PÂGT!~'6", WIIYtI3Y* WN~13~YI>'(UGTJSY 3~ <1~88~' V w w VOICE OF THE COUNTY The only Whitby newspaper Independently owned and operated by Whltby residents for Whitby residents. Published every Wednesday By 677209 Ontario Inc. Phone: 668-6111 Doug Anderson Publisher Y TOWN Maurice Plfher Editor Peter Irvine Advertising Manager Alexandra Simon Production Manager Durham Region has been somewhat slower than other municipal areas (yet faster than Metro) in preparing a longterm waste management strategy, perhaps because the urgency didn't seem obvious, a quick solution was unlikely, and a cheap solution even more unlikely. But a detailed study of the options is finally underway and we would expect a decision in the fall of this year (a municipal election issue, no doubt) at the latest, on what will likely be a costly, contentious venture. The Regiòn is taking a serious look at garbage incineration - incinerators that would also produce steam (energy from waste) that could be sold to such industries as General Motors in Oshawa or Atlantic Packaging in Whitby. Not all the answers about emissions and ash have been answered, however; or whether the Region or Metro or the two together would own such a facility; or whether a Metro- or Durham-owned The sooner the better landfill would be operated in conjunction with such an incinerator. Consultants suggest the energy-from-waste facility together with increased garbage reduction programs. Recycling, reduction or reuse simply diverts more waste from either a landfill or incinerator or both, and the Region has stepped up that diversion so that 25 per cent of all waste will be reduced by 1993. While a longterm waste management plan has been relatively slow in coming, recycling on an almost region-wide basis got a good head start in comparison to other areas (at the same time an overexpenditure on the new reycling building cleaned up Region tendering policies). Recycling can now be more fully expanded to include more waste, such as that of commercial and industrial establishments, and the program itself goes a long way toward making residents aware of the garbage problem, even reaching those who need not worry about landfill sites in their backyards. If reports can be confirmed that today's newer energy-from-waste facilities don't spew dangerous by-products, such facilities, although costly, make sense since they can consume a considerable-chunk of waste, and provide some return. And, as was promised at last week's regional council meeting, the public will be part of the process that scrutinizes the Region's preferred course of action with regard to waste management. But that option should be made clear as soon as possible to allow the necessary scrutiny to begin on the way to more efficient management. LETTERS FROM OUR READERS Oshawa alderman Wilson continues opposition to region planning To the editor: I have spoken on this topic before, but feel it to be so important it must be continually reviewed until the fault is corrected. At the present time our planners at Region are suggesting we should eliminate farmers' retirement lots, eliminate inter-family consents, and eliminate ordinary country lots for people. This type of planning --which has been partially in effect for the past 15 years --has had a big bearing on creating the shortage of affordable housing for the average family in Durham. This type of planning should not be re-enforced but rather be reversed and eliminated. Only concerned parents and concerned citizens can cause this to happen by constantly advising their regional representatives that they do not approve of the present land monopoly control system which bas taken place. Government and big business in bed together are always harmful to people. The future looks more bleak as our planning process now makes it very convenient for foreign corporations and large corporations to gobble up our land and at forced low prices. These companies then process and resell the land to each other until the prices become so inflated that the end product to our ordinary people is out of reach for family life. We are now at this point. At the same time there is an ever growing surplus of farmland and this is being held off the market by the process of speculative buying. Our planning process encourages this. We now have a great influx of foreign buyers taking this land up and sitting on it, mi4ch to the detriment of the ordinary family. If this continues, it will be worse for the coming generations--our sons and daughters. It is up to us as concerned citizens and parents to object, and object strenuously, to this process now or the future of our young people will be lost forever. Yours very truly, D.W. Wilson Oshawa alderman Smoking bylaws contravene rights To the editor: We are a newly formed organization, attempting to secure amendments to many of the recent bylaws concerning smoking. We are considerate, respon- sible,taxpaying citizens, who feel the present bylaws contravene all democratic rights and principles. Too French-oriented? To the editor: Hundreds of little Canadian children are registered for French immersion classes to receive French language concepts for the rest of their lives. Young mothers and fathers would show great love for their children if they took the time to read research done on this subject and not listen so intently to the educational system in our country that is very French-oriented. It is becoming common knowl- edge that early French immersion distorts good English grammar. Isn't it better to be excellent in the English language because it is foremost in learned and spoken languages in the world? The French language is 13th on the scale of spoken languages. Would you dare to limit the nossibilities for your child's future! Who are they going to converse with - each other, Quebec (that resents the English language) or France? The rest of the world knows English! Consider the possibility that the French intend to "take over" Canada. Would you be contrib- uting to an usurpment of power and authority if you allow your young child to enter French immersion classes too early? The decision is yours, young mothers and fathers. The maj- ority of Canada want to trust that you will make a wise decision for your child's sake and the future of Canada. Contact is Box 22223, Barrie Ontario, L4M 5R3, 1-705-728-8796. Respectfully, Ruth Mallory We do not wish to offend non-smokers who are truly bothered by second-hand smoke, nor do we wish to argue that smoking is good for you. We would point out that smoking fs recognized as an addiction, by the World Health Organization, and as long as smoking continues to be a legal product, smokers must be given consideration. Toronto has recenty passed a "Smoking in the Workplace" bylaw, smoking has been banned on buses, and on airline flights of less than two hours. Hospitals are making patients stand outside, regardless of the weather, in order to smoke. Many - govern- ment offices, where we are forced to wait for hours on end, have SEE PAGE 10 'C'mon you guys...break it up...only four boxes per corner!' 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 LIN 5S1 or drop through our mailslot at 131 Brock St. N. 19 The Free Press Building 131 Brock Street North, P.O. Box 206, Whitby, Ont.