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Huron-Kinloss resident concerned with commercial grade Roundup on the lakeshore Dear Editor A couple of items to note. Lurgan Beach was treated with a herbicide on July 24-25 in order to kill the phragmites australis. The township dragged applicators across everything where the reeds were present. They used commercial grade Roundup. Bad stuff according to the data sheets. People and pets are to avoid the areas for 20-30 days. In the USA this stuff would never be applied near a watercourse, pond or waterway. It is illegal to do so over there. In Canada no such regulation exists, yet. Apparently when it hits the sand and water the residual can last for up to 90 days. That basically keeps anyone concerned away from Lurgan for the summer. The signage is ultra minimal. One every few hundred metres if you are lucky to see it and no identification of the product applied. You have to call the township to find out the product and hazards, but their info is minimal. Even the Monsanto website has more precautions and warnings than the Township knows about. A quick check of Roundup on Wikepedia is alarming. The township will be doing the whole shoreline wherever the reeds are prevalent. I know that Rondeau Provincial Park has had a 70% success rate of eradicating these reeds but I do not know what they used. I will try to find out. This is not good news but the residents need to know for their protection. Thanks, Reader believes pay increases should be earned, not taken for granted Dear Editor, I am not sure if I am being realistic or unreasonable when I say that when (and if) the Bruce County Health Unit workers receive an increase in anything at all (benefits, wages, etc.), there should also be an increase in the level of work provided to the community. Simply said, they should deserve it. I am a resident of Point Clark, where I have lived for a little over four years, currently living in Kitchener while in college. Although I have not been in the township/county for about a year now as I have been in school, I do follow the news. I cannot see any of the services provided by the striking workers as being improved, or being any better than it ever was. I feel that if a raise in wages or benefits is asked for, they should be earned and not given simply so the workers wages can be compared to facilities around the province/country. Most workers in other fields simply get a cost of living increase, unless there is an increase in productivity, workload, etc. I think that that if the Bruce County Health Unit does receive more funds from the tax base, it should be put towards improving services or hiring more much-needed staff, not put into the support staff's pockets. Do these “workers” really care about the services they provide to their neighbours and the community, or just their pay cheques? Sincerely, H.K.Z. Huron-Kinloss/K.W. Concert-goers disappointed with “Bull” Dear Editor I’m writing to express my disappointment in an event recently sponsored by 94.5 The Bull and the Kinsmen in the Teeswater area, where in our opinion, we were treated unfairly by a security personnel worker. On Sat, Apr 26, 2008, seven others and myself planned to attend the “Bull’s Birthday Bash,” in celebration of my husband’s 23 rd birthday, along with the birthday of one of our friends, who also bought tickets for the event. We planned the surprise weeks in advance. A babysitter was arranged, (which is not easy for a six-month-old when it’s an overnight outing), as well as a designated driver and accommodations for the night. Upon arrival, we were asked for proof of age identification. The woman asking for the identification dropped a female friend’s card and a slight verbal altercation ensued between the two. The female in question was accused of being intoxicated by the female security person and told to sit in the area set aside for under aged attendees for 45-minutes and to see her afterwards, or leave. (We were with our friend earlier and she was not “intoxicated” by any means.) Although we felt our friend was being treated unfairly and found the security person to be unnecessarily rude with us, we did our best to be as polite as possible. Rather than to leave our disappointed friend to sit alone, all eight of us stood out of the way near the entrance to wait out the 45-minutes. While waiting, we spoke with a uniformed police officer, who saw no reason we could not attend the event, including the female who was accused of being “intoxicated.” After speaking with the officer and waiting the 45-minutes, we asked the security woman if we could enter. Again she refused to let us in, accusing us of harassing her and the officer. (The officer said to us afterwards, “If you were harassing us, you’d be in the cruiser right now.”) Unfortunately, it was not up to the officer to decide whether we could go in or not. It was up to the security woman who had the beef with our friend. In the end, we decided to miss the event, rather than to leave our friend out. We asked a Kinsmen member at the event if it would be possible to at least get a refund for the tickets, however we were told there were “no refunds,” which left us rather disappointed to