Letters to the Editor
LAND O'LAKES -NEWSWEB Letters 20022003 / 20022002Regular Features ArchiveAround the Lakesby Charlie StewartGray MerriamLegaleseGeneral information and opinion on legal topics byRural Legal ServicesLettersMazinaw Musings by Bill RowsomeNature Reflectionsby Jean GriffinThe Lady: She RantsBy Janice LantzSpecial FeatureTribute to David Brison JanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecemberDecemberNovemberOctoberOrganization seeks to donate to worthy local cause Rally Connex would like to thank the citizens in the Opeongo area for welcoming us and sharing your beautiful scenery with us. To show our appreciation, we would like to make a $200 donation to a local charity or cause. We are all from out of town and don't know of any of the local projects worthy of our modest support. If anyone has a cause that is local and worthy, please send us an e-mail or letter outlining how the donation would be used to benefit the community. Our email address is This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. The mailing address is Rally Connex, 87 Dorchester Dr,. Grimsby ON, L3M 1B1, or visit us at www.rallyconnex.com. We will announce the recipient in a future issue of The Frontenac News. On October 5 and 6, Rally Connex held its second ever GPS (global position by satellite) dual sport ride. Over 30 riders showed up at the Land O' Lakes Inn in Cloyne with their dual sport style on-road/off-road motorcycles mounted with GPS systems. Most participants arrived on Friday night in order to be ready for Saturday's 9 a.m. start. The route was down-loaded to the GPS units and took the riders through gravel roads, logging roads, snowmobile trails and some paved roads for the next two days. Riders searched for hidden cards at specially marked "waypoints". It was 550 kilometers of motorcycle enjoyment sprinkled with fun and laughter. What can be said about the scenery, but one word? Spectacular. The money we spent on gas, supplies, hotel rooms, restaurant meals, and trail permits was well worth it. In fact, many riders expressed an interest in coming back next year. We hope to make this an annual event which will benefit all involved. Michael Hahn, President, Rally Connex Inc.Re: a community that caresI just wanted to send a note to the paper to thank a couple of people in the Cloyne community. I am a new resident of the area and I happened to be at the Cloyne branch of the library on Wednesday night of October 2, 2002. The next morning, I realized I had misplaced my wallet and since I had used it for I.D. at the library for a new card - I assumed it to be there. I drove to Cloyne and the library is closed on Thursdays. I went to the office next door which is Mazinaw - Lanark Forest Inc and I met Pat Duncan. She went out of her way to phone the head library and have them phone the librarian in Cloyne who is Janet Black. Ms. Black returned the call in 3 minutes and said she would be at the branch within 15 minutes. She arrived shortly thereafter, and on her day off, I might add. I found my wallet with everything intact and was greatly relieved. I want to thank these two women who saved me a great deal of stress and worry over the course of the next days if I had had to wait for the library to open on Friday. Thanks again, Pat and Janet! I'm glad that I'm living in a community that cares. Cheryl Connell, Cloyne
SeptemberRe: expenditures on office renovations at Prince Charles I'm writing in reference to the September 4 issue of The Frontenac News. The article, "Back to school at Prince Charles" was of particular interest as I have a child attending that school. The article raised several issues that I believe are cause for concern. The article states, "First of all, the place is changing physically. Limestone Board workers rearranged walls, installed windows, revamped ramps, and painted and wired like crazy to get the new space ready for the first day." It goes on to say, "Much of the reconstruction focuses on the office area." Actually, new entrance aside, all of the reconstruction focuses on the office area. If you walk around the school, you will clearly see that, other than the office area, there are no new windows, no walls have been arranged. There are no larger classrooms although it's been said time and again that our class sizes are larger than ever. The principal's office is much larger, as is the secretary's office. The new vice principal's office was constructed from a portion of the now-downsized staff room. The vice principal's office used to be directly across the hall from the office area. This restructuring was done so that, "It is now possible for the principal, vice principal and secretary to all be within earshot of each other." I just can't imagine that being approximately six feet closer to one another is worth the cost. There are telephones with two digit extensions and e-mail. There have been damaging budget cuts to the education system--which brings me to my next concern. Part of the renovations at Prince Charles was the installation of an air conditioner. Not the kind that sits in the window but the large model that must be installed on the roof top. Now I realize that there are different allowances in the school budget for different needs. These needs are purchased from, shall we say, different "envelopes." I have been