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The Clarington/Courticc Independent, Bowmanvillc, Saturday, August 29, 1998 Page 13 Why Does Ontario Fear Beer? The Traveller by Rob Evans Now, before I get started, let me point out, that I am not trying trying to change any laws. I am not looking for any reforms. I am just explaining the difference difference between our liquor laws and laws in different parts of the world. I first got the idea to write about this while eating in a McDonalds on the Avenue des Champs-Elysées, in the shadow shadow of the Arc de Triomphe, in Paris. Now I know what you're thinking. What's a guy doing eating at McDonalds in Paris? Well, my only defense is that sometimes when you arc on N -- --s the road you need to find a place to cat that has some familiarity to it, and you can always find a McDonalds. But back to the topic at hand. The teenagers behind the counter were serving beer! That's right, instead of, "Would you like fries with that?" It was, "And what kind of beer would you like with your Big Mac?" What a civilized society! At the hotel I was staying at in Frankfurt, Germany, McDonalds had a franchise attached to the front lobby. Here, not only could you get a beer, but they put it into a paper cup with a lid so you could get it to go. Now, let's look at the United States. I have yet to hear of a Canadian tourist that complained about how accessible beer and liquor sales were in the U.S. (perhaps that says something about the circles I move in?). Gas stations often have a wide variety of the suds for sale. The brewers compete for market share and offer amazing incentives to buy their product. product. Give-aways, like clothing, beer mugs or other paraphernalia are common sights to the shopper. Also, the privately owned outlet may reduce the price on a pint and offer it up to the consumer at great savings. Closer to home, we also find great inconsistencies in how beer sales arc handled^ A couple of years ago, I was in the Best Western Hotel in Regina, Saskatchewan. I had been hired to do my stand-up comedy act for the locals and tourists alike in their lounge. Standing by the bar, I witnessed the most amazing thing. A man exchanged cash for a case of beer with the bartender. The man then proceeded to leave the bar with the. box of beer. I, good Ontario boy that I am, was shocked. Off sales, as these transactions are often called, are common in many provinces and states. The people people that live in these areas believe it a normal thing to do. What of Quebec? What Ontarioite has not commented commented about how you can buy beer in the Belle Province? Not only is it available in every corner store, but it comes in quart bottles (that's about a litre for you metric folks). So what's the deal? Why does Ontario seem to have such rigid laws? Some argue that a society with too loose liquor laws will perish in a stupor of drunkenness. drunkenness. Well, the last time I looked, the Eiffel Tower was still standing, and.that, in a country that legally allows 16 year olds to drink. In Ireland, the land of Guinness, doctors recommend nursing mothers consume consume a pint or two of their famous dark brew, to keep them strong. The U.S. has a dollar that puts ours to shame, so in spite of all their other difficulties, their economy is not adversely affected by special beer promotions. Saskatchewan is still producing wheat for the world. And Quebec, well we'll just leave that one alone for now. Now again, I'm not advocating any changes need to be made. Ontario is unique and special in its own way. I truly do love this province. But I just don't see why Molsons can't give away a free ball cap or T- shirt when you buy a two-four. Cheers and happy travels. Inheritances Offer $2.7 Billion Boost To Housing Market ■ As much as $2.7 billion ! of the forecast $12.7 bil- ; lion per year in inheritances inheritances and cash gifts will find its way into the hous- ; ing market, according to the latest issue of Canada Mortgage and Housing ; Corporation's Mortgage Market Trends. "Nearly $1.4 billion of these funds will he spent on renovation while the remaining $1.3 billion will be devoted to new construction," according to Ali Manouchchri, a ; senior economist at •: CMHC's market Analysis ; Centre. ; In another article, ■ Mortgage Market Trends examines Canadian real • estate investment trusts : (REITs). The trusts are : growing in popularity as ; Canadian real estate ; becomes increasingly securitized and more : properties are held : through the stock market. : In fact, REITs have grown ! nearly forty fold since 1993 to reach over $4.5 billion by mid-1998. The article describes who benefits benefits from REITs, examines examines the REITs as an investment instrument, and discusses their past, present, tuul potential performance. performance. Hospice Durham Trains Volunteers Toastmasters Introduce New Executive The new executive for the Bowmanvillc Toastmasters was recently inducted by Division Governor Allan Marlin (right). The incoming executive includes: Scrgcant-at-Arms Brian Forrest; Treasurer Michael Sullivan; Public Relations Officer Russ LcBlanc; Membership Officer Karen Martin; Vice President, Education, Vanessa Hughes and President Carol Wonnacott. Absent from the picture picture are Secretary Jeff Hancock and Past President Connie Nelson. OFA Challenges Weaknesses In Energy Competition The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) has firmly stated that it is not opposed to competition in the electricity electricity system through the Energy Competition Act, if the interests of the farmers arc not compromised. Peter Canning, Executive Committee member representing representing OFA, recently addressed the Standing Committee on Resource Development, stating: "There are a number of concerns concerns with the Energy Competition Act which must be addressed if the act is to truly reflect the best interests of farmers as energy consumers." consumers." The OFA believes that the Energy Competition Act must do the following: • Apply uniform or "postage stamp" transmission transmission pricing which will ensure the price of electricity transmission in based on volume volume not on distance; • maintain secure access to affordable electricity; • Ensure that the estab lishment of the Ontario Electricity Generation Corporation, the Ontario Electric Services Corporation and the Ontario Hydro Financial Corporation will honor the agreements and protocols which Ontario Hydro has established with Ontario farmers; • Ensure that access to Rural Rate Assistance (RRA) programs must not be restricted in the process of electricity system restructuring restructuring and the level of protection protection must not be reduced; and • Guarantee that Rural Rate Assistance must give farm customers full access to this program to ensure they have affordable access to electricity in the new electricity electricity system "Over the next few months, you can count on the Ontario Federation of Agriculture scrutinizing the development of the Energy Competition Act very carefully carefully to make sure our farmers farmers are not compromised," states Canning. Hospice Durham is a free community based volunteer volunteer program that provides provides in-home support to individuals and families facing a life-threatening illness. Volunteers help hospice families by providing providing companionship, emotional support and assist with non-medical tasks. We have scheduled another Volunteer Training Program to begin in September. This 24 hour course will be held at the Hospice Durham offices, 850 Champlain Avenue, Oshawa (North American Van Lines building), for eight Wednesdays beginning beginning on September 16, 1998. All sessions will be from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Topics include Communication Skills, Emotional Support & Family Dynamics, Transfer Techniques & Physical Considerations, Multiculturalism & Burial Rites, Grief & Bereavement and the Role of the Volunteer. This year we arc incorporating incorporating two sessions being presented by Hearth Place. These sessions afe in addition to the regular 24 hour course and will take place at the Whitby Free Methodist Church, 1916 Rossland Road East, Whitby. On September 23 "Compassion Fatigue" will be presented by Dr. Michele Chaban, Clinical Supervisor, Oncology, Mount Sinai Hospital. On October 21 "Handling Multiple Losses in the Workplace" will be presented presented by Yvette Perrealt, Aids Bereavement. These sessions are from 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. To cover course materials materials and expenses, a $20.00 registration fee is requested requested for people who intend to volunteer with Hospice Durham. For other interested interested persons, we request a fee of $40.00. Registration is required prior to September 1 i, 1998. Please call (905) 435-5242 to register. 71 Quiet Family Living at its Best! L 10 minutes north of Pickering Town Centre. School library, museum, conservation area, baseball, tennis, fishing, hockey, .skiing, all at your front door. Village setting, 1/2 acre, 2400 sq. ft., 4 bedroom, 700 sq. ft. garage/work. 3585 Greenwood Rd. (905) 626-0815. J REALTY SERVICES LTD. 39 Wastmore Street Courtice, Ontario Bus. (905) 434-5128 Fax (905) 433-8735 4 level backsplit on country lot. Mist be seen to be believed. Too many lealures lo list Minutes to Port Perry. Hi» bouses Ceirliei: 5219,900. Jellery Homes quality. 2050 sq.lt 2 storey. 1 Hen Courtice: 5185,000. Older 1823 sq. It house adjacent lo development CONCESSION STREET $149,9001! Century 2 storey house approx. 1600 sq. II. Great character and curb appeal. Hardwood floors. 10' ceilings. 3 bedrooms. Updated bathroom. Deck with gazebo and hoi tub. Private rear yard. Call Neil Ryan, Broker, 434-5128.cjr ■^■llllllllllllllllllllll royal Lepage ^■■iiiiiiiiiiiiiiii!iiiii FRANK REAL ESTATE Broker Independently Owned and Operated 234 King Street East, Bowmanville Telephone 623-3393 Toronto Line 686-1035 GREAT FAMILY HOME , IN ORONO-$123,900.: This home has 3 bedrooms and 2 baths. Also has separate living and dining rooms and eat-in kitchen all with hardwood floors. Main lloor laundry laundry room and a lot that is 54' x 165'. Call Charlie Reid* at i 623-3393 or 983-5914. . 116ACRE9 FOR $269,900. mm Terrific view of Oshawa. 95 acres of workable land. 2 large barns, 2 acre pond with an older house. Just listed! Call Charlie Reid* at 623-3393 or 983-5914. EXECUTIVE COUNTRY ESTATE IN KENDAL HILLS 1 Outstanding 30 acre private estate. Custom built ranch bungalow with a 2 acre trout pond and the Ganaraska River. Absolutely gorgeous! gorgeous! One of the linesl properties in the Durham Region and must be seen! $459,900, Call Charlie Reid* at • 623-3393 or 983-5914. . 3 BEDROOM SEMI WITH REGISTERED 2 BEDROOM BASEMENT APARTMENT $102,900, Live almost mortgage free! 5% down, 6 months mortgage interest cash back available. A perfect way to gel into the housing market or a money making investment) Gas heal, separate hydro meters. Call Betty Smith for details Sutton Group Dynamic Realty Inc. (905) 697-1700 or 1-888-226-2230 £LLE ^A WMU cornerstone realty ltd., realtor ® 104 King St. £., Bowmanville 623-6000 CENTRAL STARTER David Vinyl clad, 4 bedroom, 11/2 storey. Newer gas heal, Passant** ea, " ln kitchen, mature trees. Asking $109,000. Assoc. Broker AlSSL $45,900. 3/4 acre building lot Over 23 Years ; $49,900. 2 ten acre wooded parcels of Service ; $219,900. Country rancher on 3 acres, trout stream ; For a market evaluation of your home, please ask for David Passant**, Associate Broker, todayl 623-6000. Ron Moore* S *'® s J ep - OLDER SEMI 623-6000 Within easy access to Town and all the conven- 24 hr. pager ience of schools, church and shopping, 3 bed- 623-9263 (res.) rooms, eat-in kitchen with walkout to deck and yard. Only $106,500. Call and ask for Ron Moore* (905) 623-6000. GRACIOUS CENTURY - 72' X 198' LOT! High ceilings, wide baseboards, hardwood floors, large principal rooms - this home has it all, plus morel Upstairs boasts 5 bedrooms, bedrooms, family room, 2-3 piece bathrooms, laundry room and walkout walkout to a balcony. Cool off in the 16' x 32' inground pool! $269,000. Call Linda McLennan** or Marg TERRIFIC FAMILY HOME - 4 BEDROOMS + Over 2200 sq. fl. detached in N.E. Bowmanville. Separate dining room. Main floor family room with fireplace. Main floor laundry. Eat-in kitchen with sliding glass walkout to fenced yard. Well built two level playcentre. Rec room and 2 extra bedrooms down. Gas, C/A and C/V. $219,900. Bain* for details (905) 623-6000. Renew or purchase a 1 year subscription to the Canadian Statesman and you might Each purchase entitles you to one "Lucky Loonie" ticket. (Wlrilo supplias last) ®be Canadian Statesman 62 King Street West, 623-3303 Bowmanville