18 • Thursday, December 25, 2014
The Standard
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OCTOBER The Standard celebrates 10 years Ten years ago this week (Oct. 2), an independent newspaper was born on the shores of Lake Scugog. Though it has seen some challenges over the past decade as it has grown from its origins as The Scugog Standard to expand into Uxbridge in 2010 with the debut of The Uxbridge Standard, and in 2012 when the newspapers were amalgamated to form The Standard Newspaper, it continues to thrive because of the hard work of its loyal staff and, most importantly, the support of the communities it serves. Hospital campaign gets $350k boost The Port Perry Hospital Foundation officially launched its ‘Your Hospital, Your Future’ campaign on Oct. 1 with a lead donation from the hospital’s Auxiliary. The pledge of $350,000 is one of the largest donations to the campaign to date, as well as being the biggest contribution the Auxiliary has made in its 62 year history. Beth Pereman, President of The Auxiliary to Lakeridge Health Port Perry, said “We’re confident that we can meet this objective over the next few years,” noting that special events like the upcoming A Taste of Italy event, the Polar Plunge and proceeds from the Auxiliary’s gift shop and Camille’s Closet will make this possible. “We completed our last large pledge to the Foundation in only three years when we had expected to pay it in five.” New look for Uxbridge Library The historic Uxbridge Public Library officially re-opened after being closed for several months as it underwent extensive renovations, including a new computer lab, circulation desk and reading area. Plans panned for a new subdivision in Prince Albert Prince Albert residents protested a proposed subdivision expansion on Monday, Sept. 29 at Scugog Council Chambers - with one community member, Suzanne Doupe, calling it ‘mindboggilingly unrealistic.’ The proposal, submitted by Henry Kortekaas and Associates Inc., on behalf of Home-Land Development Group Ltd., will seek to build 28 detached homes and a new cul-de-sac on a 4.15 acre lot, fronting onto the south side of King St., just west of Union Ave. Uxbridge voices opposition to Regional Fire Department Uxbridge Councillors reacted strongly to the recent suggestions that the Region of Durham may seek to form a Regional Fire Department by passing a resolution opposing the measure this week. The possibility of a Regional Fire Department, similar to police and paramedic services currently in place in Durham has been discussed during the campaign for Regional Chair, leading council to pass a resolution at a special meeting on the morning of Monday, Oct. 20 opposing such a measure.
100 Women Who Care launches in Scugog Township Following on the successful heels of the Uxbridge branch of the charity, which was launched in November of 2013, the Scugog chapter of 100 Women Who Care held their first meeting in October. A group of six local women were instrumental in bringing the group across Lakeridge Rd., and into Scugog Township, where they hope to spread goodwill in the community. “It’s the most wonderful and rewarding experience,” commented Ginger Jackson, one of the founding members of the Scugog Chapter as well as an Uxbridge member. “You go home after the meeting and think ‘I’ve really made a difference.’ That’s what blew me away, and why we wanted to bring this wonderful thing to Scugog.”
The 160th Port Perry Fall Fair was held from Saturday, Aug. 30 to Monday, Sept. 1 at the Port Perry Fairgrounds - while the 150th annual Uxbridge Fall Fair took place in Elgin Park on Sept. 5, 6, and 7, featuring many exciting events.
