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Staying in Touch by John O'Toole, WIPP Health care is very much in the news again. The challenge challenge facing Lakeridge Health and the funding of our revitalized revitalized hospital facility, including including a cancer treatment center, is daunting. The Capital expansion amounts to over $400 million. The province will be contributing $215 million, million, along with $93 million from the hospital's foundation while the remaining balance being raised locally. For years, hospitals raised money within their communities on an annual basis and in some cases, they have raised all the needed funds through payroll contributions and community organizations. There are many new hospitals being built in Ontario so as to deliver deliver complex care that people require closer to their own home. Hospitals in Peterborough, Northumberland and Lindsay all have approved expansion plans. Communities like Peterborough and York and Peel Regions already place a levy on their tax bills to fund hospital expansions. As each of us benefits from modem health care facilities closer to home, it is therefore only natural natural that we should support this cause. One method of raising the funds has each property taxpayer contributing contributing approximately $10 per month on their tax bill, but it appears that Durham Regiôn does not support this approach. The province will have to fund the larger annual operating budget. The bene- fits'*for both patients and staff payrolls will accrue for the residents in the region. A massive fund raisipg effort would be costly to organize and might not reach every citizen. citizen. There is no question that we need the new facilities to meet growing health care needs in Durham. Clean, safe, and reliable drinking water is a top priority priority for this province. The Ministry of the Environment has just released a progress report entitled, "Operation Clean Water". While Walkerton is the focus of the report, matters like private wells, agricultural operations, biosolid and land application of sewage and paper sludge, are also being examined. A ground water monitoring strategy is being developed with the local conservation authorities and municipalities. Eight critical watersheds began work this summer. If you would like a copy of this report, please call my com- • munity office at (905) 697- 1501 or 1-800-661-2433 or check the government web site at www.ene.gov.oh.ca. On the issues of water and our environment, last week the "Protect the Ridges" group held another public information meeting in Enfield. For the record, I was there to listen to what was being said, along with inspectors inspectors from the Ministry of the Environment. I would like to thank the members of this volunteer community organization organization for all of their hard work and want to let everyone know that I have shared copies of their reports with Environment Minister Dan Newman. I am aware that of the tests completed to date, preliminary sample results are being studied by experts. I support the concerns of these citizens and offer use of my office for faxes and correspondence. correspondence. The Oak Ridges Moraine and other sensitive areas must be protected. Development has a price and land use issues are Often only seen as an economic opportunity. opportunity. Like our water, our natural natural resources are too often taken for granted. Walkerton was a wake up call for all of us and in more than just our water - it is our air, soil, food and our veiy health. The Ontario Community Newspaper Association is once again promoting The Ontario Junior Citizen of the Year Award. Take the time to recognize a young person between thé ages of 6 to 18 in our community who has demonstrated initiative, dedication dedication and commitment. Up to 12 individuals will be recognized recognized by our Lieutenant Governor, the Honourable Hilary Weston, in a ceremony at Queen's Park. Nomination forms are now available in my constituency office at 75 King Street East in Bowmanville. There is an interesting initiative initiative being undertaken by The Council for Canadian Unity. The Canadian Residence Exchange has grown out of student exchange programs and involves travel to other parts of Canada, allowing your home or cottage to be used in exchange with another couple or family. This program could suit some people who might otherwise find the cost of travel and accommodation too expensive or impersonal. If you want more information on this program 1 would encoqrage you to contact me at my constituency office. Like all Canadians, I was saddened to learn of the pass- € munity spirit," said Mary Andersoh noted that the pub- Novak lie information meeting hosted Acting meeting chair, Troy by the ad hoc group Sept. 21 (continued from page 1 ) Young said, "A community can was well attended and resulted preserve its identity with a in plenty of residents coming dùcing rentals as soon as the Community Centre." forward keen to volunteer, community centre opens next The committee did instruct A six member acting month. that a provision be added to the Community Hall Board will The town purchased the draft contract ensuring that the serve until elections in the building on Regional Road 18 fire department would have spring of 2001. The acting last year with the intent that it first rights to use the gym or board includes a cross section be used as a fire station train- classrooms for training person- of community interests: Chris ing facility, but the fire depart- nel. Perron, Kathy Picco, Don ment does not foresee making Joan Anderson said the Peddar, Brian Foster, Joan use of the building until at least group would definitely support Anderson and Richard Lowry, a few years. ' co-operation. Tentative opening celebra- A lease agreement She gave credit to supporters tions for the kendal between the Municipality of whose efforts have helped turn Community Centre are Clarington and the Kendal the dream into a reality. planned for early November. Community Centre would cover a two year tenancy to end December 2002, with the tenant having rights to renew at that time. Under the terms of the draft agreement, the Kendal Community Association would agree to share the premises with the fire department. The volunteer board would be responsible for daily maintenance, maintenance, such as keeping the premises clean, snow removal, and minor repairs. As landlord, the municipality would bear the expense of major building improvements such as roofing and heating, as well as insurance. The contract would prohibit smoking anywhere in the building, GPA committee members encouraged the group to continue. continue. "It's good to have com ing of former Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau on Thursday. Pierre Trudeau was a man with a passionate vision of a united Canada and an image of Canada around the world. He was a strong leader who will be missed by our country. My condolences go out to his family at this sad time. The Spirit of the Lord is Upon Me Our thanks to all of you who have supported us and prayed for us these past six months of growth and great happiness within our church. We begin the second six months of our first year and invite you to : The Newcastle Community Church Thanksgiving Service • Sunday, October 8 - 10:30 Newcastle Community Hall coffee & muffins before church - pumpkin pie and lunch after supervised nursery - babysitting available i This will be another happy time anti you are welcome to join us. 0 Watch for other events coming up at the Newcastle Community Hall Saturday, October 7 - Look for our table in the Community Hall with great jams and preserves by a professional trained chef. Beautiful music and delicious cakes for dessert. If you like to sing, you will enjoy this one. Soloists from Toronto and Newcastle. Have you ever heard of the the restaurants where the waiters stop serving and sing? Well, this is not quite that, but similar. You'll love it. Saturday, October 9 - (starts at 7:30 p.m. sharp) Sponsored with CBC Radio in Toronto. A reading-of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol", with the Newcastle Community Children's Chior and others providing seasonal seasonal music. Hoi sweet cider and seasonal lunch after. We'll be polishing the silver for this one. December 24, Christamas Eve, 7:00 p.m. - Candlelight Service, seasonal carols and beautiful music. Again, our thanks. ' How are we doin'? We are doing well;thanks for asking. On behalf of the congregation - Rev. David Chisling B.A., B. Ed., M. Div. - Minister Volunteers Orono Weekly Times, Wednesday, October 4, 2000 - 15 Community Commitment • Elected presently to second term as vice- president Newcastle/Bottd Head Taxpayer Association • Elected School Board Tmstee 1994-1997 • Elected to Durham Region Labour Council 12 years • Volunteer Clarington Co-Chair of the Durham College University Creating Futures Campaign • Volunteer to Durham Region Schools • instructing students about Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety issues. Cecil Mackesey A candida te with a track record of commitment and accountability, to the community » ■ My Pledge to Ward 4: "I will work to protect protect the interests of our community"