AMan with Purpose Mr. Jini Richards of Oronio couid weil be ternied \Man Witb A Purpose", in,,g for the past rwventy years struggied againsýt great odds in is efforts to engineer the preservation of the Oshawa Second Marshi in its naturai state. 1976. Again Richards, beaded up the association. He states liedoes bave concerns for al environmiental issues but the saving the marsh had caught bis imagination and personai- ly felt its preservation was wcli w3,orth figting for. In the late seventies and The existence of the Se- cond Marsh as a wildlife area bas been in jeopardy f'or a number of years due to a pro- posaI that the Oshawa Har- boum expand its facilities inta the mamsh amea whicb would have totally destroyed the marsh as a wildlife area. Over the past two decades deteioration of the marsb has develaped d 'ue mairly ta silting from upstream developments and the ciosing of the entrance of the marsh into Lake Ontario. Richamd's interest in the preservation of the rnash dates back ta the eamly 1960's when he saw the mamsh as one of the most significant re- rnaining wet]and areas along the shores of Lake Ontario. He was alsa aware, at this time, of the pressure ta develop the niarsb as an ex- pansion ta the Oshawa Har- bour which he states would have destroyed this natumal wetland site. Richards said although he- is a very private and quiet persan he just couid flot sit by and watch the marsh being destroyed for what' he calîs a frivolous purpose. He recaîls at this time he wrote a Letter ta the Editor of the Oshawa Timtes but that the Times efusbed ta publish the letter and he (Richards) was about ta give up on his dreamt of seeing the mnarsh preserved as a wetlands area. In 1966 his fi rs t breakthrough camne when "The Journal", the forerun- ner of "Oshawa This Week" sbowed an interest in his cani- paign ta save the marsh and published a story of bis in- terests and concernis. Richards states the story was the beginning of a con- centmated attack ta save the niarsh and that a lot of peo- pie, equally concerned, did respond. -1 persunally con- tacted ail those wbo had responded and the first meeting was calied ta form an organization or bring atten- tion as ta the importance of the Second Marsb as a, wetland area i the area," he states. "It bas been an uiphili battie ever since,- be said. From the meeting a group \vas founded beaded by Jimn Richards as co-uidiniatur. Alinost ten yeams later and stili faced with the possibility of the destruction of the nasthe Se:(cn M1arsh Defense Associationwa formed and incorporated in early eightie 's determînation ta expand the Oshawa Har- bour inta the.Secon d Marsh increased as well as industrial proposals for th e Beaton farm wbich separates the Se- cond Marsh and the DarI- ington Provincial Park. Tbrougb this period the association and Richards took every opportunity available ta thenita support the retention of the Second Marsb as an important wetiand area. Richards points out that the goup had objected ta the industrialization of the Beaton Farm in total and weme prepared ta take the issue ta the Ontario Municipal Board for a deci- sion. The Second Marsh Defense Association in 1983 did came ta ternis witb the developer in that about 30 percent of the lands shouid flot be developed, and that a buffer zone be maint ained along the waterfront. Richards points out that an agreenient bas been sîgned and sealed and a copy lodged with the Ministry of Naturai Resources. "We are pleased witb the agreemient," states Richards, "as is the developer." Richards points out that ligbt warebousing is pemmissabie on the Beaton Fanm site in accordance with the agreement. The big- news far Richards -and the Second Marsh Defense Association came in Janiuary of 1984, when a Federai-Provincial Task Force published a final report of their study of the Second Marsh and Oshawa Harbour expansion whicb determines the Second Marsh will be sav- ed froin deveiopment and is ta bc preserved as a signifi- cant wetiand area. Richards states, that althougb the Second Marsh has been saved fom the ad- vancenient of barbour development its preservatian asý a significant wetiand area stili hangs in the balance. The Orono man states be is nom, iooking forwamd ta the next step in the preservatian of the Second Mlarsh and bas years ta devote ta this cause. He tates, there are numieraus problems ta came upI, nione-the-least being, remredial work ta rehabilitate thle Marsb from abuses ailow- ed ta take place over past