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I V BDIMVILLE LIBRARY « TEfiFERARCE ST. BOIMIILE, ONTARIO L1CSAS EONLIB 8B8731 V, i ruing Response to Torch Run Festivities aKte % ' r N zj 1 P 1 ® t-v. ' :i v'i3 • rV; December 21 is the day that Melissa Harty took her place among the more than 6,000 torchbearers chosen to help complete the Petro Canada run to the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary. Melissa, second from right, is seen above as she heads out of Bowmanville towards the finish of her once-in-a-lifetime kilometre. The Lord Elgin Public School student was joined by her family, who proudly watched her complete her run. All the runners, and winners of certificates from the Town of Newcastle were honored Monday afternoon at a reception reception at the Lions Centre in Bowmanville. Water Woes Not Finished Yet by Carolyn Hepburn Newcastle Mayor John Winters doesn't want to see anyone in Cour- tice go without water, but he isn't prepared prepared to use taxpayers' money if the town is not in any way responsible for the current dewatering problems in the area. "Before we start giving out taxpayers' taxpayers' money, if it isn't a problem caused by dewatering then we have no right to pay for it," said Mayor Winters Winters in a phone interview on Monday, December 21. He made the comments after heated discussions about Cour- tice water problems erupted at the council meeting that day. Frank Hayward, a resident of Highway Highway #2 in Courtice, came before councillors on Monday asking to be included in the recently struck deal that allows some Courtice residents who have been impacted by dewatering dewatering to connect to regional water at a cost of $300 (as opposed to costs over $1300). Councillor Ann Cowman told fel- . low councillors that because Mr. Hayward's Hayward's home is in the commercial part of Highway #2 he is not eligible for the reduction in connection charges. Councillors listened as Mr. Hayward Hayward explained that his wife is ill and they live on pension benefits of $9000 yearly. Mr. Hayward told the meeting that his 17 foot well had always been more K' v To Increase Five Per Cent by Gretchen Ballantyne Residents of the Town ofNewcastle will be facing a hike of five per cent in their sewer and water rates in the new year. The final joint report of the works and finance committee on proposed 1988 water and sbwer rates was approved approved by council at the December 16, regional council meeting. The five per cent rate increase af- ; fects both water and sewer rates. This combined increase represents an additional additional cost of $3.07, to the average quarterly residential sewer and water bill. The approved rate hikes are required required to support the region's 1988 gross expenditure budget of : $27,689,000. This is up 21.4 per cent ; from the 1987 budget. The greatest impacts on the increased increased budget are a 6.1 per cent and 9.2 per cent increase needed to support support the operation and administration administration budgets. However, the public works and finance finance committees, which reviewed the rate proposals, found that even with the five per cent increase, Durham's water rates are still lower than those of neighbouring municipalities. municipalities. Sewer charges, are about "mid-range". A greater rate increase for Durham residents was offset by the growing number of customers. Customer growth, already high, has accelerated over the past year. Since 1986 an increase increase of approximately 7.7 per cent for both water and sewer has occurred. occurred. This is the highest growth rate since the region was formed. In addition, customer consumption has increased. Residential and small commercial customers are using more on a day-to-day basis. Water consumption is projected to reach 9,685 million gallons and billed sewage sewage flow to 8, 773 million. A complete explanation of the water and sewer billings and charges is available to the public from the Durham Region Finance Department. Department. than sufficient for washing cars, gardening gardening and household needs, before development began in the area. Shortly after his well went dry, Mr. Hayward was hooked to the regional water line on Highway #2 by a hose pipe that filled his well. Last week, Mr. Hayward was informed that the pipe was being taken away, leaving him with no water. After much discussion, town councillors councillors reached a decision on an overall overall policy for all future requests for inclusion in the reduced connection charges. They agreed to pay the Region the $1050 difference between the regular connection charges and the reduced rates, subject to an agreement between between the homeowner (in this case Mr. Hayward). The agreement states that if it should be discovered that nearby development didn't cause thji well to go dry, then the full chargeà would be the responsibility of the homeowner. Mr. Hayward would still be responsible for the work on his property to bring the water to his house and any indoor plumbing adjustments adjustments that have to be made.