November 24, 2015 County Council Agenda Package
02 November 2015
Board Members of the KCCA, LTVCA, CCCA, LPRCA and
Council Members of Elgin County.
I am writing to express my concerns with the proposed revisions
by the Kettle Creek Conservation Authority to its policy and its
impacts on local landowners.
The proposed policy changes of Kettle CreekÈs Conservation
areas are inappropriate and fail to take into account the
draconian impacts that the proposed policy will have on the
rights of landowners. The existing policy that is in place provides
landowners with the right to protect their property from adverse
effects and if they choose they can install erosion processes that
assist in saving and protecting their land.
Kettle CreekÈs new policy takes away the rights of landowners.
It is my understanding that our legal system is premised on one
of Ådue processÆ and founded on the principles of procedural
fairness. Unfortunately, we have not been provided with due
process or procedural fairness in our dealings with the Kettle
Creek Conservation Authority (ÅKCCAÆ).
As you may know, my wife Isabel and I purchased our property
approximately Ðve (5) years ago with the intent to build our dream
home and retire there. Prior to purchasing the property, we did
our due diligence and asked numerous questions of the
regulators to ensure that we made an informed decision about
what we could and could not do to improve our property. We
approached the KCCA to ask what work we could undertake at
the property recognizing that our property lines had a long lake
frontage. We received a written conÐrmation from the KCCA that
erosion control was possible and that our application would be
considered and processed by the KCCA. We then spoke to
Central Elgin and asked similar questions. Based on the
responses to our questions we proceeded to purchase the
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property and initiated our application for shoreline erosion
protection.
Our concern with the policy being proposed is the long lasting
negative impacts that will result into the future. What happens in
the next several years when under the new policy provisions the
erosion is behind Port Bruce and cuts into Cat Fish Creek. Port
Bruce will be washed away and no longer exist. What about the
impacts to private properties? Do you not think it is time to look
ahead. What happens when the lake gets to Sparta. Ensuring
that erosion is controlled is the KCCAÈs practice over the last 50
to 100 years.
We should look to our neighbours to the south - look at the
shoreline. Most of it is protected. Consider the practices that
occur in Leamington the Essex Region Conservation Authority
appears to be protecting the shoreline,
I am not asking for a miracle. I am asking for the continued
protection of my property so that it is safe for my family. My
rights should not be overlooked. It is important for each property
to be assessed on its own merits. A blanket policy is wrong and
will result in long term impacts.
In my opinion, it is inappropriate to hire a company from Ottawa
to look at Lake Erie. This simply does not make sense. The
present policy is effective and appropriately protects the
shoreline.
I have done my due diligence. Once my foundation cracks on my
house, as a result of the uncontrolled erosion, whose fault will it
be ÃKCCA? The County?
How does the KCCA propose that my wife and I move our 3,000
Square foot house? How can KCCA stand by and watch me
watch my family home be destroyed without considering any
steps to protect it from the uncontrolled erosion that is occurring.
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A revetment at my sole cost and expense is the only way to
protect my property. The KCCA should not be taking away my
property and property rights.
The KCCA proudly celebrated their 50 year anniversary and told
everyone in the paper how great they are and how they protect
people and property. My concern is that the KCCA have
obstructed my efforts to protect my family home.
We ask that you defer this policy until you have conducted
complete due diligence and taken into account the private
property owners who are truly impacted by this change.
Kyle and Isabel Cronk
Dexter Line
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DATE:November13,2015
FROM:ElizabethVanHoorenGeneralManagerKettleCreekConservationAuthorityon
behalfofLowerThamesValleyConservationAuthority(LTVCA),CatfishCreek
ConservationAuthority(CCCA)andLongPointRegionConservationAuthority
(LPRCA)
RE:ElginCountyShorelineManagementPlan
RECOMMENDATION:
ThattheCountyofElginadopttheElginCountyShorelineManagementPlanandincorporateitintothe
ElginCountyOfficialPlan;and
ThattheElginCountyShorelineManagementPlanasadoptedbeforwardtotheshorelinemunicipalities
fortheirendorsement.
BACKGROUND:
OnbehalfoftheSteeringCommitteeMs.VanHoorenwillpresentthereporttocouncil.Thefullreport
maybeviewedatthefollowinglink:http://www.kettlecreekconservation.on.ca/wp
content/uploads/2015/10/ElginCoSMP2015.10.13.pdf
Mapscanbeviewedbycontactingyourlocalconservationauthority.
In2014theCatfishCreekConservationAuthority(CCCA),KettleCreekConservationAuthority(KCCA),
LongPointRegionConservationAuthority(LPRCA)andLowerThamesValleyConservationAuthority
(LTVCA)andtheCountyofElginanditsshorelinemunicipalitiescollaboratedonanElginCounty
ShorelineManagementPlan(SMP).
Priorto2014,CCCA,KCCA,LPRCAandLTVCAhadseparateShorelineManagementPlanscoveringthe
coastalzoneoftheLakeErieshorelineintheirrespectivewatersheds.Thesereportswereprepared
independentlybythesameconsultantinthelate1980sorinthecaseofLTVCAwereacompilationof
differentreportspertainingtoshorelineerosionandmanagement.Theexistingplanswereoutofdate
andneededtotakeintoconsiderationcurrentmappingandtechnicalstandardspertainingtoshoreline
hazards.
AcollaborativeapproachtoshorelinemanagementfortheentirenorthshoreofLakeEriewithinElgin
Countyprovidedamoreconsistenttechnicalstudyareaandguideformunicipallanduseplanningalong
theshorelineandamoreaccurateinvestigationintothedynamicsoftheentireextentoftheshoreline
ratherthanasectionalorwatershedview.Inaddition,ajointplaneliminatedtheretentionofmultiple
consultantsandstreamlinedmeetingandadministrativecosts.
ElginCountyCouncilagreedtocoverfiftypercentoftheprojectcostswithlowertiershoreline
municipalitiesbeingaskedtofundtheotherhalfbasedontheamountofshorelinewithintheir
jurisdiction.Theprojectwastenderedin2014andthewinningbidwassubmittedbyW.F.Baird&
Associatesfor$186,000.Whilethepriceoftheprojectwasovertheprojectedbudgetof$144,000the
conservationauthoritiesfeltstronglyaboutthequalityofproductofferedbyBairdandagreedtocover
theshortfall.Inaddition,becauseofthecollaborativenatureoftheprojectEnvironmentCanadacame
tothetablewith$40,000.
