The Lake Erie Beacon August 14 2015 by Linda Hibbert

Serving Lake Erie’s North Shore Friday August 14, 2015

INSIDE Port Stanley Harbourfest 2015 The Harbourfest event itself was run by a committee of the Port Stanley Business Association (BIA). STORY PAGE 3

Report from Transport Canada Provides Future vision for Port Stanley Harbour

Port Stanley Report At their July meeting Heritage Port members met at the Dowler-Karn MuSTORY PAGE 4 seum in St. Thomas.

Missing Rail Link To Be Restored This significant rail infrastructure project will help celebrate Canada’s 150th Anniversary in 2017. STORY PAGE 5

Port Burwell Report The Ojibwa is quietly, out of the limelight, attracting a steady stream of visitors this season. STORY PAGE 6

Port Stanley harbour summer 2015.

Transport Canada, Public Works and Government Services

Figure 1: The harbour plan showing areas being assessed including vacant land shown in green, known locally as the Berm.

Transport Canada transferred ownership of the Port Stanley Harbour to the Municipality of Central Elgin (MCE) in September 2010 as part of Transport Canada’s National Marine Policy. This included the water lot and four land parcels: West Pier, East Headlands, East Pier South and East Pier North/Parkette (Figure 1).

Bayham Community Centres The election of a new Council should be an exciting time for any Municipality – it represents fresh perspectives, new opportunities and a renewed sense of energy for a community at large. STORY PAGE 6

Port Bruce Report On July 31st, at the Port Bruce pavilion, a funding announcement was made that will hopefully lessen the potential for flooding in future years. STORY PAGE 7

Investment for HMCS Prevost Port Stanley This important investment will be made to remodel, repair and upgrade infrastructure . STORY PAGE 9

LOOK AHEAD Community Events

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Classifieds & Service Directory Page 11 Business Roladex

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LEB Circulation The Lake Erie Beacon is delivered free of charge to over 6000 homes, apartments and businesses along the north shore of Lake Erie. In addition copies are available at selected locations in Rodney, West Lorne, Dutton, St.Thomas and Port Stanley.

As part of the transfer agreement, Transport Canada committed to completing certain environmental work according to Ontario regulation (O.Reg 153/04) requirements. This includes completion of an environmental risk assessment (RA), implementation of remediation and/or risk management measures required to enable the specified land use (i.e., parkland for East Headlands; commercial/industrial for West Pier and the East Pier lots), and preparation of documents necessary for MCE to file Records of Site Condition (RSCs) for the properties. To address the MOECC comments, and to meet the new O. Reg. 153/04 re-

What is an environmental RA? An environmental RA is a scientific process used to describe and estimate the likelihood of adverse health effects (i.e., potential risks) to human and ecological receptors resulting from exposure to environmental contaminants at a site. Three components mus t be present for potential risks to exist: quirements (as amended and in effect on July 1, 2011), from 2011-2015, supplementary assessments and investigations were completed, risks to human and ecological receptors were re-evaluated, and proposed risk management measures were developed. In January 2014 a follow-up PIS was delivered to present findings of the risk evaluations, remediation requirements and the recommended risk management plan (RMP), and to receive and address comments/questions from the public.

1. Chemicals must be present at concentrations sufficient to cause a possible adverse effect; 2. A receptor (e.g., people, wildlife) must be present; and 3. There must be a complete exposure pathway by which the receptor can come into contact with the chemical. Where potential risks are identified, remediation and/or risk management is required to address the risk. Continued On Page 8

Funding For Asian Carp Protection Marc Gaden Communications Director Protecting the Great Lakes from Asian carp and other aquatic nuisance species is a top priority for regional stakeholders, and the U.S. President’s budget should reflect this sense of urgency. This was conveyed this week to President Obama in a joint letter from the Great Lakes Commission and the Great Lakes Fishery Commission urging funding for a robust and aggressive program to protect the Great Lakes from Asian carp in the FY 2017 federal budget, now being prepared. The letter emphasized monitoring and control actions being coordinated by the multi-agency Asian Carp Regional Coordinating Committee and a study being led by the Army Corps of Engineers to develop a plan to deploy control technologies at a key lock on the Illinois River to prevent Asian carp

An Asian Carp captured by a U.S. Fisheries and Wildlife Service officer.

from advancing closer to the Great Lakes. “It is vital that we sustain and fully fund current Asian carp monitoring and control efforts; develop and implement technologies to impede their expansion; and improve control measures on all potential pathways into the Great Lakes basin,” the letter said. The two commissions and other regional leaders are urging swift action to test and deploy control measures to stop the upstream movement of Asian carp at the Brandon Road lock and dam, located on the Illinois River in Joliet, Ill., southwest of Chicago. Concerned about the four-year timeframe for completing the Brandon Road Continued On Page 11

Page 2 • The Lake Erie Beacon • Friday August 14, 2015

EDITORIAL The Fishermen’s Memorial Reply

This editorial is in reply to Mr. Prothero’s letter regarding the article that appeared in the July 24th edition of the Beacon that discussed the Port Stanley Fishermen’s Memorial. Firstly everyone has a right to their own opinion and several people in Port Stanley have voiced the same opinion that the Fishermen’s Memorial is not doing the job it should be doing. Just because you don’t agree with an opinion doesn’t mean the person voicing the opinion is wrong or stupid.

of the events or persons being memorialized. A memorial should immediately inform the viewer what it is about. There are other fishermen’s memorials around the Great Lakes such as the one in Port Dover that shows three fishermen pulling in a net. The relationship to commercial fishing is immediately obvious.

Another example is the Fishermen’s Memorial at Port Washington Wisconsin. The memorial located on their harbour gives information on the art of commercial fishing. The memorial consists of a statue of a weathered fisherman toting a huge fish tied to a rope. Surrounding the fisherman are displays that include information about comA memorial design should allow vismercial fishing and tributes to fisheritors to share in a journey, where the men who have lost their lives. meaning and understanding of the experience being memorialized can quiWhat greater tribute can there be etly unfold. A memorial should be a than telling the story of what you are place that allows reflection and conmemorializing? templation. But if you do not underThe Port Stanley Fishermen’s Mestand what the memorial is about how morial does not readily explain what the can you share in the journey. memorial is about. The carved wooden The unfortunate issue about the mural, behind the glass, shows a harPort Stanley “memorial” is that it does bour scene that could be any harbour not immediately give the viewer a not necessarily a commercial fishing sense that it is supposed to be a memoThere are several boats in the harbour. rial. The only means of telling that it is scene, including a sailing boat, a rowa memorial is the name plaque beside boat and a larger vessel that could be a the door, which, as I mentioned in my article, cannot be easily seen when the modern fishing tug. The only feature in door is open unless you happen to be the scene that is directly related to comstanding to the extreme left of the mercial fishing is a net drying rack in building. the lower left corner. Unfortunately you would have to look closely to see it and Mr. Prothero says a memorial is “not a tourist attraction”, but there are know what a net drying rack is to recogmemorials around the world that are nize it. tourist attractions. The Vimy Ridge meIt many ways it is more of a memomorial attracts as many as 700,000 visirial to those who contributed to its contors every year. Several millions of struction than to the fishermen who are people visit the American Vietnam Vetsupposed to be the centre of focus, beerans memorial wall each year. cause the only reference of any kind in If you don’t attract tourists or viewthe memorial are the several plaques ers what is the point of having a meshowing the names of the contributors. morial. Mr. Prothero may know what the memorial is about because he was involved in its design but many people who walk by would not see the significance in the design of the structure or how it relates to the name behind the door.

