The URL can be used to link to this page

Lakeshore Advance, 2013-04-17, Page 9Wednesday, April 17, 2013 • Lakeshore Advance 9 Water Protection committee looks for investment from governments to keep Lake Huron healthy Melissa Murray QMI Agency About 50 people gathered at the Central 1 luron Community Com- plex to discuss research and fund- ing a healthy Lake 1 luron on Mardi 28. Part of the conversation included a presentation of a resolution by Central Huron Planner Susanna Reid and Mayor lin) Ginn, which would ask for an investment by both levels of government for the improvement of the lake. The document proposed an amount of $11.35 trillion over five years. The group formed a subcommit- tee to submit a proposal to the gov- ernment which would include information about how investing now could save them dollars in health care and will include a firm business plan for how the money would be spent. Ted Briggs, from the Ministry of the Environment, gave an overview of the 1lealthy Lake Huron initiative, which looks at water quality issues in the Great Lake to prevent increased levels of bacteria and algae. While Briggs feels things are improving because of improve- ments in the last 30 years to sewage treatment and the work of the local watershed, there is still work to be done in conjunction with the work of the conservation authorities. "We need to make sure we are doing what we can to make sure the environment is a healthy place:' The I lealthy Lake lluron project identifies five priority watersheds, including the Lambton-shores, Main Bayfield and north Bayfield subwatersheds, the North Shore and Pine River. Ginn explained the group is look- ing at all' sources of funding to improve water quality as a part of a long-term project. The funding would give the group the resources they need to see which direction would best improve the quality of the lake. "This is really about studying which projects will give us the best bang for our buck," he said adding, "We can't just throw money at the problem." Cindy Fisher, Tourism Coordina- tor with the county, told attendees in her presentation, just how impor- tant the 1.ake is when it comes to visiting Ontario's West Coast. "In tourism speak, Lake 1luron is a key demand generator and the Iakeshore is it trip motivator," said Fisher. Fisher explained that there are a number of studies that have looked at how important the lake is for tourism, One study, conducted by a professor at Ryerson University in "Toronto found that of those visiting the lake, 20 per cent are local and 50 per cent of visitors come from Kitch- ener Waterloo. Of the 528 surveyed, the researchers found that visitors spend all average total of $10 to $50. A similar study completed by the 1 luron Chamber in 2011 found that 85 per cent of visitors are visiting friends and relatives, 25 per cent are from Kitchener Waterloo or Lon- don. Sixty per cent of those sur- veyed had just been to a restaurant or were planning to go to one near by and 100 per cent of visitors buy something while at the beach. !.`r(iii��Ornll�� F.irn�cl �Sl�l�7f'III@l� toit@ (3 Accounting MILLS INCOME TAX SERVICE Williftlt ST GIt(INII IIEN(1 238-2885 Accounting IN NMN INCOME SERV 236-4989 12 M1ff $T., MINN CONCRETE McCann Redi-Mix Inc. Residential • Commercial • Agricultural Concrete Forming, Floors & Finishing Stamped Concrete Ready -Mix Concrete Concrete Pumping Aggregates & Excavations Septic Installations 69478 Bronson Line, Dashwood 519-237-3647 140 Thames Road East, Exeter 519-235-0338 Hwy.18, Mitchell 519-348-8901 LOUIS DISJARDINE CARPENTRY & GENERAL CONTRACTING *Renovations *Additions *New Cottages/Homes 'Authorized - Supplier & Installer of ARXX ICF Walls 619-298-8316 Backyard Re -Treats • Decks • Fences • Cabanas • Pergolas • Gazebos & more Call: 226-926-0944 Ask for Mike "The health of the beach is extremely important for these visitors." While Fisher said the percentage of American visitors to the beach has dropped for a number of rea- sons, the number of visitors coming from Toronto is on the "up take." "While traditionally people from the (;'I'A were going north, we are now bringing theta west," said Fisher, adding 1 iuron County bene- fits from KW's posh to bring people there. "'They can explore Kitchener Waterloo on their wily to the beach," she said. Fisher praised the area for contin- uing with the Blue Flag program saying, "Any investment in improv- ing water quality is an investment in tourism:' "Beach economies are more than just ice cream cones," she added. RY - ca/l; 238-5383 Accounting P&T Accounting & Bookkeeping • Personal 'Taxes • Corporate taxes • Payroll Service • RRSI'Advice • E: -tile Capable Rru+,rnuhlr rune for rweltenl .,rr,d, e •1hck up and drop ids urn wt. available Phone: 519-243-6555 pm:counting@'t'otmait.o.,l11 CONSTRUCTION Design - Build Budding Contractors. Residential, Commercial, Agricultural Aluminum Soffit, Fascia & Siding Rooting & Replacement Windows, etc. (519) 236.4441 Iii 12 Zurich Fax (519) 236.7143 Nobe 2To BOAT REPAIRS ENE Lflv1Crj FRED BADE Tel: 519-243-2933 • boats & motor repairs • all makes & models • boat hauling • winterize & summerize • heated & inside storage • shrink wrap & outside storage • parts & accessories store QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL SERVICE since 1993 8520 Lakeshore Road, Box 39 Port Franks, Ontario NOM 2L0 CONSTRUCTION 1;. 1)I:\O\1\II. t t)\s11 LICI1 I\ 1.111. I►l Al f 11 t OMI't 1 11 HOME ti COT TAGS IJ N11.It I IlA`;`:t'.t J1tC,E I; NA It.: t', r. 1)00ttS ,::(NTAC, 1 1' .' l ` .t , f.,% 11111 1 IP.�11i Ef VESTRO(1GHING B.W. Sonless Earestroughing 5 Inch Aluminum 'Tough SIDING • SOFFIT • FASCIA Leaf Screening un� �rR•I•Q• 236-7741 Electrical LUKELECTRIC • RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL Luke Baehnisch Phone: 519-671-6496 ( ;II I)t'1 .l t lnhellNIc r� 1 L.: .l 1 , .... �1. 1 : 1 _, 'UPHOLSTERY -CARPET •fly & FLOOD RESTORATION • WEDOTHEMALL BIGORSMALL •HOME, BUSINESS, RV, T&AUTOS 519-228-6051 WE USE ONLY ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY PRODUCTS CONSTRUCTION Doug Geoffrey Construction Ltd. • Residential • Commercial • Agricultural • Renovations 235-2961 R�• c iwalisorl M R•)•M Hien CONSTRUCTION 1177717 Roofing • Siding • Eavestrough • Window Replacement • Renovations • Additions • Homes Free Estimates tl 2384720 after 4:00 p.m. 10,1Midre LAWN & PROPERTY MAINTENANCE lakelawn)hay.net 519-238-8277 • Weed Control • Fertilizing • Poison Ivy Extermination • Lawn & Garden Service •Aerating/Rolling • Powerwashing Serving Grand Bend and Area for over 15 years!