Ward Newsletter

Dear Citizens,

The New Year marks the beginning of some important initiatives and activities. Of significance to me are the 11 remaining months to works towards the completion of projects that we as a Council have identified, and several aspects of involvement that hold my interest and enthusiasm such as strengthening relationships especially those which will leverage mining-related economic opportunities and ‘tourism’ initiatives’ being lead through a Steering Committee of Council. It was last March during the closing ceremonies of Nakina’s Winter Carnival, that I first spoke publicly about the exploration and related activities in the “Ring of Fire”. The activities to our north have peaked the interest of residents, mining companies, First Nations as well as foreign investors. I have and will continue to better understand how these emerging mineral developments can positively impact on our local economy.

I personally and professionally enjoy being challenged with the issues that fall in the municipal domain and consider myself fortunate to have the opportunity to influence Council and be a part of the collective decision-making. I have filed my nomination papers for the upcoming municipal election (October 25^th) and have deliberately chosen to do so early. It is my ambition to continue to have a presence at the Council table and to be as influential and instrumental in making decisions that will reflect well on our community. What is most important for me is that I declare openly, my sincerity to the public, of my willingness and commitment to continue to serve on Council in a capacity to represent voters and influence change.

The process is underway regarding the 2010 budget and to that end, input has been provided identifying local road improvements (Main, Center, Ontario, Cordingly), building maintenance at the Nakina Clinic and Heritage Buildings, capital equipment needs, and arena complex and airport improvements. Of particular interest to local residents identified during the community consultations held this past summer, was the request for commercial airport lots to be developed in Nakina. This is the year for this project to carry forward in the context of the activity that is prevalent at the E.R. Ruddick Airport. This capital project has been introduced. Continuing to resource the municipal airports, an A.C.A.P. submission was filed this month for approval totaling in excess of $ 5 M for improvements and upgrades at the E.R. Ruddick Airport. The A.C.A.P. announcements are made in the spring of the year. I have introduced the feasibility considerations of an airport runway extension from 3500’ to 5000’.

Continuing in my role as Chair of the Tourism Steering Committee, we are optimistic that our request for financial assistance from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund (NOHFC), will be approved in the amount of $27, 500. The funding will supplement municipal funding for a new position of a Tourism Events and Attractions Coordinator. The position will be advertized with the committee continuing in their role of identifying and implementing tourism investment strategies. A video shoot in each of Greenstone’s wards, will help to better profile our municipal assets and events through the production of a Greenstone DVD and a series of television programs on major US television networks through the engagement of the “DimeStore Fisherman”. A tentative itinerary for a 5 day video shoot from August 13^th -17^th has been prepared with Jim Hoey being a guest in Nakina during the 25^th Anniversary of the Nakina Bass Derby. Further details of this visit will be described in the local media at a later date.

A series of meetings throughout Greenstone saw Nakina bring out the largest gathering as Matthew Fischer lead a community focus group in Nakina in early December. The input gathered in each of the Wards of Greenstone was collated and presented in a final report to the community at large in mid January. A number of recommendations involving a partnership of G.E.D.C. and the Municipality are described in the “Gap Analysis and Market Study Report”. (complete downloadable copies of the final report and the presentation are available on the GEDC website at:

http://www.gedc.ca/article/greenstone-region-gap-analysis-and-market-study-report-1129.asp)

Again, I want to thank the many residents who came out to provide meaningful and grass roots input reflective of your community. This is a good example of how your input mattered.

On February 3^rd, I will join the Mayor to attend the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce Annual General Meeting. Of particular interest is the Keynote Speaker at this event, President & C.E.O. Frank Smeenk (KWG Resources and Canada Chrome Corporation). He will be addressing the gathering about Ring of Fire developments especially as his company is one of the major mining players in the Ring of Fire. There is considerable interest mixed with speculation about the impact of foreseeable developments especially due to the proximity of Greenstone.

The matter of energy transmission plans for Northwestern Ontario is of significance to the Greenstone region especially the ability to provide power to the Ring of Fire. It is timely that correspondence from NOMA President, Anne Krassilowsky (Mayor Dryden) and a supporting resolution addressed to all NOMA Members, (dated January 15, 2010) identifies the production, transmission, and distribution of electricity as a key part of the Northwestern Ontario economy. An endorsement from NOMA describing: “that the station (Little Jackfish hydro-electric power plant) and that the plan be modified (at Hydro One’s expense) to provide sufficient power to upgrade the existing line from Beardmore to Longlac and Nakina and to power the future line to the Ring of Fire.” I am supportive of a meeting with the Minister of Energy and Infrastructure while attending the Ontario Good Roads Conference as well as continuing to ensure that MPP, Michael Gravelle, Minister of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry, is fully in tune with this issue.

