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14 - PORT PERRY STAR - Tuesday, July 16, 1991 "Scugog's Community Newspaper of Choice" Walker property sold to Conservation area James Walker doesn't think he should be praised for what he's done. For 57 years, Mr. Walker, his wife Olwen and a few staff and volunteers, planted more than two million trees on a 1,061- acre parcel of land just outside Scugog Township. On Thursday the Ministry of Natural Resources held a press conference at the Walker prop- erty to announce the purchase of the land by the Metro Toron- toand Region Conservation Au- thority (MTRCA). Officials praised Mr. Walker for his foresight and dedication in turning the barren waste- land on environmentally sensi- tive land into a forest three times the size of Toronto's High Park. "It is the best forest operation in Southern Ontario," said Lar- ry O'Connor, Durham-York MPP and legislative assistant to Environment Minister Ruth Grier. "Mr. Walker planted decidu- ous and coniferous trees, creat- ing an extensive area for wild- life and protecting the groundwater resources in this portion of the Oak Ridges Mo- raine," Mr. O'Connor said. "You shouldn't get praised for something you've enjoyed so much," Mr. Walker said mod- estly, adding praise should only be given to those who have ac- complished goals through suf- fering. The moraine, a sand and gravel ridge deposited by gla- ciers during the last ice age, is the source of many watercours- es, including the eastern branches of the Humber, Don and Rouge rivers and Duffins Creek. Last month the province re- leased guidelines to protect sig- nificant features and control development of the Oak Ridges Moraine within the Greater To- ronto Area while a long-term strategy is being developed for the moraine. In 1934, Mr. Walker pur- chased 1.6 hectares of aban- doned farm land with a square timbered log farm house for $350. The land is located just south of Durham Road 21 on Concession 6 of Uxbridge Township. Between 1947-62 he bought 13 more parcels of land in the area. He eventually acquired 760 hectares. Over the years, the corporate and commercial lawyer planted a variety of coniferous and de- ciduous trees. Thinning of the forest pro- duced some of the finest maple, oak and ash hardwood. Christ- mas trees were also produced. In 1978, Mr. Walker donated 72 hectares of land to the Onta- rio Heritage Foundation to be preserved in its natural state. The foundation entered into a long-term agreement with the MTRCA to manage the proper- ty. The acquisition of the Walker property is a major component of the Metro Region Conserva- tion Greenspace Protection and Acquisition Project, said MTRCA chairman John McGinnis The acquisition will be a ma- Jor step towards conserving greenspace in the Greater To- ronto Area, he added. "This purchase will place into public ownership a vital piece of property on the Oak Ridges Moraine," said Mr. McGinnis. "The site has many impor- tant features, including a major linkage to the authority's fu- ture trail development network along the moraine and valley lands." The MTRCA will manage the land and the area will be ac- EASY TO GET cessible to the public for lei- surely recreational activities. Walker property project is $4.8 The estimated cost of the Yi be' A Ek : 4 or % pe Re i 4 : 5 . Wo - \ 5 RR a re : v dof fF Fr . million. The province has au- thorized the use of $2.1 million of provincial funds to complete the purchase. A ceremonial tree was planted at the press conference. Pictured with the tree is James Walker, Olwen Walker, secre- tary June Dasiak, and property manager John Rose. ATTACHED TO Organizers of Ontario tax revolt coming to meeting in Little Britain tonight Two organizers of the Ontario tax revolt will be in Little Britain tonight. George Lansens and Frank Sheenan will be the keynote : speakers at a public meeting sponsored by the Taxpayers' Coa- 1) lition of Victoria County. Mr. Lansens is an auto parts manufacturer who started ih Canada's first tax revolt last year in Blenheim, Ontario and is z A president of the organization. Mr. Sheehan, a co-founder, is hf L/L aad)) A the secretary-treasurer. gla Ch oy ne The men will address the Blenheim experience, the strategic 7 = TT 5% goals and direction of the Ontario Coalition and ways in which bl i the Victoria County coalition can ensure success. Ry ~, Only one month old, the Taxpayers' Coalition of Victoria 5 fa A a 7 County was founded on June 18 when an organizational meet- -- = 53 ; i re ni hi jbl ing was held in a Little Britain church hall. Are 4 (} gC / / i i 0 hi / h Organizer Paul Pagnuelo said he was hoping to get about a YH TA et " fon NS = R) i fil! | I A (7 J /) (] dozen people out to the "word-of-mouth" meeting to help start i i il i J, Hl {Hl his ¢ i 3 i ng Ne [i G0 the formation of the coalition. About 80 people turned out. RAL SAR oN RY ha thin "Vi pe A I Hd : ! \ tl | \ 0 , inh Ii i (TIT BI 0 dl { ( Ns ' Mr. Pagnuelo said interest in the coalition is spreading like brushfire throughout Victoria County. The local coalition al- . , ready has a membership of 500 taxpayers. Once you own a John Deere compact utility tractor, you'll never 'People are taxed-off with the high spending and taxation ; ' . . philosophies of all levels of government in this country," he know how you got along without it. Simple implement hookup said. "They want to regain control of the situation by insisting : ¢ : that politicians be fiscally responsible and accountable." lets you quickly attach a variety of implements to the powerful Local chapters have been established in Mariooss and El- PTO and go. Eight models to choose from (18.5- to 38-hp). Tow! g ganized in all townships throughout the county by the end of Say hello to your most dedicated worker yet, fh summer in time for the upcoming municipal elections this 1: all. the J ohn Deere comp act utility tractor. "The coalitions immediate focus is in our own backyard where we want township, county, and school board tax in- DERN EE SQL All MH a nt | don Townships. The coalition plans to have local chapters or- Ask Bl JO Dees Fee Plans... i 1 Runs creases for 1991 2lad Back to zero, 4 utr mil rate in- finan R creases capped at the Consumer Price Index for Ontario," Mr. for the equipment you need JOMN DE RE L a re Pagnuelo said. JOHN DEERE JDFP FINANCE PLANS CONFIDENCE IN OUR EQUIPMENT CONFIDENCE IN YOU Over the last three years, the residential mill rate for town- ship, county and public school board taxes has gone up 49.5 per cent for Mariposa property owners. ' Tonight's meeting, one of a series of public information meetings sponsored by the Taxpayers' Coalition of Victoria County, will be held at the Little Britain Arena starting at 8 UTICA FARM EQUIPMENT LTD. 2 Miles West of Manchester Low fixed rate financing p.m. starting at 0% on Compact PHONE 985-9701 The Taxpayers' Coalition of Ontario has 55 chapters and Utility Tractors. Special 20,000 members. Victoria County has applied to Docome a Terms apply. OAC. chapter.