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4 The Canadian Statesman. Bowmanvillc, August 10. 1988 ®f)£ Canabtan Statesman aaaa Durham County's Greet Family Journal b20 a OOUt5 Established 134 years ago in 1854. Also Incorporating The Bowman v IU# News The Newcastle Independent The Orooo News Second class mall registration number 1561 Produced every Wednesday by THE JAMES PUBLISHING COMPANY LIMITED 62-66 King St. W., Bowmanvllle, Ontario L1C 3K9 JOHN M. JAMES Editor--Publisher GEO. P. MORRIS Business Mgr. RICHARD A. JAMES Assistant Publisher BRIAN PURDY Advertising Mgr. PETER PARROTT Associate Editor DONALD BISHOP Plant Mgr. All layouts and composition of advertisements produced by the employees of The Canadian Statesman, The Newcastle Independent and The James Publishing Company Limited are protected by copyright and must not be reproduced without permission of the publishers. $20.00 a year -- 6 months $11.00 foreign -- $60.00 a year strictly In advance Although every precaution will be taken to avoid error. The Canadian Statesman accepts advertising in its columns on the understanding that it will not be liable lor any error in the advertisement published hereunder unless a proof ol such advertisement is requested in writing by the advertiser and returned to The Canadian Statesman business office duly signed by the advertiser and with such error or corrections plainly noted in writing thereon, and in that case il any error so noted is not corrected by The Canadian Statesman its liability shall not exceed such a portion ot the entire cost ol such advertisement as the space occupied by the noted error bears to the whole space occupied by such advertisement. Solutions to Garbage Woes One of the more interesting conclusions conclusions which can be drawn from last week's review of the Durham Region's Region's garbage crisis is the fact that landfill sites are here to stay. When it comes to recycling, the Durham Region is one of the most progressive municipalities in Ontario. Ontario. And it proved its commitment to recycling last week with the passing of a resolution that seeks to reduce municipal waste by 25 per cent through recycling. Ana yet, even with this massive commitment to recycle, Durham still faces the bogeyman of landfill. Moreover, the concept of incinerating incinerating waste and using the energy for industrial steam or generating electricity electricity is proving to be something less than a cure-all. For one thing, incineration incineration produces emissions considered considered by some environmentalists to be harmful to health. And for another thing, it's actually more expensive than straightforward landfill. In addition, the burning of garbage still produces residue which must be trucked to a landfill operation. So one way or another, landfill is here to stay. Information presented by MacLaren MacLaren Engineers, the consultants on a recent recent Durham Region waste management management study, revealed that a 100 hectare landfill site would cost the 'Durham Region about $21 million in .capital expenses. i On the other hand, a landfill operation operation with even a small inneinerator -to burn garbage and release useable energy has a price tag of $49 million in capital costs. Of course, what the MacLaren study did not discuss was the political ramifications of the various courses of action. Landfill may still be the cheapest route to follow but it is also a bit of a political minefield as can be seen from the strong opposition which arises arises whenever the possibility of a landfill landfill site is even whispered in a community. community. Energy from waste (the incineration incineration of gaibage and the use of the heat for industrial plants ov generating electricity) probably hat; art many critics as does landfill. These who are worried about the burial of garbage garbage in underground trenches are equally worried about burning trash and releasing dangerous chemicals in the smoke. Regional council was told that, given today's state-of-the-art incinerators, incinerators, there's every indication that the burning of waste is not harmful. But council was also told that this conclusion conclusion is not shared by everyone. At the Durham Regional Council session at which elected officials re- We're Losing Maybe the summer heatwave is making us a little short-tempered, but we're certainly losing our patience with big government. In fact, anybody who subscribes to the theory that big government is better better government should cast his eyes westward to the home of the Durham Regional council. Every second Wednesday (during most of the year) regional councillors gather around their horseshoe shaped table to debate the Region's business. This may be democracy in action. But regional council meetings are hardly a model of efficiency, common common sense, or common courtesy. Permit us to give some examples of what we mean. These cases, we might add, are gathered from a number of meetings over the time that we've observed observed regional council. In our experience, one or two regional regional councillors manage to monopolize monopolize much of the meeting with either trivial questions or longwinded oratory oratory which is designed chiefly to earn them a place on the front pages of some newspaper. Councillors occasionally ask a question which is answered in a report report in their own agenda. The moral of that story is if you haven't read your agenda, don't ask a question whose answer might be right under your nose. Other councillors use up many hours asking staff members obscure questions about local intercscctions and roads. Asking questions of re viewed the plans for disposal of trash, one fact became crystal clear: There is no magic solution to the problem. Recycling is often touted as an answer, answer, but even the most optimistic projections projections indicate that recycling cannot cannot eliminate any more than half of the trash that is generated in the municipality municipality in the immediate future. The MacLaren Report agrees that recycling, recovery and re-use of trash is an important component in the overall scheme of