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2- PORT PERRY STAR - Tuesday, November 21, 1995 5 So "Scugog's Community Newspaper of Choice" Preparing for Santa's visit L : 4 ws pr as JEFF MITCHELL/PORT PERRY STAR FINISHING TOUCHES: Scugog Chamber of Commerce director Craig Taylor was busy late last week, putting the finishing touches on the reindeer that will accompany Santa into town this coming Saturday morning. The annual Santa Claus parade leaves the fairgrounds on Reach St. at 2 p.m. and then winds its way through the downtown. It's expected more than 30 floats will be part of this year's parade. Port bus service not in jeopardy, says Can-Ar By Jeff Mitchell Port Perry Star Despite dire warnings issued last week, deregulation won't mean the end of bus service in Port Perry, says an offi- cial with Can-Ar Coach Service. Port was among 170 small towns in a list released Wednesday by Freedom to Move, a group formed to fight the province's deregulation of the bo. But Can-Ar marketing director Karl Patterson contends that service here is assured. The company's coach makes a stop here daily on its Haliburton to Toronto run. "The residents of Port Perry, as far as we're concerned, are not going to lose any service because of deregulation," said Mr. Patterson Thursday. But Tom Parkin of the Amalgamated Transit Union fears for the worst if the government deregulates busing as planned on April 1 of next year, and dismantles the Highway Transport Board. He said the system -- regulation has bus lines covering more remote, possibly less profitable routes in exchange for the right to operate on more profitable ones -- ensures service to communities now, and a removal of those requirements could leave miany small-town residents out in the cold. He cites American studies that show since deregulation occurred in 1982, more than 50 per cent of rural commu nities have lost service. "We're going to see a lot (of route can- cellations) in the first 18 to 24 months, and then it's going to level out," he pre- dicted. Christmas in ' iif 2 3 at 2:00pm The Scugog Chamber of Commerce Santa Claus Parade will delight children of all ages. The parade will follow the same route as last year, beginning at the Fairgrounds, and wind it's way down to Simcoe Street, south to Queen Street and end up on Water Street. gas or propane fuel source. . We've got the cure! ATTENTION all night giving you the even warmth you want. - NEVER NEEDS STOKING. guests in your home. CURE #3 - YES, IT IS SAFE! IT'S COLD & FLUE SEASON If it's your home environment that's got you suffering from the chills and up and down temperatures, come in and see Don & Sons Fireplace Showroom. Always 5 models burning and conversions are available for either natural CURE #1 - ALMOST NEVER NEEDS ~ Gas fireplaces offer more consistent warming - you set the temperature. The unit automatically comes or/shuts off all day - CURE #2 - NO MORE MESS! + Clean efficient heat source. No more wood splinters in carpets, messy ashes to deal with or little critters becoming unwelcome "Right now (bus companies) are told how to operate... they have good runs, and they have bad runs." Mr. Parkin said that since all Ontarians pay the taxes that build and maintain highways, they have a right to access them, even if they don't own auto- mobiles. And his group fears losses of revenue for the small-town businesses that serve as gathering points for people awaiting the bus. Administration of a regulated bus industry costs the government just $400,000 a year, but yields much more in economic spin-offs, said Mr. Parkin. He's hoping rural communities and their politicians will rise up and fight the gov- ernment on the move. "When small towns get a sense of being treated wrong, they get a sense of that quickly and they do things together. "This isn't what they expected" from a tory government, he added. Mr. Patterson, however, feels deregu- lation of the coach industry could mean more service, not less. The move could open the industry up to more operators, covering more routes and offering com- petition for the established coach com- panies. "We don't mind competition," he said. "We welcome competition, as long as it's fair competition." - He said operators are hoping for deregulation in Quebec, so there is a level playing field on which companies in both properties can operate across their borders. "There's all kinds of possibilities and opportunity," said Mr. Patterson. Waste Week a SUCCESS in Scugog By Kelly Lown Port Perry Star A Waste Reduction Week project run by the lo- cal Beer Store netted an overwhelming amount of used sporting equipment. The local store ran the program last month en- couraging anyone to drop off used sports equipment to be distributed to vari- ous boys and girls clubs as well as to camps for chil- dren with special needs. "The response was over- whelming," said Ward 1 Councillor Doug Moffatt. The store is now looking for somewhere to store the equipment, which Coun- VISIT SANTA'S CASTLE After the parade, Santa and Mrs. Claus invite all the children back to Santa's Castle (temporarily housed in the new Chamber of Commerce office) at 269 Queen St. Refreshments available. Photo with Santa $3.00 All children will receive a special treat from Santa. For more information contact Scugog Chamber of Commerce 985-4971 or Craig Taylor at 985-4427 ES Ne We gratefully accept all ALL donations great or small! Ct na : No more worry of chimney fires guessing if the wood you bought ~~ is seasoned or green, nor worry about flying sparks. Our knowledgeable staff will provide FREE estimates for any job! Call or visit our newly expanded Fireplace Showroom with 5 burning models & more on display. Low financing (O.A.C.) is available too! Warm Up to Winter at: Don & Son Building Supplies Limited 1289 Sommerville St., N. (one block W or call us at 576-1765. of Simcoe St) A] Hours: Mon. to Fri. 7am to 6pm & Sat. 7am to 5pm Ginndio) Urnsiariam CFM The Leader in Gas Fireplace Technology cillor Moffatt said they hope to distribute in the local community. The pro- gram is being held over and will run through to Nov. 18. The Beer Store also turned over a cheque for $200 to the Parks and Rec- reation Committee last week, which will be used for a planned water quali- ty study on Lake Scugog. The money was raised by the Beer Store donat- ing half a cent from every bottle returned to the store last week.