THE CANADIAN STATESMAN, JULY 3,2002 PAGE 7 Clarington says no to regional headquarters Wants Region to reconsider new multi-million dollar facility in Whitby BY JACQUIE MclNNES Staff Writer BOWMANVILLE - Clarington council is telling the Region to back off on a plan to build a proposed multi-million dollar regional government government headquarters. Clarington council, in a 5-2 recorded vote, called for the Region to reconsider reconsider its plan for a new $55 million-$70 million headquarters headquarters at 605 Rossland Rd„ in Whitby. The Clarington Clarington position has since been endorsed by the Greater Oshavva Chamber of Commerce, which has also expressed opposition to the plan. Last week, Durham Region Region council voted 17-10 in favour of proceeding with requests for proposals from five proponents to build a new headquarters that would bring regional government services such as planning, health and social social services, works, fi- MAYOR JOHN MUTTON 7 don 7 think the proper studies have been done.' nance and possibly some police administration under one roof in a new 250,000-350,000 square- foot building. The plan does not consider the economic economic impact of areas where buildings are currently currently leased, requires an additional burden on the tax base and requires more study for site selection, the Clarington resolution says. "I don't think the proper proper studies have been done," said Mayor John Mutton, who initiated the resolution. resolution. "Under the current plan it will take 20 years before it begins to show a payout. I know a lot of seniors seniors who don't want to pay more taxes. I feel extremely extremely strong about this. The public input has been phenomenal and I've heard from ratepayers groups, the Clarington Board of Trade and the Greater Os- hawa Chamber of Commerce Commerce saying they are against this." But Regional Councillor Councillor Jim Schell, who, with local Councillor Jane Rowe, voted against the Clarington resolution, said he believes the business case to build the headquarters headquarters is there. "Twenty-eight years ago we began leasing and over that 28 years we more than paid for a building. If you think the Region will be around for 30 more years, and I do, it makes sense from a tax point of view and for efficiency. When Clarington determined determined we needed additional additional space, we didn't go out and lease it. We're building it. Even if it is decided the Region is not the way to go, we will still own those assets. We can sell them." Coun. Rowe noted the Region has spent millions of dollars upgrading build ings it does not even own. Last week, when regional council approved $350,000 to proceed with proposals from the five firms and to contract an architect, it did not lock itself into a final decision on the building, she noted. "In many ways that is yet to come. It's still in the future," she said, noting if the costing formula formula doesn't work out to be advantageous, the Region Region does not have to proceed. proceed. "This is something that should have been done years ago," said Coun. Rowe. "Look at the buildings buildings the Region has spent money on and we don't have an asset. Build it and you have the asset." Mayor Mutton said he also believes in the concept of asset ownership. However, However, the mayor said, more investigation on the ideal site for the building, or perhaps a number of buildings, buildings, needs to be done and costs need to be brought- down to the same level as the current leasing expenditures. expenditures. Councillor Charlie Trim suggested the cost of construction construction will only increase from the current estimates. The regional councillor questioned the need to have staff housed in one place when there are new technologies technologies for conferencing and communications. communications. "I see us building a city within the (town) of Whitby. I think that's scary. These days we're looking for business alternatives. People work from home. If you spread out over the Region, there is not as much chance of being bombed as if you build this big statue," he added. Coun. Trim also noted government government forms are rapidly changing these days, citing the sudden demise of the Greater Toronto Services Board last year as an example. Tattoos reveal robbery suspect OSHAWA - Description - of a suspect's tattoos led to > the arrest of an Oshawa , man accused of robbing a . Ritson Road North gas station station at knifepoint. -, Durham Regional Police said a bandanna-clad bandit . held up an employee at Petro' Canada, at 45 Ritson - Rd. N„ and got away with •i: cash and cigarettes at 4:30 p.m. Friday. A suspect, who was identified based on a description description of the robber's tattoos, tattoos, was arrested Saturday at his residence. Richard Hewlett, 32, of Simcoe Street South, is charged with robbery, weapons offences and three counts of fail to comply with a court order. Summer CLEARANCE Sale Mens & Women's Seasonal Merchandise KAMEKA FOOTWEAR 1615 Dun das St. E., Whitby Mall 905-728-4197 FAX the news room 905- 579- 1809 BOWMANVILLE FAMILY Chiropractic Centre Dr. Kathlynn Hoch & Associates • Chiropractic • Custom Orthotics and Shoes • Massage Therapy • Naturopathy • Acupuncture • Motor Vehicle Accident & Work Related Injury • No Referral Necessary • Saturday and Evening Appointments [NEWLOCATION! 5 GEORGE ST„ BOWMANVILLE 905'623«8388| New Patients Welcome Please recycle this newspaper CLARINGTON'S PROFESSIONALS Call today so that one of these fine businesses may serve you! GENERAL CONTRACTING I COMPLETE AUTO/TRUCK REPAIRS EST. 1976 CARPENTRY a CONTRACTING Complete Carpentry Services •Custom Built Homes • Renovations • Additions • Designing William & Rudy Kraayvanger 905-623-1101 Vans Aoüdëlh&j) "For Complete & Expert Repairs to all Makes and Models" 195 King Street East Donny Lucyk Bowmanville Call Ontario (905) 623-3737 LAWN MAINTENANCE I BARBEQUES-FIREPLACES QUALITY WORK - LOW PRICES • GRASS CUTTING • R0T0TILLING • HEDGE TRIMMING • GARBAGE REMOVAL TAKING SPRING CLEANUP BOOKINGS NOW FREE ESTIMATES D&D Lawn Maintenance 905-623-2616 » 905-439-5428 Grills and Fireplaces •SALES'SERVICE •PARTS •INSTALLATION Tues..-Fri. 10-6, Sat. 10-3 The Fire, Brass & Patio House 905-697-8605 2821 KING ST. E„ BOWMANVILLE , WELDING & FABRICATION f SPAS AND POOLS Custom Welding, Fabrication & Repairs • Steel, Aluminum, Stainless • Emergency Repairs • Production & Custom Fabrication • Industrial, Commercial, Faming & Residential 320 Marwood Dr. Oshawa, Unit 5 905-431-7949 or 905-725-1966 SATELLITE TV FREE WATER LAB TESTING •Chemicals • Toys • Healers • Accessories • SALES • PARTS • SERVICE ...THE DUST WARRANTY ANYWHERE National 905-623-4844 Spas & Pool Supplies 125 KING ST. E„ BOWMANVILLE FLOOR COVERINGS FREE INSTALLATION STAAfSCHOIci $00 AFTER REBATE J J f\ Sales •Service «Installation l J QUi TV & SATELLITE 905-263-8272 ALL WORKMANSHIP A. GUARANTEED [bowxunvuxe (905) 623-1233 LANDSCAPE SUPPLIES f HOME IMPROVEMENT SPECIALIST uniiocK • Top Soil • Sand • Gravel • Aggravates • Hants ndscape Yard 4542 County Rd. #2, Welcome 905-753-2020 1-866-888-YARD V.C. 9-Come Improvements Quality Workmanship Customer Satisfaction Free Estimates Scott. Tesey Office: (905) 786-3036 Fax: (905) 786-1177 ÏE3B TABFtlÇLÆND CANADA'S LARGEST c/icuinu caddii* nicTDmnrnn SEW A DREAM JULY 4-7 n O WITH THE O ^ COUPON BELOW RECEIVE UP TO 10 METERS OF ANY FABRIC AT 50% OFF OUR REGULAR PRICE INCLUDES ALL: • BRIDAL FABRICS • DRAPERY & HOME DÉCOR FABRICS • THE LATEST FASHION FABRICS I I I I FASHION FABRIC DISTRIBUTOR MAKE YOUR DREAM A REALITY WITH THE FOLLOWING DISCOUNTS: • ALL NOTIONS 50% OFF • ALL MSG & CREATIONS ROD SETS 50% OFF IN-STORE SPECIAL lOOO'S OF METERS OF DRAPERY 8, SPRING FASHION FABRICS BUY 1 METER GET 2 METERS FREE! SEW A DREAM COUPON VALID JULY 4-7,2002 ONLY NO EXTENSIONS 50% OFF 10 METERS OF ANY FABRIC DISCOUNT IS OFF THE REGULAR PRICE i 1801 Dundos St. E. u' C^| \ *0® Grandview St. S. Whitby ^ uudj i iA.cn, mmoiriMic iiiimeuio. )j OsHOWO 721-9152 x y 436-7589 LOTS OF FR11 PARKING Mon. - Frl. 9 o.m. - 9 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. • 6 p.m., Sunday 12-5 p.m. Plooso note in some? locations items may bo sold at a lower price than our regular chain store price. Whore this competitive pricing occurs the advertised savings will bo oH our regular chain store price. llUil I r each with trade in" DIEHARD GOLD AND INTERNATIONAL BATTERIES 89.99 - 109.99 each with trade in**. triT'in- .r *'There is a SS deposit when you buy a new battery at Sears, refundable with the return of your old battery for recycling ÎÎ ORDER: R2884 NEONA 3 1 •Complete warranty details al Sears SEARS (<£s) auto care SALE PRICES END SAT., JULY 13,2002, UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED, WHILE QUANTITIES LAST .r: ONTARIO'S DRIVE CLEAN ACCREDITED TEST AND REPAIR CENTRES for more information call 1-888-758-2999 . www.driveclean.com OSHAWA CENTRE DIRECT LINE 576-1716 HOURS MON.-IHI 7:30-88,M, SATURDAY 7;30'6P,M, SUNDAY 1I-5P.M. NI0/IA202 fopyi lillit ?00?. So.ii s J,i Inc,