Haldimand's Unheard Voice

"Hello Haldimand"

2011-03-11T05:24:00.000-08:00

My last blog posting was on June 6, 2010. I have just recently signed up with the Dunnville Chronicle and have been encouraged to blog away! Imagine that!

When I started with the Chronicle in early 2009 I decided that I would not blog as I thought that it would not be wise to be writing political news and blogging about politics at the same time, well things have changed.

I have so much to blog about I don't know where to start..............

So my thoughts are to start with what happened to me during the final leg of the 2010 Municipal Elections and why I have decided that I will probably not run again.....

More to come...................

Haldimand "Sweet Dividend"

2010-06-06T20:13:00.000-07:00

Haldimand Hydro dividend

By Jim Knisley

News
Jun 02, 2010

Albert Marshall, chair of Haldimand Hydro, presented Mayor Marie Trainer with a $691,445 dividend cheque on Monday.

The dividend is up 21 per cent from $515,808 paid last year.

Haldimand Hydro is wholly owned by Haldimand County. In the last 10 years it has paid more than $3 million in dividends to the county.

Haldimand Hydro undertook its largest-ever capital works program in 2009. The utility invested more than $7 million in a variety of projects. These included $2.8 million for the smart meter project, and the conversion to 27,500 volts of line sections on Central Lane,

Dunnville as well as lines near Moulton Sherbrook Townline Road. New line was also constructed along the lakeshore and a new line from the Jarvis transformer station to Hagersville was completed.

http://www.sachem.ca/news/article/211670

Haldimand "A Rumour is a Rumour"

2010-06-05T08:00:00.000-07:00

I read with interest an article in the Sachem this week in regards to the ground-breaking ceremony and the fundraising efforts for the new Dunnville Arena.

As reported in the paper, Councillor Boyko stated that Provincial and Federal officials can’t seem to get it together for a date for the ground-breaking ceremony and this in part has started the “rumour mill”. Apparently one of the rumours is that the arena is not going to be built! And the rumours are “undercutting” the fund raising efforts!

Another issue that arose in the article was that if the fundraisers do not meet their goal that this could hurt “future” cost sharing projects! ???

So let’s talk about “Fundraising” in general. I certainly know how challenging this can be. In today’s economy “all” charities are feeling the crunch! In Dunnville alone we have many charities that need our help…..to name just a few…….The Salvation Army (food bank in particular), the hospital, the 150th committee, Mudcat festivities and the list goes on…..Are rumours “undercutting” the efforts of the new arena fundraiser?

I don’t think so…..a rumour is just that a rumour……

To add to the above, I have been actively campaigning in Dunnville for Ward 6 Councillor and I can tell you without a doubt this is the first I have heard of this “rumour” that the fundraising committee is having problems and the arena may not be built! Everything that we have read in the papers to this date have been positive!

Whenever there is a cost sharing venture between the county and residents, there are never any “guarantees”, period…..and never has been! To make a statement that if the funds are not achieved that this could jeopardize future ventures is absurd to say the least!

The committee raising funds for the new arena (over a million dollars) has a big job ahead of them. To raise this kind of money from a small communtiy is a huge feat! I have heard of no time frames from the county. As with any fundraisers, you plug on until you meet your goal! When I look at raising over a million dollars, I look at what local companies will donate and how much they will give? Then you look at the remainder that will be raised, by say golf tournaments, 50/50 ticket sales, dances etc…and of the course the smaller donations from residents ranging from $5.00 to $25.00 dollars.

Now let’s get to the “rumour mill”! This is not the first or last rumour that will go around in the community! So let's' ask why? Could it be a lack of "“communication”?

Have there been regular meetings from both the committee and the county to let the community know what is going on? Like I have said in the past, in Haldimand County we have a problem with “communications”. We have “weekly papers” and if you miss reading one weeks paper, you can miss it all! If you want to know what the county is doing it is up to you to seek out the information by going to a council meeting or checking out the website.

I have a simple solution to the above problems!

“Town Hall Meetings”!

It is time to stop “blaming” the residents!

Vote for Donna Pitcher, Ward 6 Councillor! Together we can open up the lines of communication!

“Your Voice will be Heard”

Groundbreakings cancellations have been starting rumours

By Jim Knisley

News
Jun 02, 2010

Councillor Lorne Boyko hopes that representatives of provincial and federal governments will soon be ready for their photo op.

Boyko told council that three dates for an official sod-turning for the new arena have been set and cancelled because a representative was unable to attend.

"Because of the grant money the province and the federal government have to be there for the photo op," he said.

This wouldn't be a big deal, but the cancellations have fired up the rumour machine. This includes rumors that the project may not go forward.

The rumors are groundless. "Both projects (the Cayuga and Dunnville arenas) are going ahead," he said.

Mayor Marie Trainer added her voice and said the arenas will be built.

Chief Administrative Officer Don Boyle said the unfounded rumors are causing real damage.

"This has been hindering fundraising efforts," he said.

The groups trying to raise money for Dunnville's new arena and community hall took on a major challenge. The rumors are undercutting their efforts.

This could also be a problem down the road. If the fundraising efforts for the arena come up short and the county has to cover the shortfall, county council may be hesitant or unwilling to sign on to future cost-shared projects.

As to a second ice pad in Dunnville, the new arena is being built so that a second pad can be added when needed.

Councillor Craig Grice said unfounded, ill-informed rumors aren't just a Dunnville problem.

He said in Caledonia there are all kinds of rumors about DCE.

"I've been hearing for years about traps in DCE. I've walked DCE, there is nothing there," he said.

Currently, there are efforts underway to cleanup DCE and unfounded ill-informed rumors may impede that.

In both Dunnville and Caledonia rumors can really hurt, he said.

The best way to deal with rumors is to contact people who know what is going on. "Contact the right people if you want the right information," he said.

http://www.sachem.ca/news/article/211671

Haldimand "Food Drive Items Needed"

2010-05-28T04:58:00.000-07:00

After reading the story below, I decided that there is something that we can all do to help out the Salvation Army and that is to help replenish their food bank. We can't stop people from dumping the garbage (I have seen this myself) but we can help in easing the financial burden by donating goods for the food bank.

Along with asking my family, friends and neighbours for donations, I would like to extend the invitation to you! I am more than willing to pick up anytime, it would be my pleasure!

Please call me at 905-701-1627.

Salvation Army Needs Help, Not Garbage
Posted By CATHY PELLETIER
Updated 1 day ago

While grappling with recent funding cuts and empty shelves at the Food Bank, the Salvation Army has one more problem to deal with: dumping.

Reporting to work after the long weekend Tuesday morning, volunteers and staff of the Salvation Army were greeted with massive piles of garbage blocking the building's entrance.

While staff say they appreciate donations which support their Thrift Store, the additional task of removing broken and unwanted items costs the Salvation Army thousands of dollars a month in disposal fees.

"There was so much sheer volume, we couldn't even get in the door," said Lynda Bain Tuesday morning. "Our volunteers had to move it." The bulk of the items are broken or need some type of repair, and she surmised that they are being dropped off after yard sales, which are prevalent this time of year.

"We have this problem every year at this time," noted Bain, "and then people rummage through it, which makes it even worse."

The considerable dumping fees take away from the Food Bank's operating costs, which at this time of year is in desperate need of replenishing. Items most in demand include staples such as pasta, rice, tomato sauce, canned meats such as tuna, soup and canned fruit, said Bain.

At Dunnville's Mudcat Festival Kickoff on June 5, featuring the Movie under the Stars, Classic Car Show by the Dunnville Cruisers and Commemorative Mural unveiling in the downtown core, donations of non-perishable food will be collected for the Food Bank.

http://www.dunnvillechronicle.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2593652

Haldimand "Haldimand County Council supports Natural Gas Plant in Nanticoke"

2010-05-25T07:40:00.000-07:00

The mayors of Mississauga, Oakville and Haldimand County have joined forces to lobby the Liberal government to support a plan to build a natural gas power plant in rural Haldimand instead of a controversial scheme to establish one in Oakville.

Haldimand council supports a plan by Competitive Power Ventures (CPV) to build a plant beside the Nanticoke Generating Station, which is slated to close in 2014, causing jobs and tax revenue losses.

Oakville and Mississauga, and many residents, are opposed to a plan by TransCanada Pipelines to build a $1.2 billion natural gas-fired generating plant near the Ford plant, which is within a three-kilometre radius of 11,000 homes and 16 schools.

Mayors Hazel McCallion, Rob Burton and Marie Trainer have signed two letters to Minister of Energy and Infrastructure Brad Duguid appealing for him to back the CPV plan for a 1,200-megawatt gas plant.

They believe it supports the minister's goal of maintaining the reliability of Ontario's energy supply when coal-fired plants are phased out.

They argue the plan by TransCanada Pipelines to establish a 940-megawatt plant in Oakville "steps from schools, home and parks ... makes no sense."

TransCanada was selected by the Ontario Power Authority (OPA) last September after OPA asked for proposals for the southwest Greater Toronto Area.

"Our residents and our technical experts have made it clear that constructing and operating an electric generating plant in Oakville or Mississauga is inappropriate," the mayors add. "We encourage and would fully support your government in directing the Ontario Power Authority to negotiate a contract with Competitive Power Venture."

The idea of having the gas plant established in Haldimand instead of Oakville is not new. Trainer spoke at a Mississauga rally before 1,000 people last year, telling the crowd her municipality would welcome the plant in Nanticoke to offset the loss of 600 jobs and $3 million in taxes.

The CPV proposal would employ 35, but the Mississaugas of the New Credit -- which endorsed the scheme in March -- say it will create 600 local construction jobs over a three-year period.

Duguid's spokesperson Amy Tang said the minister welcomed views from "our municipal partners" and said the ministry continued to be in a "listening mode." She was doubtful, however, the appeal will have any impact.

"The process was long and the decision has been made, pretty much," Tang said.

Trainer earlier this month hosted McCallion and took her on a tour of the CPV's proposed site for its gas plant and the hydro line corridor. Trainer also met May 14 with the clean air subcommittee of Miranet, Mississauga's city-wide ratepayers group, and took them on a tour.

"We've already said we'd take it here," said Trainer. "Everything is there. It's just amazing they wouldn't take advantage of this."

dnolan@thespec.com

http://www.thespec.com/News/Local/article/773789

Haldimand "Community Support Services Responds to Haldimand County Flip Flop Decision"

2010-05-21T05:33:00.000-07:00

Service centres weigh in

By Cheryl Beemer, Sandy Clark, Paul Dishke, Julie Fleet, Kim Fleming, Don Henning, Nancy Legere, Bil Lofthouse and Larry Williamson, The board of directors, CSCHN

Letters
May 19, 2010

On behalf of the thousands of clients we serve annually and the hard-working and dedicated staff of the not-for-profit Community Support Centre of Haldimand-Norfolk, (CSCHN) we wanted to say shame on Haldimand County Council- and especially Mayor Marie Trainer and Councillor Buck Sloat- for their recent flip-flop on emergency funding to our agency and the Salvation Army.

Passing a 5-2 motion in favour of funding one week- in the presence of representatives from our two agencies and with assurances that all questions had been answered to ensure an informed decision- and one week later playing what appears to be election-year politics at the expense of our clients- is unconscionable. Not only did these elected officials pull the rug out from under our agencies with ridiculous excuses that had already been addressed, they did so when no one from our two agencies was present to respond to these concerns.

The impact of this decision is that our Centre will have to reduce already-skeletal staffing and service by the fall, and possibly close by the end of the year.

Our two small, not-for-profit agencies- which receive virtually no ongoing government funding- provide residents and families of our County with essential and emergency services to help support them through difficult and unusually stressful times. Our community has had more than its fair share of hard times in the past four years, and Council has completely washed its hands when it comes to recognizing that exceptional increase in need, choosing to do nothing about it and preferring instead to blame the province for not doing enough.

We beg to differ: the province has already shown that it has limited time for Haldimand County. It is absolutely Council’s responsibility to take the time to understand and respond to the changing needs of its residents, including going beyond simply funding ‘mandated human services’ (through the Haldimand-Norfolk Health and Social Services Department).

Since 2006, the CSCHN has seen a 200% increase in the need for essential services (e.g. food, housing, clothing), job search assistance and counselling. We have worked with many of our on-site agency collaborators (including the Caledonia & District Food Bank, Community Addiction and Mental Health Services, Haldimand-Norfolk R.E.A.C.H., Haldimand & Norfolk Women’s Services, Helping Hands for Haldimand, the Dunnville Salvation Army and others) to meet those exceptional needs.

As well during that time, we have received some one-time support from the provincial government (specifically related to the land claim dispute). In the past four years, Haldimand has benefitted from millions of dollars of additional provincial funding to support our region. However, the County, in its infinite wisdom, has chosen to invest all of that additional money directly into infrastructure, not people.

In early February, the CSCHN’s volunteer board of directors approached Haldimand County with a request for $50,000 in emergency funding and the desire to work with the County to more effectively lobby the provincial and federal governments to increase funding for local health, social and community services such as ours. We suggested that the Salvation Army- located at the other end of the County and providing a comparable service to ours- be considered in this exceptional request.

During the course of two months, our staff provided Council with a detailed budget of how the monies requested would be spent, pages of rationale regarding the community need and answered dozens of questions related to the legitimacy of our request, the fairness of providing funding to one agency over another, how we do business, our ability to ensure these monies would actually go towards helping our fellow neighbours and more. In the end, it appears politics won out instead of policy.

Mayor Trainer and Councillor Sloat—who had originally voted in favour of the funding—chose to play fast and loose with the fortunes of our clients, implying that since the CSCHN couldn’t guarantee that all of the $50,000 would benefit only Haldimand County residents (by our own admission, approximately 2% of our 22,000 annual client visits come from communities neighbouring Haldimand) they couldn’t support the request.

Councillor Don Ricker added insult to injury, questioning the integrity of our two organizations by saying we “could use the money as we wish.” We would be interested to hear what Councillor Ricker thinks we’re going to use the money for, if not for our clients.

Those of us who believe that this is a caring community—and want to ensure this continues to be the case—might want to keep this in mind at election time.

http://www.sachem.ca/opinions/article/210420

Haldimand "Who is on the List?"

2010-05-18T05:14:00.000-07:00

These are the current registered candidates seeking your support for Haldimand County Council.

The county website is updated everyday around 4:00pm. There is a link in my side bar that will take you directly to this page.

Registered Candidates

The following candidates have been listed in alphabetical order, by last name.
Please note: This webpage will be updated each business day at 4:00 p.m.

Municipal Council
[One (01) individual is to be elected to fill the office of Mayor.]

Mayor

Ryan J. Geddes
226-931-0812
rgeddes@gmail.com

Ken Hewitt
8 Blackburn Crt. Caledonia, ON N3W 2N9
905-765-5222
khewittfinancial@me.com

Buck Sloat
508 Lakeshore Road, Selkirk, ON, N0A 1P0
905-776-1750
bsloat@copper.net

[One (01) Councillor will be elected to represent each of the following Wards.]

Ward 1

Leroy Bartlett
652 Concession 2, RR#2 Nanticoke, N0A 1L0
905-776-2301/905-776-1943(H)
coleb@optionsdsl.ca

Stewart Patterson
2019 Main St. S., Jarvis, ON, N0A 1J0
(519) 587-4319
votestew@kwic.com

Ward 2

Neale Armstrong
4 Erie St, Fisherville, N0A 1G0
905-818-4018
neale@nealearmstrong.com

Rick Beale
33 Ottawa St. S., Cayuga, ON
905-772-1289
rbeale4ward2@hotmail.com

Ray C Hunsinger
366 Lakeshore Rd, Selkirk, ON, N0A 1P0
905-776-5827

Ward 3

Rob Duncan
rob4caledonia@gmail.com

Craig Grice
158 Braemar Ave, Caledonia, N3W 2M6
905-765-4298
craigandpaula@mountaincable.net

Ward 4

Tony Dalimonte
166 King St. East, PO Box 1137, Hagersville, N0A 1H0
905-768-1260

Ward 5

Don Ricker
525 Diltz Road, Dunnville, ON, N1A 2W2
905-774-4661 (Bus) 905-774-8563 (home)

Ward 6

Donna Pitcher
2509 Lakeshore Rd., Dunnville, ON N1A 2W8
905-701-1627
dpitcher@sympatico.ca

Haldimand "Arena Twin Pad Proposal"

2010-05-15T21:12:00.000-07:00

Dunnville group proposes twin pad funding idea

By Dave Dunham (President) Margaret Rose (Treasure) Bob Allen (Member) (For Volunteers of Maple Creek Leisureplex 2000 Inc.)

Letters
May 11, 2010

In support of Haldimand County making provisions for adding a second pad to Dunnville’s new arena – consultant F. J. Galloway justified doing so in his Feasibility Study as written:

“Based on the data for this study, this strategy would likely result in a twin pad in Dunnville, for the following reasons:

• The Dunnville Arena has an evidently higher utilization level and will have higher population growth over future years;

• Dunnville is further away from other arena facilities, while Cayuga is centrally located and has relatively shorter drive times to either Caledonia or Dunnville;

• Dunnville has a closer proximity to other population sectors that could be interested in using the facility or create a larger market for special event activities beyond ice use

The main reasons for building the second pad now are all too obvious:

• Haldimand wishes to be fair and equitable to its residents.

• If Dunnville only needs one pad for 15,000 residents, then West Haldimand only needs 2 pads for 30,000. Otherwise, if the West needs 4 pads for 30,000, then Dunnville needs 2 pads for 15,000. It is that simple.

• Building a second pad now will cost $4 million as quoted by two arena contractors – instead of $8 million later.

• Building the second pad now means the walking track will not be needed and its $250,000 cost can be used to reduce the cost of the second pad from $4 to $3.75 million.

• Building a second pad later would disrupt site parking and decrease site safety for about one year of construction.

• Dunnville residents have signed over 2,000 petitions to have their twin pad built now, because they know they need it.

• Only allowing for one pad in Dunnville is currently hurting fundraising and affecting confidence in our County.

• Building a second pad later is not a good business choice based on Ontario’s trend to build twin pads and not single pads.

• County staff and volunteers would not have to go through the costly planning, fundraising and building processes all over again if the twin pad is built now.

• To avoid passing an $8 million expense to the next Council and our trusting taxpayers.

Pay It Forward Plan:

Based on our County making provisions to add a second pad, Galloway’s professional justification for a twin pad in Dunnville, and current Ontario arena trends favouring twin pads; Maple Creek volunteers are proposing a “Pay It Forward Plan.”

• We will borrow $3.75 -4 million from a local bank or trust company to pay for our second pad now. With either private investors or our County as our co-signers for the loan.

• We will fundraise for the second pad to cover interest, principle, and to reduce the amount owing on the second pad, so we can save taxpayers and future Council over $4 million.

• Then, our future Council can realize the savings by paying for the balance of the loan from the $4 million saved.

• The “Pay It Forward Plan” will create a win-win-win scenario for this Council, our future Council and Haldimand taxpayers.

Let’s help make Haldimand a fair and equitable place to live!

Dunnville Sachem, May 11, 2010
http://www.sachem.ca/opinions/article/209780

Haldimand "Halt the HST"

2010-05-15T21:05:00.000-07:00

This certainly has my full support!

For Immediate Release:

May 14, 2010

Barrett backs MPP Macleod motion to halt HST in Ontario

Queens Park – Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett is hopeful a PC motion is successful in putting the brakes on the McGuinty HST tax hike before it’s too late.

Barrett voiced his support for the motion from Lisa MacLoed, MPP for Nepean-Carleton and Critic for Revenue and Government Accountability, at an anti-HST information session in Oakville last night.

“This motion is the latest in a long list of attempts we’ve made to ensure government listens to the people of this province and halts this hated tax on everything,” stated Barrett. “To date, over 100,000 Ontarians have signed petitions in the PC Campaign to stop the tax.”

The motion would halt HST legislation until such time the McGuinty Liberals get a mandate from voters. MacLeod’s motion, to be debated in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario on May 19th, cites the Dalton McGuinty oath, “I will not raise taxes or implement any new taxes without the explicit consent of Ontario voters.” Since McGuinty has now admitted the HST “will be an increase in taxation,” MacLeod’s motion would delay the implementation of the HST until a date following the next provincial general election.

During the Oakville event, Barrett also discussed the suitability of the Nanticoke area as a host for electrical energy generation to substitute for a planned natural gas facility plant in Oakville.

- 30 –

For more information, please contact MPP Toby Barrett at
(519) 428-0446 or (905)-765-8413, 1-800-903-8629

Haldimand "Soccer Club takes County to Court"

2010-05-14T05:17:00.000-07:00

Soccer club takes county to court
Posted By CATHY PELLETIER , CHRONICLE STAFF WRITER
Wednesday May 12, 2010

While Dunnville soccer players prepare to fight for control of the ball on the fields, a bigger battle has been brewing on the sidelines.

What began as an ongoing debate between Haldimand County and members of the Dunnville Youth Soccer Club erupted into a lawsuit in recent months.

According to the County's Manager of Community Services, Hugh Hanly, "The Soccer Park Corporation took the County to court to determine whether the lease made in 1999 was still valid. The county terminated it in 2008. The judge found that the lease was not valid, and ruled in favour of the County, and directed that the County and the Club negotiate a new lease.

In the meantime, because there's no lease, Dunnville United Soccer Club is willing to take over."
Hanly said the Corporation is in the process of appealing that ruling, but youth soccer will continue as usual in Dunnville, with the Dunnville United Soccer League at the helm of programming, led by Dan Obsteter, President of the Dunnville United Men's League. This marks the first time since 1998 that the Dunnville Soccer Park Corporation hasn't organized programming.

"It's County property," said Hanly, "and just like when you use a ball park, we need an agreement. At the end of the day, we were successful in working with Dunnville United and we didn't want to get this lease thing mixed up in letting the kids play soccer. We're both working toward the same goal."

Hanly added that there are some individuals who "are both Dunnville United Youth Soccer and Dunnville Soccer Park Corporation executives, so it's convoluted trying to determine which side they are on. These guys have done a fantastic job of operating soccer and the County recognizes that," he said. "Not once did the County say, 'Give this to me so we can take over soccer.' If we had to, we would have for the kids, if nobody else had stepped up. We were prepared to get referees and coaches."

In e-mail correspondence dated April 14 of this year, Hanly wrote to Margaret Rose of the Soccer Park Corporation: "I have been advised by Councillor Boyko that your organization will not be running the soccer program in Dunnville this summer. I understand that soccer registration has already taken place and a number of users have registered. I respectfully request that you forward the registrations to Haldimand County, addressed to my attention immediately so that the County can ensure that soccer is Dunnville this year."

According to Marg and Sig Rose, long-time members of the Dunnville Youth Soccer Club, problems that led to the lawsuit go back as far as the early 1990s, when the Cayuga soccer park was developed, and Dunnville Youth Soccer, as a member of Haldimand Youth Soccer Club, assisted in funding the project.

The former Town of Haldimand also provided a grant of $50,000 to assist in facility start-up costs, said Sig Rose. He added that under the terms of the lease that was negotiated, the Cayuga branch of Haldimand Youth Soccer took full responsibility for the maintenance of the park. The Dunnville Soccer Park Corporation (DSPC) was established in 1998, with a goal of building a soccer complex, " because the only decent soccer field in Dunnville was being closed due to a drainage project," said Rose.

"The mayor of the former Town of Dunnville advised there was land available on Logan Road that was earmarked for recreational purposes. If we wanted to request town council to allow us to lease the property, we could develop it into a soccer park.

"Once that request was granted, DSPC, along with the Haldimand Youth Soccer Club, entered into a 40-year lease with the Town of Dunnville, with terms stating that DSPC would be responsible for all development aspects of the soccer park, and that the Town would, in turn, accept responsibility for grass maintenance and garbage collection. This lease was unlike the Cayuga soccer park lease in that the Cayuga soccer organization members wished to maintain the park themselves.

"In addition, the DSPC and town of Dunnville agreed that either party could exit the lease by giving 180 days notice. However, at the DSPC's insistence, a replacement clause was included, due to speculation at the time that the land may be needed for industrial development. We wanted to ensure that our investment of time, labour, and money was protected," said Rose. In the event the town needed the property for industry, they could cancel the lease within 180 days notice. But they would have to provide a similar, alternate facility elsewhere within the town.

"As a result of restructuring in 2000, the Town of Haldimand and the Town of Dunnville were amalgamated into the new County of Haldimand. In 2005, the Caledonia youth soccer group, which was also part of Haldimand Youth Soccer Club, began developing a soccer park on McClung Road, southeast of Caledonia, due to the fact that the County was using land that had a soccer field with lights and a partial fence on it, to build a new arena. To compensate for the loss of the soccer field, the County gave Caledonia soccer $150,000 to assist with construction of the soccer facility. In 2006, the Caledonia branch of Haldimand Youth Soccer entered into a lease agreement with the County in which Caledonia Soccer was responsible for all maintenance, including grass cutting."

Of the three towns, Rose said that Dunnville was the only soccer facility which negotiated to have the grass maintenance designated as a responsibility of the local municipal government, and further claimed that Dunnville was the only park not to receive any funding assistance from the former Town of Dunnville to construct the park.

"In 2007, the Dunnville youth soccer program split from the Haldimand Youth Soccer Club for many reasons," he said, "and became part of the Dunnville United Soccer Club. As a result, HYSC, through legal representation, requested a release from lease with the DSPC with respect to the Dunnville Soccer Park.

"To us, this seemed as easy as replacing HYSC with DUSC, or simply removing HYSC and leaving the agreement as being between DSPC and the County. The County did not agree and invoked the 180-day clause to terminate the lease. Then they offered a new lease, in which they were no longer responsible for grass cutting or garbage pickup, but offered a 65/35 split on grass cutting costs. If the County tting the grass, the DSPC would pay 65 per cent of the cost. If DSPC assumed the task of grass cutting, the County would subsidize by 35 per cent."

The DSPC and the County tried to negotiate a new lease for a couple of years with no compromise, stated Rose. "We finally went to the law firm of Cline, Bakcus in Simcoe to seek advice. Our position from the beginning was that if we build this park, the least the former Town of Dunnville (now the County) can do for us is cut the grass. Unlike Caledonia and Cayuga, we had no other financial assistance from the town or County in building the park. Moreover, the County has given both Caledonia and Cayuga $2,100 per year for the past few years to help with their grass cutting costs, even though both negotiated a lease agreement in which the soccer organizations accepted full responsibility for grass maintenance.

"In 2005, DSPC negotiated with the County to cost share on the construction of a field house, which finally was settled at 50/50, to a maximum of $100,000. The final cost of the building was $212,000. Caledonia recently negotiated a similar agreement. In Dunnville, we also constructed a pavilion, installed lights on one field, added drainage and built an additional five fields on adjacent, privately-owned property, all with no contribution from the County."

County staff were out cutting the grass last week, Hanly said, and have made arrangements to aerate and fertilize the soccer fields, as usual. If all goes as scheduled, the fields should be ready for play by the regular annual starting date of May 20 or so.

Article ID# 2574466
http://www.dunnvillechronicle.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2574466

Haldimand "Council Flip Flop"

2010-05-13T05:56:00.000-07:00

Funds allocation defeated
Posted By NICOLE AMBROSE , CHRONICLE STAFF WRITER
Wednesday May 12, 2010

"Point of order!" said Councillor Craig Grice as Coun. Buck Sloat began to reiterate his and Coun. Don Ricker's point on the direct allocation of $100,000 to charity organizations in Haldimand County. Monday's council meeting began with the approval of minutes from last week's council in committee.

During the May 3 meeting, a recommendation was passed allowing the "funding allocation of $100,000" from the county's 2010 budget to be distributed evenly between the Community Support Centre of Haldimand-Norfolk in Caledonia and the Salvation Army in Dunnville.

However, as council proceeded to approve the minutes, Coun. Ricker had a suggestion.

"You almost wonder if there shouldn't be an amendment that there's no direction, no idea where this money is going to be spent, no confidence that this council is spending $100,000 and what portion of that is going to be spent in Haldimand County and which portion is going to be spent in Norfolk." says Coun. Ricker. "Both these organizations that are in this resolution serve both counties and at this point, they can use the money as they wish if they find the need is more of service in another area, they can do so and we can't stop them."

Coun. Ricker explains there are many organizations within the county that could also use the money as much as the next, and many of them have already enquired into whether or not they could be considered also. "We don't know if [the money] is going to get into the hands of the people that need it."

Coun. Sloat sees the reason in Coun. Ricker's request and explains perhaps the motion should also take into consideration how and where the taxpayer's dollars are being spent and says, "It should be clearly stated that this money be spent to better the lives of Haldimand County residents."

"I think it was made quite clear to the presenters, but [the motion] doesn't say it," says Mayor Marie Trainer referring to the representatives from the organizations who came to council in previous weeks to explain how and where they would use the money.

Coun. Leroy Bartlett is curious how council picks the winners and losers saying, "We've picked two winners, but there's probably a lot more organizations that are waiting in the wings that would like money also."

After all opinions were heard, council proceeded to amend the motion adding the phrase "on the condition that both agencies are required to spend the funds to the sole benefit of Haldimand County residents." The amended motion was put to a vote, after Trainer was left to second the motion, and was defeated.

"I find that greatly astounding," says Coun. Ricker who explains he finds it "interesting" that council would vote to spend the $100,000 but not designate it to directly benefit the residents of Haldimand County.

"This is out of our realm, this is not the procedure we should be following, this has not been done right from day one.

Some of the members have voted to move forward on this aren't concerned whether the money is spent in Norfolk or Haldimand County - $100,000 from Haldimand County taxpayers.

Amazing." The recommendation fails with a final vote of 4-3 and the original motion of May 3 council in committee remains carried. "I find that really incredible that the groups of the organizations are here to present their case, [council] had an opportunity to ask all kinds of questions, which we did and they were answered, and then this council does a turnabout from a 5-2 vote . . . Shame on us," says Coun. Lorne Boyko.

Article ID# 2574437
http://www.dunnvillechronicle.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2574437

Haldimand "Canada's Worst Driver coming to Dunnville"

2010-05-11T11:53:00.000-07:00

Dunnville's worst driver
Posted By NICOLE AMBROSE , CHRONICLE STAFF WRITER

Residents of Dunnville should keep a closer eye and pay more attention to the road while driving this summer, as a motion was passed in council on Monday to allow an amendment to a current Dunnville bylaw to allow filming to begin of an automotive documentary television series called "Canada's Worst Driver."

Kyle Plas, planner, came to council asking for the amendment to the Town of Dunnville zoning bylaw to permit additional uses which are considered to be beyond the scope of what is currently allowed.

The filming will take place in and around the Dunnville Airport for roughly six weeks and will consist of the assembly of props and road courses needed to conduct the driving tests the show is known for in order to rehabilitate some of Canada's worst drivers. Plas, and his proposal, ensures that the filming will take place only during daytime hours with one driver on the course at a time, easing any concerns of excessive noise levels and all cars used would be like any other street legal car seen on the road.

"This is good for Haldimand County," says Councillor Buck Sloat. "This is good business, it brings a lot of attention to Haldimand County - as a matter of fact, I think my mother- in-law is going to be filmed on this one -it's just good for the county because it is very popular."

Coun. Don Ricker says, "I want to give kudos to the property owners for allowing this to and bringing this to the county." Coun. Ricker proceeds to read an email sent to him by a representative at Proper Television [a private Toronto-based business with about 50 employees who produces shows like Canada's Handyman along with Canada's Worst Driver] thanking Haldimand for allowing the filming of the show to go ahead. Coun. Ricker also extends his thanks from Dunnville CARES for properly explaining the process and keeping them in the process stating they have no objection to the filming.

Coun. Sloat says, "This is a very positive thing for the county." He explains the sense of pride the county could feel when seeing their town not only on television, but on a widely- recognized show.

The show is set to be filmed over a period of 16 days during the months of June and July. Before filming begins, there will be a small crew who will be assemble and disassembling the courses and production areas. The 75 member crew will also be staying in Haldimand County until filming is complete. The series will be aired on the Discovery Channel this fall.

Article ID# 2564081

http://www.dunnvillechronicle.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2564081&auth=NICOLE

Haldimand "Hydro Rates to increase for Haldimand County"

2010-04-26T22:33:00.000-07:00

OEB announces 2010 electricity distribution rates for Haldimand County Hydro Inc.

