Present: Jessica Busch, WORC; Chantal Perron MacIntosh, WORC; Steve Munro, Westwind Forestry; Merv Mulligan, McMurrich/Monteith; Alexandra Rogerson, IION; Shelley Willis, EDO Powassan; Jeff Johnston, USCO; Hazel Hornibrook, AHAC; Dave Stewart, Almaguin Highlands Inc.; Rosalind Hall, Ryerson.
Business Arising (AHED Business):
April’s Minutes – to be amended re: Karen Insley Stewart listed under regrets as per Dave Stewart’s request.
There will be a meeting held at 11:00, after Community Reports, to discuss the access roads into Algonquin Park.
Further to discussions last month, Jason Lorbetskie, Assistant Park Superintendent – Operations South – Algonquin Provincial Park and Dan Willmore, service contractor, Magnetewan Management Inc. were in attendance to discuss options for improvements to the last 8 km of the Forestry Tower Road.
Ontario Parks has secured a source of funding that is estimated to cover the cost of crushing aggregate for road improvements on the last 8km of Forest Tower Road. Some logistical questions remain to be answered including the use of a local pit, etc. Ontario Parks intends on sourcing a contractor for this project this year and completing the project early this fall. Ontario Parks continues to consider options to see that the gravel gets applied to the road. Estimates for this vary. An assessment of water crossings and drainage will also be undertaken.
Jeff Johnston/USCO
Jeff discussed the Almaguin Talent Club Variety Show which is taking place on Thursday June 19th from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Evergreen Heights Elementary School. The show will feature acro-dancing, piano, dance routines, some theatre and a silent auction. Admission is $5 with all proceeds going to help cover the costs of field trips and other children’s projects. Lobsterfest will be taking place on June 28th – tickets sell out fast so get yours early. The Creative Changes Art Show will be held on July 4th, 5th, and 6th in Kearney. There will be no Regatta this year however on August 3rd the Northern Lights Steel Orchestra will be performing, Lions will be serving up a BBQ and there will be a fantastic fireworks display at dusk.
Hazel Hornibrook/AHAC
Hazel brought along copies of the new Arts Directory which are being delivered throughout the Almaguin Highlands for distribution. There will be a Studio Tour taking place during the long weekend in August as well as on the last weekend in September in conjunction with “Sweater Weather”.
Jessica Busch/WORC
The Women’s Own Resource Centre held their AGM on Wednesday June 18th. There will be a Summer Clothing Exchange running for the month of July through WORC – people are encouraged to stop in, drop off/pickup/exchange some clothing – something for everyone! WORC is also running a Book Sale this summer – all donations are welcome. The Almaguin Women’s Resource & Business Network June meeting will be held on Wednesday June 25th at Bev’s Place in Magnetawan with a topic of “Emotional Healing”. For more information or to register for upcoming programs, please call 705-386-9672 or email info@womensownresource.org
Steve Munro/Westwind Forestry
Steve reported that the industry is moving along well however the price of fuel is concerning as most logs and lumber is trucked out of the region. The South River Mill is very busy as is Tim Bryson who employs many in the area. Most pulp from the area is shipped to Tembec in Temiscaming. Westwind Forestry has partnered with Forests Ontario to offer a program to landowners: people whom own at least 1 hectare (2.5 acres) can have trees planted on their private property at a cost of $0.20/tree with the remainder of the cost being funded by Forests Ontario. This project is intended to increase the amount of trees to help offset climate change. For more information check out their website at www.westwindforest.ca or call Steve at 705-746-1821
Merv Mulligan/McMurrich Monteith
There will be a Community Yard Sale held on Saturday July 5th at the Sprucedale Community Centre from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. – tables are $10 with proceeds going to improvements for the soccer fields and benches. Baseball and Soccer have been going well in the Community. The Summer Spectacular will be held this year on August 16th. Merv also brought along some new pens done by the Township – these banner pens include a pull-out banner listing landfill hours, recyclables etc.
Dave Stewart/Almaguin Highlands Inc.
Dave brought an excellent marketing piece from the Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve for the group to look at – Dave suggested similar marketing could perhaps be effective for the Almaguin Highlands. Dave also mentioned Disability Access for websites is a concern for the area.
Alexandra Rogerson/IION
Alexandra told the group about IION as the Regional Innovation Centre. Alexandra reported that the ‘Worth A Cheque’ program is now closed – they are seeking more funding to carry on with the program however and will advise when additional funding has been received. The Innovative Manufacturing and Facilitation Program has been approved and will start to take applications as of June 23rd, 2014 – all projects must be completed by February 27th, 2014. Please see flyer attached to this month’s minutes for more information. IION and The Business Centre Nipissing Parry Sound have teamed up to bring North Bay and Area monthly Lunch n’ Learn series – the next Lunch n’ Learn is taking place on Wednesday June 25th from 12 – 1 p.m. at City Hall in the 6th Floor Boardroom (200 McIntyre Street East, North Bay, ON) with a topic of “Common Issues Facing Small & Medium Enterprises (SME’s) – please RSVP to 705-474-3450 ext 4075 or alexandra@iion.ca to register for this event. IION runs Innovation 2 Business Tours, where they go to companies and tour facilities and talk about potential opportunities – they are looking to do a tour in the Almaguin Highlands area soon. If anyone has any connections or suggestions on companies to visit please let Alexandra know.
Shelley Willis/EDO Powassan
The Summer Solstice is taking place on Saturday June 21st from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with a number of local artists, artisans, dancers and drummers opening their homes for visitors. The Trout Creek Community Centre Board is holding their Annual Golf Tournament on Saturday June 28th at Clear Springs Golf Course. The Municipality of Powassan is hosting a Fishing Derby & Canoe Race on July 13th at the Powassan Hydro Pond from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Canada Day Celebrations in the Municipality of Powassan include a Much Music Video Dance being held on June 30th at the Powassan Sportsplex from 6 – 8 p.m. for youth 12 and under; from 8 – 11 p.m. for youth 13 – 18. There will be a celebration held on July 1st at the Lion’s Park in Powassan including inflatables, face painting, live music, BBQ lunch and birthday cake from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be free swimming at the Lion’s Pool from 1 – 4 p.m. There will also be fireworks at Glendale Park at dusk sponsored by Celebrate Canada. Volunteers are needed. For more information about any of these events or to volunteer please contact 705-724-2813
Rosalind Hall/Ryerson Township
The Ryerson Township Annual Yard Sale took place on Saturday June 21st from 8 – 12 at the Ryerson Township Office. The Burk’s Falls Historical Society has hired a business consultant to make a plan for the local Museum. There will be a Community Consultation hosted by the Burk’s Falls & District Historical Society held on Thursday July 3rd from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. please see flyer attached for more information.
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