As to Mr. Prothero’s quiz, the first rule of designing a memorial is that it should not be a monument to its designers, builders or sponsors. These are the last people who should be front and

A memorial should have a degree of shared understanding, in broad terms,

Continued On Page 5

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Publisher/Editor Andrew Hibbert andrew@lebeacon.ca Advertising Linda Hibbert linda@lebeacon.ca David Crober West Elgin beacon@lebeacon.ca Gloria Wilson East Elgin beacon@lebeacon.ca Letters to the Editor andrew@lebeacon.ca

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LETTERS Concerning the Fishermen’s Memorial Publisher Lake Erie Beacon Re: Editorial comment concerning the Fishermen’s Memorial. We find it necessary but disagreeable to write you concerning your recent comments on the Fishermen’s Memorial. First of all this is a MEMORIAL. It is not a museum. It is not a tourist attraction. It is not a place for toy boats! If you and the people you purport to represent (Port Stanley Village Association) do not understand the concept of a Memorial, as opposed to a museum or a tourist attraction, perhaps a dictionary or a library might be of some help. The library is located adjacent to the former Town Hall. Secondly, this MEMORIAL is dedicated to fishing families from ALL over the Great Lakes, not just Port Stanley or Lake Erie. There are fishing families from the far reaches of Wisconsin and Minnesota who fished for generations and never saw a boat that looked like a Lake Erie Fish Tug. The suggestion that we have models of Port Stanley fish tugs associated with the MEMORIAL would be an insult to that large segment of the Great Lakes fishing community. The suggestion is about as appropriate as having models of Russian tanks placed at the Canadian Soldier’s MEMORIAL. This is a serious matter. The MEMORIAL is dedicated to an industry, its people, their hardships and accomplishments over a period of two hundred years. It was duly dedicated

and consecrated. It is not a soccer field. The many people from all over the Great Lakes who contributed to this project did so with the understanding that it was just that...a MEMORIAL..not a tourist attraction for Port Stanley or a site for toy boats. This concept is very important. If you do not understand it, which is quite possible, please contact us. We are really not surprised that you and the people you purport to represent (PSVA) have not bothered to do any research on the background of the MEMORIAL. Nobody has bothered to talk to anybody who was responsible for the Memorial. Some of this information is in a book called A Fisherman’s Town which is available at the Library, which, once again, is adjacent to the old Town Hall. If you do not wish to purchase a copy of this book, we can lend you one. Personally, if we were to discuss the future of some local landmark or institution, we would try to find out a good deal about the subject. Apparently that is not true of you or the people you speak for. Too bad. The MEMORIAL deserves better. The money raised for the MEMORIAL included a $4000 surplus that was transferred to Central Elgin for future maintenance. That fund may have been exhausted but a simple letter of concern to the Municipality of Central Elgin might have been more appropriate than the negative and misguided coverage you gave the issue. You and the PSVA may well continue on the course you have started upon. Perhaps you could turn the MEMORIAL into a real dollar- maker with drinks and smokes served on the front lawn. Anything for a buck. Continued On Page 5

The Lake Erie Beacon • Friday August 14, 2015 • Page 3

Port Stanley Harbourfest 2015 Big Success

Above: Street performers included magic acts, stilt walkers, dancers and Pirate Captain Thom Bedlam entertaining around the village. Right: The Tall Ship Pathfinder taking guests for a sail on the lake. Below: Young Pathfinder crew members working the rigging.

Top Right: Music was everywhere in the village. The group above played at the Tapas & Grill Restaurant. The Port Stanley Legion featured the “Great Lakes Swimmers”.

HealthTalk Viral Hepatitis

Andrew Hibbert A really fantastic weekend event for Port Stanley. It seemed as if all the fates came together to make this a tremendous summer event. Everyone we spoke to said it was a great weekend, one of the best they could remember. A sprinkle of rain early on Saturday did not deter visitors and Sunday was especially nice. The shops, restaurants and harbour were full of activity with music and entertainment everywhere. It was warm and breezy and there were lots of activities offered all weekend. The Harbourfest event itself was run by a committee of the Port Stanley Business Association (BIA). The committee is headed by Michelle Fournier owner of the Village Square Coffee Shop. They obviously did everything right and made this a memorable weekend for the village. The weekend offered a Tall Ship, Live Music, Street Performers, including Pirate Captain Thom Bedlam, a Vendors Market in the DOC Building, Family Fun, Food, and more! The park, in front of the Legion, featured an art show on both days of the weekend and on Saturday evening the Port Stanley volunteer Firefighters held their annual Perch supper at the Fire Hall on Joseph Street. It was reported that they sold over 400 meals.

Above: St. Thomas Wildlife Rehabilitation group “Another Chance”. Shown with an Eastern Screech Owl is Carol Clarke. The group rehabilitates on average 300 wild animals each year. Above Right: The DOC Building featured a variety of booths including the Port Stanley Optimists who offered games and prizes for children. The musical group The Great Lake Swimmers, with Katy Carswell kicked off the weekend on Friday evening at The Port Stanley Legion. The Tall Ship Pathfinder visited the harbour at Port Stanley from August 7th through to August 10th, 2015. This ship is a brigantine designed and built by Francis A. McLachlan in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. Pathfinder was launched in 1963. A brigantine is a two-masted square-rigged sailing vessel with foreand-aft rigged sails on the mainmast. This is distinct from a brig that has square sails on both masts. Harbourside tours and two and a half hour lake cruise were offered during the weekend. Continued On Page 11

July 28th was an important day. Not only was it my brother’s birthday (and yes mom, I did remember it) but it was also world hepatitis day. (No connection between the two events). Viral Hepatitis is a viral infection, which causes inflammation in the liver. There are currently 5 known types of hepatitis viruses: A,B,C,D,E. A and E are spread mainly through eating food or drinking water that has been contaminated by the feces of an infected person or by eating raw shellfish that have come from water contaminated by sewage. Hepatitis B, C and D are predominantly transmitted through contact with contaminated blood. Effective vaccinations exist for hepatitis A & B and the B vaccine is publicly funded and provided to children in grade 7. It is a two-step vaccine given 4 to 6 months apart and is 95-100% effective in preventing the disease. Similarly, the hepatitis A vaccine prevents illness in 90-97% of those vaccinated. For those who are older, like myself and may have missed the hepatitis vaccination in school, there is also a combination A/B vaccine with a simple three-step schedule. Hepatitis C is a common form of viral hepatitis. An estimated 170 million individuals worldwide including an estimated 250,000 in Canada are in-

Steve Bond, BScPhm, RPh, CDE Pharmacist/Manager

fected and many do not even know. 75% of those who are acutely infected cannot shed the virus and their infections become chronic- leading to serious complications in 25% of those individuals. The good news about hepatitis C is that although no vaccine exists to prevent it, some very promising new therapies have been developed to treat and possibly eradicate the virus. For much of the past decade, treatment for HCV consisted of a long-acting form of interferon-alpha, called peginterferon, injected once weekly, and the broad-spectrum antiviral drug ribavirin taken orally twice daily for 2448 weeks. Unfortunately, success rates were often less than 50% and side effects were severe. In the past year, powerful all-oral therapies have become licensed in Canada. These new direct acting antiviral drugs have fewer side effects, shorter treatment times and cure rates above 90%! Sounds perfect? One slight drawback-the cost of treatment is between $50-60,000 and may or may not be covered by the province or private drug plans. So while this is a huge advancement, it comes with a price. Take Care of Yourselves and each other.

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Page 4 • The Lake Erie Beacon • Friday August 14, 2015

PORT STANLEY REPORT

is planning a celebration than may include, as well as a ribbon cutting, music, cake and other possible festivities. Watch our September 28th edition for the official announcement.

of model trucks and real vehicles. Dowler-Karn hostess Priscilla Dowler welcomed Heritage Port members to the museum and provided a guided tour of their collection of fuelrelated memorabilia. A short, informal Heritage Port meeting took place in a meeting room on the second level of the Museum following the Dowler-Karn museum tour.

Andrew Hibbert

The passing of Robert L. Chamberlain Wendy Lépine from the legal office of Paul Lepine, Vedova and Chamberlain, announced with great sadness the passing of Robert L. Chamberlain. Paul Lepine wishes to inform all of Rob’s clients that we are happy to continue to serve of all of his clients at his office here in Port Stanley.

Found Near Port Stanley

If you wish to reach Mr. Lépine please call him at 519-432-4155.

Two young people, who were out kayaking along the shore east of the vil-

As a follow-up Heritage Port member Bob Weare has arranged for the September meeting to be held at the Railway Museum in St. Thomas. Members will view the Port Stanley Incline Railway cars that are stored at the museum and many other exhibits. A regular meeting will follow that tour. Heritage Port Chair John Morrow invites members and guests to attend all the meetings.

The perks of retirement Jim Taylor A ride in the country on a warm summer day. It’s one of the perks of retirement. And if you’re fortunate enough to live in Port Stanley it’s a perk that keeps on giving … Sorry. Besides the action on the lakeshore and delights of a small welcoming village, quiet country roads are only, well, just around the corner. Or up the hill as it were. For one of the best summer calmer downers take a short drive east to Port Bruce along the lake road where Erie is almost always in view. If you can see it behind the signs warning you to stay away or else, that is. Thing is the road is most often deserted, or at least seems so, and driving is less, well, distracting. A recent mid-week, mid-morning drive was particularly peaceful. Not another car, not a sign of life other than gulls and one lonely horse grazing in a field. Oh, and a couple of sailboats out on the horizon. Talk about pastoral. Still, it was surprising to descend the hill into Bruce and proceed along the village’s ring road to notice no cars were visible, not a single one. And no people. And even the summer booths were closed. Well, it is a small village and it was early.