TORONTO, April 26 /CNW/ - Today the Ontario Energy Board (the Board) announced electricity distribution rates for Haldimand County Hydro Inc. (Haldimand). The new rates are effective May 1, 2010.

The delivery line of electricity bills will increase by approximately 12.7% or $5.66 for Haldimand's residential customers using 800 kWh per month. The delivery line represents about one-third of the total bill.

Haldimand requested $12,823,644 to cover its costs for the 2010 rate year. Haldimand was able to settle some of the issues through the Board's alternate dispute resolution process. As a result of the settlement agreement and the Board's Decision Haldimand will recover a revenue requirement of $12,646,747.

The settlement agreement and the Board's Decision:

- Reduced Haldimand's proposed operating expenses by $375,004;

- Updated the cost of capital to incorporate the Board's recent cost of
capital parameters;

- Will return $225,476 to its ratepayers, over a period ending
April 30, 2011, to clear certain deferral and variance account
balances.

A table of the estimated bill impacts on residential consumers is available on our website at http://www.oeb.gov.on.ca/OEB/_Documents/2010EDR/bill_impacts_2010.pdf.

For more information please refer to the 2010 Electricity Distribution Rates Backgrounder on our website site at http://www.oeb.gov.on.ca/OEB/_Documents/Press+Releases/bckgrndr_2010.pdf.

The Ontario Energy Board regulates the province's electricity and natural gas sectors in the public interest. It envisions a viable and efficient energy sector with informed consumers and works toward this vision through regulation that is effective, fair and transparent.

For more information on the Board, please visit our web site at www.oeb.gov.on.ca or contact the Consumer Relations Centre at 416-314-2455 or toll-free at 1-877- 632-2727.

For further information: Media Inquiries: Vanda Wall, Ontario Energy Board, (416) 544-5171; Public Inquiries, (416) 314-2455 Or 1-877-632-2727

The link below takes you to the website of the Ontario Energy Board.
http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/April2010/26/c5780.html

Haldimand "Vote for Donna Pitcher"

2010-04-26T22:02:00.000-07:00

Running a campaign can be very, very interesting. I have been asked many questions in the last couple of months, and every couple of days I will talk about some of the questions that people have asked me, and what my answers were.

One question that has come up more than a few times is that I am running against an individual that has been on council for the last 25 years. Every election there have been contenders, and I have been asked if I feel intimidated at all with this.

Firstly I do not intimidate easily and secondly I am currently running alone in Ward 6!

If and when there is another "registered" candidate in Ward 6 I will stay on the path that I have started and will continue to concentrate on my own campaign.

I believe in respecting the wishes and beliefs of others and playing fair.

Haldimand "Vote for Donna Pitcher, Ward 6"

2010-04-26T05:12:00.000-07:00

Well we are about six months away from election day here in Haldimand County. It may seem like a long time down the road but for anyone that is campaigning it is just around the corner.

Last week my sister and I did a photo shoot in Dunnville for my campaign material and I am hard at work with this part of my campaign. I have to tell you that this is the most difficult part. I am not that good at talking about myself, I would rather listen to others and talk about their issues and concerns.

Last week I was asked if I was elected to council would I vote to sell "Haldimand County Hydro". Well the immediate answer was "NO"! Things have not changed since 2005, it is still a "bad" business deal!

I will be having a "Meet and Greet" night soon and I hope to see you there. I am an avid believer of "town hall meetings" and if elected I will have at least three meetings a year.

More to come!

Haldimand "Are You On the Voters List"

2010-04-15T05:38:00.000-07:00

Information for VOTERS

Who is eligible to vote in Haldimand County?

A person is entitled to be an elector in a municipal election if, on voting day, he or she

•is 18 years of age
•a Canadian citizen
•resides in Haldimand County or is the owner or tenant of land in Haldimand County, or the spouse of such owner or tenant
•not prohibited from voting under any law

New for 2010: As a result of the Good Government Act, before receiving a ballot, eligible voters must produce proof of identity and residence as part of their qualification to vote. Sufficient identification includes all of the following:

1. Name
2. Qualifying Address
3. Signature

An example of such ID would be a current driver’s licence or photo health card. If you do not have a piece of ID with all three components, it is possible that you may need two pieces of ID to cover all three requirements. For example a Voter Notification Card (issued by the municipality) AND a document with your signature.

Find out more about Identification that will be accepted

Who is not eligible to vote in Haldimand County?

•A person serving a sentence of imprisonment in a penal or correctional institution
•A corporation
•A person acting as an executor or trustee or in any other representative capacity, except as a voting proxy in accordance with Section 44 of the Municipal Elections Act
•A person convicted of a corrupt practice if voting day in the current election is less than five years after voting day in the election in respect of which he or she was convicted.

Am I on the Voters’ List?

Each municipality prepares a Voters’ List based on a Preliminary List of Electors provided to it by the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC). Municipalities utilize this list to print the Voters’ List by September 1st of the election year. In order to comply with legislation, MPAC’s Preliminary List of Electors must contain only qualified electors.

New in 2010: To meet new requirements, if MPAC does not have confirmation that local residents are Canadian citizens, those names will not be included on the preliminary list and subsequently, the Voters’ List. As a result, approximately 3300 electors have been removed from the primary voter list and will need to be updated!

In order to update their records, MPAC is sending out Municipal Enumeration Forms in the spring of 2010. If you receive this form, please complete it and return it to MPAC by June 1, 2010, ensuring that the “Canadian Citizen” category is filled out for each individual listed on the form.

Ensure you are on the voters list to decrease wait times at the poll!

How does an elector vote?

The 2010 Municipal Election Day is Monday, October 25, 2010. Eligible voters (as outlined above) can vote at their designated poll, when they provide valid identification. Locations will be posted as they become available

For electors who are not able to vote on election day, advance polls are to be held in October . Electors voting at an advanced poll can vote at any of the advanced locations. Dates and locations will be posted as they become available

There is also a provision whereby electors who are not able to vote, at either the advance poll or on Election Day, can appoint someone to vote by proxy in their place.

Proof of identity and residence will be required for all voters.

Haldimand "MPP Toby Barrett on the Green Energy Act"

2010-04-15T05:32:00.000-07:00

For Immediate Release:

April 14, 2010

Unmuzzle community concerns on wind power: Barrett

HN MPP voices support to return Planning Act powers to municipalities

QUEEN’S PARK – MPP Toby Barrett says it was a mistake to take away municipal oversight powers when it comes to green energy projects like wind farms.

To that end, Barrett is supporting colleague Dufferin-Caledon MPP Sylvia Jones and her private members bill to fix the Liberals’ controversial Green Energy Act.

“In one fell swoop, the Green Energy Act removed all rights from constituents and their locally-elected representatives for input on renewable energy projects,” Barrett said. “Ms. Jones’ bill would lift the muzzle and restore the democratic powers this heavy-handed government has seen fit to take away.”

Bill 29 represents the latest attempt by Opposition members to derail government attempts aimed at silencing municipal green energy concerns.

Barrett spoke in support of a motion last October from MPP Bill Murdoch calling on government for a moratorium and health study to determine the potential impacts of wind turbines on people's health – that motion was defeated by governing Liberals. In recent weeks Wellington-Halton Hills MPP Ted Arnott introduced a similar motion, while Simcoe-Grey MPP Jim Wilson has asked government at Queens Park to respect the wishes of over 50 Ontario communities requesting the Liberals put a moratorium on new wind developments.

“The Green Energy Act represents another attack on rural Ontario as we all know that it will rural areas – and not their own urban backyard – that government will be eyeing to locate these projects,” Barrett intoned. “Local communities should have an avenue to comment on projects that will impact them – that’s the bottom line.

“I am surprised this government would go to this extent to silence opposition and join my colleagues in fighting this municipal gag order!”

- 30 –

For more information, please contact MPP Toby Barrett at
(519) 428-0446 or (905)-765-8413, 1-800-903-8629

Haldimand "The Flood One Year Later"

2010-04-15T05:19:00.000-07:00

I am trying to do a bit of catch up. This article was in the Chronicle at the end of February. Thanks Cathy for a great story.

The Flood --One Year Later
By CATHY PELLETIER , CHRONICLE STAFF WRITER

It was Friday the 13th, 2009 when the Grand River awakened from its winter hibernation and began to unleash an unprovoked assault upon its neighbours.
Melting snow and the accumulation of waters flowing into the 300-km length of the Grand suddenly, and without warning, spelled disaster for Cayuga and Dunnville.

A repeated cycle of ice jams and releases caused the crest of the water to rise and fall, spilling over the banks at various locations.

Very early in the morning, the water began its considerable, rapid ascent in Cayuga, and emergency personnel embarked upon what would become a very long, intensive rescue effort.

Later, a jam formed west of the Dunnville Golf and County Club and backyards along Main Street West came under attack, not only from the rising water, but also from huge sheets of ice that sheared trees and destroyed sheds, boats and docks along the way. As those sheets flowed over the Dunnville dam, they broke up, but a new danger was soon created as the massive chunks and swelling waters rounded the bend in the river above Port Maitland.

A massive jam formed there and water backed up into Dunnville, causing road closures and forcing Dunnville firefighters to wade through hip-high water, rescuing homeowners. Hydro and gas personnel also waded in with efforts to minimize damage to the potentially hazardous services as conduits became submerged.

By the time the river receded a day later, after the Canadian Coast Guard icebreaker Griffin hammered its way upriver through the churning ice, some residents and business owners had already thrown out destroyed furniture, appliances, clothing, and, in some cases, nearly everything they owned. As water flowed freely through Haldimand's streets -up to six feet in some places -many riverbank residents were forced to evacuate their homes, leaving all their waterlogged belongings behind.

On March 23, the County stepped in to form the Haldimand Disaster Relief Committee (HDRC), with former mayor Bernie Corbett appointed as Chair and members from across Haldimand County installed to help area flood victims.

A week later, subcommittees were set up and members sprang into action in two distinct groups. Don Edwards was named Vice- Chair of the Fundraising Committee, which included Donna Pitcher and Joanne Falletta; while Victoria Young was appointed Vice-Chair of the Claims Settlement Committee, made up of Marie Maas, Ken Egger, and Kim Hessels.

Brett Kelly was placed in charge of media relations, and an administrative committee was formed with Kent Murray acting as Program Manager, and Dian McIntee and Brenda McArthur appointed Recording Secretaries. Barb Quinn, as Treasurer, set up a bank account for the victims.

At the flood's inception, Corbett said he and a friend were walking in the lower Grand River where the water "was coming at a good pace, and it was above our knees within an hour. All the creeks were backing up and I was caught in it. Then I received a call from the Chamber (of Commerce) asking if I was interested in helping, so I put forward my name" to help.

The committee applied for nonprofit status, and an advertising campaign was enacted to inform the claimants assistance was on its way. Each affected homeowner was assigned a number and all claim correspondence sent anonymously to committee members, so no one knew who they were helping.

Meanwhile, the fundraising committee strived to collect donations from every possible avenue, and money began pouring in from churches, individuals, businesses, service clubs, fire departments, boards and bodies such as the Haldimand Federation of Agriculture, and numerous municipalities across Ontario.

Corbett commended the entire Committee for devising clever fundraising techniques in a tough economy.

"I was surrounded by a very competent, hardworking group of people who did a tremendous job of coming up with many ideas to bring the money in," he said, adding that the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing staff commented that the 'Pass the Jar' and liquor bottle collections, in particular, were innovative ideas.

In addition to collecting Canadian Tire money and hosting a charity night at Turtle Jack's Restaurant in Burlington, the committee coordinated fundraisers in the community and volunteers organized golf tournaments, garage sales, bracelet sales, a Library bake sale, pizza deliveries, a benefit hockey game between the Dunnville Terriers and the Corvairs, and a High Water Walk, among others.

Contributions came from The Dunnville Rotary Club in the amount of $6,050, Bruce Power gave $10,000, the Police Services Board donated $1,000, Union Gas gave $5,000, Dunnville Firefighters raised $1,240, the Niagara District Trappers Council gave $900, and Friends of the Dunnville Public Library handed the HDRC a cheque for $570 toward the effort.

There were many others, and a donation of $7,500 from the Erie Mutual Insurance Company "just floored us and put us over the top," said Corbett, adding, "The Kozar family from Byng gave a personal donation of $5,000. They weren't interested in getting any publicity. They said they were glad to do it."

Although it often proved a difficult task meeting their targeted goal, Corbett said, "At the end, we were at the point where we had to turn back money, once we received the amount that we needed."

By Thanksgiving weekend, a total of $184,951.36 was handed over to claimants.

"The original claim was $200,000," said Corbett. "There was roughly $1.8 million in damage. We just turned the cheque over to the municipality, which was joined by the province on a two-to-one basis to help people get their lives back in order."
Certain claims, such as secondary buildings, cottages, and non-essential items, were not eligible for funding.

"It was just for people who had no coverage at all."

"Everything that was raised went directly towards the claimants," he emphasized. Aside from remuneration for mileage, committee members devoted countless hours at their own expense, while administrative costs were paid from Ministry and municipality coffers.

"The disaster area was extended because there was an area above the barge in Cayuga where damage was sustained and a request went out to encompass that area as well. Initially, that was a shock to us because we were finding it difficult at the time, but our fundraisers took it in stride and pressed on. Every time we met Don and his group, they came up with a lot of ideas."

Corbett feels "It was the fundraising group that formed the backbone" of the HDRC.
Edwards said the flood brought about "a great opportunity to work with a great group of people who helped the community we live in. Committee members just rolled up their sleeves," he said, and despite the fact that there were two distinct groups, "it didn't matter which side you were on; everybody helped out and was extremely supportive," whether waiting tables at Turtle Jack's or processing claims.

"We had a finite amount of time and Bernie brought all those people - most of them strangers -together. We had one target and everybody on the committee was committed to reaching that goal."

Donna Pitcher joined the HDRC after she donated building materials to flood victims, and single-handedly brought 7,000 empty bottles and beer cans to the liquor store to raise needed funds. Though her car "smelled like liquor for three and half months," she said she "loved her time on the committee," helping out the flood victims.

Former Dunnville councillor Brett Kelly said his role as Media Relations Liaison with the HDRC was rewarding and helped prepare him for his recent appointment as a Justice of the Peace in Niagara. "We were pleased because we saw our neighbours and friends pitch in to help their neighbours and friends," Kelly told the Chronicle in a recent interview.

In hindsight, Corbett said he hopes "We would take some preventative action to ensure the mouth of the river is open so we don't have a flood" in the future. "It's my belief that if the icebreaker had gone through, it would've helped somewhat, but there was water in the upper river as well. It was scary seeing the amount of water coming down."

A year after the harrowing experience, "We learned that you can assemble a group of people to react to a problem and Council was fast-acting to appoint a committee to get involved," Corbett said, adding, "We got the support of the community and other communities across Ontario to help.

We were fortunate that we were accepted for funding, where other municipalities were turned down. There were times when we thought we might not meet our goal, but our community came through and I certainly thank them for that. I'm very happy we had the opportunity to assist some people and form long-lasting relationships in the process. When you're successful, it's certainly a bonus."

Article ID# 2442484

Haldimand "Open House for the new Dunnville Arena"

2010-04-10T15:00:00.000-07:00

NOTICE OF PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE

Dunnville Single Pad Arena, Walking Track & Ground Floor Community Centre Plans.

The Corporation of Haldimand County will be presenting the floor plans, building renderings and site plan for the new single pad arena, walking track and ground floor community centre in Dunnville. Construction is tentatively scheduled to commence in April of 2010 and will take approximately one year to complete.

All interested parties are invited to attend an Open House for this project to be held as follows:

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Dunnville Recreation Centre
210 Main Street East
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

The Corporation of Haldimand County and Construction Team will be present to answer your questions. If you are unable to attend the Open House and would like further information, please contact the County Project Manager as follows:

Mr. Philip Mete, P.Eng.
Manager, Facilities & Parks Operations
Telephone: (905) 318-5367 x 501
Fax: (905) 765-5716
E-Mail: pmete@haldimandcounty.on.ca

Haldimand "Haldimand County 100k Club"

2010-04-09T07:22:00.000-07:00

Every Year Ontario Municipalities are legislated to make public any employee of a local Municipality that is paid $100,000.00 or more a year. This is the amount that is on the individuals T4 slip for tax purposes.

I have been waiting for the local newspapers to report these findings as I know that these numbers come out usually in mid March of each year. After reading nothing of this in the local newspapers I went to the Haldimand County website.

Here is the following information that I found from a staff report dated February 16, 2010, that was presented to Council on March 1,2010.

This report was received by Haldimand County Council on March 1, 2010 Recommendation #5, and passed by Resolution #57-10 on March 8, 2010.

Below is our Haldimand County "100k Club".

I put in brackets last years numbers for salary earned in 2008. These numbers are what these individuals earned in 2009. First figure is salary and the second figure below is their taxable benefits.

This is also from the staff report; Each person to whom Haldimand County provided a 2009 T4 slip is considered an employee. For employees paid $100,000 or more, exclusive of taxable benefits, a “Record of Employees’ 2009 Salaries and Benefits” report must be submitted to the funding ministry, in our case, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, not later than March 5, 2010.

BOYLE DONALD CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER
$156,666.48 $6,892.20 ($149,765.34 $7,053.00)

HANLY B. HUGH GM, COMMUNITY SERVICES
$128,490.84 $761.37 ($129,245.47 $880.18)

GENERAL KAREN GM, CORPORATE SERVICES
$140,863.34 $808.97 ($134,780.24, $954.74)

MANLEY CRAIG GM PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
$123,586.41 $743.78 ($120,588.68 $833.38)

RAE GEOFFREY GM, PUBLIC WORKS
$117,032.75 $701.89 ($111,357.17 $793.26)

MUNGAR PAUL MANAGER, ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
$102,759.71 $618.25

OAKES WRAY MANAGER, ROADS OPERATIONS
$103,258.29 $624.54

WITTIG DONALD MANAGER, FLEET & FACILITIES
$103,258.28 $624.54

Haldimand "Dunnville are there any Unheard Voices Out there"?

2010-02-18T11:32:00.000-08:00

Have you ever asked yourself any of these questions? Why should I vote? Will my vote really make a difference? Does my one vote really count?

Have you ever felt like an Unheard Voice?

Well I hope that in the upcoming months I can inspire you to go out and “Vote”, “Change the norm”, and “help you understand that your vote does count. Your voice will and can be heard!

I registered in early January as a candidate for Ward 6 (Dunnville) for the upcoming Municipal Elections that will be held this coming October. For some of you this may be a bit soon to be talking about an election that is months away, but for me it will probably takes months to get the word out on the street that I am running for Council.

I have heard so many people say, “When was that issue discussed”? “How come I never heard about that one”? “When was that open house”? “Why doesn't anyone hold "Town Hall" meetings anymore?

I personally feel that we have a communication problem here in Haldimand County and it is not of our own making.

Our newspapers are weekly, so if you miss reading one paper you can miss very vital information that could affect you and your taxes.

Many of us do not get cable so we cannot access Council Meetings.

Many of us are still on dial up internet (I AM!) and cannot access vital County information because the files are too big and we get timed out.

Most of us are too busy to attend a Council Meeting.

And the most important communication problem is that currently there are no “Town Hall” meetings in the Dunnville area, in fact there are currently no “Town Hall” meetings anywhere in Haldimand County.

Can you tell that I am a big fan of “Town Hall” meetings?

I seriously wonder how a member of council could know what people are concerned about if they do not give residents a regular time and place to have their voices heard. Of course there will be some that will say that it is up to “You” to keep up to date on local issues.

I believe that “Town Hall” meetings are vital and necessary for the community. What harm can a meet and greet coffee night every say three months do?

Your Vote does count! Your voice can be heard!

Please feel free to post any issues that are of a concern to you here.

If you wish to contact me you can call me at 905-701-1627 or email me at dpitcher@sympatico.ca

Haldimand "Pitcher First to File for Elections"

2010-01-27T18:40:00.001-08:00

I want to thank Cathy Pelletier for a great article!

For the past ten months I have been writing for the Dunnville Chronicle covering Haldimand County Council meetings and local politics. It has been a great learning experience for me and I am very fortunate that Bob Liddycoat (past editor of the Dunnville Chronicle) had faith in me when he asked me to write for the paper. Thanks Bob!

On Monday January 18, 2010, I registered as a candidate for the upcoming Municipal Elections that will take place on October 25, 2010. I am running in Ward 6 (Dunnville).

Last Friday I met with Cathy from the Dunnville Chronicle and we chatted for about an hour, (of course I could have talked about politics for hours and hours) the following article was in today's paper.

Pitcher First to File for Elections
Posted By CATHY PELLETIER , CHRONICLE STAFF WRITER
January 27, 2010

Donna Pitcher was the first to sign up to run in this year's municipal elections.

First to register in Haldimand County for November's municipal elections, Donna Pitcher said it's her love of Dunnville that compelled her to run as a councillor in Ward 6.

"I have always loved Dunnville," said the South Cayuga resident. "I loved my months of being on the Disaster Relief Committee and though we did the fundraising County-wide, we did the bulk of it right here in Dunnville. It just confirmed to me I should represent the people of Dunnville."

After donating building materials to flood victims last February, she decided to join Haldimand's Disaster Relief Committee, singlehandedly bringing 7,000 empty beer cans and bottles to the liquor store during a fundraising bottle drive.

"My car smelled like liquor for three and a half months," she chuckled.

The self-described "family-oriented" leader with a passion for politics has been frequently vocal about issues affecting Haldimand residents, particularly during her 2005 crusade to keep Hydro local.

"Haldimand County discussed selling our Hydro for six months and announced they were putting it up for sale," stated Pitcher. "I collected 3,267 signatures and spoke at Council. Together, we were successful in keeping a strong business in Haldimand where it belongs."

Born and raised in Hamilton, Pitcher co-founded the Hamilton Parks Foundation, a beautification program partnering schools, City Council and employees, and since moving to South Cayuga in 1999, has been president of the thriving Community Hall for six years.

"I think in order to go into this type of work, you have to have a certain amount of work experience, life experience, and people experience," as well as community involvement, she said.
"You can't promise to change things because in reality, you're only one vote. However, I promise I will stand up and be your voice. The first place anyone can make a difference is at the grassroots level."

A firm believer in fiscal responsibility to taxpayers, "I will never put myself above others" if elected, said Pitcher, adding she gained "so much experience" and a broader perspective while covering Council as a freelance writer for the Chronicle the past 10 months.

"When I was going to Council extensively on my own before that, it was different than reporting and interviewing, when you get to hear from the general public," she said.

Married to Ted for 35 years, she's the mother of Melanie and grandmother of two. An outside sales rep for 10 years, Pitcher worked with hydraulics and pneumatics in a job that taught her to routinely handle crisis situations.

"I built and designed power units. I'm the second woman to receive my Fluid Power certification."

More recently, she began her own business, called Pitcher's Cove Welding. "When I get frustrated, I love to bend steel." Donna's Critters, cowboy dinner bells and other steel crafts are the creative result.

When not bending steel or riding Haldimand's roads with Ted on their Harley, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends.

http://www.dunnvillechronicle.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2278630

Haldimand "OPP Contract will Increase Taxes"

2009-12-09T19:47:00.000-08:00

Donna Pitcher
Chronicle Staff Writer
December 9, 2009

Policing issues will not be a major issue in the upcoming 2010 Municipal Election. Once the OPP contract renewal is accepted by Haldimand County Council, it will not renew until 2014.

During the 2006 Haldimand County Municipal Election Campaign, policing services for Haldimand County was one of the major election issues.

Several councillors and candidates promised if elected they would replace the OPP, some opted to at least look into the issue. This option turned out to be a no option due to either lack of interest from surrounding agencies or the costs to the County to go back to their own force.

Negotiations have been ongoing since September 30, 2008 when the contract with the OPP expired. The new OPP contract will be for a five-year term starting on October 1, 2009.

The increase to taxpayers will be substantial states staffs report.

At last Monday’s Council in Committee meeting, Carl Butler from the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) presented Haldimand County Council with an overview of the details related to the renewal of the current OPP Contact. Butler invited questions and concerns from council members in regards to the contract renewal.

One question was asked in relation to by-law enforcement. Butler clarified that the by-law enforcement that the OPP engages in is that of “police related by-laws”.

Under General Provisions of the new OPP contract it states;

“For the purposes of s. 10(6) of the Police Services Act, the O.P.P. shall provide police services to the Municipality, including the enforcement of mutually agreed upon by-laws. The parties shall annually review this part of the Agreement with a view to revising or updating the list of by-laws requiring O.P.P. enforcement”.

“Municipal Building Code violations overseen by the Municipality's Building Code inspector and those by-laws related to animal control will not form part of this Agreement”.

The above OPP General Provision for By-law enforcement is exactly the same as the agreement that was signed by Haldimand County on September 22, 2003.

In 2008 the base amount for policing was $7,198,676.00, for 2010 there are two options, the first option is $8,307,976.00 (an increase of $1,109,300.00) and option two is $8,005,080 (an increase of $806,404.00).

The difference between Option #1 and Option #2, is, Option #2 is a reduction of 3,257 hours in the guaranteed minimum service level, which equates to less than 9 hours per day.

Haldimand County General Manager of Corporate Services Karen General is recommending Council accepts and enters into a five-year contract with the OPP at the Option #2 level.

Service levels Options #1 and #2 were presented to the Haldimand County Police Services Board on December 2, 2009 due to their responsibilities under the contract and per the Police Services Act.

Following the discussion the Haldimand County Police Services Board passed the following motion:

“That Haldimand County Police Services Board supports Option #1 and is not supportive of officer reductions as per Option #2 and this position be relayed to Haldimand County Council immediately”.

Both Haldimand County Staff and the solicitor disagree with the position of the Haldimand County Police Services Board.

The main issue of disagreement according to the staff report is that although Option #1 would provide an enhanced level of policing service beyond the “minimum” required level at a cost of over $300,000.00 per year. Given the economic challenges facing the municipality and its taxpayers, this is difficult to justify given the issue of bodies and hours as outlined in the contract, states the report.

The above increases under option one or two are substantial; a tax levy increase of 2.4% and 1.75% respectively would be required.

The report goes on to further state regardless of the service option approved by council there will be a significant levy impact to be absorbed in 2010.

This will significantly affect the ability to meet the target “2%” overall tax increase that Council has established as a budget guideline for all County Services. Staff will need to determine a means of dealing with this increase; a significant tax levy impact should be expected states the report.

Haldimand County paid an estimated $5,559,872.00 for policing in 2002 and when the contract was negotiated in 2003 the cost for policing was estimated at $5,847,954.00.

Haldimand County Council will vote on the OPP contract on Thursday December 10th at the Budget Meeting that starts at 9:30am.

http://www.dunnvillechronicle.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2212507

Haldimand "Raise Your Voice, Stop the HST"

2009-11-29T20:49:00.000-08:00

It seems that we are not being told all of the fine details when it comes to the "HST".

Two good reads, one from Toby Barrett and one from the National Post.

Raise your voice to stop the HST

"Public hearings; those two words go together nicely if you believe in true democracy.”
- Dalton McGuinty, December 6, 1999

As Haldimand and Norfolk residents continue to send in petitions to stop the 13 per cent McGuinty sales tax, government's cavalier approach to force through his costly tax grab has turned up the volume at Queens Park.

Two weeks ago, government members initiated a scheme to silence opposition to their $3 billion dollar HST tax using parliamentary tricks to limit debate and deny any form of real public consultation.

As I’ve reported previously the HST would mean a 13 per cent tax on many everyday essentials not currently subject to PST – items ranging from gasoline, to electricity; haircuts to internet service. Even funerals would be hit. For a middle-income family of four, the HST would mean up to $2,500 a year in additional taxes.

It’s clear your phone-calls, letters, and signatures on petitions, as well as other forms of protest, all are having an impact.

Recently, Mr. McGuinty bowed to pressure scrapping the proposed HST on coffee, newspapers and meals under four dollars. But, we must continue to push for further climb downs.

To that end, we in Opposition continue to use every tool at our disposal to register the concerns of millions across the province.

Government attempts to short-circuit parliamentary debate forced PC members to stage a much publicized walk-out from the Legislature. The empty seats of caucus members served as a reminder to a government of the disdain for the tax.

With government bent on pushing their agenda through come hell or high water, we in Opposition are left to do everything possible to slow this train down before it pulls out of the station

Especially worrisome has been the admission from Finance Minister Dwight Duncan that the McGuinty Government’s HST deal contains a $4.3 billion poison pill designed to handcuff future governments from ever repealing tax grab.

Clearly, instead of putting cotton in their ears, this government should be listening to what people have to say through full public hearings. This is a tax on just about everything, paid by just about everyone!

If Mr. McGuinty actually believes that this tax grab is in the best interest of Ontario families – he would have the courage to hold open public consultations across the province. Instead we learned on Friday that the government plans to hold only one day of consultation on Thursday, in Toronto – and nowhere else!

With all this in mind, and time to voice dissent running out, anyone waiting on the sidelines should make their voices heard now. Contact my office to get your name on a petition or learn of other ways you can make your voice heard.

Time is of the essence as many HST related concerns and issues are leaking out daily. Adding to already well-founded consumer apprehension are hidden details about this tax the current government seems content to obscure.

For instance, many don’t realize that under the HST, Ontario surrenders its constitutionally-granted taxation powers to the whims of future federal governments. Once the HST is enacted, fundamental decisions about what is, and is not, subject to sales taxes will be made in Ottawa, not in the Ontario Legislature.

Meantime, at time of writing, news broke of the Federal government calling for a vote in Ottawa for or against the allowance of provinces to proceed with a harmonized sales tax. We’ll see.

One public HST hearing…in Toronto…a joke - Barrett

Queen’s Park – Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett calls what the McGuinty government is proposing as public hearings for the Harmonized Sales Tax – one day, in Toronto – a complete joke.

“Here we have a government that is implementing a 13 per cent tax on just about everything, to hit just about everyone, turning around and offering one single day of consultation…in only Toronto…to serve as their acknowledgement of public input,” Barrett commented. “Legislation this costly, this taxing and creating so much opposition deserves to receive input from right across the province.”

The one day of hearings follows two weeks of government maneuvering to limit debate in the Legislature as well as Opposition calls for full public hearings on the issue.

The HST would mean a 13 per cent tax on many everyday essentials not currently subject to PST – items ranging from gasoline, to electricity; haircuts to internet service. Even funerals would be hit. For a middle-income family of four, the HST would mean up to $2,500 a year in additional taxes.

“While one day of hearings in Toronto can hardly qualify as public consultation, I do encourage anyone interested to contact the Committee Clerk to get their names on the docket and make their voice heard ” continued Barrett. “Perhaps if government sees the overflow of presentation requests they will think twice about turning their backs on the people of Ontario.”

Meanwhile Barrett noted that with time to voice dissent running out, anyone waiting on the sidelines to contact his office to get names on a petition or learn of other ways to stand against the 13 per cent tax grab.

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For more information, please contact MPP Toby Barrett at: (416) 325-8404,

(519) 428-0446 or 1-800-903-8629

An interesting article that a friend sent me! A Must Read!

Following is an interesting article from National Post about six details of the Impending Harmonized Sales Tax that you may not know about.

Lisa MacLeod and Cyndee Todgham Cherniak: Six things you should know about the HST
Posted: November 19, 2009, 9:30 AM by NP Editor

On July 1, 2010, the Ontario Government plans to introduce a new Harmonized Sales Tax (HST), which would combine Canada’s Goods and Services Tax and Ontario’s Provincial Sales Tax into a unified sales tax. The HST will directly increase the tax burden on middle-class Ontario families. Indirect impacts will drive up the cost of living further still.

What is most concerning are the hidden details about this tax that the current government seems content to obscure. Below, we have summarized the six things that Ontario taxpayers need to know about the HST before it is imposed by Dalton McGuinty’s Liberal government.

1. Under the HST, Ontario surrenders its constitutionally-granted taxation powers to the whims of future federal governments.