asked in the past to purchase pencils and paper for my child to use at school which I certainly do not mind. Budget cuts mean fewer school supplies. I can understand that. What I can't fathom is how the School Board justifies an air conditioner. Which "envelope" does that come from? Furthermore, the school year runs from September to June. There are very few hot days during these months. Not to dwell on the issue but the whole concept of an air conditioner may have been easier to digest if there were some concern for the comfort levels of the teachers and their students. However, the air conditioner does not reach the classrooms, nor was that the intent. Given the cutbacks to the education system, I have a very difficult time comprehending the need to spend a presumably large sum of money on larger offices and air conditioner for administrative staff. I believe if there are children in need, why not dip into that air conditioner fund? Books are good. As is fulfilling a dire need for more teachers and teachers' aides. So if there is a reasonable explanation for these expenditures, I would truly like to hear it. Umm...anyone? -Michelle Long, Verona [Editor's note: For Principal Sue Arris' response, see "Changes at Prince Charles in Verona"]
Re: Composting ToiletOn behalf of the St. James Anglican Church, Parham, I would like to thank the Frontenac News for the advertisement for a composting toilet for our church. Our church is a small rural church with a small congregation, and as a result of the ad we now have a new toilet. This ad was beneficial to our church as well as to one of your subscribers. Our Bishop, Peter Mason, has been advocating that all churches, including rural churches, should have toilet facilities. His motto is: "People will not come if they cannot go", and we can now meet his challenge, thanks to your newspaper. Many thanks - Jim Barnett
Re: Commentary-a year after September 11 I just want to compliment you on one of the finest commentaries I have read in a long while. The one you wrote in the September 11th publication is all so true. I'm sure many people agree with you. Keep up the good work. Marge Addison, Verona.
Re: K&P Trail debate continues, (Sept. 18, 2002) I believe that Mr. Green's article is rather one-sided, as well as in error on some points. He has spoken with only those supporting the purchase. In doing so he has ignored many that have valid concerns/complaints regarding the purchase of a property that does not exist. There are also a number of individuals that do not support the purchase that are not members of the Frontenac Landowners group.
First, the so-called K&P no longer exists. Also Bell Canada does not own the lands of the former K&P; it owns some of this land. I have challenged many of the K&P Trail supporters to come forward and point out exactly what they are calling the K&P without trespassing on the private lands of those having crown deeds for the portion of the once K&P property they have purchased. I know that around the St. George's Lake area and south towards Kingston, people have bought, paid for, built homes directly on, and paid taxes for property that was once the site of the old K&P. Regarding the cost issue, I believe that even if the cost stated in the Frontenac Landowners seven-page statement is half of the $2.2 million, it is too much. Mr. Green goes on to quote Don Coulter regarding his view of the Frontenac Landowners, and his opinion on the line fence act. I have maintained fences and have seen first hand the cost of fencing; even at 50% of the cost, it will be a bundle. Mr. Coulter goes on to say that once landowners found out that they would be responsible for 50% of the cost of fencing, the numbers became minimal. I fail to see how this is a positive argument for the purchase of what is left of the old K&P. There are many people in the townships that just can't afford to exercise their rights under the law in regard to the line fence act. These people will be left to suffer the negative consequences of having the unfenced trail run next to or through their lands. Also, should the property in question be purchased, the line fence act will still be in affect. In the future if the Trail's insurer becomes fed up with claims and complaints, or for some other reasons the township is required or wishes to fence this property, the township can go ahead and put up the fence and force adjacent landowners to pay for half the cost, regardless of a familys ability to do so. These people will in fact be paying twice, once through their tax bills and once straight out of their family income. On the next point, Mr. Bowick of the Ontario Trails Council states "It can take 20 years to put a trail like this together from one end to another. It takes a lot of patience, and it is possible to deal with one piece at a time." Does this mean that the township purchases every piece of Bell property right up to the property line of individuals and then start pushing to have the trail go through these private lands? Is there a plan to spend, spend, spend on the trail, and then expropriate property base on the argument that so much money has been spent that it is in the best interest of the taxpayers to take it? There are some people that feel they are already under pressure and/or being bullied into falling in line with the K&P Trail Supporters. In closing, I will once again ask that if any of the K&P supporters is capable of showing exactly what they are calling the K&P and not trespass on private land, I for one would welcome them to do so.Reginald I. Beattie, Sharbot Lake
Re: Arden DumpMy concern focuses on the state of waste disposal in the township, in particular the landfill site on the Arden Road. It is not much of an exaggeration to say that Arden is surely the only village in Ontario that one reaches by going through the garbage dump. A slight exaggeration - one actually goes by the dump placed only a few feet from the main road, with raw garbage in full sight, with all the inevitable smell, scavenger birds and wildlife that such a facility attracts. I can think of no more unwelcoming sight for anyone coming to the village for the first time. I am embarrassed to give directions to visitors that include "as you turn in from the highway you will see the dump on your right". It makes a mockery of the splendid efforts of local citizens, as a part of the "Villages Beautiful" campaign, to beautify the community by planting flowers and bushes, and placing attractive benches for citizens and visitors to enjoy. These efforts to transform Arden into an attractive municipality rather than allowing it to become another Eastern Ontario community in decline deserves better support. There is even a greater irony. This village has artists like Sarah Hale and Jo-Anne Pickett, whose work brings beauty and meaning into the lives of people across the continent. As well, it is home to Helen Praskey's Arden Glee Club, a splendid chorus with a unique repertoire that brings delight to people across the region, and extends its reach even to the center of Toronto. It is the envy of municipalities many times larger than Arden. I fully realize that waste disposal is the least attractive item on every municipal agenda in this, the 21st century. For 2 years in the mid-90's, I served as Chair of the Interim Waste Authority, a provincial agency with a mandate to find 3 major landfill sites in the Greater Toronto Region. A new Bob Rae Government had decided that municipalities, even Toronto, would look after its own waste and that incineration (too often a process of making waste invisible so that citizens could breathe it, but not see it) was to be illegal. Every time I drive past that Arden facility, I am reminded of the vast array of criteria we sought to meet before selecting three venues that were both environmentally responsible and aesthetically acceptable. Only the loss of courage by the present provincial government undermined a successful search. That retreat cost the Ontario taxpayer $100 million. As a user of the Arden facility, I have been impressed by the commitment and graciousness of the township employee who looks after the landsite. My complaint is entirely with the horror created by the last "improvement" - stripping away the trees that at least provided some containment. I repeat, the handling of waste in a consumer society, with a provincial government with no commitment to the problem, makes the task of the local council unpleasant and unpopular. It will demand social investment (read tax resources) that will be resented. However, the fact remains that the Arden landfill site is a disaster in every sense of the word. I was impressed by the article in the September 4, 2002 issue of the News on "Economic Development in the Frontenacs". Surely, the first step is one of rectifying this blot on a beautiful landscape which also happens to be the entrance to a significant community. Walter Pitman, O.C., O. Ont., LL'D., Arden
Re: the proposed Frontenac Centre
Being totally in accord with the article by David Brison, (Economic development in the Frontenacs, Sept 4, 2002) I would like to add my comments about this issue. It seems to me there are a lot of matters that need to be clarified or drawn to the attention of the taxpayers of North and Central Frontenac. For one thing we seem to be looking at a multi-million dollar project and while Mr. Ritchie states it will be built by the private sector, he fails to inform the public that if and when this complex is completed, if it is not self- sustaining, the shortfall will undoubtedly fall on the shoulders of the taxpayers of the townships involved. The overhead of this complex will be staggering: heat, hydro, telephone and TV for each unit, beds and furniture, sewer and water, permanent and part time employees, etc. And what about parking space for probably up to 200 vehicles?
Then theres winter. Practically all wealthy homeowners have attached heated garages and they wont want their very expensive cars to sit outside exposed to sleet and snow. Who would want to find their car completely coated with ice with doors and windows frozen shut, or to have to dig them out after a big snowstorm? Also vehicles parked outside for a long period of time could become a target for vandalism. Would the private sector agree to finance the building of a closed-in parking facility of this size, in addition to the Center itself plus a five-star restaurant? Also the proposed frame structure itself - this in my opinion could be a fire hazard and the safety of the patrons should be taken into consideration. The insurance rates could be very high on this type of structure.
