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Karen Best -
Haldimand Review staff
Haldimand Review
Local News - Monday, June 26, 2006 @ 09:00
[SISIS note: The following mainstream news article is provided for reference only, as an example of how mainstream media treats indigenous resistance to genocide. Mainstream media often presents biased and distorted information, lacking pertinent facts and/or context. Inclusion of this article on our site should not be considered an endorsement by SISIS.]
CALEDONIA -- As a Superior Court of Justice judge was about to embark on a hearing related to rule of law, the provincial government announced an additional $1 million for the recovery of Caledonia businesses.
The new program became available on June 21 and is intended to cover losses from disruptions caused when Argyle Street and the Highway 6 bypass was blocked.
Businesses suffering losses between April and June can apply for assistance for a portion of their expenses.
The program, which will be administered by Haldimand County, targets businesses in Caledonia and Hagersville and within the Highway 6 corridor, and on Haldimand Roads 9 and 27, Sandusk Road, and New Credit and Six Nations reserves.
Applications are available at the Local Business Recovery Assistance Office located in the Haldimand County Community Centre on Haddington Street in Caledonia.
The deadline for applications is July 21.
Recently county corporate services general manager Karen General gave details on disbursement of the original $500,000 emergency business grant. As of June 19, 29 cheques were issued for a total of $87,000. This is an average of $3,000 per application. Thirty-three more applications are under review.
According to Mayor Marie Trainer, economic development and trade minister Joe Cordiano said the county can still use the remaining $400,000 and roll it into the second phase funding. This is a substantial amount of money, she added.
The Caledonia Citizen Alliance is concerned about the stringent requirements for the first round of emergency funding. This was intended to save businesses on the brink of bankruptcy. At a meeting this week, Ken Hewitt of the alliance told Ontario government officials that the old parameters are not working. The group suggested a more liberal approach to criteria.
“It really means nothing until it gets into the hands of business owners,” he said.
After the launch of a new advertising campaign to promote Caledonia as a nice place to visit, Hewitt is not as concerned about money. The future has to ensure that the community and visitors feel safe in town, he said. The barricade on Surrey Street at the Argyle Street South end of Douglas Creek Estates detracts from the town’s peaceful image, he noted.
Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister John Gerretsen will work with the Caledonia community liaison committee to see how the province can help residents most directly affected by the blockades and the occupation of Douglas Creek Estates. Don and John Henning are pleased with the government’s decision to undertake assistance for the community at large and with continuing discussions with builders who purchased lots in their subdivision. The Hennings also welcomed additional business relief funding.