Right now, Ontario enjoys direct taxation powers granted under the Canadian constitution. However, under the HST plan, Ontario will give up its sales-tax powers to Ottawa through the federal Excise Tax Act. Once the HST is enacted, fundamental decisions about what is, and is not, subject to sales taxes will not be made in the Ontario legislature but will instead be made in Ottawa. It is not hard to foresee the day when a federal Minister of Finance could decide the fate of Ontario businesses when there is a tax dispute. It is also possible that the federal Excise Tax Act will be amended, regulations will be passed or administrative practice will change without Ontario’s input or approval, in which case Ontarians will become victims of taxation without representation.

2. Under the HST, it is likely that tax-included pricing, or hidden taxation, will come to Ontario.

Many of us prefer to know just how much of our money is actually being directed to government. Yet the moment Ontario joins the HST, an obscure piece of federal legislation kicks in that will allow sellers to conceal just how much tax you are paying on the products you buy. The taxpayers of tomorrow will be denied straightforward information that is taken for granted by taxpayers today.

3. There is no evidence that harmonized taxes work in other federal jurisdictions.

The McGuinty government promotes the notion that 130 other countries have adopted a “value-added tax” such as the HST. This is misleading. The HST represents more than just a single value-added tax — it represents a blending of sales taxes between two levels of government. No other developed country has successfully imposed a joint value-added tax at both the federal and state/provincial levels of government. (In any case, Canada’s federation is dissimilar from that of many OECD countries.) Ontario needs a made-in-Ontario tax regime that reflects the realities of the Ontario economy.

4. There will be hidden costs for Ontario businesses to comply with the HST.

Any business that has been audited will understand that the administrative burden associated with tax-law compliance is substantial. Any change to tax laws forces businesses to spend money to both understand the new regime and live up to their obligations under it.

5. Businesses might not reduce their base prices after implementation of the HST.

Unless the McGuinty Government also plans to restrict prices that businesses may charge, there is no legal obligation for any business to lower its prices on July 1, 2010. In fact, the HST regime includes unrecoverable HST costs that will be passed on consumers. For example, many businesses engaged in exempt activities (e.g., financial institutions, rental housing, nursing homes, etc.) will pay HST on what they themselves buy. Also, businesses with sales over $10-million will not be able to get 100% input tax credit on some of the HST it pays for at least six years. Over that time, the only other cost-recovery method available to them will be higher prices.

6. Once the HST is implemented, it will be difficult, if not impossible, to undo. According to the Memorandum of Understanding signed by the McGuinty Government, Ontario cannot opt out of the HST regime for five years without risk of massive penalties. No matter how disastrous the HST might be, Ontarians will be locked in to this dubious plan for a long haul.

National Post

Haldimand "Say No to the HST"

2009-11-25T07:18:00.000-08:00

Here are a couple of news releases from Toby Barrett in regards to the HST that McGuinty is going to push through come July 2010.

You can have your voice heard by signing an on-line petition, there are a few of them out there, just google "HST" and you will find them.

If you don't agree with the HST, don't sit back and do nothing, once this is implemented it can not be reversed for "5" years!

Opposition protests HST at Queens Park
Government refuses to listen so opposition stages debate boycott!

Queen’s Park – If Government refuse to hear the voices of those opposed to its harmonized sales tax (HST) then what’s the point of debate?

That was the underlying theme of a Progressive Conservative Caucus all out protest of question period at Queens Park. The empty seats of the caucus of members served as a reminder to a government bent on ramming through the HST of the disdain across the province for undemocratic tactics. Last week, three Opposition members were removed from the House.

“This government refuses to consult on the HST – they have effectively muted the province,” Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Barrett noted this morning. “Today’s protest was a visual display of the code of silence McGuinty is imposing on any opposing voices.”

Currently, Ontario PC Leader Tim Hudak is doing the job that Dalton McGuinty should be doing by traveling throughout Ontario to hear the concerns of the middle class families, seniors and small businesses who have the most to lose from Dalton McGuinty’s $3 billion HST tax grab

The HST would add eight percent to the cost of many everyday essentials not currently subject to PST, including gasoline, home heating, hydro, haircuts and internet service. Even funeral services would become more expensive. For the average middle-income family of four, it is estimated that the HST would mean up to $2,500 per year in additional sales taxes.

“Clearly, government knows they don’t have the support of the people on this and are doing everything they can to ram it through,” stated Barrett. “In Opposition we’re left to do everything we can to slow this train down before it pulls out of the station!

Barrett stressed that anyone waiting on the sidelines had better make their voices heard now as once the HST is implemented, it will be difficult, if not impossible, to undo. According to the Memorandum of Understanding signed by the McGuinty Government, Ontario cannot opt out of the HST regime for five years without risk of massive penalties.

-30-

For more information, please contact MPP Toby Barrett at: (416) 325-8404,
(519) 428-0446 or 1-800-903-8629

Hey Mr. McGuinty: not so fast!
Panicked government resorts to procedural tricks to ram through hated HST

Queens Park – Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett is asking government “what’s the rush?” as McGuinty and his gang race to force their unpopular harmonized sales tax into law.

Barrett spoke out following a media conference in which PC Leader Tim Hudak decried the use of underhanded tactics to quickly implement the HST and silence debate.

“Instead of putting cotton in their ears, this government should be listening to what the people have to say,” Barrett noted. “To that end, we are calling for full public hearings to discuss this tax on just about everything with those it will impact – just about everyone!”

Today, the McGuinty Liberals introduced a supply bill that includes legislation to formally implement the HST – debate will accordingly be curtailed to ensure passage of third and final reading debate Thursday. Barrett speculated that the blind rush is to prevent any further caving, in addition to McGuinty’s panicked exemptions last week.

“We know this government will not take action until it’s backed into a corner, as we saw an example of last week,” stated Barrett. “It’s time to finish the deal, allow the public their say - stop this tax in its tracks!”

Given the abbreviated timelines if government gets its way, Barrett reminded concerned taxpayers that it is more important than ever to get their names on petitions to fight the sales tax. Those interested in more petition sheets can contact Barrett's Simcoe office for more information.

The McGuinty HST will mean a 13 per cent sales tax on everything from gas to electricity, haircuts and home heating fuel.

Haldimand "Mayor Goes to Ottawa"

2009-11-25T07:14:00.000-08:00

Donna Pitcher
Dunnville Chronicle
Staff Writer
November 25, 2009

Haldimand County Mayor Marie Trainer and Haldimand County CAO Don Boyle spent a few hours in Ottawa Monday and met with several Ministers and their Staff prior to their 5:00pm meeting with Minster Chuck Strahl, Minster of Indian and Northern Affairs.

The day was very “Exhausting but Productive”, said Trainer in an interview with the Chronicle on Tuesday morning. The first thing that Trainer spoke of during the interview was that she wanted to thank Haldimand/Norfolk MP Diane Finley for her assistance.

Finley had arranged a few meetings prior to Trainer and Boyle’s arrival in Ottawa, one with Minister Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Minster of National Revenue and Minister of State (Agriculture and Agri-Food) and a meeting with Minister Peter Van Loan, Minister of Public Safety.

The first meeting was with Minister Blackburn, Minister of National Revenue. Some of the key issues that were discussed in the meeting were in regards to smoke shacks and the sale of untaxed cigarettes, the involvement of the RCMP and the possibility of signage that will publicly advertise the fines for purchasing untaxed cigarettes. Trainer was very impressed with this initiative and asked if Haldimand County could be used as their “Pilot Program”. Trainer is hopeful that this program will come in to effect some time next year.

Trainer talked about the involvement of the RCMP in Haldimand County and requested that the RCMP be more involved on a regular basis. “It was refreshing,” said Trainer that our issues were taken very seriously.

Trainer brought some samples of untaxed cigarettes with her to the meeting. Trainer explained that the samples she had were sold for between $29.00-$30.00 dollars a carton (packaged and sold as tax in) and the bagged cigarettes sold for between $20.00 and $21.00 dollars. The purchase of cigarettes in a variety store would sell for between $60.00- $70.00 dollars a carton said Trainer. Trainer said that the Ministry is very concerned about the lost revenue of the sale of these cigarettes on a national basis, not just in Haldimand County.

The second meeting was with Minister Van Loan, Minister of Public Safety who is now the head of a task force that was formed by Stockwell Day in 2006 to deal with the issues of loss of revenue of untaxed cigarettes.

The Director of Policy also attended the meeting and spoke of the sale of untaxed cigarettes being directly linked to organized crime and that this is of grave concern to the Ministry. “She (the Director of Policy) is in tune with everything that is going on and is very knowledgeable” said Trainer, her presentation was excellent!

“Our agenda was very tight, we spoke of the key issues and some solutions” said Boyle. Boyle spoke of the Director of Policy when she told Trainer and Boyle that these issues are at the heart of many communities.

Mayor Trainer, CAO Don Boyle and MP Diane Finley met with Minister Chuck Strahl around 5:00pm Monday afternoon for about an hour said Boyle in an interview with the Chronicle on Tuesday morning.

In the one-hour meeting with Strahl some key issues were discussed. One issue was Haldimand County’s concern over the expansion of the reserve. Trainer’s major concerns were the loss of the tax base, and how this loss effects the repairs of roads, sewers etc. in Haldimand County. Strahl committed to consult Trainer if there is any lands to be added to the reserve.

Another issue that was discussed was “Joint Projects” with Haldimand County and the First Nations. Examples of these projects could be of water projects, tourism and trails, said Trainer. Strahl was very receptive to this idea and said that joint proposals would be looked at seriously.

The duty to consult was also discussed, as was the need for better communications in the future to keep the residents of Haldimand County up to date as to what is or is not going on.

“This was an excellent meeting with Minister Strahl”, he is a very intelligent man, he fully understood our situation here and he listened intently to our concerns, said Trainer. “He is Calm, Cool and in Charge”.

“We had a great day”, we met with some “Top Advisors” that are the decision-makers. Our meetings were “very informative” and we received very good information, said Boyle.

Boyle concluded by saying that “The government is looking at creative ways” to solve land claims issues, and are very respectful to all the communities involved, Strahl listened and explained in layman terms.

.

Haldimand "Warning, Reading this Could be Hazardous"

2009-10-22T19:41:00.000-07:00

Make yourself a coffee before you read this, or maybe something a bit stronger. This is the hard core reality, and we will all be paying the price. Both articles are very well written.

This might just clarify why even though the people of Ontario seem to not want McGuinty to implement the new HST come July of 2010, it seems that there is a substantial reason why he is still persistent that this tax will come into force.

What is really interesting is the second article had 154 comments when I read it, if you have the time read some of the comments that are being posted they are quite interesting, just go to the link at the end of the article.

Consultants cost '$1M a day'
Dalton McGuinty blasted over 'bloated fees' to experts and hushed-up pay for top bureaucrats
Rob Ferguson Queen's Park Bureau
Published On Wed Oct 21 2009

The Ontario government's consultant "habit" extends further than the $1 billion eHealth scandal, with new figures showing the provincial ministries alone spent $389 million on help from consultants last year, the NDP charged Tuesday.

The payouts gave the opposition parties another financial weapon to use against the Liberals, also under fire for hiding the salaries of highly paid bureaucrats in hospital budgets. That includes Premier Dalton McGuinty's $320,695-a-year climate-change guru.

The cash for consultants shows a free-spending attitude that taxpayers can no longer afford as the provincial deficit deepens in the recession, said New Democrat MPP Paul Miller (Hamilton East-Stoney Creek), who got the numbers in a request under freedom-of-information legislation.
"When is this premier going to say enough is enough? When is he finally going to end this government's $1-million-a-day addiction to consultants and their bloated fees?" Miller said during the Legislature's daily question period.

McGuinty brushed aside the questions, saying the government has reduced spending on consultants by 34 per cent since coming to power in 2003 and noted "governments of all stripes" have been relying on consultants "for some time" when special expertise is needed.

"I don't think it's particularly news."

The premier also defended the salary of his associate deputy minister Hugh MacLeod, who heads the climate-change secretariat, but was unable to point to any tangible achievements of the man who reports directly to him.

"That's a very important responsibility. It's one that hasn't received a lot of attention lately but as somebody once said, `the economy is a wholly owned subsidiary of the environment' and we've been spending a lot of time talking about the economy lately. But as the economy grows stronger, more and more of our attention, that is the attention of humanity, will focus on the single greatest long-term challenge confronting us, and that is global warming and climate change," McGuinty told reporters Tuesday.

"So we think it's very important to have the capacity as a government to understand what is happening in the world, to understand our contribution to this challenge, to develop plans where we assume responsibility to reduce our contribution to climate change," he added.

"We're funding an office which is carrying out a very important responsibility for all of us."

An official in McGuinty's office said MacLeod coordinates the government's policies on climate change and sits on a cabinet committee studying the economy.

The new consultant figures, for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008 and the latest available, served as a reminder of the eHealth Ontario scandal, which saw consultants who were paid up to $3,000 a day expensing for snacks like tea and cookies.

In a report two weeks ago, Auditor General Jim McCarter found the province has spent $1 billion to create electronic health records for patients – with little to show for it.

As well, McCarter found a too-heavy reliance on consultants who can cost more than hiring staff.
McGuinty agreed with that point and said the government is bringing more experts to work in-house.

Miller noted the $389 million does not include money spent on consultants at provincial agencies, boards and commissions, which could push the actual total higher.

Ontario faces "cuts to vulnerable kids, to unemployed workers, to community hospitals ... while well-connected consultants feast at the McGuinty government trough."

The biggest bill – $104 million – was for the ministry of government and consumer services. The health ministry, which was in charge of eHealth, spent $89 million.

"There are some things we need to hire consultants to do because it's a project" but other things should be done in-house to keep costs down, said new Health Minister Deb Matthews, appointed to the job earlier this month after the resignation of David Caplan over eHealth

http://www.thestar.com/news/ontario/article/713428--consultants-cost-1m-a-day

Ontario deficit billions more than expected
Largest-ever deficit in province
$24.7B - means difficult choices ahead, says Finance Minister Duncan

Ontario's already record budget shortfall has ballooned to a staggering $24.7 billion – billions higher than economists expected – and "difficult choices" loom, warns Finance Minister Dwight Duncan.

In the fall economic statement tabled Thursday in the Legislature, Duncan revised the deficit projection upward from the $18.5 billion he had announced in June (and the $14.1 billion in the March budget.)

Until earlier this year, the ignominious record was a $12.4 billion shortfall in the 1992 budget introduced by NDP finance minister Floyd Laughren.

"Due to this global recession, our economy is now the same size as it was in 2005. Tax revenues are also now at 2005 levels," Duncan told the House.

"Corporate tax revenues fell last year by an unprecedented 48.1 per cent – or over $6 billion," he said.

"At the same time the recession has driven up demand for government services."

That accounts for the deficit being far worse than the $22 billion leading bank economists had anticipated.

"The governments of Canada, the United States and some other provinces have all adjusted their deficit projections upward for the coming year," said Duncan, noting Ottawa's is $56 billion and Washington's is $1.5 trillion.

"Due to the impact of the global economy on Ontario and our government's desire to invest in the people of this province, the projected deficit is $24.7 billion in 2009-10," he said.

That's on a $113.7 billion budget, which includes $104.3 billion in spending on programs and $9.4 billion on interest paymentsto service a provincial debt that has skyrocketed to $137.9 billion.

Despite the gloomy picture, Duncan emphasized that the Liberals would continue their focus on the big-ticket priorities of health-care and education.

To that end, the government will announce its long-anticipated plans Tuesday for all-day junior and senior kindergarten for four- and five-year-olds.

"This initiative will further increase the competitive advantage already found in our highly skilled and educated workforce," the treasurer said.

"Full-day learning for our four- and five-year-olds will also help parents take advantage of new job opportunities," he said, conceding that the government will be "phasing in" the program, which could take years.

"Making this investment will require difficult choices on our part," said Duncan.
"And we will make them."

While he was vague Thursday, in a speech on Tuesday, the finance minister said a sweeping review of government programs would be coming in the next few months to determine where cuts can be made.

"We will call on our partners in the public and the broader public sector to help us sustain public services in the long term. We will also review all agencies, boards and commissions to ensure they are meeting Ontarians' needs and expectations," he said.

"We made the right choices for today. As Ontario comes out of the recession, we will eliminate the deficit and pay down debt to ensure the sustainability of the public services we all value."
However, Duncan did not offer a timetable for deficit reduction and elimination.

Opposition parties were flabbergasted at the new $24.7 billion deficit figure, which Progressive Conservative Leader Tim Hudak called "a historically dismal performance" and warned it would boost each Ontario household's share of the total provincial debt to $13,500.

"The government was living high off the hog," Hudak thundered in the Legislature. "The McGuinty government is the problem. The problem will not be fixed until we replace the sad, worn out McGuinty government."

New Democrat finance critic Michael Prue said a deficit this large cannot come without dire consequences for both the public and public sector workers.

"I can read the code words," Prue said. "They can expect to get whacked in the months ahead."
On Wednesday, Premier Dalton McGuinty left open the possibility of unpaid furloughs for public servants, including teachers, bureaucrats, and nurses.

That echoed former NDP premier Bob Rae's "social contract" in 1993, which introduced the phrase "Rae Days" into the vernacular.

While the Liberals privately insist "Dalton Days" are not on the horizon, McGuinty has steadfastly refused to rule them out.

"We're just beginning this discussion," the premier said Wednesday when asked about Rae's response to a recession.

"I don't know. We've all got our own particular approaches obviously. I'll let people judge, but what I would say is that ... the next several months will be very important as we come up to our own particular approach to this."

Wayne Samuelson, president of the Ontario Federation of Labour, said Wednesday he's worried the Liberals "are so freaked out about the deficit" they will force workers to take involuntary leave.

"They're heading for a $20 billion deficit and it doesn't look like they're ready to raise taxes and it's pretty clear that the economy is not going to grow so there's not going to generate extra money there," said Samuelson.

"You can (have furloughs for public servants) or you start privatizing services and selling things off."

The Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) urged the Liberals to resist the temptation to privatize or cut.

"Every dollar spent in the public sector not only provides a service that people need, but also provides income that supports families, communities and local businesses," OPSEU vice-president Patricia Rout said in a statement Wednesday.

"The track record of privatization is one of higher costs, reduced services, poorer jobs and structural deficits," said Rout.

http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/article/714276--ontario-deficit-billions-more-than-expected

Haldimand "Healing Bruised Egos and Next Years Election"

2009-10-22T19:33:00.000-07:00

Grice Speaks on Motion
Donna Pitcher
Dunnville Chronicle Staff Writer
October, 21, 2009

“This motion has less to do with cohesiveness and the messaging that Council provides to Provincial and Federal officials, than it does with healing bruised egos, and next year’s election”, said Councillor Craig Grice in an interview with the Chronicle last Friday.

Grice was speaking about a motion that was narrowly passed by council last week that puts in place protocol for Council members in regards to meetings with Provincial and Federal Ministers and their staff. The motion requires that all formal meetings with Provincial and Federal Government Ministers or their staff include an agenda of issues and that the meeting be arranged through the Mayor’s office after first being sanctioned through resolution by a majority vote of Council. The resolution also requires a verbal report to Council.

Councillor Leroy Bartlett who was not in attendance when this motion was debated at the previous Council meeting had a concern about what happens if they are in a meeting with a government official and the discussion leads to something that has not been previously sanctioned by Council. Don Boyle, CAO of Haldimand County answered Bartlett’s concerns by saying that a Council member can only discuss what is on the agenda, they cannot report any personal opinions. Councillor Buck Sloat stated that this motion moves Council forward on a united front with a united voice and shows that they are working as a team.

Councillor Lorne Boyko asked for clarification on the meaning of a formal meeting, Mayor Marie Trainer’s response was that a formal meeting was one that is arranged through the Mayor’s office.

Boyko asked for an amendment to the motion in reference to a verbal report to council, to read a written report to council. Boyko said the amendment does not create a paper trail for current and future councils, we have way to many verbal reports now. The motion to amend the amendment was defeated.

“We are a board of directors” let’s start acting like one, said Councillor Tony Dalimonte during council’s lengthy debate. Boyko later said in an interview with the Chronicle that he disagreed with Dalimonte’s statement. A board of directors meets with their stakeholders usually four times a year, and bottom line is a board of directors is dollar driven.

As far as Grice is concerned each Councillor has a job to represent his or her constituents and that's exactly what he will continue to do. “The argument that Council speaks through resolution is non deniable, but to say a Councillor once a vote is taken is no longer allowed to speak in opposition is not only wrong, its arrogant”, said Grice.

Grice is of the opinion that the motion as passed is seriously flawed. What happens when a Councillor has an immediate opportunity to meet with someone in authority? Any meeting now would be against Council resolution, no matter how well intended. A County’s approach or view is not always the same as wards views or needs. Some issues are not of countywide concern, therefore this motion could be seen as removing the autonomy of ward representation which the Municipal Act currently authorizes. In the end the local voice could be lost or altered as the intent of the original meeting request is forced to change to gain approval, said Grice.

Council passed the resolution with a vote of 4-3, Councillors Boyko, Bartlett and Grice voted against it.

www.dunnvillechronicle.com/

Haldimand "An Open Letter to McGuinty"

2009-10-14T11:06:00.000-07:00

An excellent read from the Barrie Examiner today! Kudos!

An open letter to Dalton McGuinty
Posted By Stu McMillan
Posted 7 hours ago
An open letter to Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty

Dear Mr. McGuinty:

I’m going to call you mister as I firmly believe that Premier McGuinty is inaccurate. A premier would have had the guts and fortitude to stop the absolute waste of taxpayers’ money in regards to the e-Health mess.

A billion dollars and very little to show for it! What a complete sham!

Ordinary citizens are working their tails off and this is what we get? I’m sorry, but the odd firing and the resignation of your minister in charge is not enough!

These people should be charged with fraud. Taking our money, promising to do something with it, and knowingly giving us nothing in return is grounds for jail time. Kick those responsible out, charge them accordingly and use their pension money to pay back every taxpayer in Ontario.

This at least might show that you have some compassion for the little guy trying to make ends meet.

It might also show the next bunch put in charge of these projects that you are serious about stopping the bellying up to the taxpayer trough (you are aren't you?).

There has to be a limit (dare I say a budget) and a time- line firmly attached to these projects. It’s done all the time in construction, why not here?

In construction you are told to hold back a percentage of the agreed price until you are satisfied that the job is done correctly. Unfortunately, in this case the money just never stopped flowing.

We cannot afford to continue this way.

A premier would have been aware of and stopped the redirecting of funds to high level bureaucrats through health care facilities, (most of us would call this money laundering) and when it is brought out into the open would have had more gumption than to merely say, ‘I guess I should have known’ and ‘We’ll try to do better next time.’

What an absolute crock of hooey. How can this happen? Who oversees this? Why was nobody fired or even slightly reprimanded? How can we have faith in a government that has allowed this thievery to exist and simply turn a blind eye to it?

Please don't try to blame previous governments for this because even if they were involved in this scheme previously, it should have been up to a premier to do something to put an end to it.

A premier would have not filed a lawsuit against the producers of a legal substance looking for cost recovery for money spent trying to heal those affected by this dangerous product, while at the same time pocketing millions of dollars in tax revenue from this exact same source.

Why have you not sued the casinos and the OLG for cost recovery from gambling addiction?

Why have you not sued the LCBO for distributing a product that leads to alcohol addiction?

I’m sorry, but you just can't have it both ways. Let's just say you win this lawsuit (although I doubt you will). How many jobs are going to be lost due to the price that will have to paid by these companies? How many manufacturers are going to stay in Ontario if the government is going to sue them whenever the whim hits them? Why would anybody invest in such a province?

I have tried to keep this letter somewhat civil, but in closing I cannot begin to describe my utter disgust with you and your government.

I pay my taxes with the expectation that I will receive value for the money that I send in. Up until now, I have not been entirely happy with the results I see, but have been quiet and reluctant to voice my opinion.

No longer!

I will now do everything that I as a single vote can do to see that you and your government do not continue to rip us off and I will try to convince everyone that I meet that you do not deserve to be our premier and your time in office will come to a permanent end in the next election.

Article ID# 2120719
http://www.thebarrieexaminer.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2120719

Haldimand "MPMP Coming Soon"

2009-10-14T05:44:00.000-07:00

County forms not filed
Posted By DONNA PITCHER
CHRONICLE STAFF WRITER
October 14, 2009

The Provincial Municipal Performance Measurement Program (MPMP) is now in its tenth year. It requires all Ontario municipalities to file an annual report to the Province and to the public, setting out performance data on solid waste, sewers, water, transportation (roads and public transit), fire, police, land use, planning and general government. All Ontario municipalities are required to report MPMP results to local taxpayers no later than September 30th following the reporting year.

According to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing website the benefits of reporting performance measurement results to the public are significant: ranging from improved accountability to improved service delivery. The MPMP program should generate public interest into the decisions their councils make, encouraging further communication.

Municipalities are required to report MPMP results to the province through the Financial Information Return (FIR) by May 31st following each reporting year. Municipalities must also publish results for local taxpayers by September 30th using a format of their own choosing.

Many municipalities provide this information on their web sites. Others take out newspaper ads, mail the information or include performance measurement information in the property tax bill.

In a letter to all heads of Council from Minister Jim Watson in August of this year, he states "By publicly reporting their MPMP results, Ontario municipalities are achieving a level of transparency and accountability that has gained both national and international recognition".

In an interview with the Chronicle, Mayor Marie Trainer was under the impression that Haldimand County was in fact complying with the Province in respect to the MPMP program reporting requirements.

The treasurer of Haldimand County, Mark Merritt confirmed in an interview that Haldimand County does a Financial Information Return (FIR) every year but has never filed an MPMP return. Although the FIR and the MPMP are part and parcel of the same return, Merritt stated that due to timing and the lack of resources the county has never filed an MPMP.

Merritt anticipates that by the end of the year the MPMP results for 2008 will be completed and available for the public to view on the county website.

http://www.dunnvillechronicle.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2119742

Haldimand "What is the Duty of a Councillor?"

2009-10-07T19:49:00.000-07:00

Motion from council may change procedures
Posted By Donna Pitcher
CHRONICLE STAFF WRITER
October 7, 2009

Councillor Tony Dalimonte brought forth a motion at Monday's Council in Committee meeting that had some council members feeling that their voice within their wards would be taken away and that this motion is a direct hit on the democratic process.

The motion by Dalimonte states; "That in order to ensure consistency and clarity with respect to Council's position on County business and issues, the following Protocol be adopted".

"That all formal meetings with the Provincial and Federal Government Ministers or their staff, for the purpose of advancing County Corporate business through discussions or presenting County Corporate business or issues, be first sanctioned through resolution by a "majority" vote of Council and co-ordinated through the Mayor's office".

"Council speaks with one voice, we speak by resolution only, and there is no other way around this, we need to table this motion and cast it in stone", said Dalimonte. Dalimonte feels that the voice of council needs to be conveyed through the Mayor's office, with a majority voice.

"With this motion my community voice is gone," said Councillor Craig Grice, this motion makes no sense". Grice was disappointed with Dalimonte's philosophy behind the motion, as Grice understood that this motion was to ensure continuity with respect to conferences not individual councillors. The spirit of this motion can not go forward according to Grice.

"It took the Mayor three years to ask if anyone on council wanted a meeting with a minister" said Grice. Grice had requested back a few months ago for the Mayor to arrange a meeting with the minister of infrastructure, and a meeting with MP Diane Finley, to date nothing has been arranged through the Mayors office.

Grice has been very successful in arranging many meetings with Ministers and their staff over the last couple of years. With this new motion Grice will no longer have a voice to contact a minister on his own, he will need a "majority" vote through council first before a meeting could be arranged through the Mayors office.

Councillor Lorne Boyko spoke of the major differences between a Mayor and a council member. "A Mayor has too support the position of council, they have to regardless of what their personal opinion is", a Councillor does not have to do that, Boyko feels that this motion is censoring council members. "I think you are seriously undercutting the duty and the role of a Councillor", said Boyko.

The motion was carried with a vote of 4-2, Grice and Boyko voted against the motion. Councillor Leroy Bartlett was not present when this motion was discussed.

In an interview with Grice after the council meeting, Grice said this motion was ego vs. politics".

Haldimand "Council Makes First Nations Motion"

2009-10-07T19:39:00.000-07:00

COUNCIL MAKES FIRST NATIONS MOTION
Posted By Donna Pitcher,
CHRONICLE STAFF WRITER
October 7, 2009

Councillor Buck Sloat submitted a notice of motion at Monday's Council in Committee meeting in regards to Haldimand County committees dealing with First Nation's issues. Council also voted to wave procedural bylaws to deal with this motion at Monday's meeting.

The motion deals with all First Nations established Committees in Haldimand County, and that all such committees be dissolved. Future meetings with First Nations will be co-ordinated through the Mayor's office with the applicable Ward Councillor, Council Committee Chair and Staff.

According to Sloat's motion these committees have held few meetings addressing issues that are directly related to their "initial" mandate and that agendas have not been established prior to the meetings.

Councillor Lorne Boyko was under the impression that this would be a reconsideration of a motion, that these committees have already been dissolved. Sloat clarified that this motion would encompass three committees that have not been dissolved. The three committees cover Planning issues, the Recovery Plan and the Native Relations Committee.

Boyko disagreed with Sloat's statement that there have been no agendas for these meetings. "This makes it look like to the public that we attended meetings with no agendas," said Boyko. Boyko was also concerned with the continuity of this motion if an issue crosses ward boundaries.

Councillor Tony Dalimonte supported the motion, and sees this as giving the Mayor's office as much flexibility as possible. Dalimonte also believes that there should be two or three issues on the table before a meeting is planned. "We need to sit face to face", to call one Councillor at a time is wasting our time, "lets get going here and do something" said Dalimonte.

"We have accomplished nothing, absolutely nothing with these committees," said Sloat. "Every time we go around and around and around the issues go beyond what the scope of the meeting was and we need to focus" said Sloat.

Boyko once again disagreed with Sloat's statements, and talked about some issues relating to the differences between our cultures.

In the reading of the final motion the statement was removed regarding agendas. Council voted in favour of the motion with a vote of 4-2, Grice and Boyko voted against the motion, Councillor Leroy Bartlett was not in attendance when this issue was discussed.

http://www.dunnvillechronicle.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2046159

Haldimand "Governments need to be Accountable"

2009-09-26T05:58:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that it has been this long since I have posted on my blog! Since I was appointed to the Haldimand County Disaster Relief Committee back in April and started working part time reporting for the Dunnville Chronicle in May, I haven't had much time to post. This is not to say that I am not interested in the politics of the day, quite the opposite.

Good news is that the Haldimand County Disaster Relief Committee is winding down as we have exceeded our goal! The flood victims will be paid out probably in late October.

Toby Barrett, MPP for Haldimand County sent a news release yesterday all about the Provincial governments lack "accountability", in regards to the OLG. I agree with Toby and Tim Hudak, demand all that money back! If that had been you or I in our jobs, we would not be treated the same as they have been!

Where is the accountability for OLG scandals?

by Toby Barrett, MPP

It’s disturbing on our return to Queens Park to see government bungling two spending scandals in which millions have been squandered by Ontario Lottery and Gaming (OLG), and at e-health. The difficulties at OLG represent the latest in a trail of missteps dating back some four years now.

It was 2005, when we began hearing rumours of “insider” wins and lottery sellers collecting a disproportionate share of winnings; in some cases, ripping off customers. The ugly truth was revealed through an independent probe launched by Ontario’s Ombudsman, Andre Marin. His report revealed that millions had been paid out to unscrupulous retailers, stating, “confidence in our lotteries is shattered.”

The fallout? A recommended 23 reforms and the exit of OLG chief executive Duncan Brown – he hightailed it with two year’s salary as severance before the report became public. The government then hired new CEO, Kelly McDougald, - the same Kelly McDougald who was fired by OLG this month.

The lottery payouts to insiders continue to the tune of $198 million since Marin’s expose.

Last March, OLG was reprimanded for giving away foreign-made, as opposed to domestic, luxury cars in its ‘License to Win’ promotion at a time when our domestic auto sector was struggling. Criticism prompted the lottery corporation to launch a review of the annual promotion.

As well, questions surrounding OLG tendering practices including the incidence of untendered contracts have emerged, leading government to stop payment on two casino projects in Brantford and Ajax, worth about $30 million.

And the most recent OLG bombshell reveals expense accounts for items and services that have no business being expensed. It seems we, as taxpayers, have been footing the bill for expenses like car washes, $500 for a nanny, and $3,713.77 for a night out for 38 people.

While Finance Minister Dwight Duncan has indicated he is, “disappointed with what has been brought to my attention”, and the entire OLG board has resigned, the fact remains it’s time for government to take some responsibility.

A good first step would be to get some, or better yet all, of that misspent money back.

Ombudsman Marin has called on the OLG to launch civil suits to regain some of the millions in insider wins, and Opposition Leader Tim Hudak has demanded Mr. McGuinty order the reimbursement of fraudulent, excessive and unreasonable expenses billed by OLG execs.

For its part, government has introduced the Public Sector Expenses Review Act to give the Integrity Commissioner new powers to oversee expenses of senior officials – this is asking a staff of nine, in addition to their regular jobs, to now analyze the expense accounts of 80,000 bureaucrats. While the goal sounds admirable, it doesn’t do anything to address this government’s culture of waste entrenched in the current regime.

As Mr. Hudak stated this past week, "I actually believe in ministerial accountability. The buck stops at the minister's desk. If the minister can't set the tone how the lunch money is spent, how do we expect them to oversee hospitals, highways or schools in our province?"

It’s clear the shuffling and firing of CEO's in the wake of each scandal will not fix the lack of leadership in the Ontario Government. It’s time for a Cabinet Minister to show some accountability.

Haldimand "Bruce Power pulls the Plug"

2009-08-03T07:08:00.000-07:00

BRUCE POWER PULLS PLUG ON NUCLEAR PROJECT;

The Dunnville Chronicle
Wed Jul 29 2009
Page: A3
Section: News
Byline: DONNA PITCHER , CHRONICLE STAFF WRITER;

Bruce Power has withdrawn its application to build Nuclear reactors in Nanticoke and Bruce County; blaming Ontario's declining electricity demand according to a news release on July 23.

Bruce Power has notified the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission and the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency that it will withdraw its site license applications and suspend its Environmental Assessments in Bruce County and Nanticoke.

Haldimand County Mayor Marie Trainer says this news is "unfortunate" for Haldimand County. Bruce Power had recently informed Trainer, that everything that has been done to date was more favourable than expected.

Ontario Power Generation (OPG) is still slated to close in 2014 and Trainer is hopeful that OPG will convert to natural gas.

"This is part of our tax base," she said.

When asked about renewable energy options Trainer remarked, "Going Green is Expensive," people don't realize that their hydro bills could double."

"No Nukes in Nanticoke. It's not just a slogan anymore. It's a statement of fact," said Jim Elve of Waterford in an interview with The Chronicle on Friday morning.

Elve is a member of the Grand River Energy Quest, a grass roots group that was formed when Bruce Power announced their plans to build a Nuclear Plant in Haldimand County.

"I suggest there is a bit more to it than that," Elve speculated.

He believes there are underlying reasons why Bruce Power pulled the plug. Elve wondered whether the public opposition played a role in the recent decision.

Both Haldimand and Norfolk counties had passed resolutions supporting Bruce Powers environmental assessment, and stated that they would be "willing hosts."

Elve has always accused that both communities made Bruce Power believe they were willing hosts without any communications from residents.

Grand Erie Energy Quest has a petition, signed by over 1,500 residents in the Nanticoke area, against the nuclear build.

"Rather than putting all of our eggs in one basket and hoping a white knight will ride into town with a mega project, our councils should take this opportunity to encourage economic activity that doesn't rely on billion dollar investors. Renewable energy is the way of the future," said Elve.

Haldimand "Threat of Nuclear Plant is Hurting Local Economy"

2009-07-02T19:18:00.000-07:00

Threat of Nuclear Plant is Hurting Local Economy
by Jim Elve of Waterford

On June 28, the Ontario government suspended plans to deploy two new nuclear reactors at Darlington. Even with a bottomless public purse, the costs were deemed too high.

On July 1, the largest energy company in the US, Exelon, dropped plans to build a two-reactor plant in Victoria, Texas. The costs were too high.

In April, another large American energy company, St. Louis-based AmerenUE suspended work on a reactor in Missouri. Costs were too high.

On July 2, New Brunswick revealed that the refurbishment project at the Point Lepreau nuclear station was eight months behind schedule and more than $100 million over budget.

On June 8, secret papers left at a CTV studio revealed that the refurbishment of reactors at Bruce Power’s Kincardine plant is over a year behind schedule and between $300 and $600 million over budget.

On June 11, Prime Minister Harper's chief spokesman, Kory Teneycke, said Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd. is a "dysfunctional," $30-billion "sinkhole" that will not get any more federal funding.

As of July 1, Areva’s Olkiluoto nuclear energy project in Finland was 42 months behind schedule and 60% over budget.

The new generation of nuclear development is proving to be a lot like the previous generation: too costly to deserve either private or public investment. The much-touted “nuclear renaissance” is proving to be just so much hype from a highly polished and well-heeled sales force intent on lobbying for a dubious, if not absurd, new round of fruitless investment.

Here in Haldimand-Norfolk, we are being lured with the same empty hook. Bruce Power’s bid to build a two-reactor plant with private capital is every bit as financially ill-advised as the aforementioned projects. The pie-in-the-sky promise of 1000 high paid jobs is as believable as the promises that the new generation of reactors would be built on time and on budget.

About three weeks ago, Ontario Energy Minister George Smitherman reiterated in no uncertain terms that Ontario is not supporting Bruce’s Nanticoke proposal and that the province has no intention of purchasing any electricity that might be created at a possible Nanticoke nuclear plant. We simply do not need it. Ontario already has a surplus of baseload nuclear energy and on over 200 occasions in 2009, we’ve actually paid industrial customers to use it… after we paid the nuclear plants to produce it.

Last week, a Bruce Power spokesperson told Saskatchewan residents that a nuclear plant could not be built in their province without the support and stability offered by a firm provincial government commitment. Indeed, no nuclear project has ever been built without massive taxpayer support.

Despite the lack of financial backing and the strong probability that no plant will ever be built at Nanticoke, Bruce Power continues to press on with the Environmental Assessment it began last November. The nuclear Sword of Damocles continues to damage our local economy by scaring away potential new residents and driving away long time citizens.

Surveys taken by MPP Toby Barrett over a three year period indicate that 76% of H-N residents are opposed to a new nuclear plant. New residents echo the same sentiment over and over; if they’d been aware that a nuclear plant was being proposed 6 km from downtown Port Dover, they would have bought their retirement homes elsewhere. Instead of helping our local economy with future jobs, jobs, jobs, the threat of a nuclear plant is stifling growth and curtailing employment for our existing local tradesmen and businesses.

Both Bruce Power and Premier McGuinty have assured us that they will not pursue nuclear development in anything but a “willing host community”. We can permanently remove the growth-inhibiting threat of a nuclear plant by urging our municipality, through resolutions by Norfolk and Haldimand County Councils declaring that we are not a willing host.

Haldimand and Norfolk residents can contact their democratic representatives on county councils and tell them to remove this threat that is already damaging our local economy. The hollow promise of future jobs relies on nuclear investors being hoodwinked into investing here when they are dropping the nuclear hot potato everywhere else. If it won’t happen, let’s make it clear to real investors that were driving unprecedented growth in Port Dover before the spectre of a nuclear plant loomed on the horizon.

Haldimand "Craving Attention"

2009-07-01T19:31:00.000-07:00

Craving attention
The Chronicle Editorial
July 1, 2009

So how much obligation does a newspaper have to provide coverage to someone who admittedly engages in acts simply to garner attention?

This is the question facing Haldimand newspapers in the wake of last week's dog and pony show in Cayuga.

In the days leading up to last Tuesday evening, Doug Fleming was asking people to come to a meeting where he would form a militia aimed at removing trespassers from properties in Caledonia. Specifically he wanted to target Six Nations residents who have been embroiled in land occupations in the area.

And then hours before the meeting Gary McHale distributed a press release saying, "At no time was Doug Fleming's new group going to be called 'Caledonia Militia'. It should be apparent to everyone that the word 'militia' was used to get media attention. It is unfortunate in Canada that media will not cover a story unless you use such a word..."

In no uncertain terms he was saying the whole thing was a publicity stunt.

McHale signed the release as media relations for the 'Caledonia Peacekeepers' , the new name of the Caledonia Militia.

In light of the confession McHale and the group have lost even more credibility. All along they have claimed they are only trying restore balance to a situation in which they perceive two-tier justice.

Yes, newspapers will pay attention when someone comes along and uses a phrase like militia. One of its definitions is "military force."

In Canada the use of a private army is going to get you some attention. It sure doesn't mean you're going to get respect.

Surely recruitment conducted for a responsible group of citizens who want, and need to band together for the common good wouldn't need a publicity stunt to succeed.

So it appears the goal wasn't to actually form a peacekeeping gang but rather simply to provide an opportunity to step once again into the spotlight.

We also have to wonder if the roughly 125 protestors outside the meeting compared with the 30 or so inside gave McHale and Fleming a hint that maybe they're not quite as popular as they think they are.

We have a democratic system in place designed to represent us and to solve problems such as the myriad of land claims across the country. Indigenous peoples will be the first to tell you our system isn't perfect but they wouldn't be the only ones. Average Canadians are also frustrated at the lack of progress in this arena.

But McHale ran in the last federal election. It appeared at the time he understood that in a democracy you can be elected to carry out the wishes of your constituents. But apparently, if you're Gary McHale, losing just means you take matters into your own hands, democratic process be

And no matter how you slice it, that makes him a vigilante -"One who advocates taking the law enforcement into one's own hands."

And yes in Canada that means getting media attention but in this case McHale is under a spotlight revealing -through his own admission -less than admirable motives.

There is no doubt that OPP have handled Six Nations residents differently than other citizens. They have little choice given directives from the Province in the wake of the Ipperwash inquiry.

But there is one question that has never been answered and until McHale or his disciples address it they will continue to be viewed as publicity seeking agitators by most citizens.

And the question is simple: Just how have your actions helped government negotiators reach a peaceful solution to land claims in Caledonia?

Article ID# 1636746
http://www.dunnvillechronicle.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1636746

Haldimand "Protest Stays Peaceful"

2009-07-01T19:18:00.000-07:00

Protest stays peaceful
Posted By DONNA PITCHER
CHRONICLE STAFF WRITER
July 1, 2009

The quiet town of Cayuga was full of action last Tuesday (June 23) as people came from communities as far away as Toronto. They gathered to protest or observe a controversial first meeting of the "Caledonia Peacekeepers" taking place inside the Cayuga Lion's Club Hall.

After a week of speculation and media frenzy into the apparent forming of a "militia" group in Caledonia, the facts came to light just hours prior to a meeting on Tuesday organized by Doug Fleming of Caledonia and Gary McHale from Binbrook.

The press release read; "At no time was Doug Fleming's new group going to be called 'Caledonia Militia'. It should be apparent to everyone that the word 'militia' was used to get media attention. It is unfortunate in Canada that media will not cover a story unless you use such a word, but the fact that Doug Fleming called it an unarmed militia meant that it wasn't a militia. The name of the group has been a closely guarded secret to ensure max. Media coverage. The name of the new group is the Caledonia Peacekeepers"; Gary McHale signed this press release, media relations for the Caledonia Peacekeepers.

The normally quiet street was lined on both sides with vehicles as far as one could see. Media were there in full force speculating on a clash between the "peacekeepers" inside and the protesters outside. People gathered in small groups. Some were residents who live on the street and surrounding area. Others were from Six Nations who are the target of the "peacekeeping" initiative.

The situation escalated when about 125 protesters from CUPE 3903 First Nations Solidarity Working Group lead by Tom Keefer announced they would attend in protest of the proposed "militia."

Pat Hebb from Hamilton and Margaret Munday from Hagersville were part of the crowd that gathered Tuesday night outside the Lion's Hall. Both ladies own trailers at Conway Park in Cayuga and walked over to see first hand what was going on. "I don't blame them, the protesters or the people inside. I blame the government. They (the government) need to get off their asses and settle this," said Hebb.

The group from CUPE 3903 chanted "Go away KKK" and had signs that read "Canadians Don't Want Anti-Native Vigilantes," "Klan Meeting in Progress," "Militia Go Home".

Niki Thorne, a York University student and member of the First Nations Solidarity Working Group was one of the speakers. "We oppose the threat of violence and escalation of the problem: "This is a bigger issue. This is not just about Caledonia. We need to settle all land claims in a crisp, peaceful and fair manner."

While protesters were making speeches outside about 26 people filled the Lions Hall. In his opening statement Fleming said, "I'm going to be very blunt here. My grandfather's generation fought a war against Nazi Germany to combat that type of thinking. If any of you here have bought into this racist doctrine, I just want you to know this: I despise your beliefs. I couldn't disagree with you more, and this is not the group for you." Fleming went on to say that he personally knows people who have suffered for the last two years and feels compelled to do something about it.

McHale, media relations for the Caledonia Peacekeepers, was the speaker for the rest of the evening. McHale went into detail about issues such as the "race-based policing" of the OPP and how the new group would carry out citizens arrests.

In an interview Monday morning with The Chronicle, Keefer expressed his personal opinion that the renaming of the Caledonia Militia to the Caledonia Peacekeepers is nothing more than "more classic McHale double talk."

"The bottom line is that the forming of this militia is only going to escalate things and could lead to violence. There is no positive outcome to this," said Keefer

http://www.dunnvillechronicle.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1636760

Haldimand "Monthly Marches to Continue"

2009-06-24T19:41:00.000-07:00

Flag flap continues
Monthly marches planned
Posted By DONNA PITCHER , CHRONICLE STAFF WRITER
Posted 16 hours ago

Escorted by the OPP, Merlyn Kinrade of Caledonia and about two dozen demonstrators peacefully marched down the shoulder of Argyle Street past Douglas Creek Estates (DCE) last Saturday.

The march the Caledonia Lions Hall before the group drove to the OPP station in Cayuga where they presented speeches and hung posters.

Merlyn Kinrade is the Caledonia Liaison for the Canadian Advocates for Charter Equality (CANACE) and was the organizer of last Saturday's march. The march was held in support of Randy Fleming who the group contends was "illegally arrested for carrying a Canadian Flag while he walked down Argyle St. past DCE". DCE has been at the centre of controversy ever since it was claimed as native territory by Six Nations citizens in 2006.

CANACE had requested that Mayor Trainer and Councillor Craig Grice of Haldimand County Council, Haldimand/Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett and Haldimand/Norfolk MP Diane Finley march in support of residents who they (CANACE) feel have been the victims of race based policing. They did not attend.

The group gathered at the OPP station in Cayuga for a few speeches. Two posters of Randy Fleming were erected. According to the organizers these photos showed the "excessive force that was used against Fleming during his arrest". The poster read, "Warning. OPP Racist Policies Enforced."

"We are at the end of the beginning," said Mark Vandermaas, who is the advisor for CANACE. Vandermaas spoke to the group about the recent news coverage they have received. "We haven't had this much media since we were arrested. We are still going to hang flags, at every pole across from DCE."

"My brother got manhandled walking down the street," said Doug Fleming during the speeches. Fleming also spoke to the group about the forming of the "Caledonia Militia" and the meeting schedule for Tuesday June 23. Fleming said using the word "militia" was meant to touch a nerve, and it did. As far as he is concerned, "We preformed a community service today, and we will work within the law; we have enough outlaws now."

According to Kinrade CANACE will keep marching, "Until we get resolution to the madness in Caledonia." His plans are to march once a month.

http://www.dunnvillechronicle.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1626669

When I sent my story to the editor I sent him the one that was not quite complete, so here is the rest of the story;

“The march by a few residents and non residents was completed without incident and the OPP are happy for that” said Inspector Dave Maclean, Haldimand OPP detachment. “The organizers of this march and those marches they plan to continue into the summer, really need to look at their objectives and what they hope the end result will be before they disrupt this beautiful community any further. As well as draw costly police and emergency resources away from serving the entire county”. This sort of activity will not resolve the land claim issue or any of the associated activity.

Maclean is of the opinion that all it does is increase tensions and frustrations locally and affects the majority of people in both communities who want to carry on with their day to day lives, and who hope this gets resolved by those who have the ability to do so.

Haldimand County Mayer Marie Trainer declined the invitation to Saturday’s march with CANACE. Trainer said in a telephone interview with the Chronicle Monday morning “I just don’t think that it is quite appropriate for me to march with them”. As far as the “militia” Trainer said this was made out of frustration and she would make a final decision as to where she stands on this issue when she sees what their actions are. Trainer will not be attending the militia meeting in Cayuga on Tuesday night. “You don’t know what is going to happen,” said Trainer.

Haldimand "Council Delays Dealing with Militia Issue"

2009-06-24T19:32:00.000-07:00

Council delays dealing with 'militia' issue
Posted By DONNA PITCHER
CHRONICLE STAFF WRITER
June 24, 2009

A debate heated up at Council on Monday night after Councillor Craig Grice voiced his concerns regarding the recent events in Caledonia and the forming of a militia group. Grice went on to say, "This is not 2006 or even 2007, it is 2009. If it were 2006 or 2007, I would be saying something different."

Grice is not in favour of a militia group being formed in Caledonia. He spoke of the meeting Tuesday night in Cayuga: "We now have a protest protesting the protest. This does not move us forward. Don't get sucked into the antics of others, Caledonia is a collection of issues; we need positives, period. We are suffering through our corporate image."

He asked, "What is the Municipal stand on the demonstrations, on the militia, and other events like the flag raisings?"

"It is time that we took a stand on this. This has gone on long enough, and it's not just Caledonia," said Councillor Lorne Boyko. According to Boyko the recent coverage of the militia is sending a negative message about our community that will affect shopping habits and tourism. "This is negative towards Caledonia and for Haldimand County."

Councillor Buck Sloat agreed with Boyko. "We need to take a stand on the issues and have the courage to stand behind it". According to Sloat council needs a resolution the Mayor can promote. "We need to have a stand from you, Madam Mayor; you are a pillar of the community."

"The media goes to you first as Mayor. What is your position on this, are you in favour or not?" asked Grice. Trainer did not respond to the question.

"This council speaks through resolution," said Councillor Don Ricker.

Council agreed to deal with the issue after their summer break as no resolution had been formulated before last night's meeting.

But Ricker voiced his concerns regarding Trainer speaking on behalf of council for the next month or so, as council is now in recess for five weeks.

Defending the decision to deal with the issue after recess Boyko argued, "I think we have a direction. We didn't come here tonight prepared to deal with this."

Article ID# 1626672
http://www.dunnvillechronicle.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1626672

Haldimand "New Nuclear Power Plant Project goes to Review Panel"

2009-06-24T08:24:00.000-07:00

Environment Minister Refers Nanticoke New Nuclear Power Plant Project to a Review Panel

OTTAWA, June 24 /CNW Telbec/ - Canada's Environment Minister Jim Prentice
announced today that the proposed Nanticoke New Nuclear Power Plant Project in
Haldimand County, Ontario will undergo an environmental assessment by an
independent review panel.

"I am confident that an independent review panel will fully consider the
environmental issues related to the proposed project and make sound
recommendations to the federal government," said Minister Prentice. "This will
be the best means of addressing public concerns pertaining to this major
nuclear project."

The Minister's decision is based on a recommendation made by the Canadian
Nuclear Safety Commission.

The project is a proposal by Bruce Power Erie Inc. to construct and
operate up to two new nuclear reactors and associated facilities, in the
former municipality of Nanticoke, Ontario, for the generation of 2200 to 3200
megawatts of electricity. The proposed site is located on the north shore of
Lake Erie in Haldimand County.

The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (the Agency) is making
available up to $100,000 in participant funding to assist individuals or
groups to take part in the environmental assessment process. This funding will
help successful applicants in Phase I of the process to review and comment on
the draft guidelines for the environmental impact statement (EIS) and draft
joint review panel agreement. In Phase II, additional funds will be made
available to help applicants review the EIS and prepare for and participate in
the public hearings. Funding applications for Phase I received by July 27,
2009 will be considered.

Information on the funding program, the proposed project and on the
environmental assessment process is available on the Agency's Web site at
www.ceaa-acee.gc.ca, under registry number 08-03-43757.

The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency administers the federal
environmental assessment process, which identifies the environmental effects
of proposed projects and measures to address those effects, in support of
sustainable development.

For further information: Media: Annie Roy, Senior Communications
Advisor, Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency, (613) 957-0396

Haldimand "Are you Concerned about Your Property Rights?

2009-06-19T21:38:00.000-07:00

Here are a few updates from MPP Toby Barrett;

Anyone concerned about private property rights?

The arrival of an illegal smoke shop on the front of a privately-owned farm on Highway-6, South of Caledonia, has raised a number of questions.

Does government not have a role in defending private property, or are people on their own?

Smoke shops are illegal, regardless of who owns the land where they are located. So why are they seemingly condoned by all levels of government?

We have government for a reason. We have law for a reason.

And, as I explained in a June 12th letter to Premier McGuinty, when government abdicates responsibility it puts matters back into the hands of people themselves. Hence talk of a Caledonia Militia and other measures not seen since the American West of the late-1800’s.

On June 1st, I introduced, for the third time in the last 14 years, legislation to restore property rights in the Province of Ontario. The Property Rights and Responsibilities Act, 2009 provides measures for compensation and a public hearing in those cases where a home - or property – owner is subject to a government initiated ‘taking’ of property.

My bill does not provide measures to protect property owners from a ‘taking’ by a private individual or group because the law has been very clear on this one – you don’t set foot on someone else’s land or go in their home to intimidate or extort or steal without suffering the extent of the law.

We have had such protections, from intrusion by government and by private individuals, for centuries going back to the Magna Carta of 1215 and the beginnings of English common law. The legacy of these protections can be found in the Criminal Code of Canada.

In 1960, Prime Minister Diefenbaker introduced the Canadian Bill of Rights - one of the most comprehensive human rights documents in western society. Upon introduction, the bill gave Canadians statutory protection against the federal government infringing on their rights – including “security of the person and enjoyment of property, and the right not to be deprived thereof except by due process of law.”

However, for whatever reason, Prime Minister Trudeau did not include the right to own property in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

In light of this constitutional void, it is up to both levels of government to pass laws protecting property rights. It’s time for society to acknowledge the very basic need to address an individual’s right to own and enjoy one’s land and home.

These are some of the reasons that I joined John Tory and now Tim Hudak in calls to beef up the Trespass to Property Act – the most recent proposal calling for a significant increase in penalties for trespassing, as well as the designation of separate offence for ‘illegal occupations’.

As well, I will continue to seek support for my private members bill calling for property rights protection in this province – following my The Land Rights and Responsibilities Act, 2006, and The Property Rights Statute Law Amendment Act, 1995.

While my focus has always been directed at ensuring protection, consideration and possible compensation for private property from government-takings, the most recent smoke shop example makes clear the need for further steps to ensure that property rights are maintained, strengthened and enforced throughout Ontario.

Toby here,

Please find attached and below a news release regarding my support for Tim Hudak’s proposed changes to the Trespass To Property Act and related creation of a separate offence for illegal occupations.

Have a great weekend.

For immediate release:

June 19, 2009

Barrett backing Hudak law against illegal occupations

Simcoe: Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett endorses Leadership Candidate Tim Hudak’s plan for a renewed focus on the rule of law in Ontario.

Barrett says he is particularly heartened by Tim Hudak’s commitment to strengthen the Trespass to Property Act.

“Tim’s proposed changes to the Trespassing Act will aid in the prevention of illegal occupations of property whether it is private property or public,” stated Barrett. “These changes would include the creation of a new offence for illegal occupations – something I feel is sorely needed.”

Hudak’s proposed changes include:

Significantly increasing penalties for trespassing

Making illegal occupation a separate offence, with escalating penalties each day of an occupation

Making it an offence for an organization to encourage others to engage in an illegal occupation.

“The people of our area have dealt with three years of government inaction on land disputes and occupations,” Barrett concluded. “We look forward to seeing concrete steps taken through strengthening and updating trespassing protections to help address these ongoing concerns.”

The initiatives build on previous proposals announced during the 2007 election by then Opposition Leader John Tory to strengthen trespassing legislation.

For more information, please contact MPP Toby Barrett at (519) 428-0446 or (905)-765-8413, 1-800-903-8629

June 19, 2009

Dalton McGuinty, Premier
Legislative Building
Queen's Park
Toronto ON M7A 1A1

Re: Illegal Occupation of Privately-owned Farmland II

Dear Premier:

On June 12th I wrote to you concerning an illegal smoke shack occupying a privately-owned farm not owned by the occupiers.

In my letter, I indicated that government abdication of responsibility will force the matter into the hands of private individuals. This has now happened.

Your government’s response to this situation has been to label the formation of a Militia, “a dumb idea”, but you have not addressed the illegal smoke shack on private land.

For three years Ontario has watched the Warrior flag fly over mayhem in the Caledonia area – much of it occurring on a provincially-owned highway and provincial property. I think of the destruction of the Sterling Street Bridge, excavation of a trench across the main street of Caledonia, the three year occupation of Douglas Creek Estates, ongoing blockage preventing construction of the Middleport Hydro Corridor.

You have criticized the concept of a Militia as “a dumb idea”, but for three years have been silent on the destruction wreaked under the banner of Warriors. What is your public position on the Warrior Society? Do you condone the Warrior Society and its activities in the Caledonia area?

Premier, as you know, smoke shops and the business they do, are illegal whether on public or private land. What is your plan of action to bring this ongoing illegal activity to an end?

Sincerely,
Toby Barrett, MPP
Haldimand-Norfolk

cc.Prime Minister Harper
MP Diane Finley
Mayor Trainer
Key stakeholders

Haldimand "Keep Off our Lawn, pair tells Fledgling Caledonia Militia"

2009-06-19T04:57:00.000-07:00

It is strange how a story can grow it's own legs. Well this one certainly has.

I wrote an article for the Dunnville Chronicle about the Caledonia Militia. The incident that I was speaking of that triggered these events was Ernie Palmer. He owns property just outside of Caledonia where a smoke shack has been erected. Now I might add that this is a different scenario than the rest of the smoke shacks as this one is on private property.

I know a close friend of Ernies and when I asked about getting a hold of him for an interview I was told that he just wanted to be left alone. He will deal with this situation on his own. So I respected his wishes and never attempted to contact him. Other media outlets did and the story has grown it's own legs. Thank goodness I stayed away from that one. Although I guess I am not a very good reporter for not pushing.

The whole issue of Ernie's property has been, he said she said they said. Everyone seems to have different factual information. So today in a Toronto newspaper everything seems to be crystal clear. There is a picture of Ernie and Powless smiling and hitting their fists together. (I cannot put pics up on my site.)

Keep off our lawn, pair tells fledgling Caledonia 'militia'

PETER EDWARDS/TORONTO STAR
Ernie Palmer is okay with Stephen Powless running smoke shop on his land.

Jun 19, 2009 04:30 AM
Peter Edwards
Staff Reporter

CALEDONIA–Ernie Palmer says he's smoking mad at locals who want to set up a "Caledonia Militia" in part to protect him from natives running a discount smoke shop on his front lawn.

"We have the OPP if there is lawlessness," the retiree said yesterday in an interview on his 19-hectare property on Highway 6.

However, he doesn't foresee any need for anyone to protect him from Oshweken resident Stephen (Boots) Powless, 44, one of the smoke shack's proprietors.

"I have found (Powless) a very nice man," said Palmer, who came to Canada from Hungary in 1957. "We have drunk so much coffee we're swimming. ... I have a good dialogue with Boots."

While he didn't invite Powless to set up on his land, Palmer said he respects the attempt to reinforce the assertion that native land claims can't be extinguished.
At one point in an interview on Palmer's lawn, Powless joined in and aimed a squirt gun at the property owner as if taking him hostage, which caused Palmer to burst out laughing.

Powless calls Palmer a friend, but said the area could have a long, hot summer of racial tension if the militia idea catches on.

"I have never run from anyone," he said. "If they come here looking for a fight, they'll get one.

"Hopefully, things remain peaceful," he added.

He said he was willing to leave Palmer's property until he read on the Internet of the plans to set up a local militia.

Organizers stated their right to remove "illegal trespassers" from local properties.
"Trespassers will be arrested and turned over to the OPP," the Internet announcement said.

As for the militia, "hotheads need not apply," the announcement said.

One of the organizers, Doug Fleming, also feels local racial tensions could come to a boil this summer.

"I think people are less resilient," said the 47-year-old, who installs pools and cuts firewood seasonally.

He acknowledged some may have problems with the term "militia."

"It conjures up images of shotguns and rifles," he said. "We're going to discourage (recruits) who are looking for a fight."

The OPP says it opposes formation of a local militia.

Insp. Dave Ross dismissed criticism that the OPP haven't kept law and order, noting the 148 charges laid against 61 people since early 2006, when protests began against a housing development on Douglas Creek land claimed by Six Nations.

"Our role is to act in an appropriate manner to monitor the peace and act in the best interests of everyone involved," Ross said.

http://www.thestar.com/news/ontario/article/653395

Haldimand "Caledonia Militia being Formed"

2009-06-17T19:50:00.000-07:00

Caledonia Militia being formed
Posted By DONNA PITCHER, FOR THE CHRONICLE
June 17, 2009

A citizens group called the Caledonia Militia is being formed by Caledonia resident Doug Fleming.

Fleming said in a recent release the group is being formed due to the ongoing reality that the OPP refuses to enforce the Criminal Code with regards to people's property rights.

Fleming has the backing and support of Gary McHale, of Caledonia Wake Up Call and President of Canadian Advocates for Charter Equality (CANACE).

The idea has been rolling around for about three years said Fleming in an interview with The Chronicle Tuesday morning.

"I wish that we didn't have the need to do this, we are not here to add to the trouble, we are here to help."

Fleming realizes that the name Militia will conjure up images of guys toting guns. This couldn't be farther from the truth, we are following in the spirit of the Guardian Angels, a group of unarmed citizens that will have cool heads, adhere to the law and exercise restraint.

A recent incident in Caledonia triggered Fleming to officially kick things off.

"This has nothing to do with land claims, this is to do with law enforcement and is a reflection of the shortcomings of the OPP", said Fleming.

Next Tuesday, an information session will be held at the Cayuga Lion's Hall starting at 7 p. m. No "hotheads" are allowed. Interested parties will be screened said Fleming with the intentbe a law abiding group not a goon squad.

McHale will do a presentation on Sections 38-42 of the Criminal Code. This section of the code relates to the rights of a citizen to place an individual under arrest when law enforcement fails to do so.

"CANACE will support this group" if the group adheres strictly to the law, McHale said in an interview Monday evening. "Serious self-control will be required, this is not to have boxing matches between people."

If someone is on private property and breaking the law, the members of the militia will use reasonable force and arrest the individual breaking the law and transport them into the custody of the OPP.

"This is all Caledonia needs" according to Haldimand County OPP Inspector Dave McLean. "This group will serve no good."

This is just another attempt of a few individuals to aggravate the situation without all the proper information. This group is just trying to discredit the OPP said McLean.

Article ID# 1615957
http://www.dunnvillechronicle.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1615957

Haldimand "Nanticoke Nuclear Bid goes to Review Panel"

2009-05-07T13:01:00.000-07:00

Nanticoke nuclear bid goes to review panel

Bruce Power Erie wants to build two reactors

May 07, 2009 NANTICOKE – The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission has asked the Minister of Environment to refer the environmental assessment of Bruce Power’s proposal to build two nuclear reactors in the industrial area of Haldimand County to a review panel.

The commission says in a statement late Wednesday an assessment is required before it can consider Bruce Power’s licence application and has concluded that public and stakeholder concerns warrant that a request be made to the minister for an early referral to a review panel.

Bruce Power, which operates a nuclear power plant on Lake Huron near Port Elgin is seeking to build the reactors beside the coal-fired Nanticoke generating Station which is set to be closed in 2014.

The province is not endorsing the proposal, but it has support of Haldimand and Norfolk council’s, local MPs and federal cabinet minister Diane Finley.

A review panel is a group of experts selected and appointed by the minister of the environment.The commission said it has considered Bruce Power Erie's project description, the views already expressed by the public, interest groups, Aboriginal groups and in media reports on previous major nuclear projects, as well as its own experience with consultation on major nuclear projects and decided “…public and stakeholder concerns warrant that a request be made to the minister for an early referral to a review panel.”

A group calling itself Grand Erie Energy Quest has launched a petition requesting a moratorium on nuclear development in Nanticoke because its members feel there has not been sufficient public discussion of contamination, cost and security issues.

Jim Elve, spokesperson for the group, said today the commission decision comes as no surprise. “its the next step,” he said.Grand Erie Energy Quest, which expects its petition to gain momentum with better canvassing in good weather, wants the questions of contamination , cost and most importantly disposal of nuclear waste generated by the plant given a full airing, he said.

“We want to know just where you’re going to put it ... forever,” said Elve.

Elve said the group’s visibility in Haldimand and Norfolk rising as more and more of its dandelion yellow signs are popping up on lawns.

Bruce Power Erie applied in October 2008 for a licence to prepare a site for the future construction and operation of two nuclear reactors to potentially generate between 2,200 and 3,200 megawatts of electricity to the Ontario grid.

The application for a licence to prepare a site is the first in a series of applications to build and operate a new nuclear power plant, as part of the CNSC licensing process.

http://www.thespec.com/News/BreakingNews/article/561949

Haldimand "Donna What's Up?

2009-05-07T05:34:00.000-07:00

I have been asked more than once what has happened to my Blog.

As some may be aware I was appointed to the Haldimand County Disaster Relief Committee by council back in March. I signed up to work on the Fundraising Sub-committee, and let me tell you that has kept me hopping! The nine people that I am working with on the committee have been great especially Don Edwards who is the Chair of the sub-committee that I am working on. I am loving every minute of it and the support coming in is very humbling. We have raised around $20,000.00 so far, but still have quite a way to go. It looks like the committee may need to raise around $100,000.00. We will have a solid goal around May 21st when all of the applications are in.

Bob Lidddycoat, editor of the Dunnville Chronicle asked me to cover council meetings for the paper when Karen Best announced that she was leaving. May 4th was my first "official" council meeting as a reporter. Deadlines are another thing when the paper comes out on a Wednesday. I was up most of the night Monday writing.

I was able to meet my "first official deadline". But let me tell you I wondered what the hell did I get myself into here? When the paper came out on Wednesday and I read my articles I was quite proud of myself, as I accomplished what I thought I could never do, and that was write articles that spoke only of the "facts" with no personal "opinions"!

I have been a "blogger" for the past two years and I can tell you that writing for a paper is totally different than blogging!

As a reporter for Council Meetings, I am to report the "facts" with no "opinions". Although I have always said that I blogged the facts about council, I have learned very quickly that "blogging and reporting" are as different as "black and white".

Maybe if I am lucky Bob will allow me do an "Opinion Piece". I am already working on one about my experiences so far with the paper, council, staff and some residents of Dunnville that have commented on my new position with the Chronicle.

So for the past two months I have not blogged much. Believe me it's not because I don't have anything to say, there just seems to not be enough hours in the day.

It is nice that I was asked the questions from those of you that enjoyed my sometimes "colourful" articles.

Thanks for asking!

Haldimand "Dunnville Dances for Flood Victims"

2009-04-29T19:15:00.000-07:00

DUNNVILLE DANCES FOR FLOOD VICTIMS
Posted By CATHY PELLETIER ,
CHRONICLE STAFF WRITER
Posted 16 hours ago

If you're in the mood to get down and boogie, or simply spend a night listening to some great country music, you can do both at The Dunnville Legion on Saturday, May 2, and support a good cause.

The Legion has hosted many successful dances, due in large part to the sound of True Country. Described by Legion Bar Chairman and Ways and Means Chairman Rick Stampfler as "a real super country band," the musicians have a loyal following of country fans, and were already booked to play the Legion on May 2, said Stampfler.

"So I said, why don't we donate the (night's) proceeds to the flood victims?" he added.

The Legion donated the hall, and all profits raised from the $5 admission fee as well as those from bar sales for the evening will be added to the fund to help people whose homes were dismantled during the April 13 flood.

"We'll be having door prizes and a couple draws, and spot dance prizes," said Stampfler.

He and his wife plan to post flyers all over Dunnville announcing the dance, and he anticipates a good turnout, especially "now that the parks and camps are open" for the season.

The band starts at 8:30 and plays till 12:30.

Tickets are available at the Dunnville Legion, Branch 142, located at 305 Queen Street, either ahead of time or at the door on May 2. Call 905-774-5942 for further information

http://www.dunnvillechronicle.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1544418

Haldimand "Get your Engines Running for the Flood Victims"

2009-04-29T19:02:00.000-07:00

Thanks Cathy for the great article!

GET YOUR ENGINES RUNNING
Posted By CATHY PELLETIER ,
CHRONICLE STAFF WRITER
Posted 15 hours ago

The Haldimand County Disaster Relief Committee has created yet another way of helping Dunnville's recent flood victims, with a new campaign that starts today.

Working in cooperation with Dunnville's Canadian Tire, people are being asked to gather their Canadian Tire money and donate it at one of two dropoff boxes, which are located at The Dunnville Chronicle and the Chamber of Commerce.

Members of the Disaster Relief Committee will collect all the money and bring it to Canadian Tire, where manager Bill McConnell has agreed to exchange it, dollar for dollar, to donate to the relief fund.

Disaster Relief Committee member Donna Pitcher came up with the new campaign. Called 'Get Your Engines Running,' its intent is to help people recoup some of the damages they incurred due to severe flooding in February.

She invites all area service clubs and schools to get involved, in the hope they will engage in some healthy competition to see who can collect the most.

"They can set their own time frame for collecting the Canadian Tire money, and then call me for pick-up," Pitcher said, adding she can be reached at 905-701-1627.

http://www.dunnvillechronicle.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1544405

Haldimand "Farewell/Open House for Karen Best"

2009-04-23T19:08:00.000-07:00

The Dunnville Chronicle is hosting an Open House on Friday April 24th from 4:00-7:00pm to say a fond farewell to Karen Best.

Karen Best has been a reporter for the Chronicle for some 14 years.

I met Karen back when I ran for Council, but really got to know her when we were fighting to keep Haldimand County Hydro. She did an awesome job of keeping our issue on the front page of the Chronicle for some 10 weeks! Thanks to Karen and the Chronicle for keeping the public informed every step of the way, and helping us achieve our goal. This is just one example of Karen's work and her true dedication to reporting on what the community at large were concerned about!

What can I say about Karen? Well I can start by saying that I will certainly miss her, and I feel very confident in saying that the community at large will miss her as well.

She has covered many issues in the past few years that I have known her and did her best at getting "all sides" of the story. Karen has passion in her writing, some articles she wrote about could down right piss you off and others would make you come to tears.

Just recently Karen helped me promote the Burger Pit fundraiser by standing on a street corner waving streamers at passers by while I held a sign. We had a great time! I kept telling Karen to show off her legs (for the cause of course) and no doubt it worked, she drew a crowd to the Burger Pit! Thanks Karen!

I don't know of to many reporters that would have spent time standing on a street corner promoting a fundraiser.

Karen I wish you all the best in your new career and I will see you at your "Open House"!

Haldimand "Thanks for your Donations"

2009-04-20T19:20:00.000-07:00

A huge thank you to Scott at the "Burger Pit". We raised $130.00 last Monday and Wednesday towards the Haldimand County Disaster Relief Fund.

A huge thanks to all the people that made a donation in the jar at the Dunnville Home Show last Friday and Saturday. We raised $240.00.

A huge thanks to Deputy Fire Chief Lyle Merritt and the Firefighters for letting us share their table and the great videos and photos of the flood that they put together!

Every dollar raised makes a difference!

Donations can be made at the CIBC. You can make your cheque payable to the "Haldimand County Disaster Relief Committee. I will update and post the bank account number tomorrow. Or if you would like to contact me to make a donation, you can call me at 905-701-1627.

Haldimand "Pass the Jar Fundraiser for Flood Victims"

2009-04-20T19:12:00.000-07:00

"Pass the Jar" will be at Harrison's General store on Rainham Rd. for the next couple of days. So please stop by and drop in a loonie or toonie.

You can also contact me if you would like to make a donation.

Pass the Jar, Not the Buck

Source: BY KAREN BEST ,
CHRONICLE STAFF WRITER

It will be easy for employees and customers to make donations to the Haldimand County Disaster Relief Fund.

A donation jar will make its way through business and store doors and on to counters where bills and coins can be slipped in it.

An idea launched by Donna Pitcher, the Pass The Jar will be a challenge for businesses.

She will contact owners to schedule stop-overs and hoped that some will take the initiative to call and book a time that suits them.

During the two days it sits on a counter or a desk within an arms reach of potential donors, the business owner can attach memorabilia to the jar. Just think bumper stickers.

Pitcher hoped that so many business stickers or cards will be stuck on the jar that you won't be able to see into it.

But don't wait for her to show up with it. Book a Pass The Jar stopover by calling her at 905-701-1627.

Pitcher is a member of the council-appointed Haldimand County Disaster Relief Committee and is a member of the fundraising sub-committee.

The committee is operating under the Ontario Disaster Relief Assistance Program (ODRAP) that was launched in the county after a provincial disaster was declared from Cayuga's bridge to Port Maitland. Ice jams on Feb. 13 caused flooding and significant damage to homes and properties in the designated flood zone.

Every $1.00 collected in the jar will be matched by up to $2.00 by the provincial government. Only 90 per cent of eligible damage costs will be paid out in relief efforts to avoid a surplus of funds.

Haldimand "Dunnville Beefs up Flood Relief Efforts"

2009-04-04T05:24:00.000-07:00

****Update, Due to an equipment failure the Burger Pit fundraiser is cancelled and will resume next Monday and Wednesday****

Just a note, for anyone that is attending the Caledonia Home Show this weekend Don Ricker has a donation jar at his booth. Thanks Don!

Dunnville beefs up flood relief efforts

Relief application deadline May 19

Posted By KAREN BEST
CHRONICLE STAFF WRITER
Posted 1 day ago

Scott Meehan will be flipping homemade burgers to help flood victims and is challenging owners of other Haldimand County eateries to follow his example.

On Monday, April 6, and Wednesday, April 8, he will donate $1 from every burger and fry order he receives at The Burger Pit at 209 Chestnut Street in downtown Dunnville. His contributions to flood relief assistance will be collected from 11 a. m. to 9 p. m. on both days.

"I know it's been tough on a lot of people. Some of my customers were affected," said Meehan. "If I can help, I don't mind."

County personalities including local politicians and Chronicle staff members will provide volunteer labour for this fundraising event. As well, Chronicle employees, who will order burgers and fries next week, are challenging other Dunnville business employees to do the same.
Meanwhile Meehan called upon other food establishments to host their own dining and fundraising events.

Proceeds can be delivered to county offices and will be deposited into the Haldimand Disaster Relief Committee (HDRC) bank account. Cheques are to be made out to the committee. Tax receipts will be issued.

Opening the account was one of the first goals set by Bernie Corbett, who was elected chair of the committee at their March 30 inaugural meeting.

"We're trying to work as expeditiously as we can," he added.

Applications for financial assistance will be available at the Cayuga municipal office, Dunnville satellite office and on line at http://www.haldimandcounty.on.ca./Advertisements in local media will outline how to apply for claims. People who filled out survey forms last month are required to fill out formal applications. New applicants are welcome to submit claims too. The deadline to apply is Tuesday May 19.

Over the coming months, the HDRC will hold several fundraising activities across the county to help families and businesses eligible for assistance, announced Corbett in a press release.
Named vice-chair of the fundraising subcommittee, Don Edwards of Caledonia had a variety of ideas.

"We're going to get rolling right away," he told The Chronicle.

This week, Donna Pitcher, who is a member of his subcommittee, talked to Meehan about fundraising ideas and that led to his $1 per meal initiative.

Corbett, Edwards and other committee members will work under Ontario Disaster Relief Assistance Program (ODRAP) guidelines set by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs.

At the March 30 meeting in the Dunnville recreation centre, Victoria Young of Cayuga was named vice-chair of the claim settlement subcommittee and Brett Kelly of Dunnville was assigned to the job of press secretary.

Other committee members are Donna Pitcher of South Cayuga and Marie Maas of Fisherville and Dunnville residents Joanne Falletta, Ken Egger, and Kim Hessels.

Very capable people are driving relief efforts, said Corbett.

Based on preliminary reports, 60 families and several businesses in Dunnville and Cayuga suffered $1.7 million in damages from the Feb. 13 flood. Those estimates were used to substantiate a county request for provincial financial assistance.

On March 13, Municipal Affairs minister Jim Watson declared a disaster designation in flooded areas from Cayuga's bridge to Port Maitland. The Ontario government will provide up to $2 for every $1 raised in the community.

Tim Ryall , who directs ODRAP, said assistance is not meant to replace insurance so some costs are left to home and business owners. A certain percentage will be covered based on the amount raised by the community. If the amount raised does not cover the community's share of damages, the ministry will provide $2 for every $1 raised. Otherwise ODRAP covers up to 90 per cent of flood damage costs.

Before the committee meets again on April 6, Don Edwards will hold a meeting where he will suggest a No Show Ball. People will be asked to purchase tickets at a price of $125 for example but there will be no event to attend. Donors would receive a token gift such as dollar-store slippers, popcorn and a movie rental plus a tax receipt for their donation minus the cost of the gift.

This type of event, used successfully for an Ottawa Ronald McDonald House, provides the maximum donation for a relief effort, explained Edwards. When a charity holds a dance, it must subtract event costs from admission and can only provide a tax receipt for the difference.

While leading fundraising, Edwards will draw on experience. He operated the West Haldimand Hospital Foundation's Dream Vacation lottery and served as a director and then the board president of Hamilton's Ronald McDonald House. Presently, Edwards is employed as the senior constituent assistant for Haldimand Norfolk MP Diane Finley.

His motive for volunteering for the HDRC was purely a desire to help.

Seeing flood damage in his own community, he realized a lot of people faced considerable devastation and that money must be raised to help them through very tough times made worse by the economy.

"If there's anything we can do to help -that's what the calling is, step up to the plate. They're my neighbours," said Edwards.

The HDRC will also hire a program manager to work in the committee office and act as secretary. His or her salary will be paid by the ministry. In Corbett's opinion, recording meeting minutes is a fiduciary responsibility especially when working with people's money.

"You should be forthright in what you are doing with it," he told The Chronicle. "Funds received will go to recipients."

All committee administration costs will be covered by the ministry and Haldimand County, which will provide office space. When relief work is in its final stages, the program manager and the committee treasurer who will be named by the county will prepare an audit.

Article ID# 1508416
http://www.dunnvillechronicle.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1508416

Haldimand "First Flood Fundraiser"

2009-03-27T18:35:00.000-07:00

First Flood Fundraiser

Posted By KAREN BEST ,
CHRONICLE STAFF WRITER
Posted 15 hours ago

A night of great entertainment is a perfect way to begin fundraising for victims of the Feb. 13 flood.

On March 31, Rob Lamothe, Mike Bell and Dave Bell, Silence the Fury and Nate Waldes, all from Dunnville, will perform at the Casbah in Hamilton. They will be joined by Jacob Moon.

Dave Dunham Junior is promoting the show for Casbah owner Brodie Schwendiman who wants to give back to Dunnville in this time of need. A lot of Dunnville bands play in the club and a lot of Dunnville people are patrons of it, said Dunham.

He wanted as many people as possible to show up to raise as much money as possible.

The Casbah is located at 306 King Street West at the corner of Queen Street. The entrance to the upstairs club is off Queen.

Admission is $10 at the door and the show begins at 8 p. m.

For every dollar of show proceeds provided for flood relief, the Ontario government will provide $1.70 through the Ontario Disaster Relief Assistance Program.

On March 13, Municipal Affairs Minister Jim Watson declared a disaster zone in flooded areas from Cayuga's bridge to Port Maitland.

So far the next fundraiser is the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 142 dance featuring True Country on May 2.

http://www.dunnvillechronicle.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1497682

Haldimand "Flood Committee Appointed"

2009-03-27T18:19:00.000-07:00

Flood committee starts work next week

Nine volunteers bring wide variety of talent to relief efforts

Posted By KAREN BEST ,
CHRONICLE STAFF WRITER
Posted 15 hours ago

Haldimand County council unanimously agreed to a slate of volunteers who will guide disaster relief over the rest of the year.

"I'm just very pleased with the abilities of these people," said Coun. Lorne Boyko. "The cross section of the folks who have been appointed - that's a terrific talent pool."

In a special council meeting on March 23, council members discussed proposed membership of the county's disaster relief committee.

"There was unanimous support," reported Boyko. "The selection process went without a hitch. Everybody was on side. It was nice to see that refreshing spirit of cooperation."

Coun. Buck Sloat was glad to see relief efforts moved from the political to the community volunteer level.

A day after council's decision, municipal advisor Maureen Beatty of the Ministry of Municipal Affairs contacted Dunnville resident Kim Hessels. She told The Chronicle that the ministry has tentatively scheduled launching the committee on March 30.

At that meeting, the ministry will outline responsibilities which include fundraising, advertising for relief applications, reviewing requests and settling eligible claims for flood damage. A bank account will be opened for donations and tax receipts will be provided.

Along with Hessels, the other committee members from Dunnville are Bernie Corbett, Brett Kelly, Joanne Falletta and Ken Egger. They will work with Donna Pitcher of South Cayuga, Don Edwards of Caledonia, Victoria Young of Cayuga and Marie Maas of Fisherville.

The nine committee members will carry out relief efforts through the Ontario Disaster Relief Assistance Program.

Based on reports by ministry staff and an insurance adjuster, Municipal Affairs Minister Jim Watson declared on March 13 a provincial disaster in flooded zones from the Cayuga bridge to Port Maitland. Six days later ministry officials asked council members to appoint the committee as soon as possible so fundraising efforts can begin while the effects of flooding were fresh on people's minds.

"The whole program is only as successful as the fundraising campaign," ministry local government manager Roger Moyer told council.

For members of the committee, success is rooted in their intention to help. Some witnessed the fury of river flooding first hand.

On Feb. 13, Bernie Corbett was walking with a friend in the lower river marsh when the water swiftly rose.

"Where there was dry land I was walking in water up to my knees," he told The Chronicle a day after he notified of his appointment to the committee. "For all my years in Dunnville, I have never seen water come up so high."

He knew this resulted in considerable damage along the Grand River.

"If I can be of assistance in ensuring (flood victims) get help, I would be glad to do that," said Corbett.

He wondered if a monetary figure could be put on volunteer work and materials provided for repairing the home of Lynn and Blair White.

Based on information provided by Moyer, material donations will not be eligible for matching provincial funding.

Corbett, who is a retired Stelco employee, will bring three decades of municipal government experience to the committee. For six years, he was a Town of Dunnville employee. He spent time working as the deputy clerk-treasurer, welfare administrator and secretary of the committee of adjustment before working for six years as a regional social services field worker.
In 1983, Corbett was elected as ward councillor and served for three consecutive terms. After a term as mayor, he was elected as a regional councillor and then a ward councillor. In 2000, he stepped down from council to serve on the Haldimand Norfolk transition board which dismantled the former Haldimand Norfolk region to create two counties.

For more than five years, he was a member of the Haldimand County Hydro board including a term as chair.

While volunteering at the White home, Joanne Falletta, who is an Investors Group consultant, was asked by Dunnville Chamber of Commerce president Carolyn Chymko to consider sitting on the disaster committee.

Falletta agreed. It's all about helping the community and showing support, the chamber member told The Chronicle.

"I'm always happy to help. We'll see what can be done," she said.

Around supper time on Feb. 13, Falletta was returning from St. Catharines and managed to get through Broad Street near Brant Street as it was filling up with water. Emergency workers were getting ready to close the street, she recalled.

The day before council appointed her, she was at the White's home moving damaged items in preparation for the free large garbage pick up on March 28.

With lots of experience in assorted fundraising events, Falletta was eager to drive some of those for the relief effort.

She wanted to see the first fundraising event happen as soon as possible and will pursue opportunities over the next few weeks.

When a call went out for construction material donations and volunteer labour, Donna Pitcher bought insulation and showed up ready to work on March 14, a month after the water receded from the White's home.

"I was humbled by helping the Whites and by seeing how difficult it was for Lynn to handle all this help," said Pitcher who, like other members, is honoured to be on the relief committee.

A few days after that work bee, she dropped by to leave Lynn a stress relief kit.

When Pitcher heard about council's unanimous decision about committee members, she was choked up. "It proves the point that people can set aside their personal feelings and do the right thing," she said.

For her, volunteering on the committee was a simple matter of helping out neighbours. "I just think it's just the right thing to do. I hope we can accomplish our task in one year," she added.

Based on the preliminary estimate of $1.7 million in flood damages, the committee faces the unbelievable target of raising $600,000, she pointed out. The provincial government will match each dollar raised by at least $1.70.

She said the county's share of damage relief cannot be raised just by the local community but she was ready to put her shoulder against what looked like a daunting task.

"I will give everything I can," stated Pitcher. "When I get involved in something, I give it my all."

In 2004 and 2005, she was instrumental in launching a petition and building community support for retention of the municipality's Haldimand County Hydro company. Council dropped its effort to sell the utility in February 2005.

When she sits down with the other eight committee members, she will bring her communications skills and years of sales experience.

"I'm not afraid to ask for things. When it comes to other people who are in need, I shine," she told The Chronicle. "My responsibility is to make people understand the need is there. With this list of people (on the committee), this will run very smoothly."

Victoria Young saw river flats disappear under high water on Feb. 13 so she was not surprised to hear about the extent of damages to seasonal and permanent residences in Cayuga and Dunnville. "I called Buck (Sloat) after the flood to see what I could do," she said.

When the search began for disaster relief committee members, he called her and she agreed to serve. "It's the right thing do do," Young told The Chronicle adding that she is prepared to expend the time and effort required on committee work.

"For me, it was a opportunity to help rebuild what Mother Nature has taken away from us," she said.

A Cayuga Chamber of Commerce director, Young said this organization is looking at ways to help people whose cottages and trailers were damaged. Seasonal accommodations are not eligible for provincial financial assistance.

Sloat was also ready to get behind efforts to help the ineligible victims and mentioned that the chamber will host a benefit event for them.

In an effort to prevent damage to boaters this spring, he asked county staff to request the Grand River Conservation Authority to issue a warning about floating debris in the river.

Self-described as an issue spotter, Young will read the situation and niches selected by other committee members and then fill in where the need is. And she does not want to waste any time on getting started. "Every day is another day lost," she added.

After Coun. Don Ricker asked her about joining the committee, Kim Hessels did not expect to be selected. Hearing she was a member was a pleasant surprise.

"I think that something needs to be done for the people affected by the flood," she said. "This is just a great close knit community and I help where I can. I am honoured to be involved."
A mother of three children under 12 years of age, she will juggle her time to meet responsibilities with them and the committee. An active member of her church, Hessels will also draw on her community experience as president of the Dunnville Right to Life Association and earlier work with a homeless shelter in St. Catharines.

Along with her community experience, she will bring business skills grown in her family's company, Hessels Farm Supply Ltd. Hessels described herself as a grain merchandiser. "I'm used to working with people at a charitable and business level," she said.

After returning her call to Beatty of the municipal affairs ministry on March 25, Hessels committed to attend the committee's inaugural meeting on March 30. "What's most important is getting moving on it," she said of relief efforts.

Brett Kelly has worked for the Ontario government for years. He is currently employed in the health care and screening division of the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care. Don Edwards has participated in volunteer efforts at the West Haldimand General Hospital and is a staff member at the local office of Haldimand Norfolk MP Diane Finley.

Article ID# 1497672
http://www.dunnvillechronicle.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1497672

Haldimand "Council Makes Big Bucks"

2009-03-21T07:51:00.000-07:00

Well it's almost that time of the year again. We will find out soon how many Staff members of Haldimand County are in the $100,000.00 Club!

At the same time all salaries etc. will be posted for Mayor and Council members. As I haven't been going to council meetings I would think that because of the economy that Council while looking through the budget would cut their salaries. Or rather keep them the same as last year.

Council used to vote on their raises, but that was changed by Lorraine Bergstrand when she was Mayor. I believe it was in 2005 when each Council member started receiving a 2.5% raise each year. This is the same raise that was negotiated for "union workers".

Council can change this with a Vote.

Just a side note, members of Haldimand County Council also get to claim 1/3 of their salaries "Tax Free" for Income Tax purposes!

Haldimand is where the big bucks are
Posted By Monte Sonnenberg,
Simcoe ReformerPosted

Norfolk Mayor Dennis Travale says it doesn't bother him that his counterpart in Haldimand earns more than $10,000 a year in base salary. Travale was responding yesterday to the latest council remuneration report from Haldimand County. The report says Trainer collected a salary of $65,723 last year and $82,000 overall when benefits, mileage, professional development (conferences, seminars, etc.) and wireless communications are factored in.

The most recent numbers from Norfolk County date from 2007. That year, Travale collected $55,600 in salary and $3,500 in expenses for a grand total of $59,300. This despite Travale leading a municipality with 20,000 more people than Haldimand.

As well, Norfolk -- as the "consolidated service manager" for the two counties -- makes decisions regarding health and social services on behalf of both municipalities. "Does it bother me?" Travale said yesterday. "No.

The salary for mayor of Norfolk was set by the previous council. I accept that freely and gladly. Do I intend to bring it forward for review? No."

Aside from the salary differential, Trainer's total take was much higher than Travale's because she claims more in mileage and benefits. Trainer claimed $5,600 in mileage expenses last year and benefits in the amount of $8,050.

As mayor, Travale began to claim mileage once gasoline reached $1 a litre. Now that it has fallen below this, Travale will make claims for long trips. He will also expense shorter trips on a case-by-case basis. Travale and his family rely on the benefits package that accompanies his pension plan as a retired federal civil servant. The only benefits he collects as a county employee involves a mandatory $30,000 life insurance package in his name.

The mayors of Norfolk and Haldimand started out with the same salaries when the new counties came into being in 2001. However, while Lorraine Bergstrand of Dunnville was mayor, Haldimand council increased the mayor's salary by $10,000.

Haldimand council also increased councillors' salaries by $5,000 over the $25,000 base amount established at the outset.

Due to a meeting yesterday with provincial officials regarding flood disaster relief in Dunnville, Cayuga and elsewhere, Mayor Trainer was unavailable for comment.

Other members of Haldimand council and their remuneration in 2008 include: -

Ward One Coun. Leroy Bartlett of Selkirk. He collected $43,447 in 2008. Of this, $32,860 was salary. Bartlett claimed $1,384 in professional development expenses, $1,159 in mileage and $7,356 in benefits.-

Cayuga Coun. Buck Sloat. Sloat collected $47,700 last year, $34,842 of which was salary. Sloat collected $7,550 in benefits, $2,604 in mileage and $1,400 in professional development charges.

Caledonia Coun. Craig Grice. He collected $46,116 last year. Of this, $32,861 was salary while $3,177 was for professional development. Grice claimed $1,825 in wireless communication charges and $7,356 in benefits.

Hagersville Coun. Tony Dalimonte. Dalimonte collected $44,526 last year, $33,100 of which was salary. He collected benefits worth $5,900 and claimed professional development expenses in the amount of $3,200. Dalimonte also claimed $1,630 in mileage.

Dunnville Coun. Don Ricker. He collected $45,656 last year. Of this, $32,861 was wages. Ricker collected $7,356 in benefits last year and claimed $3,408 in mileage. Ricker also claimed $1,344 in professional development charges.

Dunnville Coun. Lorne Boyko. Boyko collected $46,775 last year, $32,861 of which was wages. Boyko also claimed $7,356 in benefits, $4,229 in mileage and $1,664 in professional development charges.

Wages and expenses for individual councillors on Norfolk council in 2007 ranged from $29,512 for Langton Coun. Roger Geysens to $25,020 for Port Dover Coun. John Wells and Simcoe Coun. Heidy Van Dyk.

Norfolk council's wages and expenses in 2007 totalled $272,700.

The corresponding amount in Haldimand last year was $346,000.

msonnenberg@bowesnet.comArticle ID# 1487505 http://www.simcoereformer.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1487505

Haldimand "Warning, Reading this may Cause fits of Dizziness and Nausea"

2009-03-16T06:16:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine read an interesting article to me over the phone in regards to the deal that was struck between GM and the Autoworkers Union. You can decide for yourself after reading this if in fact this deal is good enough for our government to give them money! In my opinion it is not!

The article is written by Greg Weston, Opinion Columnist for the London Free Press;

Deal by GM, union fails to impress
By GREG WESTON

Judging by all the breathless media coverage of the "historic" deal between General Motors and its Canadian union, one would think the autoworkers agreed to sacrifice their left lugnut for company and country.

Alas, objects in this mirror are much smaller than they appear.

The federal and Ontario governments have been demanding the unions take a tire-iron to their gold-plated employment contracts before GM gets a dime from taxpayers.

With upwards of $7 billion in government loans on the table, GM and its workers have oh-so- reluctantly agreed to a deal, which union president Ken Lewenza describes as "a major sacrifice by our members and retirees."

Here are some of those heart-wrenching sacrifices, with a warning that what follows may cause ordinary hard-working taxpayers to experience fits of dizziness and nausea.

* The deal freezes base wages until mid-2012.

In fact, it changes almost nothing -- last year, the union agreed to a pay freeze until mid-2011.

* Quarterly cost-of-living increases are suspended until 2012.

Those pay hikes had already been suspended until mid-2010, and with inflation near zero, the increases wouldn't have amounted to much anyway.

* Ditto for annual cost-of-living increases to pensions until 2012.

Increased pensions had already been nixed for a year, and with low or no inflation, GM pensioners will barely notice them missing for another three years.

It is worth noting that unionized GM employees do not contribute a dime to their pensions during their working lives.

We would also note that at a time when the car companies are asking for billions, the GM pension fund is short, um, billions.

* Spa time is reduced by 40 hours per year.

Before your head explodes, "spa" stands for "special paid absence," an extra week of paid time off that all GM unionized workers get in addition to their annual vacations.

A union exec explains spa weeks were originally negotiated in part to force GM to hire more workers to replace the ones on spa weeks.

This also helps to explain why the company is now broke.

* "An annual $1,700 special bonus payment is being diverted to help offset the cost of retiree health care benefits."

Translation: Unionized autoworkers are giving up their $1,700 Christmas bonuses so their retired brethren will each get an extra roughly $250 a year to cover new health premiums (see below).

The net benefit to GM -- and taxpayers -- is precisely zero.

* GM is cutting its contribution to a whole range of employee perks by a third.

Those include subsidized daycare and even legal services for union workers buying a house or getting divorced.

* Finally, unionized auto workers will have to pay a staggering $30 a month each for their health and other benefits; retirees $15.

Truth is, all those years of huddling around the flaming oil drums on the picket lines have left the auto workers with the sweetheart of all benefit packages covering health, dental, disability and even tuition.

Until now, the employee contribution to the premiums has been exactly zip.

Add it all up, and the "major sacrifices" being made by the autoworkers for billions of taxpayers' dollars are as follows:

Their pay and pensions stay the same. They lose a spa week, and give their Christmas bonus to the oldtimers. They have to pay a bit more for daycare and a divorce, and $30 a month for a benefits package to strike for.

Hold the hankies.

http://lfpress.ca/newsstand/News/Columnists/Weston_Greg/2009/03/10/8688506-sun.html

Haldimand "They Want to Help"

2009-03-13T20:15:00.000-07:00

Great article by Karen Best!

They want to help

Posted By KAREN BEST , CHRONICLE STAFF WRITER
Posted 17 hours ago

The need is great and people in Dunnville are moving ahead to fill it because they want to help. After Grand River flood levels dropped, home and business owners surveyed damage and began to clean up efforts. In many cases, relatives, neighbours and friends were at their side.

Soon there was an up swelling of support from the Dunnville Chamber of Commerce, Coun. Lorne Boyko, real estate agents, service clubs, contractors and individuals.

Boyko, Dunnville chamber president Carolyn Chymko and Royal LePage Niagara realtors Mike Dilse, Allan Judson and Ken Robertson will volunteer at fundraisers.

On behalf of the realtors, Boyko mailed out Brick discount coupons to people living in flood zones. In the same package was a Laverty Home Furnishings coupon.

The realtors felt compelled to help and were glad to do so because they are part of the community.

"People are coming out of the woodwork," said Sandy Passmore of the chamber. "People are tired of waiting."

"The chamber definitely wants to help out our community," said Chymko.

So do many others. They want to help and they are and will even though Municipal Affairs Minister Jim Watson had not yet declared a disaster along the river from Cayuga to Port Maitland. Haldimand County council expected to hear from him by March 13.

After contacted by The Chronicle, flood assistance was discussed at a Dunnville Royal Canadian Legion Branch 142 meeting.

Members decided to host a May 2 benefit dance with entertainment provided by True Country. The legion will donate the hall and all event proceeds will go toward flood assistance, said legion president Lionel Ford. A few more ideas including raffles and draws are in the works.

"We're going to work on it. We jumped right in on that," he said.

Dunnville Optimist Club members will pitch in with personal and club donations, said club president Jim Smreker. After the Dunnville Lioness meeting on March 11, president Pat Merritt said, "We're on board," said president Pat Merritt. "We'll help anyway we can."

On March 12, Dunnville Rotary president Kim Tamburri raised flood assistance at a club meeting. She hoped that services clubs will work together on an event that can make a great impact.

Other examples of empathy and generosity surfaced.

Senior citizens living across from Lynn and Blair White took up a collection for them. They are among a larger group stepping forward to help the couple who have no insurance. Their Main Street home, which is in the flood zone and is not insurable, severely damaged by the flood.

Ron Speer and Amanda Lane paid for tipping fees for dumpsters donated free by Ed Passmore.

When flooding eased off last month, Jeff Carpenter went door to door in Cayuga and Dunnville to let people know he can renovate damaged homes. When he and his spouse Tammy Carpenter went to the White's door, Lynn was in tears dumping out her furniture.

So she and Jeff working with Ed Timmerman and Chymko decided to host this family and are in the process of making repairs happen.

"That's what people do - help your neighbour," said Tammy.

Jeff has enjoyed business success as has Tammy so both want to give back to the community. It's as simple as pulling together to help people get their lives back to normal, he added.
Industrial dehumidifiers have been running in the home since Feb. 16. When the wooden slats resting on a concrete pad are dry enough to prevent mould, a new sub-floor will be rebuilt.

Donating his time and labour for free, Jeff is seeking material and financial assistance. This week, Timmerman distributed letters in town to ask for essential materials. This includes insulation, drywall, wall receptacles, laminate flooring, drywall screws, tuck tape, sheet rock 90, vinyl flooring, vapour barrier and six gallons of paint of three different colours. Jeff can be reached at 905-961-9912.

Jeff also said St. Paul Anglican Church is also helping the White family. Wendy Legendre said that several members of Jubilee Faith Centre have volunteered their time to assist the Whites in getting their home back in good order.

A working bee is expected this weekend.

In the mean time, the chamber had arranged for temporary accommodations in a Lake Erie cottage. Due to work and transportation issues, the location was not suitable for the White family, said Passmore. The chamber then began to look for a trailer that can be parked on the White property.

Seeing made a difference for Ruth Swann and Donna Pitcher.

Swann and her spouse John Upshall arrived in Dunnville on Feb. 14, turned on the heat in their Lake Erie cottage and came back to town to survey flood activity. On Sunday, she left a message offering a donation of a month's accommodations at a few local real estate offices.

After hearing the Whites could not use a cottage, Swann said the offer stood for anyone else who needed it.

On Feb. 13, Donna and Ted Pitcher spent the day in Cayuga and Dunnville.

"This was a disaster. I saw it happen," she said. "I can't imagine being in the position of leaving my house with just my clothes on my back and then coming back to see my personal items destroyed."

"The only thing we can do as a community is to help out," Donna added.

Willing to volunteer and experienced in fundraising, she wanted to become a member of the disaster relief assistance committee if a provincial disaster is declared in the county.

"Fundraising activities, whether or not the county is eligible for a disaster declaration, can be underway now," said Roger Moyer.

"If and when the minister declares a disaster, those funds will be eligible to be matched up to a 2 to 1 ratio," added the manager of local government in the ministry's London office.

If an announcement is not made by March 13, Boyko encouraged all groups and individuals who want to hold fundraising events to go ahead.

To ensure raised money will qualify for twice as much in provincial funds, he asked groups to open separate flood relief bank accounts and record amounts collected. Council has already made arrangements to hold a special council meeting if a designation is granted.

Article ID# 1476258
http://www.dunnvillechronicle.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1476258

Haldimand "Province Declares Disaster"

2009-03-13T20:11:00.000-07:00

Provincial disaster declaration opens gates to financial relief

People in flooded Dunnville and Cayuga areas can still apply

Posted By BY KAREN BEST
Posted 1 hour ago
BY KAREN BEST

A Dunnville councillor and the Dunnville Chamber of Commerce president were thrilled to learn late Friday afternoon that financial assistance was on the way for flood victims.

After 3 p.m. on March 13, Coun. Lorne Boyko, who initiated the search for provincial funding, received an email stating that Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Jim Watson declared a disaster in the flooded areas of Dunnville and Cayuga.

"Great news!" Boyko said when interviewed by The Chronicle.

"Now the real work will begin and that's the raising of funds by the community," he noted. "But I know the community is up to it."

Chamber president Carolyn Chymko, like Boyko, was sure the province would help and was thrilled to learn she was right.

"I just received a $100 cheque and now it's worth $300," she said.

The same welcome multiplication will be applied to a $10,000 donation from Bruce Power president Duncan Hawthorne. Mayor Marie Trainer received confirmation of the donation on Friday.

After a disaster designation is made, the province, through the Ontario Disaster Relief Assistance Program, will provide two dollars for every one dollar raised by residents. The fund will be built up to 90 per cent of loss values to avoid a surplus. Based on early estimates from 60 home and business owners, damages added up to $1.7 million.

People who live in the recognized disaster areas and have not yet applied for assistance can still do so. To obtain further information call the county administration office at 905-318-5932.

As soon as possible, Mayor Marie Trainer will call a special meeting so disaster relief committee members can be selected from a list of willing residents. Once struck, the committee will follow provincial guidelines, review and appraise applications, oversee fundraising and distribute funds.
Flood damage occurred a month ago. On Feb. 13, three ice jams backed up Grand River water over its banks starting in Cayuga. The other jams were between Cayuga and Dunnville and between the Dunnville dam and Port Maitland.

Water rose by six feet in Dunnville but flowed away when the Canadian Coast Guard ice breaker Griffon opened up a waterway to Lake Erie.

While Lynn and Blair White seem to be the poster family for the flood, many people were suffering quietly as they deal with their own damaged properties, said Boyko.

He credited Chymko for spearheading efforts to help the Whites who live in the flood plain and do not qualify for house insurance.

The chamber president, other chamber members and volunteers and several residents teamed up to remove damaged drywall and floors. Jeff Carpenter and Ed Timmerman put out a letter asking for donations of construction materials. Many were received over two days and repairs are expected to begin soon in the home of the Whites.

Article ID# 1478004
http://www.dunnvillechronicle.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1478004

Haldimand "Bruce Power Update"

2009-03-12T06:06:00.000-07:00

From Bruce Power;

You're invited to our Community Information Sessions for the Nanticoke Nuclear Power Plant Project Environmental Assessment

For more information please contact Peter Brown at Golder Associates 1-800-414-8314 or Nanticoke_EA@golder.com.

We were pleased to meet so many of you at our Community Information Sessions held last December and January. A summary of these sessions is available at http://www.brucepower.com/ and at the municipal libraries in Haldimand-Norfolk.

We are making progress on our environmental assessment studies and want to share the results with you.

Please drop in to one of our upcoming Community Information Sessions to get an update and let us know what you think.

Monday to Thursday from 3 to 8 p.m.: A light lunch will be served from 5 to 7 p.m.

March 30, Dunnville, Dunnville Optimist Hall, CORNER OF MAIN ST. & CEDAR ST., DUNNVILLE, ON

March 31, Cayuga, Cayuga Kinsmen Community Centre, 15 THORBURN STREET,CAYUGA, ON

April 1 Port Dover, Port Dover Lions Community Centre, 801 ST. GEORGE STREET, PORT DOVER, ON

April 2 Jarvis, Jarvis Community Centre, 18 JAMES STREET, JARVIS, ON

Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.: A light lunch will be served from 12 to 2 p.m. April 4 Simcoe, Simcoe Recreation Centre 182 SOUTH DRIVE, SIMCOE, ON

For more information please contact Peter Brown at Golder Associates1-800-414-8314 or Nanticoke_EA@golder.com.

Monday to Thursday from 3 to 8 p.m.:

A light lunch will be served from 5 to 7 p.m.

A light lunch will be served from 12 to 2 p.m.

Haldimand "Solar-Flexus Ltd talks about Energy Conservation"

2009-03-08T08:20:00.000-07:00

The following is a letter to the Editor written by Bill Stewart of Haldimand County and some information on how you can contact him.

Bill’s letter was never printed in the paper and he had hoped that this information would get out to people in Haldimand. So I contacted Bill for more information on his company and the Energy Savings Program. I also did a bit of research myself and what a great program! If you are looking into renovations to make you’re home more efficient this is it!

Thanks Bill for the information and I will post your letter to the editor.

The following is some information on The Ontario Home Energy Savings Program.

The Government of Ontario will pay half of your pre-retrofit audit, up to $150.

After your first audit, you have 18 months to complete some or all of the improvements suggested by your energy advisor to qualify for government rebates.

After your post-retrofit audit, the Governments of Ontario and Canada will each rebate up to $5,000 for your energy efficient upgrades. The more energy-saving upgrades you make, the more money you’ll get back, up to a total of $10,000.

More info at this site: http://www.homeenergyontario.ca/stripes_en.asp

Thanks Bill for this information; It details the Audit process, and takes you through the steps to get started in the Green Energy Initiative that Canada and most of the Provinces have initiated. The Federal Government site for downloading energy rebate forms, and applications for those rebates, is at: http://www.oee.nrcan.gc.ca/commercial/financial-assistance/existing/retrofits/forms.cfm?attr=20

Bills states; It all makes for a win-win situation for those who can see the future path of energy conservation and the savings on energy expenditures for what is basically, FREE energy. I am really proud of the product and the quality of the individual components that make up a Solar Hot Water Heater unit. The fact that its an extremely low-maintenance system designed for a 25 year life cycle, and that it would probably exceed that expected life cycle by 15 to 20 years because of the quality of it's components.

I can be contacted by the following methods.

Mail: Solar-Flexus ltd.,
1475 Lakeshore Road, Selkirk,
Ontario N0A 1P0
By phone: (905) 778-2267
By email: solarflexus@porchlight.ca

I am still working on a website for the business and that may be addressed in the near future. Thanks again, Donna, Bill Stewart for: SOLAR-FLEXUS

I write this letter in response to the article by Bill Jackson on Nuclear Power generation in the January 28, 2009 "This Week"... I attended the Nuclear Power Symposium (open house) at the Jarvis Community Centre, back in November of '08, to gather facts and raise some questions regarding the Nuclear Plant process... I wasn't surprised when, over the course of the presentations, and the question period that followed, the senses of the attendees went from uncommitted, to decidedly Anti-Nuclear... It was pointed out that a million gallons of Diesel fuel are burned in the mining, transportation, and processing of just "one" pound of high-grade Uranium nuclear fuel (the Nuclear Industry "Lip-speak" for "we have created 100 thousand pounds of carbon dioxide to get this one pound of environmentally GREEN fuel.)"Estimated direct and indirect emissions for the Bruce New Nuclear Power Plant Project in Kincardine (approximately 4,000 MW) were less than 0.015% of Ontario's overall emissions."... A bold faced lie excerpted from the"Nanticoke Nuclear Power Plant Environmental Assessment" document (document id #2761) from the Bruce Power website (www.brucepower.com)

The infrastructure needed to build the Nuke Plant would be 10-20 years in construction... The figure of 4 billion dollars, that is being thrown around so cavalierly by the Nuke Industry for the construction of the plant, would only pay for the footings in the overall costs carried over the life of the construction cycle... The real cost would be in the upper 80 billion-dollar mark, and, provide the most expensive electrical energy in the world.

Yes, the Ontario Government would subsidize the costs of the electricity,but, out of the tax-base of Ontarians who will pay for the expensive wages, and monitoring, and fuel mining/production, and storage (on site) of the spent radioactive fuel, and a large, very large, spin media to make even more Nuke Plants seem so "Environmentally Clean"...Yes, I am aware that the other presenters at the symposium offered"Alternative" Electrical Production methodologies, and that many of the alternative methods were very expensive per Kilowatt to produce, but not one was as expensive as the Nuclear industry's "Lobby" would have us believe.

Wind energy presenters made a valid presentation; as well the Solar Industry(of which my business is a part of) made a very plausible presentation. Even the Agricultural Industry had made a great presentation on "Biomass"inclusion to the coal-fired Electrical Generation Process.

The point is, that we need "truth" to come out in the process of selecting choices for electrical generation in Ontario, not "spin" from the Nuclear Lobby...We need to look at the green alternatives in energy and water"Conservation" as well...

What about a Solar Water Heater, that could save 1.5 Kilowatts of energy per hour, during daylight, per household in Ontario?

In July 2008, the state of Hawaii made it "mandatory" for all new construction of houses to have a Solar Water Heater installed... British Columbia started "SolarBC" in the same month to encourage the use of Solar Water Heaters to conserve energy...

Ontario gives a $500 rebate on the costs of purchasing and installing a Solar Water Heater (only about $3000) and the Federal Government gives another $500 rebate with the string attached that you must have an"Energy Audit" of your premises to point out other energy savings and losses...

Very few in the Haldimand area have taken advantage of these incentives, which to me, borders on APATHY regarding knowledge of energy budgeting per household... Green energy choices ARE available, for the homeowner, as cheaper, free, and environmentally cleaner sources of energy,and not the expensively soaring costs of traditional energy sources.

"William J. Stewart,
C/O of Solar-Flexus, Selkirk,
Ontario N0A 1P0
Tel.: (905) 776-2267

Haldimand "Kudo's to Dr. Madill, Shame on You Council"

2009-03-07T07:39:00.000-08:00

Kudo's To Dr. Madill! Council "Shame on You!"

Well Council has change their stand on this issue! I don't even know what to say, so for the time being I am just going to post Karen's story!

Council rejects funding for Dunnville health care centre

Posted By KAREN BEST, CHRONICLE STAFF WRITER
Posted 1 day ago

Once again, Doug Madill stood before Haldimand County council asking for municipal investment in the primary healthcare centre in Dunnville. He was turned down.

With five council members in attendance at the March 2 committee meeting, only Mayor Marie Trainer and Coun. Lorne Boyko supported his request for $450,000. Voting no were councillors Don Ricker, Craig Grice and Buck Sloat.

Later county clerk Janis Lankester said the motion was a reconsideration of a 2006 council decision and the funding request was defeated.

"I can't believe we're the only county in all of Ontario that doesn't support health care," Madill told The Chronicle. "We are being penalized for being first."

A 2003 consultant report recommended the county invest $500,000 in health care centres in Dunnville, Caledonia and Hagersville to attract new doctors.

Two years later Dunnville was ready, plans were drawn for a $3.5 million centre and the Dunnville Hospital and Healthcare Foundation pledged $750,000 toward the project.

The foundation continues to fundraise but donations are expected to fall off due to the economy. This means it could take six years, twice as long as first predicted, to pay for construction. So far $1.4 million has been collected.

In 2005, Madill made his first request for a $500,000 county grant. It was approved with conditions in 2006 through a motion from Sloat. In the meantime, he Haldimand War Memorial Hospital financed construction of the primary healthcare centre which it owns.

Although set out in the 2006 council motion, three annual instalments for a total of $450,000 were put on hold while legal issues including leases and other agreements with the hospital were sorted out. An agreement with the Ontario ministry of health was only reached last year.

At the March 2 meeting, Madill, who is the DHHF treasurer, asked for a lump sum payment of $450,000. He pointed out that three of five doctors working in the centre are new recruits proving it attracts doctors to an under serviced area.

"Fifty years ago our hospital was one of the main economic backbones of our community," said Madill. "Today our expanded healthcare campus is the economic backbone of our community."

During discussions, Madill pointed out that. Norfolk County invests $62,000 a year in the Norfolk General Hospital.

"We don't support other businesses," Ricker.

"Health care is not a business," replied Madill.

Corporate services general manager Karen General said Madill was aware that the county needed all agreements entered into with the hospital including staff sharing and phone systems. All the county received was the lease, she added.

The county's lawyer had not confirmed that the centre was operating at arm's length from the hospital, she noted.

Boyko then suggested council reaffirm the 2006 funding approval and spilt the amount over two years. In response, General said the request was equal to one per cent of the county's tax levy.

She also pointed out that the 2006 motion did not in specify that the funding was a grant.

Boyko's frustration was evident after these comments. He said staff ask the same questions over and over again in open and closed sessions and the county's solicitor has tabled the same position over and over again.

And Caledonia and Hagersville were not being ignored because a committee was struck in 2006 to look at doctor recruitment for those two towns but has yet to file a report with council. He suggested using surpluses or other funding sources to fund a key facility proven to attract doctors to an under serviced area.

Do the same for Caledonia and Hagersville when they come forward, said Boyko who questioned why no money was set aside in a reserve for the clinic.

A lot has happened in the last three years with native issues bringing the county to its knees and a global recession, pointed out Sloat. "This is no longer achievable by this community," he added.

Later Boyko said staff did not want to put money aside for the healthcare centre, something he described as critical. In small town Ontario, the county cannot afford to refuse funding for doctor recruitment, he added.

Article ID# 1465185
http://www.dunnvillechronicle.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1465185

Haldimand "John Tory Defeated"

2009-03-06T06:18:00.000-08:00

John Tory to quit today: Sources

Niagara's Hudak a possible successor

March 06, 2009
Daniel Nolan
Rob Ferguson and Robert Benzie

LINDSAY - John Tory will announce today that he is stepping down as Progressive Conservative leader, the Star has learned, his political career brought to a screeching halt as he lost a hard-fought by-election to the Liberals in cottage country.

Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Conservative Toby Barrett is already talking up a replacement for Tory as party leader. Barrett says Niagara West-Glanbrook MPP Tim Hudak will likely run to succeed Tory in an upcoming leadership convention. It is possible Tory could hold on as leader in the wake of his loss, but Barrett finds that "highly unlikely" and he expects Tory's resignation, possibly as early as today."I would expect that we're into another Progressive Conservative leadership race and Tim's a good (candidate)," Barrett said last night from his Port Dover home, where he was watching the byelection results on the evening news."He's very competent and I know him very well. We've got a good one in Tim Hudak."

Tory, who had candidly admitted during the campaign that he would be in "a very difficult circumstance" unless he won, surrendered the Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock riding that has been solidly Conservative since the mid-1990s to local school trustee and musician Rick Johnson."Obviously, I am very disappointed," Tory, gracious in defeat, told hushed supporters in his concession speech above a Greek restaurant shortly before 11 p.m."But the voters can never be wrong in what they decide and I respect their decision."

A highly placed Conservative source confirmed Tory would reveal his plans to step aside at a Queen's Park news conference this afternoon, setting a leadership race in motion."For now, I will only say that I gave this campaign my very best," Tory told the crowd of several dozen before being whisked out of the room without taking reporters' questions.

Party insiders have signalled for weeks that their patience was wearing thin given that it's been 17 months since Tory lost his previous seat in the Ontario Legislature, leaving the party in limbo as the economy has worsened under Liberal control.

Tory could not overcome local grumbling that he was a "parachute" candidate from Toronto among the farmers and other residents in the sprawling rural and cottage country riding which the party believed was a safe seat."

They knew from the first moment that I was not from here," Tory said, noting that he felt "treated fairly" by the voters.Tory spent an exhaustive 15-month search for a new seat after he failed to win one in the 2007 general election in a contest against Liberal Education Minister Kathlene Wynne.

MPP Laurie Scott stepped down at the start of this year and cleared the way for Tory to run in her riding of Haliburton-Kawarth Lakes-Brock.Speaking outside his campaign office in downtown Lindsay before the polls closed, Tory acknowledged the past 15 months haven't been easy."It's been a challenging period of time for me personally, and it's been challenging politically," said Tory who took the party's top job in 2004.

The former Rogers executive easily won the riding of Dufferin-Peel-Wellington-Grey in a 2005 byelection, but chose to run against Wynne in a Toronto riding two years later .

Barrett, who had been door knocking for Tory, said he had an inkling things were not going his leader's way when people began expressing resentment that Tory was from Toronto and was not a local person like Scott."The resentment I heard was about Toronto," Barrett said. "It was all about Laurie Scott and John Tory and the fact Laurie stepped aside for him.

dnolan@thespec.com905-526-3351
http://www.thespec.com/News/Local/article/524959

Haldimand "Haldimand County Councillors Unable to Make Snap Decisions"

2009-03-05T18:20:00.000-08:00

I have written many blogs about Haldimand County Council members and on the most part have kept my "personal" feelings aside. Although I have accused council members of the opposite, I feel the need to get a little "personal" on my post today!

Before I start to get "personal" I took some excerpts from the local papers that got me fired up;

"Later in the day (Boyko) he floated the idea of waiving fees on approved community flood relief fundraisers in county facilities and Councillor "Buck Sloat" was quick to show his "disapproval". "Other groups have been turned down for fundraisers including one for a family that was burned out of its home Sloat said" Boyko argued that the present situation is different. During the flooding more than "200" people evacuated their homes" (Quote from the Regional Newspaper)

"Caledonia Councillor Craig Grice argued that there are other "man made" disasters going on elsewhere and the county is not giving out free space for community fundraisers" (Quote from the Regional Newspaper)

"When Boyko proposed waiving tipping fees at the Tome Howe landfill site for flood victims, Sloat and Ricker accused him (Boyko) of "Grandstanding". (Quote from the Regional Newspaper)

"Sloat wasn’t suggesting that council shouldn't help, but said that it wasn’t the time to "spring" motions on council. He thought that Boyko should have consulted with the proper "staff" members first" (Quote from the Regional Newspaper)

"Boyko’s sudden requests made it hard for council to make "snap" decisions, Grice added. When it comes to dumping, it would be hard to say what is flood damage and what isn’t in some cases, he reasoned" (Quote from the Regional Newspaper)

"Boyko made a motion to waive rental fees on all county facilities for fundraising events. This is a small token of what we could do he added. Councillor Buck Sloat pointed out that similar requests for families burned out of their homes were denied" (Quote from the Dunnville Chronicle)

While acknowledging the disaster down river, Councillor Craig Grice said no relief was provided to people impacted by the disaster of occupied land in Caledonia" (Quote from the Dunnville Chronicle)

"Boyko proposed waiving tipping fees at the county landfill for flood victims who have furniture to dispose of. Prodding his colleagues, he said. We are asking the Province to recognize something we are not recognizing ourselves. This is "Grandstanding" replied Councillor Buck Sloat, who said it was unfair to "spring" a motion like this on staff and council members" (Quote from the Dunnville Chronicle)

"Based on Monday’s council discussions, Chymko said (Chamber of Commerce President, Dunnville) we can’t count on the majority of council to jump in and help our community. That’s lower than below low. At least Boyko stepped forward. The rest should be ashamed when the whole community needs their support" (Quote from the Dunnville Chronicle)

I usually don’t write about an issue unless I witnessed it first hand, but in this case it looks like both local papers are stating the same facts from the meeting on Monday.

Mayor Trainer in an interview at the beginning of the New Year stated that council is working better as a team than in the past. If this is "Team Work" they are truly out of touch!

My opinion at the time was that they are putting on a front, probably taking out their personal feelings behind closed doors. As they are in year three of their terms they are in campaign mode.
Isn’t it funny though they probably don’t even realize the damage they have done to their reputations. This is what happens when you "Grandstand"!

Well this meeting has proven to me and I hope many out there that this council is not functioning in the best interest of Haldimand County residents!

Is a Council Meeting not the place to debate issues? It seems that they have lost the ability to do even that!

Is Council not able to even make a "simple" decision on it’s own without a "Staff Report?’

How the hell did they even get elected? Didn’t they tell us that they were able to make the hard decisions on our behalf? Well proof is in the pudding, they can’t, we have just witnessed that!

Councillor Sloat and Ricker have both shown their true colours for all to see. They obviously do not have any "passion" for their positions as an elected official, if they did they would not have accused Councillor Boyko of "Grandstanding". Shame on both of them!

Shame on Councillor Grice for the comment that he made as well. He obviously has no "trust" in the residents of Dunnville. How petty that he is worried that some of the garbage may not be flood garbage! He also stated that residents in Caledonia have not received any help, well he has forgotten! The county has given funds to residents and businesses in Caledonia.

Thank God that not "one" Council Member will be "allowed" to sit on the committee if the Province gives the go ahead. But I do have to point out that Council will be the ones to "appoint" the residents to this committee, I wonder how they are going to handle this difficult task! I can tell you one thing for sure, I would like to sit on that committee but that won’t happen as their "personal" feelings seem to always get in the way of making certain decisions.

I am convinced that some on council have just sealed their fate for 2010! And they deserve what they get!

I wonder what the Province thinks of our "Elected Officials"?

Kudo's to Councillor Lorne Boyko!

Haldimand "Do you Feel Secure?"

2009-03-04T05:50:00.000-08:00

The announcement yesterday from US Steel was a surprise for many out there. But for some like a very close friend of ours that has worked at Stelco for 33 years knew that something was in the wind. It all started back in the fall when his department closed down. He had been an overhead crane operator for years and when his department closed down he went to stores. After a very short time in stores he went to the coke ovens and knew that his days were numbered. Luckily for our friend he has enough time in at Stelco to retire. Now this is not exactly what they had planned, but it is better financially for him to retire then to collect EI.

Stelco was bought out by an American company back a year or so ago. This purchase by US Steel stopped the closure of Stelco at that time. From an article that I will post below, there seems to have been some kind of legislation or rules as to a foreign company buying out a Canadian company. This information is confidential but it makes you wonder what the hell is really going on.

With the economic times of today no one seems to feel secure in their jobs, and when news like this hits the press it scares people even more. What happens when people are afraid of losing their jobs? They stop spending money. What makes the economy healthy? People spending their money.

The Federal and Provincial governments both have a stimulus package coming out that is going to drive us into huge deficits. When this money starts flowing is it going to help?

Canada's banks are now rated number one in the world. We are being told that the recession started outside of Canada and has pulled us in. I understand that part but what I don't understand is how the governments are dealing with the problem. The larger companies that are asking for financial support on the most part are not Canadian owned companies. They are foreign companies with Canadian connections. So did the government not see this one coming? When the larger companies shut down or downsize there is a domino effect that hits the "Canadian" Manufacturing companies.

I am not an economist nor an expert on business finances, but what I am pretty sure of is that when people stop spending money the economy feels the crunch. So my suggestion is that all money from upper levels of government should go to only two things; Infrastructure, and money in our pockets! No money to big companies! Money to big companies is not going to make you and I go out and buy a home or a car or any big ticket item. Will these companies that the government helps send the savings down to the consumer? In my opinion, No!

One idea that I had was for those out there that have spent years investing in RRSP's be given the option of cashing in $25,000.00 without penalty and without having to pay the taxes! Think of what that would do for the economy. How many people do you know would take advantage of that stimulus? I know I would.

In Haldimand-Norfolk, it's hoped pain is temporary
March 04, 2009
Lisa Grace Marr
The Hamilton Spectator
HALDIMAND-NORFOLK (Mar 4, 2009)

Andrew Schneider, owner of the iconic Erie Beach Hotel in Port Dover, is crossing his fingers hoping that when U.S. Steel says temporary layoffs, it means it.

"What does temporary mean? Two weeks? Two months or years? It's (a lot) of families and good jobs, the kind with benefits and all the things you need to support a family these days."
Schneider, past president of the Port Dover Board of Trade, was just digesting the news of layoffs of 1,500 jobs at U.S. Steel's Hamilton and Lake Erie operations announced late yesterday.

The move will affect 786 jobs in a rural, sparsely populated region with few employers the size of U.S. Steel. "It's a big hit right now."

U.S. Steel is listed as the biggest private sector employer on Haldimand County's website.
Haldimand-Norfolk MP Diane Finley, who is also minister of human resources and skills development, said she was "very disappointed" to hear of the layoffs.

Finley said Service Canada officials have already met with U.S. Steel to discuss what programs and benefits are possible for affected workers.

"Where there are mass layoffs, (Service Canada) always offers to go in and tell them what are the options, especially in light of some of the new options," she said.

Haldimand County Mayor Marie Trainer said she was shocked to learn of the layoffs yesterday afternoon when a U.S. Steel executive informed her of the move.

"He sounded very positive and said things will get back to normal once the economy and the European market bounce back," she said.

U.S. Steel has said it intends to temporarily close down its Lake Erie plant but keep its coke ovens running.

Norfolk County Mayor Dennis Travale said the news would be terrible for the area, because of its wide-ranging impact.

Travale said he, Finley and Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett were to give a talk at the Simcoe Chamber of Commerce on Friday on the state of the economy.

"I was going to try and be upbeat. I guess I'll have to rewrite my speech," Travale said.

Trainer said the layoffs will be particularly difficult to bear in Caledonia, which is experiencing a lag in development owing to uncertainty brought on by native land claims and protests. "It will have a real trickle-down effect for county businesses, everything from mom and pop to large grocery stores."

Robert Cook, president of the Jarvis Board of Trade and owner of a garden store on Highway 6, said the former Stelco "has always been a good member of the community."

"If it's temporary and it puts the company into a better position, that's fine.

"If they need time to take a breather (from the economy), we would hope that helps with long-term stability."

lmarr@thespec.com
905-526-3992
http://www.thespec.com/News/Local/article/523628

Stelco Shutdown
Local - Stelco shut down, production to U.S.
Stelco shut down, production to U.S.
John Rennison

U.S, Steel announced Tuesday that it is shutting down operations in Hamilton and Lake Erie and transferring production south of the border.

John RennisonU.S, Steel announced Tuesday that it is shutting down operations in Hamilton and Lake Erie and transferring production south of the border.

United States Steel Corp., headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pa., is an integrated steel producer with major production operations in the U.S., Canada and central Europe and an annual raw steelmaking capability of 31.7 million net tons. The company manufactures a wide range of steel sheet and tubular products for the automotive, appliance, container, industrial machinery, construction and oil and gas industries.

Lake Erie Works Employs: 1,100
Location: Nanticoke, north shore of Lake Erie
Founded: 1980
Operations: Integrated mill produces high-quality hot rolled sheet steel and slabs.

Hamilton Works
Employs: 1,700
Location: Burlington Street, Hamilton
Founded: The Steel Company of Canada is formed in 1910 by the amalgamation of five companies. It officially becomes Stelco in 1980. The company goes into bankruptcy protection in 2004 and emerges in 2006. It was bought by U.S. Steel in 2007.
Operations: Primary iron and steelmaking, plus finishing operations, including two pickle lines, a tandem cold mill, three coating lines, cold sheet finishing, a billet mill and a bar mill.
1,500 lose jobs in U.S. Steel cost cutting

Another 700 were already laid off
March 04, 2009 Naomi Powell
The Hamilton Spectator(Mar 4, 2009)

U.S. Steel is shutting down all operations at the former Stelco, putting 1,500 employees in Hamilton and Nanticoke out of work indefinitely.

In a city that has always looked to steel as its backbone, it is the most devastating indicator yet of a deepening economic crisis that has already battered Hamilton's struggling manufacturing sector.

The latest cuts come on top of 684 layoffs that have already been delivered at U.S. Steel Canada, bringing the total number of job losses to 2,190. No salaried staff were affected.

"This is going to devastate Hamilton," said Rolf Gerstenberger, president of the United Steelworkers union in Hamilton. "You lay off hundreds of thousands of steelworkers in Hamilton and North America and this crisis will just get worse."

Hamilton Steel and Lake Erie Works in Nanticoke will be mothballed over the next few weeks as U.S. Steel concentrates production at plants in Alabama, Pittsburgh and Indiana. Only the coke ovens at Lake Erie Works will continue to run.

The Canadian plants -- bought by U.S. Steel for $1.9 billion less than 16 months ago -- will not resume production until market conditions improve.

In Ottawa, officials are "watching the situation closely" to ensure it complies with the Investment Canada Act, said Pema Lhalungpa, an aide to Industry Minister Tony Clement. To get approval from Ottawa, a foreign company looking to buy a Canadian company must agree to "undertakings," which specify the net benefit the firm will provide to Canada in employment, investment or other contributions.

"Should an undertaking be compromised, we look at all options available to the government under the act," Lhalungpa said. She added that confidentiality rules prevent her from discussing U.S. Steel.

In Hamilton, Gerstenberger said he was angered that U.S. Steel had taken such a damaging step so soon after buying the former Stelco.

"Not that long ago, they were telling me how lucky we were to have U.S. Steel buy us," he said.

"Now a year and four months later we're shut down completely. We were the last Canadian steel company and now all the decisions are being made outside the country as far as what's good for Hamilton and what's good for Canada."

The steel industry is battling the worst downturn in demand in decades. Orders have dried up from manufacturers of cars, appliances and machinery, and steel prices have collapsed, prompting steelmakers to slash production and staff.

U.S. Steel has already shut down operations at its steelmaking and mining operations in Texas, Michigan, Minnesota and Illinois. U.S. Steel spokesperson Chuck Rice said there was "no way of knowing" when the steel market might pick up.

"I don't think there's anything parallel to this economic environment," he said last night. "Our primary customers in the auto industry and the appliance industry, well you can see what struggles they're having."

He said the move would not lead to a permanent shutdown of the older, less efficient Hamilton Steel operation.

"It's an integral part of the operation," he said. The shutdowns are expected to take a heavy toll on Hamilton's economy, hitting companies far beyond the plant gates, including local firms that transport steel and perform maintenance on machinery.

"For the local people this will be quite a blow," said Bill Ferguson, leader of the United Steelworkers union in Lake Erie. "This plant, Lake Erie, has never shut down in its history."

Workers and community leaders were stunned by the news yesterday, which include 786 layoffs at Lake Erie Works and 720 further cuts at Hamilton Steel.

Mayor Fred Eisenberger said he got a call from a U.S. Steel Canada representative yesterday afternoon to warn him about the impending job losses.

"I was stunned," he said, noting he has family who works at the company, a connection he suspects many Hamiltonians also have. "It's hitting pretty close to home."

Eisenberger said he's urging the federal government to deal with its employment insurance issues quickly. He added that the temporary shut down "screams out" for the need for immediate infrastructure spending to help the troubled economy.

"The good news is this is not a shutdown, this is an idling," he said. "This is not the end of the steel industry in Hamilton."

New Democrat Paul Miller (Hamilton East-Stoney Creek) worked for 32 years at Stelco before entering politics.

"Stelco provided jobs that helped families pay off their mortgages and put their kids through school," he said. "I shudder at the economic toll this will take."

Premier Dalton McGuinty declined to comment. Ontario is in dire economic shape, due largely to the unravelling of the manufacturing sector that has seen steel, auto and other industries demolished. The province is due to post a record breaking deficit in the range of $18 billion later this month.

"This is terrible news for Hamilton and the Nanticoke community," said Ontario Economic Development Minister Michael Bryant. "It is our hope that they will be back up ... and we want to explore every opportunity to see how we can make a contribution to get there."
ArcelorMittal Dofasco has yet to lay off any permanent employees, though it has cut the equivalent of 500 full-time workers through reductions in overtime and contract workers.

npowell@thespec.com
905-526-4620
http://www.thespec.com/News/Local/article/523647

Haldimand "What is Disaster Relief Assistance?"

2009-03-02T05:21:00.000-08:00

Much needs to be done in order to get disaster relief assistance from the government. A declaration by our council needs to be done within 14 days after the disaster. Once that is completed the government will decide if we are eligible for any funds. The funds are as follows, $2.00 from the Province for every $1.00 raised by the community.

A committee has to be formed of residents that are not effected by the flood and no members of council are allowed on this committee. These are just a few things that need to be done.

The following is a news article about Lorne Boyko, and is followed by some excerpts from the Disaster Relief Assistance Program.

If I hear of any fundraisers that are going on in the community, I will post it on my blog.

Haldimand County : County In Need of Disaster Relief
Posted by Adam Liefl

After recent flooding by the Grand River caused more than $1.6 million in damage, Haldimand County is searching for relief. Councillor Lorne Boyko conducted a survey over the last week that qualifies the county for help under the Ontario Disaster Relief Assistance Program. Haldimand will consider the option for some areas of Dunnville and Cayuga today.
http://cd989.com/modules/news/article.php?storyid=15528

Purpose of the Program

The Ontario Disaster Relief Assistance Program (ODRAP) is intended to alleviate the
hardship suffered by private homeowners, farmers, small business enterprises and non-profit
organizations, whose essential property has been damaged in a sudden and unexpected
natural disaster, such as a severe windstorm, tornado, flood, forest fire or ice storm.

ODRAP provides funds to those who have sustained heavy losses for essential items such
as shelter and the "necessities of life." ODRAP does not provide full cost recovery
for all damages resulting from a disaster: it helps eligible recipients restore
essential furnishings and property only to pre-disaster condition.

ODRAP provides assistance when damages are so extensive that they exceed the financial
resources of the affected individuals, the municipality and community at large. This
program does not cover damages to privately-owned, non-essential property, nor to
essential property where private insurance is normally available.

In the event of a natural disaster, individuals are expected to bear the initial responsibility
for their losses. If the losses are so extensive that individuals cannot cope on their own,
the municipality and the community at large are expected to provide support.

Private Insurance
Individuals have a responsibility to take reasonable precautions to ensure their own
safety and protection, including their property. ODRAP is not an alternative or
a substitute for adequate private insurance coverage and sound risk
management. Damage claims should be directed first to insurance companies to
determine coverage of individual policies.

How ODRAP Works

Disaster Declaration

The Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing is authorized to declare a "disaster area"
for the purposes of the ODRAP program. The municipal council asking for assistance
under the ODRAP program must adopt a resolution outlining the following:

1. the municipality’s request for a disaster area declaration;
2. whether all or a specified portion of the municipality is to be declared a disaster area.

The request for a disaster area declaration must be submitted to the Minister of
Municipal Affairs and Housing within 14 working days of the date of the disaster.

The council resolution should clearly define/identify the area which may be declared
as the disaster area. Municipal boundaries may not coincide with areas damaged by the
disaster. In this regard, municipalities should try to define all areas damaged by the
disaster to ensure fair treatment to all affected residents. It is important to note that only
damages within the declared disaster area are eligible for ODRAP funding.

Sample Resolution

Whereas the municipality of (name) recently experienced a (describe type of disaster
event) on (date), the council of the municipality of (name) hereby requests the
Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing to declare the (specific area/municipality) a
"disaster area" for the purposes of the Ontario Disaster Relief Assistance Program
(ODRAP);
and further, should the Minister declare a disaster, Council will immediately,
under the authority of ODRAP, appoint members to a disaster relief committee to
administer ODRAP, as required.

Supporting information should accompany the resolution including:
• the number of private properties, farms, small businesses and non-profit
organizations that have incurred damages as a result of the disaster;
• the number of residents, small businesses or farms affected;
• the extent and the preliminary cost estimates of damages suffered;
• newspaper clippings, photographs and other documentary evidence where available;
and,
• other information council feels is pertinent (e.g. Conservation Authority reports, etc.).

Defining the Disaster

The Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing has the authority to declare a disaster
area for the purpose of this program. In determining whether a disaster has occurred,
the minister considers both the cause of the damages and the extent of the damages
relative to the financial resources of the affected area. The municipality will be notified
as to whether or not a disaster declaration has been made.

Should the minister declare a disaster area, the municipal council must appoint a disaster
relief committee (DRC) as soon as possible. If more than one municipality is affected by a
disaster, a joint committee can be formed with representatives appointed from each of
the affected municipalities. (Refer to the Guidelines for Disaster Relief Committees.)

Role of the Province

ODRAP is administered through the Municipal Services Offices and coordinated through
the Municipal Support Services Branch of the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
listed on page 11.

The local Municipal Services Offices advise municipalities in setting up disaster
relief committees and help the committees establish operating procedures. Ministry
representatives will attend the inaugural meeting of the disaster relief committee and
provide appropriate help. Staff of the Municipal Services Offices also help municipalities
determine if public infrastructure damages are eligible for compensation.

Provincial Financial Assistance - Private Costs

A disaster relief committee must be established as quickly as possible for each disaster
area declared by the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. The purpose of the
committee is twofold: to raise funds for the benefit of disaster victims, and to settle the
eligible claims of these victims as efficiently as possible.

The province will contribute up to $2 for every local dollar raised, to an amount necessary to settle all the eligible claims, up to 90 per cent of all eligible costs. Thus, no surplus funds are
created.

The following is a list of costs not covered by ODRAP:
The following is a list of costs covered by ODRAP:

Eligible Losses and Costs

• restoration, repairs, or replacement to pre-disaster condition of a principal,
year-round residence, farm buildings and principal business enterprise
building
• essential furnishing of a private residence including refrigerator, freezer,
furnace, stove, clothes washer and dryer
• tools or other items essential to the claimant’s livelihood, including farm
machinery and equipment
• for farms, replacement cost only of orchard trees
• for business enterprises, replacement of inventory at cost
• livestock fencing
• restoration, repair, or replacement to pre-disaster condition of churches,
cemeteries, private schools, private clubs and other associations
• emergency expenses (e.g. evacuation costs, food and shelter, essential
clothing)
• perishable food
• heat and light supplies (e.g. fuel for light and heat, heaters)

Ineligible Losses and Costs
• losses covered by insurance
• insurance deductible
• secondary residences e.g. cottages
• non-essential furniture (e.g. stereos, recreation room furniture)
• landscaping, fencing, driveways and retaining walls
• recreational vehicles (e.g. boats, snowmobiles)
• antiques and collections
• loss of revenue or wages
• losses recoverable at law

The Disaster Relief Committee

Setting up the Committee

As soon as possible after a disaster area has been declared by the minister, council
appoints a disaster relief committee by resolution. Where a disaster affects more than
one municipality, all councils should participate in the appointment of representatives
to a common disaster relief committee.

The disaster relief committee and its sub-committees act as an autonomous body
operating within provincial guidelines to raise funds and settle claims. The committee
ensures that all claims are dealt with fairly and equitably. The scope and nature of
damages will help determine how many committee members are required.
The disaster relief committee’s work could usually take anywhere from six months to
about one year to complete.

Council appoints the committee members from among its citizens, preferably from an unaffected area if possible, and should choose persons with varying backgrounds as it is desirable to obtain a variety of expertise for the committee.

The committee members may not be members of council and should have no potential
conflict of interest in the collection or distribution of funds. If two or more
municipalities are involved, equitable representation on the committee is encouraged. In
unincorporated areas, the committee should be appointed by the group which made
the request for disaster area declaration (e.g. local service board).

Disaster Relief Committee Responsibilities
1. To appoint from among its members a chairperson and, if sub-committees
are established, the appropriate number of vice-chairpersons.
2. To appoint a treasurer, who should not be a member of the committee and,
if necessary, to appoint a secretary. The treasurer could be a municipal staff
person or a paid contract position.
3. To set up a disaster relief fund and bank account.
4. To register the fund as a charity with Revenue Canada.
5. To solicit donations to the fund and to organize fund-raising activities.
6. To establish guidelines and procedures for the receipt, appraisal, review and
settlement of claims for losses and damages.
7. To advertise the existence of the fund, the availability of assistance, and the terms
on which assistance will be provided.
8. To hire professional adjuster(s) for claims greater than $500 and appraise damages
for claims less than $500.
9. To distribute claim forms.
10. To approve payments in a consistent manner based on reports from the adjuster
in accordance with the program guidelines and the committee’s procedures.
11. To make payments to claimants.
12. To hire auditors to review the activities of the fund and prepare an audit report.
13. To submit an audited report to the local Municipal Services Office for review and
payment of the provincial contribution.

Inquiries
For more information regarding this publication, please call your nearest
Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing office:

Central Municipal Services Office - Toronto
777 Bay Street, 11th Floor
Toronto ON M5G 2E5
(416) 585-6226 Toll Free : 1-800-668-0230
FAX: (416) 585-6882

http://74.125.95.132/search?q=cache:7oxSLxUA-s4J:www.mah.gov.on.ca/Asset1599.aspx+Ontario+Disaster+Relief+Assistance&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=2&gl=ca

Haldimand "Kudo's to the Regional News and Gary McHale"

2009-02-25T11:54:00.000-08:00

Kudos to Chris Pickup, editor/owner and publisher of the Regional News this Week. More on this in a moment.

For those of you that receive regular updates from Caledonia Wake up Call and Gary McHale from Canace, you would have received via email last week Gary’s profound apology to the Regional Newspaper.

This apology came about when Gary McHale spewed his mouth off about the Regional Newspaper "refusing" to print Toby Barrett’s news releases. I looked for this apology in the Regional Newspaper today and it is not there? It is obvious that Chris Pickup owner of that newspaper was not concerned at all about his "accusations" that may have damaged the reputation of her newspaper.

Here is the apology;

February 19, 2009
Apology to Regional News:

Recently I sent out an email that stated the Regional News had refused to print a Press Release from Toby Barrett.

It was an unfortunate choice of words that gave the impression that the Regional News had taken a side against Mr. Barrett and/or his proposed inquiry. This did not reflect the truth in regards to the Regional News. I am well aware that many media receive hundreds of news items per day and they are unable to print all of them.

I do not know the political views of the Regional News, if any, and I understand that items printed by the paper that are written by me are my stated views, and not theirs.

I would like to offer my most sincere apology to the Regional News and to its owner/publisher Chris Pickup, for any harm, embarrassment and/or inconvenience caused by my inappropriate choice of words.
Gary McHale

Chris Pickup’s editorial in the newspaper today explains how she feels about Gary McHale and his cause. Although Chris states that Gary’s opinion is his own; she is supporting his efforts by giving him "free space" in her newspaper. Is this wrong? Not in my opinion, it is her newspaper.
Once again Kudo's to Chris!

She goes on to say that the Regional News this Week "does not pay" McHale for his "columns", and his "viewpoints" are his own. She ends off by saying; "I believe he, and we, deserve to have his voice heard". Once again Kudo’s Chris!

Now as you may know my blog is called "Haldimand’s Unheard Voice". Why, well I felt and still feel sometimes that my voice is not heard. When I write a blog I give others the opportunity to voice their opinions, and that is what most blogs are about, "opinions".

Newspapers have the same thing, called the "editorial page", where you can write a letter to the editor and hope that it is printed. I am sure that newspapers get so many letters each week it would be impossible to publish them all, so the decision of what to print is up to the editor of that paper.

So once again Kudo's to Chris for taking a strong stand on behalf of Gary McHale's views.

In doing this Chris is helping to build Gary McHale's business, Canace. It is no secret that Gary McHale speaks on behalf of Canace. Canace is an "incorporated" business that sells a service and is supported by donations. Canace in turn supports McHale financially. This is a "business".

The Regional Newspaper in the past has published more than one letter to the editor in regards to donations for Gary McHale. With your monthly donation of say $5.00, you become a member of Canace. Gary McHale is not speaking on behalf of himself; he is speaking on behalf of the people that support him financially.

Oh I almost forgot; Kudo's to Gary McHale for your weekly column!

So my question to Chris Pickup is what about all of the advertisers that keep your paper in circulation? They all "sell a service" of one kind or the other. Will you now afford them all free space in your newspaper?

Haldimand "Keep Alberta Nuclear Free"

2009-02-23T19:34:00.000-08:00

This is a good read.

Response to response on nuclear plants

Tuesday February 24, 2009
Letter to the Editor,
An earlier letter from Elaine Nowak-Wheeler seems to have really irked Bruce Power, to warrant a rebuttal from their Manager of Media Relations.

I’d like to elaborate on what Elaine said about plans for several nuclear plants in Alberta – though they were not specifically proposed by Bruce Power. It is common knowledge from the Internet that a “White Paper” was put forward to a group of “influential conservatives” in October 2006.

This recommendation was authored by one Cosmos Voutsinos, a mechanical engineer who has worked in the nuclear industry in Canada, the USA and Taiwan. It suggested that the tar sands could best be exploited by construction of a nuclear reactor by the year 2013, with an option for 10 more nuclear reactors between 2019 and 2023, and spaced about 40 kilometres apart across northern Alberta. The report said these could be financed privately or by the government, with the option later for the oil industry to purchase such.

It should be noted that when Bruce Power states it only has plans for one nuclear plant in the Peace Country, such a plant would include four nuclear reactors. Hence the idea that northern Alberta could become home to about 14 nuclear reactors.

The Alberta Government is awaiting the overdue final report of its Expert Nuclear Panel to decide if nuclear power will become part of the provincial energy mix. Given that this panel had no representation from the human health or environmental sectors, we can expect the recommendations will be based on economic criteria, and the need to distract the world from looking at our “dirty tar sands”.

We are all aware that the nuclear industry is conducting an elaborate and expensive propaganda campaign to make us believe that nuclear power will be a “good mix” in our electricity supply in a “bid to combat climate change”, just like the Media Manager says.

If one considers the full nuclear cycle from mining, refining and processing, to construction of nuclear facilities – a plant must operate for 10 years just to break even on its production of greenhouse gas emissions.

The Canadian Nuclear Association is like the Chamber of Commerce of the nuclear world – promoting business for its members. For a nuclear company such as Bruce Power, with over 1,000 employees, the annual fee in CNA is $350,000 which would help pay for big promotional projects.

The Alberta Electric Systems Operator (AESO) has told the public of the 20 year plan in place for this province, to provide electricity from a variety of better alternate forms of energy – there is no need whatsoever to introduce nuclear power to our “mix” of energy.

Nuclear power has had no improvements in its 50 years in Canada so common sense says to let it die a natural death.

Let’s look to modern technology like solar, wind, or small hydro projects, and let’s make an effort to conserve energy so we don’t require immense increases in power generation.

To clarify a second point made by Elaine about there being seven attempts to develop nuclear power in Saskatchewan – it is accurate that these attempts were not by the fledgling Bruce Power – but by various other segments of the nuclear industry.

Saskatchewan people rejected the following: 1965 – a heavy water plant at Estevan; 1971 – a uranium enrichment plant for Estevan; 1973 – another attempt at a heavy water plant in Estevan; 1980 – proposal for a uranium refinery at Warman; 1985 – a Slowpoke reactor at the University of Saskatchewan; 1989 – proposal for a Candu-3 reactor; and 1991 – proposal by Cameco to build a nuclear waste site. (Cameco is now a major shareholder in Bruce Power – who incidentally, is only the operator of the nuclear plants at Kincardine in Ontario. Bruce Power has not built and does not own any nuclear facility anywhere.)

This factual information is from “Canada’s Deadly Secret – Saskatchewan Uranium and the Global Nuclear system” by Dr. Jim Harding of Saskatchewan.

None of the above proposed phases of the nuclear cycle have succeeded in Saskatchewan so it makes one wonder how Bruce Power managed to win favor there – as their study suggests. If it was like their survey last year of residents of the Peace Country, I would question whether it truly represents the people’s opinion.

During the Ipsos Reid survey in the Peace, conducted for Bruce Power, I was contacted seven times for my input – so much for random sampling of the population. And … the results of this survey have not been publicized. To enlarge on the claim by Bruce Power’s Media Manager that there has never been a fatality or an injury to the public due to reactor operations, let us not forget these incidents involving workers at nuclear sites:

1961 – Idaho Falls, USA – 3 killed; 1974- Leningrad, Russia – 3 killed; 1976 – Bohunice plant, Slovakia – 2 killed; 1985 – Balakova, Russia – 14 killed; 1986 – Surrey, USA – 4 killed; 1986 – Chernobyl, Ukraine – 47 workers died, plus thousands of “the public” were afflicted with thyroid cancer; and there are numerous statistics on workers who have been exposed to radiation on site at nuclear plants. (This Info is from Greenpeace International’s website – Switzerland).

I believe most of us who are against nuclear development have a greater fear of the long term health effects like cancer and leukemia, for our children and grandchildren and what will happen to the radioactive waste in the future.

Such concern is not based on rhetoric but on historical data. Good for Elaine Nowak-Wheeler for having the fortitude to speak up to Keep Alberta Nuclear Free! Adele Boucher Rymhs Secretary, Citizens Against Nuclear Development (CAND)President, Coalition for Nuclear Free Alberta (CNFA)

http://www.centralpeacesignal.com/story.php?id=203588

Haldimand "Nuclear Lies, Green Truths"

2009-02-23T19:13:00.000-08:00

March 4th, 7:30pm Sky Dragon Co-op (27 King William St., Hamilton)

*Nuclear lies, green truths - An evening on climate solutions*

What is the quickest way to stop a wind turbine? Build a nuclear reactor.

The Hamilton Peace Cafe and Sky Dragon Community Development Cooperative present Greenpeace Executive Director Bruce Cox on climate change solutions and how nuclear power threatens to put the brakes on green energy in Ontario.

The presentation and discussion will take place on Wednesday, March 4th at 7:30pm at the Sky Dragon Community Development Cooperative (Bread & Roses Cafe, 27 King William St, Hamilton, 1 block north of King & James).

Right now, Ontario is at a crossroads in terms of how electricity is going to be supplied to customers like you and me. In the next few weeks the Ontario government will release their Green Energy Act, and decide whether or not to rebuild the Pickering "B" nuclear reactor and potentially launch massive spending on new nuclear stations.

Pouring millions into new nukes is not only a bad decision for our economy and environment, it will effectively stop Ontario's renewable energy potential and fundamentally undermine Canada's ability to cut greenhouse gas emissions.

Come out for an interesting evening of presentations and discussion on climate solutions and how nuclear power stands in their way.

We need your help to tell the McGuinty government to say 'No' to $40 billion in new nuclear projects and 'Yes' to green power.

Admission is free. For more information or how you can help, call Kathryn Wrong, Greenpeace Manager(Hamilton) at 905-481-1239 or visit www.skydragon.org and check out the events section.

For more about alternative energy: http://www.renewableisdoable.ca.

Haldimand "Ontario's Green Energy Act"

2009-02-23T18:59:00.000-08:00

Ontario’s Energy and Infrastructure Minister, George Smitherman, publicly released his proposed Green Energy Act today.

The proposed Green Energy Act is a very positive step forward on Ontario’s road to a renewable electricity future. But the Government needs to do much more to promote energy conservation and efficiency.

In addition, the proposed Green Energy Act needs to be amended to make it illegal for nuclear power companies to pass their capital cost overruns on to Ontario’s long-suffering electricity consumers and taxpayers.

In this bulletin we will highlight some of the key features of the Green Energy Act and outline the additional actions that are needed to green Ontario’s economy and protect Ontario’s electricity consumers and taxpayers.

Key Features of the Green Energy Act

The Act will create a feed-in-tariff or fixed price for all renewable power projects in Ontario.
The Act will streamline the approvals process for renewable energy projects.
The Act will create mandatory electricity conservation targets for Ontario’s municipal electric utilities (e.g., Newmarket Hydro, Toronto Hydro).

Additional actions that are needed to green Ontario’s economy and protect Ontario’s electricity consumers and taxpayers.

Minister Smitherman must direct the Ontario Power Authority (OPA) to dramatically increase its funding for our municipal electric utilities’ energy conservation and efficiency programmes. To date for every dollar that the OPA has spent on energy conservation, it has contracted for $60 of new electricity generation capacity.

Ontario must stop wasting natural gas. Virtually every residential, commercial, institutional and industrial natural gas consumer in Ontario uses natural gas to provide only one service, namely heating. It is much more efficient to use these same molecules of natural gas to simultaneously produce heat and power. Combined heat and power (CHP) plants can have energy efficiencies of 80 to 90% versus the 33% energy efficiency of a nuclear reactor.

By reducing the demand for grid-supplied electricity, CHP plants can make it easier for Ontario to move to a future where all of our grid-supplied electricity comes from renewable sources. Minister Smitherman should direct the OPA to immediately establish a feed-in-tariff for all CHP projects in Ontario. That is, a feed-in-tariff which will pay homeowners, institutions and businesses to self-generate some or all of their electricity requirements.

To date the OPA has signed over 450 contracts for renewable energy with individuals, co-ops, First Nations communities and private sector developers. None of these contracts allow the renewable energy suppliers to pass their capital cost overruns on to Ontario’s electricity consumers or taxpayers.

On the other hand, Minister Smitherman is planning to give the nuclear industry a blank cheque to build two new nuclear reactors at the Darlington Nuclear Station despite the fact that every nuclear project in Ontario’s history has gone over budget. The Green Energy Act should make it illegal for nuclear power companies to pass their cost overruns on to Ontario’s long-suffering electricity consumers and taxpayers.

Please pass this message on to your friends.
Thank you.
Jack Gibbons,
Chair Ontario Clean Air Alliance
402-625 Church St,
Toronto
M4Y 2G1

Phone: 416-926-1907 ext. 240
Fax: 416-926-1601
Email: jack@cleanairalliance.org
Website: www.cleanairalliance.org
Website: www.OntariosGreenFuture.ca

Haldimand "What Happens when You Lie?"

2009-02-21T11:46:00.000-08:00

What Happens when you Lie?

Well I think that if you ask "10" people you will get "10" different answers.

I found this exercise very educational and enjoyable. I went to Wikipedia for a few answers. This is what I found;

"Propaganda"

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Propaganda is the dissemination of information aimed at influencing the opinions or behaviors of large numbers of people. As opposed to impartially providing information, propaganda in its most basic sense presents information in order to influence its audience.

Propaganda often presents facts selectively (thus lying by omission) to encourage a particular synthesis, or gives loaded messages in order to produce an emotional rather than rational response to the information presented. The desired result is a change of the attitude toward the subject in the target audience to further a political agenda.

"Bullshit"

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Bullshit (also bullcrap, bullplop, horseshit, bullbutter) is a common English expletive. It may be shortened to "bull" or the euphemism B.S. The term is common in American English. In British English, bollocks is a comparable expletive, although bullshit is now a commonly used expletive in British English as well.

As with many expletives, it can be used as an interjection (or in many other parts of speech) and can carry a wide variety of meanings. Most commonly, it is used in connection with incorrect, misleading, or false language and statements. While the word is generally used in a deprecating sense, it may imply a measure of respect for language skills, or frivolity, among various other benign usages.

In popular philosophy, Harry Frankfurt among others described the word bullshit as related to but distinct from lying

"Lies "

The various types of lies include the following:

"Fabrication"

A fabrication is a lie told when someone submits a statement as truth, without knowing for certain whether or not it actually is true. Although the statement may be possible or plausible, it is not based on fact. Rather, it is something made up, or it is a misrepresentation of the truth. Examples of fabrication: "The dog ate my homework", or "I did unplug the iron".

"Bold-faced lie"

A bold-faced (often also referred to as bare-faced or bald-faced but have slightly different meanings) lie is one which is told when it is obvious to all concerned that it is a lie. For example, a child who has chocolate all around his mouth and denies that he has eaten any chocolate is a bold-faced liar.

"Lying by omission"

One lies by omission by omitting an important fact, deliberately leaving another person with a misconception. Lying by omission includes failures to correct pre-existing misconceptions. A husband may tell his wife he was out at a store, which is true, but lie by omitting the fact that he also visited his mistress, although it is disputable whether or not this is actually a lie. In most cases, the person has not directly denied a truth, but merely omitted some part of what transpired.

"Lie-to-children"

A lie-to-children is a lie, often a platitude which may use euphemism(s), which is told to make an adult subject acceptable to children. A common example is "The stork brought you" (in reference to childbirth).

"White lie"

A white lie would cause no discord if it were uncovered, and offers some benefit to the liar, the hearer, or both. White lies are often used to avoid offense, such as complimenting something one finds unattractive. In this case, the lie is told to avoid the harmful realistic implications of the truth. As a concept, it is largely defined by local custom and cannot be clearly separated from other lies with any authority.

"Noble lie"

A noble lie is one which would normally cause discord if it were uncovered, but which offers some benefit to the liar and assists in an orderly society, therefore potentially beneficial to others. It is often told to maintain law, order and safety. A noble lie usually has the effect of helping an elite maintain power.

"Bluffing"

Pretending to have a capability or intention which one does not actually possess. Bluffing is an act of deception which is rarely seen as immoral, because it takes place in the context of a game where this kind of deception is consented to in advance by the players. For instance, a gambler who deceives other players into thinking he has different cards to those which he really holds, or an athlete who indicates he will move left and then actually dodges right, is not considered to be lying. In these situations, deception is accepted and indeed expected as a tactic.

"Misleading/Dissembling"

A misleading statement is one where there is no outright lie, but there still remains the purpose of making someone believe in an untruth. "Dissembling" likewise implies presenting facts in a way that is literally true, but intentionally misleading.

You can read more at; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lie

We’ve all heard these famous quotes; (I am sure there are more, so if you know one please post away!)

“If you tell the truth you don’t have to remember anything”

“If you tell the truth it will set you free”

“Once you tell a lie, you have to lie to cover up that lie, and eventually you believe your lie to be the truth” (I like that one the best because my mother used to tell me this one)

“Liar, liar, pants on fire”

And if you are religious, “Lie and you will go straight to Hell”

So what happens when one tells a lie? Well I believe that it all depends on the type of Lie! (Wow I can't believe that I said that!)

I recently had a conversation with our 5 year old grand daughter about her first loose tooth, and I told her to not forget to put her tooth under her pillow for the Tooth Fairy. Was this a Lie? Well according to Wikipedia it is a "Lie-to-children" lie, which is much different then say a "bold face" lie.

It is when a lie is told intentionally to the masses is where I have a very serious problem, especially when it is directed at someone I care about.

Unfortunately these types of lies do have their purpose: “to discredit an individual”, "to take someone down", "to make me feel good". I can tell you from my personal experience, it doesn’t feel very good when this happens to you!

So is it okay to Lie? Does an apology after a Lie make it all better? Why do we get so upset when someone tells a Lie about someone we care about?

I read about a blog that stated before anyone read it that their blog was all full of lies, when in fact that was a lie, because the blog was full of truth about the lies!

Haldimand "CANACE, I Speak for Myself"

2009-02-17T20:41:00.000-08:00

Well I had quite an interesting day today. It all started out when I checked my emails and found the following posts on my blog;

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post;
"Haldimand "Toby Barrett's Private Members Bill, Tr...": Doug Fleming has called for a rally at Toby's office for Tuesday morning at 10 am. Anyone interested can meet Doug at the Canadian Tire for 8:45 am to car pool over to Toby's office. Doug will leave at 9 am.

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post;
"Haldimand "Toby Barrett's Private Members Bill, Tr...": Our suggested wording for Mr. Barrett's Inquiry - http://www.caledoniawakeupcall.com/documents/Truth-CaledoniaAct.pdf

This Wed. Toby Barrett is going to introduce a Private Members Bill regarding an inquiry into the events in Caledonia.The current wording of Mr. Barrett’s Bill does NOT have support of the People of Caledonia, Haldimand or Ontario.

The greatest proof of this fact is seen by the way the Regional News (the largest media outlet in Haldimand County) refused to print Mr. Barrett’s call for an Inquiry but they did print a story entitled Please no more POLITICAL inquiries and you can read this story here - http://www.caledoniawakeupcall.com/updates/090211regional.html
Written by Gary McHale!

The People want a clear inquiry into the illegal actions of the OPP. Our suggestion for a Bill that would have support of the community can be found here -

http://www.caledoniawakeupcall.com/documents/Truth-CaledoniaAct.pdf

It is our hope that Mr. Barrett and the PC Party will rewrite their Bill to better reflect the will of the People. If not, then on Wed. a group of residents will arrive at Queen’s Park to denounce Mr. Barrett’s Bill..

Gary McHale Posted by Anonymous to Haldimand's Unheard Voice at February 17, 2009.

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post;
"Haldimand "Toby Barrett's Private Members Bill, Tr...": Donna; This is posted on Mchale's message board. Say it isn't so Donna! I never thought I'd see the day you fell under the spell of McHale. so, is it true or a lie?"Rumor has it that CANACE, Donna Pitcher, and several prominent Caledonia residents showed up at Toby Barrett's office this morning. Can anyone confirm this?"

