitioners in Bowmanville or any of the hundreds who have phoned me. Most of them think he was set up by something from outer space. All for now. Robert Kent Andi e a Adair Letter Writer Not Sure of Hometown Beginning in June and carrying on until October I'm going to be watching a lot of brides make the trip down the aisle. At last count, the B rand total of weddings I ave to attend during that time is five. Ten people, in other words, are taking that big financial plunge, losing the freedom they once had to make frivolous purchases on a whim. Ten people sharing car payments, grocery bills and bank accounts. But let's just ignore for a second what all those happy people's future will be like. The wedding bills and other costs of starting out together amount to big numbers that I'm sure I cannot even pretend to relate to. Let's instead think about what attending five weddings will mean for your average columnist. First, you have to worry worry about accommodations for these weddings. One of the weddings is in Northern Ireland, so I'm looking at some heavy duty expenses just getting there. Two of the remaining four are also out of town. So, that means making a weekend out of the nuptials. nuptials. It means a hotel and meals. Ignoring the trip overseas, overseas, I'm ■ estimating spending at least $100 on each weekend away. Prior to actually attending attending the weddings though, there are showers showers and parties tg attend. . Women .always -h old at least a couple of showers for the brides. ' Gifts are becoming more elaborate and expensive expensive too, running the gamut from personal items to kitchen appliances. appliances. W Wedding gifts can also be placed in the category of elaborate, expensive and wide-ranging. My big problem is that I'm not married, have no inclination inclination of being, so in the near future and have no idea what one needs when one becomes two. I'm not complaining though, weddings are a lot of fun. I get to see many good friends I haven't seen in a while. My friends that are getting married this year are all important to me and I would have been hurt if I wasn't asked to attend. But thé "big" problem with having five weddings weddings in five months is the fact that it does get to . be a tad expensive. Especially Especially since I have to have a new outfit for each. One can't wear the a wedding in October. Canada just doesn't have the climate for such a move. New dresses mean new shoes to go with each. (Okay, well maybe not with each but at least one or two new pairs.) Arrangements, showers, showers, wedding gifts and outfits are expenses eve- S yone who goes to a wed- ing has and something everyone likes to complain complain about. But, in two respects, I consider myself lucky. First, I'm not in any of the wedding parties so I won't have to pay for bridesmaid dresses. Anyone Anyone who has éver been in a wedding knows these dresses are only worn once. And the second bright spot? At least I don't have to find a date to SIX weddings. weddings. dress one wore in July to Master Plan Taking Shape for Area's Trash (Intended for last week) Mr. James: In reference to the Petition Petition and the Council meeting meeting held at the Newcastle Town Hall on Mon., Feb. 26, 1990.1 have never seen such a display as this by Councillors Councillors and the Mayor of the Town. I feel that Mr. Ron Hooper Hooper was badly used when he was the delegate or spokesman spokesman for the Petitioners. I also feel that Mr. R. Hooper gave his presentation veiy well, then was put on the spot by a Councillor who was for the change one month ago. Sir, I cannot see why we needed Police at this meeting meeting or why they cut off the entrance of Bowmanville citizens. citizens. We, as taxpayers, built this building and pay the wages of our Town Fathers. Fathers. I was raised in Bowmanville Bowmanville and my life_in Bowmanville Bowmanville has been enjoyable, up to recently. My family were pioneers in this Town and I don't think they would appreciate appreciate the way it- has turned out. I look around and it makes me damned angry when everything I look at says Newcastle - on Problems our Hydro tracks, our Fire trucks, etc. I now see a sign on Liberty Liberty St. - Newcastle Gardens. Gardens. Also, when you enter the town, the sign says "You are now entering the Community Community of Newcastle." And I see by The Statesman Statesman that the new development development between Lamb's Road and Bennett Road is going to be called "Newcastle-On- The-Lake." Mr. James, I am damned sick of having Newcastle shoved down my throat. I am a Bowmanvilleite and always always will be. Î do have one alternative, I will know who to vote for next time as I don't like making the same mistake twice. I go up Temperance St. and I see the Newcastle Town Hall. I look across the street and there I see the Bowmanville Post Office. Now, this is enough to get anyone confused. I would like someone to explain why a Newcastleite showed up to make his concerns concerns known when he does not even live in. Bowmanville. Bowmanville. Yours Truly, Chas. A. Kilpatrick Seeking Solutions to Garbage by Andrea Adair McLaren Engineers are at the second step in their search for solutions to Durham Durham Region's garbage problems. problems. At this point, engineers are eliminating areas that would be unsuitable for waste processing or disposal facilities. Linda Boeheim, from McLaren, explained that the first step in the process was to inventoiy