Serving Lake Erie’s North Shore Friday November 6, 2015
INSIDE Letters I am a graduate of The War Amps Child Amputee (CHAMP) Program, and its STORY PAGE 2 Operation Legacy, .
Poppy Fund Donation The Legion Poppy Trust Fund provides medical and social services for veterans — STORY PAGE 2
Students Learning about Lake Erie There were a variety of speakers, presentations and activities to teach students about Lake Erie’s strengths and about issues facing the lake, STORY PAGE 3
Central Elgin Growing Together Awards The annual Central Elgin Growing Together Awards Banquet took place on Wednesday October 28th, 2015, STORY PAGE 5
First Elgincentives Grant Awarded The grant from Elgincentives will facilitate important transformations in this historic Elgin County building, STORY PAGE 6
Sparta Street Lighting Proposal A Sparta Heritage Street Lighting plan has been presented as of October 21, 2015 STORY PAGE 8
$10,000 donation to STEGH Phil and Kim understand the importance of having a great Hospital not only for their family, STORY PAGE 10
LOOK AHEAD Community Events
Page 10
Classifieds & Service Directory Page 11 Business Roladex
Pages 8 & 12
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, Copenhagen and Port Stanley for a total print run of 7000.
Changes and Development in Port Stanley Dan McNeil This winter in Port Stanley may bring about the most significant degree of change than the village has seen in its life. This article will only speak to the general nature of the changes that are underway. Future articles will provide more details about the dredging operation and the creation of Hofhuis Park. One must begin by looking briefly at why the dramatic recent changes were necessary and inevitable. In the 1980’s Transport Canada was responsible for all of the working ports in the country. In that period the Department studied the problem of Port Stanley’s harbour infrastructure not being to St Lawrence Seaway standard - built to only accommodate ship drafts of 22 feet instead of the necessary 28 feet. It was determined that Goderich, Windsor and Hamilton could handle all of the regional marine freight. It was decided not to invest in the future of Port Stanley’s harbour. This was exacerbated by the 1996 Federal decision to divest responsibility for all Canada’s harbours. Port Stanley became a particularly difficult case because it was proven to be no longer economically viable as a commercial/industrial port. Up until the divestiture to Central Elgin was achieved in September 2010 Transport Canada virtually abandoned the harbour. A significant feature of the long-standing negotiations was a threat to make this ‘abandonment’ permanent. The most telling testa-
Chewing up the last three silos on Port Stanley Harbour. ment to this threat was the parlous state of the breakwater, which was falling apart and had been closed to pedestrian traffic for 15 years. Completion of the breakwater and opening it to pedestrians again was a milestone event in the region. The popularity of the pier as a destination has been incredible. Making it safer, more pedestrian friendly and wheelchair accessible was visionary. For both residents and visitors to our village the ongoing activity that will extend through the winter is extraordinary. First the ‘silos’ on the harbour front are coming down. Once the iron rebar is removed, the rubble is becoming the base of the dredgeate cell, which become Hofhuis Park. Many will have noted the excitement generated by the dramatic fall of the first silo, with additional expectations for the second one. The ‘drama’ is over. This week, heavier and bigger equipment will allow the remaining three silos to be removed with more control. They will be chewed up from the top down. Many will have noted the adjacent heavy construction from Erie Street across the silo property. This will be the new “Erie Street Drain” that should solve the flooding problems that have been endemic in that area of town for many years. This follows an area drainage study that was completed last year. Dredging has been started Continued On Page 9
Preparing for the Invasion Exploring invasive species management in Southwestern Ontario Mary Baxter Morelmag On Saturday Nov. 7, 2015, Morelmag.ca, is hosting “Preparing for the Invasion,” a free day-long interdisciplinary event in St. Thomas that explores the management of invasive species in Southwestern Ontario. The main highlight of this family friendly event is an expert discussion panel that will address the issue of invasive species, their impact, the legislation being introduced to control them, such as Ontario’s innovative Bill 37, that is now making its final rounds through provincial legislature, as well as other government and community strategies. The panel is being moderated by noted Western University political scientist Andrew Sancton and includes:
• Janice Gilbert, wetlands biologist who specializes in Phragmites australis control, Ontario Phragmites Working Group, Nature Conservancy Canada
• Jarmo Jalava, Director of Ecosystem Recovery, Carolinian Canada
• John FitzGibbon, University of Guelph School of Rural Planning and Development
• Kellie Sherman, Coordinator, Ontario Invasive Plant Council
• David Collins, Chairman, St. Thomas Phragmites Control Committee
• Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry representative (invited) Preparing for the Invasion takes place Continued On Page 7