managing garbage. garbage. But the engineers are suggesting suggesting that recycling can, at best, produce produce no more than a 25 per cent reduction in the waste materials. Some members of the public attending attending the council meeting last week suggested that a target of 50 per cent recycling should be set. But even if that goal could be reached, it would fall short of what's needed to eliminate eliminate landfill entirely. In other words, the most optimistic conservationists and the most pessimistic pessimistic engineers agree on one thing: They both agree that there is one heck of a large amount of garbage which will still nave to be burned or buried. It may be half of the total garbage output or it may be three-quarters. But it is still too much to be ignored. And those who had hoped for a panacea panacea in the energy from waste concept will be disappointed to learn that you S st can't send all your garbage troues troues up the smokestack. Energy from waste plants still need a landfill operation to dispose of the ash contained in the incinerators. It may be possible that in the next decade or two we will move towards the creation of recyclable materials which are more friendly to the environment. environment. But that kind of change in lifestyle will not happen overnight. And, in the meantime, there's the question of how do we survive the next 10 to 20 years. The situation as of July 31,1988 is something like this: Recycling is difinitely an answer and it has the support of practically everyone. In fact, it's almost a motherhood motherhood issue because nobody in this point of our history can argue in favor of irresponsible consumption and squandering of resources. Unfortunately, Unfortunately, re cycling is only half the answer answer atmest. This leaves us with the possibility of landfill or a combination of incineration incineration and landfill to handle the rest of the problem. Is there a landfill site in the Durham Durham Region's future? You can bet your green garbage bags that there is. The only question to answer is the most important one of all: Where will the landfill site be located? Our Patience gional staff is certainly part of their job. But one wonders why they have to tie up council proceedings with inquiries inquiries which could have been settled over the telephone before or after the meeting. Maybe they were merely trying to demonstrate to the audience and tneir fellow-councillors that thev were, indeed, on the job. And then there's always the distinct distinct impression that the councillors seldom listen to one another. Possibly this is because at the end of a typical term of office they can probably guess exactly what each of their colleagues will say on a particular subject. Maybe Maybe everything has already been said in a committee meeting and is only being repeated at regional council. One leaves most council sessions with the feeling that the Durham Region Region is composed of 30 speakers and few, if any listeners. Think about that fact for a moment and you may uncover one of the flaws of present- day politics. It used to be argued that regional government, with elected officials who are serving more or less full time in their official capacities, would result in a higher quality of debate debate and decision. Indeed, a number of Metro Toronto school boards and councils are in the process of approving large-scale raises raises for elected officials and the grounds that full-time representation is needed and that such representatives representatives deserve full-time salaries. Well, we'd venture to guess that the Champion Quitter Wins C.N.E. Show Marion Vanstone of Bowmanville is already started on her next afghan after winning the Canadian National Exhibition Arts and Crafts Show in Toronto. Mrs. Vanstone, who has entered afghans in other competitions, said she never dreamed that she'd win first prize in such a big show. Letters to the Editor Dear Sir: The recent passage of Bill C-72, the new Official Languages Languages Act, will make English English Canadians second-class citizens in their own country, especially when it comes to applying for jobs or promotions promotions within the federal civil service. In the past, government government regulations have, in fact, insisted on francophones francophones or French, when the qualifications called for "bilingual". "bilingual". Those cowardly MPs, particularly the Tories from English Canada, who passed this bill have much to answer for. They have sold out their fellow English Canadians Canadians for a few votes (maybe) in Quebec and some pats on the back from liberal editorialists. A Toronto lawyer Ron Leitch has written a brilliant expose of this discriminatory, discriminatory, some would even say 'racist1, 'racist 1 , piece of legislation. His booklet Official Bilingualism: The Sell-out of English Canada Canada is published by Citizens for Foreign Aid Reform (Box 332, Rexdale, Ontario M9W 5L3 ) and costs $3.00 I obtained obtained a copy from this organization. organization. The booklet also reveals the new and almost dictatorial dictatorial powers of the Commissioner Commissioner of Official Languages, yet another unelected bureaucrat bureaucrat with sweeping powers over Canadians. This is a most timely booklet for anyone concerned about the rapid erosion of the rights of English Canadians. Sincerely yours, W.K. Long R. R. 3, Fenwick, Ontario. Dear Future Dump Owners Owners Thanks to your skillful politicians with any luck at all that's what you'll be in the near future. It began many years ago. First they designated our land industrial. They they built the schools many miles away. Our children had 3/4 of a mile to go to catch a bus. At one time we were told a grade one student had to be on the bus at 7:15 and wouldn't be off until 4:45, after after which he had the 3/4 mile to walk. At another time he was told to walk 2 miles morning and night to catch the bus. Recently the Ontario Hy dro took our community center and replaced it with one at the edge of town. Now the people in the Waverly district can enjoy the playground. playground. Our mail service has been lousy for the last year and a half, the road side wasn't cut until the end of July and we are about the last to receive a snow plow. But all this is about to change. Nobody knows this area exists/jml we're going to become famous. 