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Scugog in '94 OK, 80 1993 wasn't a great year for Scugog Township. Bat it wasn't a total wash-out, either. Far from it, in fact. ' Though some people may not think it, there were some encouraging signs that started to develop in 1993 for this | municipality. year" and they are cautiously optimistic that better things are the better as well. Constructipn i in the Township moved' ahead in 1993, again a positive sign that there is a growing (if modest) feeling of increased confidence. mark in 1993, almost double the value of the previous year. This $15 million value may be a bit mis-leading as $5.2 million was for a single construction project--the expansion to Scugog Memorial Hospital. "However; even if the Hospital expansion projeet had not taken place, building permit values would still be in the $10 million | range, up more than ten per cent over 1992. Of special note perhaps; is the fact that new housing starts in 1993 hit 53, compared to 38 the previous year. And it appears as if 1994 is going to be a better year for the building industry. The Canterbury Common project is slated to start this spring just north of the Port Perry. It is an exciting proposal of over 100 homes for early getirees and "empty nesters" as well as a golf course. ; Perhaps 1994 will see the start of development of the vacant | lands between Port Perry and Prince Albert, and the Erin's | Leigh shopping mall on Highway 7A. In saying this, let us not leave the impression that we are advocating un-bridled "development at any cost." But let's fice it. Any community that doesn't grow will wither and die. We |, will always advocate development for Scugog that is carefully planed. hij il's ic development committee has Biv oi ona strategy to boost the very important tourist industry in Scugog. In keeping with the mandate to promote Scugog as an ideal place to live and work, the committee is also working to attract new jobs to Scugog such as a private sector administrative centre. It is not an easy task as municipalities are competing furiously to attract jobs. Any gains, large or small, by the economic development obvious reasons. In fact, job creation, coupled with a spurt in the building sedtor will do more to charge the local ly than anything * | else. There are positive signs that this will take place in#1994, Scugog council. Tax hikes are out of the question. If the Township is to maintain existing levels of seryice and recreation programs, it will have to see an increase in new assedsment. Without this, some programs and current levels of service will be cut. | The year just ended had its bright moments and its dark ones new businesses started and others closed their doors. But all of us have to start looking to the bright side and start the new year with a feeling of optimism. In closing, we will,leave you with a couple of cheery thoughts. The response to the food and toy drives in December was incredible, a sure sign that Scugog a si Many local merchants are saying that 1993 was a "better in store for 1994 as consumer confidence seems to bea turn for | § The value of building permits issued topped the $15 million committee on the job creation front will be welcome for all the We all know that 1994 is going to be a tight budget year for | published by Scugog Ci Publishing Ltd. hers : John B. McClelland, Valerie Ellis 0CNA Member editor : John B, McClean -- i 2OCNA Mew - THE SCUGOG CmZEN ; advertising lalerie owned {i advertising sales :Chris Hudson ~~ (EO «Rf oly ants ep SSOnEASNSylle Warren 2 to over 12,000 homes and businesses 36 WATER ST., PORT PERRY, ONT. L9L1J2 feature writer : Heather McCrae ol CoN Verified ' a ho Phone : (416)'985-6397 Fax : (416) 985-1410 |} "Prod Canadiens prow 10 il Scugog Tums me." ubscriptions gg Township. THE ECONOMY CAN'T GET MOVING IN aqy UNTIL ALL THOSE UNEMPLOYED PEOPLE REALIZE THAT THE RECESSION 1S OVER! 4 Guest PEEL will addres local teens To'the Editor: A hot topic in your letters to the editor columns the last fe ee diy apporniy to i inform readers of a new youth bE ia starting this month, sponsored by the Anglican + Churches in Moir ahi + We asked all the teens we knew what they wanted and this is what they have.come up with. 'We plan to bring in speakers to talk on subjects of interest to teen-agers. We will be holding these information nights on a monthly basis Sunday evenings at the Anglican Church Hall, 266 North St. Port Perry, starting at 7:30 PM. Our first speaker on January 16 will be Bryan Davies. His topic will be: Is. it legal to smoke marijuana and drugs and the law. Mr. Davies is a well known criminal lawyer and will be able to give precise up-to-date, information on exactly what the law has to say about "recreational" drugs and what is likely to happen to anyone caught breaking the law. (We promise, this will be a sermon) and caring community. The people of Scugog show no hesitation in opening their hearts (not to mention their wallets) to assist those who need it. "This incredible generosity serves as just one of many reminders that Scugog Township as a place to live (and work) is second to none. The new year will not be without its challenges and difficulties for this Township. But there is more than just a feeling of hope that the corner has been turnéd and things will improve over the coming 12 months. » Our speaker on February 20 will be Dr. Dan -Obedkoff, a medical doctor in Port Perry. He will answer any questions anyone has ever wanted to ask a medical doctor (the questions can be anonymous) After that, it's up to the teen- + agers. We want to hear from you about what subjects you would like us to cover. We'll go to work an expert in the field to er your questions and lead a discussion. We believe that people are more likely to make intelligent life decisions, ones that will being them lasting happiness if the dark and their chances of any success are pretty slim. We look forward to seeing a good crowd of teens on January 16, 7:30 PM at the Anglican Church Hall in Port Perry. . Yours truly, MichaleB Bull, Tom Millar left vivid impression To the Editor: : This is the first letter I have ever sent to a' paper and it I was raised in a rough environment. I have been shot, may be the last. But here goes. 1 have been in Port Perry just three "months, and will be working here until the end of November. One of the first people I met when I:came to town was a certain Dr. Tom Millar. I was in severe pain when I: met him as I had earlier damaged a disc in my back, I have worked and travelled many places during my lifetime and believe me when I say this "man impressed me very much as a good, honest and sincere human being. He was very kind to a stranger who needed help, and I will always be grateful for his compassion towards a fellow human being: knocked out and.been in many fights, so I believe I am qualified to say that I know Dr. Millar could be very tough. But the way I see it, he has chosen ace and compassion. Proce are ies hard to find, and this town should not allow a few individ: to chase away or discourage a good. man. He is & person who did not deserve this kind of treatment. IT would like to settle down in this area some day, and if I do it will be because of people like: Doc Millar. By then, I hope this town has come to its senses and name the Town Hall after-the Millars because they deserve it.