say the least. We are not made of money, nor do we get much of an opportunity to go out for the night very often since the birth of our daughter. We believe we were treated very poorly by not only the security person at the Teeswater Community Centre, but by the local Teeswater Kinsmen. (The OPP in attendance however were not only polite, but also understanding.) Although the incident only involved the actions of a few individuals, in our eyes it has unfortunately tarnished the reputations of a fine organization. It’s disappointing to think that a service group apparently feels that making $200 profit is worth losing the respect and support of not only us, but the support of our friends and family. Although we are only eight people, we will not be listening to “The Bull” in the future, nor will we be attending their events. We will also not be attending future events put on by the Kinsmen in the Teeswater area. I advise those who are considering buying tickets in advance for any events, regardless of who puts them on, to think it over before spending their money or making arrangements for accommodations or safe transportation. A and J, Point Clark Setting the records straight Dear Editor, A local newspaper recently reported that I garnered only 37.8 per cent of the vote in Owen Sound. That’s incorrect. According to official poll results from the Returning Office, myself and the green candidate each garnered about 40 per cent of the vote in the Owen Sound polls. Furthermore, if you look at the Owen Sound advance poll alone – held from Sept. 25 to Oct. 5 – I collected 47.8% of the total vote, compared to the green candidate who received 29.3%. In other words, there was no green glow in Owen Sound, as the paper suggested. Even though they are tabulated after the election, advance polls have always been recognized as the best one to predict the overall election outcome. This particular advance poll should be considered as an even stronger indicator as it was held for a record 12 days. Interestingly, at the close of the advance polls, a survey was commissioned by the Green Party of Ontario, which claimed that they were going to make history in this riding. This 300-people survey received high publicity from the Sun Times, Bayshore Broadcasting, CBC and other media outlets. Websites and blog sites became quite animated too, urging voters from urban and other parts of Ontario to get on the bandwagon, move to Owen Sound and make history. This was an interesting phenomenon that occurred here in Owen Sound, one that will be pondered by political pundits for years to come. Congratulations to Shane Jolley for his incredible campaign. Congratulation to all the candidates who not only subjected themselves to the scrutiny of the voting public but to a media that is eager to sell their product with little or no regard for accuracy and fairness. By the way, the Owen Sound Sun Times refused to correct the numbers in its article, and so I felt it was my job to set the record straight especially for the people in Owen Sound who worked hard for me and also voted for me in the election. Bill Murdoch, MPP , Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound Another Huron-Kinloss resident says government needs to take some responsibility Does our Government really care about our Environment, Economic Development ( Agriculture, Industry, Tourism), and Growth of Families and the settlement of new residents in Huron-Kinloss? The evidence says no. In 1991 the Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority (SVCA) published a Pine River Watershed Study report stating that water quality in the Pine River and its tributaries is poor when compared with current MOE water quality guidelines. Sixty per cent of historical phosphorus samples and 65 per cent of historical bacteria samples exceeded the MOE guidelines. One recommendation from the SVCA was to undertake more detailed studies to partition the relative contributions of bacteria and phosphorus originating from the various pollution sources in the area. (Sources included manure runoff, milk house wash water, industrial / municipal loadings, faulty septic systems, and sedimentation from water erosion. Results from such a study would identify the most cost-effective options available for significantly reducing pollutant loadings to the area’s watercourses and beaches. 17 years later on October 1, 2007, a letter from Doris Dumais, Director of MOE, was discussed at a Huron-Kinloss Council meeting. This letter suggests a more detailed scientific study from Amberley Beach to Bruce Beach may be needed to assess possible environmental solutions. This study would need to examine many different factors, water course and ground water discharge to the shoreline, changing habitat issues, and environmental changes induced by invasive species, to mention a few. Doris Dumais indicated “the minister is willing to provide support in the form of technical expertise to assist Huron-Kinloss Township in study design”. Two clear indications of how critical the situation has become with our detraining Huron-Kinloss shoreline ( in the Pine River Watershed) exists today: one, Tourism at our Historic Lighthouse has dropped significantly and