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Home My WebLink AboutThe Citizen, 2015-05-28, Page 7THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2015. PAGE 7. Council to address equipment ‘problem’ North Huron’s concerns with G2G Trail persist The announcement that the Goderich to Guelph (G2G) Rail Trail is set to open July 1 continues to raise eyebrows with North Huron Township Council. In a report from Director of Recreation and Facilities Pat Newson, it was revealed, at council’s May 19 meeting, that several steps had been taken to mitigate any risk the township would have on the portions of the trail it leases but does not actively maintain. Through discussions with BFL Canada (an insurance company), Del Management Solutions (DMS), Huron County Planning Department and G2G Rail Trail Inc. as well as work within the township, Newson reported several pieces of information had come to light. According to the report, signage was erected to clearly indicate where the Greenway Trail begins and ends as well as which parts of the land North Huron leases are not part of the Greenway Trail. Temporary signage was also erected to ensure walkers stayed on the maintained portions of the trail. In the report she stated DMS provided longitude and latitude coordinates for the western boundary of the lease, which had been questioned. A site meeting was set to explore the coordinates with the group on May 20. Newson also reported that, when reviewed, staff had found no significant hazards on the unmaintained portion of the trail. While there didn’t seem to be any significant issues with the trail, there were still concerns aired by council members. Reeve Neil Vincent said that he felt the process had not been as transparent as some had claimed and said he was curious as to how G2G Trail Inc. had obtained information regarding the leases since it should be confidential and covered by the Privacy Act. Councillor Trevor Seip said that, as far as he was concerned, nothing has changed for the trail issue since council had previously stated they didn’t know enough to make a decision two weeks prior when the announcement was first discussed at a council meeting. “There is a whole lot of information that needs to come forward,” he said. Vincent agreed, adding that North Huron needs to continue to talk to stakeholders and strongly follow up on those conversations. In her report, Newson outlined several questions that staff had to answer before council could make an informed decision about the trail: • How will the land lease be managed when the G2G trail opens? • What role will North Huron play in the G2G trail? • How can [North Huron] work cooperatively to ensure North Huron interests are considered through this process? • How will [North Huron] ensure the Blyth Greenway Trail asset is managed and maintained as part of this larger project? • How can the lease be coordinated with all parties involved and risk management be addressed. Who will be responsible for what? Deputy-Reeve James Campbell said he was concerned with the minutia of the plan to have the trail taken over. “If they take over the whole trail, and we currently have little groups like the Greenway Trail Committee that are going to maintain it, are we still going to be responsible for this or is the G2G committee going to maintain the entire trail?” he asked. Vincent said that is something that will have to be discussed and Campbell said he wanted to be sure that there wouldn’t be two groups of people maintaining the same area. Councillor Bill Knott was also concerned, as a landowner adjacent to the property, about the lack of communication from the G2G trail. “I have a letter here that says the county is going to lease this land for the group,” he said. “This is the first correspondence I’ve got as an adjacent landowner. I’m upset by the fact they haven’t called a meeting and specifically notified those who are adjacent to the properties.” Knott said that he was informed rural landowners adjacent to the trail have been contacted, however Vincent disputed that. “Some people have been spoken to and some haven’t, but there has been no formal communication,” he said. Knott also said that he had questions about who would maintain the trail if the committee ended up turning it over to the involved counties or municipalities. “There are just way too many issues that have not been addressed here,” he said. “This announcement has come too soon.” Vincent said the municipality needs to look carefully at the G2G plan, get more information and see where North Huron fits into the process prior to making any definitive statements. Concerns with the condition of some exercise equipment on Blyth’s Greenway Trail were discussed at two separate North Huron meetings recently. Originally mentioned at a garden club meeting at the Emergency Services Training Centre (ESTC) earlier this month, the equipment, which is meant to be used as an outdoor gym, was brought up again by North Huron Township Councillor Bill Knott at council’s May 19 meeting. “Someone mentioned to me the equipment is not in good condition,” he said. “I think we should reassess whether that equipment should be removed.” Knott said he had inspected the site and found that the equipment suffers from dry-rot and has several RR#1 39843 LONDESBORO RD., LONDESBOROUGH PHONE/FAX 519-523-9781 LOCATED 500 YARDS WEST OF LONDESBOROUGH ON CTY. RD. 15 The Perfect Gift... LOADABLE GIFT CARDS Extended Hours Monday - Friday 8 am - 8 pm Saturday 8 am - 5 pm Sunday 9 am - 4 pm We have thousands of ~ Hanging Baskets ~ Perennials ~ Trees & Shrubs Everything for your gardens and flower beds Cost $15.00 all supplies included Shop With Us! Register now for Art in the Park Saturday, May 30 from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon Everyone Welcome! From Beginners to Advanced “Discover the Artist in You!” Ask A Financial Advisor What Are the Benefits of Working With a Financial Advisor? Brian Hilt - Financial Advisor 19 Main St. N Bayfield, ON N0M 1G0 (519) 565-2700 brian.hilt@edwardjones.com Member - Canadian Investor Protection Fund Looking for a way to increase the chances of investment success and to take much of the work out of managing your portfolio? Then consider using the services of a financial advisor*. You increase the potential for reaching your financial goals when you benefit from the skills and knowledge of a seasoned professional. When a financial advisor sees the "big picture" of your financial life, you get well-rounded help and advice from somebody who has a full grasp of your finances and objectives. A financial professional can help you with all aspects of your financial life, including: - Understanding your financial needs. - Setting goals. - Developing a financial plan. - Assessing your tolerance for risk. - Establishing a balanced and diversified investment portfolio. - Reducing income taxes. - Regularly reviewing your finances and investments to make sure they're on track to meeting your goals. In addition to helping with savings and investments, a financial advisor can offer assistance in other areas of your financial life, including insurance, estate planning and business planning. Have a question you want answered here? Ask Brian by phone or email. The big plant The Blyth Community ‘Comet’ Garden had its second day of planting last week after some beans were planted the week prior. Friday, May 22 marked the big plant day for the garden where 10 volunteers were on their hands and knees making sure the first harvest would be a good one. Shown above are Rick Elliott, left, and Peter Smith working at getting the garden going. (Denny Scott photo) By Denny Scott The Citizen By Denny Scott The Citizen Continued on page 8