ThreeOpenHouseswereheldinAugust2014,oneinWestElgin,oneinCentralElginandoneinPort
Burwell.AteachOpenHouseanafternoonandeveningsessionwasheld.Aformalpresentationwas
providedonthedevelopmentoftheSMPandtheconsultantpresentedthepreliminaryfindingsand
managementapproaches.Inaddition,aselectnumberofthedrafthazardmapswereondisplayforthe
attendeestoview.Eachsessionalsoincludedaquestionandanswersections.Asynopsisofthese
sessionsisincludedinAppendixCoftheSMP.
DraftsofthereportincludingitsrecommendationswerevettedthroughtheTechnicalAdvisory
Committee,whichincludedrepresentativesofeachConservationAuthority,theCountyofElgin,the
shorelinemunicipalitiesandMNRF.
OnceapprovedbyeachindividualCAboardtheSMPwillbepresentedtoElginCountyCouncilfor
adoptionandincorporationinthe/ƚǒƓƷǤƭOfficialPlan.
SUMMARY
TheElginCountySMPcontainseightmainchapters.ChaptersOnetoFouroutlinethebackgroundand
purposeofthestudy,detailthetechnicalanalysis,anddescribetheƩĻŭźƚƓƭshorelinehazardsandthe
overallcoastalmanagementapproach.Chapters5Α8eachpertaintoanindividualCA.Whilethereport
needstobereadinitsentirety,theindividualchapterpertainingtoaCAisinessenceanexecutive
summaryforeachCAandclearlyoutlinesmanagementapproachesuniquetoitsjurisdiction.
TheconsultanttraversedtheElginCountyshorelinefromthewesttotheeastboundaryinJuly2014
visitingatotalof51sitesandwasstruckbytheseverityoftheerosion.
Theplanitselfwasshapedfromthefollowingobjectives:
Maintainnaturalphysicalprocessesalongthecoast
Protectandrestorecoastalhabitat
Focusnewdevelopmentintheportcommunities
Nonegativeimpactfornewdevelopment
StandardizeinterpretationoftheSMP
Regularcommunicationofcoastalhazards
Maintainpublicaccesstothecoastlineinportcommunities
ShorelineerosionisanaturalprocessalongthenorthshoreofLakeErieandisanimportantsourceof
newsandandgravelfortheselittoralsystems.Sedimenterodedfromthebluffsistransportedalongthe
shoreandultimatelyaccumulatesinlargedepositionalfeaturesalongthecoast,suchastheLongPoint
andRondeausandspits.TomaintainnaturalcoastalprocessesalongthenorthshoreofLakeErieand
protectthesesignificantnaturalheritagefeaturesrequiresaholisticregionalscaleapproachtocoastal
management.
TheElginCountySMPrecognizestheinterconnectednatureofthecoastlineandtheneedtomanage
thecoastatlargespatialscales.ThisapproachissimilartotheprincipalsofSectionD2intheElgin
CountyOfficialPlan(2012)forprotectingandrestoringwaterresources,whichrecognizesthat
watershedsaretheappropriatescaleforeffectiveplanningandmanagementofissuesrelatedtowater.
Thestudyarea,asdefinedbythespatialextentoftheElginCountyshoreline,representsapproximately
90kmofLakeEriecoastline.Inordertoquantifycoastalhazardsandestablishsuitablemanagement
objectives,theshorelinewassubdividedintoaseriesofreachesthatfeaturedsimilargeologicand
geomorphicconditions,landusepatterns,andexposuretocoastalhazards.Theprimaryshorelinereach
typesaresummarizedasHighBluff,LargeBeaches,PortLandsandNavigationChannelandResidential
DevelopmentinPortCommunities.Eachreachanditsoverarchingmanagementrecommendationis
describedbelow.
HighBluffs:ManagedRetreat
Baird&Associatesconfirmedthaterosionratesinthestudyareaaresomeofthehighestinthe
GreatLakesRegion,rangingfromalowof0.6m/yrtoahighof4.5m/yr.Toputtheseratesin
contexttheaverageannualrecessionrateonLakeOntariois0.26m/yrandLakeMichiganis0.3
m/yr.
Thepreviousshorelinemanagementplansusedanaverageannualrecessionratetogeneratethe
hazardmapping.However,togeneratethemappingfortheElginCountyShorelineManagement
Plantheannualaveragerateofrecessionwasusedplusonestandarddeviation.Iftheannual
averagerateoferosionisused,theerosionhazardsetbackwouldonlybe50%successfulat
mitigatingfutureerosionoverthe100yearplanninghorizoninElginCounty.Theannualaverage
rateoferosionplusonestandarddeviationis86%successfulatlocatingfuturedevelopment
landwardoftheerodingbluffoverthe100yearplanninghorizon.Thenewmappingwasshown
duringthepublicconsultation.
Lossesduetoerosioninthehighbluffareasarenotlimitedtoagriculturallandbutaffectroad
networks,buildingandutilitylines.Therefore,theSMPrecommendsthatnoadditionalshoreline
protectionstructuresbepermittedalongtheHighBluffcoastlineinElginCounty.Therecommended
approachisͻƒğƓğŭĻķƩĻƷƩĻğƷͼwhichincludesrelocatingstructuresandcriticalinfrastructure,such
asroads,whentheerosionhazardreachesacriticalthreshold,(e.g.withinthe3:1stableslope
setback.)
LargeBeaches:ProtectDuneHabitatandPromotePublicAccess
EachofthefourPortCommunitiesfeaturejettiednavigationstructureswhichprotrudeintothe
lakeatvaryingdistances,trappingsedimentinfilletbeaches.Overtime,bothPortBruceandPort
BurwellProvincialParksweauseofthisprocess.Theseareasshouldbeprotected
reestablishedbec
withongoinginvestmentsinassociatedfacilitiesincludingparkingandmultiusetrails.
NavigationChannels:MaintainFloodConveyanceandSedimentBypassing
Thejettiednavigationalstructuresinthefourportcommunitieswereinitiallyconstructedto
improvenavigationintotherivermouthsandmarinabasinsforcommercialvesselsandlocal
fishingfleets.Maintainingthehydraulicconveyanceinthesenavigationchannelsisrequiredto
mitigatefloodingrisksandicejammingupstream.Beforeextendingtheharbourjettiesinthe
futureitisrecommendedthattechnicalinvestigationsbeundertakentocapturekeyphysical
processessuchaslittoralcell.Recommendationsincludequantifyingratesofsediment
accumulationinthefilletbeachesusinghistoricalandmodernbathymetryandaerialphotography.
PortCommunityDevelopment:HoldtheLine
ElginCountyfeaturesfourprominentportcommunities,includingPortGlasgow,PortStanley,Port
Bruce,andPortBurwellandareallimportanteconomiccomponentsofthelocaleconomies.Given
thehighlongtermerosionrateinElginCounty,someofthewaterfrontdevelopmentinthese
communitiesisprotectedwithengineeringstructures,suchasrockrevetments,steelsheetpile
pedconcreterubble).Theshorelineprotectionistypically
walls,andadhocstructures(e.g.dum
locatedonthedowndrift(eastside)oftheportcommunitiessincethewesternbeachesfeaturea
longtermaccretiontrend.TheSMPrecommendsthatthisexistingshorelineprotectionshouldbe
maintainedtoͻIƚƌķthe\[źƓĻͼandstopanyfurthererosionintheseareasofhighsettlement
density.Further,shoreparallelorlineardevelopmentalongtheerodingbluffcrestshouldbe
discouraged.Wherepossible,communityplanningshouldfocusonmaintainingpublicopenspaces
alongthelakeshoreandconnectingtheexistingandnewresidentialareastothelakewithamulti
usetrailsystem.
BasedontheseverityoftheerosionhazardsinElginCountyandtheresultsofthegeotechnical
engineeringreview,twoadditionalhazardmappinglinesweredevelopedduringthestudy:Zoneof
PendingFailureandZoneofHigherRisk.
BasedonsiteobservationsandthegeotechnicalreviewcompletedfortheSMP,thetablelandslocated
ina10mbufferfromtheexistingtopofbankhavebeenidentifiedasaͻƚƓĻofPendingCğźƌǒƩĻͼ͵
Withinthisnarrowstripoflandalongthetopofbank,itisnotaquestionofͻǞźƌƌͼthelandbelostdueto
estionofͻǞŷĻƓͼ͵WhilethisisanonregulatorylinetheSMPrecommendsthat
erosion,itisjustaqu
landownersbeeducatedonthehazardsassociatedwithanyactivityincloseproximitytotheeroding
bluff.
A3:1stableslopesetbackisincludedonallthehazardmapsgeneratedfortheSMP,withallthe
tablelandswithinthiszoneformingtheZoneofHigherRisk.The3:1stableslopesetbackisalso
presentlyanonregulatorylinewithrespecttotheexistingdevelopment.However,forproposals
eformulatodefinethe
dealingwithnewdevelopmenttheSMPusesthe3:1setbacklineaspartofth
locationsofregulatedlands.
Finally,theSMPidentifiedapolicygapthatconservationauthoritiesandmunicipalitieswillhaveto
considerinthefuture.Inmostcases,buildingsconstructeddecadesago,longbeforepresentregulatory
guidelines,whenthetopofbankwasmuchfurtherlakewardarenowwithintheZoneofHigherRisk.
Ongoingerosionprocesseswillbringthetopofbankwithincloseproximitytotheexistingdevelopment.
TheregulatoryauthorityoftheCApertainstonewdevelopmentonhazardlandsnotexisting
developmentthatbecomesthreatenedduetoerosionandbluffrecessionovertime.Currently,thereis
noregulatoryorpolicyregimetoaddressthisdevelopmentrisk.
TheSMPrecommendsthatlandownerswithinboththeZoneofPendingFailureandZoneofPending
Riskbeeducatedonthehazardsassociatedwithanyactivityincloseproximitytotheerodingbluff,and
furtherthatconservationauthoritiesandmunicipalitiesadvocatewiththeprovincetoprovidefor
solutionstothepolicygapnotedabove.
Shorelinemanagementplanswerefirstdevelopedtwentyfiveyearsagowhenshorelineerosionfirst
becameaconcernalongtheGreatLakes,jeopardizingdevelopmentandmunicipalinfrastructure.Inthe
past,theprovinceacquiredhazardlands,butthisbecametooexpensive.Instead,regulatingagencies
eproblemisthat
turnedtodevelopmentpoliciesthatwoulddirectdevelopmentawayfromhazards.Th
erosioniscatchinguptotheplanninghorizon.Theneverendinglakeerosionisnowreachingstructures
thatweredevelopedwithinasafezonetwentyfiveyearsagoormore.
Thegoalofshorelinemanagementplansisnottostopshorelineerosion.Shorelineerosionis
unstoppable.SMPsaredesignedtohelpregulatorsevaluatefuturedevelopmentpermitsandassess
infrastructureatriskalongtheLakeErieshoreline.
TheElginCountyShorelineManagementreportprovideslandownerswithbestmanagementpractices
tohelpslowshorelineerosionandtoavoidexacerbatingcoastalhazards.Someofthebestmanagement
practicesinclude:
MaintainingtiledrainoutletssotheyķƚƓƷdraindownthebluffface
Avoidingdumpingdebrisonthebluffcrest
Utilizingvegetatedbufferstripsalongthebluffcrest.Thelostrevenuefromcroppingtheland
mightbesmallversusthesavingsinavoidederosion
Locatelightweightmoveablestructures,suchasgazeboslandwardoftheZoneofHigherRisk
NEXTSTEPS
TheElginCountyShorelineManagementPlananditsassociatedrecommendationshavebeenvetted
throughtheSteeringCommitteeandTechnicalAdvisoryCommittees.Theplanhasnowbeenadopted
bytheLowerThamesValleyConservationAuthority,theLongPointConservationAuthorityandthe
CatfishCreekConservationAuthority.ItwillbeconsideredbytheKettleCreekConservationAuthority
BoardofDirectorsatitsNovember18,2015FullAuthoritymeeting.
AtameetingonSeptember29,2015theSMPSteeringCommitteepassedthefollowingmotion:
Movedby:SallyMartyn
Seconded:CliffEvanitski
ThattheTechnicalAdvisoryCommitteeestablishedforthepurposesofthedevelopmentoftheElgin
CountyShorelineManagementPlanremaininplacetocollaborativelyconsiderhowtheƦƌğƓƭ
recommendationsmaybecarriedout.
Carried
ThereismeritincontinuingtheTechnicalAdvisoryCommitteetocollaborativelyaddresssomeofthe
recommendationsincludedintheplanandtocontinuetoworkcooperativelyonshorelineerosion
issues.CABoards,theCountyofElginandtheshorelinemunicipalitieswillbeencouragedtocontinueto
namearepresentativetothisbodysothatdiscussiononhowtoenactmanyoftherecommendationsin
thereportcanbeachieved.
ConsultationPublic
It is the mission of the St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre to encourage and support an ap-
preciation for and support the practice of the visual arts in St. Thomas and Elgin County
through a variety of exhibitions, educational programs and through the preservation of a
permanent collection.
Essential to the success of any organization is the ongoing cooperation of its supporters. The
Art Centre thanks the County of Elgin and the City of St. Thomas, it membership, donors,
grantors and sponsors for their generous support.
The St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre is a highly valued and respected art centre that is a
focal point for the St. Thomas-Elgin community. The Art Centre is dedicated to fostering a
welcoming, enriching and engaging environment of art and creativity, which inspires, chal-
lenges and educates our community.
Attendance (Oct 2014 to Oct 2015) Social Media
Visitors to exhibitions 4970 Twitter 3869
Tours and Community Outreach 2250 Facebook fans 1731
Adult Programming 308 Instagram 230
Children Programs 1072 Website 22134
Special Events and Programs 1665 Pinterest 54
Facility rentals 2560
Total attendance 12825
Our 2015 report records the events of the past year, one of many accomplishments in which
we take great pride, challenges we met, and new programs that have moved us forward in
our mission of engaging people with the visual arts. But this publication isn't just a way to
communicate our numbers and our accomplishments, it's also a roadmap for how we con-
tinually strive to improve and enhance healthy community through arts and culture. Our
hope is that with every year we are inspiring change that will make the Art Centre, our mem-
bers, our volunteers and the communities we serve more engaged with art today, tomorrow
and in the years ahead.
In 2015, we continued our commitment to artists who hail from St. Thomas, Elgin County and
the regional area, with incredible exhibitions from Larry Russell, Jeff Willmore and selections
from our permanent collection. This fall we re-energized our exhibition area with our first an-
nual juried art exhibition, featuring forty local/regional artists and an intersection of art, music
and poetry at the West End Arts Mingle.
The St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre is focused on the future. For the past number of years
we've had a clear plan, and the plan is working. We continue to attract new audiences,
and to build on past success with new programs and exhibitions.
The staff at the Art Centre are professional, dedicated and extremely hard working. They
are committed to the communities in which they live. Year after year, they redefined what
it means to make a difference. They deliver critical services and make an enormous impact
on all the visitors - young and old, and for that we should be all grateful.
In coming months and the new year we invite you to visit the Art Centre to experience our
exhibitions and to participate our programs. We hope that you will learn something new
about art, culture and about your local artists and their role in the world. We are sure that
you will be surprised and impressed by something unexpected, and will go away feeling
proud of your St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre.
The St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre is committed to engaging people in an enhanced ex-
perience with art, through its professional collection, preservation, exhibition and interpreta-
tion. As a public institution, the Art Centre has a responsibility to the art-loving public to con-
tinue its commitment to encouraging and supporting the appreciation for the visual arts in
St. Thomas and Elgin County and to presenting exhibitions that have a wide appeal.
On display at the Art Centre are exhibitions of both historical and contemporary art. These
exhibitions help tell the stories and histories of St. Thomas and Elgin County artists and the
community. Gallery Three features artwork which is held in trust by the art centre. A special
ed his special place in our community and highlighted artwork in the community as estates
loaned work from their private collections to hang on the Art Centre walls.
A few examples of our 2015 temporary exhibitions include recent works by Michael Durham,
the interactive exhibition by Ron Milton and Cultural Properties, which drew work from the
permanent collection and told the story of St. Thomas and Elgin County through works
deemed cultural assets by Heritage Canada.
Our collection is diverse and is accessible to all. We are the hub of artistic and cultural ener-
gy, and an inspiring resource for St. Thomas and Elgin County. Works from the permanent
collection were loaned to shows across the county and regions, including works by local art-
Pri-
This past year we have pursued partnerships with local collectors to produce exhibitions,
and broaden the reach of the projects and exhibitions. Special attention has been paid to
highlighting local and regional artists, through solo projects and group exhibitions highlight-
duced by the Art Centre, and juried by Gerald Pedros.
Larry Russell Mind & Memory Selections from the Permanent Collection
Curator: Laura Woermke Curator: Laura Woermke
Gallery One and Two Gallery Three
January 10 to February 28, 2015 January 10 to February 28, 2015
Michael Durham Home and Away Cultural Property
Curator: Laura Woermke Selections from the Permanent Collection
Curator: Laura Woermke
Gallery One and Two
March 7 to April 18, 2015 Gallery One and Two
August 1 to September 12, 2015
Michael Durham
Selections from the Permanent Collection On Loan Selections from the Sloan Estate
Curator: Laura Woermke Works by Clark McDougall
Gallery Three Curator: Laura Woermke
March 7 to April 18, 2015 Gallery Three
August 1 to December 23, 2015
Ron Milton The Who, The How, The Why
Curator: Laura Woermke In View of the Artist Annual Juried Exhibition
Gallery One, Two and Three Juror: Gerald Pedros
April 25 to June 7, 2015 Gallery One and Two
September 19 to October 24, 2015
Gerald Pedros Taking a Line for a Walk
Gallery One and Two
Jeff Willmore Aerial Selections
June 13 to July 25, 2015
Curator: Laura Woermke
Gallery One and Two
Gerald Pedros Taking a Line for a Walk
November 14 to January 2, 2016
Video Projection Brian Saby
Gallery Three
June 13 to July 25, 2015
works by visual artists with strong ties to St. Thomas and Elgin County, such as Clark McDou-
gall and William St. Thomas Smith, Canadian artists both historical and contemporary as
well as international visual artists that complement the Permanent Collection.
