Present: Merv Mulligan, McMurrich/Monteith; Gilbert Lane, Ryerson; Jessica Busch, FedNor Intern WORC; Brenda Scott, Village of South River, WORC; Myles Scott, Ottawa; Kathleen Thorne, MNDMF; Mary Anne Love, Perry; John Dunn, Perry; Kay Todd, Magnetawan Business Association; Jim Coleman, South River; Morley Moore, Whitestone; Dave & Karen Stewart, Almaguin Highlands Inc.
Regrets:
Greg is the secretary for the Near North Locavores, a local resident working at Northern Edge. The Near North Locavores are an incorporated not for profit organization which was established in 2008. A Locavore is someone who consumes local food. The group focuses on only eating fresh foods grown or produced within 200kms. The groups aim is to nurture a culture of local food production and build connections with producers, consumers, local businesses and restaurants. In its initial year the locavores hosted a table at the Farmer’s Markets where people could sell their goods without purchasing an entire table for themselves. The locavores also started a community garden with various partners with the proceeds going towards local women’s centres. The group has a lot of ideas for future expansion and would like to start looking to larger regional projects. You can check out their blog online at http://nearnorthlocavores.blogspot.com/
Amended as requested by David Stewart.
Moved by : Morley Moore Seconded by : David Stewart
7.1 Ministry of Northern Development and Mines and Forestry Sharma
Kathleen Thorne informed us that the 2010 Ontario Budget, announced on March 25th includes a number of initiatives for Northern Ontario including the Northern Energy Industrial Rate Program. More information to come.
7.2 NECO Lecour
7.3 FedNOR Begin
7.4 WORC/South River Scott
The end of March was year end for WORC and Brenda relayed to the group that WORC is just gearing up for the second year of the contract. Jessica explained that the Women’s Own Resource Centre’s webpage was changing to a fanpage hosted by Facebook. She also created one for AHED. Jessica went through the page with the group and asked what everybody thought. Kay expressed some concerns about using the Almaguin Highlands logo. Jessica will remove that logo and change it to another one. Jessica also reported on the Carpool project noting that CTV News is looking to do a story about the project and the Almaguin News would like to do a follow up story. Both have asked to speak with a driver using the system and a community partner supporting the project.
7.5 Township of Chisolm Boyle
7.6 Ryerson, Armour, Burk’s Falls Lane
Gilbert reported that on the 15th of May, the village will be participating in “First Impressions”. This involves a team from Ryerson/Armour/Burk’s Falls heading down to Fleisherton and seeing what they think on a ‘First Impression’ visit. The same will be done from a team from Fleisherton. This economic development tool is available to anyone.
7.7 Municipality of Whitestone Moore
Site inspection on the first 7km’s of trail is upcoming. Bids had opened on Monday for expanding the hall with a couple of entries received. Whitestone is currently trying to secure funding for a post office as well. The budget for 2010 will be addressed on Monday. A couple of loads of crushed gravel have been dropped in the new carpool parking lot and parking bumpers installed. The Fishing Derby in Whitestone was very successful with 186 people participating and over $6000 raised.
7.8 Powassan Economic Development Report Olajos
Anna was not present however Jessica briefly updated the group on the turnout and agenda for Powassan Economic Development Day which she attended on behalf of WORC.
7.9 McMurrich/Monteith Mulligan
Work on the community centre is moving along. Concrete is going in along with wiring and doors. The centre will provide an excellent venue for community events and is being fixed as a community focal point. Park to Park Trails is currently looking for an operations manager.
7.10 Kearney Economic Development Johnston
7.11 Central Almaguin Economic Development Association Mahon
7.12 Magnetawan Area Business Association Tod
Kay reported that the Wooden Things craft show will take place on June 26th and 27th this year with all proceeds going to the food bank, more information coming soon. Work is progressing on the 5k 10k run with proceeds going to the Friends of the Library.
7.13 Westwind Forest Services Munro
7.14 Citizenship & Immigration(Culture Health Promotion) Loiselle
7.15 Almaguin Highlands Inc. Stewart
Dave spoke more about the new RTO’s and the change that will come to the region with it. They are currently looking at forming sub committees to help address arising issues. Dave stressed that change takes time and believes that overall this is a good thing for the Almaguin Highlands. Dave stressed the importance of representation within the Almaguin Highlands again.
7.16 Municipality of Magnetawan Urbanski
The annual smelt fry takes place on the 23rd and 24th of April, hosted by the Lions. The budget for 2010 has been approved with expansions to community centre and garage taking place. Two tenders have been received and hopefully will be awarded on April 28th. With upgrades and expansions the library will be able to accommodate persons with disabilities. The Friendship Centre is being expanded as well with a grant from the Trillium Foundation. The municipality is also applying through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund in order to hire a community development officer to establish priorities to move forward.
7.17 Nipissing Negrinotti
7.18 Almaguin Highlands Council for the Arts Sohm
7.19 Village of South River Coleman
The hydro generation plant is almost complete with a large section of wall to be removed. The village has also hired a new councillor, Bill O’Hallarn will be taking over for the remainder of the term until October. Council is trying to get funding in order to install an elevator in our Community Centre as well as working with a grant on renovations to the Train Station. Beautification is underway in the village. Three new banners have been approved, SignCraft is putting them together to put up. New flower beds are also being installed in Tom Thompson Park.
7.20 Perry Township Dunn/Love
Construction on the new AHIC is coming along nicely. John relayed that they are still seeking out funding to enhance the new centre. As of now there will be 24/7 washrooms, town offices, information centre, gazebo (grant) and potentially a spot to host a few events throughout the year such as farmers markets. The new AHIC centre is located very close to the trails to incorporate that aspect. Perry Township is still reviewing the 2010 budget.
7.21 OMAFRA Dukhia
7.22 Region 12 RTO
8. Correspondence
9. In – Camera
Location: South River Village Office, 63 Marie Street 10-12:00
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