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Vol. 127 No. 26 PORT PERRY, ONTARIO - TUESDAY, MAY 18, 1993 Christie appointed to committee By Scott Anderson Port Perry Star Nothing will be sacred when a committee meets this week to have a second look at Durham's budget. Durham Regional council ap- pointed a special committee last week to re-open the budget in light of recent announcements by the provincial government. The NDP government an- nounced a number of cut backs and cancellations in funds and programs in an effort to reduce the province's deficit. These measures include the cancellation of unconditional grants. For the Region of Dur- ham this amounts to a $2.2- million shortfall. More are ex- pected when the provincial bud- getis announced shortly. During last week's regional council meeting, a committee was established to study the im- plications of the government cutbacks. The seven-member group will include Scugog's Re- gional Councillor Yvonne Chris- tie. A seniors development slated for downtown Port Perry is one step closer to reality after get- ting the blessing of Scugog Council. Scugog Council heard formal plans at a public meeting on Monday for 60-unit retirement development planned for the east end of Casimir Street in Port Perry. The 60-unit facility would fea- ture 315-square foot units com- plete with four piece bathrooms. It will also feature a common dining room, various activity rooms and a library. The facility will offer limited care to the residents as well as houskeeping services. The building will be three sto- reys in height and feature ap- proximately 40 parking spaces. Gary Moore, one of the devel- opers involved in the property, said an attempt will be made to blend the building's facade in with the historic flavor of the downtown area. This was the second time the developers had met with council to discuss the plan and both times the councillors have praised the plans, noting that there was a need for this type of housing. Co "It looks good to me," said Nothing is sacred as Region looks to cut budget further Councillor Christie said the committee, which had its first meeting last week, will take a close look at the financial pic- ture for the region. She said the committee is looking at ways for the regional government to "cope with the changes." Although she said it was go- ing to be tough, Councillor Christie said the members would be looking at ways to achieve reductions without im- pacting the taxpayer too severe- "We have no intent on re- opening the budget to new tax- es," she said. "We're looking at cutting rather than download- ing." " She said issuing a new tax bill was not one of the priorities. In- stead programs and services will be considered to save mon- ey. "We must look at cuts so we don't impact on the municipali- ties." Turnto Page 4 Location for seniors retirement complex perfect says council Ward 2 Councillor Marilyn Pearce. Perhaps the biggest asset it has going for it is location. The Casimir Street site is within walking distance of both Queen and Water Streets, two major streets for business in the Port Perry area. Mr. Moore said it was essen- tial to provide easy access to the downtown core for the residents as many of them do not drive. "We find the best seniors facil- ities are close to the downtown core," he told the councillors during an informal presenta- tion in March. "The location 18 ideal. I can't think of a better location." Location has been a major is- sue in building a seniors facility in the Port Perry area. A similar proposal for a facility on Queen Street was turned down last year after a number of residents expressed concern over the loca- tion and the effects on the com- munity. If all goes according to plan, the developers hope to offer oc- cupancy in the Spring of 1994, Mr. Moore said. The fate of the project isin the hands of council as it must first approve the plan.