A Spectator article from March 6th, 1952
Many thanks to the Simmons's family
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Appealing for an orderly meeting, the chairman explained that the formation of the property owners' association and the calling of this meeting was the result of "ordinary chaps with no political affiliations and no axe to grind wanting to know the facts." If the commission is returned in the vote, he said, the association would become a permanent group officered "by all the people you think should be on it." It would be democratic and would work with the commission.
Percy Price, of Hamilton, a summer resident at the Beach for many years, was the first speaker. He said he felt the forming of the association if it was carried out, was "the biggest contribution ever made on the Beach." He congratulated the Beach Commission on the new addition to the school which, he felt, was a credit and in keeping with any other school in the province.
"On the Beach," he said, "there seems to be a feeling of lack of confidence, a bit of jealousy, perhaps, but there's nothing serious, only a few beefs - a little eruption over the commission."
The suggestion of opening a kindergarten had come up, he said, and in this connection he gave figures from Hamilton showing a cost of $100 per pupil per year, which, with 65 pupils at the Beach, would mean an additional $6,500 per year.
The chairman read a list of 16 questions he wanted answered. The replies in some cases came from commission members, in others from the municipal affairs representative. An open question period was also permitted.
Highway and dirt strip - who maintains, and costs? - brought forth a lot of argument and criticism in general. Fred Jento, commission chairman, said the Ontario Department of Highways maintains the 22-foot highway at no cost to the Beach. The commission polices it and gets 40 per cent of fine collected. The dirt strip is the responsibility of the commission and the province refunds 33 per cent of maintenance costs.
If was suggested that when the proposed new link of the Queen Elizabeth Way over the Beach is constructed, the present highway would be handed hack to the municipality, which would then be responsible for maintenance. If it became a town, Mr. Nunn said, it would probably receive 50 per cent refund from the province. The new road would, of course, be strictly a government project.
Asked what status the Beach would take if the vote went in favour of elected government, Mr. Nunn replied that it would in all probability become a town with a mayor, reeve, perhaps a deputy reeve, and six councillors. The mayor would receive any salary council saw fit to allow him and council members could be paid $5 a meeting at least. Complaint was made that names had been left off the voters' list and that the list had not been displayed in such a way that working men could see it after returning from work. Mr. Nunn replied that court of revision had been advertised and that it was the electors' privilege to appear before that court if names had not been included on list. Replying to the complaint that the voters' list had been left in the clerk's office which was locked at night, the official said, "Certainly, it would have been a service to the public had it been placed some place where it could be seen. It should have been in the post office." The act provided, he added, that it must be posted in the clerk's office - not necessarily outside.
Asks Fair Hearing For All
An unidentified lady charged that she had been refused an appointment to attend a commission meeting by H. B. Black, secretary, Mr. Black replied emphatically, "I never refused any person in this world." At this stage the chairman again appealed for "a fair hearing for commission members and others."
Chairman Wheeler suggested elected municipal government would cost Beach ratepayers a tax increase of approximately 12 mills.
The Beach fire department, it was disclosed, has a membership of 27 men, all volunteers. No salaries are paid but the department is given a grant of $600. It was also allowed to purchase a former bowling club building for one dollar, to be used as a club-house. High tribute was paid the volunteers by the gathering, regardless of feeling on form of municipal government.
No changes were anticipated in mail delivery, telephone service, hydro service-one ratepayer was all for having the Beach establish its own hydro service-or gas service. The commission was asked what it had done about high water level of lake and bay and what it intended to do about property loss resulting. Mr. Jento replied that any suggestion on how to control water level would be welcome.
