Thursday, March 18, 2010 10:00 – 12 noon
Present: Merv Mulligan, McMurrich/Monteith; Gilbert Lane, Ryerson; Jessica Busch, FedNor Intern WORC; Brenda Scott, Village of South River, WORC; Kathleen Thorne, MNDMF; Mary Anne Love, Perry; John Dunn, Perry; Morley Moore, Whitestone; Pat Aspin Lecour, NECO; Dave & Karen Stewart, Almaguin Highlands Inc.; Jim Coleman, South River; Jeff Johnston, Kearney; Bill Spinney, Community Business and Development Center; Krista Hildner, FedNor Intern for McMurrich/Monteith; Mark Urbanski, Magnetawan; Glynn Robinson, McMurrich/Monteith
Regrets:
Following Anna’s presentation, a discussion was held regarding the benefits to being under the umbrella of a chamber and what it could mean for the Almaguin Highlands. Discussion took place around whether to draft a proposal for funding in order to host a meeting. Overall the group agreed that the Almaguin Highlands is currently unrepresented by a tourism organization and that this matter needs to be addressed. Further discussion on the subject is needed.
Moved by : John Dunn Seconded by : Morley Moore
7.1 Ministry of Northern Development and Mines and Forestry Sharma
The group met Kathleen Thorne who was in attendance in place of Chetna Sharma and Dominic Marleau. Projects are moving forward as planned. Kathleen mentioned that “Citizenship & Immigration” (7.16) Loiselle, who was unable to attend today, have started up the Healthy Communities Program.
7.2 NECO Lecour
Pat suggested that we meet as a smaller group in a Strategic Planning Session in order to discuss accessing funding to address representation of the Almaguin Highlands.
7.3 FedNOR Begin
7.4 Blue Sky Buell
7.5 WORC/South River Scott
Brenda reported that it is end of the year time at WORC and the office is very busy. Jessica reported on Carpool Almaguin, there are now parking lots available in South River, Trout Creek, Burk’s Falls, Kearney, McMurrich/Monteith, Whitestone, Perry and Magnetawan. Interest in Carpooling with Employer’s is starting to pick up with Selkirk Canada Corps taking an interest in the initiative. Statistics continue to go up weekly.
7.6 Ontario’s Near North Lagace
7.7 Township of Chisolm Boyle
7.8 Ryerson, Armour, Burk’s Falls Lane
Gilbert reinforced the need for representation in the Almaguin Highlands.
7.9 Municipality of Whitestone Moore
Morley informed us that they have received a Carpool Almaguin sign and are currently prepping the site to make it usable for parking. Trail plans in the municipality have been passed and a tender will be going out for the first 7km of the trail system. Site inspections on the trail are taking place on April 19th.
7.10 Powassan Economic Development Report Olajose
7.11 McMurrich/Monteith Mulligan
The outdoor pavilion is under construction and moving along quickly. Merv introduced the new intern hired through FedNor, Krista Hildner.
7.12 Kearney Economic Development Johnston
Jeff reported that the Economic Development Strategic Plan has been approved with the #1 priority being tourism. The Economic Development Advisory Committee are eager to start implementation. A trails meeting is being formed to resurrect a committee for trails development and maintenance as trail usage is absolutely critical to the area. The meeting will include neighbouring municipalities, ATV and Skidoo Clubs, Park 2 Park Trails. The next meeting will take place on April 29th @ 7:00 in Kearney. A walk around the trails linking Kearney and Perry will take place around 5:30.
They are also in the process of hiring a treasurer and economic development officer.
7.13 Central Almaguin Economic Development Association Mahon
7.14 Magnetawan Area Business Association Tod
7.15 Westwind Forest Services Munro
7.16 Citizenship & Immigration(Culture Health Promotion) Loiselle
7.17 Almaguin Highlands Inc. Stewart
Dave reinforced that further discussion on the representation of the Almaguin Highlands is required. The municipalities need representation.
7.18 Municipality of Magnetawan Urbanski
Magnetawan is very supportive of the new Almaguin Highlands Information Centre that is going up and Mark relayed how appreciative the municipality is of all of Perry’s hard work. The 2010 budget has been discussed with two major stimulus projects coming and a new hire for a community development officer. Tenders have also been opened for the library/community centre complex.
7.19 Nipissing Negrinotti
7.20 Almaguin Highlands Council for the Arts Sohm
7.21 Village of South River Coleman
Jim reported that the bike train will be stopping in South River this year as an extra draw to get southern tourists north. Jim attended a presentation in Sundridge recently that focused on rooftop solar systems and relayed the information back to the committee. There are a couple of new businesses in South River including Corner Wines, a brew your own wine establishment and Beer Belly’s Pub which will be opening soon. Work on the hydro generation plant is ongoing with the completion and opening slated for the end of April. Saturday March 20th, Scotia Junction will be playing at Renee’s Café.
7.22 Perry Township Dunn/Love
The kiosk application for the new AHIC is back in and John reported that they should hear a decision on that shortly. The centre should be 97% completed in June and fully finished in September. A new 5 year strategic plan has been approved by council but is still subject to funding. The proposal for a Carpool Almaguin parking lot was approved.
7.23 OMAFRA Dukhia
8. Correspondence
9. In – Camera
Location: South River Town Office located at 63 Marie Street @ 10:00 a.m.
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