XL, Anas ~ se . - «rm varie wD 6- PORT PERRY STAR - Tuesday, March 2, 1999 - aN NE nme »" "Scugog's Community Newspaper of Choice Editorial comment The Ambulance Department Restructuring the regional health department to provide ambulance services here may well be a good thing. The problem is, we don't know all the details -- including how expensive it will be -- even though we're now committed to doing so. To be sure, Durham councillors have no choice when it comes to making new arrange- ments for services. As of Jan. 1 they're holding the bag for funding, as the province downloads the responsibility. They were put in the position of having to act decisively, casting their votes based on the information they've gathered over the course of three public meetings and other committee sessions. . Having the region assume the service will sit well with the unions representing paramedics -- whose first duty is to protect the jobs of their members -- and those who fear privatization of health care. What remains to be seen is how well the region can replace and provide a service which has been ably handled by the private sector here for years. And one wonders how the estimated cost of $10 million will be absorbed in the regional budget. It would have been wise to hold a request for proposal process, inviting private companies to participate and put forth models for ambulance service. The region would be under no obligation to accept tenders, but could have at least had a look at a number of options. It's no secret that the private sector can almost always do things cheaper -- and better -- than government. It would seem the region failed to consider all its options. Next year Durham local ambulance Services... ] 72913 oC Sa Hy, 7 | TI iil pet ¥ 2 7 7 f A 77 \%% JAA IX; fio I cr ' y , eis Region will take over "1 SUPPOSE WE. COULD SLAP SOME LIGHTS AND A SIREN NA RADDA Pig MENT er To the Editor: Re: The spring bear hunt their mother. a Ontario government statistics (accord- A» ing tothe news media) claim about 270 cubs perish in the spring hunt, either through starvation or falling prey to predatory animals. Po os Nobody's rights are in question here. This is not a debate about our selfish interests, financial or otherwise, but a Time for the bear hunt to end According to a newspaper report (The Toronto Star) a retired hunting guide has been opposed to the spring bear hunt for years after watching two cubs trying in vain to nurse on the bloated carcass of question of standards of civilization, cul- ture and our concern for animals in gen- eral. This hunt, surely a relic from the mid- dle ages, has to go like the dog and cock- fights did, especially at the dawn of the 21st Century. This cruel activity has no place in our society if we want to count ourselves among the civilized and cultured people of this world. Failing to stop the hunt will leave us with nothing but a deep sense of shame for all Ontarians in particular and Canada in general. Karl K. Hampl, Port Perry "by J. Peter Hvidsten OF SOME HELP As one of the many who uses 2] regular basis, | received a call BT ~~ recently from a member of the historical board asking for assistance to improve the ~ security and climate in the aging schoolhouse; which ~ serves as the archives, display area and offices, A worthy request... but far short of the help the museum deserves and requires. Inside the four walls of the damp basement of the old schoolhouse are thousands of irreplaceable docu- ments and photographs. Documents which provide a glimpse at the history of the Scugog area, going back "into the early 1800s. "Putting in a locked door to the archive room and a dehumidifier to rid the basement of moisture might be a our Scugog Shores Museum ona stant, but really the museum is in need of a great deal more. : ~~ The museu appalling cramped and poor equipment, computers, phot downs, which are in constant need of repair. Office space is minimal, photo archives are found in card- board file boxes and a few rusting and broken filing cabinets (no doubt also donated). Many of the other historical documents can be found piled ceiling high on old wooden shelving. . ~The staff anid volunteers seldom complain, although they have every right to do 50. And yet, out of this ~ archaic hole in the basement, these dedicated people are able to plan and organize numerous programs for the public each summer. Cron RIL Just imagine what could be done if they worked.in an environment conducive to positive output, I's time our town fathers took a good look at what Scugog Shores Museum and the Historical Society provide for this community. It's not as high profile as hockey arenas, soccer pitches and ball diamonds... but is far more important to our future generations. It's high timé some money was budgeted towards a suitable addition to the existing school house, or a new Vs curator and staff work under conditions. Most of their facility on the museum property. A buildirig with climate for future generations fo be able to enjoy. onditio ost of tt ~~ Here are a few ideas for council to contemplate: ocopier etc. are hand-me- museum. The cost to do this would be far less than ~ be levelled for additional downtown parking. ~ has been used sporadically since the library moved in control, security and proper archiving facilities so we can preserve our community's invaluable documents » There's been talk over the years of having the Palmer House moved to the museum property. If this comes to be, possibly this building could become the home of new climate controlled archives and offices. + As a Millennium project, the township could move the former War Memorial Library on Queen St. to the constructing a new one, and millennium grants might be available for the move. Once removed, the lot could The historic old library was opened in May 1935 and 1982. The building would be an tremendous addition to the museum's village and would get far more produc- tive use at the museum than its limited use by the Chamber of Commerce and BIA. + Or how about tearing down the 6d Scout/Kinsmen Hall, instead of sinking thousands of dollars into repairs for the building? The township could then auction or sell off the land and designate the money towards a new facility at the museum. Just something to think about!