Page 8, News, Wednesday, December 23, 1987. Hydro electricity rates rise 4.7 per cent Ontario Hydro's Board of Directors has approved an aver- age rate increase of 4.7 per cent, effective January 1, 1988, Chairman Tom Campbell announced. The increase compares favourable with the 4.9 per cent rate increase proposed by the Municipal Electric Association at this year's Ontario Energy Board hearing. The actual increase is slightly lower than the preliminary figure first proposed by Hydro in April. With this increase, the average residential electrical bill for 1,000 kWh will rise about $2.50 a month. "The increase is below the cur- rent and forecast rates of inflation and keeps us close to our target of no real rate increase for the 1980s," Campbell said. The increase is needed to cover the increased costs of oper- ating and maintaining existing facilities and the cost of bringing new generation and transmission facilities into service to meet Ontario's growing need for elec- tricity. It also provides for first year costs of the payment to Petrosar Limited to resolve an oil contract dispute. A major difference between the recommendations of the Municipal Electric Association and Ontario Hydro is the level of net income. Hydro is currently forecasting an income of $487 million as compared to $581 million recom- mended by the M.E.A. SEASON'S GREETINGS to all our friends and former patients in Schreiber, Rossport and Terrace Bay. May you enjoy a Blessed and Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year filled with Peace and Love. Dr. and Mrs. J.E.M. St. Rose. Unionville, Ontario. The association also recom- mended that the basis for setting the net income target be changed to increase the level of net income, thus improving Hydro's ability to reduce its debt. Hydro rates will increase by an average 4.7 per cent for munici- pal utility customers, 5.2 per cent for direct industrial customers and 4.4 per cent for rural cus- tomers. ' Rate increases to individual customers will vary according to local costs. Hydro will reply to the OEB's policy recommendations in a for- mal response to the Minister of Energy later this fall. Christmas trees, lights and other seasonal accessories can create a magical and memorable holiday. These sensible suggestions will help ensure your holiday memories remain magical. If you purchase a natural tree, pick one that's fresh. Test for freshness by rubbing a hand over the branches or by tapping the base of the tree on the ground. If needles start to fall, do not buy the tree. A dry tree can be particularly hazardous. If cutting your own tree, be extra careful as to how you wield the axe. Store the tree outdoors, prefer- ably under shade, until it's time to be used. Recut the trunk diagonally and be sure to mount the base of the tree securely. The base of natural green trees should be kept in water. Check the water level daily and add more as required. All types of trees should be kept away from fireplaces, heaters and other sources of heat. Declare the tree a non-smok- ing area and keep matches out of the hands of children. Trees should not block exits. Never leave small children d Lon MI. ee y SU Sie t x, i a K | 7 ae -* Ep ee | | exas Np eS NZ : Zafals ie iS i & Fi 4 Tmlt| ial H YY " 6 THE BOARD & STAFF OF THE NORTHSHORE FAMILY RESOURCE CENTRE WISHES EVERY- ONE A WARM & WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS NOTICE In keeping with the preservation and/or promotion of "Good Health" in our communities, The Board of Governors of The McCausland Hospital has passed a Resolution to ban smoking within the Hospital for all acute care patients, employees, visitors and auxiliary health care workers. This policy becomes effective January 1st, 1988. Your co-operation is requested in helping to make The McCaulsand Hospital a smoke-free hospital. Questions may be directed to the Chief Executive Officer at 825-3273. at Towne Cinema GREETINGS The value of our friendships are enhanced at this special time. Have a Safe & appy wiht from The Staff & The Lobby alone with a Christmas tree. Never use electric light strings on metallic trees. Instead, shine a spot or floodlight for a colourful effect. Don't leave the Christmas tree lights on if no one is in the room. If a tree catches fire, do not attempt to move the tree: If possi- ble, put the fire out with an extin- guisher. If not, evacuate the build- ing and call the fire department. Before you replace a bulb, allow it to cool off and make sure you unplug the light strings. Be sure to check that bulb reflectors have insulation, con- Accessories can create a magical holiday sisting of either plastic or another non-metallic material placed between the lamp and the metal part of the reflector. (Reflectors, which fit around the bulbs, require CSA certifica- tion. The reflector is often sold with the Christmas light string). Before using any Christmas tree lights or electric decoration, check all wiring, sockets and plugs for fraying, cracks or loose connections. If at all in doubt, replace the old sets. Make certain you choose replacement bulbs with the cor- rect wattage and/or voltage. see page 9 Letters to Santa from page 7 Dear Santa, Phillip has been a good boy sometimes but he says he is bad sometimes. He says he will be good from now on. He would like a radio like the one he saw on Jeopardy, lots of Transformers, a front-end loader, a dump truck and a GI Joe. Please bring Danny and dad some toys too. Please bring David a sweater and mom some new Dear Santa, My name is Crystal Sutherland and I am six years-old. I tried to be a good girl all year. For Christmas I would like a Lady Lovelylock horse, baby Teddy Ruxpin, a feed me game, and a glitter and gold Jem. I will leave cookies and milk for you and sugar and carrots for your reindeer. Love Crystal. Merry Christmas! SL SEASON'S GREETINGS To us, Christmas is a bouquet of bright holiday cheer. ..and the pleasure of saying 'thanks' to good customers like you. The Management & Staff at Flower's n' Things would like to _ Wish everyone a Very Mery Christmas "i and a Happy New Year, Remember it's not too late to send yourout-of town orders! Sincerely, Annette, Cathy, Carol Ann, & Michelle, Frankie in Marathon and ances Service. May friendships and peace be your greatest gifts this holiday time. Merry Christmas and thanks. SULVIA & FAMILY