Pictured from left: Donna Gilbert, LCBO Store Manager, Josh Chapman, Port Stanley Volunteer Fire Fighter, Agnes Verhoeven, LCBO Customer Service Representative, Mike Goodwin, Port Stanley Volunteer Fire Fighter and Mike Sunderland, with Colio Wines, who was providing the wine samples. Photo by Melissa Schneider

Port Stanley LCBO Fundraiser For The United Way For several weeks the Port Stanley LCBO has been campaigning to raise fund for the United Way. To date over $2000 has been raised through customer cash donations towards a goal of $3000. On August 1st staff at the Port Stanley LCBO and members of the Central Elgin Fire Department - Port Stanley Station teamed up to host a combination Bottle Drive/BBQ/Instore tasting to raise funds for the United Way. The event, held in front of the LCBO at 325 Bridge Street, raised $330 that will be used to support local agencies and programs.

West Breakwater, Official Reopening Of The Pier Port Stanley’s West Breakwater is near completion and a tentative date has been set for the official opening. A ribbon cutting ceremony is expected to take place on the morning of Saturday, August 29th. Because of the significance of this event Council

The Dowler-Karn hostess for the Heritage Port tour was Priscilla Dowler shown above with display manikins in period costumes.

Then, as you make the loop where the road reaches the lake you notice there are cars parked everywhere. But still, no people. Where are they?

Photographs of the amazing collection lage, found an object on the narrow are shown below. beach below the bluffs when they were looking for beach glass. The object is a round dome about 2.25 inches in diameter and 1 inch high. It looks to be about the size and shape of the top of bicycle bell but much heavier and possibly cast in brass. The object has a British Union Jack cast into the surface. This is not an area where people walk so this object was probably washed onto the shore by a storm. There is known to be shipwreck off shore in that area. If you have any ideas as to what this might be or where it might have come from please contact us at: 519-782-4563 or email: andrew@lebeacon.ca.

And then you notice. The village’s small pier is crowded with young and old. Taking in the blissful water views? Watching the boats on the idyllic lake? Well, no. Actually they are all fishing. Young, old, moms, dads, kids. All with lines in Erie’s murky waters.

Heritage Port Dowler-Karn Collection Tour At their July meeting Heritage Port members met at the Dowler-Karn Museum in St. Thomas. Heritage Port member David Harding had organized this outstanding tour for one of the summer meetings. Despite summer holidays twelve members of the group participated in the tour. The Dowler-Karn Museum opened in the fall of 2010, and now displays over 10,000 memorabilia items that have been collected over the past 60 years. The Jack & Joyce Karn Collection features a wide range of displays, including clear vision pumps, vintage signs, model trucks, oil cans, and a fully restored 1919 Ford Model T fuel tanker. The collection is open to the public every Wednesday 8:00am-4:00pm and admission is FREE! Youngsters and oldsters alike will enjoy the huge collection

It brought back memories of my father taking me out on the always crowded pier in Port Stanley taking part in the traditional summer pursuit of the lake’s finny gold. Those sweet tasting perch. It was a rite of passage for Port kids. At my home in Port Stanley overlooking the lake I take in the daily, albeit agonizingly slow progress being made on restoring that same pier. A pier that at one time was constantly crowded with anglers in pursuit of perch and other Erie delights. Dads teaching sons - and daughters - the joy and peace of fishing on a warm summer day. Then again someone told me the other day that they weren’t going to allow fishing on the new pier. Editors Note: In a question to Port Stanley Councillor Dan McNeil I asked about the issue of fishing from the new pier. His answer was as follows: “Council has not yet addressed the “policy” issues for use of the breakwater. Taylor’s comment is a bit premature, however, I do not believe we will be allowing people out on the “lake side” of the pier. I have discussed this with our (Central Elgin) engineer to ensure we have some designated fishing areas that are convenient for kids and families when we do the work on the dredegate cell and the new Hofhuis Park.”

The Lake Erie Beacon • Friday August 14, 2015 • Page 5

EDITORIAL

LETTERS

The Fishermen’s Memorial Reply

Concerning the Fishermen’s Memorial

Continued From Page 2

centre.

At one point, quite early in the history of the MEMORIAL project, it was possible that it would be located in Port Burwell instead of here. Your writings make us think that we made a mistake. The history of the commercial fishing industry at Port Stanley or on Lake Erie is not the purpose of the MEMORIAL nor is it the appropriate site for such an undertaking. Before you suggest that changes take place, please take the following quiz: Who designed the Memorial? Who was the general contractor? Who was the contractor for metal work? Who supplied the original lexan? Who supplied the mast and where did it come from? Who supplied the sails? Who supplied the port hole? Who carved the large panel? How is it held together? What kind of wood was used and where did it come from? Who carved the first name plaque and who carved the second one? How much did the MEMORIAL cost? Who raised the money and how? Where is the ¼ size prototype? Who decided on the location? etc. Do you have any idea what you are talking about? Your writing on this subject continues to confirm your real talents. We have a package of vegetable seeds that you can pick up at any time. Frank and Nancy Prothero. Port Stanley

And as to Mr. Prothero’s reference to Port Burwell, their historical committees have gone to great lengths to make their village an educational experience. The Marine Museum, the new Wheelhouse Museum and the submarine Ojibwa will offer exceptional experiences that are not only educational, but are memorials to our military and to the Great Lake experience including commercial fishing.

Missing Rail Link Between Port Stanley And London To Be Restored Robert Weare On Wednesday, July 29, 2015 ElginMiddlesex-London MP Joe Preston announced $166,667 in federal funding for this upgrade to the London & Port Stanley (L&PS) Railway corridor. The rail corridor connection from London to Port Stanley was removed by Canadian National Railway May 1989 in order to eliminate four positions at the St Thomas BX Tower. Total cost is estimated at $600,00 for the rail/landscape/and walking trail. St Thomas plans to use their Gas Tax Funds, as this is a transportation item. This significant rail infrastructure project will help celebrate Canada’s 150th Anniversary in 2017. St Thomas Mayor Heather Jackson welcomed the funding as another way to honour St Thomas’ rich Rail Heritage. This region of Elgin County will then have future rail, freight and passenger economic benefits to tap into in later years.

Ferry Stories It seems that every five years a Cleveland to Canada Ferry keeps being announced. A possible newly constructed Port similar to the Elgin-Middlesex water intake site would facilitate a ferry while not upsetting residents in Port Stanley. A suggestion would be a location west of Port Stanley in Southwold Township using a Boxall Road and Union Road route to 401. Also a multi rail/truck/auto ferry with a rail connection one kilometer north of Port Stanley would remove traffic and noise issues. This region has the fortune to have the L&PS corridor from London to Port Stanley, we only need to observe Waterloo Region using their rail corridor while constructing their light rail system. Also with Port Stanley Terminal Rail (PSTR) having the drive and vision to retain the St Thomas to Port Stanley segment, and CNR the London to St Thomas portion. As in the Greater Toronto Region the province has purchased railway subdivisions for GO use with the then host railway allowed to use the line during off commuter times. CNR and PSTR could complete a similar agreement.

The constant question is, “How much rail needs to be reinstalled?”. As we observe the photo above of

Above is a photo that shows the missing track. Photo by Larry Broadbent Below Joe Preston and St. Thomas Mayor Heather Jackson at the new L&PS Station.

Modern memorials are expected to offer experiential learning, the process of learning through observation and interaction. The significance of modern memorials is to be found largely in their capacity to represent or convey certain meanings and messages and perform certain necessary psychological tasks. It is their meaning, or how they are interpreted and function that counts in terms of the memorial’s success. And lastly I suppose some people think they can influence others by being mean spirited and insulting but I have to tell you that this is no way of negotiating. And using a gardening reference as an insult is demeaning to everyone who ever planted a flower or a vegetable. Whether or not the memorial will be cleaned up or upgraded will be up to the Central Elgin council who are responsible for the memorial site.

the CNR engine’s head light under the St Thomas Barwick St. Bridge before it turns east to the St Thomas Magna Frame Plant, (or west to the Ford property). The rough field measurement is 2,230 feet (679.704 m) as the photo camera was at the end of the 2013 L&PS project, between the L&PS St Thomas replica station and south of Kains St.

Rail Upgrades: From London to Port Stanley a complete tie replacement would be in order for increasing operating speed, as it stands ties are defined as a particular number of serviceable ties between non serviceable ties. The more serviceable ties per count equals higher speeds. 15 mph is the existing speed restriction and with a tie replacement program, a 60 mph limit would be a logical solution. The rail size is 100 pounds per yard weight from London to St Thomas as this was main line rail weight in the past and 80 pounds per yard from Chester St., St Thomas to Port Stanley, which needs updating. As a ribbon rail train carrying ¼ mile lengths with 7 miles of rail per train or 3 ½ miles for both sides of the rail. Seven ribbon rail trains would belay the 24-5 mile L&PS (to the beach terminal) with rail for the odd passing track. Of course ballast for drainage is a critical item to complete this project. As a footnote: A branch 1 kilometer north of Port Stanley to a new west port would allow double stack container rail cars to operate to London with the Barwick Street Bridge removal and a connection road through the St Thomas Athletic Park would eliminate any height restrictions.