summer tourists are regularly cutting short their holiday stays because of the quality of the beach; Two, the refusal of prospective new residents to purchase property because of the deteriorating beach side Environment, which is happening more and more. The following letter has been received recently confirming this point: “Dear Realtor, My wife and I would like to thank you for spending the time with us that you did, and showing us the Point Clark properties. We did consider it carefully for several days, but felt that the beach is no longer safe and beautiful beach (sic) like we remember (1995-1996). My wife was appalled with the beach, and the lack of attention Ocean and Fisheries is giving this matter. I have contacted my Member of Parliament on the absurd conditions of Point Clark’s Beach, since I feel that the conditions are not safeor environmentally friendly. Consequences for both wildlife and homeowners could be devastating and permanent (?). The lack of attention by this government is totally irresponsible! Please email me if the government ever gets their “act together”. It’s time that all levels of government address our Huron-Kinloss shoreline deterioration problems before it is too late. A concerned full-time resident of Huron-Kinloss David Hyman Point Clark, On. Pine River needs toilet sign Many views, hypothesis and proclamations of the distressful state of our If nothing is done I worry that new signs will appear under the current John Power In a recent letter to “Explore the Bruce,” Power had this to add, “Please advise all your interested explorers that the Huron-Kinloss shorelines are almost always contaminated with farm runoff and/or foul algae blooms exasperated by farm runoff. If your prospective tourists want clean shoreline they should go somewhere else. Algae problem needs to be fixed While Amberley and Point Clark have been dealing with huge piles of stinking algae along their shore line for several years and Lurgan has had the same problem for some time now it seems to be spreading north. Bruce Beach woke up to huge piles of algae on Thursday, September 13 as attested by the accompanying photos. Station Beach in Kincardine could soon be on the recipient end of the spread of algae and then what will the Town of Kincardine do with its beloved Blue Flag? With the coming provincial elections on October 10 it might be time to put the question to the candidates as to what their party intends to do about the condition of the lake. So far the provincial government has "studied" the situation to death but all the "studies" end up in a file with no action. Before the lake ends up being another Walkerton we should push the provincial government to take steps to clean up whatever it is that is causing all this algae. Ross Klopp 35 Tout's Grove Hill, Kincardine It’s getting worse If you live, work or have property along the Pine River, please help us out The Public Health Unit has again posted signs, here at Lurgan Beach north of the Pine River, indicating dangerously high bacteria levels in the lake. It is officially unsafe for swimming – just in time for the long weekend! This is not new. For the past several years we have been unable to enter the water without wading through slime. The water looks exactly like pea soup but smells much worse. As you wade out into the lake, what used to be firm, rippling sand has become six to eight inches of slime and ooze that you sink into above your ankles. Once colourful rocks have become coated with a grey/green, fuzzy and slippery carpet. The newest Health Unit posting is again no surprise – simply the confirmation of an obviously pathetic condition! The condition is extremely bad in and near the mouth of the Pine River and improves as you move away from the mouth of the river. Most people keep children and pets out of the lake. I could give you a list including diarrhoea & infected sores in pets, rashes on children, windows closed for the smell, cancelled cottage rentals, residents driving north towards Kincardine to swim, compulsory showers after being in the lake, slipping on slime covered beach sand, etc. The list goes on! It is easy to point fingers at other rivers, cities or even the USA as polluters. They need attention, but should not be an excuse to avoid our own responsibilities. One neighbour recalls that he used to drink from the Pine River while fishing. Another friend used to enjoy the trout as the river passed through his farm. But, not anymore! We are not alone. Several areas, in both the US and Canada, have worked on similar problems and been very successful. You may recall that the Grand River, flowing through Waterloo Region and south to Lake Erie, recently won an award from the United Nations for the results of its clean-up efforts. It can be done. Nature is amazing in its ability to rehabilitate itself if we help. Hence my plea - “if you live, work or have property along the Pine River, please help.” Please help to reduce the amount of waste and nutrients entering the river. Our children and the upcoming generations will all thank us! Doug Brown, Some kind words from readers Re: The H-K Observer Hi Darrell What a great service you have provided us with while we were in Florida. We tuned in every other day to see what was new. It also helps out our family, as they are always interested in things that are going on in Point Clark. Keep up the good work. Two of your favourite readers, Re: The H-K Observer Wasting away in Mexico and still in touch with home thanks to you. Muchas gracias, Resident concerned about turbines Re: Windmill column Hi Darrell On my way to Goderich last week I noticed what looked like a field of windmills lying at the old Port Albert airport on 21. FYI The units at Bruce are about 23% efficient and less than 15% in the summer. http://www.huronwind.com/huronwind/hw_pdfs/60.pdf I took this picture off what would normally be a very picturesque coastline of Spain near Tarifa. (Gibraltar area)