When wealthy people rent a very high-priced room, Im sure they expect a room with a scenic view, not looking out over a parking lot full of cars, or looking at a bare forest in winter. How does Mr. Ritchie propose to do this if only one side fronts on a lake?
I cannot see how this project is feasible or that it is the answer to the unemployment situation that exists in the areas involved. I think it should be put on hold and other areas investigated, such as promoting several small businesses throughout the area. As matters stand it seems to me that the only people certain to make a moderate to large sum of money from this project are: the planner himself, the contractors (assuming this goes ahead), and the real estate broker or land owners from whom the land for the project is purchased. For the taxpayers it could be a huge jump in taxes. Caution should be taken; I do not believe that this matter should proceed until or unless Council is given a mandate by the people. Lets put this on the ballot and let the taxpayers decide.
William Flieler, Cloyne,
former Reeve of Clarendon and Miller Townships
Note to the Editor: I served on the Council of Clarendon and Miller Townships for 30 years from 1955 through 1985, and as Reeve the last eleven years, and retired the end of 1985 voluntarily, also served 26 years on the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority and was one of its founders in 1968, serving on the Executive for the first 12 years.
Re: Development in North Frontenac
I agree with your idea (David Brison, Economic development in the Frontenacs, Sept. 4, 2002)), our area has a lot to offer folks who are retiring and those that want to buy a summer cottage or lot. Areas north of Toronto are financially out of reach for those who are entering the rural or country market for a life style change, summer retreat or retirement.
To attract these people North Frontenac should be advertising this area through real estate and various trade shows, such as the Toronto Sportsmans Show, that run in metropolitan areas each year. We must be able to demonstrate that our infrastructure meets and surpasses the needs of these potential new arrivals. Guidance and help for private business in the area should continue and perhaps increase.
As you say we have enjoyed strong real estate sales and the ''snowball'' effect was seen with the local contractors being kept very busy in the last year.
There is GREAT potential here for everyone if the township will look within and create a strong, attractive, healthy and safe environment, using what nature has given us. Encourage people to move to our area by improving and expanding on what is already here.
David James, Ardoch
AugustRe: "Powerboat races in Sydenham" Wilma Kenny,Aug. 28, 2002 I received a copy of Wilma Kenny's Commentary of August 28, 2002, and I wish to add some thoughts on behalf of the racers, and the race crews that look forward to the Sydenham race each year. First of all, thank you to the community of Sydenham for having us back again in 2002. I would especially like to thank Mr. Howe and the baseball league, and the soccer league for hosting us. When I first started organizing these races in the late 70's, I worked with the Fire Department who were also tremendous hosts! Thanks to all of you for having us. As Wilma Kenny has noted, we are indeed an amateur, family sport, with adults and kids taking part in organizing and participating in the event. Our kids look forward to the event as much as our adult racers do! My 12-year-old daughter and 7-year-old son took pride in making the posters you saw. Many of the kids race in our Junior class, and others help with the flags, and the clean up. We are sensitive to your complaint about the noise, and recognize that certain engines are a problem. Eliminating these engines from the regatta will reduce the program length and the noise level. On the question of pollution to the lake, all race engines exhaust above the water, and the duration of running use is usually very short. Our largest engines are 40 hp, but most are 20 hp or less. We run two similar events in Ontario at sites which are particularly sensitive to environmental concerns; one is a conservation area, and the other a St. Lawrence Park.
We want to do an even better job of protecting the environment. We already have rules regarding race boat fueling, and fuel containment. And as you have seen, we make a special effort to leave the race site in the same or better condition than we found it. We are very safety-conscious. By our rules we MUST have an ambulance present during any race. This summer at our various events, exposure to sun and heat were the most frequent reason to visit the ambulance. We could get away with a first aid station at the races and save some money, but we have made the decision that safety of our drivers, crews and spectators is most important.
The Canadian Boating Federation is Canada's National Authority for Powerboat racing, and we wish to have a positive impact on any community, like Sydenham, which hosts our events. I believe, that the 200 or so people that come to the event bring a significant amount of money into the community. I know that the racers prefer to buy their fuel in town, purchase supplies at the local stores, and eat at the local restaurants. The concession stand appears to have been well attended as well.
