PAGE 6. WIlIT13Y FIZEE PRESS, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6, 1988 "•r r MauriCe ruïnu' Published every Wednesday Published every wednesday By 677209 Ontario inc. Phone: 668.6111 Doug Andei son Publisher L. VOICE OF THE COUNTY TOWN Maurice Pilher Editor Peter Irvine Advertising Manager Alexandra Simon Production Manager The Free Press Building 131 Brock Street North. P.O. Box 206. Whitby. Ont The only Whitby newspaper independently owned and operated by Whitby residents for Whitby residents 1987 has been described as a somewhat quiet year, perhaps in comparison to the year before when Decom and recreation decisions produced much controversy. But '87 was the year of boats and beds; of debate over adult entertainment parlors which led to much discussion about Whitby's down- town area; debate over strip plaza development that could hurt the downtown; of studies and discussion to guide exciting riew growth and development in Whitby's harbor area; of some industrial growth, but not enough to offset the loss of a major employer, Cadbury, due to a takeovéer trate v bv Neison. '87 and'88 As the houses and businesses spring up, the town's roadways see increased traffic. A new rec complex is announced. Whitby retains its title as "county town" (even though it is closer to "region city") as the Oshawa-Whitby battle over the headquarters ends with a decision to stay put, at least for now. So it was in fact a year of much activity, although perhaps more muted than in other years with regard to cries of controversy. 1988 promises continued gro~wth, the opening of the new GO station which could have a drastic im- pact on traffic, and declarations by both old and new faces before a fali municipal election. We can expect the issues and policy statements to take form as '88 progresses and the municipal ballot approaches, pot forgetting the Sunday shopping controversy. And we should expect continued effort onour behalf by new MPP Allan Furlong to persuade the government that Whitby hospital must be a general care, not solely chronic care, facility. Much to look back on, a lot to come. LETTERS FROM()UR READERS Down-and-outers ignored in Whitby harbor revitalization To the editor: It was heartening to read the an- nouncement by Scott Fennell on behalf of Fisheries Minister, Tom Siddon, that Ottawa will contribute $600,000 to upgrade and revitalize Whitby's harbor. The one hundred new berths will be especially ap- preciated by the owners of $75,000 and $100,000 yachts. No mention is made of improved facilities for the poor people who must launch their $25,000 trail- along outfits at the foot of Brock To the editor. For two years now, I have been looking forward to the sixteenth world scout jamboree which is to be held in Australia very shortly. This will be an incredible experien- ce and the memories will last me a lifetime. I am very honored to be an ambassador for Brooklin, Whitby, Ontario and most of all, Canada. I promise to represent all of you honorably and let people know I am a Canadian. Over the last long while, many people have contributed their effor- ts to the preparation of my trip. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has helped me in one way or another. The list To the editor: The Whitby Lioness Club of Canada would like to publicly thank all of the residents who so kindly participated in our Whitby General hospital acute bed care blitz. Your concerns and interests in signing the petitions, indicated to al the upmost importance and need of more beds in our hospital. Special mention must be given to the merchants, medical offices, in- St. This ramp is located on one of the most dangerous turns in town. How about the down-and-outers who do not own motorized equip- ment? Of necessity, they must launch their lasers, catamarans and surf boards on the west beach which is the only one accessible by car. Actually, except for the beer cans and broken bottles, this is the best beach in the whole area. A knee deep sandbar êxtends from the psych hospital to the Whitby includes: Brooklin beavers, cubs, scouts and venturers, 2nd Brooklin group committee, Whitby district staff, Anderson CVI, Rap-Mac Ser- vices Inc., Ontario Hydro, Win- tario, Alex MacCleod, my gran- dparents·, Don and Eileen Sander- son and especially my parents, Robert and Patricia Mink who, without them, I would not be the person I am today, experiencing 'such wonderful opportunities. I thank you all and anyone I have, by chance, missed, look for your sup- port and help. I look forward to sharing my experiences with all of you when I return. Yours sincerely, Danny Mink Brooklin dustries, banks and salons for their strong support in allowing petition sheets to be on their premises as the purpose was to gather as many signatures as possible. To everyone who assisted in making this blitz a success, we thank you. We could not have done it alone. It does prove, once again, "people do care." Whitby Lioness Club Yacht Club. How much does the Town value this site? Last summer they provided three garbage drums for a total expenditure of about $15. Hopefully, next year they will place one near the entrance of the yacht ,club and thus increase the west beach budget to $20. How much does the Town spend on hockey facilities? Let's just say zillions. How much does the Town spend for our onshore fishermen? These guys are obviously regarded as demented social outcasts. After being forced to pay $10 for a licen- se, they patiently huddle on Whit- by's east pier and cast their lures into the frigid waters of Lake On- tario. If one should fall into the channel it would probably be "game over." There is not a single piece of rope or life-saving equip- ment on the pier. As usual, the problem is that nobody has, drowned there -yet. The announcement also stated that the east wharf and pier is to be re-surfaced "to make them safe for * the public." Is this a·valid message to yell to someone floundering in the water? The only safety devices that have existed this season have been the exposed propellers, various chains and cables and other items dangling in the water from the PEI ferry and the Isle Royale. The owners of these valuable tourist at- tractions should be commended and perhaps financially rewarded by the Town for their valuable con- tribution to water safety. In my opinion, it would be a nice gesture if MP Scott Fennell, Tom Siddon, Minister of Fisheries, and the chief coroner for Ontario would send a letter of appreciation to the owners of the above mentioned vessels for being major con- tributors to the safety of fishermen in the Whitby channel area. Sincerely, Richard Woolger Whitby We can't wait for beds To the editor; In responding to a question in the House on Dec. 22, The Honorable Elinor Caplan, Minister of Health, gave every indication that she has no intention of agreeing to increase the active care beds at Whitby General Hospital from 65 to 108. This, despite the fact that the hospital is currently functioning below the minister's own guidelines and despite the fact that this in- crease in active care beds was s, ported by the Durham District Health Council. In her response, the minister in- dicated that the district health council supports the position of her government. This would appear to be contrary to the facts as we know them. The district health council did in fact support the allocation of SEE PAGE 26 -s- i "98,8"e A grateful boy scout Support was appreciated LETTERS The Whitby Free Press welcomes letters to the Editor on any subject of concern to our readers. Letters should be brief and to the point - rarely more than 300 words. All letters must.be accompanied by the name, address and phone number of the writer; however, on request, your name may be withheld from publication if we agree that there is a valid reason. The paper reserves the right to reject or edit all letters. Send to: The Editor, Whitby Free Press, Box 206, Whitby, Ontario ~pStr drop through our mailslot at 131 Brock St. N. 1 momm