The photo shows about 75, only about half of the total in that area. I can't imagine the eye sore for hwy 21. They will have to find rename the Bluewater Highway to Windmill Alley. Sad! Don, Kincardine, Ontario Tampering with the democratic process leaves liberal supporter disgusted with out going MP Re: Steckle endorses McGlinchey As a long-time supporter of the Huron-Bruce Liberal Association and of our federal Member of Parliament, I am extremely disappointed and angered at the incredible audacity of Paul Steckle in his attempt to manoeuvre his executive assistant into a strong advantage in the candidacy race for the Riding of Huron-Bruce. His pre-ordination of one candidate is an attempt to give an unwarranted, unfair and unwanted advantage over other capable people as yet unknown and undeclared. It smacks of an unbridled attempt to perpetuate a Steckle dynasty through undue influence over the members of the Riding Association. This action is an unfair attempt to pre-empt the process of candidate selection. Mr. McGlinchey may well be a fine, young man, and in the final analysis may make a fine Member of Parliament. But let the members decide that after an impartial and earnest examination of the candidates that we have yet to see. It is patently unfair for Mr. Steckle to endorse a particular person, without even knowing who else might be waiting in the wings. Mr. Steckle should have remained above the fray and totally impartial, and should not I’m disgusted! W. Kent Milroy, Kincardine, You Focused on Crocus with Passion! After nursing more than 800 potted crocus plants and 100 decorative pots during the CNIB Annual Crocus Sale, Feb. 5-18 and more recently an early spring cold, I wanted to warmly thank the H-K Observer and the Kincardine print and broadcast media for such generous coverage of our successful fundraiser. To put our success into perspective, the Kincardine community purchased nearly 30 per cent of crocus plants sold across Grey-Bruce. That result speaks volumes about the tremendous spirit and generosity of our community, already a multiple national award-winning “blooming” community of distinction! Kincardine wore the colour purple proudly. Spring fever hit early at most public on-sites, including RBC Royal Bank, where we appeared later by special invitation. Things started to heat up again when we also ran out of those sought-after decorative pots displayed in the Observer. Days earlier, a pot had been loaned to a downtown retailer to help “dress” her window and promote our fundraiser. As a fun incentive, we introduced a Valentine’s contest with a chance for volunteers and those purchasing “a picturesque pot of purple passion” (dubbed affectionately by seasoned onsite seller Louise Currie) to win the remaining coveted pot. Announced on The Coast the following day, the winner was given less than 48 hours to locate the hidden pot, with the clue “dressed for success!” Within two hours and during a fierce snow squall, winner Margaret Fiddes boldly tracked down her prize, cleverly disguised at Corabelle’s. Such a caring and fitting gesture to end our campaign and celebrate spring early. Thank you to everyone who took the time to care, give, and spread the word. Catharine Kennedy Ripley Business Community thankful for the help Regarding your Blue Collar Opinion about the Township of Huron-Kinloss hiring of a flower waterer: Over the past five years The Ripley Business Community, together with volunteers and the help of The township of Huron Kinloss, has worked very hard to improve the appearance of Ripley. As you will be aware, when a community looks prosperous more people are likely to consider making it their home, thus broadening the tax base. Also current residents are proud of the many positive comments about how Ripley has been rejuvenated. The hanging flower baskets in Ripley are purchased each year by the Ripley Business Community as are the trees and flower planters along Huron St. The Ripley Horticulture Society does a wonderful job of caring for the many flower beds and tubs around Ripley, but it is impossible for them to water the flower baskets, as they are out of their reach. The Ripley Business community is therefore very grateful for the help that council has given us to make Ripley blossom! Yours, EDITOR'S NOTE: Perhaps the baskets could be lowered slightly so those who planted flowers can water them, freeing up township staff and equipment. |
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