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It is time that Liberals across the province began to think seriously about the subject of regional govern. ment. Too many of our prob- lemsâ€"problems of disadvant- aged groups on the one hand. problems of rapid economic change on the otherâ€"need to be handled efficiently and responsibly by authorities with powers suited to 1965, and yet are met by govern~ menu which were designed in the eighteenth and nineâ€" I1Ill““illlillllliilllllllliillillll“llilliilliilliiilillllllillllliillillllili By Dr. John Grant In "Liberal Action" ummnmmunnmummmnumuluuuumuumuulummum teenth centuries. Present-day provincial government de- partments are organized by function; we have for in- stance. a Department of Welfare. 3 Department of Highways. and so on. But. there are some regions in After several months of study, ,planning consultant Murray Jones has outlined a form of regional govern- ment for the Ottawa area. Earlier this year Municipal Affairs Minister Wilfrid Spooner set up a three-mem- ber Royal Commission to study local government structure in the Niagara area. Heading the commission is Dr. Henry Mayor, senior professor of pol- itical science at the University of Western Ontario. It is studying municipal govenment in St. Cathar- ines, Welland and Niagara Falls and the surrounding areas. The Premier told the closing lunch- eon of the convention that local government is an essential element. of the democratic system and as much local autonomy as possible must be preserved. “In my opinion, it would be disastrous if, through lack of leadership and creative thought, our system of local government at- rophied or was altered by a senior level of government withOut ade- quate consultation with the local people whom it was designed to ben- efit”, he said. Regional Development: It’s Later Than we Think All indications point to the gradual establishment of regional forms of government throughout Ontario. If there was any doubt in the minds of our politicians as to the province's feelings in the matter, they were dispelled last week when Premier John Robarts told the annual con- Vention of the Ontario Municipal As- sociation meeting in Toronto that his government favors euch‘ a trend. _'L “This province has long experience in government at the county level which brings together for common purposes several autonomous munic- ipalities”, he said. “Regional gov- ernment is a federation which pro- vides certain services for all its mem- bers”. “If we continue to approach reg- ional government from this point of view, it is my firm belief that we can achieve more than if the province arbitrarily imposed any level of gov- ernment on our existing local govern- ment structure”. The Premier felt that in parts of the province the ex- isting form of county government could operate effectively as a reg- ional government. ' Thomas J. Plunkett, head of a Montreal firm of municipal consult- ants, is busy studying the feasibility of regional government for Halton North York Controller Irving Pais- ley, in a brief presented to council, proposed the immediate annexation by North York Township of those portions of Markham and Vaughan Townships lying south of the CNR By-pass. Regional Government Soon His arguments were that this was recommended in the Goldenberg Re- port; that these areas of suburban wth could be serviced by North ark, and that this would be a basis £0! dividing Metro into five cities instead of four. There is nothing new, of course, 1‘ the proposal to annex these areas. Maybr ’Beth Nealson of Leaside wants Metro partitioned into six cities. It is no doubt calculated policy on the part of the provincial govern- ment that no pronouncements have been made that would indicate the position the province will take re- garding the report. Perhaps it is con- sidered wise to let the municipal politicians and others directly con- cerned, kick it around for a while. And they have been doing just that. We have been among those who could only see amalgamation as the right future for Metro. However, if the provincial government accepts the principle that a borough system $4.50 per year; to United States $5.50; 10c single copy Member Audit Bureau of Circulations Member Canadian Weekly Newspapers Association J. E. SMITH, Publisher W. S. COOK, Managing Editor “Authorized as second class mail, Post Office Department, Ottawa” Subscription Rate THE LIBERAL, Richmond Hill, SIiII Kicking It Around An Independent @112 liberal this province whose prob- lems are, or will be. solvable only by agencies whose exe- cutives can direct the whole range of governmental in- volvement and local response. We expect our govern- ments to\ do many things that were inconceivable twenty years ago, and we expect our neighbors to co- operate with us across miles and miles of territory when â€"in the pastâ€" it would have been quite unnecessary to get that co-operation. Just because our interde- pendence. one on another. is growing. it is now fashion- able to accept, grudgingly, one concession to "regional" thinking after another. The Gntario Water Resources Commission. by its very nao ture must think in terms of watersheds; some aspects of tourism are co-ordinated re- Weekly: Established 1878 Onfario, Thursday, Sept. 2, 1965 and Peel Counties. The province has agreed to pay half of the estimated $65,000 total cost of the survey which is expected to take a year to complete. The remainder will be shared by the counties on either an assessment or population basis. ‘ Peel, like many other fringe com- munities caught in the grip of rapid urban expansion. has been talking for years of expanding county gov- ernment to meet the changes and as. suming a Metro-type role.’ The com- ty has undertaken several studies in the past decade. One done several years ago was an overall servicing program bearing a close resemblance to the $67,000,000 Ontario Water Re- sources Commission scheme announc- ed last week which will supply water and sewage facilities 'to the southern part of_ Peel. 1 , A ,,,_ _L___-_ Another. on government structure, recommended a borough system for the county‘s five southern urban municipalities and the establishment of a little Metro above the boroughs. Peel also considered a county police force but talks never got off the ground and the recommendations were simply shelved. In his speech to the Toronto con- vention Premier Robarts outlined three advantages of regional govern- mentâ€"effective planning for land use and the provision of such essential services as roads, sewers. hydro, schools, hospitals and health units; more effective management of the tax base and more equalized assess- ment; and pooling of some tax rev- enues to provide equal and better ser- vices throughout an area. Mr. Robarts also listed five prob« lems associated with the change. These included working out political representation; the division of re- sponsibility between local and reg- ional governments; inequalities in the tax base despite pooling; maint- enance of adequate standards of serv- ices; no increase in the tax base al- though better management would be possible._ .- Ontario ls not the only province where the trend ! is towards larger government units. Quebec Municipal Affairs Minister Pierre Laporte re- cently told that province’s 1,700 mun- icipalities many of them are too small for efficient administration and that they must look forward to some form of regional government. is to replace the present set-up but that details, including the number of boroughs, or cities that will com- prise the future Metro is open to negotiations, Members of the Legis- lature, especially those representing the Metro area, will certainly be on the hot seat. It will be useless for them to try to please everybody, but they will be under terrific pressures. That would not happen to the same extent if the government decid- ed to implement the Goldenberg Re- port essentially in toto. We view in much the same way the redistribution of federal ridings as recommended by an independent commission, for the first time. Recently the Richmond Hill Lib- eral, in an editorial, complained bit- terly about these recommendations as they affected York North Riding and other area ridings. It was indicated that meetings will be held in due course to hear criticisms and recommendations, and that some minor revisions may be made. But if major revisions are going to be considered, there would be, in our view, only one practical course of action â€" reject the entire report and make a fresh start. â€" Markham Economist and Sun ginally; there are plenty of acceptance. of the principle that properly-designed reg- ional authorities. with major executive powers and ade- quate finance for research as well, can be the best way to get to the root of a far wider range of concerns. It would be nonsense to suggest that regional gov~ ernments should supersede all our other forms of gov- ernment. Rather I would argue that we need to think about inserting a new "level" between the provincial and the present county levels, and so redistributing the powers and connections be- tween them that we neither entangle ourselves in red tape nor find that we as citi- zens are deprived of efi'ective voices in our affairs. This is. of course. a subject for a Royal Commission to con- Hobbies are a way of life for Educator E. T. Pherrill A Gem Boree is a Rockhound’s Paradise In Tom Pherrill’s study, the dominating feature is his huge desk. On one wall, shelves reaching to the ceiling contain his books which are authorities on the various fields of interest which absorb him when he is released from his duties and pleasure of being the assistant-superintendent of four North York secondary schools. On these shelves repose his books on minerology, geology and philosophy and included among them are some unusual cookbooks. Tom Pherrill likes to cook and can whip up a gourmet dinner for his family on occasion. He resides at 104 John Street, Thornhill. ' Philater or stamp collecting is a major hobby and has been a love for most