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OMB hearing By Scott Anderson Port Perry Star There is a slight chance con- cerns over a housing develop- ment on legion-owned lands could be resolved without a for- mal hearing. At issue is the Royal Canadi- an Legion's plans for a non- profit housing development on a parcel of land at Balsam Street and Old Simcoe Road. The le- gion is seeking a zoning change to allow the development. An informal mediation meet- ing was held on Thursday to re- solve the dispute. Although both sides moved closer to a compromise, not enough ground was covered to avoid an Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) hearing. The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 419 is proposing a 40- unit non-profit housing develop- ment for seniors on Balsam Street. The three-storey building would consist of mainly one- bedroom units, with some two- bedroom apartments as well. But neighbors surrounding the 4.8-acre site are opposed to the development citing a num- ber of concerns. Bill Anker, a resident of Bal- sam St., expressed concern that the size of the development would dramatically change the neighborhood. He estimated 100 additional people would move to the area. "The neighborhood will change dramatically," he told the meeting. "I've been around subsidized housing to know whathappens." Mr. Anker, who moved with his wife to Port Perry in 1992, said he would consider moving ifthe development was built. "My gut feeling is if this place goes up, I'm going to move," he said. "I want to have a peaceful, quiet neighborhood. If I'm not assured of this, I don't want to wait around until itis built." But mediator Robert Bailey cautioned Mr. Anker not to sound the panic alarms over the issue of subsidized housing in the area. "We should be careful of bringing images of larger cities to smaller communities," he said. Legion representatives said although the complex has been designated non-profit, the in- Turnto Page 17 Mills finds himself in hot water over same sex benefits By Scott Anderson Port Perry Star Plans to oppose the govern- ment's same sex plans has land- ed alocal MPP in hot water. Gord Mills, Durham East MPP, intends to oppose a bill which will provide benefits for same sex couples and could ex- tend rights to gay couples to adopt as well. The MPP said there has been an overwhelming reaction in his riding to oppose the bill. "I can't ignore the wishes of the constituency, even if it's in direct opposition to what the government thinks," he said. "A member is sent to Queen's Park to weigh all the facts and vote accordingly." Mr. Mills said he has received phone calls and letters of sup- port for his decision, as well as a number of petitions. The latest petition had more than 1,000 names. "I can't ignore the wishes of the people even if it's in direct opposition to what the govern- ment thinks." If a bill is introduced in the legislature, he is prepared to vote against it, he said. Many NDP backbenchers have simi- lar feelings to Mr. Mills. But the MPP has made his feelings known to the premier, indicating he would not be fol- lowing the party line. "I told Premier Rae that I wouldn't be supporting it and that I will be taking the view of the people that elected me," he said. "I haven't done anything be- hind the premier's back that I haven't discussed atlength." Mr. Mills' opposition to the is- sue has put him in hot water when he was quoted in the press last week referring to gays as "queer people." "Everytime you walk down the street, people would say 'there goes that guy that sup- ports queer people," he was quoted as saying. While he came under attack from various gay rights groups over this remark, he said some groups have not found it offen- sive, noting they refer to them- selves as "queer." Despite offering an apology for his remarks, he does not in- tend to back down on his deci- sion. "I'm not a bigot. I'm trying to look at it in a sensible way and represent my constituents' wishes." Sketches of Scugog - By Kelly Lown Port Perry Star Students at Greenbank and Epsom Public Schools could be swinging and playing in new playgrounds earl .r than ex- pected due to a successful auc- tion over the weekend. The auction, held at Neil Ba- con Auctions on Friday night, raised more than $12,000 for the two rural public schools. Earlier this year the school children were disappointed when the playground equip- ment at both the schools was de- clared unsafe. Epsom's was sub- sequently torn down. A committee was formed to implement ways to raise funds for a new playground and new equipment. After sales of maga- zine subscriptions, chocolate Auction raises over $12,000 for playground equipment bars and other projects, a joint effort between the two schools led to the auction. Local businessess and indi- viduals donated close to 300 items to the auction, including donations which continued to roll in as the auction pro- gressed. Cathy Bacon, of Neil Bacon Auctions, and the chairman of the auction committee told the Star the outcome of the auction definately surpassed anyone's expectations. 'IT am overwhelmed by peo- ple"s generosity and support," Mrs. Bacon added. The goal of the auction, ac- cording to Mrs. Bacon, was to raise as much money as the magazine sales did, not expect- ing the auction to raise more than twice as much as the previ- ous fundraiser. Epsom Public School had set a goal of $20,000 for the replace- ment of its playground equip- ment, which thanks to the auc- tion is very close to realizing. Greenbank School had a lower goal, as some of its equipment could be repaired. More than 500 people turned out to the auction to bid on the estimated 295 items on the block. Several items sold for more than $200 apiece. Several students of both schools helped to make the night memorable as they took part in tongue twisters as well as helping Neil Bacon auction offsome the items. The First White Settler - Pg. 14