CHARITY FOR HUNTER’S BAY RADIO?
Did you get the call for a hundred bucks this week from Hunter’s Bay Radio? I did and certainly a number of other people did as well, many of whom have not been happy about it. HBR also had a ‘radiothon’ this past week to seek funds for a new generator for emergency broadcasting, which is a requirement of The Canadian Radio and Television Commission, for most broadcasting outlets.
Hunters’ Bay Radio is licensed by the CRTC as a community radio station and that brings with it, certain restrictions. As an example, they are limited in how much advertising they can sell but they can still sell it. They are also required to be a non profit organization.
But make no mistake about it, Hunter’s Bay Radio is a business, competing with other media in the area such as The Forester, What’s Up, Moose FM and when it comes online in September, Huntsville Doppler, in which I have a business interest. All of these other outlets, have to make it on their business model, without handouts from the community. They all offer similar services to HBR and none of them would ever think of asking the general public to pay their bills for them.
Further, in asking the public for money to support their radio station, (which by the way includes salaries and benefits for the owners) they are competing, especially at this time of year, with real community charity events, such as The Terry Fox Run, Swim for Hospice, Run for the Cure etc. There is only so much disposable income that people have for these important events in our community and it is regretful, in my view, that HBR has joined the queue for a handout that will ultimately line their pockets.
HUNTSVILLE AND THE O.P.P.
Last week Huntsville Council was asked by the Ontario Provincial Police for free use of space in the Summit Centre while their offices on District Road 2 are being renovated. Council turned them down. On the face of it, this was an understandable decision.. After all, the Town is facing a sizeable deficit and even if they completely freeze spending on new projects, (which will not likely happen with this crew) they are currently looking at a tax increase of more than 8% next year. This is not the time for freebies. Furthermore, Huntsville has just been hit with a huge tax increase for policing costs and as a result, one would think that the O.P.P. could afford to pay for any space they require from the Town. So all in all, the right decision by Council.
Enter a niggling feeling I have and don’t worry, this would not be the first time I have been called paranoid! I recall a meeting of O.P.P. personnel held at Deerhurst, sometime during the past year. One of the people present, told me that the Commissioner talked about the possibility of rationalizing police services in Muskoka, with one option being to center administration out of Bracebridge, thus downgrading or eliminating the detachment in Huntsville. I haven’t heard anything about this since, but I wonder if it is still in the works. I also wonder if this has anything to do with “potential renovations” at The Huntsville detachment office and the reason the Town has been approached for temporary space and whether the turndown by Council could have any effect on future decisions.
Over the years, Huntsville has lost too many services to Bracebridge and every time we do, it hurts our community and our economy. We need the full presence of an O.P.P. detachment here and we are certainly paying for it. Indeed, perhaps that is what we are going to have for the foreseeable future. But given that something is obviously afoot, it would be good to find out. Perhaps our Mayor could sit down with the police and determine what their plans really are. Perhaps he already knows and if so, it would be appreciated if he would be kind enough to share this information with the rest of us.
HUNTSVILLE ACHIEVEMENTS:
The full Ironman Triathlon is in full swing as I write this Blog. What a gruelling event it is for the Athletes and what a great economic boost for Huntsville! There are about 1200 athletes participating and many are here with their families, providing all sorts of opportunities for businesses in our community. People are here from many parts of the world, including Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, Europe, Brazil and of course the United States and many parts of Canada. To most, it is a first glimpse of the wonderful recreational lifestyle we have here and no doubt, many of them will be back.
The organizers and volunteers of this event deserve huge credit and thanks. Running a race of world stature, such as this one, is a mammoth task, involving countless hours of dedicated work. Thanks to them, the disruption to our community was minimal and the benefits huge. It was also nice to hear so many visitors talk about the kindness and efficiency of the multitude of our home grown volunteers. Some of them remarked that they had never encountered such kindness, enthusiasm and effectiveness. That’s Huntsville for you.
Two other events of note this week, were also exciting for Huntsville. We are all proud of the achievements of Dara Howell and the international recognition she has brought to Huntsville.This week we may have learned from where she inherited some of her amazing skill. It was just another ho hum game of golf this week for her grandfather, Ken Raven, as he got another hole in one, while playing at Deerhurst Lakeside. It was one of many for him. But this one is special, because Ken is now into his nineties! Not only is Ken an avid golfer but he still skis every winter. He is a consummate athlete. His wife,Sandy, is no slouch either. A few years ago she managed two holes in one in a single game; a very rare achievement. Quite the athletic genes in that family. Huntsville should be proud of them.
On the cultural side, Anne and I were in Stratford a week or two ago. and out of my program jumped an insert featuring John Mighton. John, while not a Huntsville native, lived in Huntsville for a number of years and I think went to school here. His Mom, Marion White was a very active member of the Huntsville and Lake of Bays Community serving in a number of volunteer capacities. as well as a local and District Councillor. John is a highly regarded Canadian Playwright and this year, his creation, ‘Possible Worlds’ is playing at the Stratford Festival. Another reason for Huntsville to take pride.
OH YES..THE ELECTION:
Almost left it out this week but temptation overtook me.. I have to have my media rant but I will keep it short.
So… there was a headline in the Toronto Star this week that blared: “Harper Economy: The Worst Ever: ” At the same time came news that the Harper Government posted a five billion dollar surplus in the first quarter of this fiscal year( April to June), .although I didn’t see much mention of that in the left wing (‘Our job is to defeat the Government’) media.
A Faceook Blogger, named Scot Rienhadt reacted to the Sar story this way:
“This is pure unadulterated horse buns. We have the best economic and banking results in the G-8, since Harper took over. The Star is campaigning against Harper with Rockets on. This (he says) is journalistic malpractice”.
Whoever becomes the next Prime Minister after October 19th, whether it be Harper, Mulcair or Trudeau, their two highest priorities will be security for Canadians in a fast changing world and our national economy.
In terms of the economy, whoever is in charge, will have no control over global oil prices, world markets or what is happening in China. All of this and more, affects Canada’s economy. The real question that needs to be debated in this election campaign, is which political party can best protect and advance the economy of Canada under difficult world wide conditions? It’s always easy when things are going well, but who do we need, when the going gets tough? I plan to deal with this in more detail in my next Blog. and as usual, I welcome contrary opinion. Hopefully we can disagree without being disagreeable..
DOPPLER
Huntsville Doppler, our community’s primary on-line news source, hits the internet next Tuesday. As I mentioned last week,’ Listen Up’ will appear in the the Opinion Section of Huntsville Doppler. If you haven’t done it yet, please go to:www.doppleronline.ca/huntsville and enter your e-mail address to receive Huntsville Doppler alerts and to have a chance to win an Apple Air i-pad. It’s a great on-line news source for Huntsville and an opportunity for you to get in on the ground floor.
Hugh Mackenzie
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