Page 6 • The Lake Erie Beacon • Friday August 14, 2015

PORT BURWELL REPORT Allan Spicer

Robbing Peter to Pay Paul To clarify the reclamation of the East Beach at Port Burwell from recent flooding, no new sand was brought in. Sand was taken from further down the East Beach and from out in the lake. The size of the beach is always in flux, but moving sand around is not a long term solution, rather a problem. Our beach guardian, Choo, is adamant that the drainage of water from above the beach must be dealt with, in concert with a long term sand rebuild. Will the Municipality of Bayham step up to the plate and restore one of its priceless assets for long into the future? The Works Department is to be commended for the temporary solution to save our Beach Fest and spectacular fire works over the lake.

Good News For Bayham The Ojibwa is quietly, out of the limelight, attracting a steady stream of visitors this season. Apparently an audit, eagerly anticipated by local taxpayers, will be forthcoming in late fall. The weather cooperated in Port Burwell for the newly minted Beach Fest, including the spectacular fire works.

Not So Good News Bayham staff had recommended a reduction of at least one community centre, with the ongoing, high operating costs and capital repair costs. An application for federal funding to

move the administration centre and Edison Museum to the Vienna Community Centre to the tune of $2,000,000 was recommended. The Straffordville Community Centre was declared surplus. Ward 2 and 3 Councillors stepped up to play some very short sighted and parochial politics. A dual application for $90,000 towards repair of the condemned Straffordville building was added to the Vienna application. The feds added some funds to the tune of $250,000 for Straffordville. This was a slam dunk for the feds, approval for a 10% value project. Bayham taxpayers will pay dearly for repairs now and ongoing operating costs every year. The irony is, the second application would never have happened without the acquiescence of the Councillor at large, Randy Breyer. Ward 2 and 3 Councillors represent their Wards with passion. Ward I appears to be totally unrepresented. Parochial politics must end in Bayham. The cost of operating repair and maintenance of three community centres must be rationalized. The same parochial approach gave us an unneeded medical centre in Straffordville at a cost in excess of $500,000. The same parochial nemesis cost us a replacement for the loss of the CIBC by a Trust Company. The obvious location would have been Port Burwell with the summer tourist business. Now we have the silly branding exercise in Bayham at any cost. Before one brands anything, there must be something to brand! Bayham must truly become one community. Councillors should be elected at large. Ward elections serve only to solidify our divided, parochial community. Councillors must vote solely on the merits of any decision on the basis of value to the community at large, rising above petty Ward issues. There is hope within the community. The cooperation between the Periscope people and the Eden Community Centre group is positive. The involvement of Bayham residents all across Bayham helped breathe new life into the Beach Fest event at the Beach. The individuals involved, with a commitment to realize our potential, are the new face of Bayham.

Bayham Community Centres Serge Pieters The election of a new Council should be an exciting time for any Municipality – it represents fresh perspectives, new opportunities and a renewed sense of energy for a community at large. Unfortunately, at the moment, Bayham Council exhibits none of these attributes – it’s inefficient, ineffective and inexcusable. Eden & Area Community Centre While I truly do understand adequate representation of one’s constituents, decisions being cast since our new Council took office are, in my opinion, being done so based purely on emotions and not on what is fiscally responsible for Bayham as a whole. For example, the SCC issue – if this were a big business (for those who are not clear, the running of Bayham is big business), would the decision be made Straffordville Community Centre to continue operating the Straffordville Community Centres (SCC)? Consider Safeway, for example; one of Canada’s top companies. Hypothetically, it has three stores – each offering virtually the same service – located within a 30-km radius of each other. All three stores are struggling to remain afloat, because they are competing against each other for the same dollars in the pockets of those who live within its relatively small community, and one is in need of some much-needed repairs. The Board of Directors at Safeway would have to make some tough but necessary decisions, in order to safeguard the future of the company as a whole, but one store is sentimental because it was the flagship store. So, what might it do? Sell off the assets of the least-performing store, thereby splitting the revenue once realized by that store between the remaining two stores, potentially increasing the benefits to both remaining stores? Sell off the two least-performing stores and invest in expanding the one remaining store to make it accessible, efficient for and welcoming to its customers?

Vienna Community Centre

If the Municipality were to retain this facility, the SCC requires approx. $350K to complete the necessary repairs, before it can even think about opening its doors to community events again. The purchaser is aware of the building’s requirements and yet still wishes to go ahead with the offer. Since then, Ward 2 Councillor, Wayne Casier, put forth a motion, supported by Ward 3 Councillor Ed Ketchabaw, to submit a grant application to the Federal Government asking for $90,000 (to match the $90,000 it has in reserves) to fix this building. But, wait a second . . . hadn’t they just declared SCC surplus, because of the financial burden to the community? Then why are they asking for money to I can’t imagine that the Board of Di- put toward a building they themselves rectors of Safeway would ever consider already declared surplus – AND one that requires $350K to repair? voting in favour of funding repairs to one of its stores that was in such disreIn the same Council meeting, and pair that it was deemed ‘unsafe’ by prior to the SCC discussion/motion, local authorities. Nor can I see the Council voted to apply for a $2 million grant to renovate VCC as a site for a new Board of Directors of Safeway accepting a partial grant to help with the nec- and combined community centre and essary repairs, knowing full well that it Municipal Offices. According to the Mudidn’t have the money it would need to nicipal Staff’s engineering reports, the VCC facility is the better structure for complete all of the repairs before retaxpayers to invest money into. So, why opening the doors. And what if Safeway did Council disregard Staff recommenknew ahead of time that a sizeable pordations? tion of the already-small population around this one store were going to And despite Mayor Ens’ and Deputy take their business elsewhere? Would Mayor Southwick's cautions to Council that the Straffordville grant application Safeway seriously make such a bad ficould very well put the $2 million Vinancial decision as to approve this? enna grant application in jeopardy, Now let’s look at the SCC issue Ward 1 Councillor Randy Breyer raised under the same microscope, yet this is his hand in support of the Straffordville not hypothetical – this is fact. Curmotion, passing it with a vote of 3-2. rently, the Municipality of Bayham opThe results? VCC was awarded no erates three community centres: one in grant monies, yet SCC is being provided Eden (ECC), one in Straffordville (SCC), with a $250K grant ($140K more than and one in Vienna (VCC) – less than a was asked for by Council in its applica30-km radius from each other, all tion). Sounds great, right? But there’s struggling to remain afloat. more to this seriously tangled web that The Eden Community Centre has Council has woven. In order for the Munot yet been sold but has been deemed nicipality to receive the $250K grant, it must come up with an equal amount on surplus; the Municipality has atits own, ie: $250K. It doesn’t have the tempted to divest itself of that overmoney, unless it votes to deplete addihead. Does that mean that the two remaining CCs will now recover as a re- tional reserves that have been set aside for community contingencies – then sult? Not so fast. we’re left with nothing in reserve. Recently, SCC was declared ‘surAs if that were not concern enough plus’ land and put up for sale following a vote by Council. A local organization on its own, if the sale of SCC to the potential bidding organization is not comcame forward and made a bid. And that should have been the end of that, Continued On Page 10 but it wasn’t and still isn’t.

The Lake Erie Beacon • Friday August 14, 2015 • Page 7 under the Small Communities Fund in Ontario.

PORT BRUCE REPORT

The $1-billion Small Communities Fund provides funding for priority public infrastructure projects that deliver on local needs. Canada and Ontario will each provide $272 million to support projects in communities across the province with fewer than 100,000 residents. This funding will help address local priorities, supporting job creation and economic growth, thus sustaining a high quality of life in small communities across Ontario for years to come.

Cathy Crane

Fundraising Concert On August 29th, the place to be is Springwater Conservation Area! A fundraising concern is planned to raise money towards the purchase of mobility mats for the Port Bruce beach. Barb and Gary Scrivens of the Sandcastle Restaurant are hosting the event which will see 3 tribute bands (Neil Diamond, the Beach Boys and the Four Seasons) performing your favourite tunes. Donations from several local businesses and individuals are making the fund raiser possible. If you like the ‘oldies’ tunes or you want to help raise funds for the purchase of mobility mats so everyone can enjoy the beach, come out on August 29th and support this event. Gates open at 4 p.m. Tickets are $25 and available at the Sandcastle (Port Bruce) or the Wood Connection (Copenhagen). For more details contact Barb or Gary at 226-456-1226.

Sunday Serenade On August 16th, starting at 2 p.m., come by the Port Bruce Pavilion to hear music by the local band, BlackStone. Tunes from the 60’s & 70’s, and a bit of country and blues will be played by this group of talented musicians. What an opportunity to relax at the pavilion, look out over the lake and hear great music. There is no charge, just an opportunity to enjoy a relaxing afternoon. Who knows, maybe this will be the start of more afternoons of music in Port Bruce!

•

Beach Clean Up The second clean-up day of 2015 took place on August 10th. Staff from Ontario Parks and the Township of Malahide and community volunteers again descended on the beach to make improvements for all to enjoy. Small debris and logs that have been washed up in recent storms were raked up to be trucked away. Thank you to all who participated.

Grant for Dredging On July 31st, at the Port Bruce pavilion, a funding announcement was made that will hopefully lessen the potential for flooding in future years. Joe Preston, M.P., announced that the federal government will provide up to $23,250 through the Small Community Fund for this project. These funds will be matched by the Province of Ontario, with Catfish Creek Conservation Authority being responsible for all remaining costs. The purpose of the project is to upgrade the sediment retention structure located east of the Imperial Road bridge. The dredging

Volunteers load debris from the Port Bruce • beach into a loader to be trucked away. Thanks to Dave Mennill and Bert Brouwer • for the use of their tractors and to everyone who helped with the clean up! will see the size of the sediment retention structure increased, to help reduce sediment load. It is great to see all levels of government working together to try and reduce the threat of another devastating flood.

The Government Announcement included this information

The Government of Canada will provide up to $23,250 through the Small Communities Fund for this project. The Province of Ontario will contribute up to $23,250 to this project. The Catfish Creek Conservation Authority in partnership with the Township of Malahide will be responsible for all remaining costs of the project.

Joe Preston, Member of Parliament for Elgin—Middlesex—London, on behalf of the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs, and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec stated the following.

“We are pleased to invest in projects such as the Catfish Creek flood disaster mitigation infrastructure that will benefit our community by improving much This project will entail upgrading local infrastructure.Our Governneeded Catfish Creek’s sediment retention ment’s commitment to municipalities, structure to increase its capacity. Once big and small, has never been stronger. completed, these improvements will Through the New Building Canada Plan help reduce sediment loading and Small Communities Fund we are investlessen the potential for flooding in fuin priority infrastructure projects ing ture years. The project announced that have a strong impact on the quality today is among 77 recently selected projects, for approximately $260 million of life of Ontario’s residents while helpin joint federal and provincial funding, ing job creation and economic growth.”

Page 8 • The Lake Erie Beacon • Friday August 14, 2015 Show is one of several plans for future upgrades to the harbour and vacant land area known locally as the Berm.

Report from Transport Canada Provides Future vision for Port Stanley Harbour

For East Pier North/Parkette and East Pier South (where there is no LNAPL remediation required), RSCs can be filed on the MOECC’s Environmental Site Registry as soon as the CPU has been registered. For West Pier and East Headlands (where LNAPL remediation is required), RSCs can be filed once the CPU has been registered and all remediation activities have been completed.

Continued From Page 1 How was the environmental condition of the Harbour lands determined? The environmental condition was characterized through completion of Phase I and II environmental site assessments (ESAs). Phase I ESAs (20112012) determined what contaminants could be present by reviewing site history, conducting interviews and completing site reconnaissance. Phase II ESAs (2012-2015), investigated areas of concern identified by the Phase I ESAs. Results of the Phase II ESA studies were used to determine levels of contaminants in soil and groundwater for use in the RA.

What are the next steps for the RA/RMP? The revised RA/RMP is under review by MOECC. Upon completion of their review, MOECC may approve the RA/RMP, or issue additional comments that must be addressed by Transport Canada and their consultants prior to MOECC issuing an approval. A response from MOECC in this regard is anticipated by November 2015.

Who is completing the RA? Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC) has issued a contract to a consultant, ARCADIS Canada Inc. (formerly Decommissioning Consulting Services) to complete the RA on behalf of Transport Canada. The consulting team consists of professional engineers, geoscientists and RA specialists with extensive experience in completing RAs across Canada, including RAs under Ontario Regulation 153/04.

What progress has been made on the RA since the January 2014 PIS? A revised RA was submitted to MOECC in March 2014. Comments received at the January 2014 PIS were incorporated into the report. MOECC provided their comments on that report in August 2014. Since that time, Transport Canada, PWGSC and ARCADIS have been actively engaging with MOECC and working on addressing the comments. As a result of MOECC’s comments, additional subsurface investigations and groundwater modelling have been completed. Results of these additional studies supported previous findings, and no significant changes have been made to the risk determinations or recommended risk management measures since they were described at the January 2014 PIS. A further revised RA report was submitted to MOECC on June 19, 2015. A response from MOECC regarding their review of the report is anticipated by November 2015.

What are the results of the RA? Potential risks to human and ecological receptors have been identified in certain areas of all four parcels due to inorganics, metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) and petro-

leum hydrocarbon (PHCs) contamination in soil and/or groundwater. Risk management and/or remediation is required to reduce risks to acceptable levels.

What is the difference between remediation and risk management? Remediation typically involves removing contaminants from a site through treatment or off-site disposal. Risk management typically involves managing contaminants in place, using covers and/or administrative controls to block exposure pathways identified as causing a potential risk. Both remediation and risk management provide effective means to successfully manage risk, and are equally protective of human and ecological health. Which option is selected is determined by various factors (e.g., engineering feasibility, fiscal responsibility, etc.). Remediation and risk management can be used either individually or in combination to successfully manage risks in an environmentally and fiscally responsible manner.

What remediation and risk management measures are being proposed at Port Stanley Harbour? Remediation is being planned for two areas where free-phase PHCs (LNAPL) have been identified on top of the groundwater table at West Pier and East Headlands. Since LNAPL has the potential to pose an ongoing potential risk, it must be removed (i.e., remediated) to meet RSC requirements. Risk management of LNAPL is not an option. LNAPL remediation will be completed by removing contaminated soils and disposing of the contaminated material at a licensed off-site facility.

With the exception of the LNAPL areas identified as requiring remediation above, all other areas will be managed through the implementation of risk management measures. New and/or existing caps will be used to block exposure to contaminated soil. For construction workers who could be working in excavations beneath the capped areas, measures such as the use of personal protective equipment will be required to block contact with contaminated soil and/or groundwater. Other areas may have other restrictions, such as the potential need for soil vapour intrusion controls on potential future buildings; or, restrictions on planting fruit/vegetable gardens and using the groundwater from the property for drinking water. A maintenance and monitoring program will be required to ensure that risk management measures are effectively managing risks on site on an ongoing basis.

Does MOECC need to approve both the remediation and risk management measures as part of the RA report? Remediation plans do not need to be approved by MOECC as part of the RA report; however, remediation (including confirmatory monitoring), must be complete before RSCs can be filed. Risk management measures must be described in the RMP section of the RA report, which requires approval from MOECC.

Sales Representative

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Transport Canada, PWGSC and ARCADIS are actively working on a remedial action plan (RAP) for the areas requiring remediation on West Pier and East Headlands. The RAP is being developed in consultation with MCE, and will be reviewed by MCE prior to finalization. The existing marine infrastructure at West Pier poses unique challenges for excavation, and careful attention must be given to the design of the excavation to preserve the dock wall’s integrity. Given these complexities, it is anticipated that remediation will begin in 2016. Once the RA report is approved by MOECC, a risk management action plan (RMAP) for the areas requiring risk management on all four parcels will be finalized, in consultation with MCE. Detailed plans and engineering specifications will be developed for the risk management work at that time, and implementation will follow. The timeline for final approval of the RA report cannot be estimated at this time, as it will depend on the nature and extent of MOECC comments on the RA report currently under review and/or any subsequent submissions. For preliminary planning purposes, the timeline for implementing the risk management measures is anticipated to be in 2017.

Whom can I contact with any questions? Any questions from the public re-

What is required to file for an RSC? garding Transport Canada’s RA, risk Once the RA report is approved, the MOECC District Engineer will prepare a Certificate of Property Use (CPU), which must be registered on title and implemented by the property owner. The CPU will be based on the RMP described in the RA report, and any other measures the District Engineer deems necessary.

T H E LAKE ER I E B EACON

Bonnie Mudge

When will remediation and risk management works be implemented?

management and remediation plans for Port Stanley Harbour may be directed to Gail Crossman, Regional Manager of Port Operations, Divestiture & Property Programs, by phone at (416) 952-0487 or by email at gail.crossman@tc.gc.ca. Media representatives may contact Transport Canada Ontario Region’s Communications Branch at 416-952-9500.

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The Lake Erie Beacon • Friday August 14, 2015 • Page 9

Investment for HMCS Prevost London & Port Stanley Press This important investment will be made to remodel, repair and upgrade infrastructure in place at the London Wolseley Barracks and HMCS Prevost facilities. as well as the HMCS Prevost training facility in Port Stanley. The projects will begin this summer.

The infrastructure projects include: extensive work at the London Armoury’s A Block. This heritage building will be remodelled and will include the following: new flooring; wiring; HVAC systems; windows and doors; exterior siding; and roof. In addition, washrooms upgrades will occur throughout the building, as well as foundation waterproofing, upgrades to the fire-alarm system and replacement of all cast and poured steps at the facility;

•

upgrades to the washrooms and HVAC systems, as well as other necessary maintenance work at four other buildings;

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replacement of the parking lot at HMCS Prevost, as well as HVAC and washroom upgrades; and

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exterior and interior renovations at HMCS Prevost’s training facility in Port Stanley.

In addition, in an effort to ensure the Government of Canada continues to deliver on its commitment to the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces, and to London’s military heritage, Minister Holder and Member of Parliament Truppe also announced that demolition work at Wolseley Barracks will be suspended pending further local consultations. Additionally, it

Kids and Lawn Tractors Jon Koidis Summer lawn care maintenance is often a family affair. Mowing the lawn is one of the first chores assigned to kids of the right age. A lawn tractor can be a handy tool to keep your yard looking great and is always fun to operate, but as with any tool, you must respect its power and use caution during operation.

was announced that ‘O Block’ at Wolseley Barracks will be retained as it has been deemed to have operation requirements. •

ning blades. Giving rides may also cause the child to be attracted to the mower, and the child may later approach without being seen.

exterior and interior renovations at HMCS Prevost’s training facility in Port Stanley.

For lawn tractors, these precautions are especially critical if children are in the area. You can severely injure a child with the riding mower - in forward or reverse - with the blades engaged, or when objects are hit and thrown by the spinning blades. At any age, the operator using the tractor needs to be familiar with safety guidelines to ensure a safe experience.

Husqvarna offers the following guidelines for safe tractor use:

“At a time when our government has made extensive investments in the Port Stanley harbour, it is great to see the HMCS Prevost training facility being brought up to date.” MP Preston

•

Use extreme caution in reverse. Keep alert for anyone who may enter the mowing area. Always look down and behind the mower before and while backing up.

•

Know where the kids are. Keep kids away from the mowing area. Have adult supervision to prevent them from approaching the mower before you have finished. Stop mowing if a child approaches the mowing area.

•

Read safety instructions. You should also read and follow the safety instructions in your owner's manual and remember to keep the keys to your mower away from children.

If you are interested in speaking further about lawn tractor safety guidelines or to discuss the tips for the best way to maintain your lawn, let me know and I will happily arrange for you to speak to a Husqvarna representative.

Never give rides. A child may fall off the mower and into the spin-

Talk soon,

Lake Erie Beacon Mail Distribution Andrew Hibbert

we drop off 900 more copies to counter drops as noted on the map below.

We pay to have the Lake Erie Beacon From time to time we receive phone distributed through Canada Post to calls from readers who say they are not 6100 Homes, Apartments, Farms and Businesses in Elgin County. In addition getting their Beacon and are asking

why. In most cases it is because they have requested that their local Post Office do not put “Junk Mail” in their mail box. At the Post Office these are known as RED DOT boxes. Community News3 B

papers like the Lake Erie Beacon are exempt from this restriction and should still be placed in your mail box. If you have a problem like this contact your local Post Office. Thanks Andrew B

35 35

Distribution of 6100 newspapers through Canada Post shown in yellow. Mailed to every home, Apartment, Farm and Business. Additional counter drops through Variety Stores, Restaurants, Inns, B&B’s and Marinas in Port Stanley, St. Thomas, Talbotville, Dutton, West Lorne and Rodney bring our total to 7000.

401

Paynes Mills

119

Frome

SOUTHWOLD

DUTTON DUNWICH Wallacetown

4 21

Union

Jaffa

MALAHIDE Dunboyne

Eagle

103

New glasgow

Port Glasgow

Vienna 55

Port Burwell

Duttona Beach

Rodney WEST ELGIN

B AY H A M

Port Bruce

104

Copenhagen 42

Mount Salem

19 Calton

West Lorne

401

Straffordville

CENTRAL ELGIN Sparta 27

Port Stanley

Richmond 43

46 3

Eden

Shedden

New Sarum

Fingal

ST.THOMAS

North Hall

Aylmer

Dutton

Corinth

Kingsville 73

3 401

Springfield 40

Talbotvile

49 52

Mapleton

Muncy

Lyons

Iona Station 9

Tillsonburg

Distribution Area In Yello Y w

Page 10 • The Lake Erie Beacon • Friday August 14, 2015

North Shore Community Events F E S T I V A L S

E V E N T S

Duff Church Largie Beef Supper September 12 - 5 pm to ? Adults $12 Children 6-12 $5 under 5 free

PORT STANLEY 2015

Port Stanley Community Policing Requires volunteers. To help protect your village, call 519-782-3934 or Carroll at 519-782-7616, email pscp@rogers.com Port Stanley Library 782-4241 304 Bridge St. Mon, Tues, Thurs, 10 - 8:30 Fri 1 - 5, Sat 9 - 1. Children’s Programs TD Summer Reading Club Summer Reading. Events will be held this summer on Tuesday mornings: 10:15-11am Adult Programs Travel with books this summer. Check out 1, 2, or 3 of these books in August and receive a custom book bag! Ask staff to reserve your copy! Join us for an optional Book Club on Tuesday, August 25 at 6:00pm Christ Anglican Church Sunday Morning Service, 9:30 am with Eucharist. We invite all to join in worship with us. Coffee follows downstairs. St. John's Presbyterian Church Tom Jeffrey Pastor. Sunday Worship 10 am followed by Fellowship Hour. The Door is always open, why not join us? Sunday School starts at 10:20 am. Port Stanley United Church Service of Worship at 11 am followed by a time of fellowship. Come join us. We are now wheelchair friendly and barrier free. Heritage Port There will not be an August meeting for Heritage Port. However, Dave Harding is offering oncein-a-lifetime rides on his handcar during the Iron Horse Festival, August 20-22. Participate to support the United Way. The meeting for September will be Thursday September 24th at 1:30 at the Railway Museum. Post Card books Vol. 1 & Vol 2 now available, $90 each, only 1 set remaining. Port Stanley the First 100 Years, $25. Get yours at the Lake Erie Beacon, 204-A Carlow Road, side door, 1-5 pm. Proceeds to Heritage Port. 519 782-4563. Port Stanley Village Association meets the third Thursday of the month 7- 8:30 pm. All welcome. VON Foot Care Clinic August 27 at The Villa Apts, 289 Frances Street 8 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Call 519-782-4089 for appointment. Sponsored by Port Stanley Lioness Club. Al-Anon Meeting, Christ Anglican Church 7:30 pm every Friday. If there is an alcohol/drug problem of a family member or friend that is affecting you, the Alanon Family Groups may be able to help you. Port Stanley & Community 55+ Club Meets every Monday 1:30 -4 pm to play Euchre at the Port Stanley Arena. For info call 519-782-4801 (John Brenders) or 519-685-2101 (Marie Geerts). Port Stanley Legion Branch #410 Summer Hours: Mon. & Thurs., 12-7, Tues. & Fri., 12-10, Wed. 11-10. Sat. & Sun., 12-7, Port Stanley Legion Branch #410 Don’t forget the Legion offers the following: Seniors Bridge, Tues. night, Euchre: Wed. night Legion Darts Tuesday night 8 pm Men’s Darts Saturday Afternoon Meat Draws 3-5 pm Port Stanley Legion Bottle Returns Mon & Thurs- Closed, Tues, Wed., Fri, Sat 12-4 pm. Port Stanley Legion Ladies MahJongg, Fridays 1:30pm. We are looking for beginners as well. If you like to play MahJongg come on out! Port Stanley Legion Port Stanley Karaoke, Every 3rd Friday of the month, 7pm - 11pm. Come for the fun.

EAGLE 2015 Eagle Community Centre's Summer Celebration - Saturday, August 22 - 8am to ? - Giant Yard, Bake, Plant and Book Sale. Donations welcome. Vendor tables available. Breakfast sandwiches and coffee. 11:30am to 2pm - BBQ hot dogs & hamburgers and drinks. Noon Entertainment "R" Street Band and Rainbow the Clown. Bring your lawn chair and enjoy the afternoon! For more information, call Janet at (519) 768-2698.

