AHED

ALMAGUIN HIGHLANDS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP COMMITTEE

Minutes of meeting – October 18th, 2012

10 a.m. – 12 noon @ South River Village Office

 

Present: Jessica Busch, WORC; Cole Dault, Perry Township; Merv Mulligan, McMurrich/Monteith; David Stewart, Almaguin Highlands Inc.; Hazel Hornibrook, Almaguin Highlands Arts Council

 

Regrets: Jeff Johnston, KPABA; Rosalind Hall, Ryerson, Armour, Burk’s Falls

 

  1. Welcome, call to order ~ Merv Mulligan 10:06 a.m.
  2. Introductions of attendees
  3. Declaration of Pecuniary Interest ~ N/A
  4. Adoption of Minutes of September 2012 ~ Deferred
  5. Business Arising (AHED Business)

 

  1. Reports from Community and Resource Partners

 

      Merv Mulligan/McMurrich Monteith

Merv attended the Boundary Meeting in North Bay where many concerns were expressed regarding the proposed boundary changes.  The Township has still not yet hired an intern – interested candidates can contact Cheryl for more information, recreational backgrounds will be favored.  The Sprucedale Hotel hosted a Motorcycle Rally which was well attended - $2500 was raised and donated to the Recreation Committee.  Public input is still being heard in regards to the Schoolhouse – currently, seniors are maintaining the “Thrift Shop”.  The Community Centre has had some storage issues which are currently being looked at.

 

       David Stewart/Almaguin Highlands Inc.

Dave reported briefly on Park 2 Park – they are trying to attract people to our area offering the best off road experience in Ontario.  180k in funding has been secured through OFSC and will be used to develop and refresh current trails.  Park 2 Park is looking at potentially establishing a trail head at the east end as well as the possibility of opening the trail all the way to Huntsville.  In regards to Almaguin Highlands Inc., mapping continues, please feel free to pass along any events to Dave and he will post on Events Calendar.

 

       Cole Dault/Perry Township

The Township website is in the process of being updated with zoning, roads and businesses.  A new Deputy Clerk has been hired while the Township has yet to find a replacement treasurer.  On October 31st the Firefighters Association will be holding a Trick or Treat event at the Novar Fire Hall, while events are also taking place at the Novar Community Centre and the Emsdale Community Centre.  Surplus equipment from Public Works is being sold, if you wish to view what is available, please feel free to stop in at the Public Works Garage Monday to Friday from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.  Deadline for bids to be received is November 5th. The highway signage for the Township has been approved, designs have gone to the sign maker for production – will be installed on Highway #11.  The speed limit on Emsdale Road has been reduced to 60km/hr.  The Township has approved 100k investment in the Water Power Group power generation facility which will be located in Brooks’s Falls.  The Township will receive royalties of 10k/yr, 4.5% ownership, 9.4% rate of return over 40 years with annual payments, and park enhancements including more benches and animal safe garbage disposal bins.  There will be a pedestrian bridge built across with walking/biking trails being developed – public consultations will be held for suggestions/input from local residents.

 

       Jessica Busch/Women’s Own Resource Centre

Jessica reported that the Entrepreneurial Skills Training Courses running in three locations (Burk’s Falls, South River, Powassan) are all full this fall.  Waiting lists for Spring sessions have already begun.  Balanced Living will be offered again this fall with Session #1 scheduled to take place on November 14th, anybody interested in participating or would like more information, please contact Deborah at info@womensownresource.org The Almaguin Women’s Resource & Business Network meeting for October will be held at Edgewater Park Lodge in Kearney with Carole Mantha from MNDM guest speaking on “Entrepreneurial Grant Opportunities”.  WORC is in the process of getting a new website as well, the new site is expected to be up and running by November.

 

       Hazel Hornibrook/Almaguin Highlands Arts Council

Hazel reported that AHAC has created a new Arts Directory, 6000 copies have been distributed thus far.  There will be an Art Exhibit and Sale taking place on Friday October 26th and Saturday October 27th at the Caswell Resort in Sundridge.  Friday opens from 7 – 9 p.m. with a Wine and Cheese Reception with a $5 admission fee.  Saturday is open from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.  The sale will include paintings, wood carving, jewellery, etc.  Next year, AHAC would like to do a Studio/Gallery tour for the entire Almaguin Highlands.

 

       Ron Begin/FedNor

Ron expressed that he was pleased to be at the AHED table today and will continue to attend as his schedule allows.  Ron updated us on the CIIF (Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund) – The intake for CIIF is now closed.  The demand for this funding far surpassed the actual amount of funding dollars, announcements will be made shortly regarding successful applicants.  All of FedNor’s applications are moving online for better accessibility.  Ron encouraged that FedNor is always looking for good projects and to get in touch with him regarding project ideas/proposals.

 

  1. Correspondence
  2. In-Camera (if required)
  3. Next meeting date: Thursday November 15th, 2012 @ The South River Village Town Office

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



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