of his life. He has a collection of Canadian stamps that dates back more than sixty years. According to Mr. Pherrill, stamp collecting is an excellent hobby for youngster and adult because it provides an unrivalled opportunity for learning history and geography, current events and becoming familiar with famous people. It also trains a person in awareness of detail. And of course if you collect only first class stamps there is an eco- nomic feature involved. If you think of stamp col- lecting as an investment, you should go back more than twenty-five years if you take his advice. Rambling around Mrs. Plierrill is also an avid stamp collector. He proudly shows her rare collection of unusual flower stamps gleaned from every country in the world. His other ma-jor interest is in geology, especially in collecting and identifying rocks and minerals. Recently he participated in the annual Rockhound Gem Boree at Bancroft. The week of August 12 to 15, was the occasion of the second annual Rockhound Gem Boree at Bancroft. Rockhounds who assembled there came from all parts of Canada and the United States. If you had been a ‘fellow rockhound you might have noticed a familiar face among these rock and min- eral enthusiasts. Otherwise his manner of dress would be just like that of the rest. He. would be wearing stout heavy boots, gloves, a hat to shelter him from the weather and a knapsack over his shoulder. Did you recognize him? If you didn't, let me introduce you to Mr. Pherrill, the North York educator, or simply as Tom Pherrill as he is known to his family, friends, aCQuaintances and fellow rockhounds. So you might have found him in this rocky para- dise enjoying himself, a wellhearned change from his (Continued on Page 12) slder, and I would not pre- sume to have answers. Rather for us to recognize the need for new powers and new ways of dealing with the problems that have arisen. There are two outstanding areas of concern in the poli- tics of the province in which Regional Authorities should be given the major role. First. they provide a flex- ible and powerful "engine" for dealing with blight in all its manifestations. It is popu- lar in some quarters to say that there are no poverty areas as such, but nothing could be farther from the truth. There are all too many areas in which local initiative for self-development simply founders: and as the inexor- able centralizing movements of population continue from year to year. many 01 those “How about pulling together for a change? / fl-l'wm mm MUNICIPALITIES who remain in areas of rela- tive decline will drop further b e h in d. Sociologists and ecologists have realized that paverty and disadvzntage are “total - environment," prob- lems. They cannot be dealt with adequately by attempts to co-ordinate scores of gov- ernment and programs ad hoc. The second prong of re- gionalism should be directed at those problems arising from precisely the opposite situation: ra pid potential growth. Here again it is not clear what form or powers the regional co-ordination should take. But if interde- pendence was ever a prob- lem, it is so here. To look 30 years ahead in the areas bordering Highways 400 and 401. for example, is to pre- dict suburban sprawl, agon- (Continued On Page 12) by Elizabeth Kelson Concise writing such as this‘ should be an assistance to our cause in Vaughan Township to get some action. If I remember correctly, Vaughan Township Council expressed a reluctance to take the action you suggested - something to be avoided at all costs; and this at the time we were presenting our long list of names to our last petition. Thank you again, sir. Sincerely yours, REV. B. F. ANDREW, Presbyterian Manse Maple. “STOP METRO DUMPING" Dear Mr. Editor: Just a note to congratulate you on the way you expressed yourself in last week’s issue in your editorial entitled “Stop Metro Dumping.“ Congratulations to the staff‘ DEPARTMENT of the Richmond Hill Centenâ€" nial Pool. In our estimation Dear Mr. Editor: they have accomplished a great On August 17, we suffered a deal in the two week’s courses disastrous fire at The House of prepared for the school child- Concord, losing our lovely dairy .ren, not only in swimming in- barn and other buildings. struction but WATER SAFETY. The Vaughan Township Fire The instructors and lifeguards Department have- our highest are a fine group. Congratula- commendation for the skillful tions to their parents for en- manner in which they fought couraging such splendid leader- the fire steadily for twelve ship. 