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6 - Orono Weekly Times.. Wednesday, March 6,2000 Band donates to stand The Orono Band Stand fund received a donation of $1,000 from the Clarington Concert Band, at the Benefit Concert Sunday afternoon. Band President, Janet Cringle, made the presentation to David Climenhage, organizer yf the Band Stand project. Majors (continued from page 1) -- true independent," said Les Fisher, from north of Port Perry. "The competition act as it stands today, has no teeth," he stated. "You should provide me with a level playing playing field." An independent gas retailer retailer from Seagrave,' Wayne Wannamaker, reported his purchase price is higher than Esso and Pioneer are selling it for at their pumps, "I can't afford to sell, and 1 can't afford to shut down," stated Wannamaker. If the station were to shut down, Wannamaker would be required to do an environmental environmental cleanup of the site, which he says is cost prohibitive. A. Belleville business man reported all seven gas stations in that town were selling gas at 71.9 cents per litre, last Tuesday. "That is too much of a coincidence," he stated, "are all of their costs exactly the same?" he asked. Doug Rowlands, also from the Belleville area, told , O'Toole, his' government has to do something with gas being sold out of the Indian Reserves, "they're stealing from you and me," he stated. The reserve in Shannonville, near Belleville, was. selling gas .at 64.9 cents per litre last Tuesday. Two local bus line operators, operators, Dave Hawke and Archie Groth, reported the future does not look good for the small bus operator, their profit profit margins are down to 1%. Norm Mackie, from Mackie Truck Lines in Oshawa, reported to the hearing, hearing, representing the Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce. Mackie was looking fdr some kind of fuel tax relief from the govern ment. The Canadian Petroleum Products Institute (CPPI) told the hearing on Monday, February 14, "the industry is fiercely competitive and that the more than 20 studies by all levels of government over the past 20 years have all reached that same conclusion. Presented with these facts, one would logically reach the conclusion that neither federal nor provincial intervention in the marketplace is required," said CPPI representative, Mr. Bob Clapp. "What has been puzzling to the industry and to others," said Clapp, "is your apparent conclusion that there is a problem with gas pricing and that it requires federal action to solve it. CPPI represents represents an association of Canadian Companies involved in the. refining, distribution distribution and/or marketing of petroleum products. According to CPPI, current pump prices are reflective of high ertide oil prices. The price per litre of gas, charged at the pump, according according to CPPI, is comprised of 42% tax, 7.5% marketing cost, 10% refining cost, 39% crude oil cost. Recommendations to the commission by the Ontario Fuel Dealers Association were to legislate the removal of all roadside gasoline price signs. "We would be able to sell gasoline by competing at many other levels --- service, appearance, and not just price," said Turner. "If it is decided by the Provincial Government to regulate the retail price of gasoline, ensure that all retailers retailers receive a fair margin that would allow them to make a profit on this very essential product," Turner stated. ."One of the main focus of . thus commission is to ensure there is competition in the market place," §aid O'Toole. "We want to know the full pricing structure, and we're focusing on the.,small guy with the gas nozzle in their hand, that is not where the action is." The four member task force began their province wide hearings on February 14, and will finish in Barrie this week. A report, and final comments comments will be presented to Consumer and Commercial Relations Minister, Bob Runeiman by the end of the month. According to the ministry, . the hearings were held as part of their continuing focus on fairness for Ontario consumers consumers at the gas pump. Hydro of 4%. 'S* VWb» Orono Country Caie ?i\ Full Menu fj VX O W <86», Main Street., Orono, Ontario • 983-9009 (continued ) Now that the utility is a private corporation it must receive a higher return. "A commercial rate of return of 9.88% is necessary to meet the goals of the municipal shareholders," explained Weirsma. One of the options the Corporation could consider, consider, said Weirsma, is a rate impact rebate, to draw the increase out over a number of years. An average residential hydro bill amounts to $83.50 based on 1,000 kilowatt hours per month. The distributions component of that bill is $14 currently, explained Weirsma. To bring that up to the com.- mercial rate of return, the distribution distribution component should go up to $28 per month. Since Meridian is a private corporation, they now have to pay federal, provincial and corporate taxes, which as a public utility they were exempted from. Payments in leu of taxes are made by Meridian to pay down Ontario - Hydro's debt. "Meridian will continue to look at new sources of revenue revenue for its shareholders," stated Weirsma. The Company recently purchased Uxbridge Hydro, and has proposals proposals outstanding to purchase purchase several others hydro companies. "If we reach the 100.000 customer point, we will be one of the 5 or 6 "biggest providers in the province," Weirsma stated. The company currently has 59.000 customers. m morris funeral chapel ltd. 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The Durham Agricultural Society will raffle off its Community Quilt at this year's Durham Central Fair. To embroider your family name on a square, contact Evelyn Rosario at (905) 983-5344 dr (905) 983- 9167. Squares cost $5.00 *|: