Water meters

by Cheryl Waugh
NORTHEASTERN MANITOULIN and the ISLANDS (NEMI) --- The town is 
beginning the process of getting water metres installed in Little 
Current and Sheguiandah, and NEMI residents can look forward to 
public meetings on the issue next year, once a consultant is secured 
in early 2003.
Ron Lewis, chair of the Public Works committee, said water metres 
will be coming to Little Current and Sheguiandah, as well as many 
other Northern Ontario communities as a way to combat rising water 
costs.
New provincial water protection legislation in the aftermath of the 
Walkerton ecoli disaster means there is more testing and more costs 
to running a water system. Many municipalities are facing costly 
upgrades to water treatment plants, or having to build new plants. 
The new Little Current water treatment plant doesn't require much in 
the way of upgrading, but the Sheguiandah plant does. It is also 
still running a deficit.
Councilor Lewis said the cost of water is becoming a burden for a lot 
of municipalities, and in order to alleviate that burden one of two 
things must occur, either the municipality must find a cheaper way to 
process water or less water must be used. The latter option of 
promoting water conservation is the more realistic of the two.
"If we get water metres involved then we know where water is being 
used the most, and can charge accordingly. Users will also know how 
much water they are using and hopefully, once they realize that, they 
will conserve water," said Councilor Lewis.
He noted that putting water metres in is a big issue, but added that 
the province has made it quite clear that the "user will pay."
He said all the town wants to do now is to study the proposal. They 
plan on reviewing other municipalities who have recently installed 
water metres, and will look into the various consultants available to 
help them make the best decisions. "The consultant will provide 
information concerning the installation, and tell us what process to 
use. We're just greenhorns, we don't know how to put water metres in."
He said the Public Works committee sought council's approval at its 
meeting last Wednesday because the committee will have to incorporate 
the costs into its 2003 budget.
He said while the consultants will tell the town what the best 
options are, Mr. Lewis noted there are two ways to go about paying 
for the water metres. One is a rental option, whereby the metres are 
installed and the user pays a fee on it until it is paid off. The 
second option is cash upfront, whereby the user pays the total amount 
of the water metre's costs in one lump sum. Mr. Lewis estimated the 
cost of installing a water metre at about $250-$300.
"We want to make the transition as palatable as possible to all. We 
have a lot of seniors in our community and we don't want this to 
become a burden. These are the sort of issues that we have to deal 
with as we go forward with the project."
He said he would personally like to see water metres installed in the 
municipality in 2003, but if it takes until 2004 then "that's the way 
it'll be. We want to find the most reasonable approach to take."
He added that public meeting will be held, "People will have the 
opportunity to put their ideas to us", and reiterated the fact that 
he believes water metres are the best way to go for the town. "The 
installation of waster metres will be beneficial, as we will be able 
to keep a good tab on water usage, and costs."

Tories act on electricity crisis

by Michael Erskine
TORONTO---Premiere Ernie Eves announced a sweeping series of measures 
Monday, designed to turn back rising energy costs and stop the 
free-fall descent of his party's popularity which, despite Premier 
Eves denials, was quickly causing dissent and even open signs of 
mutiny within his caucus.
"It is unacceptable that families are being hit with Hydro bills they 
can't afford, and businesses are facing cost increases significantly 
larger than they can handle," said the Premier, in announcing his 
changes to Ontario's electricity market. "The problem requires 
immediate action and we are taking it. From now on, the only time 
your electricity bill will go up is when you use more power."
If passed by the legislature, the government's plan would see 
electricity rates for consumers and businesses capped at 4.3 cents 
per kilowatt hour, effective December 1, 2002. The rate would be 
frozen there until, the government suggests, 2006.
Those on fixed rate contracts would also see their bills drop to 4.3 
cents, so those who had the foresight to lock in at a lower rate will 
now lose their bragging rights. There was no word on any compensation 
for private market electricity suppliers who had entered the new 
de-regulated market, and who arguably would have to now supply energy 
at a lower than market cost rate.
No one would have their electricity cut off for non-payment until 
March 31, 2003.
The bill will be retroactive, returning any money paid by consumers 
over the 4.3 cent level, going back to May 1, 2002. The first 
installment of the refund will be sent out as soon as possible, 
perhaps even before the end of the year, and electricity distributors 
would credit the remainder on consumer's bills as soon as they are 
able.
Delivery rates will be capped at current levels and an independent 
inquiry would be held into how Hydro bills are calculated to ensure 
they are reasonable, and a new, easy-to-read and understandable bill 
will be designed for use province-wide.
The debt repayment plan would be continued, perhaps even at an 
accelerated rate, once new electricity sources are put on-stream.
The province plans to demand that the federal government stops 
charging GST on Hydro bills, although it was not made clear if the 
province would change its method of applying the debt repayment 
charge which led to it being included in the GST eligible total.
The government's plan would encourage consumers to reduce their consumption.
"As an incentive to conserve, one of the principles we are leaving in 
place is that the less electricity you use, the less you pay," said 
Premier Eves in making the announcement. "The average household is 
using more electricity this year than last year. People can reduce 
their costs, and help the environment, by using less power. The less 
electricity you use, the less you should pay."
The need for new sources of energy to ensure a stable long-term 
electricity supply at reasonable prices is recognized in the 
Premier's announcement, although the details of how they plan to 
address the issue of supply when electricity prices are capped at the 
4.3 cent rate were not included in the announcement.
The government plans to launch an independent investigation into 
delays in bringing the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station back 
on-line will be detailed in the coming days.
Changes to the board of Ontario Power Generation will also be 
announced within the next few days, said Premier Eves.
Scarborough East MPP Steve Gilchrist will be appointed as 
Commissioner of Alternative Energy and he will be spearheading a 
number of initiatives for conservation, clean energy and alternative 
fuels. The incentives will include tax incentives and tax holidays to 
encourage that clean green power will be included in the stream of 
new energy sources coming on-stream.
"I expect all MPPs to do the right thing and give our plan speedy 
approval when it is presented to them, so we can help families and 
businesses as soon as possible," said Premier Eves. "We will continue 
to work towards a long-term solution that keeps prices reasonable, 
and ensures a stable supply of electricity supply, at reasonable 
prices, to meet Ontario's long-term needs."
Contacted on Monday after the Premier's announcement, 
Algoma-Manitoulin MPP Mike Brown said he still had many unanswered 
questions about the government's plans.
"Still, it looks like consumers are going to at least have some of 
their money returned, so they can continue to stay in business and 
keep their families warm over the winter, and for that I am very 
happy," said Mr. Brown. "But on the other hand, you can hardly give 
the arsonist credit for putting out the fire. We still need to know a 
lot more than he is telling us."
Some of Mr. Brown's questions may have been answered on Tuesday, when 
Energy Minister John Baird will be announcing details on the 
government's action plans for new electricity supply. On Wednesday, 
Mr. Baird and Mr. Glichrist will be announcing initiatives for clean 
and alternative energy, signaling a determination to stick with clean 
energy sources to meet the province's needs.

Crowd braves cold to get first look at landfill

by Neil Zacharjewicz
NORTHEASTERN MANITOULIN and the ISLANDS - After 20 years of waiting
to get a glimpse of the new landfill site and recycling facility,
residents of the Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands were not
about to let a little cold keep them away from their first
opportunity to tour the site.
On Tuesday, October 22, residents gathered at the site to celebrate
its grand opening and participate in guided tours of the long-awaited
facility. The ceremony was kept brief due to the biting cold.
"I'd like to welcome you to the opening of a site that is second to
none," suggested Councillor Ron Lewis. He explained there has been a
lot of government input, particularly on the part of the Ministry of
the Environment. One of the stipulations the ministry requires, he
pointed out, is that a citizens liaison committee be formed.
"They will deal with our municipality if they feel there are issues
which need to be brought to our attention," Mr. Lewis indicated. "We
have found they are a very effective committee."
Mr. Lewis pointed out the members of the committee include co-chairs
Carol Windover and Floyd Lockyer, as well as Judy Ferguson and Bill
Strain.
Master of Ceremonies Frank Reynolds indicated over the course of the
20 year project, there have only been three people who have been
constantly involved: Mayor Ken Ferguson, Acting Clerk-Treasurer Ed
Bond, and Ray Spangler of Northland Engineering.
Mayor Ferguson indicated when the municipalities of Howland and
Little Current first began talking about a site for a new landfill,
there was no site suggested. In fact, it was not until after the two
municipalities had amalgamated that a site was ever settled upon.
"The trials and tribulations since then have been astronomical,"
Mayor Ferguson said. "I can't name all the council members involved
that served over the time this project was under way."
Mayor Ferguson thanked the present council for "going the extra mile"
to ensure the project was completed. He added there has been a lot of
time and energy expended, and now council can pay more attention to
the other things the residents want their elected officials to look
after.
Mr. Spangler extended recognition to the firms of R.J. Burnside and
Associates and Lacroix Construction for working alongside Northland
Engineering to complete the project. He commended them for the good
job they had done. He also recognized the efforts of Mr. Bond, Mr.
Lewis and Clerk-Treasurer Ned Martin.
"We are as proud of this project as any of the citizens here," Mr.
Spangler stated.
Lawrence Maltais addressed the crowd on behalf of Lacroix
Construction, saying he would like to thank the people his company
worked for.
"We hope we can do more work in the future for you," Mr. Maltais indicated.
"It has been a pleasure working with you," stated Rui De Carvallo of
R.J. Burnside and Associates Ltd. He said for a small municipality,
Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands should be congratulated for
what it has accomplished with the opening of its new landfill site.
"Congratulations."
Following the ceremony, dignitaries and members of the community
returned to the Little Current - Howland Recreation Centre for a
luncheon provided by the three companies involved in the creation of
the site.

 

M'Chigeeng Arena to be closed for the season