HomeMy WebLinkAboutLakeshore Advance, 2013-03-06, Page 8Wednesday, March 6, 2013 • Lakeshore Advance 7
Outside rink and long term care housing
discussed at community meeting
Lakeshore Advance Ale photo
Chair Tom Prout
Lynda HIIIman-Rapley
Lakeshore Advance
A community centre and planning so
Grand Bend aging residents can stay
here were the top two wish list items at
the Community Improvements Coali-
tion meeting last week.
lusted by the Grand Bend Commu-
nity Foundation, chair Tom Prout
explained this group was initiated to
identify potential projects, activities an(1
events that would improve the econ-
omy, environment, health and viability
of the Greater (',ran(+ Bend
Community.
Prout explained Canada Revenue
Agency requires they donate an amount
equal to 3.5 % of their endowment capi-
tal on an annual basis. Currently this
results in approximately $70,000.00 in
annual grants. "'That is significant dol-
lars into this community," he said
'this was the second meeting to estab-
lish key community priorities with a
mandate to explore ways to work
together to fund and achieve these pri-
orities. Ile thanked the groups in
attendance for the work they currently
do to make this community thrive.
Broken into working groups, those
who attended were on the same page
with their wish lists. Year round action -
going beyond the beach was something
identified as a need. "Turning the lights
out after Labour Day" is an adage no
longer feasible," said Optimist member
Peter Coleman.
Ile spoke about a need for an outside
rink for hockey, skating and a pad that
could be used in the summer months
for roller -skating or hall hockey or the
like. Ile said he remembers skating on
the o1(1 riverbed as a child, as many
Grand Bend people did, but the weather
can no longer he relied on. Ile said there
are many professional hockey players in
this community who would jump on
board for some old fashioned pick up
hockey. This project is being spear-
headed by the Optimist club and pro-
poses to be local (using the argument
(rand Bend probably won't he going to
Forest or Medford to skate) and in walk-
ing distance so kids, parents, grand par-
ents can he active all year. 'Outdoor
skating is fun," he says adding most kids
prefer the outdoor rink,
Lanlhton Shores 11111 Weber said an
outdoor rink was identified in the recre-
ation al(i leisure muster plan.
Speaking for the second group, Father
Grayhanle Bowcott said there is a huge
need for long term care staying in the
community. 11e saki as a minister there
is a frustration where his parishioners
have to he moved because there is not a
senior focus here for assisted living. "A
lot of people are leaving because if this,"
he said. Bowcott acknowledged that a
facility would be something for the pri-
vate sector (The possibility of Oassis
Retirement Residence was pitched for
Grand Bend but could not go forward at
the time due to lack of sewer capacity)
but that the community centre with a
senior focus was something this group
could look into. Ile said the hall at St.
Johns By the Lake Church is used seven
days a week and it is Just not big enough
to service everyone who is looking for
space.
Pat Morden agreed with Bowcott say-
ing this will become an issue in an aging
population and they have to "sleet this
crying need.' She said it was dishearten-
ing that they are moving people out of
the community.
Bob Sharon said they "need to dream
in technicolour" for the needs for the
next 20 years.
'There %%8S discussion of a community
survey for the concepts suggested
including a study surrounding the idea
to revamp Municipal Drive. Sharon sug-
gested this group contact a college or
university who may want to Leake this
study their project.
This group will meet again in April.
Check out they new GIRT tca'Gsit(', this
group is encouraging not for pro/it
groups to add content.
http://u'iv: 'randbendeommle►nity-
foundation.ca/
Grand Bend Bank of Montreal helps fire victims
Lynda HIIIman-Rapley
Lakeshore Advance
As community members,
the Grand Bend Bank of
Montreal reached out to oth-
ers in a fundraising effort for
Glenn and Martha McNeill
who lost everything in a fire
last fall at their Ipperwash
motel.
In the early hours of Octo-
ber 31, 2012 this couple had
a massive fire at their resi-
dence and business. "You
always hear about damages
associated with home and
business fires, but to view
the aftermath up close and
personal... Well, 1 think that
unless it ever happens to
you, or family/friends you
Just cannot be prepared for
what you are about to
see. So much damage and
destruction-- to absolutely
everything. Complete and
utter devastation, said their
daughter Shannon on her
utilize electric radiant heat for the win-
ter season and install the new heating
and a/c system next year. All of their
time and money was invested in reno-
vating and upgrading the motel units,
beautification of the property and
grounds, as well as stocking the store-
front and opening the food
concession."
The Bank of Montreal joined with
Lynda Hllfman-Rapley 1 akeshorn Advance
Bank staffers (L -R) Julie Obrey, Michal Zagorskl, Tammy Harrison, Margrit
Breuer, Nancy Davis, manager Shelia Brooks and in front Delores Prost
Epicure consultant.
special Facebook page.
Due to the fact that their
primary residence did not
have a heating system
installed yet (only and old,
inactive wood burning fire-
place) they were not eligible for con-
tent insurance through their policy.
"My parents purchased their retire-
ment dream in early 2012 and took
possession Just at the end of March
2012;' said Shannon, "The plan was to
5 %
(Minimum amount may apldyl
lie Gaiser Kneale 1
INSURANCEBROWS INC'.
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c GRANT) BEND - 519-238-8484
r CLINTON - 519-482-3401
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two direct sales companies, Epicure
Selections and Steeped Tea to accom-
plish their fundraising goals. Delores
Prest, the consultant for Epicure said
20 percent of all the orders from the
hank would he donated to this fund-
raiser. You can order until March lith by
calling Prest at 511-262-3111 or
(Iprest__50esynpatico.ca
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