The Art Centre has adopted a rigorous acquisition review process, that formally assesses,
through the Curator/Executive Director and the Acquisitions Committee, whether donations,
bequests or purchases will be accepted. We review and consider how an artwork might fit
into the collection plan, exhibition opportunities, and the condition of the work. The com-
mittee carefully evaluates the long-term requirements of each piece for exhibition and stor-
age. Justification for each work detailing why the addition of that work is important to the
permanent collection.
tions or bequests. Historical works accounted for three of the eight works of the new acquisi-
tions.
List of Works
Farquhar McGilvray Knowles Portrait of Lila Knowles, nd
Patrick Thibert: Linear Compositions with Fire Circles, Sept 2011
James Kemp, Figure in the Doorway, 1959
Tom Hodgson, Portrait of Tom Hodgson, acrylic on canvas, 1972
Talsia Walvius, Atlantic Coast, Acrylic and watercolour on paper
Bernice Vincent, Flat Land #4 Acrylic on board, 2001
Amanda Caldwell, Field VI, Lindocut Print, 2015
Jeff Yurek MPP Office Elgin County Museum
Canadian Southern Railway Station
September 8 to December 24, 2015
Ferguson Dimeo Lawyers
Canadian Southern Railway Station McIntosh Gallery,
University of Western Ontario
City of St. Thomas St. Thomas, Ontario
March 19 to May 9, 2015
Brent Shaw Professional Accountant
300 Southedgeware Road
Elgin Business Resource Centre
This year the St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre has offered a successful array of programs
for people of all ages, inspired by the contemporary and historical permanent collection
and the ongoing exhibition programs. The Educational Coordinator was diligent with the
design and development of the FREE educational programs offered to all students in St.
Thomas and Elgin County, additional programs for educators, consultation and implementa-
tion with outside organizations, and a host of community collaborative projects that support
The school tour program continues to provide a strong foundation for our core on-site pro-
gramming. For many students, the school visit is their first. Our goal is to ignite their curiosity
so they return. Students ranging from age three to their young adult years participate in in-
teractive tours and activities, led by the Education Coordinator Sherri Howard, who en-
courages the development of inquiring, open and curious minds. A special thank you to
Sherri Howard for her dedication, flexibility and commitment to life-long learning.
Since its inception, the Art Centre has placed great importance on art education in our
community. Over the past decade and a half new strategies of incorporating the elemen-
tary school art curriculum into our tours and the corresponding hands-on component have
been received with great enthusiasm by the teachers in St. Thomas and Elgin County. This
enthusiasm has translated into thousands of students visiting the Art Centre each year and
wonderful working relationships with so many of the dedicated teachers in both the TVDSB
and the LDCSB.
Over the last few years the Art Centre has sought to develop new ways of engaging not just
students and teachers but entire families. So that events at the Art Centre are thought of as
fun, active and welcoming experiences for the whole family to enjoy together. With the
added benefit that all of these programs are offered free, in order to be truly inclusive for
our entire community.
sometimes be a barrier to children participating in our public programs and community
events. So when the Art Centre was approached this past summer by Sandra Poczobut
from the Elgin County Libraries we were eager to work together to launch a traveling pro-
gram that would see self-guided, hands-on art activities rotating throughout the county li-
braries. We look forward to building on this partnership and developing new, fresh ideas
based on the positive feed-back received so far.
One of the most meaningful changes that has taken place over the past year is in the area
of adult educational programming. The decision to direct funds, whether they be city and
county funding, sponsorship, or donations, is one the Art Centre gives enormous considera-
tion to, endeavoring to develop programs based on where we think we could affect the
greatest benefit.
heimer Society Elgin St. Thomas, at the Art Centre, was the inspiration for a remarkable new
partnership and adult art program. The film highlighted the tremendous benefit of creating
ate a multigenerational art program entitled, that was launched at
Creating Connections,
the end of 2014. The program engages local high school students, caregivers, and clients
from the Alzheimer Society in weekly art workshops, fellowship and the opportunity to view
current exhibitions at the Art Centre. Two rounds of the program took place in 2015 and
winter and spring sessions are already being organized for 2016.
It is a distinct privilege to have the opportunity to provide these, and all our programs to the
community and to see first hand the positive impact that visual arts education generates in
St. Thomas and Elgin County.
Sherri Howard
Education/Event Coordinator
B
irthday parties at the Art Centre incorporate creativity and fun into the cele-
bration. The Art Centre supplies the ideas, materials, and instructor for the
theme of your choice (we do the clean-up too).
Parents are welcome to supply a cake and other goodies for the party-goers
Cost: $10/child (minimum of 6 children) Length of time: 2 hours
Days: Saturday & Sunday
The Art Centre is excited
to be participating,
again this year, in the
Ontario Early Years
Centre Teddy Bear
Picnic . For more infor-
mation about this event
contact the OEYC at
The St. Thomas Elgin Public Art Centre Gift Shop offers a variety of unique items such as
original paintings, drawings, pottery, jewellery, books and art cards. The Gift Shop showcas-
es local and regional artists to our community. We carry over 30 artist and artisans with dis-
plays that are constantly changing. Visitors will have a unique experience with each vis-
it. Annually we host the Winter Gift Shop Sale where a selection of our artists display their
work in the main gallery. Come visit this unique shopping destination that helps to raise
funds for the St. Thomas Elgin Public Art Centre and provides a space for artists to sell their
one of a kind works of art.
Gift Shop Artists
Joel Berry Julie Berry Ann-Marie Cheung Mandy Carter
Pat Curtis Diane Dobson Alberta Harmsen Kim Hughson
Heather Keating Christine Noble Terry Lanning Reagan Little
Ethel Mitrovic Crystal McMaster Candy McManiman Judy Ross
Alice Plummer Larry Russell Victoria Rich Jan Row
Joseph Sawicki Dorothy Steven Aganetha Sawatzky Scott Shakir
Jennifer Squires Katelyn Tippin Ian Tyson Aidan Urquhart
Mary Louise White Laura Woermke Medlyn Stained Glass
Every January the Art Centre calls for the renewal of membership. Membership offers many
benefits, such as 10% off in in the Gift Shop, invitations to exhibitions openings where future
artists can meet the featured artists and much more.
