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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2016-11-17, Page 16PAGE 16. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2016. Species at risk could delay, end dam restoration The Howson Dam restoration project has been stopped in its tracks by the black redhorse sucker fish. Also known as the Moxostoma duquesnei, the species of fish was found in the area surrounding the dam which has been the subject of intense discussion at the North Huron Council table. Some ratepayers are requesting that the dam be restored to its former glory, which would see the water levels in the Maitland River that passes through Wingham, rise substantially in the future. The ratepayers believe this will increase Wingham's prominence as a tourism destination. Council, however, isn't as sure about the project, stating that to restore the dam and walking bridge that runs over the river would cost far more money than is in reserves for the project. To further understand the project, the council started an environmental assessment (EA) which looks at how different attempts to deal with the dam would affect the surrounding natural environment, during which the presence of the black redhorse fish were discovered. The fish are considered a species at risk (SAR) according to Jeff Graham of GSS Engineering who is involved in the project. He told council during its Nov. 7 meeting that any repairs to the dam could come with significant changes to accommodate the species or could result in the dam restoration being halted indefinitely. The fish is classified as "threatened" by the provincial government, which means it is not endangered but could become so if steps aren't taken to reduce threats to the species. The fish was first classified as threatened when the Endangered Species Act became official in 2008. The fish grow to approximately 60 centimetres in length and are part of the sucker family. It lives in pools and riffle areas connected to medium-sized rivers and streams that are typically two metres deep or less. The fish is prevalent in two areas of Ontario — northern Huron County and the surrounding areas Letter to the Editor Ted Johns' letter disappoints Vodden I was disappointed by a letter to the editor in last week's issue of The Citizen. Ted Johns presented many uninformed critical comments about our village. He disapproves of the Blyth Festival Board, its chair, its members and both current and past decisions of the board. He questions the role of the Canadian Centre for Rural Creativity (CCRC) as well as its funding. He indicates that he cannot figure out the purpose of 14/19, and the reason for the CCRC assuming management of Blyth Community Memorial Hall. He is upset by the renovations that are taking place, and he blames 14/19 for his confusion. He objects to organization changes being made in secret without his approval or knowledge. There are many exciting and unique things happening in this community, and we are proud of them. I won't list all of them here; it would only confuse some outsiders even more. The history of small rural communities teaches us that if they fail to adjust to a changing society and re -invent themselves accordingly, they are in real danger of decline. Blyth is not only working at that renewal for itself; it is reaching out to rural communities everywhere to invite them to join with us in the search for great sustaining ideas. The planned changes in Blyth involve many organizations and individuals including the County of Huron, the Municipality of North Huron, community organizations, local businesses and private citizens, as well as very tangible support from both the provincial and federal governments. I am sorry that this writer is confused by all of this, but suggest that he keep criticism to himself at least until he has some understanding of Blyth's goals and progress. Poison pen letters are not helpful or appreciated. Brock Vodden, Councillor — Blyth Ward, Municipality of North Huron. Remembering While the senior students at Hullett Central Public School would attend the annual Remembrance Day service in Blyth on Nov. 11, students in the younger grades attended an earlier ceremony in the school's gym. Shown are, from left, Hannah Boven and Sadie Squires leading the event. (Denny Scott photo) and north of Waterloo. Smaller concentrations can be found south of Goderich, south and southwest of Stratford, and in the Brantford area. The provincial government states that in addition to the fish being protected, its general habitats are also under protection. Graham also explained that a new type of study would need to be done in concert with the EA as a review and application through The Lakes and Rivers Improvement Act (LRIA) was necessary before the job continued. He said, from the feedback of • public information sessions regarding the project, three options were presented to deal with the dam, which can't be used in its current condition. The dam could be saved and either have the walking bridge repaired or removed, or the entire structure could be removed. Councillor Trevor Seip asked for explanation on the LRIA's requirements, saying he understood that it would provide information to help council choose among Graham's three outlined options. Graham explained the LRIA assessment deals with technical Legion presents award An exclusive club The Goderich Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion presented its Friends of Branch 109 award to members of the Huron County Public Works Department's bridge crew for their work on the Legion's Afghanistan monument project. From left: Darryl Marks, Hayden TenPas, Shawn Engel, Andy VanBeek, Legion Zone Commander Eric Ross, Dan Murray, Wayne Higgins, Goderich Legion President Paul Thorne, Legion member Norm Leddy, Huron County Engineer Steven Lunch, Kevin Regier and Brady Nolan. (Photo submitted) Members of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 109 in Goderich presented a rare award to Huron County staff at the Nov. 9 meeting of council. Paul Thorne from the Legion thanked council for its support in the procurement and placement of the Afghanistan war monument, an actual, formerly functioning light - armoured vehicle (LAV), which is now secure near the Huron County Museum. He specifically thanked the Huron County Public Works bridge crew, which was instrumental in creating the base for the monument, which mimicked the rocky terrain of Afghanistan that a LAV might have regularly traversed. Thorne then presented members of the crew with the Friends of Branch 109 Award, which has only been handed out a small number of times over the years. Also as part of the presentation, Thorne presented council with a cheque for $25,000 that is intended to cover maintenance costs for the monument as the years go on. The cost, Thorne said, was built into the group's fundraising figures, because the Legion didn't want anyone to be burdened with any costs associated with the monument. Rulers not immune to God's will, plan Continued from page 12 hearts of kings; He will ultimately judge each one according to their deeds. The Book of Revelation describes Jesus' return as the Lamb who will be victorious over the kings of the earth; "They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings..." (Rev. 17:14) We are told all authority will eventually be made subservient to Him. "Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power." (1Cor. 15:24) So, we need not nervously wring our hands, regardless of which political party comes to power next door. Instead we should put our hands together in prayer for elected officials, as the Apostle Paul suggested. "I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone — for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness." (1Tim.2:1f) God rules in human affairs. Napoleon, at the height of his career, is reported to have given this cynical answer to someone who asked if God was on the side of France: "God is on the side that has the heaviest artillery." Then came the Battle of Waterloo, where Napoleon lost both the battle and his empire. Years later, in exile on the island of St. Helena, chastened and humbled, Napoleon is reported to have quoted the words of Thomas a Kempis: "Man proposes; God disposes" The lesson with which history confronts us is that God is able to work His sovereign will — despite human resistance, obstinacy or vain pride. aspects of the project and outlining what could be done with the dam. He said it could prove expensive and the cost of the project would fall to the township. Council, however, was more concerned with the species at risk designation and how that might impact any kind of changes there. While many questions were asked about the SAR designation, as well as what it could mean for the project, Graham said the issue was dealt with through the Ministry of Natural Resources and they would be the only body able to give solid answers. Council passed a motion to have a request for proposal (RFP) circulated provided the SAR designation doesn't impact the dam. The RFP will call for a dam safety assessment to determine whether an application through LRIA was feasible. Do you have fond memories that you'd like to share of someone whose obituary has been published recently in The Citizen. Send us a few lines or paragraphs with your story. E-mail editor@northhuron.on.ca, Fax 519-523-9140 or mail to: The Citizen, P.O. Box 429, Blyth, NOM 1H0 or P.O. Box 152, Brussels, NOG 1 HO. There is no charge for comments we choose to publish. A cemetery is a history of people, a perpetual record of yesterday and a sanctuary of peace and quiet today. A cemetery exists because every life is worth loving and remembering - always Distinctive Memorials of Lasting Satisfaction North St. West, Wingham Mac & Donna Anderson 519-357-1910 REPRINTS OF PHOTOS taken by Citizen photographers are available to purchase. 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