The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink AboutLakeshore Advance, 2013-09-11, Page 9Landowners invited to ask about grants ABCA People along the Ausable River can help protect and improve water quality in their river, and protect habi- tat for local species with the help of the Government of Canada's Habitat Steward- ship Program. If your postal code begins A !ith'NOM; then you may be iirigible for grants for your projects through this pro- gram. (If you have a different postal code, you are invited to ask if there are funds through other programs). Landowners can contact Ausable Bayfield Conserva- tion to find out if there are grants to help them with their projects that protect water and build'habitat. Res- idents can find out more by calling 519-235-2610 or toll- free 1-888-286-2610. Details are posted on the website at abca.on.ca and the e-mail contact address is info@ abca.on.ca The federal government recently announced ed $75,000 per year in funding, for the next three years to help enact the community's Aus- able River Recovery Strategy. This total of $225,000 in funding is through the Gov- ernment of Canada's Habitat Stewardship Program (HSP) for Species at Risk. These funds will help landowners and residents to protect and improve the health of The Ausable River with their projects that keep topsoil and nutrients on the land and out of creeks, streams, rivers, and Lake Huron. "Landowners can help mprove the health of the Ausable River through their actions," said Kate Monk, Supervisor of Stewardship and Conservation Lands with Ausable Bayfleld Con- servation. Stewardship projects include planting of native plants, wetland resto- ration, buffers, and other projects that limit erosion and stabilize the banks of the river and streams. Ausable Bayfield Conser- vation will also be holding some public events to pro- vide information about native plants, vegetative buffers, and wetland resto- ration. Contact Ausable Bay- field Conservation Authority (ABCA) if you are interested in attending. Keeping bacteria and chemicals out of water helps improve the quality of water for the people who live in the Ausable River watershed. It also helps protect rare spe- des that help keep the water healthy and clean and pro- vide us with information about the quality of our local water resources. The Ausa- ble River watershed is one of five top priority areas in Ontario for aquatic species at risk. The Ausable River is home to twenty species at risk, including two endan- gered fish and six mussels. The Government of Can- ada established the Habitat Stewardship Program for Species at Risk as part of Canada's National Strategy for the Protection of Species at Risk The Habitat Steward- ship Program is adminis- tered by Environment Can- ada and managed co-operatively with Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Parks Canada Agency. It pro- vides funding to successful applicants who conserve and protect species at risk and their habitats and help those who preserve biodi- versity. The goal of the HSP program is to contribute to the recovery and protection of species listed as endan- gered, threatened, or of spe- cial concern, under the Spe- cies at Risk Act. WAI,HTEri 7 HOMES - lfstlmr Aluminum Roofing 1 L Looking for model homes in your area 10 display our 2 newest roofing profiles. Selected homes wilt receive significant savings and add value to your home. 44 YEAR ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL if7".""k 0:51 Wednesday, September 11, 2013 • Lakeshore Advance 9 Anti-windturbine activists seek x20,000 commitment from Lambton County council Barbara Simpson QM Agency Lambton County is consid- ering joining a potentially precedent -setting legal battle that could impact future wind turbine development in Ontario. Representatives from sev- eral anti -wind turbine groups made an impassioned plea to county council Wednesday, asking them to become involved in a Canadian Char- ter of Rights and Freedoms challenge. Last fall, property owners Shawn and Trisha Drennan sought an injucture to stop further development on the K2 wind farm near their Goderich-area property until the federal government fin- ishes its current study of the potential health impacts of industrial wind turbines. Members of Safe Wind Energy for All (SWEAR) have sponsored the case and are seeking municipalities to become intervenors in the case, allowing thetas to possi- bly benefit from the ruling. County council was asked for a $20,000 financial com- mitment to help cover some of the legal costs associated with the case. Becoming a part of the Charter challenge would be the next step in the county's support of a moratorium on wind turbine development, local anti -wind activist Ingrid Willemsen told council Wednesday. The county can expect to see decreasing property val- ues, increasing conflict amongst neighbours and growing healthcare costs If wind turbine development continues to move forward, she noted. "'Phis has happened else- where in Ontario and it will happen here," she said. Plyntpton-Wyoming Mayor Lonny Napper agreed. "1 thinkit's time we step up to the government a little hit," he said, putting a motion on the floor for the county to become an intervenor. Ills motion drew a rota of applause from supporters who pricked council chain hers Wednesday. However, Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley urged the county to exercise caution before committing its support to the case. Before signing on, Bradley said he would like to see a stuff BLUEWATER-ZURICH SKATING CLUB .,,,. .,� REGISTRATION �`'"''�"' 2013-14 SKATING SEASON Saturday, September 21st 10:00 AM - NOON at the Bluewater Zurich Arena Skaters of all ages are welcome including adults! For more information contact: Sandra Rcgicr by cell: 519-852-4892, home: 519-236-7599 or email: sandraregier@gmail.com Fees and schedules are available at http://www.bzcs.ca report outlining any potential liabilities the county may fact in its participation in the case. Ile also believes the fight for a moratorium should remain on the political stage, not necessarily in the l'otlrtIY)oIlts, "I don't believe the political fight is over," he said, pointing to the province's recent reversal of its decision to close the Sarnia IIfl. "We've shown it can work on other issues;' 1Vhen asked for his legal opinion, county solicitor David Cribbs said he wasn't ready to weigh in until he reviewed the case and pre- pared a stuff report. 1 however, be Said the county %you'd have to prove it bus a valid interest in the case in order to became an intervenor, Cribbs also questioned the estimate of legal costs, espe- cially if the case makes its way to the Supreme Court of Canada. "I can say 1 strongly disa- gree with the cost estimate of $20,000," he said. I however, Willemsen said the issue is more about getting the county's support of the east'. "We dt)tt't %Vaud the IttoIll'y to he the problem,' she said. "We can find the money." More than $250,000 has already been raised, noted Dave Ilentnlingway, of SWEAR. Local anti -wind activist Elizabeth Itellavance said the court rase is the next logical step because citizens have raised their concerns time and time again with the province. "1 don't see ami I'm sure many here also don't see - a solution to save tis in the meantime hetet' in l l.Ittll)tolt County,' said Itellavance, of Wind Action Industrial Tur- bines. "Our hacks are up against the wall,' Council ended up voting in favour of tabling the motion until a staff report is prepared for the Sept. 18 committee meeting. 'Ihe mutter will then corm' back before council on Oct. 2. In the meantime, the pre- liminary hearing for the 1)tennlns' case is slated for Sept. 13, mus1 sc oo o tnusi1tc Musicality is a South 1 Iuron based music school providing quality and affordable innsic lessons for ages 5 1 We offer lessons in... Voice Brass Ukulele Beginner Piano Please contact schoolofmusicality®gmail.com for more information!