The costs of the regatta are covered from the entry fees we collect from the race drivers, and this provides the organizing group in Sydenham an opportunity to raise funds for any local cause.
I am hoping we can come again to Sydenham in 2003, but will respect the feelings and the decision of the community.
Doug Overbury, P.Eng., Vice President, National Canadian Boating FederationJulyCommunity kindnessA few weeks ago I hit the curb coming into Sharbot Lake and blew 2 tires on my car. I had my three-year-old son with me at the time, so it was a bit more scary than normally would have been. People very kindly stopped and consoled us. One family opened their home to us so we could use the phone and supplied us with a cold drink and a freezie. My son still talks about this day like it was a fun little episode to our trip. The tow-truck driver was excellent and didn't charge an exorbitant amount (I believe his name was Jim). The garage was great about getting my car fixed. What could have been a devastating event was made less so by the thoughtful, caring people in this town, and I would just like to say thanks.
Tina Chatterton, Napanee
P.S. I was just through this way this past Monday again and I'm glad to see something has been done about the curb. Thank you to the township or whoever was responsible for this.
Re: Buying the K&P Every year at budget time, members of council try to find ways to curtail tax increases by reducing and cutting social programs. At a time when council cannot find enough funds to maintain existing roads without tax increases, it is debating the acquisition of the K & P Trail from Bell Canada? All of the tax payers will have to pay for this trail and yet only a small portion will benefit. This is beyond comprehension. I think it is time for a serious soul searching. Why embark on an expensive program which is totally unnecessary? This endeavour should be the responsibility of ATV and Snowmobile Clubs, the ultimate users of such a trail. Ronald Fournier
Fiddlin' Family and Friends Thank you so much for the great coverage of our second concert in the John Thomson Hall Live Music Series! As you no doubt noticed, we are so very proud of our grandsons, and were so pleased that The Big Rock Candy Mountain was as much a favourite with you as it is with us. We are looking forward to the next three concerts, and I feel the lineup of entertainers will be well received by the community.
I also want to thank you for extending your coverage to the Sydenham area. The Frontenac News has become very near and dear to Mary and I. We also have a residence on the Gully Road near Mississippi, and have been receiving the paper from December to May, when we return to Sydenham. Now we get it all year around.
Wayne Abrams for The Abrams Family & Clarendon Station
JuneRe: Drive CleanI want to raise a few issues concerning the governments latest innovative idea, The Drive Clean Program. Beginning July 1, we will all have to get our licensed vehicles tested for emissions every two years. This, we are told, will reduce pollution by at least 11%. Sound good? (Forget the fact that California has been doing this for years with no decrease in pollution.)
But what else are the slick, prolific and costly government ads not saying?
We are told that 2/3rds of the cost of each emission test goes straight to the provincial government. Yet another tax to drive? Within the next 18 months, there will be a provincial election. I think its time to let our MPP and the premier know what we think of the governments clean up program.Mike ProcterMayAprilRe: Anne Wills letter (Re: Ladybugs! Vol.2, No.15) In regard to lady bugs, why is everyone so quiet about this latest insurgence of pests that were imported, 'purportedly' to eliminate some other pest? When will entomologists ever learn that transporting one species to eradicate another never pays in the long run? [e.g. the gypsy moth!]
Mrs. Wills threatens to move to Kapuskasing; I suggest the Turks and Caicos Islands are more likely to be free of this terrible menace. She is too polite. While I was reading in bed, one had crept behind my eyeglasses, and another under the sheet! I, too, am not laughing!!
I have had several good 'excuses' to leave this lovely rural haven over the 30-year period we have been here, but none more compelling than being under siege by these unlovely critters. They crawl right out of the vacuum cleaner. Honestly! This year they have been around all winter, and now the heat has made them so prolific, one can't see out the window...well, not unless you stand there and vacuum steadily, and I resent the time.
I'll take black flies any time! Bugs anyone? Winifred-Mary Gutsell, Kaladar
MarchOil and water are mixing!Sunken snowmobiles have surfaced recently in The News along with local concern about the gas and oil they dump into the water. This concern raises a more general issue oil and gas dumped in the water by two-cycle engines all year long. In summer, most outboards are two-cycle. In winter, snowmobiles take their place on the ice and on snow back in the bush. When snow and ice melt in spring, all the oil and gas and exhaust products hit the water in a concentrated burst.
