IT’S COMING... ARE YOU READY?
21 Industrial Dr., Elmira | 519.669.2884 | martinssmallengines.ca
10 | 19 | 2013 VOLUME 18 | ISSUE 42
MODEL RAILWAY A LONG-TERM COMMITMENT LIVING HERE PAGE 24
COMMENT PAGE 6
EVERY RIGHT TO BE WARY OF PROPOSED WASTE UTILITY
Homeowners wary of WNH plan for digging up their property
Premier pledges $400M transitional funding for horseracing industry Five-year plan announced in Elora would provide $80 million a year, down from $345 million provided by discontinued slots revenue program
ELENA MAYSTRUK With plans in motion to install underground hydro systems in some of Elmira’s residential areas, Waterloo North Hydro (WNH) representatives met with a few homeowners Wednesday morning to assuage concerns on the future work slated for their properties. What the utility heard from those gathered at Joe Brearley’s home on Thrush Court is that the residents are wary of assurances there will be no inconveniences or property damage. Existing hydro poles in back yards will be taken down in favour of an underground system that would weather extreme conditions better than the current poles, and reduce the frequency of power outages. Damage as a result of the directional boring (about a metre deep) from the boulevard to the base of every home’s electrical meter, seems to be a main concern for the residents, though WNH has sent letters to homeowners last year guaranteeing to leave lawns and driveways in good shape. “With the rear-yard pole lines, we really want to get rid of them. You can’t get trucks back there; it’s a big hassle for everyone,” engineering technologist Brandon Colvin told the four residents present. The neighbours wanted WNH’s promise to take care of their homes put in writing. GUARANTEE | 2
www.OBSERVERXTRA.com
ELENA MAYSTRUK
Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne beams at general manager Ted Clarke after a ride around Grand River Raceway's track on October 11. She was there to unvei a five-year plan to direct $400 million into the province's horseracing industry. [ELENA MAYSTRUK / THE OBSERVER]
The provincial government will spend up to $400 million to help maintain Ontario’s horseracing industry, Premier Kathleen Wynne said while unveiling a five-year plan for the industry at the Grand River Raceway in Elora October 11. “The jobs that are associated with racing are incredibly important to rural and Northern Ontario and, I would suggest, the whole province,” Wynne said. The money would help ease the loss of much larger revenues the industry received under the province’s Slots at Racetracks Program (SARP) – 10 per cent to the track operator and 10 per cent to the industry – which fed large purses, which encouraged growth in the horse breeding industry and its spinoff businesses. Fed by slots revenue, Ontario purses have become among the largest in North America. The transition plan was developed by a three-
Premier Kathleen Wynne climbed aboard a sulky for some firsthand experience. member panel appointed to find ways to sustain the horseracing industry after the Liberals cancelled SARP, a loss of about $345 million in slots revenue per year for racetracks in the province. Wynne argued that the previous slots system was not sustainable long term. Starting next April, the Horseracing Partnership Plan will inject $80 million per year into the sector supporting standardbred, thoroughbred and quarter-horse racing. Wynne promises it will sustain all members of the industry and continue to provide investments and support after the initial fiveyear period is complete. RACETRACK | 2