Call for help .. much needed local icon business in jeopardy

Call for help .. much needed local icon business in jeopardy
407 expansion threatening to take out Noones, plus others I spoke with Harry Shillings today (owner of Noones and groomer operator for Long Sault Ridge Runners) Harry had told me the MTO is planning on expropriating Noones, the Esso and the Cango just north of them, for the expansion of the 407. They have a few routes they could take, one would avoid this happening, but it comes a the cost 50 million for a bridge and service rd to be built. So we as tax payers have to voice our concerns over this. We can't let this happen, those stations are far to great a necessity to our sport and others in the area. Here's the crappy thing, this has to be done ASAP as the MTO has left it to the last min to only further their advantage. FYI ..... Harry & Marlene could of just taken the big bag of money offered to him for his business, and headed south, but not Harry & Marline the first thing that came to mind was ....... what about the Sledders, ATV'ers, hikers, bikers and horse back riders that count on Noones being there, be it for fuel, food, or just somewhere to park. I'll keep things up to date as the details come in, if your in the area over the next few days, stop in at Noones and see Harry, Marlene or Jen and ask how you can help support stopping this from happening. Just for those who don't know the area or Noones Noones has been around since 1953 sevicing travelers on hwy's 115/35 and off road motorsorts enthusiasts, hikers, cyclists,horse back riders ...ect in area, with out Noones or the other two stations being there, your only choice for fuel is right in Bewedly (with early closing hours) and Port Perry. They are over 60 miles apart. So spending the day crusing the 100's of miles of trails the Ganny has to offer would be out, unless you detour 25 to 30 miles either way east or west for fuel. These gates are a welcome site at any time, day or night when your hungry, lost or in need of fuel directions or just somewhere to warm up. Same goes for the Esso

. Here's more on it, with better facts. The $50 million bridge wasn't and isn't the only option, routing the hwy where orginaly planned would avoid all this and let those much needed services continue servicing the area. Subject: Noone's Travel Plaza - assistance needed on behalf of Harry and Marlene Schillings I am writing to you today because we all need to be aware of something that will prove to be detrimental to the infrastructure of our commuting passage – whether it is by automobile, snowmobile, atv, or simply by foot. Noone’s Travel Plaza has been in operation since 1956. Although it has had many changes over the years, they have all been to best serve the needs of all travelers. This business not only is a highway stop – it is a rare location that lies within a network of recreation trails in the oak ridges moraine. This is important because it could be gone. As we speak, the 407 team is working on its final plans to develop the 407 - Some which would mean the elimination of Noone’s. However, as this is still in the planning stages, we have the opportunity to voice our opinions. First – you need a little background information about the 407 and its ongoing development. For the last 40 years, the 407 has been on the table to have an eastern link that would join the 407 to the Highway 35/115 junction. The original planned route would have seen the highway follow an east/west direction, and then veer to the north and join into the existing junction where the 35/115 highway splits, which is approximately three kilometers north of Noone’s Travel Plaza. In June 2007, the 407 held public information meetings throughout Durham Region to unveil the determined route. This route changed drastically in that it no longer connected at the 35 junction – it instead joined to the 35/115 Highway south of Noone’s between the Concession Road 8 and Concession Road 7 also known as County Road 9 in the hamlet of Kirby. The Section of the 35/115 Highway from the 35 Junction to the Kirby Intersection shall be upgraded to a 400 series highway, which means that all highway access points shall be removed. Since last June, the 407 people have been meeting with us to come up with a design that would incorporate our site into a highway service center, while still maintaining our location and our commitment to the recreation industry. At this particular time, the 407 planners feel that the cost to keep us here is greater than that of our elimination. What the 407 people have failed to realize is that if we were to be removed, with the present laws and legislation governing the oak ridges moraine, we would also never be replaced – in any form. While Noone’s is located directly on the Highway 35/115, it is also located on the E108 Main Tops Trail, which is recognized by Tourism Ontario. To put this into perspective – if you were travelling by snowmobile, there would not be a service location for food and fuel between Port Perry and Bewdley. Furthermore, there would be nothing 24 hours from Port Perry to Campbellford. When you equate the highway commuters, as an example, if you are travelling from Peterborough area to our area, there simply is not anywhere to stop for fuel, food, rest or emergency. Add to that, if you are someone who would take the 407 west to beyond the airport, there is nothing. Responsible urban planning must take this into consideration. It is simply unsafe to not have this facility, given that vast distance one would have to go to safely stop. We need the 407 project team to fully understand how important it is for a facility as unique as ours is to remain and be included in the monumental decision that this development would entail. We are asking that you send your comments to the following individuals: Dean Kemper, Ministry of Transportation, Senior Project Engineer Planning & Environmental Office (416) 235-4664 Dean.Kemper@mto.gov.on.ca Dan Remollino, Ministry of Transportation Project Manager, 407 East EA (416) 235-5576 dan.remollino@ontario.ca Chris Harker, Ministry of Transportation, Real Estate Officer, Property Section (416) 235-3408 Chris.Harker@mto.gov.on.ca Brent Gotts, McCormick Rankin Corporation, Consultants in Transportation (905) 823-8500 bgotts@mrc.ca Gord Robinson, Clarington Councillor, Ward 4 (905) 623-3379 grobinson@municipality.clarington.on.ca Thank you very much for all of your support. Your opinion matters and will make a difference. Sincerely Harry and Marlene Schillings Noone’s Travel Plaza

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