(Other Courtice residents have a similar responsibility under the Turn to Page 5 Flooding Causes Severe Damage to Homes and School by Carolyn Hepburn A blocked up regional sewer line that caused flooding and damage in at least four homes and a school in Bowmanville, has resulted in renewed renewed requests that Ontario Street reconstruction be considered in the 1988 budget. Early Sunday afternoon (December 20) basements of several homes in the Albert and Victoria Street area began filling with water and sewage through the flood drains, according to Newcastle Fire Chief Jim Aldridge. Aldridge. Turn to Page 5 ÎS3 XæiSKÏSÏÏSSÏSClÉSÏïæ; n ' #"1 1 V® by Carolyn Hepburn Courtice emergency fire calls have increased 40 percent to the end of November, November, due to the continuing trend in residential and commercial growth, according to a report from Newcastle Fire Chief Jim Aldridge. The report, dealing with recommended recommended improvements to the Courtice Courtice fire station in terms of equipment equipment and manpower, was before councillors at the general purpose and administration meeting on Monday, Monday, December 21. Councillor Marie Hubbard would like to see the recommendation of the purchase of an aerial truck contained in the report (approximate cost of $450,000 to $525,000) carried through to the 1988 budget discussions. "I'm becoming increasingly con cerned about the types of housing in Courtice," she said. With the recent approvals to higher density development, the ability of the fire crews to respond with the proper equipment is crucial. Also recommended for the 1988 budget deliberations is the hiring of a four man crew to handle the Courtice Courtice station. The report stated that "Initially, a four man crew consisting of a captain and three firefighters (wages estimated at $150,000) could provide the required day time manpower, manpower, five days per week, with consideration consideration because of the development development on the area, to increasing over the next three years, one additional four man crew per year." Councillors voted in favor of bringing bringing forward discussions about both MU tv! ^ JL the aerial truck and the hiring of the first four man crew for inclusion in the 1988 budget. The fire chief's report suggested that "the ultimate solution would be to provide a four man fire crew on a 24 hour a day basis." That would require that 16 fulltime fulltime firefighters be hired at an esti-' mated cost of $600,000 for wages. Back-up would still be provided for the station by part-time firefighters. Presently, the Courtice station has a complement of part-time firefighters firefighters which includes: one part-time district district chief, four part-time captains, and 13 part-time firefighters. Equipment includes a fire department department pumper truck and a 1500 gallon tanker truck. 623-3303 400 Per Copy Issue 51 Bowmanville, Ontario Wednesday, December, 23,1987 133rd Year Chamber of Commerce Sets New Goals The Town ofNewcastle may be missing missing out on attracting interested investors investors because of the lack of a central central information centre. The Bowmanville Chamber of Commerce Commerce (BCC) wants to change that. Ron Strike, one of the directors of the BCC, briefed town councillors on a number of proposals that would help to strengthen and improve the BCC's response to the needs of the municipality and the pursuit of in- Wlustrial and commercial growth for 'ifyife.are.ii. - ' VA name change for the organization ithpne of several proposals contained in the 1988 operating plans that were presented at the council meeting on Monday, December 14. j Under the plans, the Bowmanville Chamber of Commerce is to become the Town of Newcastle Board of Trade (TNBT). According to Mr. Strike, communication communication between the current Newcastle Newcastle Village Chamber of Commerce, and the various Downtown Business Improvement Associations of Orono, Bowmanville and Newcastle Village is "rare." He explained that the 101-member BCC "still provides a service but that service can be provided much more effectively." One of the proposed "significant" changes to the BCC under the new plans includes the establishment of a "central public information source." Mr. Strike explained that the new and improved organization is interested interested in opening an office to better handle public inquiries about the town and the TNBT's role. The organization will also continue to produce a brochure and have meetings, meetings, according to Mr. Strike. While there is much "refinement" to be done yet, Mr. Strike told councillors councillors that there is "cause for optimism." optimism." Councillor Diane Hamre was concerned concerned that the new group might displace displace the existing community groups, such as the DBIA's. "They are hard working and successful successful and have accomplished fantastic fantastic things since coming into existence," existence," she said. "Do you see yourselves as a liaison group?" she asked Mr. Strike. He assured all councillors that the Turn to Page 5 Transfer Station Closure Extended by Six Months The Town of Newcastle has been given a six-month extension on the closure date of the Darlington Waste Transfer Station. Rescinding their earlier decision, regional councillors voted at the December December 16 regional council meeting to keep the transfer station open until March 31, 1988. This extension, which is three months longer than the amount of time requested by the Town of Newcastle, Newcastle, gives the Town time to assess other alternatives for garbage collection. collection. At the December 2 council meeting, regional