Time: Thursday, October 4th, 2007 6pm opening ceremony
Location: Stewart Park and the Perth Fair Grounds, Perth ON
Focused on the Future, Honoring the Past!
A Three Day Circle of All Nations Celebration of the Waterways of North America and 175th Anniversary of the Rideau Canal (Newest Unesco World Heritage Site!)
Coordinated by Merriwolf Productions
Guest speakers will cover the topic of Uranium Mining in the Frontenac and Lanark region.
October 7, 2007
3:20 PM - 3:50PM
Joan Kuyek, Mining Watch Canada
Impacts of Mining and Mineral Exploration
5:20 PM - 5:50PM
Doreen Davie, Algonquin Chief
Local Struggles to Protect Lands and Watersheds
6:20 PM - 6:30PM
Paula Sherman, Algonquin Chief
Local Struggles to Protect Lands and Watersheds
Showing posts with label Perth. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Perth. Show all posts
Monday, October 1, 2007
Monday, August 13, 2007
Meeting will address commuter service
More than 8,000 people who live in Lanark County drive to Ottawa to work. Part of their daily commute includes crowded highways, traffic gridlock and frazzled nerves.
Lanark Community Transit, a not-for-profit public-transit system, is planning to provide an alternative to that daily grind by offering an efficient and reliable commuter bus service to Ottawa. It hopes to integrate its service with Ottawa’s public transit system, which would allow Lanark Community Transit’s buses to access OC Transpo’s Hwy. 417 bus lanes, as well as allowing riders to transfer onto city buses at no extra charge.
A public meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 16 to provide information on Lanark Community Transit’s plans to offer this new service to residents of Lanark County and Smiths Falls. The meeting will be held at the Carleton Place arena at 7 p.m.
The plan is to provide bus service to residents of Lanark Highlands, Mississippi Mills, Drummond/North Elmsley, Perth, Tay Valley, Carleton Place, Montague, Beckwith and Smiths Falls, where the need is shown to exist. During the public meeting, the consultant’s feasibility study will be presented, with discussion to follow.
Cliff Neudorf, president of Lanark Community Transit, says the next step will be to request support from the area councils, which will have to pass a bylaw to regulate community transit within their jurisdictions. Once the bylaws are passed, Lanark Community Transit will move to the request for proposal stage and identify a service provider. The result will be lower commuter costs, less environmental impact with fewer cars on the roads, and possible economic benefits to this region as a result of its improved transportation infrastructure.
Lanark Community Transit has obtained financial support from Valley Heartland Community Futures Development Corporation and the Town of Carleton Place. This has enabled it to hire an Ottawa firm to conduct a feasibility study and to draft a business plan for the self-sustaining commuter service. The study will also consider an option to offer student tickets so young people could continue to live in Lanark County while attending college or university in Ottawa. Lanark Community Transit hopes to start operating by November of this year.
Members of the public are encouraged to attend the meeting, as it affects the future development of the community.
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Saying no to uranium mining
Editorial The Perth Courier Aug 1st 2007
By now, most people in the Perth area are aware of the efforts of area native and non-native residents to prevent uranium from being mined in the Snow Road-Robertsville-Elphin area, northwest of Perth.
In the past, we have discussed the frighteningly uncivilized nature of the Mining Act, legislation that allows mining companies to march onto the private properties of rural residents and begin digging for minerals. If landowners don't own the mineral rights, only the surface rights of their properties, this is perfectly legal.
We have published stories about one man's efforts to bring attention to the act by publicizing what happened to his property in Tay Valley Township. Large ditches were dug on his property and when he expressed concern about the open holes and potential danger they posed, he was told that it was illegal for him to fill in these holes. Think about it: someone came onto his property, dug trenches, left them exposed and held outdated mining regulations over his head if he attempted to make his property somewhat safe again.
Out of the threat of such incidents recurring throughout the township, the Citizens' Mining Advisory Group, or CMAG, was formed. Through the efforts of many, a number of mining claims against properties in the rich residential and cottage area surrounding Perth were abandoned. (This group will hold its annual meeting on Aug. 11 at 10 a.m. at the North Burgess Hall on Narrows Lock Road. The public is welcome and will likely find area candidates for this fall's provincial election in attendance.)
Mining has again taken centre stage in this area, and this time, has received national attention. While the threat is not as much toward private properties in this case, it involves a sought-after end product that poses a potential greater risk to the health of those throughout the Ottawa Valley. It's not about gaping holes on private property, but potentially deadly uranium.
Everyone seems to have an opinion on the matter, and now that the price being offered for uranium has rebounded, chances are those who see nothing but dollar signs will put up a strong fight against those who oppose such mining.
Uranium mining companies claim such operations are safe if they are carried out properly. But what happens if an accident happens? Do we simply say "oops" and try not to cry over a little spilled salt? We're not mining salt here. "Oops" is not something anyone wants to hear.
A simple Internet search brings up far too many cases of how such mining has harmed Canadian communities.
Six stories have appeared in the Courier since April about the quest for uranium in the Crotch Lake area and those who are leading the charge to ensure this quest fails. Only the sixth and latest story offered the opinions of someone who came forward in favour of such mining.