The start of the New Year introduced not one, but two restaurant choices for local consumers. You can appreciate that I was ‘invited’ to do something about the absence of any place to eat in the latter months. The private business opportunities were quickly pursued given the requirements of opening such a business. This issue which has been addressed through local initiatives is appreciated. It is my hope that the services provided will support the needs of the community and that the community will support the services. As Nakina’s position as a staging area to the Ring of Fire developments becomes more defined, the need for a local restaurant is expected to help the local economy. To those who worked hard to provide this service, I thank you and wish you well in your respective business endeavours.

Leading a Local Incentive Grant application to G.E.D.C. on behalf of the 3 Greenstone Snowmobile Clubs, our application for signage improvements was rewarded with funding for $4398.00 which covered the entire costs of this project. The new banner additions to the large map billboards supported with destination signs will better ensure safer experiences for snowmobilers. The new reflective banners will improve the promotion of the “Greenstone Snowmobiling Loop” as the banners will be visible at night for sledders and motorists travelling through Greenstone.

The Nakina Heritage Building (Train Station) is currently providing available commercial space to the local school board and to the Country Kitchen Restaurant. This Municipally owned building is available for commercial use and residents are encouraged to call me if you know of a business or company who would be interested in leasing available space in the suitable offices located in the Train Station.

The internet blog, “Greenstone Matters” can be viewed at http://jay--daiter.blogspot.com/ The ward newsletter and other personal posts will also reside at this site. You can easily comment on the posts and your participation is encouraged.

Regards,

Jay Daiter, Nakina Ward Councillor

cc: Mayor Power

Dates for Town Hall Meetings

Council of the Municipality of Greenstone will hold Town Hall meetings:

June 1 Beardmore Community Centre

June 2 Geraldton Community Centre

June 3 Longlac Sportsplex

June 4 Nakina Community Centre

6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Topics will include, but are not limited to, Finance (Budget, Tax Rates, Capital Projects,) Council Composition, Strategic Plan.

CLICK HERE here for a copy of the Information Package which will be made available to the public at each meeting.

April was Busy

While the weather was struggling for spring to arrive in Greenstone, there was "building" weather in Parry Sound where the grandchildren are living and so the playhouse project was underway several weeks earlier than planned. Working only from pictures, my son Josh and I were both pretty proud of the end result. There is no doubt that our 3 grandchildren, Jordynn, Addyson and Naomi will spend many fun hours in their playhouse. If not, maybe it'll be a scaled down version of retirement living?

As one member on a planning team, we have met to begin planning and organizing the community / public consultations which will occur in each of our 4 wards (June 1st - 4th). Sensitive to the "hot button" issues, I hope and will ask for the preparation of relevant background information on matters such as a new municipal building, water / sewer rates, tax rates, and service levels. I'll be suggesting that the backgrounders be made available on the Community Portal and local paper in order to be available for those who do not attend the community meetings. It is important to me that there is as much opportunity for interaction with the public that will help guide Council. The second planning meeting is May 11th.

Best Wishes to Jeanne. We wish you a speedy recovery and look forward to your return.

It's good to see the local AFN Restaurant remaining open for business. In speaking with Chief Kashkeesh several weeks ago, I impressed upon him how important it was to the local economy that the AFN remain open. Thank you for re-evaluating and keeping the restaurant open. Although business is slower than usual, it is my hope that the summer months will be more profitable to the owners and appreciated by the patrons.

I dropped in to the Engineering Office earlier in the week and was pleased to get details of the reconstruction of Highway 584 which is now underway. I hope that there are local opportunities for employment during the construction period.

Community Consultations

Nakina is winding down it's Winter Carnival weekend and this morning presented as an opportunity to address the breakfast group. To follow are some of those remarks.......

So where do we go? I have been pushing and pulling for the past 6 years to develop a clear Strategic Plan supported with a Long Term Capital Plan. I clearly recall a discussion with a another councilor who told me it would never happen and my answer to him was…if it is the will of Council, then it will happen. I am happy to say that this Council is getting much closer and dates for public meetings will be announced.