1 THE DUMP IS 'COMING. Everyone Everyone is going to know where it is ana enjoy it. Sewage and all. We thought we owned the land ana the law never refused our tax money. Now, we find we reside on land marked "first priority is vacant vacant industrially designated lands" - quote Oshawa Times, February 13,1988. As to vacant it's not. It's prime agricultural land, flat, on the edge of Lake Ontario, all workable and producing top yielding crops. We cannot build due to the laws and yet one farm just north of us has had 4 houses constructed on it in addition to the original homestead. Just recently it was awarded another separation. separation. Is it true that Sam Cureatz no longer lives along the lake shore between Newcastle and Newtonville? Did he know that district was condemned condemned also ? Why not let some of the rest of us in so we can move too. One thing's sure, if the dump comes between Darlington Darlington Provincial Park and Darlington Nuclear Generating Generating Station we won't be here but you will. Every time you travel 401 you can view the scenic landscape of junk, rats, sewage and sea gulls unlimited. You'll like the dust created by the open ground just as much as we appreciate appreciate it fro St. Marys Cement and Ontario Hydro. They're - always stirring up more. Only you'll have this too. Enjoy it. Disgusted Citizen. Dear Sirs: We are a newly formed organization, attempting to secure amendments to many of the recent by-laws concerning concerning smoking. We are considerate, responsible, responsible, taxpaying citizens, quality of thought and speechifying at the Durham Region is no better than what exists at the smallest township council chambers at the humblest country crossroads. The regional council chambers remain remain a place for petty politicking, closed-mindedness, grandstanding, and an overall lack of imagination, leadership or foresight. It's true that such a description does not take into account the fact that certain regional councillors make a worthwhile contribution contribution to local government. Unfortunately, Unfortunately, there are not enough men and women in that category. The cumulative effort of the councillors councillors as a whole leaves something to be desired. We would like to know where, in regional council, wo can find the high-quality representation which is supposed to be produced from the creation creation of a larger unit of government? It who feel the present by-laws contravene all democratic rights and principles. We do not wish to offend non-smokers who are truly bothered by second hand smoke, nor do we wish to argue that smoking is good for you. We would point out that smoking is recognized as an addiction, by the World Health Organization, and as long as smoking continues to be a legal product, smokers must be given consideration. Toronto has recently passed a "Smoking in the Workplace" by -law, smoking smoking has been banned on buses, buses, and on airline flights of less than two hours. Hospitals Hospitals are making patients stand outside, regardless of the weather, in order to smoke. Many government offices, where we are forced to wait for hours on end, have banned smoking. We feel that there are many other factors contributing contributing to many of today's ills, including automobile emissions, emissions, toxic waste dumping, acid rain, and general pollution, pollution, however, these things are ignored by the government. government. Since smokers are a largely largely unorganized, unrepresented unrepresented group in the government, they have quietly decided to place the ills of the world on our shoulders. It is time for smokers and sympathetic non-smokers to snow their leaders that they do object to what is going on. We are presently collecting collecting names on petitions, in order order to present them to our politicians, and if you would be interested in signing, or having a petition sent to you, we would ask that you drop us a line. Don't forget to include include your name and address. address. We would also like to point out, just because these laws may not have affected your area yet, don't feel too secure. Many municipalities and cities are awaiting the effects, before deciding if they will follow suit. Yours very truly, Katherine Mellon Citizens for Smokers Rights Box 225, Depot A Toronto, Ontario M5W 1B2 V nounced its plans to put a dump within its own borders, borders, but the fight is far from over. When we first received received the news on Friday Friday afternoon of Metro's plans it was certainly a high point of the week. Rumours had been flying flying fast about the possibility possibility that the announcement announcement would contain a location within the Town of Newcastle and it was with great expectation that we awaited the results results of months of searching. As a result of the choice of a provincially owned site near the Metro Metro Zoo, there is a stoiw on the front page of today's paper that it seems I have waited a lifetime to write. And if it seems like a lifetime to me then it surely must be a lifetime lifetime for the people the story story is about. Our beloved western neighbors have decided that the winner in the "dump sweepstakes" (as it has been called by a leading member of a local local citizens group) is a site in Scarborough. It would appear that our Town of Newcastle is off the hook and free and clear of, at least, Toronto's Toronto's garbage. _ That is certainly a nice feeling. I was be- f 'nning to think that all coula write about were garbage protests and the horrors that a dump would bring to our farmland farmland and environment, not to mention the special way of life that has evolved in Newcastle. Just prior to receiving the good news I was starting starting to get a little excited about the whole thing. While I could liken it to the same excitement one feels while, waiting for a baby to be born, or a new car to Arrive',' or even council