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2 - Orono Weekly Times Wednesday, June 29, 2005 Subscriptions $32.71 + $2.29 GST = $35.00 per year. Publications Mai Registration No. 09301 • Agreement No. 40012366 Publishing 48 issues annually at the office of publication. "We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Publications Assistance Program (PAP) toward our mailing costs " CanadS Aocna ORONO WEEKLY TIMES- 5310 Man St., P.O. Box 209, Orono, ON LOB 1M0 Emai: oronotimesOrogers.com or Phone/Fax 905-983-5301 Publisher/Editor Margaret Zwart Sports and Display Advertising - Donna Wood Front Office and Qassified Advertising - Rosey Bateman The Orono Weekly Times welcomes letters to the editor on subjects of interest to our readers. Opinions expressed to the editor and articles are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Orono Weekly times. Letters must be signed and contain the address and phone number of the writer. Any letter considered unsuitable will not be acknowledged or returned. Wé reserve the right to edit for length, Ibel and slander. If your retail or classified ad appears for the first time, please check carefully. Notice of an error must be given before the next issue goes to print. The Orono Weekly Times will not be responsble for the loss or damage of such items. The people have spoken When Clarington Council approved the hiring of Monteith Brown Planning Consultants last March, it was for a list of components to be considered in a new recreation facility in the eastern area of the municipality. municipality. Monteith Brown conducted their research, and recommended recommended that a new Twin Pad Arena be built in Newcastle. According to the consultant's findings, the existing area in Newcastle is old, lacks modem amenities amenities and is operationally not as efficient as a twin pad facility. Monteith Brown was also asked to identify capital and operating cost scenarios of the various facility components identified, and identify the potential impact a new recreational facility in Newcastle could have on existing facilities. The report was delivered last Monday, and while councillors were surprised by Monteith Brown's recommendation recommendation to build the twin pad arena in the first phase and the pool in another ten years, they all voted in favour of it. Apparently folks in Newcastle were surprised by council's support of the report. Especially since Newcastle residents have been told by some councillors, councillors, and the Mayor, that Newcastle would be getting a new swimming pool when the Municipal recreation wave hit them next. Monteith Brown was paid $39,000 by the municipality municipality for their in-depth study and report on a new recreational facility for Newcastle. This week, councillors rejected Monteith Brown's recommendation, and went with their original concept--a concept--a new indoor swimming pool for Newcastle. The people have spoken. Too bad they weren't heard before Monteith Brown was hired to do their study. Staying in Touch MPP John O'Toole Happy Canada Day! I look forward to attending attending Canada Day celebrations across Durham Riding July 1. While June 21 may be the official first day of summer, for many or us, the Canada Day holiday is the real beginning of summer. Congratulations to the volunteers volunteers across Durham Riding who take the time each year to organize special events celebrating the anniversary of confederation. confederation. In my view, there is a growing interest in Canada Day events among citizens of all ages. As citizens, we have a right and an obligation obligation to work for a better community, a better province and a better country. country. But, we also must not lose sight of the enormous advantages we enjoy as Canadians. Our country's natural resources and environmental environmental treasures, our respect for others, our education, education, healthcare and infrastructure, infrastructure, our freedom of expression, freedom of faith and conscience as well as opportunities in work and leisure are all cause for celebration. celebration. Have a happy Canada Day and a safe and enjoyable enjoyable summer. New consumer laws take effect July 30 Ontario's consumers arc just one month away from new consumer protection laws that offer greater simplicity simplicity and stronger protection. protection. This is a follow-up to legislation introduced by the Progressive Conservative government under The Consumer Protection Act 2002. Ensuring costs of home renovations or moving services services do not exceed a written estimate by more than 10 per cent and the prohibition of negative-option billing are two of the new regulations. In addition, there is a 10-day cooling off period for those who sign agreements with fitness, dance and vacation clubs as well as timeshares and most door-to-door contracts contracts worth more than $50. Under the new rules, advance payments for loan brokers and credit repair are prohibited. When leasing, a disclosure statement must be given to the lessee before entering the lease or before accepting payment. When credit is provided, the lender must disclose the cost of borrowing. Stronger enforcement enforcement penalties include maximum maximum fines of $50,000 for individuals, and a maximum fine of $250,000 for a corporation. corporation. The maximum prison sentence is two years less a day. Further information is available from the provincial government's e-laws web site at www.e-laws.gov.oh.ca. We would also be pleased to provide more information if you contact our Constituency Constituency Office at (905) 697- 1501 or 1-800-661-2433. Largest farms face new nutrient management rules The provincial government says proposed changes to animal waste management rules under the Nutrient Manage-ment Regulation announced June 21 will mean more flexibility for the development of farmers' nutrient management strategics. strategics. However, all existing large livestock operations must submit a nutrient management management strategy by July 1, 2005, and be in full compliance compliance by December 31, 2005. In announcing nutrient management management rules last week, the province claimed that it is easier for large livestock farms to comply with waste management rules because available assistance has been increased, along with the application deadline for certain certain costs. Up to $60,000 in provincial funding will be available for each eligible farm unit, increased from $45,000. Up to 90 per cent government cost-sharing is available when coupled with federal funding under the Canada-Ontario Farm Stewardship Stewardship Program. Maximum amounts for many eligible items will also be increased. Over the next two years, a short list of nutrient management management standards will be developed. These could eventually apply to all farms in Ontario beginning in 2008. Ontario's farmers have consistently asked that there be adequate provincial funding funding for nutrient management programs and full consultation consultation with farmers. I will continue continue to monitor this program program ensuring the government government listens to Ontario farmers. farmers. Your comments and observations are welcome.