The table is being set for public ward meetings to begin the dialogue with you, the rate payers of Greenstone whether you want to talk about taxes, water / sewer, the short term goals being proposed by Council or the hot button, a new Municipal building.

Please don't disappoint yourself and those who have been working to get us to this point. Many of you signed a petition presented to Council on March 23rd that supports community and strategic planning sessions. It is not enough to have signed the petition. Now that Council has committed to these meetings (which are in the early planning stages), it is absolutely imperative that you show up at these meetings and be a part of the community planning. This is your opportunity for meaningful input and it may not come around again for a long time. Watch for more information that will be included in the Nakina Ward newsletter, internet blog (Greenstone Matters) which will be my contribution to make sure you know what's going on.

I get to do a lot of thinking on Hwy 584 going and especially coming home usually between 10 and 11 following Council meetings. While the answers continue to be debated, applauded and criticized in terms of what will bring the world out of this recession, one thing is clear. Our community has expanded to include all of us.... a global community. The loss of jobs for many of you invites those of us not directly affected, certainly to feel fortunate. Though make no mistake, all of us are feeling the pinch in varying degrees. And this is my point. If ever there was a time to demonstrate and behave as a community, it is now. We can each define ourselves by asking what is our contribution to that community and certainly in the past almost 6 years, community has meant a better understanding what are the issues facing all us in Greenstone.

And they are most similar now as every ward is hurting, and almost assuredly Longlac residents and businesses are being hardest hit. That doesn’t diminish the impact here in Nakina as people pack up and leave, but Longlac has never experienced what Nakina has gone through before and it remains to be seen if that community has the will and resilience to come back.

It’s my pleasure to acknowledge and thank all of the volunteer workers and planners of your Winter Carnival… another community tradition that has stood the test of time and weathered some stormy conditions before now. But the spirit in this little town (Nakina) is amazing.

That spirit was evident throughout the weekend watching parents and children enjoy the activities especially the mini-pops, and in the participation of the ice fishing tournament yesterday, the carnival meals and the curling to-day. Congratulations on pulling this together. I applaud your sense of community. Enjoy the rest of the weekend.

Community Consultation(s)

I will speak in support of engaging the public to dialogue on matters related to Strategic Planning and the 2009 budget. I understand that there is interest by some in having open dialogue at public meetings. I believe that sessions of this nature can be most valuable when there is a mutual understanding of the issues which bear on the discussion. By that, I will suggest that there must be an information component originating from Council. If for example, there is a message delivered from rate payers, that they do not want a tax increase, the same rate payers have to understand the possible consequences of that decision. Similarly, if rate payers do not want any further increases to their water / sewer costs, there is a need for them to understand the consequences of that decision. The 'killer' dialogue begins when the public begins to provide their input into what services they are prepared to have reduced.

5.59 $M for Municipal Part of Highway 584

Greenstone was successful in its recent application to the Building Canada Fund resulting in approval for $1,862,553 from the province of Ontario (and matching 1/3 contributions from the feds and municipality) which will be used to complete the section of Highway 584 which begins at the north end of Geraldton through to the new section of Highway (which begins just north of the Geraldton airport.) This road work will see new road / highway completed from the junction of 584 and Highway 11 right through to Nakina. I am very pleased with this announcement as the cost to the Municipality without the provincial and federal share of two-thirds, would have almost certainly delayed this roadwork from being done for years.

289 projects from across Ontario will proceed thanks to this federal-provincial-municipal investment of more than $1B.

Motion Strengthens Tourism Recommendations

The work over the past 4 months of the ad hoc Tourism committee, was rewarded with a supporting motion of Council on Feb. 9th. The motion:

• recognizes the key strategies identified in the Tourism Report
• opens the door for financial resources
• strikes a steering committee and a chair
• assigns staff support
• tasks the steering committee to develop a short term contract to act on the prioritized recommendations as approved by Council
• and invites quarterly reports from the Chair of the steering committee

Our next meeting is Monday, March 23rd to identify the chair and begin the process of prioritizing the recommendations in our report.

In 2007, tourism in Ontario directly or indirectly employed more than 300,000 workers.
Tourism revenue in 2007 was $22.1 billion or 3.4% of the province’s Gross Domestic Product, which was greater than the combined total from agriculture, forestry/logging, commercial fishing/hunting and mining.

