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6 - PORT PERRY STAR - Tuesday, May 18, 1993 ' Editorial Comment Hospital There couldn't be a more appropriate name-for a hospital than Community Me- morial Hospital. The Port Perry-based facility which serves the needs of the Township of Scu- gog and the surrounding area is truly a community hospital. The sod turning ceremony which marked the beginning of the $5.2 million expansion further emphasized the impor- tance of the community in this facility. Close to 100 dignitaries, guests, politi- cians and staff members were on hand Friday to witness and celebrate the long- awaited expansion. The 24,155-square foot expansion will feature an expanded rehabilitation centre, a larger emergency department, an ex- panded kitchen and cafeteria and provide a larger area for laboratory and health records. It will also include more than : 10,000 square feet of renovations. The new wing will bear the name of well-known Canadian entrepreneur and businessman Stephen B. Roman who lived on Scugog Island for a number of | years. ~The prevailing theme in all the remarks at Friday's ceremony was the overwhelm- ing community involvement in the project. "| believe that our campaign had to be the largest campaign Scugog has ever taken on," said Jerry Taylor, Chairman of the Building Campaign. "We wouldn't be here if it wasn't for people like we have in the community." Mr. Taylor was referring to the $2.7 mil- lion which was raised during the hospital expansion fundraising campaign. Many people associated with the hospi- tal have been overwhelmed by the pri- vate and corporate donations which have flooded into the hospital. These contribu- tions have made the expansion dream a reality. No other single project has the commu- nity responded to in such a heart- warming way. Cheque after cheque was presented to the hospital to ensure that the project got off the ground. It was try- ing at times and there were moments when many thought it wouldn't happen, but it is finally off the ground. All those associated with the project from the Hospital Board on down to the various organizations and residents which contributed to the cause should be proud of the contribution they have made. They will be even prouder when the hos- pital, which is truly a community hospital, opens its doors next year. RL "77, P pol 2s ) SHIN W\ | Ne NR er 2 ', . A, Vie 9 NANNY / < TY . LL ) N\A NSLS NAAN. Te ud 0 Tae" ! > . WX Nia peed cA STK 10 AWE OLD CerenoNiAL Fas SHOVEL FROM Now Letter to the editor Long weekend honors Queen Victoria To the Editor: As we are about to celebrate Victoria Day, May 24 with the planting of flowers and garden crops, few people remember the significance and historical reason for the holiday. School children today are taught little, if anything of our country's heritage. Queen Victoria's 63 year reign was the longest in history. Her personal example of honesty, patriotism and devotion to family life became a symbol of solidarity of the British Empire. Her long reign of- ten referred to as the "Victorian Age," en- compassed the Industrial Revolution and the rise of the middle class, charac- terized by a deeply conservative morali- ty and intense pride. The highest award for bravery -- the Victoria Cross was founded by Queen Victoria in 1856 -- 11 rs before Canada became a nation. inety-three Canadians have received the Victoria Cross. Queen Victoria was the Mother of Ca- nadian Confederation. Queen Elizabeth 2nd is Head of State and Queen of Canada. Disturbing reports say that the Mul- roney government is planning to elimi- nate the V.C. and Canada's premier gal- lantry award. Australia meantime has Turn to Page 8 The Port Perry Star (Qu moma, Offca Manager Glo Sup 4p erry ar * Publisher - J. Peter Hvidsten Ya Swpley A 168 MARY STREET - PORT PERRY, ONTARIO - LoL 167 [ESTRUS Mowe Stor - Scott Anderson Retail Seles - Kathy Dudley, Post Offs Departmers, Chav, tr coun peyronto poner. TORRE] ADVERTISING PRODUCTION Gomminty Newspaper Association » r . Canadian Second Class Mail Registration Number 0265 Advertising - AnnaJackman Annabell Harmison, Ontario Community Newspaper Association Subscription Rate: LESEEPA Advertising Sales- Jackie McDonell Trudy Empringham Published avery Tuesday bythe 1Vear-$32.10 6Months-$17.72 Foreign -$90.95 Production - Pamela Hickey, BarbaraBell Robert Taylor, Port Perry Star Co. Lid. Port Perry, Includes $2.10GST Includes $1.22GST includes $5.95GST * GST included in price Random Jottings by J. Peter Hvidsten VALID CONCERNS - | FOR DISABLED A letter to the editor in this week's paper points out how hard it is for seniors and disa- bled people to manage stairs into many stores sins (een Street. ile many of the points made are accurate and valid, it is unfair to lay the blame entirely on the shoulders of the current owners of the buildings. We must remember that Port Perry, like so many other small Ontario towns was built over 100 years ago, long before ple became conscious or concerned about the rights of the handicapped and aged. While it's true there are few buildings accessible by ramp in the old sector of Port Perry, a frustrating obstacle for many people th disabilities, many of those ildings are not able to provide ramped entrances without causing more problems for pedestrians along the street. Most of the Queen St. store entrances are set back only a couple of feet from the edge of the sidewalk, with no room for the addition of a ramp unless it was built on top of the sidewalk. This would not be popular or safe-as the sidewalks are alrea- dy narrowed in many locations with park benches, waste containers, lamp posts and merchant displays. Anyone constructing a new building in the commercial sector today would be, .. met with much more stringent regula- .... tions. We 4 Jedi toad this just a couple of ears ago when building the Port P tar Build-ing on Mary t. CL Building codes dictate that new build- ings must provide a ramp and handrails for the disabled and also a washroom on the main floor accessible by wheelchair. With regards to handicapped parking spots, it is my understanding that one more will be provided in the near future near the Laurentian Bank. When this one is in place there will be four spaces for this specific use along Queen Street. It must also be remembered, that ev arking space along Queen St. is available or use y disabled, not only those desig- nated as handicapped parking spots. Abuse of the handicapped parking spaces is probably more of a problem than the actual number. If the spaces were used - by only those they were meant to serve, it's doubtful there would be a serious parking problem for people with disabilities. And although the fine for parking in these spaces is in excess of $150, many people pulling up to park and run info a store are not aware of the stiff fine. Per- haps a small sign added to poles direct] under the handica parking symbo indicating the penalty for parking in these spots t just make them twice before parking their vehicles. Mrs. Hill brings up some vey valid points in her letter, and maybe the publici- ty will encourage some businesg people to try and improve access if possible. But for those stores who have no room to accommodate ramps and handrails, disabled or senior people unable to manoeuvre up the steps by themselves will have to accept the help of others, who I suspect there is no shortage of. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR