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16 -- PORT PERRY STAR -- Tuesday, May 2, 1989 VIA passengers fear budget cuts to service (From page 1) port.. He said as far as the Associ- ation is concerned, the line could see vastly improved reve- nues if the rolling stock is up- dated and there is an aggressive marketing and ad campaign . launched to attract new riders. He expects this brief to be completed within the next few weeks. But Mr. Pagnuelo said the - budget last week doesn't leave him optimistic about the future - of the Toronto-Havelock ser- vice. "In terms of when we might lose this line, it looks to me like it's safe until the end of mext March, then the subsidy money will really dry up," he stated. VIA nation-wide receives $641 million in operating subsi- dies from the federal govern- ment, but the budget last week calls for substantial reduca- tions in that subsidy ($500 mil- lion) over the next four years. What concerns Mr. Pag- nuelo, among other things, is a statement in the budget docu- ment which pledges to maintain VIA service for "truly remote communities." The Toronto-Havelock line obviously does not fall into that definition, he said. And he is very concerned that there appers to be no mon- ey from the federal government for capital equipment (new cars and engines) something which VIA badly needs. It was this need to replace the aging VIA stock that was the main topic of discussion at a meeting in Port Perry April 256 between VIA officials, and about 40 people who use the ser- vice on a regular basis. Richard Gauthier, VIA public affairs official said the cars used on Havelock line were built in the early 1950's, are prone to breakdowns and when parts are needed VIA must "pil- fer" from five mothballed trains NEW FOR 1989 CANADIANA 12 H.P. 39" CUT LAWN TRACTORS 2 + 5 Year Warranty on Briggs & Stratten I.C. engine 5 Speed Transmission Full floating mower deck Heavy Duty Battery Other models now in stock introductory Price 2175.00 DURHAM MOBILE AGRI SERVICE R.R. #3 - PORT PERRY 985-9528 sitting in Montreal. Don Carmichael, VIA's di- rector of marketing for the On- tario Region told the meeting the company can't launch ag- gressive ad campaigns to boost ridership because the aging fleet of cars simply can't handle any increased service. He said the company has looked at European cars which are modern and very suitable to Ontario's climate, but the feder- al government has not given VIA any money to buy these cars. "So we continue to limp along," he stated. At one point during the meeting, VIA's position was lik- ened to "Air Canada flying Vis- counts and expected to show a profit." In 1988, the Toronto- Havelock line carried 59,000 passengers, up from 41,000 the previous year. . Revenues last year were about $584,000 while operating costs were just over $1.2 mil- lion. That's a cost recovery ratio of about 50 per cent in 1988, compared with 34 per cent the previous year and about 44 per centin 1985 and 1986. Mr. Carmichael said the Toronto-Havelock line is oper- ating at "close to capacity" in terms of ridership. During this meeting, the message came through loud and clear that the people who use this line don't want to see it axed. And they were pleased to hear that in February of this year, Durham MP Ross Steven- son fired off two letters (one to Michael Wilson and one to transport minister Benoit Bou- chard) stating strong support for continuing the Toronto- Havelock service. In 1981, the then Liberal government cut the line, but it was restored three years later by the federal Conservatives on a"useitorloseit" basis. At that time, VIA passen- gers launched a strong and well-organized campaign to have the service restored. In 1989, the decision on TREES whether to keep the line or scrap it, will be made by the pol- iticians in Ottawa, and it looks like the local Passenger Associ- ation is gearing up for another political battle. This lovely 30 by 36 oil painting by artist Brenda New- some will be raffled off May 11 by the Eastern Star of Port Perry with proceeds going to the Hospital Building Fund. Mrs. Newsome, who Is an Eastern Star member said tickets at $1 each are now on sale at Wallpaper Wonders in the Port Plaza or at Dor-Jean Ladies Wear on Queen Street. The painting is on display in the Dor-Jean window until the draw. Garbage a disgrace (From page 2) lease. Could the store-owners be dong more to keep their gar- bage from getting loose? Will increased collection Sle the problem once and for all? * The Towship will try sever- al avenues of gentle persuasion before they take legal steps to correct the prob- lem. Oshawa Public Health Inspector Brad Clark looked at the site on Friday. He notified Mr. Quan that there is a prob- 'EVERGREENS - SHRUBS - FRUIT TREES Over 100 Varieties Available. We deliver large trees with our crane trucks, preferably on weekends. Our new showroom & large shadehouse offers excellent selection and variety of stock throughout the year. If you need help be sure to ask our helpful staff. | 20% OFF Flowering Almond Trees (speciman) - Reg. $250. Now $1995. (Sale ends May 15, 1989) COCOA BEAN MULCH reg. $9.99 / GREENBANK GARDEN CENTRE.» Located on the N.E. corner of Hwy. 12 & Hwy. a7 (41 6) 985-7667 lem and the mess should be at- tended to. The Health Office will im- pose a timeframe during which the clean up must take place and if Mr Quan fails to comply, then legal action may be in or- er. Health officials said they intend to prevent this problem from recurring by asking the owner to either provide another bin for garbage or to arrange to have the present bin dumped more frequently. PERFECT PARTY PLANNERS WEDDINGS BIRTHDAY PARTIES ANNIVERSARIES We take care of all the details: [J Rental of Hall (J Caterer [J Rental of Dishes, etc. (J Bartenders [1 Beverages (J Disc Jockey [1 Decorations (J Cakes O Invitations (J Limo Service (J Flowers (1 Tuxedos (J Photographer (J Video Tape SANDRA 986-0127 SHIRLEY 986-5508