Lakeshore Advance, 2011-02-23, Page 6Wednesday, February 23, 2011 • Lakeshore Advance 5
Community
column
Need for local study on pollution underscored at community forum
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Rod Hilts
Sarnia Observer
A forum held last week in the
Sarnia community has further
raised the profile of pollution and
its impact on our health, and
underscores the need for a local
study on the issue to commence
imme'diateiy.
'ihe' devastating effects of pollu-
tion were discussed at the Com-
munity Forum on Pollution and
Action co -organized by Aamji-
wnaang First Nation and York Uni-
versity. I)ttyna Scott, an environ-
mental law professor at York, told
the forum than local residents don't
have to accept pollution and its
serious health consequences as a
fact of life. It's a familiar refrain for
many frustrated local residents.
Scott told those in attendance
that she is working closely with
Aanljiwaang to investigate the links
between pollution and the health
ilnlluct on residents. 'the province's
pollution Taws were discussed in
detail at the forum and Scott says
the law is broken.
The forum also heard from
health researchers lint Brophy and
Margaret Keith who said tonnes of
carcinogens are pumped into the
air annually by Chemical Valley
companies. Keith went so far as to
say "industry is polluting anti gov-
ernment is turning a blind eye."
It should lie noted that Chemical
valley companies havt' collie a
long way 111 recent years to reduce
emissions. But there is still all air
equality problem in our
community.
Residents here deserve to know
What impact pollllllllll is having on
their health.
Earlier this month a University
of Western Ontario health geogra-
phy professor and researcher
lashed out at local industry and the
Ontario government saving they
need to work together to reduce
the high levels of air pollution over
St. Anne's celebrate winterfest
Mikenna Lane
Lakeshore Advance
With love in the air this past week; St.
Anne's students enjoyed their usual
academic and extra curricular activi-
ties! 1 lowever, on Wednesday February
1 6th students had time to enjoy the
famous winter weather Southern
Ontario provides at Winterfest!
Winterfest is an annual celebration
which student cabinet organizes for the
'indoor ridden' student body. The
'snow filled' day allows students the
opportunity to enjoy the winter
weather while becoming active! Stu-
dents participated in great and exhila-
rating events such as obstacle courses,
photography nature walks, skiing, and
the famous road hockey tournament
while enjoying hot chocolate! We had
Ronhonune fever!
With the addition of the annual %Vitl-
terfest festivities, selective St. Anne's
students also participated in Militia!
celebrations of 1 iuron Perth Volleyball
and WOSSAA Swimming. The Junior
Girls Volleyball team gave it their all in
Stratford this past Friday and all of
Anne's swimmers where successful at
WOSSAA in London on 'Tuesday as
they are sending multiple swimmers to
OFSAA including Nadine Otten and
Kristin Van Gulden. We host the Grand
Opening of our Fitness Centre on
Wednesday, February 23rd at 7:30 p.m.
If you are interested in helping youth
commit to a healthy lifestyle, please
join us.
Also for all grade tern and eleven stu-
dents who arca interested in pursuing a
career in the medical field, MedQ(JES'l;
a unique medical summer camp, is
now accepting applications online.
Stephen's winter carnival a blast
Emily and Bayles
Lakeshore Advance
This past week, ve have had a very
entertaining week. With Valentine's day
and report cards going home on Mon-
day, our winter carnival on 'Tuesday,
first Sub day of the month on Wednes-
day, skating on 'Thursday and our
school Valentine's dance on Friday.
1,411Wow, are we ever busy at Stephen!
1 On Valentine's day our students had
the opportunity to buy candy grams
the previous week to send to their IBFF's
or besties! Our student council spent
their lunches selling candy grams for
25 cents. 'Tuesday's winter carnival
showed lots of leadership and
responsibility. The grade 0 students ran
the events with our grade 7's being
leaders of groups to help their group
get from event to event. On Wednesday
our grade 7/0 boys and girls basketball
teams did a scrimmage
giving each team a chance to try out
their skills and plays. On'Ihursday our
students went skating at the Stephen
Township Arena which was plenty fun
and having lots of falls and races. Also
on Friday, we dressed up one of our
teachers in a big heart and
heart glasses. This week, we had a
holiday day on Monday due to Family
Day. So, we hope that you spent the day
with your great family! 'Talk to you next
week!
Sarnia -Lampton.
Isaac Luginaah said the Ontario
2009 Air Quality report shows Sar -
111a 11;15 the dirtiest ;lir 111 Ontario
lvhile the rest of the province
itoproves. Ile 1V;IS the lead
researcher in a 2007 study that
examined pollution levels and hos-
pital admission rates in Sarnia,
Windsor and London for respira-
tory illness. 'ihe data, drawn from
1996-2000 statistics, showed Sarnia
had twice as many admissions as
London and edged out Windsor by
a wide margin. 'Those numbers
should startle residents here.
What this community il('('(ls now
is a comprehensive health study
which tit's together all recent stud -
les and clearly shells out what
impact pollution is having on our
health.
Funding for the study so far
stands at $75,000 from Ontario, the
Sarnia Lanlht0ll Chamber (1f Com-
merce and the Sarnia 1.41 111 ht ou
Lnvirorinlental Association, with
$130,000 in-kind from the federal
government and l.amhton County.
Residents will he awaiting the
next phase of this study. The link
between pollution and local ill-
nesses must be full t'xalllined. 'Ihlti
study needs to dig deep beyond
the surface for the sake of our
health.
Jim Ginn (at left), of Municipality of Central Huron, was re-elected Chair of the Ausable Bayfield
Conservation Authority (ABCA) on Thursday, February 17 at the Annual Meeting. Dave Frayne (at right), of
Municipality of South Huron (representing South Huron and Township of Perth South), was elected Vice
Chair. The ABCA will present the Conservationist of the Year Award on Thursday, March 17, 2011. For
Information visit abca.on,ca
ARCA photo