Two-cycle engines have no oil pan or pump. They are lubricated by the oil mixed into the gas. They also have no valves. The piston simply covers and opens an intake port (bottom) and an exhaust port (top) in the cylinder wall. And they rotate at very high speeds. On its upstroke, the piston exhausts whatever is left in the chamber. Because the rotation is so rapid, the fuel is not completely burned. Even with the newest technology, two-cycle engines exhaust between 30 and 50 percent of the fuel in a partially or completely unburned state. Their exhaust contains gas and oil plus other pollutants such as aldehydes, butadiene, benzene, and other polycylic aromatic hydrocarbons. All these pollutants sit on the ice and in the snow until flushed into the waters in spring, along with any other acid snow and air pollutants accumulated over winter.
In a recent normal winter the 175,000 snowmobilers in Ontario each purchased 280 litres of fuel (to go about 1763 kilometres). If 33 percent of that fuel was exhausted, unburned, it means that 16.3 million litres was dumped onto the ice and snow. One can do similar calculations for two cycle outboards. The result is frightening and having a quiet, underwater exhaust does not solve the problem.
No boater or snowmobiler would knowingly see so much fuel poured into the water (about 22 gallons for each Ontario snowmobiler) but without realizing it, they are doing it every year. Four-cycle engines for boats have more moving parts and so, are heavier and more costly but do solve the problem. Four-cycle engines in snowmobiles, ATVs and personal water craft are easily possible and only consumer demand is needed to get them. Water quality is about more than just E. coli.Gray Merriam
Sharbot Lake Medical Centre in the forefront of primary health care reform(Frontenac News, March 13, 2002) My husband and I moved to Sharbot Lake about 6 months ago from Hamilton, Ontario. In 1997, we lived in Lindsay, Ontario, and my husband was involved in a motor vehicle accident. At that time, Lindsay was 8 doctors short to meet the requirements of the community, and it was impossible for him to get proper medical treatment for his back injury.
After waiting for several months, he went to Peterborough, Ontario. He finally saw a doctor one time, but was told that this doctor was turning his practice over to another doctor and my husband would have to wait another few months. Finally in desperation in 1999, we moved back to Hamilton to receive medical coverage from his long-term family doctor. We were told that he was leaving his practice to go into psychiatry, and we would be referred to yet another doctor.
My husband saw yet another doctor, and I saw a lady doctor in the same office. My husband was referred for physiotherapy and attended for some 50 sessions, but no improvement was noted. Neither one of us felt we had a good rapport with our doctors and neither felt good about the medical care we received. It was hard to get through to the office on the telephone. Appointments were difficult go get, usually took some time, and always seemed rushed.
It has been very difficult for me to watch my husband suffer from chronic back pain, watch the pain go across his face and interfere with all aspects of our lives.
My husband and I came to Sharbot Lake to offer home care for a 95-year-old gentlemen in the community. Because of our experiences in Lindsay, Peterborough, Hamilton, etc., we had absolutely no idea that we would be able to receive such exemplary health care from such competent health care practitioners in this rural setting. Dr. Bells medical centre and staff, and Dr. Dales dental clinic and staff have offered us prompt, highly competent medical care, along with appropriate referrals to competent specialists.
We are very, very grateful to Dr. Bell, Mary Woodman, Lynn (a nurse in Practical Training), Dr. Black (who made a house call to our 95-year-old gentlemans home), the centres administrative staff, Dr. Dale and his staff for the level of their empathy and care, their prompt and thorough attention to us, and their willingness to help us with our medical and dental needs.
Although I have not spoken to others in the community about my gratitude for the medical services here in Sharbot Lake, I hope that the community is as grateful as I am!Lynn E. Emerson-Walsh, Sharbot Lake
Help stop the pollution
Recent articles in The Frontenac News this year and last (April 11, 2001; February 27 and March 6, 2002) highlight reckless snowmobile operation by a small group of individuals. These individuals run the open water at the bridge and in the east basin adjacent to Road #38, and pollute Sharbot Lake when they do. On one Thursday this February, three machines ended up in the water. The last one left an oil slick over the water, which is home to a family of otters and waterfowl, and is the spawning grounds for the lakes pickerel. On the day of the Snowmobile Drags, despite OPP patrols, more machines recklessly ran the water and sank. This has got to be stopped.