councillors, including Mayor Winters and Councillor Marie Hubbard, voted to close the transfer station. It was to be shut down when the operating licence ran out, December December 31. The strong public reaction against closure of the site, including a petition petition with 200 signatures, took town council by surprise at their general purpose and administration meeting on December 7. In a complete about-face, Newcas tle councillors returned to the region with a resolution asking for a three month extension. Regional councillors were somewhat somewhat confused by the sudden turnaround. turnaround. "We agreed to close the place up at the last meeting. We were told it was the best solution for the residents. Now you want it open because that will be best for the residents. It seems one never knows what Newcastle wants," commented Councillor Allan McPhail. Newcastle Councillor Ann Cowman told the councillors that the meetings to be scheduled with the region before before the shut-down of the station, had never occurred. These meetings were essential in locating an alternative site. She explained this was a key reason the town was requesting an extension. Provided that the Ministry of the Environment approves the extension date for the transfer site, it will be in operation until March of the new year, Regional Chairman Gary Her- rema said last week. MISPLACED - We've just noticed that the captions under the top two photos on the front of the second section have been reversed. They give details of the Legion's Remembrance Day essay and poster contest held recently in local schools. HOLIDAY HOURS - Everything will be shut down at area post offices from 3:45 p.m. this Thursday, Dec. 24th to Tuesday, Dec. 29th when regular service will return. On Thursday, Dec. 24 and 31, street letter box collection will be at 10:00 a.m. This means that mail, including news budgets from correspondents will be in short supply or arrive too late to be included in next week's papers that we hope to publish at the regular regular time. So, we'll be overjoyed if those news budgets could be dropped into the mail slot at our office instead of being mailed so they can be included in next Wednesday's papers. Many thanks in advance. YULE TREAT - Santa came early to the Statesman staff delivering a delectable cheese tray from our neighbors on Silver St., the McCabes who operate that busy Cheez Nook. They took time to send along a treat that lasted just over one coffee break. It was great and appreciated. appreciated. If this continues, we'll have to start dieting come 1988. OUT OF THE PAST - Two interesting letters were received received by the Editor this week from former residents of this community. Mrs. Beatrice (Kembring) Kay of Bensalem, Pa. would like us to send a copy of The Statesman. Apparently, she is feeling a bit of nostalgia for her early days here on Church and Wellington St. Her father, Raymond, was in charge of the R. M. Hol- lingshead plant from 1926 to 1936. The second letter came from John R. Virgin, son of the former head of the Boys Training School, A. R. Virgin. John now has his own Public Relations firm in Niagara Falls, serving the Canadian Hospitality Industry. He sent"along a version version of Sam McLaughlin's rise to fame at General Motors that he heard from his former teacher J. H. Johnston, lovingly known as "Bucky." And tied that story in with some comments on current free trade proposals opposed by Ed Broadbent and CAW's Bob White to illustrate what favorable results have occurred occurred when Canadians have worked closely with Americans. Americans. Nice to hear from them. EARLY RESPONSE - We also heard from another favorite favorite friend, especially in time of trouble, super sports fan Terry Kelly of Oshawa. As most readers know, practising law is his hobby, but his real profession profession is attending soccer games anywhere in the world. He reads The Statesman and saw the photo where we were starting the arena funding campaign. In today's mail he enclosed his first cheque to help, with more to follow. Now, if we ean just corral enough funds from local sources to meet our objective, it will be wonderful. Terry has certainly showed us the way. SMALL WORLD - Our thanks to Ernie Bowen of Orono for dropping off a clipping he snipped from the Daytona Daytona News Journal, Florida. It pictured Bowmanville Zoo assistant director Leslie Pon Tell facing stiff competition competition from Charlie, a 55-pound, pot-bellied pig in a tin can rolling demonstration, using noses only. It was entitled "Winner By a Nose." WINNERS - Several area folk should be happy with the prizes they won recently. S. Masterson won the grapevine wreath and B. Davis, the Christmas cheer and liqueur glasses in the Kinette Christmas raffle. And here's a big one. Bobbie-Jo Bromley won $380 on the program draw at the Eagles game Sunday and Cheryl Flynn won a Goodyear jacket. Nice going! St. PauVs Church Presents Popular Nativity Scene The St. Paul's United Church has once again performed performed their outdoor "Living Nativity" play to the delight of many spectators. The performances, which included live animals, carols, scripture read ing, and the re-enactment of the Christmas Story, look place December 20, 21, and 22. Some of the actors actors who portrayed the "Living Nativity" arc shown here during a rehearsal.