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Vol. 55, No. 27 ORONO, ONTARIO, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14,1991 "As long as it takes" John Veldhuis 'fasting' at Port Granby waste site John Veldhuis, head of a local south-east Town of Newcastle. on the start-up of Phase 4 of a environmental group completes John is determined to get an study leading to the removal of his first day of 'fasting' at the answer from the Prime Minister the waste from the community. gates of the Port Granby dump in Rare mishap takes life of Marg Wilbur "As long as it takes", states John Veldhuis, in his vigil of fasting at the Port Granby low level nuclear waste dump site in the south- eastern part of the Town of Newcastle. Veldhuis hopes to edge a commitment from the Prime Minister, Brian Mulroney, as to a definite date of approval for a Town of Newcastle Community Liaison Group to be formed and to commence their Phase Four study of removal of waste from the site. John Veldhuis, the Town's veteran environmental activist as far as Port Granby is concerned has been awaiting word from the federal government since last December for approval of funding to the Siting Task Force so that the Liaison Group could continue their work with studies and what should be undertaken as to the removal of the waste from the municipality. Such word was thought to come late in December, then in the first part of the year. A recent letter from Ross Stevenson, M.P. Durham, indicated that approval had been given by cabinet and would arrive shortly. Veldhuis said word has yet to arrive and he is hopeful through his fasting at the site will bring some movement. The former Newcastle Community Liaison Group did submit their report on the Third Phase of the study last. The report was accepted by the Town of Newcastle. Council ultimately gave their approval to proceed to the Fourth Phase of the study but with some conditions. This came late in the fall of 1990. Conditions included that the Town would have input as to the membership of the Liaison Group along with consultants would be hired to assist with the study and a number of other conditions as to the operation of the Group. John Veldhuis started his fasting vigil on Sunday, August lth at noon and intends to keep a 24 hour presence at the gates of the dump site. He did say he was taking a short break a week from last Tuesday but would return and keep up his hunger strike until the announcement of funding of the Liaison Group is made. (Continued page 11) Marg Wilbur of the Port Perry area and well known throughout the Region of Durham as prominent NDP supporter was killed a week ago last Tuesday in a freak accident. She was found pinned under a riding lawn mower that had tipped over on the side of a hill. The deceased was 52 years of age and was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. Wilbur went out to cut grass at ber rural home at about 8 p.m. in the evening. When she did not return family members went in search of ber, finding ber under the tractor about midnight. Marg Wilbur had been a most active member of the NDP party and as well play a part in the activities of ber community. She carried the NDP colours into the last federal election and previously sought election for the NDP in three provincial elections. It is understood that she was considering offering her name in the upcoming municipal election for Scugog Township. Marg Wilbur has had a strong background in politics with ber father, Andy Brewin, being an MP from the Toronto area in the 1960s and the 1970s. Her brother, John, currently represents Victoria County in the House of Commons. Not only was Marg Wilbur active for the NDP on the home front but also served on the provincial party executive and on the federal council. She was married to Oshawa lawyer James Wilbur and had three children, Aimee, Frances and Tim. Funeral services were held in Lakefield on Friday at the St. John Baptists Church. 0MB completes Best Road hearing - decision to come An Ontario Municipal Board hearing was wrapped up on Monday conceming an application by Stewart Wood of Best Road, Orono, to be allowed to construct a residential home and to operate a trucking enterprise on his property. The trucking enterprise has operated at the site dating back to the early 1970s and as stated by the proponent's lawyer had not been objected to. Earlier this year the Town of Newcastle planning department had recommended denial of the application. Council on the other hand set aside the recommendation and did consent to approval of the application. During the process at council local residents residing in the area objected to the application especially as to the continuation of the trucking industry as a legal operation. The Best Road Residents Group following approval of council lodged their objection to the Ontario Municipal Board. A hearing was held in mid July being recessed to August 12th when a member of the Town's Public Works department could testify on matters relating to the condition of Best Road. A decision from the Ontario Municipal Board is expected within a couple of weeks. Proposal would double lot levies If a consultant's report is accepted by the Town of Newcastle lot levy fees in the Town could more than double for most types of residential development as well as other types of development. The report is being taken to a public meeting on Monday, September 9th in the Council Chambers commencing at 1:30 p.m. All interested parties have been invited to attend to voice their opinions. Written submissions are being accepted to be considered up to 4:30 p.m. of August 9th. As a result of the meeting council will ultimately pass a Development Charge By-law outlining the fees to be charged following the passing of the by-law. The Town of Newcastle Hydro Electric Commission is a new player in the collection of lot levy fees and these fees will also be part of the presentation. Up to this point the Commission has not had lot levy charged on their behalf. The consultants have recommended a lot levy fee of $6479.00 for single family homes which compares with the present charge of $2974.00. Town House charges go from $2730.00 to $5529.00; two-bedroom apartments from $2114. to $4002 and bachelor apartments from $1126. to $2668. The Town of Newcastle existing charges have been slightly under most other municipalities within the Region of Durham with the exception of Pickering. Most municipalities are presently considering increased charges as is the Region of Durham for their lot levies. It has been estimated that Durham's intended new charges could add $20,000 to the price of a new home. Money from lot levies is used by the municipality to assist with the provision of soft services of which many are attributed to the additional development. The consultant's report suggests that the new $6479.00 charge for singles and semis in the Town of (Continued page 11) Happenings . . . ANNUAL BEEF BARBEQUE The Annual Beef Barbeque will be held this year on Wednesday, August l4th, at the Orono Park, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Plan ahead to attend. Proceeds to the Orono Arena Improvements and Project Fund. OFFICIAL OPENING AT MUSEUM On Saturday, August 17th at 2 p.m., the Clarke Museum and Archives will be officially opening the newly completed Artifact Conservation Laboratory. The lab, constructed by the museum's volunteer work crew over the past two months will finally give the proper controlled environment necessary to safely repair, clean and conserve the artifacts in both the museum and archival collections. Gord Mills will be on hand for the ribbon cutting ceremony. The public are invited to view the new lab and discuss the work to be carried on with the curator, Mark Jackman and with board members. SECOND HAND BOOK SALE The Clarke Museum is conducting another one-day second hand book sale on Saturday, September 14th. The museum would be glad to accept donations of books for sale and such donations may be dropped off at the museum during open hours: Tues. to Fri., 10 to 5 and Sat. to Sun. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. All proceeds go to the Museum Development programmes. This is the last sale this year. STILL SEEKING A HOME The Orono Drop-In Centre is still seeking a meeting place in the Village. Consideration had been given to the Orono Armouries building front rooms but liability became an issue that could not be solved. The lack of a meeting place is hindering the Centre getting off the ground both for the kids and the volunteers. Attendance had reached upwards of thirty. Vol. 55, No. 27 ORONO, ONTARIO, WEDWESDAY, AUGUST 14,1991