yecarsý. Richards is; critical of thie Central Lake Ontario Conservanon ,Autbarify Organization wbicb if it had been doing its job over the past years, the marsh wouid flot be in tie condition it is today. He points out that sonie land use practices in the sub- div isions along thle Back and Farewell Creek svsteins and, as weil, bank erosion bas cauised the major portion of siltation in the Second Marsh. Richards in looking to the future includes the determin- ation of ownership for the Se- cond Marsh wbîcb today is in the hands of the Department of Transport. He speaks of the need for the development of a master plan as to the management of the marsh to assure its preservation. Richards does flot propose that the Federal or Provincial goverfiment do ail the work in the future but that local organizations could welI play a part in funding and states that the Marsh Defence Association bas money available that was intended to be used in defence of marsh dev elopmnent for, harbour purposes. The Department of the En- vironment (Environment Canada) h as provided $40,000 to the Second Marsh Defence, Association for a marsh study now being undertaken, and which wi]I culminate in a master plan for the future integrity of the marsh, a move that holds a lot of interest for i Richards of Orono-who has taken on the responsibility and spends a lot of ime as co-ordinator of the study. Jim Richard's interest in nature was wetted tagging along witb bis father an fisbing trips when he becamne intrigued with nature and birds. This interest deveiopedi to the point that in 1974 be was a co-author and publisher of a book, "The Bîrds of the Oshawa-Lake Scugog Area". Richards, a reasonably quiet man, and be cdaims totaliy selfish as far as nature is concerned, wants others to be able to enjoy nature on in to the future as he does now.- "I want others to be able to enjoy the action in the out- doors," he bas said. This man with a purpose and with dedication bas ac- complished much towards bis goal of which present and future generations surely must owe a debt of gratitude. No extra road monies The Town of Newcastle bas been infornied by the ,Ministry of Transportation and Communications that funding through a sup- plementary subsidy will not be available for the Town of Newcastle in 1984. The' suppienientary sub- sidy, bas for many years, been allotted to individuai municipalities following ap- proval of the original budget. This year tbe Ministry retain- ed only a sniall sum of money for non-recurring projects and informed the Town. that the initial allotnient was con- idered an appropriate re- quiremenit for the entire year. Ron Dupuis, Director of Orono Weekly Timies, From the Dim and Distant Pasi- JUNE 9, 1938 by Chris Hooper The Women's Christian Temperance Union hield the first of a seies of Silver Medal Contests in the United Sunday Scbool roani an Fi- day. Miss Lais Mante] and Master William Blacklock won the silver medals on tempemance amatamy. The judges weme Mms. W.J. Jewell, M.S. Rîckard and Mm. Lycett. Rowe's orchestra played sanie lovely selections. The Rev. A.R. Sanderson of Wbitby gave twa emy forceful, sermons in Park Street United Cbumcb on Suin- day. His sermons weme in aid of the Ontario Tempemance Fedemation and told of sanie appalling conditions where beer parlors and bevemage moonts exist. On the front page of the paper was' a list of the students wbo weme exempted frani their exanis in Middle and Lower Scbool. It just'so happens that the name of Roy Fomester, editor of the Orono Tmes, appears bere. It seems be had te Write six out of eigbt ex- amns, and according to bim, Eng-lish wNas one of bis worst subjects. .IUNE 6, 1957 The Orono High School Air Cadet Squadron No. 595 received praise from Wing Commander G.H. Avent at their seconid annual Inspec- tion and Athletic night beld at the Orono Park fast Wednesdaty. Studlenis marched througb town, performed the inspec- tion and concluded the even- ing, vvitb a d.ance at the Orono Oddfellows Hall. On Monday evening, the pupils of Mrs. M.H. Staples gave a piano recital in the United Cburch Sunday Scbool. Marie Hooey gave the life story of Sbubert and Jean Taniblyn gave the life of Mozart. A sing-song was en- joyed by ail and afterwards Ross Taniblyn, wbo acted as chairman gave-his thanks ta Mrs. Staples. D oes the prograni involve. direct financial assistance for alterations? No. The savings are in reduced property taxes each year, flot in grants or boans for alterations. Under