THE CANADIAN STATESMAN, AUGUST 15,2001 PAGE 3 A.J. GROEN/ Statesman photo New stable for Clarington CLARINGTON - Chance Stable Equestrian Centre is now open for business at 2077 Bloor St., east of Courtice Road. The stable offers lessons, boarding and more. Above, riding instructor Amie Hackney and Jason clear a jump. Privatization of air ambulance brings little impact for Durham DURHAM -- Despite a union prediction prediction the provincial government's plan to privatize air ambulance service could "Walkertonize" the system, Durham officials say the move will have little impact here. Pete Dundas, assistant director for the Region's Emergency Medical Services, Services, said the change "really won't have any impact on Durham. We only use it for emergencies. We maybe use it six to a dozen times a year." Durham would call for the air ambulance ambulance for such incidents as a severe car accident or a rescue in the bush, Mr. Dundas adds. As of Oct. 1, Canadian Helicopters Ltd. and Voyageur Airways Ltd. will take over air ambulance service, from' the Province. Ontario, Ministry of Health spokesman David Jensen said the two companies "will undergo a regular certification and compliance review" to ensure current service levels levels are maintained. However, Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) president Leah Casselman said the changes will "Walkertonize" the system and put lives at risk. "Private carriers have not demonstrated that they can safely carry our sick and injured people," Ms. Casselman said. "Air ambulance is one area where you can make fatal mistakes, mistakes, and where you can't cut comers to make a profit. "Like Walkerton, the government is playing with people's lives. This is another another disaster waiting to happen." Ms. Casselman added more than 100 OPSEU members face layoffs, adding few of the paramedics employed employed by the ministry "have opted to go to the private companies". However, Mr. • Jensen said, "We were told by tjje two,successful, re-.. Many (of the paramedics) are thinking of pursuing this option." As for service, he said it would "absolutely" "absolutely" remain at the same level. "We expect certain enhancements. It was a competitive bidding process and we selected the best proposal out of this. "We'll continue to monitor and expect expect high patient care service." Notice of Herbicide Use Notice is hereby given that Hydro One Inc. - Forestry Services will be commencing Forestry line clearing operations in your vicinity. The work will include the selective treatment of undesirable vegetation that would, if left, grow into our power lines. The work will be completed using a combination of manual cutting, followed by low volume stump spray to prevent regrowth. The same selective application method may be used to control growth of brush up to 1 metre in height. Every effort will be made to leave compatible low growing vegetation where possible. Location of Work: Concessions 4 through 10, Lots 1 through 31 Municipality of Clarington, formerly Darlington Twp Date of Application: July 3, 2001 to August 3, 2001 Pesticide Trade Name: Garlon 4 Registration Number: 21053 , Name of Pest: Undesirable vegetation (brush, tree stumps) Name of Contact Person: Dean Jacobs Phone # of Contact Person: 705-750-9091 Calls will be accepted by alternate contact: Steve Cook 705-872-7027 Twice as nice or double the trouble? Province gets ready for 'double cohort' high school grads BY JENNIFER STONE Staff'Writer CLARINGTON - Students now entering entering Grade 11 may be expected, under a new four-year high school program being implemented by the Province; to graduate at the end of Grade 12, but local educators aren't sure they'll all take advantage advantage of the condensed program. School boards and post-secondary institutions institutions across the Province are now preparing for the so-called "double cohort" cohort" of students, entering Grade 11 and 12 this fall, who will all be able to complete complete high school graduation requirements requirements in the spring of 2003. This year's Grade 1 Is are the first students through the Province's new four-year program, which compresses the curriculum and lops off the OAC, or fifth, year of secondary secondary school. Those in Grade 12 in 2001-2002 arc the last group through the five-year program. But local educators aren't so sure all students will either be willing or able to complete the high school diploma in four years. "If it's perceived as being OK to slay an extra semester or year in high school, and there's no penalty to do so. I think students who need to do that, will," sayS Trudy Lum, superintendent of educational educational services for the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board. Even now, under the five-year system, system, students aren't necessarily graduating graduating in five years. "People were staying 5.2 years" on average, says Ms. Lum. And the new four-year high school curriculum curriculum provides even greater challenges to students, which could mean pupils taking additional courses, she says. "We've had the highest enrolment ever this summer in summer school," she notes, saying almost twice as many students students took summer courses this year, compared to last summer. "I think students students arc going to be challenged to meet with success." The Province estimates about 78,000 additional students will be enrolled in college or university in Ontario Ontario by 2005. due not only to the double cohort of students entering post-secondary post-secondary institutions in 2003, but also because because of growth in the 18-24 age group, and the need for students to'obtain or upgrade upgrade new skills. To accommodate the increased numbers, the Province says it has implemented a number of measures, including creating new spaces and promising increased operating funds to post-secondary institutions. 'The main thing for the board is to be sure students arc prepared to compete in that large group of students that are seeking seeking the places," says Bob Willsher, KPR chairman. GUESS? 'BmberianÜ BHUfENSTOCK AEmoas, Best Brand Names 10-30 % OFF ALL ITEMS THIS WEEK ONLY! COME VISIT US AT OUR NEW LOCATION IN THE OSHAWA CENTRE Leading the Way CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF CLARINGTON COMMUNITY EVENT j^ARINGTON TOURISM OFFICE COMMUNITY DAY r . "ill liai: i Sunday; August 19, 2001 . 11:00 ÀM -4:00 PM Clarington Tourism Office 181 Liberty Street South, Bowmanville (fix BBQ, Games, Prizes, Jumping Castle 1 j .Find out what your local Tourism Office has to offer.iJ And have a whole lotta fun while you're at it!!! For information call 905-623-4356. 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