Lakeshore Advance, 2013-09-25, Page 3Armstrong East residents move toward solutions
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little more than a week later she died.
Another woman who had surgery on
her feet was ably to get around the
island, again by wheelbarrow. A ratan
who has been diagnosed with Polymy-
algia Rheumatic says although this is
not a life threatening infliction, mobility
is an issue. "We get to our cottage "with
accommodations that do not include
buying a motorized vehicle,' says the
resident.
Next to weigh in was Sian Leyshon-
l)oughty. "We have never felt discrimi-
Iliinatiotn from our cottage neighbours, just
a lot of frustration from a couple of self-
ish Landowners have caused so many
headaches for long-term Armstrong
East cottagers. Leyshon-Doughty
explained their family owned a cottage
up the beach nearer the Pinery Burley
beach parking lot, rather than the river
docks. "It is about one kilometer from
the boats are docked, through the cut to
the beach and then up the beach," she
said. She explained she has a disabled
son in his late teens. "Ile is able to walk,
but not very well, and not unassisted.
Ile has health issues but one thing is
clear, "there is no question he loves the
beach and the cottage." Leyshon-
1)oughty says, "For our family part of
going to the cottage is the hike up the
beach, pulling or pushing our beach
cart. It's part of the adventure. We earn
our rest once we get there." 'ihe cottager
explains how in the early days the child
was transported in a beach cart. As he
got stronger he was able to make the
trek on his own two feet. She said it
takes a while because he needs help,
"13ut what's the hurry. It's not like we
have a deadline."
Again and again cottagers stated, "We
chose our cottage because it is peaceful
and quiet- with no roads -so therefore
no cars. " Everyone had a story about a
disability and made it clear, "We would
not infringe upon our neighbours' right
to peaceful time at their cottages or to
violate the laws, or to do environmental
damage because we need to get to our
.
fisabled family number to the cottage."
Katharine Jowett explains there are
many physically challenged cottagers
that have been innovative enough to use
methods of transportation that are envi-
ronmentally friendly to ensure that the
fragile ecosystem of this unique area is
preserved. She relates a story that her
mother always enjoyed the 1.5 kilom-
eter trek from the dock along the beach
to her cottage situated between the lake
and the Pinery's nature reserve. After
breaking her ankle, and now at the age
of 89, she snakes it to the cottage in a
pontoon boat and if the lake is rough a
beach cart pulled by a family member.
"While alternative options to vehicle
access take more planning and greater
amount of time to reach a destination;
says Jowett, We are pleased to Invest the
time and effort to preserve the pristine
beauty offered by the area. As well, it
does not endanger the many species at
risk that grace us with their presence,"
Cordon says the recent movement by
council to have both sides cone' up with
an amicable solution is it noble one.
"'there has been no compromise on
either party's behalf in over 20 years that
this issue has been in existence. (soon
cit understands that their ability to
enforce a decision is limited clue to the
geography of Armstrong East. Both the
Pinery and Ali(:A have 1111(1 issues tvith
enforcing their respective laws for this
reason its well.
SOLUTIONS
Each of the cottage owners wits asked
if they thought there could he a solution
or at least a compromise to this long-
standing issue. Although they wanted to
discuss the fact there is no discrimina-
tion of disabilities concern they did say,
as property owners in Armstrong
East, we do not support the regular use
of motorized vehicles on the unas-
sumed roads, lanes, walkways, paths, on
ARCA or Pinery land or on the beach,
except in the case of emergency
circumstances.
"When it comes to emergency situa-
tions - Dire, police, paramedics, and
ambulance we could support discus-
sion to acquire a suitable vehicle (or
two) for community use to be kept in a
central location in the event of it medi-
cal emergency. A committee of inter-
ested Islanders could organize this and
discuss location, maintenance, funding
etc. We see this as 0 far more positive
use of our time than policing drivers:'
As for cottage construction, "We rec-
ognize that vehicles will be needed for
the transportation of materials during
cottage construction, cottage modifica-
tion or sewage maintenance with a time
limited permit from l,:unbton Shores. A
municipally predetermined fee, per-
haps with a liability deposit attached
could be included," explained Nancy
Steadman.
Steadman also explained that a com-
mittee would complete the existing
wheelchair -wide walkway of patio
stones down a portion of Lambton
Shores' Sydney Walkway. "'the centre
portion of this widened walkway has
been put on hold because motorized
vehicles travelling on Sydney disrupt,
break and undermine the stone path-
way. When completed, the wheelchair -
wide path would then go from the dock
area to the cottage of a severely physi-
cally disabled, wheelchair-bound teen-
ager. With the help of family and neigh-
bours, he has always been able to get to
his cottage - a wider path on Sydney
would snake this much easier. Others
using this well -travelled route could
then benefit as well, if they had tempo-
rary or permanent physical challenges:'
The cottagers said there are
many powered all -terrain wheelchairs
or scooters available for those with
medical needs or mobility challenges.
"Such a vehicle would be used solely for
the transportation of the disabled per-
son. Vehicle use would only be for the
duration of the disability"
Wednesday: , ember,;2.5;2013 • • Lakeshore Advance . 3
All Photos Submlttsd
Residents show the
"Jeanmobile", the walking
stones and the beachcart.
Culinary Herbs
& FALL DOOR BOUQUET WORKSHOP
Cynthia Cook of Forest Glen Herb form £
!Sed cued flreakfctet will load a workshop
creating fall door bouquets made with
fragrant herbs and dried flowers.
A demonstration featuring cuilnary
herbs will also be feature!,
Lambton
Heritage
Museum
Preregistration required, maximum
workshop site o1 10 people.
Contact tho museum to reserve a spot.
SI elpertun materials foo
100)3 Nk,t.um ROM'
$ km south of Grand Rend on
Lakeshore (load I Hlghwsy 11
519 24).1400 • klmg.org
Saturday October Si", 2pm