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"Ani-., - xirrTrxrxrri:T«wwDDlrVQQTmp, 2. 9 88Q 4e,, e ~?WW VOICE OF THE COUNTY TOWN •w Published every Wednesday By 677209 Ontario Imc. Phone: 668-6111 Doug Anderson Publisher Maurice Plfher Editor Peter Irvine Advertising Manager Alexandra Simon Production Manager The only Whitby newspaper Independently owned and operated by Whitby residents for Whitby residents. Plazas, gas bars and studies - "Enough is enough" could easily be applied to each in Whitby. But we nevertheless welcome the suggestion by Town councillor Ross Batten that a report be made on the commercial area needed in Whitby north of Rossland Rd. What prompted that suggestion at Monday night's administrative committee meeting were applications for two commercial plazas« One, by Wolster Developments Ltd. which would include a gas bar, would be at the northeast corner of Anderson St. and the future Dryden Blvd. (ta run east-west between Rossland and Taunton Rds.) The other, part of a Group Il Developments plan, would be a site in the southwest quadrant of the Garden StTaunton Rd. intersection. An Anderson St. residents' association voiced strong opposition ta the first plaza plan, with association chairmantHugh Robertson saying it was time "taodraw the line" on such development.. And Study okay councillor Joe Drumm suggested strongly that both be dropped, ta help existing commercial plazas. Whitby's planning department even suggested that a comparative study be made of the two commercial proposais, to determine which is more suitable. But a strong argument by Wolster representative Sidney Sitzer to "keep anbopen mmd" clearly showed that councillor Batten was justified in his caîl for a study, of much wider scope.. Sitzer noted that there are variaus types of plazas, serving different needs. He also, quite correctly, pointed out that as much as some residents may oppose nearby retail plazas, those residents will likely later become the regular custo mers ai such est ablishments since tbey serve a customers of such establishments since they serve a need, and handily. South of Rossland, there is already controversy over strip plaza growth and gas bars, much dialogue about continuing the revitalization of Whitby's downtown core, continuing expansion at the Whitby Mail and Kendalwood Plaza, and many new stores along Dundas St. E. We believe that a sufficierit commercial base has been established south of Rossland. But more investigation has ta be made on what, if any, additional commercial development should be allowed for the large residential neighborhoods already begun,hand likely ta continue growing for some time, north of Rossland. We hesitate to urge, yet feel we must, that council approve of a "study to death" of the need for such development north of Rossland. Sound guidelines now may prevent future problems and controversy that often revolve around retail operations south of Rossland. LETTERS FROM OUR READERS Canadians will learn from aftermath of free trade To the editor. It is my understanding that in signing the free trade agreement our government will be giving up significant elements of Canadian sovereignty. I believe that Canadians will only learn from the aftermath of the free trade agreement (and that of Meech Lake) just how well off they previously were, and of the folly of having allowed their elected government to rush into such massive and fundamental changes without consulting the citizens who elected them. We certainly did not vote Mr. Mulroney's party into power to accomplish these programs. It was self-evidently a vote for change from the previous regime. Canada already does very well indeed without the so-called free trade agreement. We hardly seem to need it. To be precise we already have a 25 billion dollar trade surplus over the U.S. in our shared continental market. Internationally we do just fine too. We have the seventh largest Thanks for the coverage To the editor: On behalf of Big Sisters Newcastle, Oshawa, and Whitby, I would like to thank you and your staff for the excellent media coverage of our recent House Tour. Our goal of $10,000 was met, which was most rewarding to our agency and all volunteers who worked so diligently to make this event such a success. I would also like to extend our appreciation to our hosts and hostessses of the homes; Classic Flowers of Oshawa and Bev's Floral Creations of Bowmanville who donated the beautiful flowers for the homes. And finally may I thank those who attended and supported this event so well. With the participation of so many within our community, the Big Sister program will continue to meet the needs of our young girls and boys. Yours truly, Carol Rhodes Executive Director Big Sisters N.O.W A hollow Liberal road To the editor: Liberal MPP AI Furlong's recent assurances that he will "work his buns off' for the Whitby General Hospital are cold comfort to those denied treatment as a result of his government's policies. Mr. Furlong must believe we are all doughheads! As we have learned with Mr. Peterson, the road to Liberal Queen's Park was paved with hollow promises. Once again the buns of Messrs. Peterson and Furlong are half baked. Sincerely yours, Gary Valcour Oshawa economy in the world created and sustained by population of only 28 million. We have the world's largest firms in shoe manufacturing, distilling, pulp and paper making, baking, and the largest commercial landlord in New York. In each of the last three years Canada has been first or second (in 1985 to Japan) amongst the "big seven" Western economies in rate of growth. Full free trade without restrictions is, in any case, a red herring. It does not, has never, and never will, exist. Moreover, the U.S. is not a free-trader. It is one of the most protectionist of all nations. While negotiating free trade with us, it has continued to place increased and restrictive duties on our goods. A few months ago, lumber and pulp and paper, today Atlantic fish products. Tomorrow? Internally it subsidizes segments of its own industries (e.g., agriculture) more, heavily than Canada. In short it does not believe in free trade. Why should we in Canada want to cozy up to the U.S.? We hear that it is for the size of the market. Yet the European market is at least as large, and that of the Asian pacific rim immensely larger. Why increasingly tie our fortunes to an economy already receiving 80 per cent of our exports but which by ail major currency and market criteria is visibly sliding downhill due to mismanagement? (Recall what little time it took for England to go from world leadership to its current status.) Would you go into a personal business partnership with someone who was patently a current loser in the eyes of others, showed irresponsibility in his personal family finances, and dealt with you unfairly and in bad faith during the negotiations for partnership? And, as Marjorie Nichols has pointed out, why be the first nation to give up control of its natural resources without war? Americans wave their flags anh aest the reasonable yardstick is overail quality of life, Canada is a far greater nation. Consider the following. Our cities are safer, cleaner and better managed. Availability of comprehensive medical care is essentially universal, not a privilege of the wealthy, and sickness does not impoverish families. Primary and secondary education is much better; and our teachers are more respected and better paid. Crime and drug abuse are less rampant, the criminal element better controlled, our gun laws more rational, and our society more law abiding. Our legal system of justice is vastly superior. Community spirit is stronger, and concern for the handicapped and other disadvantaged members of society is greater. The overall quality of our newspapers, radio and TV is higher. Our political system gives a real choice of party philosophiei ranging from extreme right t< and say they are me greue, I, bastion of freedom and SEE PAGE 15 democracy. But are they? if a L LETTERS The Whitby Free Press welcomes letters to the Editor on any subject of concern to our readers. Letters should be brief and to the point - rarely more than 300 words. All letters must be accompanied by the name, address and phone number of the writer; however, on request, your name may be withheld from publication if we agree that there is a valid reason. The paper reserves the right to reject or edit all letters. Send to: The Editor, Whitby Free Press, Box 206, Whitby, Ontario LiN 551 or drop through our mailslot at 131 Brock St. N. PAGE 6, WHITBY FREE I-FE;zj:j, 1% 1 1 The Free Press Building 131 Brock Street North, P.O. Box 206, Whitby, Ont.