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PLEASE CALL US Story or picture idea: 549-2012 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. "Information is the hallmark of democracy" Causeway seems to have merit SHOULD RESIDENTS on Christian Island eventually opt for a causeway between Bar Point Lighthouse on the island and Marchildon's Landing at the north end of Tiny Township, they would be voting for a costly $5 million project. Improving ferry service to the island by adding a ferry with ice-breaking capabilities would also be a costly proposition which would likely run into the millions of dollars as*well. So that's the dilemma. Either way a great deal of money would be _ involved, money that surely would have to come, in part at least; from the federal government. Other funding no doubt would have to come from the local, county and _ provincial levels. We get the feeling after speaking with Chief Rodney Monague, head of the island band council, most residents favour a causeway. They'll be able to voice their opinions, probably early next year, 'at an open meeting to review a recent $30,000 study of transportation needs related to Christian Island. The late Dr. P. B. Rynard, former MP for Simcoe North, - "visualized years ago a causeway linking the island community with the mainland. It is a pity he died before seeing such a link-up which we believe in good time will in fact become a reality. It's professionalism at its very best PENETANGUISHENE Public Works Department wins praise for keeping streets in the community open. Last week the department metiits match with a series of snowstorms and blizzards yet thoroughfares in the town were cleared as quickly as possible in a most professional manner. So often we take the work of P.P.W.D. employees for granted. It is only when roads become a bit icy or snow covered do we think of the snowplow operator, his wing- man or the sander operator. These fellows win points and from where we sit we agree they earn their money and then some. Hats off fellows for a job well done this winter. THE TOWN'S police department is back to normal operating out of familiar surroundings behind the municipal building on Robert Street after being housed for months in the basement of the Penetanguishene library. The force and its staff worked out of less than ideal surroundings in the library with no complaints something most of us couldn't have done considering the set-up. Police Chief John Geere, his staff and men received an early Christmas gift more than a week ago when the department got the green light to move back into larger, brighter and more morale- building surroundings. The new police station is a fine accomplishment and one residents in the town can be justly proud. The Midland Times Second Class Mail Registration Number 3194 The Penetanquishene Citizen Second Class Mail Registration Number 2327 The Elmvale Lance Second Class Mail Registration Number 0991 -- Published every Wednesday by Dou glas Parker Publishing Lid i -- 309 King Street, Midland, Ontario. 526-2283. Publisher - Douglas Parker J. Dougias Reed, managing editor Christine Mackey, Elmvaie editor One Year Subscriptions (carrier delivered) $13.00 One Year Subscriptions (by mail) $14.00 U.S.A. and Foreign $30.00 per year Member, Ontario Weekly Newspaper Association and Canadian Weekly Newspaper Association Member of Audit Bureau of Circulations Page 4, Wednesday, December 17, 1980 Popular site This coming Saturday and Sunday an old- fashioned Canadian Christmas will be held at the Historic Naval and Military Establishments. This popular site with its many reproductions of buildings from 1817 to 1856 including this warehouse will ring with the sounds and songs of Christmas from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day. = cececers Our readers say... Changing times and snow removal Dear Sir: During the snow fall we had a few days ago, I was thinking of the snow removal, a plow with a snow blade and then a loader were at work on Midland Avenue. There was only about six centimeters (about four inches) of snow. I also believe they put salt on the streets because they were extremely slushy. Ihave also noticed cars around Midland with very rusty bodies, no doubt from all that salt. Out west in the Prairies they just ride over the snow and don't worry about it unless ten or more inches of snow falls. Cars will gradually pack the snow down and the cars are much the better for it. Snow tires are a must. Any how, who can plough every street and drive at all times. Cars do have to go through deep snow now and then, in driveways, etc. Now, I understand that a lot of money went to buy a fantastic snow-blower. Where is it working and how much snow has it removed? This all reminds me of winters in Toronto, especially in the thirties, I believe, when Sam McBride was Mayor. Irecall when snow storms came up thatis eight or more inches of that white stuff fell within a few hours, men were called to the works department of the City Hall and they were to bring their shovels to | load trucks with snow to clear the streets. Then the City of Toronto had a population of about 900 thousand, about 75 times the size of Midland, Toronto did not have specially expensive equipment for snow removal, it didn't need it as long as they had trucks and snow blades, plus unemployed men with shovels to get to work. Toronto had not put the taxpayers to the expense of heavy equipment. We all got along very well. To come back to the Mayor, Sam McBride; the people were very up-tight about a snow storm because the Mayor had not ordered the snow removal and had not called men to do it. The mayor got outraged and got on the radio, (before the TV) and said "'as far as snow removal goes, God put it there and God will take it away."' That was it! There was no snow shovelling that storm for men on relief that year. And, believe it or not, God did take it away, within a monthor so. Times changes, don't they. Is it better to spend huge sums of the taxpayer's money for equipment, and also putting salt in large quantities on the Streets, requiring body work on rusty cars, or getting new snow tires? Cars need snow tires to get around driveways and many places that is not ploughed, and perhaps add a little patience, the snow will go away gradually sooner or later. ? Sincerely, Margaret Moreau, 303 Midland Ave. You can help rescue squad Simcoe Rescue Squad is still in need of financial support. If you wish to assist in funding Coals organization you can do so by leaving your donations with Sterling Trust in Midland or at any of the three funeral homes in the area as an act of charity. What's Your Opinion? The Midland Times, The Penetanguishene Citizen and Elmvale Lance welecome.Letters to the Editor. They must be legible, signed, (by hand) and carry the writer's address and telephone number for verification purposes. Pen names are not allowed and anonymous letters will not be published. All letters are subject to editing for length, clarity, good taste and libel. It should be noted letters that are typewritten and brief have the best chance of being published. * more letters on page 7 ¢ Down Memory Lane 4 Se ------E