to make an important important decision, I think the message is clear. After After months and months of guessing, second guessing and even more guessing, Metro has decided decided to pursue a landfill site, in its own backyard. For me, there never was any other choice. For the many residents in both the east and west part of our town, there were several very scary possibilities. You see, Metro proposed proposed several sites in our town. One was to run along side the Darlington Darlington Provincial Park on farmland, another was to be on prime industrial land and still another was to gobble up even more prime agricultural property. Of course, most will also be familiar with the fourth dark horse, a location near Newtonville. No matter which location location Metro could have chosen in the town, none would have been acceptable. acceptable. Not only would the people object to the proposals, proposals, but we can only hope that the politicians and environmentalists would also have waged war on the idea of putting garbage on the shores of Lake Ontario. 1 I give credit where it is due and I must tip my hat and extend my nand in congratulations to the hundreds of folks from the Newtonville/ Newcastle Village areas and beyond. It is without a single doubt that I lay much of the credit for Metro's decision to stay away from the Town of Newcastle at their feet. After all L if you saw the sign waving, orange garbage bag clad crowd that I saw last week, you too would think twice about challenging them. They stood up for what they believed in, against all the odds. They dealt with ridicule from others who couldn't possibly understand understand the fear and intimidation intimidation that comes with the thought of losing a home and way of life. They succeeded in proving proving that certain parts of this town do indeed have a heart and soul and are willing to put it on the line when necessary. I have said it before and don't mind repeating repeating it again: Everyone can and should learn something from the people people who fought Metro's proposals to put a dump within the.'ITown of Newcastle. Newcastle. uti l ptilUli Furthermore, everyone everyone should be damn thankful that they did. For without their banners, banners, honking, attendance attendance at council meetings, meetings, and continuous letter writing, the whole issue could nave easily been concluded without so much as a peep from us. I don't doubt for a moment moment that Metro was serious serious about the Town of Newcastle. I don't care what anyone says, Metro is a force to be reckoned with and with the help of the provincial government government the situation could have been much worse. But by the same token, our own townsfolk proved a force to be reck- Z oned with. Still, as one of my most informed gar- £ bege protesters told me > last Friday: It's not over *j until a site has received M the first bag of garbage. £ In other words, all the ? promises in the world that the dump isn't coming coming here don't mean a thing until the final decision decision is made. On the other side of the coin is the fight that will, still be waging in Toronto. Toronto. Before you say "So what?", consider that To- rontians are as much a victim of irresponsible planning as anyone. For the people that live within and near the Rouge Valley Valley (where the proposed dump is to be located) the battle to keep the garbage heap away is to continue. It is understandable why. they want to fight to prevent prevent garbage from being put in the environmentally environmentally sensitive area.) Isn't that one of our big- ! gest arguments against the Newcastle sites? 1 It is a shame that the situation has come to this. I find no pleasure in watching people's lives threatened, no matter matter how newsworthy some may find the entire issue. I find no gratification gratification in covering meetings meetings filled with fright and intimidation from a city that should have started its own dump search years ago. However, I have to believe believe that Metro has finally finally seen a piece of the light and decided that the garbage they generate has got to stay in their own boundaries. Why should an area that is making a concentrated effort to recycle have to take the waste from one of the largest garbage producing machines in the 1 country that 'isn't making ariÿ'ëffôrt to re-t duce the amount of waste that goes to landfill. Why indeed? If Metro is to be believed believed (and even the initial initial decision to stay within within the city must still be approved by various levels levels in the government structure) then the Town of Newcastle has survived survived another crisis. No, let me rephrase that. A certain part of the town • has helped to speak out against the use of our lands for garbage. The landfill question is far from over. But no matter what lies ahead, past actions prove that at least some of the Town of Newcastle will be more than ready. Young Ladies Take Part in Art Show just doesn't exist. Big government does not produce better government. It only produces more government than anybody really really needs. And we will predict that within ten or twenty years, we will see the break-up of large units of government government such the Durham Region into more manageable local units more accountable to the citizens. But we're getting ahead of ourselves. ourselves. For the moment, there's little to be done except to hope that this election election year the calibre of candidates and election-winners will improve. The regional form of government has done nothing to improve the quality quality of representation at the council table. table. However, the electorate deserves part of the blame for not casting their votes more wisely or for not producing producing a better slate of candidates from which to choose. Tobia and Tamara Buckle love Mom Christine's cute little teddy boar broaches. broaches. The pins were shown at the Bowmanville Museum's Annual Arts & Crafts Show on Saturday. Various local artists participated displaying their work on the museum lawns. Crafts varied from home-knit sweaters and silk bridal bouquets bouquets to paintings.