this programn, the assessed value of the improvements will nat be included when your property tax is calculated, providing the improvements were made ta help a disabled or senior live at home. M'ho can apply? Aýny property owner who makes improvements ta accommodate people who are 65 or over and those of any age with physical or mental disabilities that wvould otherwise require them ta live in an institution. C an only the family of a disabled %vor senior person apply for this exemption? Not necessarily. For example, you may wish ta mnake improvements ta accommodate a friend in your home. Moreover, disabled or seniors can apply for the exemption directly, if they make alteratians that will enable theni ta continue living in their own homes. What about group homes? Non-profit group homes can apply, but only as long as their improved accommodations do not exceed three residential units. Larger institutions operating'multiple facilities ta care for the disabled or seniors are nat included in this program. Can commnercial properties qualify? Yes, in some cases. For example, a family aperating a retail store could apply for the exemption if they make improvements ta an apartment upstairs for the accommodation of a family member or friend who would otherwise be compelled ta live in an institution. W bat types of home improve- ments qualify? Any addition, improvement or alteration specifically related ta the needs of the disabled or senior resident qualifies for this new exemption. These may include such features as special bathroom modifications or additions ta an existing hôme. (Please note: general repairs and maintenance do not increase assessment anyway). Does the exemption apply to changes underway or completed before the program was announced? Only alterations started aftem May 15, 1984 when the prograrn was announced will qualify for the property tax exemption once the work, has been completed. H ow long will the exemption apply? The tax exemption continues as long as the senior or disabled persan uses the property as their principal residence. How do you receive this new property tax exemption? The first step is ta call your local Assessment Office at the number listed below. To avoid any possible disappointment, please contact us before finaliing your plans. We look forward ta, discussing the program in greater detail. Please talk to your local Assessment Office. We're anxious to help. DURHAM REG IONAL ASSESSIMENT OFFICE 605 Rossiand Raad East, Box 270 WHITBY, Ontarlo LIN 5SI (416) 668-9351 or 686-1422 Zenith 67140 Commissioner-W.H. Parnell SGovernment Hon. Larry Grossman, 0.0., Hon. Bud Gregory otri Treasurer of Ontario Minister of Revenue i Richards , Orono A NEWŽPROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION to help Disabled and Seniors live at home. Why was Unis new program introduced? « Many l.,,derly and disabledpe-ople ,, Accordingly, Iaannoncngtoday want to live with theirfamilies. that homeowners who uindertake However~ in some cases, providing renovations or additions, specifically to shelter requires extensive home renova- keep an elderly or disa bled person at tions which resuit in increased property home and in the community, will be taxes. We must encoura ge-not penaliw.- exemPt from any increase in taxable families for their efforts to provide assessnzent that would shelter and supportive care. otherwvise occur Budget Statemenf-May 15, 1984, The Honourable Larry Grosatoan, Q.C., Treasurer of Ontario. Wednesday, June eS, 1984-5 Early this week, work started in preparing the grouind for the new Durham Farmer's Co-op building. Mrs. Charles Weber was given a sbower ai the-borne of Mrs. Carl Biilings. Miss Agnes Waddeil read a short address, Mrs. F. Bruniaconibe, Mrs. Stan Payne,~ Miss Carolyn Jones anid Mrs. A.A. Druninind belp)ed with the musical pro- grfammie, -Mrs. Irene Dunbar read a poemn, and then a delicious lunich was served by Miss Sadie Brown, Mrs. An- nie Cornîsh and Mrs. Leslie Mc(ee -lhe Orono Intermediate Basebal eam beat Bowman- ville 8-3 on Tuesday night. Keith West was the winning pitcher. Strong offensýive play camne from Charles Arm- strong, Don Mercer and John Shetier. Robbie Robinson bit a spectacular home run by driving the- bail out of the ' park over the south fence. 4000 people turned oui for the opening cerenionies of the niost modern "close custody" reformatory on the North American continent. The Milbrook Penitentiary was officiaiiy opened on Saturday afternoon.