FINGAL 2015 Knox Presbyterian Church Worship 10 am. Coffee, cookies, fellowship follows: Sunday school/nursery 10 am. For info (519) 769-2157. Come and worship with a warm and friendly group of people, we are barrier free. Knox Presbyterian Church, Fingal, yard and bake sale Saturday August 22nd. 7 a.m. to noon. Come out, find some treasures, pick up some home baking and enjoy one of our $1.00 hot dogs. Rain or shine, no early birds.

IONA 2015 Iona Christian Fellowship Church...1075 Iona Rd is hosting a “Brush Arbour Church Service”, Sunday August 23, 2pm. Music, Special Speaker, fun, food, ‘Hill Billy Style’, all are invited. Special fundraising for Church Repairs.

SHEDDEN 2015 Shedden Library Hours: Tues. 2:30-8:30, Thurs. 2-5, Fri. 10 - 5, Sat. 2 - 5 764-2081. Children’s Programs TD Summer Reading Club Summer Reading from 110011:45am open to all ages. Events will be held this summer on Friday mornings at 11:00 am Sign up to get a Plinko card! A great Summer Program for kids ages 3-12. Read books and do challenges for a chance to win prizes! Friday, August 14, 11am: SRC Wrap Up party! So you think you can dance Shedden? Dance by yourself or as a team! (space is limited, register early, all ages) Registration is required for all events: 5197642081 Adult Programs Kitchens of the Great Midwest by J. Ryan Stradal. Circling the sun : a novel by Paula McLain. Speaking in bones : a novel by Kathy Reichs.

SPARTA 2015 Sparta Stitchers Every Tuesday 1- 4 pm, Sparta Community Hall. We quilt, tat, knit, embroider, smock, crotchet, etc. Everyone welcome. Cost is $5. session. Come learn a new skill. Sally Martyn (519-775-2292).

ST. THOMAS 2015 Abundant Life Fellowship Join us at the Timken Community Centre - Doug Tarry room (2 Third Ave.) at 6 pm on Saturdays for a free meal followed by our celebration service. For more info call 519-633-9207 or go to www.abundantlifestthomas.ca The Old St. Thomas Church, 55 Walnut St. is open for the summer Tuesday to Saturday 9am - 5pm until the end of August for free tours. 519-633-2610. SWONT Optimist Conductive Education Summer Camp invites you to our Open House Friday August 14, 10:00am 11:30am. Conductive Education is a very unique program that supports families & children with cerebral palsy. We are now in our 16th year at Central United Church 135 Wellington St., St Thomas. Angela & Jim Howie are volunteer Trustee's who look after the program here. Call 519-7823272 for more information. Free Pickleball Try it Sessions for Retirees/Seniors. Aug 25, 9-12 noon or 1-4 pm. Pinafore Park Tennis courts, St Thomas. Register or drop-in. Questions- Call 519-207-1466

PORT BURWELL/VIENNA 2015 Port Burwell Trinity Anglican 11:30 am Port Burwell Lighthouse Gospel Church 10:45 am Port Burwell Legion Br. 524 Mixed Dart Tournament, Everyone Welcome. Sign up 10:am Start 11:00am. Teams & Doubles. $40:00 per team. Order of the Eastern Star Areme Chapter #15, OES meets the first Tuesday of every month, at 7:30 pm at the Vienna Community Centre, Vienna. Otter Valley Naturalists Monthly Meeting is the second Monday of the month, 7 pm to 9 pm. Please call 519-874-4028 for information. Museum Bayham meet the 2nd Wednesday of the month 7pm, Municipal Office in Straffordville. Call 519 874-4135. Port Burwell - Bayham Horticultural Society, Meets Every 3rd Monday, 7 pm at the Port Burwell School, Strachan Street. For more Info 519 874-4260. Port Burwell Historical Society meets the 3rd Tuesday of the month, 7 pm at the Marine Museum. Call 519 874-4135. Oriental Masonic Lodge meets the 4th Tuesday of the month at the Vienna Masonic Hall, 7:30 pm. New Members Welcome! Call 519 874-4135. Photographers of the Otter Valley (POV) meet the last Monday of the month, 6:30 pm, Bayham Public Library in Straffordville. All are welcome. Call Bruce at 519 874-1822. Hubbub at the Sub Hub Pub is bubbling back! Join us for improvisation workshops every Thursday 8-9:30pm at the Lighthouse Restaurant. Members free, non-members $2. Have fun, gain confidence, new skills, and friends. www.periscopeplayhouse.ca or marionrogers@prodigy.net.mx

TYRCONNELL 2015 Backus-Page House Museum, 29424 Lakeview Line, 519-762-3072. Backus-Page House Museum Monthly Clubs! 4th Tuesday, Family History Club 7pm THS Members free or $5/person. 2nd Wednesday, Textile Arts Club (bring your own project or hand quilt with us) 7pm THS Members free or $5/person

UNION 2015 Union United Church, 6008 Stonechurch Rd., Rev. David Mitchell leads worship with Sunday School at 9:30 a.m. We are welcoming friendly Family of Faith and are barrier free. For info 519-631-0304 and our website: www.unionunitedchurch.ca

VIENNA 2015 Bayham Historical Society meets the 2nd Thursday of the month, 7:30 pm at the Vienna Community Centre. All are welcome. Call Bruce at 519 874-1822.

WALLACETOWN 2015

Aylmer 50 + Seniors Welcome you to join them for Euchre or Bridge Every Monday 1 - 3:30 pm upstairs at Aylmer Legion Admission $2.

Wallacetown Historic St. Peter’s Anglican Church, 29596 Lakeview Line, Wallacetown, open for tours on Tues. and Fri. 10 am to 4 pm. Located next door to Backus Page Museum. Dunwich United Church, selling "Bacon on a Bun" at the food booth and a Bake Sale Sat. Aug. 22, at Wallacetown Hall, 8 a.m. - ?

DUTTON 2015

WEST LORNE 2015

AYLMER 2015

The John Kenneth Galbraith Reference Library book sale, August 20th - Dutton Library Book Sale 128, August 21st - Dutton Library Book Sale 10-5, August 22nd - Dutton Library Book Sale 10-3:00.

The Lake Erie Beacon 204 A Carlow Road Port Stanley, Ontario N5L 1C5 Phone: (519) 782-4563

Sept 16-Treble Makers Women's Choir begins 9th Season! Learn to Sing & Read Music, 7pm-9pm WESES 519-768-1717.

The Lake Erie Beacon is pleased to support your local community events. We will make every effort to post promptly and accurately. If you would like to have your event posted on this page contact us at: See The

519 782-4563 or

linda@lebeacon.ca

Lake Erie Beacon on facebook and www.issuu.com

Exercise Improves Overall Health Victorian Order of Nurses Middlesex-Elgin Branch It’s no secret that exercise improves mood and can help alleviate the effects of stress in our day-to-day lives in addition to helping to combat chronic diseases, prevent falls and improve overall health. As people age, it’s important to remain as active as possible to maintain strength and balance as well as flexibility. That’s one of the reasons there is often emphasis placed on maintaining an active lifestyle throughout our lifetime. As we age through our senior years, the consistent message doesn’t change – it’s important to stay active. The VON SMART (Seniors Maintaining Active Roles Together) Exercise program is a free exercise program for those 55 years plus and adults with a disability and available throughout Elgin County.

Volunteers are needed to help teach these classes and will receive the appropriate training and support to do so. Volunteers do not have to have a previous fitness background. SMART volunteers see the value in this program and have witnessed tremendous growth among their clients in gaining confidence, stamina and strength, along with the fun and camaraderie many of the participants and volunteers develop through the classes themselves. If you ask any of the SMART volunteers what they enjoy most about these exercise classes, almost always the answer is the fun they have. For more information on volunteering for this opportunity or for other opportunities, please contact Jessica Zehr at the VON office: 519637-6408 or toll-free 1-800-201-0909.

Bayham Community Centres

willingly driven that far for an ice cream or a Timmy’s coffee?

our community! As for one community centre/Municipal Offices, why not Vienna? It’s approximately a 7.5-minute drive from Straffordville and a 15minute drive from Eden – who hasn’t

And please also take the time to share this information with others in the community. The more informed we are as individuals, the greater our strength as a whole.

