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"WEEKEND STAR" FRIDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2000 - 3 Moffatt calls for 'modest' municipal pool design By John B. McClelland Weekend Star The absence of a municipal swimming pool creates a gap in the recreation amenities provided by the township, says Scugog Mayor Doug Moffatt. He thinks that gap can be filled for about $100,000. That was the price the mayor men- tioned at a meeting Monday morning of the parks and recreation committee, where the issue of an outdoor pool came under discussion again. The mayor said Scugog needs an out- door pool that would cost "no more than $100,000" with a modest "off-the-shelf design", without diving towers or facilities for competitive swim- mers. He made the com- ments after Regional Councillor Ken Gadsden wondered why Scugog has not yet had an official price quote from a contractor on what it Moffatt will cost for a new out- door pool. Parks and rec director Jay Todd said outdoor pools can vary greatly in cost, depending on the size, the type of build- ing that goes with it, and whether it comes with a lot of extras. During the course of the discussion, Mr. Todd said he doubts Scugog could have a new outdoor pool by next summer, even if plans went ahead full steam starting now. 'And he wondered if the township wants to spend considerable tax dollars on an outdoor pool, when there appears to be a public demand for an indoor facil- ity that could cost up to $4 million. He went on to tell the committee there are a lot of issues that must be addressed carefully by all concerned - municipal staff, the elected reps and the public - before a decision on the kind of pool is made. He suggested that starting in the new year, there should be a serious public dis- cussion on two topics: The need for a sec- ond ice pad, and the need for a new swim- ming pool. Mayor Moffatt said he prefers to see Scugog get moving on plans to build a modest, no-frills outdoor facility to pro- vide the people of the township a facility for a few years until eventually an indoor pool can be built. Councillor Gadsden, who is not seek- ing reelection this November, said the lack of any municipal swimming pool in Scugog "leaves a large hole in our recre- ation spectrum." Norris announces plan to run for Scugog's Ward 5 By Chris Hall Weekend Star Charlie Norris has put his name on the ballot for the upcoming municipal election in November. Recently retired from his career as a family coun- selor, Mr. Norris, 64, will seek Scugog's Ward 5 seat in the Nov.13 election. He filed his candidacy papers on Tuesday (Oct. 3). With the recent .- announcement that incum- 'bent Ward -5 .rep i Garry 'Mahony will not be seeking reelection, that leaves Mr. "Norris as the only candi- date to represent the north Port Perry area. "It's -.something [I've wanted to do for awhile. I've 'worked here for years 'providing service as a fam- ily counselor, advocating. - on behalf of my clients, and | think Ican do- the same thing for the general R= a) population of Ward 5," said Mr. Norris earlier this week. : "I'm recently retired so - this would give me an opportunity to continue my skills." Mr. Norris has been part of the Scugog communi for 24 years, working witf Family Counselling "of Durham Region. He was instrumental in organizing the Family. Life Series with a variety of community agencies, and was a member of the Social Planning Council and Social Planning Advisory Group. Norris = = Over "the. "next. three. . is years, Mr. Notris notes that = | amalgamation will be the new council's top priority. "With the provincial plan in municipal] amalga- mation and downloading, Scugog residents- will be faced with the issue of maintaining a high level of "service; . 'provision while keeping its present level of taxation," said Mr. Norris. "Scugog will need a ._ strong voice in negotiating with the province and her "neighbours." The 'candidate is also supportive of an outdoor pool, and second ice pad. "Scugog is a family com- -. munity (and) we need to nurture qur children and provide them with healthy social activities." While he currently lives in Oshawa, Mr. Norris has plans to begin building a new home in the Hyland Beach area in the near future. vata Ta He is married and has three children. Durham Police seized a number of mature mar- ijuana plants valued at crop was discovered in a farmer's field earlier this » week. é . - » . Police report that on Police seize marijuana'crop | close to $50,000 after the Oct. 2 an area farmer was harvesting his corn in a field = on 'the Sixth Concession when he dis- covered the pot plants. He notified police, and officers seized the crop. .