Review of Turtle Portage underway

Ruth Brett
LoW Correspondent

On Aug. 30, Lake of the Woods Township Council held a special meeting with Larry Lundy, Fire Protection Advisor, at the request of the Fire Marshall’s office in Thunder Bay. Mr. Lundy, expressing a concern with the resignation of Fire Chief C. Pollard, discussed the matter with Council and gave advice and input from the Fire Marshall’s office.
Their regular meeting was held on Sept. 12 with Mayor Pizey, all Councillors, Clerk-Treasurer Giles, Road Supt. Pearson, Fire Chief Pollard, OPP Inspector Dave Lucas, and visitor Fred Brett present. Inspector Lucas gave an update on OPP staffing and the number of incidents reported, solved and unsolved in the LoW Municipality. He discussed a future district emergency coordination committee which would act for wide scale disasters and emergencies (floods and fires). That committee would not replace local emergency control groups. Lucas described the 3 canine units in the District and answering questions from council members touched on various other issues of local concern.
Fire Chief Pollard submitted his resignation. He stated that the amount of time needed to meet all the regulations and requirements of the Fire Marshall’s office is more than he is able to give in the present circumstance. Council went in camera with him to discuss the matter further and accepted, with regret, his resignation as Fire Chief effective Sept 30, 2006. There will be a Basic Fire Prevention and Inspection Course in Dryden in November.
Bills for the month of August in the total amount of $1148,455.16 were approved for payment.
Road Supt. Pearson reported that there is a possible transmission problem with the grader and will investigate. A pump test was done on the new pumper. A floating dock has been placed at the Morson Government dock. Compliments have been received for the improvements made at the dock and park area. Council will consider getting the upstairs in both Council Chambers and the Bergland Hall sprayed for cluster flies. Both Halls are to be checked for mice. Clerk Giles will write to Sabaskong and Big Grassy FNs to request permission for the Township to do maintenance on the navigation light at the mouth of the Little Grassy River.The picnic tables, rink boards and the rink shack at the Bergland Hall have all been painted and look very good. In checking the skateboard park, it was noted the a picnic table had been placed upon the ramps. Not good.
Councillor Sepers reporting on the Recreation Committee, advised that $2692.00 has been raised with the July walkathon and the 2 pow wows. A turkey shoot is planned for Sept. 30 ( 22s and 22 magnum only) with air rifle category for kids; on Nov 4, a fall supper and variety show; on Nov.18, a Christmas craft sale; and on Nov 25 a lutefisk supper. Council has suggested that the Rec. Committee set and monitor the rink lights and the rink shack heater and to keep a 10 pm curfew at the rink this winter. This in an effort to save the cost of power.
Clerk Giles reported that a letter was received from MNR advising that a review of the Turtle Portage is underway. Council will hold a public meeting to discuss options on this matter once MNR has finished it’s review. The work on the Morson Government dock will be a winter project and Council discussed future work on the parking lot there. The Bergland tower is now up but it is anyone’s guess when high speed hook-up will happen. Another letter was received from MTO in response to Council’s inquiry about brushing along Hwy.621; a short part of the road has been brushed so far. MMAH has answered Council’s inquiry about Sportsman’s Harbor expanding their trailer park and they suggest an Official Plan Amendment would be necessary for that project. The Cemetery Committee’s review of proposed rules and procedures will be completed for the Oct. meeting. Council will meet with Rainy River Council to discuss a recycle program. The Clerk provided Council with a budget update. Council discussed the draft POA budget and wants the committee to consider a reserve for uncollectible fines.
Two By-Laws were adopted. By-Law # 178, being the Fire Boat Dispatch Policy and By-Law # 179, being the High Rock Road By-Law.
Council will support the resolution of the Municipality of Powassan, requesting changes to the Ontario Order in Council 2688/93 to allow municipalities to be responsible to develop terms and conditions to govern the use of proceeds from lottery schemes within their respective municipalities.
Council will authorize a donation of $240.00 to the Rainy River Valley Horse Council to assist in the construction of an outdoor arena at the Rainy River Valley Agricultural Society property in Emo. This was authorized in a recorded vote with Fadden, Sepers, Pizey and Lundgren FOR and Moen AGAINST.