It’s time for a serious reality check our Council. Members must cease by Continued From Page 6 the political posturing, take a long hard pleted, that same group has already in- look at the bigger picture and each do dicated it will build its own facility, on what they were elected to do – safeland it already owns, thereby further re- guard our community as a whole. ducing the already average annual $50K Please, please take the time to share operating shortfall seen with this facilyour comments/opinions/frustrations ity by the potential of another $50K anwith your Ward Councillor, either by nually that this same organization has email or phone, at the following: contributed to the SCC in the past! Council is making not only poor, but Ward 1 Councillor Randy Breyer, 519874-1137 or 519-874-4085 rbreyer@bayunacceptable, choices based on emotions rather than what is good and right ham.on.ca for the community as a whole. It is irre- Ward 2 Councillor Wayne Casier, 519sponsible motions like this that perpet- 866-5827 wcasier@bayham.on.ca uates the ridiculous ‘north vs south’ nonsense – we’re one community. ONE! Ward 3 Councillor Ed Ketchabaw, 519866-3478 eketchabaw@bayham.on.ca What benefits one benefits us all. Regardless of my physical address, I General Municipal office email: baylive, work and play in the community – ham@bayham.on.ca

The Lake Erie Beacon • Friday August 14, 2015 • Page 11 upstream movement of young Asian carp in 2014 and emphasized that “acting now is imperative.”

Funding For Asian Carp Protection Continued From Page 1 study, the letter asked that it “be accelerated to enable us to immediately implement control technologies that will reduce the risk of Asian carp moving toward the Great Lakes while longterm solutions are developed.” Noting that the President requested only $500,000 for the study in FY 2016, the letter requests that $3 million be provided annually for the Army Corps of Engineers along with direction to accelerate its research. Great Lakes Commission Acting Chair Jon Allan, director of the Michigan Office of the Great Lakes, said: “We need a flexible approach that implements promising control technologies quickly while we develop a more complex, long-term solution that fully protects the Great Lakes and Mississippi River and preserves benefits from Chicago-area waterways.” Allan noted recent monitoring showing the

Dr. Bob Hecky, chair of the Great Lakes Fishery Commission and professor of biology at the University of Minnesota stated: “The Brandon Road lock presents an immediate opportunity to strengthen protections against Asian carp invading the Great Lakes. It is imperative that we seize this opportunity to safeguard the $7 billion Great Lakes fishery.”

Great Lakes Fishery Commission The Great Lakes Fishery Commission is an international organization established by the United States and Canada to promote measures that protect and improve the multi-billion-dollar Great Lakes fishery. The 1954 Convention on Great Lakes Fisheries, which created the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, was born from a strong need to work together across borders not only to combat sea lampreys but also to promote science and establish working relationships among the players.

North Shore Community Classified Serving over 7000 Homes, Apartments, Farms & Businesses

Port Stanley Harbourfest 2015 Continued From Page 3 The Pathfinder was docked alongside the DOC building (Dominion of Canada building). Inside the DOC there was an interesting selection of featured many craft and service booths plus candy and jewelry vendors who kept visitors busy when they weren’t admiring or visiting the tall ship. The weekend event included a fireworks display at Main Beach on Saturday evening. The DOC Building included the St. Thomas Wildlife Rehabilitation group, called “Another Chance”. The volunteer group rehabilitates as many as 300 wild animals each year and are licensed by the Ministry of Natural Resources. The mandate of the group is to “Rescue, Rehabilitate and Release” the animals back into their natural habitat. Most of the animals rescued are mammals from fawns to mice but they also handle some birds. The organization receives not government funding and operated solely on donated funds. The booth was attended by Carol Clarke who showed an Eastern Screech Owl which the MNR had approved to be

Also in Port Stanley harbour during the Harbourfest weekend was the Coast Guard vessel Caribou Isle, but not open to the public. Maybe next year? used for used for educational purposes. You can contact the group at 519-8681937 or through their web site at: www.anotherchancewildlife.ca. All in all it was an awesome way to celebrate and enjoy a summer weekend in Port Stanley!

North Shore

COTTAGE FOR RENT Port Stanley The Beach House – 2 bedroom lakefront fully renovated. Artist Cottage – 1 bedroom. Available: 1 September 2015 – 31 May 2016. No smoking, no pets. See

SERVICE DIRECTORY For Businesses Located Near You!

www.westharbouronthebeach.ca

or for further details call 519-434-2229.

PERCH FISH FRY

Port Bruce Ratepayers 7th Annual “All you can eat” Perch FISH FRY Saturday, September 12th, 2015 5 - 7 p.m. Port Bruce Pavilion Adults: $25 per person, Children: $7 (10 & under) Purchase your tickets early as they go quickly! For tickets call: Helen (519)773-5939 or Linda (519) 773-2664

Paul F. Lépine LAW OFFICE

LAKEVIEW PIZZA

Lakeview Pizza will be closed Aug 22nd till Aug 31st for vacation and students that work for us school prep time. Reopening at noon on August 31st.

Working Together To Serve Port Stanley

VEDOVA & CHAMBERLAIN

We look forward to serving you throughout the winter.

Thank you, staff of Lakeview Pizza

519 782-4500 LOOKING FOR A “FOREVER HOME”!!!

Purchases & Sales of Property, Mortgages, Wills & Estates, Powers of Attorney, Family Law Paul Lépine will service all of Rob Chamberlain's clients. Please call him at 519-432-4155

Tel: 519.782.4562 or 226.658.4155 221 Colborne St., Port Stanley N5L 1C2

Sponsored by: Port Bruce Ratepayers Association

CLASSIFIEDS or FLYERS

Did you know we can insert your flyers? Call Linda at 519 782-4563!!! Classified Ads are an inexpensive way to get things noticed. Our classifieds are $1.55 per line, based on 25 characters or spaces per line.

Call Linda at: The Lake Erie Beacon Office 204-A Carlow Road, Port Stanley, On for details

519 782-4563 Let’s do this together!

Allergy season is here Fluff Muffin If having to live with the embarrassment of being called Fluff Muffin wasn't enough to endure, this handsome boy (yes, he's a boy) and his equally handsome friend, Casper both lost their home together when they were surrendered to us May 7, 2015. Fluff Muffin is a 6 year old, long haired, white and black, gorgeous cat. He is working very hard to overcome his shyness and doing quite well as he no longer hides behind his litter box and has learned to love being petted. Casper is just over 5 years old, white (as you

Casper might expect) with two different coloured eyes, one blue and one yellow. Casper is quite outgoing, loves attention and rewards you with head butts when he is feeling generous, which is most of the time. If you are considering adding to your family, why not go for a more experienced cat. We do have quite a few to choose from if F.M. and Casper are not quite what you are looking for. Kittens are cute but, boy, what a lot of work. PS Thelma and Louise were adopted together late Friday.

Animal Aide Association 333 Talbot St. St. Thomas

519 633-3788

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Page 12 • The Lake Erie Beacon • Friday August 14, 2015

Best Beaches Ontario Campaign Jim Hudson

Ontario, free standing insert (FSI), will be distributed in major daily newspapers outside of the region week.

Ontario’s Southwest Executive Director

The Ontario’s Southwest Best Beaches Ontario campaign is now in market.

We have also launched a new contest to increase social media engagement. We are encouraging consumers to like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and Instagram, and show us why life’s better on the beach by posting photos using the hashtag #OSWBetterOnTheBeach. They could be featured in our gallery and will gain a contest entry for a chance to win a Best Beach Adventure for four.

The campaign website BestBeachesOntario.com offers a simple way to choose your best beach and to plan a beach getaway through a collection of beach cheat sheets that highlight nearby restaurants, accommodations, excursions and activities. 1 million copies of the Best Beaches

T H E L AKE ER I E BEAC ON

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Port Stanley’s Health Food Store & More 208 Main Street Port Stanley, ONT N5L 1C3 STORE HOURS:

Healthy, Eco Friendly Gift Items Available Home of Barb’s Brickle – Gift Certificates Open Mon-Sat 10am to 5pm Sun By Chance

Mon.- Fri. 10 am - 6 pm Sat. 10 am - 5 pm Sun. 11 am - 5 pm

211 Main Street Unit 2

519-782-3392

Phone 226-658-0122

Your Local Elgin Chrysler Dodge Jeep Dealer 275 Wellington Street • St. Thomas • Ontario • N5R 2S6

Don MacKinnon ME Dan Vernackt ME Rob Lukasik ME Steve Todd

Residential • Commercial Installation and Service Port Stanley, Ontario

Home Of The 12 Minute Drive Thru Oil Change “New” A/C Service and Safety Checks

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Contractor Licence ECRA-ESA #7001912

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*SOME RESTRICTIONS APPLY. CALL FOR DETAILS One coupon per customer. Present coupon at vehicle drop off. May not combine with other discounts or offers.

261 Talbot Street St. Thomas www.mistertransmission.com

1207 Talbot St. St. Thomas, ON N5P 1G8

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FULL SERVICE AUTO REPAIR CENTER

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Kitchen & Bath Repairs, New Installations Electric Eel Drain Cleaning, Natural Gas & Propane Piping for BBQ’s, Fireplaces, Dryers & Stoves

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MAC PLUMBING

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OIL CHANGE SPECIAL

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