Provincial governments on Canada's east and west coasts have imposed moratoriums on uranium mining. When will Ontario and the rest of the provinces follow their lead?
If no such freeze on this type of mining is introduced in Ontario, mining might proceed in the Crotch Lake area, and possibly without incident. But is that a gamble we're all willing to take? This area is all upstream of the City of Ottawa.
If something does happen, who is left to live in the shadow of a mistake?
Added by Maren:
The following links provide more information:
Canadian Coalition for Nuclear Responsibility
By now, most people in the Perth area are aware of the efforts of area native and non-native residents to prevent uranium from being mined in the Snow Road-Robertsville-Elphin area, northwest of Perth.
In the past, we have discussed the frighteningly uncivilized nature of the Mining Act, legislation that allows mining companies to march onto the private properties of rural residents and begin digging for minerals. If landowners don't own the mineral rights, only the surface rights of their properties, this is perfectly legal.
We have published stories about one man's efforts to bring attention to the act by publicizing what happened to his property in Tay Valley Township. Large ditches were dug on his property and when he expressed concern about the open holes and potential danger they posed, he was told that it was illegal for him to fill in these holes. Think about it: someone came onto his property, dug trenches, left them exposed and held outdated mining regulations over his head if he attempted to make his property somewhat safe again.
Out of the threat of such incidents recurring throughout the township, the Citizens' Mining Advisory Group, or CMAG, was formed. Through the efforts of many, a number of mining claims against properties in the rich residential and cottage area surrounding Perth were abandoned. (This group will hold its annual meeting on Aug. 11 at 10 a.m. at the North Burgess Hall on Narrows Lock Road. The public is welcome and will likely find area candidates for this fall's provincial election in attendance.)
Mining has again taken centre stage in this area, and this time, has received national attention. While the threat is not as much toward private properties in this case, it involves a sought-after end product that poses a potential greater risk to the health of those throughout the Ottawa Valley. It's not about gaping holes on private property, but potentially deadly uranium.
Everyone seems to have an opinion on the matter, and now that the price being offered for uranium has rebounded, chances are those who see nothing but dollar signs will put up a strong fight against those who oppose such mining.
Uranium mining companies claim such operations are safe if they are carried out properly. But what happens if an accident happens? Do we simply say "oops" and try not to cry over a little spilled salt? We're not mining salt here. "Oops" is not something anyone wants to hear.
A simple Internet search brings up far too many cases of how such mining has harmed Canadian communities.
Six stories have appeared in the Courier since April about the quest for uranium in the Crotch Lake area and those who are leading the charge to ensure this quest fails. Only the sixth and latest story offered the opinions of someone who came forward in favour of such mining.
Provincial governments on Canada's east and west coasts have imposed moratoriums on uranium mining. When will Ontario and the rest of the provinces follow their lead?
If no such freeze on this type of mining is introduced in Ontario, mining might proceed in the Crotch Lake area, and possibly without incident. But is that a gamble we're all willing to take? This area is all upstream of the City of Ottawa.
If something does happen, who is left to live in the shadow of a mistake?
Added by Maren:
The following links provide more information:
Canadian Coalition for Nuclear Responsibility
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Featured Communities
* Burritt's Rapids
Secret beauty. Best General Store ever. Has got ice cream. Also the only store in town. Laundry for three quarters in the back of Michael's Restaurant (opulent baklava!) at the locks.
* Kars
Marina with boat repair. Sport airport towards North Gower. Boat launch at the park. Oh, ah, yes, there is also a gas station and a telephone booth. Life like it used to be.
The Kemptville Creek at Curry Park. photo M.Molthan
* Kemptville
Boomtown central, as North Grenville shows fastest community growth in Ontario. Docking before downtown bridge on the creek, just like the old steamers did. Boat launch at Curry Park. Beer store, newly expanded LCBO, supermarkets and Lebanese food in the mall - very skilled and fresh local cuisine at The Branch Restaurant (families: join in the music during the legendary open stage every last Sunday of the month). Independent, Food Basics, Canadian Tire.
* Manotick (Ojibway for "Island in the River")
Marina. First community south of Ottawa. Two miles south of Long Island lock. Nine holes at Manotick Golf Club. Supermarkets, LCBO and beer store downtown. Banks: TD Canada Trust, RBC Royal.
* Merrickville
Marinas on each side of the locks. Home made chili-chocolate ice cream (seen the movie?! parlez à Serge!) and best lattes up- and down stream at Brewed Awakenings (now also have a branch in Kemptville). Organic ingredients and dishes will be served in the soon to open Serendipity on Mainstreet, next to the Mainstreet Restaurant. La dolce vita for homesick immigrants and other demanding palates in the new Italian restaurant The Locks, a little further down the road, or if you just need some international ingredients, go to Mrs. McGarrigle's Fine Foods (at least 20 different chocolate bars not to mention all the oils, vinegars and mustards!). Highest gay population amongst Ontario villages (do you ever wonder how these statistics come about? I mean, would you really answer a questionnaire asking your sexual preferences?!). Lots of artists, artisans, stores. Banks: RBC Royal. Post office on St Lawrence St. Free Internet, wifi and a probably pretty crazy bunch of regulars at Harry McLean's Pub in the Baldachin Inn (make sure to catch a Saturday night here. Everything is possible after David climbs on something to light up the red stage light). Combined LCBO-Beer store. Food store/supermarket on Saint Lawrence Street.