Agnes Berko Ann-Marie Cheung
Richard & Susan Andrews
Ken & Diane Bocking Jerome & Mary Jane Collins
Eric Atkinson
Elizabeth Bourque Jenny Couse
Clifford Barwick
David & Margaret Brewster Catherine Craig
Agnes Bennett
Janet Brodie Pat & Bob Curtis
Diane Dobson Shirley Shore Joel Keenleyside
Lauree Dunlop Susan Shurish
Nonie Ketchum
Mary Dunn John & Lois Smith
Roman & Margaret Kuchmak
Don Ferguson Sue Fortin-Smith
Donald & Gillian Lawrence
Ray Galloway Tony Stacpoole
Ellen Luft
Lisa Gerrard Jim Bundschuh & Suzanne Steed
Diane Martin
Connie Greger Patrick Thibert
John & Sally Martyn
Robin Grindley Wendy Tippin
William & Jean McKay
Mary Gullis Josepha van den Anker
Paul Prevet & Candy McManiman
Jo-anne Harding Joan Walker
David Morris & Elaine McGregor-
Joseph Hubbard Pat White
Morris
Tom & Colleen Hughes Harry Wilkinson
Dan Reith & Brian Helmer
Chantal Hutchingame Fanny Yeager
Helen Roberts
Dagny Ingolfsrud Jack & Bev Yurek
Marietta Roberts
Paul Jenkins & Sandra Poczobut
John D. Shaw & Catherine Elliot
Contributing
Heather Jackson
Shaw
Fred & Ardythe Anderson
Evelyn & Ray Knight
Rowena Spursrud
Sharon Koyle
Phillip & Janet Ballantyne
Ian & Flora Tripp
John Krygsman
Christine Barrie
Elizabeth Kusinski
Supporting
Suzanne Baehr
Patrick Landsley
Carl & Debra Bagshaw
Betty Burrell Beaudry
Mike & Dana Lindsay
Kathy Collier
Brian & Mary-Ellen Bolt
Brian Masschaele
Colin & Joyce Ferguson
Marguerite Buckland
Melanie McBain
Rod & Margaret Ferguson
Paul & Sue-Ann Collins
Catherine McCoy
Louise Ferriman
Darrell & Joan Dennis
Katherine Medlyn
John & Karen Hueston
George & Lynn Disbrowe
Minerva Art Gallery
Patricia Johnson
Don & Judy Durkee
Rob Mise
Wayne & Maxine Kentner
Robert Farley
Rosemary Nagel & Patrick Har-
Elizabeth Kitts
Jim Barber & Brenda Fuhrman
ding
Sharon Little
Bob Hammersley
Paul & Mara Nicli
Gary & Carolyne McLeod
Bob & Maryanne Heath
Miss Marion Orchard
Sine B. Herold
Sustaining
Margaret Patterson
John Hofhuis
Elgin Contracting & Restoration Ltd.
Steven McLarty Payson
Jean Johnson
Frances E. Tarry
Jan Row
Robert & Jill Jones
Meaghan Shaw
Art Centre Staff
Laura Woermke Executive Director / Curator
Sherri Howard Education and Event Coordinator
Katelyn Tippin Reception / Gift Shop / Volunteer Coordinator
Avalon Budd-Cheung Part Time Reception
Peri Hayes Part Time Reception
Frances Santiago Part Time Reception
Departing
Dang Ho Part Time Reception
Mira Rogosin Lovoie Part Time Receptionist
Shelby Hayward - Summer Art Instructor
Ashley Johnson Part Time Receptionist
Board of Directors
Patricia Johnson - President Tom Hughes - Vice President
Meaghan Vreman -Treasurer Laura Woermke - Recording Secretary
Ardythe Anderson John Hueston
Kathy Collier Kevin Morrell
Deb Bagshaw Katherine Medlyn
Suzanne Baehr Joan Dennis
Mayor Heather Jackson (City rep.) Mayor Greg Currie (County Rep.)
Acquisitions Committee
Patricia Johnson Chair Elaine McGregor Morris
Kevin Morrell Gerald Pedros
Laura Woermke
Finance Committee
Patricia Johnson Tom Hughes Katherine Medlyn
Membership Committee
Tom Hughes Chair Laura Woermke Sherri Howard
Ardythe Anderson Joan Dennis
Human Resource Committee
Patricia Johnson Chair Tom Hughes Meaghan Vreman
Sponsorship Committee
Kathy Collier Chair Katherine Medlyn John Hueston
Laura Woermke
In addition to Board and Committee members the Art Centre has 24 regular volunteers who
donated a total of 492.25 hours
Events: Dang Ho Erika Harris Chris Golding
Flyer Distribution: Richard Anderson
Reception: Ruth Wallace Elizabeth Bourque Suzanne Behr
Education: Bailey Asher Marley Leslie Makenzie Verbruggen
Blaire Mackenzie Leah Fellows Kennedy Pressey
Carrie McAnaulty Lindsay Lee Christine Black Daisy Pare
Avalon Cheung Budd Alanna Vreman Noah Butler Carrie Dam
Jenna Taylor Aaliyay Paul Aya Chirry
Donors and Event Sponsors
Inspire a Student 2015
Talbot Trail Optimist Kinsmen Club of St. Thomas Dr. Wood & Mrs. Wood
Centennial Sports Club Carolyn McLeod Williams Funeral Home
Lions Club of St. Thomas Elgin Contracting and Restoration LTD.