Many
local residents have expressed concerns over this issue, and are hard
pressed to understand why nothing is being done to stop it. 
Not only
does it endanger the participants, but other snowmobilers travelling at
night could easily follow the tracks into open water. People involved in
rescue and recovery are put at risk as well when they are called to the
scene. Taxpayers pay for the Ice Rescue teams when they are called;
however these incidents are not accidents, but reckless, deliberate
acts. The Township should possibly consider charging these people. for
the service. Local by-laws would not help, since jurisdiction over water
is a provincial or federal matter. However, our municipal taxes do go to
cover the cost of policing, and the OPP do report to the local council.
It seems that part of the OPP community policing initiative has failed. The police have the power to arrest persons committing a criminal offense in order to prevent it from continuing, and could then seize the snowmobile. It is an offense to operate a vehicle in a dangerous manner, and the provisions of the Criminal Code relating to mischief to public property would also seem to apply. The article "Pond Jumping" by Jeff Green (Frontenac News, March 6, 2002) seems to indicate that the special unit charged with enforcement in these types of incidents is aware of these provisions.
In the October issue of the Ontario Snowmobiler magazine is an article: "Charge upheld for running open water", which describes how STOP & OPP officers successfully prosecuted an individual for this offense, by showing that the loss of braking and steering constituted careless driving. They also outlined the dangers of the practice, and a conviction was registered. The OFCS article warned snowmobilers that the practice had been found illegal.
What about the provincial and federal agencies, such as MNR, DFO, and Ministry of the Environment? An article in the Whig Standard (February 28, 2002) refers to registered letters sent to farmers for allowing cattle in the Wilton Creek, which may cause pollution. The letters threatened $200,000 fines to the farmers; but what are they doing about people who deliberately foul our lakes with gas and oil? Doesn't our drinking water deserve the same attention as a creek running into Lake Ontario, or is our problem just in somebody else's backyard? Hundreds of residents, together with business and tourist operators, use Sharbot Lake as a source of drinking water. Regulations enforced by the other agencies control shoreline development, fish habitat, water quality, and much more. What are they doing to protect Sharbot Lake from this pollution? Are the police reporting these incidents to them? These are the questions that need to be asked.
Photographs in The News show people in a boat recovering the snowmobiles without proper lifejackets. Is that not something the police could easily prosecute? The News has good photographs of these individuals. Did they bring the boat with them, or "find" it along the shore? Things can be done to discourage these irresponsible individuals and make it too costly for them to continue.
Locally we can report these incidents to the police and then follow-up on the complaint. We can request to be advised of the action taken, and then question the reason for the enforcement action taken or referral made. If you are not satisfied, pursue the issue at a higher level. Contact your Provincial MPP Leona Dombrowsky, or your Federal MP Larry McCormick. They can be contacted at their area offices by phone, letter, or email.
This is more than a local issue. It is happening on lakes and rivers all over Ontario, and the cumulative effect of the pollution is large. It is something we can all address to keep our water safe - for us, and for future generations.
I have been a snowmobiler for over 30 years; have owned lakefront property on Sharbot Lake since 1969, and am retired here. Sharbot Lake has always enjoyed the reputation of being a very clean and pristine lake. Lets help keep it that way. Robert A. (Bob) Pollard, Lakeside Bed & Breakfast, Sharbot Lake.
Is Bell is going to provide phone service for areas that presently don't have it?I'm interested in hearing from anyone who knows whether Bell plans to provide phone service to rural routes that don't presently have it. I know there are other people who have hydro service, but Bell will not bring in phone wires.
I am 1.5 km from the present end of the phone line, and I have tried several times to get phone service, but I haven't had any luck (so I depend on a cell phone for emergency situations, which isn't great when you live in a fringe area for cell reception). Even after the CRTC ruled a couple of years ago that all rural residents should have phone service, Bell told me it had no plans to provide it to my "non-served area".
However, one of my neighbours said he got a letter last year from Bell saying that rural route residents would get new service in 2002. He couldn't find the letter, and I cannot find anyone at Bell who knows whether this is true, or in fact, who knows anything about "non-served areas".
I live in the Elm Tree area west of Arden. This area is served directly by Bell, and not by the North Frontenac Telephone Co. I am interested in hearing from anyone else who is in a "non-served area and who wants phone service, and anyone who knows about Bell's plans to extend its service.
You can reach me at G. Burgess, RR 4, Arden KOH 1B0 (I sure wish I could give a phone number (;-)
The tragedy in the US does indeed affect us all, and your reflections on the need for patience and wisdom are much appreciated. However, your particular assessment of "the cause" motivating the hijackers falls far short of the mark. It seems dreadfully clear to me that there is much more to that "cause" than a rejection of western "influence and intrusion" on Islamic governments in the Middle East. Unless, by "western culture", you mean the limitless greed of transnational corporations, the unquestioning public worship of the stock market, and the massive daily violence and exploitation which result. Unless you use the word "influence" to mean the economic and political blackmail which forces countries and peoples into trade deals that are nothing less than formalized piracy. Unless the word "intrusion" refers to CIA assassinations, air strikes and military invasions. Unless "Islamic governments" include those of Guatemala, Vietnam, Cuba, Grenada... you name it. Unless the "Middle East" embraces the whole world. During the Gulf War a decade ago, many Americans cheered the "thousand points of light" which flared as thousands of innocent men, women and children were burned alive, blown apart or crushed by the US-led bombing of Baghdad. None of this can ever justify the horrendous crimes of September 11. But unless we acknowledge the responsibility of "western culture" for the many equal and continuing horrors faced by people around the world, we cannot hope to prevent more of the same. To go back to "business as usual" will only reinforce the misery and create a whole new generation of suicide bombers. Sincerely, Helen Forsey
FebruaryIve been talking to a lady from the Kingston General Hospital Auxiliary and learned that the KGH Auxiliary has a maternity program where they give baby clothes, baby blankets, sleepers, baby quilts etc. to the newborns of families and mothers in need. Also incubator blankets and preemie booties and cribs are very welcome.
My plan is to form a group of women in the Land OLakes area that will quilt, knit, crochet, and sew these items together. I can arrange frequent meetings in our Lodge. I will also try to get such donations as yarns, fabrics, and free copies for copying patterns, etc.
Anyone who is interested in being a part of this project can contact me.
Thank you so much.
Inca Vos
Unlike Mrs. Kellar, I voted for Bill MacDonald. My biggest concern was that he might not get elected, as I saw him as the one person who has been proven to provide leadership, show imagination and who is not afraid to speak his mind. I do not know too much about Mr. Lee, but he probably could have done an adequate job.
I do not agree with everything that Mr. MacDonald stands for, including his idea of downsizing the Council and having voting at large. As well, the highway 38 issue could have been handled better. Nevertheless, I see him as being the one candidate who has the stature to handle such issues, and to represent us outside the community. I was very surprised by the results of the referendum, as I was sure both proposals would suffer resounding defeats. I think we have shrunk the size of our governing body enough, and further reduction would result in insufficient members to do all the tasks at hand. Those left would be grossly overworked. I do agree that existing members should be paid more, however, and I would have thought this would be possible without too much of a tax burden.Regarding voting at large, I could see this developing into a very parochial situation, especially if combined with downsizing. What if the majority of the members came from just one area, such as Kennebec or Oso? I think it is important to have guaranteed representation for each area. It is noteworthy that Mr. MacDonald only got elected because of the strong support from just one area, Oso. Why he did not get more support from Kennebec, I cannot fathom. Part of the reason may have been the fact that many of the mail-in ballots did not reach the intended electors. The Post Office returned dozens of ballots because the names were unknown to them.
My one hope is that by the time the next election comes around, people will take the time to find out more about the candidates, attend at least one Council meeting and not be swayed by vague promises. Ask questions starting with "How do you intend to ...?" or "What is your position on ...?". At least elect someone who knows what they are doing. Feeling ones way is not an option in a community of our size. It will truly lead to disaster for us all.Peter N. Wadham
ArdenJanuary
Thanks to David Brison for the coverage of the wonderful "Festival of Trees". The Arden Glee Club & the Ardenaires were honoured to be part of the first festival.
Helen Praskey
