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L PAGE AS ♦ THE CANADIAN STATESMAN ♦ September 27,2006 Tim Whittaker Publisher Joanne Burghardt Editor-In-Chief Chris Bovie Managing Editor Fred Eismont Director of Advertising Eddie Kolodziejcak Classified Advertising Manager Kirk Bailey Distribution Manager Lillian Hook Office Manager Janice O'Neil, Cheryl Haines Composing Managers Todd Blayone Interactive Media Manager Clarington's Award-Winning Newspaper. Since 1854 ®tit Canadian Statesman Opinion | SEPTEMBER 27, 2006 durhamregion.com Phone 905-579-4400 Classifieds 905-576-9335 Distribution 905-579-4407 General Fax 905-579-2238 Newsroom Fax 905-579-1809 E-Mail newsroom@durhamregion.com 865 Farewell St., Oshawa ON L1H 7L5 Publications Mail Registration No. 07637 infodurhamregion.com EDITORIAL e-mail letters to newsroom@diirhamregion.com Darlington ideal for new nukes ...VCAN 666UPBN0U IWNGT aVVEO In keeping witji Durham Region's place as Ontario's energy energy centre, it's only appropriate that Ontario Power Generation ■ has taken the first formal steps to getting new reactors constructed at its Darlington Nuclear Gen- ■ eralion site. The push for new nuclear build ' has been , on the table for some time now and was part of a report to the Minister of Energy recently. That report looked at the needs -of Ontario into the future and while it suggested that alternative alternative sources of power had to be part of the plan, the refurbishment refurbishment of nuclear facilities and a few new reactors are a central part of the mix. It's" well-known that new reliable sources of energy are imperative for Ontario to meet increased demands as a result of population and economic growth. Over the past few years, especially especially with the heatwaves we've had throughout our summers, we've pushed our supply to the limit; It's only logical to assume that, . as we continue to grow, we'll need to generate more power. Given the lengthy timelines between making a licence application application and eventually flicking the nuclear power switch, there is simply no time to waste. ; You're talking, at bare ,minimum, ,minimum, at least a decade before we have new power sources, not. a minute too soon, . . That's why OPG's licence application is such welcome news. Mayor John Mutton lias called it, "probably the biggest day in Clarington that I can remember." remember." Mayor Mutton has long pushed his municipality as the best place to build new nuclear. That lobbying has found a wel- ; come ear in, OPG president Jim Hankinson who tips his hat to Durham Region and Clarington as very supportive host commu- nities. Combine that with political will to make something happen and a long-tenn supply of skilled workers in the nuclear industry in Durham and the local site is nothing but a winner. What happens now? The federal approvals process, under the direction of the Canadian Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CSNC) must follow a list of steps which includes an environmental environmental assessment. " No' doubt there will be much work done, including ' public hearings, to make sure all parties are heard along the way. But given, the success of the Darlington site, it's easy to see that the best course of action is to add to an already excellent site. Durham will benefit through an explosion.in new jobs in the construction construction industry and high-paid employees to run the reactor. Let the approvals process begin and let prosperity reign for years to come. ighan.com LETTERS TO THE EDITOR c-mail letters to newsroom@durhamregion.com BACKWARD GLANCE Cream of Barley, 1940s Photo'supplied by Clarington Museums and Archives One of the boxes used for Cream of Barley breakfast cereal, a pleasant porridge bearing the name of the Bowmanville Mill. Production of this cereal stopped in the late 1940s with a change of ownership of the mill. They like us, Chairwoman speaks up on service issues To the editor: Re: Concerns raised about hospital hospital sen'ices, Patty Rout letter, Sept. 6. As with many other communities communities across the province (including (including Oshawa and Port Perry), local physicians have decided to establish a clinic with X-ray and ultrasound services near the site of a hospital -- in this case, Lakeridge Health Bowmanville (LHB). Although discussions, were held with the physicians involved, Lakeridge Health was unable to secure an agreement that would have been an appropriate appropriate sharing of service provision, provision, financial gain/losses and risks. The new physician clinic will likely have an impact on the number of walk-in patients (outpatients) (outpatients) choosing to receive these services at LHB. As a duty to our employees and to address the possibility of future overstaffing overstaffing as a result of the new clinic, Lakeridge Health is providing some staff with the required five- month notice period for a layoff. However, ultrasound and X-ray equipment and services will continue continue to be available at LHB for all patients (emergency, walk-in and inpatients). Lakeridge Health Bowmanville, Bowmanville, is, and will continue to be, a full-service hospital with many important roles within the Lakeridge Health network. In an integrated network, sites with lower volumes can help by taking taking patients from busier sites like Lakeridge Health Oshawa. Almost 1,300 letters were sent' to Durham physicians reminding them that wait times for diagnostic diagnostic imaging are lower at LHB. We continue to work hard to maintain service volumes - supporting supporting our staff and ongoing ' health-care. services closer to home. Potential staff layoffs arc always a last resort at Lakeridge Health and certainly difficult for the employees and managers managers involved. The impact of the clinic will be evaluated with the possibility that layoff notices will be rescinded. Marion Saunders Chairwoman Board of Trustees Lakeridge Health Let's take action on childhood obesity To the editor: Re: Cartoon draws attention to