Annual Giving
Jerry and Mary Jane Collins Ray Galloway Dr. John Hofhuis
Wendy Tippin Marietta Roberts Eric Atkinson
Rod and Margaret Ferguson Dr. and Mrs. Wood Suzanne Baehr
Liz Kitts Gerald Pedros Christine Barrie
Greg Currie
Agnes Bennett Helen Roberts Sharon Little
Ardythe Anderson Margaret Patterson Elizabeth Raven
Agnes Berko Liz Kitts Joyce Hughson
Margurite Buckland Betty Jones Jennie Carswell
Fay Vandenburg Eleanor Ryder Nancy Johnson
Marion Hummel Shirley Shore Evelyn Knight
Mary Louise White Louise Ferriman
Redtail Silent Auction and Cocktail Party
Hollis Weath Doug Tarry Homes LTD. Locke Insurance
Aylmer Express Shawn Jackson Funeral Home Minerva Art Gallery
Railway City Tourism GCW Custom Kitchens myFM 94.1
Talbot Trail Physiotheraphy Masco Canada Graham Scott Enns
Dowlar-Karn Cedarhurst Salon PJ Smith & Associates
Annual Art Auction Sponsors and Artists
Paul J. Collins Medicine Corp. myFM 94.1 Simply Pure Water
Locke Insurance Railway City Tourism Baker Autobody
Ferguson DiMeo Lawyers Beamish Landscape McBain Signs
Theilsen Gallery Rev with Nev Fitness Definition
Friends of the Art Centre
Sharon Little Agnes Berko Agnes Bennett
Ardythe Anderson Margaret Ferguson Helen Roberts
Joyce Hughson Liz Kitts Louise Ferriman
Margaret Patterson Noad Chiropractic
Artists
Chris Cherry Chris Golding Ron Milton Al McGrath
Laura Woermke Ron Kingswood John McGregor Eric Atkinson
Ann- Marie Cheung Kim Hughson Ethel Mitrovic Francis Caprani
Evelyn Knight Paul Schleusner Jan Row Mary Louise White
Pat Fairhead Elizabeth Lamb Patricia Johnson Will Herold
Mary Intven Wallace Betty Burrell Michael Durham Katelyn Tippin
Diane Dobson Elizabeth Kunsinski Lisa Gerard Gerald Pedros
Thielsen Gallery Candy McManiman
The St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre has received a very generous bequest from the es-
tate of longtime and founding member Barbara Anne Bridge, possibly the largest single gift
and a very positive signal.
was married to the late Ernie Bridge, died 2012.
and offer many exciting new public programs in the future. The bequest will help chart a
path for growth, offer steps towards stability and puts us into a position where we can look
toward the future.
By all accounts, Anne Bridge was fiercely committed to the Art Centre. She was a member
of its board in various capacities from 1969 until her death. Anne Bridge was also a longtime
the Art Centre.
She should be praised for her commitment to the Art Centre and made her gift with a full
its leading role in arts and culture in St. Thomas and Elgin County.
For this we thank Barbara Anne Bridge.
Municipal Freedom of Information and
Protection of Privacy Act
St. Thomas Times-Journal
Scott Studio Collection
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ADDENDUM
FOR TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2015 9:00 A.M.
DELEGATION:
1. 9:40 a.m. following Dominique Giguere - Ron Allensen, Resident, Elgin
County Shoreline Management Plan concerns. (attached)
2. Additional Report from Director of Homes and Seniors Services titled Homes Employee
Extended Leaves and Vacancy. (attached)
1
Warden, Elgin County Councillors, thank you very much for allowing me to
Elgin County
Lakeshore Management Plan.
Greetingcitizens ofElgin. I bring you tidings of great joy! For unto you has
comea New Lakeshore Management plan.Unfortunately, there are no angels
nor trumpets, but NO DEVILS either. It is not aMessiahdocument thatwe
have been craving, but it is,however,quite wonderful: full of lots of
information and great intellectual assets, especially to someone like me who
truly loves our great Lake Erie.
I believe this document isan important step towarda comprehensive
lakeshore plan. However, I do notbelieve it isa thorough or comprehensive
planning document that should be adopted with respect toElgins Lakeshore
management.I ask thatCouncil, after hearing my arguments, elect to receive
the document as information only, and I urge them to not adopt it as an
official planning policy.
Itsscience is based on fact that attempts to explain to alayman thisincredibly
complexdynamic,with an even more complex number of variables that
apply or donotapply tovarious stages along Lake Eries shoreline.
One of my greatest concernsif this plan were to be adopted is the blatant
neglect to accommodate thoughtful input from concerned citizens,
stakeholders and landowners. How are we to come to a superior
understandingand,hopefully, some consensuson how to move forward?
The whole process seems tainted with expediency,and benton trying to
prevent liabilityand lawsuits, which is where we are all headedif the process
doesnthe underlying tenure of an adversarialposturethat
seems to be taken upby some involved. We are not your adversaries, somake
us your allies. Let usnot deteriorate into a lawsuit and counter-lawsuit
scenariothat would be sounnecessary and such a waste of money that could,
instead, be used toward more partial solutions to our human problem.I said
2
partial solutions to our problem, and will comment more on this shortly.
TheElgin County Lakeshore Management Plantook over a year to prepare,
yetstakeholders were given little time to learn of its pending adoption or to
respond with thoughtful suggestions. Why dont we agree right here to give
any other stakeholders a year to write up counter proposals? A peer review,as
it were. Unlike the Conservation Authorities,we will invite input and
discussion at the end of the year.
Iam asking everyone to notbeintimidated by knowledge, but embrace it and
diverse opinions. let yourself be bullied by misplaced authority, or
people who wont listen and are compelled to speak.To use a favourite quote
of mine:Do not underestimate the transformative power of a few dedicated
individuals, to illicit and bring about change.In fact,they are often the only
This county is rich with talent, intelligence, creativity, imagination and
expertise. Lets engage some of this talent and bring young people, teachers
and anyone with an interestonboard. I believe the long-term health and
vibrancy of our lakeshore is key to our prosperous future.
THIS IS TOO IMPORTANT TO NOT GET IT RIGHT.
Before I get into discussing a few points, I would like to thank all those
involved in producing theElgin County Lakeshore Management Plan.
This includes the Steering Committee, The Technical Advisory Committee
and even the much-maligned yet appreciated Baird and Associates.I
especially want to thank Elizabeth for her workand dedication to this process
and the often difficult job of presenting it.She has had to deal with angry and
upset people, but has done a great job inpresenting a consistent information
package to the Conservation Authorityboards,and willshortly bepresenting
itto this Council. Please don't shoot the messenger. Listen carefully to her
presentation:it will be a permutation on my presentation, or should I say
mine will be a permutation on hers, but with different conclusions.
Theplan tells us thaerosion cannot be stopped.It is a natural processthat
3
will continue on into the future.I think we are all aware of that. I believe we
are all asking for some measures that will slow down the present rates of
erosion to a rate that can be lived with.