the significant land areas in the Region. Now they are looking at the areas that would be affected affected by a landfill site or an energy from waste facility (EFW). These "constrained" areas areas are removed from further consideration for a landfill or EFW facility. Bowmanville Meeting The public learned about constraint mapping and how the study reached this stage at a meeting held by tne Public Liaison Committee at Bowmanville High School last week. Roughly 25 people people wore in attendance. In 1988, Durham Region decided to prepare a Master Plan study to look at managing managing its waste for the next 20 years and beyond. Studios taken prior to this ono, indicated that both landfill and recycling initiatives initiatives would always bo needed needed for waste. Jon Rond, also from McLaren, said by 1992 Durham Durham will have diverted 25 per cent of its garbage from landfill sites* The goal of diverting diverting 50 per cent by the year 2000 will require additional additional efforts. Throe systems being considered considered in the study on longterm longterm waste management nil roly on a landfill site and the recycling program. These systems include a landfill site and the recycling recycling program; a landfill with a small energy from waste facility plus the throe R'e program; and a landfill with a largo energy from waste facility and the throe R's program. Landfill Needed Landfill may not bo a popular aspect of waste management today but, Mr. Read said, "you are always going to need a landfill..." The size of the site is determined determined by the success of recycling recycling programs and other waste reduction methods. To establish a landfill site today, he explained, takes years and money because because it has to go through a master plan process. He added that sites built today have stricter regulations regulations surrounding them. For example there is constant constant monitoring of ground and surface water ns well ns monitoring of the air quality. quality. Fences, berms, recycling activity and a leachate collection collection facility are all things one would expect to see at a landfill site today. "Landfill still will be the cheapest alternative" for reducing reducing waste, Mr. Rend stated. stated. But the cost for waste disposal disposal is not the main consideration. consideration. The potential effects on the public's health and safety safety and the cfleet on the environment environment arc ranked highest in the consideration of the development of now of land- fill areas. Energy from Waste The EFW facility is looked at with the same concerns concerns in mind, This typo of facility burns waste with an end product of ash and steam. The steam, Mr. Read said, can bo sold for electricity. Emissions, fly nsli and ash remaining from burning are all concerns people have with EFW sites. Mr. Rond said the trend in the past years has been to develop clonn-up equipment to put on incinerators. "You can produce a relatively relatively clean omission from an incinerator," ho said adding adding though that the omission never will bo totally clean. Ninety-live per cent of tho ash left over aller burning burning is not harmful and can bo disposed at a municipal landfill site. Tho remaining live per cent of the ash, called "fly ash" is toxic and has to be taken to a hazardous waste treatment facility. As a recycling municipality, municipality, Durham has never had to landfill any of the products received in the blue box program. program. Ken Donnelly, from Durham Durham Region, said the markets markets aren't ns strong as they once were and the Region isn't getting the same revenues revenues it once did. But, slowing slowing down with the programs wasn't something ever un- Bog der consideration. Some of the pilot projects the Region was going to implement implement were put temporarily temporarily on hold until the markets for the products stabilized Dealing with landfill and the EFW building has brought McLaren to the stage of eliminating certain areas. Areas that were considered considered constraints to landfill development were geologic/ hydrogeological constraints such ns the Oak Ridges Aquifer Aquifer Complex, bog and swamp deposits and sand/ gravel surficial deposits. Constraints Land use constraints considered considered were urban areas, Indian Reserves and hazard lands (floodplains). The third constraint was matters of the natural environment: environment: parks, wetlands, wildlife habitats. Features of the land use and the natural environment environment constraints are all common when it concerns the EFW facility. However, the EFW could be placed in an industrial area of town because it is like an industry. industry. Ms Boeheim said the EFW wouldn't be located in a residential area and to reduce reduce emissions they placed a one kilometre zone around the facility. Whatever method is chosen, chosen, representatives stressed it will be for Durham's Durham's use only. The next step in the process process is to identify candidate sites. Durham Region's Public Liaison Commiltoo hold a mooting in Bowmanvillo last wook to inform tho public public about tho progross of tho master plan for garbage disposal in tho Durham Region. Gail Lnwlor. tho public public participation co-ordinator and Ralph Blank, tho PLC chairman wore on hand to help answer questions about tho commiltoo while questions about tho study wore lidded by representatives from McLaren Engineers. Engineers. v y l,iii:i