O’Connor wins again in Uxbridge Mayor Gerri Lynn O’Connor maintained her undefeated record in elections, as Uxbridge voted to bring her back to the head of the council bench for another four years on Monday, Oct. 27. With 49.7 per cent of the votes cast, O’Connor won out over challengers Ted Eng (25.77 per cent) and Bob Shepherd (24.51 per cent). “To be re-elected again to represent the people of Uxbridge feels great,” Mayor O’Connor told The Standard. “But, I didn’t do it alone, and I had a great council behind me, and I’m looking forward to working with our new council.” Voter turnout in Uxbridge Township was down slightly as 8,076 residents or 50.33 per cent cast ballots, down from 51.8 per cent of eligible voters in 2010. Scugog sides with Tom Rowett Changes are in store for Scugog Township, as a new mayor and an almost entirely new council was voted in on Monday, Oct. 27. Newcomer Tom Rowett will don the Mayoral chains for the next four years, after defeating former mayor Chuck Mercier by nearly 1,000 votes. After taking an early 10 per cent lead, Mayor Rowett’s support only grew by the end of the evening - ending with a total of 4,661 votes to Chuck Mercier’s 3,687; with 55.83 per cent of voters choosing Mayor Rowett, and 44.17 percent choosing Mr. Mercier. Anderson back as Regional Chair For the first time in the 40 year history of Durham Region, the Regional Chair was directly elected, as Roger Anderson returns to the role he has served in for the past 17 years after taking a resounding 48 per cent of the vote. Change sweeps through Scugog Betty Somerville was elected as Ward 1 Councillor, toppling Joe Mahoney, Tony Janssen, and Scott Burke. Ward 2 residents will see new representation, after lending their support to new Councillor Janna Guido - who defeated former councillor John Hancock. In Scugog Island’s Ward 3 - Don Kett won a clear victory over Town Crier Bill McKee. Ward 4 is the sole portion of Scugog Township to not see change, as current Councillor Wilma
Wotten defeated Aaron Hopkins. Jennifer Back unseated former councillor Howard Danson in Ward 5, winning by nearly 800 votes. The race was won for Regional Councillor Bobbie Drew and Durham District School Board Trustee Carolyn Mortyn in Sept., when they both were elected by acclimation. Voter turnout in Scugog had a slight spike, with 47.3 per cent of eligible voters marking their ballot this year, after 2010’s rate of 46.04 per cent. Close races in Uxbridge election Incumbents largely held onto their seats in this municipal election, save for Ward 1 Councillor Bev Northeast, who was ousted after 23 years on council by Pam Beach, with Blair Emmerson rounding out the Ward 1 race. The other new face on Uxbridge council will be Ward 4 Councillor Fred Bryan, who took the seat, beating challengers Conrad Boyce and Dave Granic. In other ward races, Ward 2 Councillor Pat Molloy held onto his seat, as he defeated Gary Ruona. Pat Mikuse claimed her third term on council, besting Bob Harrison and Bruce Rodman. Ward 5 voters returned Gord Highet to the council bench for the third time, as he won over challengers Joy Whalen and Sally Brady. Uxbridge voters re-elected Jack Ballinger as Regional Councillor, Jon Taylor finished second, followed closely by Michelle Viney. In other municipal election news, a familiar face will be representing North Durham as English Catholic School Board Trustee, with the re-election of Kathy LeFort over challenger Richard Damianopoulos. Elinor Hansen edged out Gord Baxter for the position of English Public School Board Trustee in Uxbridge/Brock.
NOVEMBER Recount ordered in Uxbridge With just 22 votes having decided the race for Ward 1 Councillor in the recent municipal election, council voted in favour of a recount last week. The decision was made following a special council meeting on the morning of Monday, Nov. 7, in which Councillor Northeast requested a recount. In the Oct. 27 election, Pam Beach claimed victory in Ward 1 with 531 votes, narrowly edging incumbent Councillor Bev Northeast - who has served on Council since 1991 - the recipient of 509 votes. Blair Emmerson rounded out the Ward 1 race with 152 votes. Island hotel project awaits OMB ruling The hopeful effort to bring a hotel and resort complex to Scugog Island has been stalled, after neighbours near the site filed complaints to the Ontario Municipal Board. The development, put forward by Marsh Forest Group in 2005, aims to be built on a 60-acre parcel, located at 138 Portview Rd. The proposed hotel would feature nearly 20,000 square feet of hotel, timeshare and recreation space - with room set aside for restaurant, retail and meeting space. A decade of making a difference After 10 years and more than $1 million raised for breast cancer treatment, the Dragon Flies presented their final donation - a $69,000 contribution - to wards the Port Perry and Uxbridge Hospital Foundations. T U R N TO PAG E 1 9