'hours. saving many buildings The discipline at the pool at which appeared doomed. Dear Mr. Editor The discipline at the pool at all times is excellent and it is certainly a pleasure to be able to make use of a beautiful pool. The school board could make use of the pool. giving school children two-weeks‘ courses, similar to the plans of North York. The community has beni~ fited greatly this summer but now will have to drive for fur- ther lessons to the nearest pool which is York Mills. Money for lessons and pool rental is leav- ing Richmond Hill. Swimming clubs need practice the year round, men's organizations would certainly make good use of it. as well as the popular ladies' swim groups sponsored by the YWCA of Richmond Hill. A SI ET Acton ..... Ancaster ‘ Arthur Ayton ..... Blyth ....... Brampton Brussels . Chesley .. Desboro .. Drayton . Drumbo . It seems a great pity that the pool will not be in use from the fall until next June. What would it actually cost each tax- payer to cover and heat it? Let's make use of one of the finest forms of recreation. Yours sincerely. MESDAMES A. SHUBALY, G. REDBURN and D. STRAUMANN, TOWN NEEDS COVERED SWIMMING POOL Last week’s papers were preoccupied with the possibility of a November election but it looked like Prime Minister Pearson was waiting to get back to Ottawa to give us a definite maybe on it. And President Nasser of the United Arab Re- public showed up in Moscow last week with a plan for a cease fire in Vietnam. . . . Wonder if it’s the same one his countries are trying out with Israel? The most embarrassing moment of the week Was, when Premier Robarts discovered liquor had been served illegally while he was guest-of-honormg an Orillia Chamber of Commerce reception. We suppose his request, if he had known, would have been for wry on the rocks. Metro Police estimate at least $10,000 went “into the wrong pockets" after discovering that a civilian clerk in the department had been fixing parking tickets for half price. . . . The “wrong POC- kets” expression was theirs. Apparently they Just can’t stand private enterprise. Second Many/Its There was a massive move into marriage in the States last week after the President’s declaration (Continued on Page 12) Richmond Hill Dear Mr. fairer Q Yesterday’s news is not necessarily dead 9” ruunnmmnnmuum1m11mm11ummnunnmmmuunmmumm nnnmmnmmuumnmnmmuumunnmlumumuummmlmuu Councillor Lois Hancey’s pro-l tests against a hydrogen storage tank in town smells of vote catching. The electors would have been more impressed if ‘Councillor Hancey has “vehem- ently" protested the recent sub- stantial storage increase of pro- pane gas on Markham Road which was approved by town council. frey. 17, Newmarket District High School. obtained eight firsts and one second for 81.6 percent and was awarded an Ontario Scholarship, in recen: grade 13 departmental examina- tions. Rod Mickleburgh. 18, with 78.6 percent had seven firsts, missing nine firsts by NEWMARK ET: Jack McCaf‘ only one mark Dear Mr. Editor Labor Day Year’s Top Road Killer Regarding another current matter. Although many voters are for Reeve Plaxton's stand on rowdyism. Councillor Haneey objected to his views but had nothing to offer as an alterna- tive. Voters will, no doubt, recall these affairs in December. Yours very truly, Brussels Chesley Desboro Drayton 0f Canada's seven major holidays. the Labor Day weekend is well in the lead as creator of death on the highways, reported the Canadian Highway Safety Council. In fact, said highways, reported the Canadian Highway Safety Council. In fact, said CHSC. the working man, whose day it is, is being pushed into the background by the road victims in the general public's view of the holiday. The average number of road fatalities on Labor Day weekend in Canada is 61. Other holidays have averages below that. They include 25 for New Year's (the least): 35 for Easter. 42 for Victoria Day, 45 for Dominion Day. 50 for Christmas, 52 {or Thanks- giving. We in this township can be proud of our fire department and can certainly feel safe in their hands. The patience énd understanding of the firemen with our residents was indeed excellent. Major causes, CHSC claim- ed. are the urge for domin- ance, the urge for speed. reluctance to “give in" to the other driver. failure to make use of driving proced- ures and car features de- signed to help avoid mis- haps. and lack of attention to the simple signs that warn of potential peril. Drumbo Dundarlk Dungannon Durham Elmira ....... Embro ....... Erin Fall Fair Dates HIGH PRAISE VAUGHAN FIRE DEPARTMENT PLAYING POLITICS? (Continued On Page 12) BY GEORGE MAYES Yours sincerely A. MacCORQUODALE Superintendent. MURIEL BROWN Richmond Hill ..... Sept. 24, 25 Sept. 2, 4 and 6 Sept. 18 and 20 Oct. 9, 10 and 11 Sept. 16, 17, Sept. 30. Oct. ...... Sept. 10, ....... Sept. 17. Sept 18 and Sept. 29. . Sept. 14, ............. Oct . Sept. 24, Sept. Sept. 23 Sept. Sept. ..... Sept. 24. 22. 21, 18§| FLASHBACK Colonel David Bridgford again came. to the front during the stirring days of 1837, William Harrison wrote in the November 15. 1888 issue of “The Liberal" William Lyon Mackenzie‘sled. adding that people's opin‘ sieeches. pamphlets and papersiions on these contentious sub- had made the grievances of his jects were governed to a great day the topic of conversation extent by political leanings. in every home. the writer claim- (Continued On Page 12) n7. Richmond RICHMOND HILL, ONT. Phone TU. 4-1212 iAfter Sun. Midnite, Sept. 6,12:05 1m! 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