I did confirm that the following was posted on McHales board;

Rumor has it that CANACE, Donna Pitcher, and several prominent Caledonia residents showed up at Toby Barrett's office this morning. Can anyone confirm this?

This was posted by anonymous on McHales board and there has been nothing said about their protest today. I find that highly unusual, but what better way to get people to wonder what the hell is going on!

Well I will tell you that I did drive to Simcoe this morning and arrived at around 9:45am. At that time I didn't see anyone and thought that maybe this was just a joke. As I stated in my reply to all the posts on my last blog I couldn't find out what Doug Fleming was doing. I didn't know if he was in support of Toby or Gary McHale. So I had to go and find out for myself!

The OPP had obviously got wind of what was going on as well. I still haven't figured out how they new about it but they were there waiting. I was parked about a block and a half away from Toby's office.

At about 10:15am I got out of my truck and walked down the street to see if I could see anyone. Gary McHale. Christine McHale, Jeff Parkinson, Merlyn Kinrade and a few others, were standing on the sidewalk on the opposite side of the street from Toby's office.

After about half an hour they walked across the street and stood in front of Toby's office with signs, I don't know what the signs said because I really wasn't interested. What I was interested in was how many people were there and why they were there. I counted "8" people and they were all in support of Gary McHale and his opinion that Toby Barrett needs to rewrite his Private Members Bill.

So why did I go? Well that one is simple. I am curious, and I like to see things first hand before I blog about an issue.

Now I know that there are quite a few people out there that are really upset at what Gary McHale and the members of Canace are doing. But be clear here that today this rally was "8" people. So the way I look at it was just that "8" people that are of the personal opinion that what Toby Barrett is trying to do is wrong. Do I care? No! We all have the right to our personal opinions and we all have the right to peaceful protest!

What Gary McHale and the members of Canace do not have the right to do is state that they are speaking on my behalf, or for that matter on behalf of the majority of residents of Caledonia and Haldimand!

The way I see it is that Gary McHale personally feels he has this right as he keeps saying that he got the majority of votes in Caledonia in the last Federal Election. He keeps stating that he received around (10,000 votes should be 10% not 10,000 ) 10% of the vote and this seems to give him the right to speak on our behalf! Not on my behalf he doesn't, I voted for Toby Barrett, and that was never a secret!

What I also found very disturbing was the fact that he has stated the following about the Regional Newspaper;

" The current wording of Mr. Barrett’s Bill does NOT have support of the People of Caledonia, Haldimand or Ontario. The greatest proof of this fact is seen by the way the Regional News (the largest media outlet in Haldimand County) refused to print Mr. Barrett’s call for an Inquiry but they did print a story entitled Please no more POLITICAL inquiries" (written by Gary Mchale).

So is Gary McHale speaking on behalf of the Regional Newspaper now?

Has the Regional Newspaper become "politically" involved?

Has the Regional Newspaper taken sides?

Will the Regional Newspaper be trusted by the residents of Haldimand County when people find out that they fully support Gary McHale and his personal opinions, which Gary McHale seems to think that they are ours as well?

The Regional Newspaper is supported by their advertising dollars, and is delivered "free" to every home in Haldimand County. How will their "advertisers" feel about the papers personal involvement with Gary McHale?

Well I could go on and on but I won't. You will have a chance to have your own opinions on the matter.

I did forget to mention that I am not interested in Gary McHales new "wording" for Toby Barretts Private Members Bill so I never went into the file to read it. But I did post it above if you are interested.

One thing I can say for sure is this. When I did my protest on the Dunnville bridge for "3" days, it was my "personal" protest, it was my "personal" opinion and I never stated that I was doing this on behalf of the residents of Haldimand County, I would have been a fool if I had.

So just remember that Gary McHale and Canace today protested on behalf of "8" people! Gary McHale does not have a "petition" signed by anyone in support of what they did today! So what about tomorrow? Will Gary McHale go to Toronto? Will they travel all that way with "8" people?

I say go for it Gary McHale, you have the right!

Haldimand "Toby Barrett's Private Members Bill, Truth about Caledonia Act, 2009"

2009-02-15T20:42:00.000-08:00

Toby here - Please find attached a news release titled: “Time to determine the truth about Caledonia”, in which I outline my plans to introduce legislation later this month calling for an inquiry into Haldimand, Brant, Brantford, Six Nations area land disputes.

This call for an inquiry is triggered by and builds on Ken Hewitt’s petition. As I prepare to introduce and debate this call for an inquiry, I ask you the reader for several examples that come to mind suggesting inappropriate interventions or undue influence on our area’s court system, land ownership system, or system of law enforcement.

For example, On March 2nd, 2006, I walked behind the barricades of Hydro One spools at DCE to talk with the handful of occupiers – I watched carpenters leaving, with their tools, but nobody was asking the occupiers to leave. My question – why were police not doing anything? I recall eyewitness reports of a van being thrown from the Haldimand County 6th Line bridge onto provincial Highway 6 – media photos were published of the perpetrators but as yet, to my knowledge, there have been no arrests. Again, why is that?

Toby will be introducing a private Members Bill on Wednesday February 18th, 2009 and needs our support. I would suggest that if you support this to email Toby a short note before Wednesday at; toby.barrett@pc.ola.org

At the same time Gary Mchale from CANACE has announced the following;

Rally at Queens Park: Say NO to Barrett's Political Inquiry. Please read file below for reasons why we are standing against Tobys Inquiry - Rally this Wed at 11 am - if you cannot come then please email us a letter denouncing this Inquiry at;
http://www.caledoniawakeupcall.com/documents/TobyInquiry.pdf

Hello, Toby here,

Please find attached, and below, the final draft of proposed legislation, Truth About Caledonia Act, 2009.

This Private Members Bill calls for an inquiry to

To inquire into and report on allegations of political influence in the court’s administration of justice and the police enforcement of the law with respect to activities in Six Nations, Haldimand County, Brant County and the City of Brantford, and nearby areas;

To determine the truth with respect to the ownership of land within the boundaries of the former Haldimand Tract, and nearby areas;

To make recommendations directed to the prevention of attempts of intimidation and related behaviour in similar circumstances - including recommendations with respect to: i) the improvement of mechanisms to resolve land disputes, (ii) the enhancement of respect for the courts and the rule of law, and (iii) the upholding of land ownership rights in the Province of Ontario; and to grant the commission powers under the Public Inquiries Act.

I plan to introduce the legislation on Wednesday February 18, 2009 – with debate scheduled for March 12th.

Truth About Caledonia Act, 2009
EXPLANATORY NOTE

The Bill requires the Premier to recommend to the Lieutenant Governor in Council that a commission be appointed to inquire into land disputes and other related activities in the former Haldimand Tract and nearby areas.

It is the role of the Commission to inquire into and report on the administration of justice, law enforcement and the ownership of land. It is also the role of the commission to make recommendations directed to the prevention of attempts of intimidation and related behaviour in similar circumstances. The commission is given powers under the Public Inquiries Act. Once the inquiry begins, the commission must make an interim report in six months, and a final report in 12 months.

An Act to provide for a public inquiry to determine the truth about the administration of justice, law enforcement and the ownership of land within the former Haldimand Tract and nearby areas.

Preamble

The occupation of Douglas Creek Estates in Caledonia, which began in February 2006, has resulted in a series of standoffs, and has led to additional land disputes in the rest of the former Haldimand Tract and nearby areas. These events have resulted in violence, injury, fear and intimidation, shutting down development and draining the area economy.

Questions have been raised about why the disorder and associated impacts have been allowed to continue. Allegations have been raised with respect to political influence in the courts’ administration of justice and in the enforcement of the law by the police.

Area residents want to determine the truth about ownership of the various lands in dispute.
Therefore, Her Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Assembly of the Province of Ontario, enacts as follows:

Appointment of commission
1. Within 60 days after this Act comes into force, the Premier of Ontario shall recommend to the Lieutenant Governor in Council that a commission be appointed under section 2 of the Public Inquiries Act,

(a) to inquire into and report on allegations of political influence in the administration of justice by the courts and in the enforcement of the law by the police with respect to,

(i) land disputes and other related activities in Haldimand County, Brant County and the City of Brantford, and nearby areas, and

(ii) activities on the Six Nations reserve in the former Haldimand Tract;

(b) to determine the facts with respect to the ownership of land in the areas mentioned in subclause (a) (i); and

(c) to make recommendations directed to the prevention of attempts of intimidation and related behaviour in circumstances similar to those mentioned in subclause (a) (i), including recommendations with respect to,

(i) the improvement of mechanisms to resolve land disputes,

(ii) the enhancement of respect for the courts and the rule of law, and

(iii) the upholding of land ownership rights in the Province of Ontario.

Commission’s term of office
(2) The commission shall hold office until three months after the commission’s final report is submitted to the Lieutenant Governor in Council.

Removal for cause
(3) The commission is removable at any time for cause by the Lieutenant Governor on Council on the address of the Assembly.

Powers of commission
2. Part III of the Public Inquiries Act applies to the commission and to the inquiry.

Timing of inquiry
3. The commission shall begin the inquiry within 60 days after being appointed.

Reports
4. (1) The commission shall submit an interim report to the Lieutenant Governor in Council within six months after the inquiry begins.

Final report
(2) The commission shall submit a final report to the Lieutenant Governor in Council within 12 months after the inquiry begins.

Report to be made public
(3) The commission shall make the final report public within 10 days after submitting it to the Lieutenant Governor in Council.

Time limits may be extended
5. The Lieutenant Governor in Council may extend the time limits for submitting the interim and final reports, and may extend the term of office of the commission.

Commencement
6. This Act comes into force on Royal Assent.

Short title
7. The short title of this Act is the Truth About Caledonia Act, 2009

Haldimand "The Mighty Grand"

2009-02-15T07:08:00.000-08:00

This is to all of the Volunteer Firefighters in Haldimand County that were on duty the last couple days in Cayuga and Dunnville helping residents deal with the flooding and for many evacuation.

A huge "Kudos" to you!

A command post was set up at Station 9 in Dunnville on Friday. Haldimand County Roads Crew, OPP, Haldimand County Hydro, Union Gas, the Red Cross and many others worked together through the direction of the Volunteer Fire Department. They all worked through the night Friday and continued their operations from command post until late last night. I am sure there was much relief when Firefighters were notified of the arrival of the "Griffon" on Saturday morning. I can't say enough about our Firefighters here in Haldimand County, they are in my opinion the best anywhere!

A week ago to the day the "Griffon" was at the mouth of the Grand River in Port Maitland breaking up the ice. Who would have known that a week later the "Griffon" would be back with all her might!

We sighted the "Griffon" on Lake Erie at around 9:45am Saturday morning heading towards Port Maitland. She arrived in Port Mailtand a short time later and spent hours breaking up the ice in Lake Erie before heading into the river at Port Maitland. We were on a hill just west of Port Maitland watching this unfold, what a sight it was. The Griffon weaved her way back and forth in the lake making room for the all the ice to go that had jammed up in the river.

Finally around 2:30pm the "Griffon" started her slow but steady way into the ice jammed river. She would go in a bit and then back out letting the ice flow into the lake. As the ice started to flow, the river slowly receded. The "Griffon" worked well into the evening hours. The last I heard was that the "Griffon" could not proceed any farther into the river and there was still some ice jammed around Port Maitland Marina. The "Griffon" was staying close by in case they were needed. A huge "Kudo's" to the "Griffon" and her "Crew", I can't imagine what would have happened without their assistance!

I too have many pictures of boats, trees, docks, decks etc. going over the dam in Dunnville. Please make sure you check out Bob's photos!

Flooding and ice cause massive damage along Grand River Posted
By By Bob Liddycoat -Sun Media

"It’s like watching a hurricane coming. You know it’s gonna hit and you know it’s going to cause lots of damage, but there’s nothing you can do about it," said Laurie Garbutt as he and his neighbours watched giant sheets ice leading a glut of water flow toward their homes along the Grand River in Dunnville.

Cayuga and Dunnville were particularly hard hit as melting snow and ice jams caused flooding along the 300 km. long waterway. As the ice flows, freed during the recent thaw, moved along the river they piled up at various narrow points and, each time a blockage occurred, the water piled up behind the jams causing widespread flooding and severe damage to backyards and homes. Trees, sheds, greenhouses, docks and stored boats were smashed as giant sheets of ice tore through the backyards of homes situated along the river.

The scenario repeated at various points along the River throughout the day. At one point, trees were being mowed down as ice moved along the shoreline like a bulldozer. A stream running alongside of Niagara Street in Dunnville, flowing into the Grand River, also swelled flooding homes and causing some street closures including a section of Highway 3.

At about 3:30 p.m. on Friday, Manager of Emergency Services/Fire Chief Rob Grimwood described the events of the day to the Tribune. "At about 5 a.m. this morning we responded into Cayuga on Ouse Street along the Grand River. There we assisted 22 residents in evacuating their homes, which were flooded with water – some of those by boat.

As soon as we got people out of their homes the fire department accompanied hydro and gas representatives into the homes and shut down those utilities to reduce the risk of fire in those homes. After the water receded we accompanied gas and hydro representatives back into the homes and they were inspected and the utilities were turned back on and residents were allowed to return into their homes."

Grimwood then explained how the problem progressed throughout the day. He said, "The situation in Cayuga has been stabilized but most of the water has now travelled to Dunnville and there is widespread flooding. Excessive flooding is occurring and our main concern at this point is the Dunnville arena.

We are pumping out the compressor room right now. The water is close to causing some pretty severe electrical issues to expensive equipment. We’re also setting up a perimeter and creating a plan and assessing whether any residents along the Grand River are in need of assistance and whether there are any hydro or gas issues," he explained.

There is a boat ramp at the rear of the arena parking lot and the compressor room is below grade creating a heightened flooding danger. The arena remained in use as of 5 p.m. on Friday.

Immediately after the interview firefighters were called to the Bicks Pickle plant and Grandview Lodge Seniors home where some flooding was occurring but nothing serious ensued. Both buildings are a fair distance from the river and situated on the north side of Hwy. 3.

Around 10 a.m. Friday morning one of the large ice jams occurred adjacent to the Dunnville Golf Club.` Firefighter Jason Clarke who had been knocking on doors warning of flooding all morning told the Tribune, "When the jam broke it sounded like guns exploding and the river rose about 40 feet in a few minutes. I’ve never seen anything like it."

Main Street backs onto the river and was hardest hit west of town centre. Resident Clarence McKay said he had seen the water that high in the past but never the ice. "It’s two feet above my breakwall, which is eight feet above the normal water level," he said. Neighbour North Garbutt said he and his wife thought a train was rolling through as the ice blocks tumbled over each other and piled up along the shoreline.

Here is some pics from earlier today;

http://photos.dunnvillechronicle.com/mycapture/enlarge.asp?image=22281054&event=691548&CategoryID=0&picnum=2&move=F&Slideshow=Stop#Image

Coast Guard icebreaker sent to open river

PORT MAITLAND, Ont. -- A Canadian Coast Guard icebreaker has arrived to help chop up ice in the Grand River, southeast of Hamilton, and release a jam that's caused massive flooding.
The ship pulled into Port Maitland mid-afternoon, after spending several hours clearing space in Lake Erie so there would be room for incoming ice.

Port Maitland, a tiny community located on the north shore of the lake, was evacuated and all its power cut as a precaution.

Just up the river in Dunnville, flooding has submerged streets and forced people to flee their homes in search of higher ground.

Dave Schultz of the Grand River Conservation Authority says he's not sure how long it will take for the ship to release the jam.

An ice breaker worked for six hours Thursday to unblock a similar situation in Wallaceburg, a town between Sarnia and Chatham, allowing a state of emergency there to be lifted Friday following massive flooding.
http://www.edmontonsun.com/News/Canada/2009/02/15/8398486-sun.html

Haldimand "Time to Review the Standards of Small Radioactive Leaks"

2009-02-11T06:26:00.000-08:00

The following is an update into the "small" leaks into the Chalk River in December 2008.

My personal opinion is these "small" leaks are not acceptable at all. In the "real world" these industrial leaks are dealt with in a very heavy manner by many levels of government!

Just imagine if where you take your car for an oil change every three months they leak just a "small" amount of oil into the sewer system every time an oil change is done. Or just imagine if for those of us that live here on the Lakeshore have a "small" leak every time we flush our toilets and it runs into the Lake. Well I can tell you that these "small leaks" are unacceptable by "Law"! The Nuclear Industry should be held accountable the same as all other industries. If there is a "leak" or what I would call an "accident", you are shut down, fined heavily if convicted and an investigation will take place!

Halt flow of heavy water: MPs

The Ottawa Sun
Friday, February 6, 2009
Page: 7
Section: News

Byline: BY ELIZABETH THOMPSON, SUN MEDIA

The government should rethink how much radioactive material it allows the Chalk River nuclear plant to release into the Ottawa River, opposition critics said yesterday, after a report said water containing small amounts of radioactive material is being dumped in the waterway.

"My concern is what is the proper threshold," said Paul Dewar, NDP MP for Ottawa Centre. "Quite frankly, most people think zero would be a good level."

The comments came after Natural Resources Minister Lisa Raitt tabled internal reports yesterday about a heavy water leak at the Chalk River plant in December.

In the 17 pages tabled yesterday, Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd. says it all started Dec. 4 when the research reactor was shut down "as a result of unanticipated technical problems unrelated to isotope production." A day later, AECL discovered a small heavy water leak.

Serge Dupont, associate deputy minister of Natural Resources Canada, in a memo to Raitt says AECL promptly informed Canada's nuclear watchdog of the leak.

Officials said the water that leaked from the reactor was contained and "will be treated at Chalk River's Waste Treatment Centre to reduce contamination. Prior to any release of water to the river, water is treated to remove the majority of radio nuclides."

"In the case of water containing tritium, which is not removed in the treatment process, concentration levels dictate whether the water will be stored or released," the report said, adding that the releases are carefully monitored and released at a controlled rate, subject to provincial and federal regulatory limits.

However, Dewar and Liberal MP David McGuinty question whether water containing radioactive material should be released into the Ottawa River at all.

"That's a concern of mine around standards and thresholds," said Dewar. "I think it's time we review that."

ELIZABETH.THOMPSON

Haldimand "Truth about Caledonia Inquiry Act"

2009-02-11T04:13:00.000-08:00

An inquiry into the Caledonia Land Dispute (which is what sparked all of the land disputes since then) is in my opinion an absolute must! This is where it all started!

Here is an example of some of the questions that I would like answers to;

Landowners rights, do we have any?
Is the Province going to add the South Cayuga crown lands to the Reserve?
Why did the Province buy out DCE so quickly, when the Federal government seems to have stated at that time there was no valid claim?
Why did Haldimand County refund the developers fees of around $250,000.00?
Haldimand County gave the go ahead for the builders to develop DCE (in I believe 2002) was there in fact a "Land Claim" on DCE at that time?
How have the OPP been directed in regards to Court Orders?
How much money has been spent in "Total" to all parties involved?
Who is really telling the truth?

Toby here -

Please find attached my column appearing in this week's papers titled, Time for an inquiry into area land disputes, in which I provide further detail with regard to my plans and reasoning for the introduction of legislation later this month calling for an inquiry into Haldimand, Brant, Brantford, Six Nations area land disputes.

Just as I asked last week, I continue to request of you the reader for several examples that come to mind suggesting inappropriate interventions or undue influence on our area’s court system, land ownership system, or system of law enforcement.

Time for an inquiry into area land disputes

By now, many will have heard about the petition that calls for an inquiry into justice issues surrounding the Caledonia land dispute.

Caledonia resident Ken Hewitt began distributing the petition before Christmas - both online and in hard-copy.

At time of writing, the petition has garnered over 5,000 signatures – one of them being my own.
This is not the first time I have joined a call for an inquiry into the unanswered questions plaguing our area over the past few years.

It was June of 2006 that John Tory presented an Opposition Day motion that was passed by the Legislature calling for a commission to be set up to, “inquire into and report on how absence of communication and lack of leadership by Premier McGuinty and his Liberal government allowed the Caledonia situation to escalate to a full-blown standoff and subsequently a public security crisis.” More than two years later we are still waiting.

It was November 2003, when Dalton McGuinty set out the mandate of the Ipperwash Inquiry – “1. to inquiry [sic] into and report on events surrounding the death of Dudley George; and, 2. to make recommendations directed to the avoidance of violence in similar circumstances.”

And for those of you reading this newspaper column you will now know that I intend to introduce legislation to the Parliament of Ontario also calling for a commission to conduct an inquiry.

The purpose of this inquiry, subject to further advice, will be: to determine the truth with respect to allegations of political influence in the court’s administration of justice and the police enforcement of the law with respect to activities in Six Nations, Haldimand County, Brant County and the City of Brantford; to determine the truth with respect to the ownership of land within the boundaries of the former Haldimand Tract; and to make recommendations directed to preventing similar chaotic confrontations when dealing with future land dispute issues in the province, including recommendations with respect to ways in which we can improve dispute resolution in this area and enhance respect for the courts and the rule of law; and to grant the commission powers under the Public Inquiries Act.

I propose the title of the bill to be the Truth about Caledonia Inquiry Act.

As the impacts of the ongoing land disputes continue unabated, the need for an inquiry grows more urgent by the day. Just as the Ontario Liberals previously sought answers through three private members bills - and finally government legislation - creating the Ipperwash Inquiry, so too we need answers through a Caledonia inquiry.

As with Ipperwash, an inquiry would be a way to ‘find out what happened – to look back’, as well as to ‘look forward’, and ‘propose policy reform’…all the while conducted in public view and with the participation of the public.

Further, the Ipperwash report contends that the inquiry, “was established to meet both of those objectives – to conduct an investigation and to examine policy.” – I hope to meet those same objectives through an inquiry into area land disputes.

The report goes on to say that an inquiry, “…provides a forum for citizens and groups to participate in the resolution of issues and the development of future policies.”

We need to get to the bottom of this, to consider all evidence, and to establish the truth.

Haldimand "I know People are Getting Stuck and We Hope they will Get Home"

2009-02-09T17:20:00.000-08:00

Standards, snow and cash factor into snow plow response
Posted By KAREN BEST, CHRONICLE STAFF WRITER
Feb 6, 2009

Snow blows across the road as Ted Pitcher heads out to work but his trip is cut short when he finds his route off Lakeshore Road is clogged with snow.

When he is asked when that happened, he stops to think. There's been so many mornings like that, he says.

One day, he tried to drive up the Hald-Dunn Townline but it was so badly blown in that a car and a school bus was stuck half way up the road. The two drivers were waiting for a plow and a tow truck. Pitcher turned around and fought his way back to his Lakeshore Road home and then waited a plow to go by. It was just another day where snow made him late getting to work in Stoney Creek.

Once he got stuck and couldn't move and even a tow truck would not venture out to help.

Eventually someone on an ATV arrived and taxied him home. Pitcher says he went back to his pick up truck the next morning and found a police officer, who could not drive his cruiser down the road, walking to investigate his abandoned vehicle.

In the wee hours of Jan. 30, a Chronicle rural delivery agent finds himself captive in a drift. For almost seven hours he is stranded. People stop to check on him and to see if they can help but this is obviously a job for a plow or a tow truck.

"I know they are fighting against the wind blowing snow off fields," says Pitcher. "One time it was 24 hours before a plow drove down Lakeshore Road.

Now, like a Boy Scout, he is prepared. He has extra gloves, pants and a shirt in his truck just in case.

Pitcher's experiences are the result of a blustery winter season, minimum standards for snow and ice removal, legislated limits to workers' hours in trucks and limited county finances.

Wray Oakes has received numerous complaints over the past three months due to drifting and blowing snow. As the county's road operations manager, he is the person overseeing snow and ice removal.

"It's been a long winter," he says.

In 2003, before he was working in the municipality, county council adopted minimum standards for addressing winter road conditions.

"Minimum standards help municipalities set standards in defence of liability. They are tested in court," explains Oakes.

The legislated standards were set by the Ontario government at the request of municipalities facing snow-related lawsuits.

The standards are based on depth of snow, response time and road class.

Operations staff assess the road network, establish classes and design a snow removal system that adheres to standards, he says. Under the county's policy which exceeds provincial standards, not every road will be taken to bare or centre bare conditions.

A 90 per cent sand and 10 per cent salt mixture is applied to improve traction on Class 4 and 5 roads, which include almost every Dunnville street. The goal is to take roads to centre bare or track bare conditions.

Class 5 roads and streets have a 50km speed limit and between 200 and 999 cars travelling on it every day. Within 16 hours of icy conditions, Class 5 streets must be treated. Response time is measured from the end of the storm.

Class 2 roads are Haldimand Road 54 and Highway 56 and connecting links including Highway 3 through Dunnville and Highway 6 through Jarvis and Caledonia.

Four years after standards were set, the Ontario government amended the Highway Traffic Act to set limits on how long a person can drive a truck.

County plow drivers are scheduled accordingly. They are on the road at 4:30 a. m. and drive back into public works yards by 5 or 6 p. m. Workers who start later drive until 7 p. m.

In the evening or past midnight, the county is not servicing roads due to minimum service levels and the inability of staff to respond due to limits on working hours, notes Oakes.

People are surprised to hear this because they expect plowing when roads are snowy, he adds.

Over the years, a number of changes were made by the county in an attempt to bring plowing into compliance with Ontario law.

In Nov. 2007, council approved spending $170,000 to hire part time drivers for six months. At that time, Oakes warned council that without adding personnel, the county faced fines for failing to meet working hour limits for drivers.

Last October, council agreed to spending $103,000 for wages for temporary fulltime plow drivers for the remainder of 2008. A sum of $180,000 was to be added to the 2009 budget to cover remaining winter control costs for this season.

In his 2008 report, Oakes stated that three workers were deployed in the four county districts but even with this extra help, the county could not provide 100 per cent of its services for about six per cent of the season.

Main arterial roads such as Haldimand Roads 17 and 54 are maintained by contractors as necessary but roads categorized in levels 4, 5 and 6 are not. Traffic volume is a key factor in service levels.

"Our guys have been fantastic working day after day for extended hours," says Oakes.

They are assigned to specific routes. With a run from Selkirk to the Hald-Dunn Townline taking five hours, the plow might not arrive in South Cayuga until mid-morning, he adds.

In extreme conditions, visibility becomes a problem so plough drivers travel very slowly which adds to delays in operations, says Oakes.

Like Oakes, Don Ricker's phone has been ringing a lot this winter because he is the Haldimand County councillor representing people living along the lake from Mohawk Point to the Hald-Dunn Townline.

Ninety per cent of the lake is frozen so that makes a huge difference with blowing snow, he says. So much snow lands the roadways that there isn't room to pile it. After storms, county crews move piles from one side of the road to the other in an attempt to reduce drifting, he adds.

This winter, the county has deployed as much manpower and equipment as possible. Ricker says graders, back hoes and all available plows have been on the roads making them safe for people on their way to work or on their way home.

Ricker knows people want to see plows out moving snow and salting roads at all hours but it's not possible. Limits are set for municipal employees and hiring numerous contractors is expensive.

"We can't afford to put trucks on the road 24/7," says Ricker. "I know people are getting stuck and we hope they will get home."

Even so, some public works employees are available on an on-call basis. In the case of an emergency and access blocked to paramedics, firefighters or police officers, a plow driver is called out to clear the way to the emergency, says Ricker. This protocol has been used this winter, he adds.

Some of the responsibility falls on residents who decide when and where they want to go, points out Ricker.

"It's been a long time since we had a winter like this," he says. "It's been non-stop since November."

And it will be an expensive winter. Ricker believes expenses will exceed levels set in the county's winter control budget.

People realize this is a winter like one the county has not experienced in many years, says Coun. Buck Sloat.

Drawing on his knowledge as a member of the Haldimand County Hydro board, Sloat points out that the local hydro utility has the second highest kilometres of wires in Ontario. That relates to the quantity of roads so it's difficult to clear snow in a large geographic area, he added.

Article ID# 1422689
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Haldimand "Have Your Say about a New Arena"

2009-02-09T17:01:00.000-08:00

You can go to http://www.dunnvillechronicle.ca/ and have your say in regards to an Arena in Dunnville, there is also a poll.

County talks arena fundraising
Posted By KAREN BEST, CHRONICLE STAFF WRITER
Feb 6, 2009

Twenty-four. That's how many days will pass before we know if a new Dunnville or a new Cayuga arena is recommended by Haldimand County staff.

At council's committee meeting on March 2, community services general manager Hugh Hanly will table the long-awaited arena report. Money will be a central theme but may take on a different look if the county can access federal government recreation funding.

In its 2009 budget, the Conservative government announced a $500 million Recreational Infrastructure Canada fund. The two-year program will provide financing toward new recreational facilities and repairs for existing community buildings.

"This is an opportunity for us especially if two new arenas are needed," points out Coun. Lorne Boyko. While $500 million is not a lot for the entire country, he notes that two weeks earlier there was no federal funding available.

Coun. Buck Sloat, who represents Cayuga, says it would be great to receive 50 per cent funding for two new arenas.

"We certainly will be applying for this, from this councillor's perspective," he said. "The Cayuga arena is shovel-ready to go. All we need is an engineer's plan and templates exist (for that)."

Last spring, a consultant recommended the county replace the two aging facilities and estimated new single pad arenas will cost at least $8 million each.

Before and since that announcement, the Dunnville Arena and Sport Project group and the Cayuga Think Rink committee have been fundraising and gathering support.

At the end of January, Hanly and leisure services manager Rick Lane met with the groups to talk about fundraising targets.

Details were not disclosed but the Dunnville group tabled its goal at a Jan. 21 meeting and told Hanly it was achievable.

The information gathered from both groups will be used to create financial models and will give a better idea when a project can commence, notes Hanly.

For the final research piece, community services personnel talked to construction firms about costs and have investigated real estate values for land, he adds.

Council has directed staff to do something with the two facilities and after they make a decision, then location will be discussed, says Hanly.

For the Dunnville group, Ramsay Drive remains their site of choice. So far 3,231 people have submitted forms indicating they support this location. An arena committee member said most of the petition forms were clipped from an advertisement in The Chronicle. Some were taken from another local newspaper.

According to the county's chief administrative officer, the report will be based on the premise that any new construction will be financed by the municipality. Don Boyle also said that report can easily be amended if federal financing is secured.

"I fully support investing in recreation facilities," he stated. "There are a lot of county priorities, Ultimately it will be council's decision."

Article ID# 1422663
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Haldimand "Nanticoke Nuclear Update"

2009-02-09T16:51:00.000-08:00

I am on the mailing list for any updates from Bruce Power but have not received this update yet. I am also on slo mo dialup so I cannot download the video, so for those that can, please share your thoughts.

So in the meantime here is an update from Karen Best of the Dunnville Chronicle;

Nanticoke Nuclear plant updates mailed out
Posted By KAREN BEST, CHRONICLE STAFF WRITER
Feb. 6, 2009

Recipients of a Nanticoke nuclear plant update learned a 170 metre bore hole will be drilled into rock under a key building site.

If constructed, the power block will contain two nuclear reactors, turbines and generators capable of producing up to 3,200 megawatts of power.

Another part of the environmental assessment (EA), background radioactivity measurement will continue this month.

An EA is a federally mandated investigation into the state of physical, biological and human components of the environment and surrounding area.

This month, Bruce Power anticipates the EA will be referred by the Federal Minister of Environment to the Joint Review Panel. Over several months beginning in October, a draft environment impact statement will be reviewed by experts and will be presented to the public, aboriginal groups and stakeholders.

Joint Review Panel hearings for the public will be held next summer.

So far engineering consulting firm Golder Associates has completed a phase II EA that includes an archeological assessment and bird migration study. Air, lake water and surface water quality and surface water flow was also documented.

Of 50,000 comment cards mailed to area residents, 1,000 were returned indicating a strong interest in the EA according to Bruce Power.

About 600 people attended December information sessions and a second round will be held in March in five locations including Dunnville.

Last month, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission posted an environmental assessment schedule at http://www.nuclearsafety.gc.ca/.

Further information is available on the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency website http://www.ceaa.gc.ca/ where the project's registry number is 08-03-43757.

To view a video presentation on the Nanticoke project go to http://www.brucepower.com//flash/GMS/ nanticoke/nanticoke. html

http://www.dunnvillechronicle.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1422649&auth=KAREN%20BEST,%20CHRONICLE%20STAFF%20WRITER