* Perth
Who the heck was Stewart and what did he do in the park? Live music in numerous cosy pubs and bars with lots of patios and terraces on Gore Street. Home of Brock Zeman and Keith Glass (Prairie Oyster) - both seen last summer on (or in?) various stages during Stewart Park Festival, the former looking kindalike sobering out on an innocent Sunday morning under a tree. But maybe all that turns out to be just an artefact in the delusional regard of the publisher`s envious eye - who knows. Banks: Bank of Montreal BMO, CIBC, RBC Royal Bank, Scotiabank, TD Canada Trust. Exquisit coffee and dessert in the Old Mill.
* Port Elmsley
* Rideau Ferry
* Smiths Falls
Free Internet at public library (81, Beckwith Street North, 90-second-walk from TD branch). Nine holes at Donneybrooke and Smiths Falls Golf Club. Nice patio on the river at Do Little's Pub and Eatery - don't let the Comfort Inn scare you, but give in to your chocolate cravings at the Hershey factory. Banks: BMO Bank of Montreal, CIBC, RBC Royal Bank, Scotiabank, TD Canada Trust. Post office near police station, Beer store, LCBO, Independent, Food Basics, Canadian Tire.
Secret beauty. Best General Store ever. Has got ice cream. Also the only store in town. Laundry for three quarters in the back of Michael's Restaurant (opulent baklava!) at the locks.
* Kars
Marina with boat repair. Sport airport towards North Gower. Boat launch at the park. Oh, ah, yes, there is also a gas station and a telephone booth. Life like it used to be.
The Kemptville Creek at Curry Park. photo M.Molthan
* KemptvilleBoomtown central, as North Grenville shows fastest community growth in Ontario. Docking before downtown bridge on the creek, just like the old steamers did. Boat launch at Curry Park. Beer store, newly expanded LCBO, supermarkets and Lebanese food in the mall - very skilled and fresh local cuisine at The Branch Restaurant (families: join in the music during the legendary open stage every last Sunday of the month). Independent, Food Basics, Canadian Tire.
* Manotick (Ojibway for "Island in the River")
Marina. First community south of Ottawa. Two miles south of Long Island lock. Nine holes at Manotick Golf Club. Supermarkets, LCBO and beer store downtown. Banks: TD Canada Trust, RBC Royal.
* Merrickville
Marinas on each side of the locks. Home made chili-chocolate ice cream (seen the movie?! parlez à Serge!) and best lattes up- and down stream at Brewed Awakenings (now also have a branch in Kemptville). Organic ingredients and dishes will be served in the soon to open Serendipity on Mainstreet, next to the Mainstreet Restaurant. La dolce vita for homesick immigrants and other demanding palates in the new Italian restaurant The Locks, a little further down the road, or if you just need some international ingredients, go to Mrs. McGarrigle's Fine Foods (at least 20 different chocolate bars not to mention all the oils, vinegars and mustards!). Highest gay population amongst Ontario villages (do you ever wonder how these statistics come about? I mean, would you really answer a questionnaire asking your sexual preferences?!). Lots of artists, artisans, stores. Banks: RBC Royal. Post office on St Lawrence St. Free Internet, wifi and a probably pretty crazy bunch of regulars at Harry McLean's Pub in the Baldachin Inn (make sure to catch a Saturday night here. Everything is possible after David climbs on something to light up the red stage light). Combined LCBO-Beer store. Food store/supermarket on Saint Lawrence Street.
* Perth
Who the heck was Stewart and what did he do in the park? Live music in numerous cosy pubs and bars with lots of patios and terraces on Gore Street. Home of Brock Zeman and Keith Glass (Prairie Oyster) - both seen last summer on (or in?) various stages during Stewart Park Festival, the former looking kindalike sobering out on an innocent Sunday morning under a tree. But maybe all that turns out to be just an artefact in the delusional regard of the publisher`s envious eye - who knows. Banks: Bank of Montreal BMO, CIBC, RBC Royal Bank, Scotiabank, TD Canada Trust. Exquisit coffee and dessert in the Old Mill.
* Port Elmsley
* Rideau Ferry
* Smiths Falls
Free Internet at public library (81, Beckwith Street North, 90-second-walk from TD branch). Nine holes at Donneybrooke and Smiths Falls Golf Club. Nice patio on the river at Do Little's Pub and Eatery - don't let the Comfort Inn scare you, but give in to your chocolate cravings at the Hershey factory. Banks: BMO Bank of Montreal, CIBC, RBC Royal Bank, Scotiabank, TD Canada Trust. Post office near police station, Beer store, LCBO, Independent, Food Basics, Canadian Tire.
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