Many thanks to the Simmons's family
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New Ratepayers' Body Prepares For Referendum Next Wednesday
Many questions of interest to ratepayers of Burlington Beach, particularly in view of the vote to be taken on March 12 on the question of retaining the commission government or adopting municipal government of elected representatives, were discussed last night at an open meeting of the recently formed Burlington Beach Property Owners' Association.Answer Residents Queries
The meeting, held in the new auditorium, was attended by some 400 residents of the Beach. Reginald Wheeler presided, and members of the Beach Commission attended by invitation to answer questions. Also attending for the purpose of giving information was C. F. Nunn, supervisor for Southern Ontario for the Department of Municipal Affairs.Appealing for an orderly meeting, the chairman explained that the formation of the property owners' association and the calling of this meeting was the result of "ordinary chaps with no political affiliations and no axe to grind wanting to know the facts." If the commission is returned in the vote, he said, the association would become a permanent group officered "by all the people you think should be on it." It would be democratic and would work with the commission.
Percy Price, of Hamilton, a summer resident at the Beach for many years, was the first speaker. He said he felt the forming of the association if it was carried out, was "the biggest contribution ever made on the Beach." He congratulated the Beach Commission on the new addition to the school which, he felt, was a credit and in keeping with any other school in the province.
"On the Beach," he said, "there seems to be a feeling of lack of confidence, a bit of jealousy, perhaps, but there's nothing serious, only a few beefs - a little eruption over the commission."
The suggestion of opening a kindergarten had come up, he said, and in this connection he gave figures from Hamilton showing a cost of $100 per pupil per year, which, with 65 pupils at the Beach, would mean an additional $6,500 per year.
The chairman read a list of 16 questions he wanted answered. The replies in some cases came from commission members, in others from the municipal affairs representative. An open question period was also permitted.
Explain Commission Set-up
Questions regarding the commission brought forth the information that it is composed of five members appointed by the government and that they can be changed if not satisfactory to the ratepayers. The chairman receives an honorarium of $300 a year while the other four are not paid anything.Highway and dirt strip - who maintains, and costs? - brought forth a lot of argument and criticism in general. Fred Jento, commission chairman, said the Ontario Department of Highways maintains the 22-foot highway at no cost to the Beach. The commission polices it and gets 40 per cent of fine collected. The dirt strip is the responsibility of the commission and the province refunds 33 per cent of maintenance costs.
If was suggested that when the proposed new link of the Queen Elizabeth Way over the Beach is constructed, the present highway would be handed hack to the municipality, which would then be responsible for maintenance. If it became a town, Mr. Nunn said, it would probably receive 50 per cent refund from the province. The new road would, of course, be strictly a government project.
Asked what status the Beach would take if the vote went in favour of elected government, Mr. Nunn replied that it would in all probability become a town with a mayor, reeve, perhaps a deputy reeve, and six councillors. The mayor would receive any salary council saw fit to allow him and council members could be paid $5 a meeting at least. Complaint was made that names had been left off the voters' list and that the list had not been displayed in such a way that working men could see it after returning from work. Mr. Nunn replied that court of revision had been advertised and that it was the electors' privilege to appear before that court if names had not been included on list. Replying to the complaint that the voters' list had been left in the clerk's office which was locked at night, the official said, "Certainly, it would have been a service to the public had it been placed some place where it could be seen. It should have been in the post office." The act provided, he added, that it must be posted in the clerk's office - not necessarily outside.
Asks Fair Hearing For All
An unidentified lady charged that she had been refused an appointment to attend a commission meeting by H. B. Black, secretary, Mr. Black replied emphatically, "I never refused any person in this world." At this stage the chairman again appealed for "a fair hearing for commission members and others."
Chairman Wheeler suggested elected municipal government would cost Beach ratepayers a tax increase of approximately 12 mills.
The Beach fire department, it was disclosed, has a membership of 27 men, all volunteers. No salaries are paid but the department is given a grant of $600. It was also allowed to purchase a former bowling club building for one dollar, to be used as a club-house. High tribute was paid the volunteers by the gathering, regardless of feeling on form of municipal government.
No changes were anticipated in mail delivery, telephone service, hydro service-one ratepayer was all for having the Beach establish its own hydro service-or gas service. The commission was asked what it had done about high water level of lake and bay and what it intended to do about property loss resulting. Mr. Jento replied that any suggestion on how to control water level would be welcome.