VO LU M E 8 , N U M B E R 4 4
T H U R S DAY, N OV E M B E R 3 , 2 0 1 1
SERVING SCUGOG, UXBRIDGE, BROCK, AND SURROUNDING AREAS
Marina deal appears up the creek, no paddle!
Wear your poppy proudly
BLAKE WOLFE The Scugog Standard
Port Perry Marina operator John Mackey is “shocked and disappointed” that progress on lease negotiations at the marina property was abruptly derailed by Scugog Township last month. During a 90-minute closed session on Oct. 17, councillors motioned to carry on with the marina lease on a monthly basis - as it has since the lease expired in 2009 - until Oct. 31, 2013, rather than opt for a new long-term agreement for the facility, as Mr. Mackey had hoped. The matter has been in discussion over the past several months. The relationship between the two parties has become strained in recent times. Port Perry’s waterfront revitalization project has meant interruptions for the marina’s operation from construction on an expanded Scugog Memorial Public Library, to the removal of the marina’s boat launch, to loss of parking and a requirement (under the former Scugog Council) for off-site storage of docks and rental boats, resulting in increased expenses for Mr. Mackey. The marina property at the foot of Queen St. has often been referred to by various council members in recent years as part of ‘the hole in the doughnut’ of a revitalized Port Perry waterfront, seemingly leaving the future of the property in question. “I’m very surprised that they’ve cut off negotiations,” said Mr. Mackey, who has operated the marina in its current location since 1984. “I’m very disappointed I’ve suffered significantly here.” However, Scugog Mayor Chuck Mercier said that “the door is still open” for a long-term lease negotiation, adding that he is not part of those discussions and that he expects the matter to return to council in the near future. “We want a marina,” said the mayor. “We’re pleased with the product down there, so let’s roll up our sleeves and get something more cost-effective.” For now, Mr. Mackey said that it will be business as usual at the marina, although he will be considering the feasibility of continuing on at the facility over the next few months, a decision which he said will hinge on maintaining a “high level of service” to customers. “I want to see the negotiations re-opened,” he said. “This council has an opportunity to rebuild this relationship, but it seems that they’re choosing not to.”
REMEMBERING SACRIFICE: Murray Miller and Alma McClure of the Royal Canadian Legion - Branch 419 in Port Perry will be among the Legion members taking part in the annual poppy campaign this month. In 2010, the Legion raised more than $25,000 through poppy donations, which went to support various veterans’ charities and organizations. Any person or business interested in purchasing a wreath for the Remembrance Day ceremonies is asked to contact Barb Doupe at 905-985-8502. BLAKE WOLFE The Standard
Jobs are safe at Maple Leaf Foods BLAKE WOLFE The Scugog Standard
In the wake of hundreds of job cuts announced by food producer Maple Leaf last week, it appears that Port Perry’s Schneiders plant is not on the chopping block. Maple Leaf Foods, Inc. - which includes the Schneiders brand - recently announced that more than 1,500 jobs across Canada would be affected by several plant closures resulting from consolidation, scheduled to occur by the end of 2014. The announcement also stated that, in turn, several plants would see
re-investment as well as the establishment of a new 402,000 sq. ft. prepared meats facility in Hamilton, Ontario, estimated to create more than 1,100 jobs upon completion. Several distribution centres are also scheduled to close by 2014. “The Scugog facility will not be affected by this announcement,” said Maple Leaf spokesperson Linda Smith, adding that the reorganization only affects Maple Leaf ’s “secondary meat-processing plants.” The Port Perry plant, located on Old Simcoe Rd., deals with baked goods and currently employs 120 workers.