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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHuron Expositor, 2015-05-20, Page 15CUSTOM BUILT HOME Wednesday, May 20, 2015 • Huron Expositor 15 Some county Heath Unit reminds councillors concerned residents to check for ticks about G2G trail North Huron Mayor says process hasn't been transparent so far Dave Flaherty Huron Expositor Although most county councillors are in favour of the Goderich to Guelph Rail Trail (G2G), some members are questioning how every- thing came together. Paul Vander Molen, Huron County representa- tive on the G2G steering committee and Chris Lee, vice -chair of Goderich to Guelph Rail Trail Inc., provided an update to council at the May 13 committee of the whole meeting. North Huron Mayor Neil Vincent said while he sup- ports the idea of the trail, he has some concerns. Namely, he said North Huron already has a lease on part of the trail. "What assurances can you give us on the liability," he asked. Vincent also believes the consultation process has not been as transparent as G2G Rail Trail Inc. has indicated. "It has been a closed pro- cess so far," Vincent said. In his view, the concerns of adjacent landowners have not been addressed sufficiently. "Adjacent landowners can make or break a trail," he said. "Don't tick off the neighbours:' He also urged Lee and Vander Molen to make sure they have support from stewardship groups "on paper'; citing a similar situ- ation in North Perth where the municipality now has to have a full-time employee to maintain a trail. Central Huron Mayor Jim Ginn said a recent press release from the G2G "caused problems" in his municipality. He also believes land- owner issues have not been addressed and the press release made it appear some local politicians have "gone back on their word': Ginn then requested a copy of the interim lease be provided to county council. Vander Molen defended the actions of the group so far, saying they've been very transparent and worked closely with a group of county staff. However, he said it was not their intention to "cir- cumvent county council" and they are willing to listen. "We are concerned about the concerns of adjacent landowners," he said. Bluewater Mayor Tyler Hessel spoke highly of the trail and the work of G2G Rail Trail Inc. so far. "I think we should com- mend a group that works towards active transporta- tion and healthy lifestyles," he said. Hessel said the G2G was a perfect example of "not wor- rying about borders" and regional partnerships. "This is a game changer. It will be bring new people in our communities," he added. Moving forward, Vander Molen said there are some issues that need to be addressed. "Our biggest concern is ATVs," he said. "As far as landowners are concerned, we are stopping the ATVs until clubs can convince the Ontario government (to allow them on the trail). Another concern is milk- weed, which some steward- ship groups would like to see planted along the trail to attract Monarch butterflies. However, because of the potential dangers of milk- weed to humans, Vander Molen said the plant must be managed carefully. "That's why it is important for the county to be involved," he said. The lease between the Ontario government and G2G Rail Trail Inc. will com- mence on July 1. "It's exciting to see some concrete action," Lee said. "Our vision has always been to move to the point where users have a seamless experience." Lee said the newly intro- duced Ontario Trails Act will "break down all barriers to trail development" Vander Molen admitted they were "surprised as any- one" when the government approved the lease and told them they would be moving forward on July 1. Once completely open, the trail will span 127 km from Goderich to Guelph. Local municipal councils can expect visits from G2G representatives in the near future, Vander Molen added. The goal is for the munici- palities which the trail runs through, including Huron County, to take over the lease. As part of Lyme Disease Awareness Month, the Huron County Health Unit reminds residents to check for ticks after being outdoors in grassy areas. Lyme disease can be a serious illness. It's spread to humans by the bite of an infected blacldegged tick. As of 2014, the bacteria that causes Lyme disease has been found in black - legged ticks throughout Ontario, including Huron County. "In our 2014 tick survey, 170 ticks were collected," said Keshia Hackett, public health inspector. "Of those collected, 69 were black - legged ticks and three tested positive for the bac- teria that causes Lyme disease?' To prevent tick bites: • Wear light-coloured clothing. It makes ticks eas- ier to spot. • Wear closed footwear and socks, a long sleeved shirt and long pants. Tuck your pants into your socks. • Use a tick repellant that has been approved by Health Canada, following the manufacturer's directions. • Search your body for ticks at least once a day if you have been in an area where you might get bitten by ticks. Pay special atten- tion to the scalp, groin and armpits. If you find a tick on your body, remove it with twee- zers. Grasp the tick as close to your skin as pos- sible. Pull it straight out, gently but firmly. Save the tick in a jar or screw-top bottle if you can and take it to your doctor or your local health unit, where it will be submitted for iden- tification and testing if warranted. If you have been in an area known to contain blacklegged ticks or have been bitten by a tick, watch for the following symptoms: • Fever • Headache • Muscle and joint pains • Fatigue • Skin rash that may resemble a bull's eye If you have any of these symptoms, let your health- care provider know immediately. Lyme disease is not transmitted from person to person. However, dogs and cats can carry the ticks into your home or yard, potentially placing people at risk of infection. Take precautions such as putting tick and flea col- lars on your pets and checking them for ticks periodically. REAL E STP.TE LTD_ 33 Main St., Seaforth 519.600.1577 Direct 519.272.5413 THE SIGN THAT SAYS SOLD I 91 AMY McCLURE Sales Rep. 519-525-3988 KYLA COOK.. Broker 519-520-9557 MAUREEN WILDFONG Sales Rep. 519-525-9954 To 4saa IF bur L • PEACEFUL AREA EXCELLENT CONDITION IMPRESSIVE HOME ' — - Fir " 4 M . 5 � _-� r' . r 4 au . ,,.ter. 126 WEST WILLIAM ST. 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