Discovering Ontario: A report on the future of tourism proposes four strategies to help the provincial government and the tourism industry create jobs and build the province’s economy:
Greg Sorbara, MPP for Vaughan, released a report today that lays out a 10-year plan for boosting the tourism industry by marketing Ontario as one of the world’s best places to visit.

Web-Based Marketing Presentation to Council

On February 9th, I prepared a presentation to inform and demonstrate to councillors, the underutilized opportunities that can support our local economy and that are at our immediate disposal using web-based marketing. Councillors were made more aware of information available to visitors (tourists) by accessing several commonly used web based application such as Google Earth & Google Maps. The presentation (using an internet connection, a computer, and a video projector) illustrated how sparsely populated information is respecting Greenstone and our catchment area.

Of relevance to the Municipality of Greenstone, gps data associated with providing travelers with needed information such as restaurants, accommodations, gas stations, hospitals, clinics, airports, businesses, recreational points of interests (i.e. Pallisades, boat launches, snowmobile trails, hiking trails, canoe routes, golf course, interpretive centers, parks, etc.) will enrich our presence on the many wireless handheld devices being made available and accessible through applications such as Google Earth, Mapquest, and Yahoo.

Ad Hoc Tourism Report

The following report was presented to Council on February 2nd, 2009. A motion will be introduced next week to accept and adopt the report.

CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF GREENSTONE

FINAL REPORT
OF THE AD-HOC TOURISM COMMITTEE
TO THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE – FEBRUARY 2, 2009

RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL

The Ad-hoc Tourism Committee recommends that Council adopt, by motion at the February 9, 2009 Regular Meeting, the following recommendations:

➢ THAT the Municipality of Greenstone be branded as “The Spirit of the North.”


➢ THAT the following 10 key points form the basis of improving tourism in Greenstone:

1. Promote current assets.
2. Enhance and promote the Greenstone community portal.
3. Enhance and promote recreational programming.
4. Define, develop, and grow partnerships.
5. Provide incentives for tourism.
6. Operate signature assets like we believe in them.
7. Use the cultural heritage framework that we have in Greenstone to build on.
8. Showcase local artisans.
9. Provide incentives for visitor tourism (e.g. develop a reward program for visitors) and encourage repeat visitors.
10. Where possible, revisit the business plans for some of these assets.


➢ THAT the Municipality initially concentrate on promoting hunting and fishing in the Summer months, and snowmobiling in the Winter months through the use of print and the internet:
AND THAT the local tourism partners be asked for input.

➢ THAT the following events be declared Signature Events in the Municipality of Greenstone:

o Major Golf Tournaments
o Caramat Fish Derby
o Nakina Annual Catch ‘n’ Release Bass Derby
o Geraldton Music Jamboree
o Geraldton Walleye Classic
o Geraldton Junior Walleye Classic
o Lake Nipigon Trout Hunt
o Longlac Snowmachine Drag Races
o Longlac Moosecalac
o Longlac Summerfest
o Annual Greenstone Loop Poker Rally;

AND THAT Council maintain support for the Signature Assets which support Signature Events, (e.g. the Community Portal, the Kenogamisis Golf Club, MacLeod Provincial Park, Tourist Information Centres, etc.)


➢ THAT the initial point of presence for the signature assets and events promotion, be the Manager of Leisure Services. As the partnerships are developed, the initial point of presence should be expanded.


➢ THAT Council consider changes to the organizational structure that incorporate a mechanism for developing, implementing and maintaining tourism strategies and reciprocal partnerships.


➢ THAT the role of the current recreation department be strengthened by expanding the program to include outdoor recreation, including cycling, hiking, birding, boating, hunting, golf and camping.


➢ THAT the tourism marketing and promotional potential of the Greenstone Community Portal be strengthened.

Funding Application for New Municipal Administration Building

Council has supported and given direction to initiate an application for infastructure funding that is intended to offset the construction costs of a new municipal administration building in Geraldton. At a Special Meeting of Council which focused solely on this matter, members of Council provided unanimous support for the motion which allows us to explore and determine our eligibility for infastructure funding. Through correspondence from the Director of the Superior Greenstone Board of Education, Council has been informed that B.A. Parker (as an option) is not for sale. Council is hopeful that the Municipal application would generate supporting revenue to cover 2/3 of the construction costs.