problem, Ian Dewell letter, Sept. 6; Don't blame parents for obesity obesity problems of kids, Barbara Ann Polidoro letter, Sept. 17. Both Ian Dewell and Barbara Ann Polidoro have valid points about kids and obesity. I respect all viewpoints regarding this epidemic. epidemic. As adults, as mentors, as parents, as teachers,, now is the time to stop pointing the finger and blaming somebody. The time has come to actually , take action and do something about the problem. No matter how the problem may have started, started, let's act now! . We currently have teachers, parents, parents, and now myself concerned. During the last six months, I have attempted to apply a kids' first program in the school system. system. This program proposed to the board would come into the school immediately after, on a lunch hour, or before school. Unfortunately, I have hit roadblocks roadblocks along the way. It is frustrating frustrating to know we have all of the necessary elements to motivate our kids to get active, yet they cannot be applied due to "red tape." Studies have proven the hows and the whys. Now it is time to just do something about it. Any suggestions? You have the people people waiting to apply the appropriate appropriate action! Heather Pereira Fitness Instructor 1 Personal Trainer Running Maniacs Bowmanville Canada needs to take lead role on Darfur crisis To the editor: Why is Canada waiting and not taking the lead role in protecting the people of Darfur? . Why is Canada not standing up and saying the international community community agreed to the principle of responsibility to protect so thiat ■ : we have no more Rwanda's or: Bosnia's? Why is Canada once again lacking political will and civic courage in demanding that we support the African Union and give it the authority and financial aid to protect civilians, not just observe and record as the UN did in Rwanda? Why are we not pressuring the UN to put troops on the ground now in response to UN Security Council 1706? , How many moré need to die before Canada and the international international community step up? One thing ,1 know for sure - 1 - unlike Rwanda or Bosnia, this time, Canada and the rest of the world won't be able to say they did not know What was really happening. The" call for "never again" is already happening happening again. Alison Prentice Oshawa LETTERS We welcome letters that include name, city of residence and phone numbers for verification. Writers are generally limited to 200 words and one submission submission in 30 days. We decline announcements, poetry, open letters, consumer complaints, congratulations and thank you notes. The editor reserves the right to edit copy for length, style and clarity. The newspaper newspaper contacts only those people people whose submissions have been chosen for publication. FAX: 905-579-1809; E-MAIL: Newsroom ©durhamregion. com. really like us! Finally, the worst kept secret in Ontario's history of public knowledge -- the Darlington site is Ontario Power Generation's preferred location for new nuclear nuclear reactors. Now, granted, Friday's announcement that the electricity electricity provider had applied for a Site Preparation Licence for new nuclear units al Darlington wasn't (he first time OPG lias called Bowmanville (lie preferred location. location. OPG president and CFO Jim Hankinson said exactly that in a speech lo the Toronto Board of Trade in the lale spring. Bill, this is the first 1 official :<a. Jennifer Stone move toward building the new nukes here. This gels (he ball rolling on what will undoublcdly he a very long process. This is excellent news for Clar- inglon. One local politician was quoted in a Toronto paper ns saying there would be thousands of people working al the site through the construction phase. Then, once the new nukes arc built (assuming, of course, the licence is granted), there will be an array of well-paid permanent jobs, as employees will have to be hired lo run (he plant. The spin-off (o the local economy economy is potentially enormous, as those workers will need lo buy houses, cars, food and clothes. Heaven knows how many jolis I lie project could create, as a byproduct byproduct of the economic growth, both during construction and once Hie new generators start producing power. Local trade unions must be beside themselves with glee, counting tfie sheer number of electricians, plumbers and: all sorts of tradespeople who will he needed to build the project, According to a Canadian Nuclear Safely Commission Commission spokesman, it would lake approximately 10 years from the first licensing application lo the commercial production of power from new reactors. .The licence for which OPG lias applied, even if granted, won't allow for immediate construction. construction. Between the licence being granted (supposing, again, that it is) and a shovel hilling the ground, there will be extensive study and a great deal'of opportunity opportunity for public input. Certainly, construction of new reactors at Darlington is not quite a slam-dunk at this point. But, we're one step closer, now that the application has been filed, And lor Clarington and the surrounding region, I contend that's very good news indeed, Reporter Jennifer Slone ',v column appears every other Wednesday. E-mail jsUmc<êdurhamrefum.c.am. ' CLICK AND SAY Today's question: Do you think Bob Rae will be Canada's next Prime Minister? Yes No Don't know . Cast your vote- online at infodurhamregion.com Last week's question: What should be the top issue on Parliament's agenda this fall? Hospital wait times 55.4% Afghanistan mission 24.6% Environment 20.1% Votes cast: 224 HAVE YOUR SAY Are you interested in the upcoming municipal, election? Debbie Calhoun "I don't have time to think about the election." - Tanya Hamilton "I don't pay attention. I have never paid attention." Eric Fort "I am not interested in municipal politics." Tricia Hayes "I am looking forward'to the municipal election because I like having a say." 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