I believe the historical estimates of the sink of sand and gravel beds within
the lake are way underestimatedand areextremely hard to calculate,except
bytheconstant monitoring of littoral sediment volumes, as well as changing
lake depthsin the near-shore environment.Nowhere did this study lookat
existing or historical near-shore water depth. For this reason,I would
advocate the exploration of whether or not there exist any cost-effective
technologies that could be installed as permanent monitoring equipment at
important data sites, such as the updrift and downdrift of our dynamic
beaches.
I have a problem with therepetition of some information that has often been
presented as fact:supposed facts that we were saddled withfrom as farback
asthe70's and 80's with respect tothe Long Point Sand Spit. For example, I
take issue with the phraseultimate depositionn the Long Point Sand Spit.
Deposition of sand is by its very nature a very dynamic process. And there is
ultimate depositionich impliesthat once we getthe sand to the
sacred cow of Long Point,it somehow magically becomes glued to the sand
spit.This is a misconception: sand and water are always dynamic. They are
intimately tied together as an eternal couple, like fire is tied to the continued
existence of prairie.
Notethat the Long Point Sand Spit projects20 miles out into the lake after
10,000years of erosion. Huge waves are not that forgiving on a pile of sand.
Long Point is there simply because it is underlain by bedrock. Fact: without
the bedrock,Long Point could not have withstoodthe incredible winds and
wavesit has over the years. And yes,the longitudinal dunes are,in places,30
feet or more in height and contain countless tons of sand deposited over
thousandsof years.
Most of us realize the incredible importance of this sandspit in terms of the
ecology of Lake Erie and its species. Its importanceas such has been
acknowledged through its acknowledgement asa world Biosphere reserve
4
and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, whilethe adjacent Turkey Point marsh
complex produces a huge number of the fish found in the eastern end of the
lake.
Thereare still supporters of a proposal to punch holes in the long rock groin
that extends out into the lake,guarding the western edge of the Port Burwell
harbournavigational channel. This groin was built to accommodate and
protect the harbour for the coal-car-carrying freighterthe Ashtabulafor its
maiden voyage in 1906. Its constructiondramatically changedthe
depositional dynamic at PortBurwell, and there areoften-quoted figuresof
the huge numbersof metric tons of sand this groin blocked from proceeding
east to Long Point.
Agreat deal of sand has formed to the west of the rock groin and that sand is
the basis of perhaps the nicest beach on the north shore, which now also
servesas a major stopping point for migratory birds, including thousands of
common Terns,rare Little Gulls, endangered Piping Plovers,gorgeous
American Avocets, and a host ofothersthatwould notstop here without it.
Pt. Burwell Provincial Park has recorded over 230 species of birds, rare
butterflies, nesting endangered snakes, turtles and countless other
invertebrates, most of which would not be therehad thisbeachnot been
created.
I believethe dynamic of this beach changeddramatically some 20 years ago
and continues to evolve and change.But,this beach has now become a
dynamic stable beach where storms take out big swaths of sand and storms
bring them back. Thousands if not millions of yards of sand go around the tip
of that groin every year. Come to Port Burwell and watch the wave action
and witness the lake as it turns from blue to a big chocolateylatte for days
after a major storm. You cannot stop sand for long:you just borrow it
temporarily.
With overa hundredyears of working with the lake and Mother Natures
forces, we have several fixed dynamic beaches, which as our study author
t-heseare in addition to Long
Point,which we have had for thousands of years and I might add we still
5
have to present day, despite predictions that it was threatened with imminent
extinction).
dynamic beachinward and
outward flow of sand, primarily inward from the west and outward to the east
in our section of the lake. There is a constant net deposition of sand that will
always proceed toward the Long Point Sand Spit, even if temporarily stopped
or interrupted by a blockage of littoral drift. A big storm that blows from the
east or southeast, or a cliff collapsethese types ofblockages happen
naturally over time by slump or slides,or major collapses of the cliff face
from high bluffs, even to a lesser extent by a large dead tree lying stranded on
the shoreline, particularly if it is stuck at a perpendicular angle to the
shoreline drift.It doesnt take an engineer to notice this effect.
If there is an extremely large cave-in, this debris material can significantly
alterand block shoreline drift for many months or sometimes years. As a net
effect in terms of the total sediment load in the lake, it really has little.
In just over 100 years of manvention in natural shoreline deposition
processes,we have seen a net gain of three or four stable beaches and
shoreline communities. Wehave tens of thousands of visitorsevery year in
the wildlife category, not to mention international tourist and localdevotees
to our beaches. . . and we still have Long Point healthy and thriving as
ever.
I want to addressanother very important point in this dynamic. There are
long-term studies that indicatethe volume of sand suspended in the water
coming down Big Otter Creekand emptying into Lake Erie every day is
something in the neighbourhood of hundreds of metric tons = truck loads and
truckloads of sand.Would anyone in this room like to provide us withthat
exact figure? If LPRCA will share that figure with me, it will be included as
part of this presentation. If not, perhaps it is available under the Freedom of
Information Act.
My friends at LPRCA, and they really are that, areconstantly trying to
reduce the sediment load in Big Otter Creek byplanting buffer strips at field
6
engaging in other worthwhile and important conservation activities that help
reduceand/orslow down erosion.
I want to challenge all of our Conservation Authorities to pick their favourite
lakeshore outflow within their mandate boundaries and work with
landowners and stakeholders to design a plan to permanently stabilize the
outflow where it meets the valley, and enhance the fish habitat and restore
some biodiversity. For example, I am talking about Talbot Creek, Silver
Creek, Salters Gully, South Otter Creek, and HemlockCreek outflows, etc.
Asa concerned naturalist,and a founding member and past President of Otter
Valley Naturalists, I haveserved on a large committee of stakeholderswhose
task it was to document and produce a Conservation Action plan for Elgin
County.The group was sponsored by Ontario Nature and the Thames Talbot
Land Trust. A number of people in this room also served on that committee
and I thank them for their contribution to our county. We served as a group
thatincluded farm organizations, Conservation Authorities, nature clubs,
concerned farmers and other stakeholders.It soon became obvious that the
relatively narrow strip of lakeshore lands and the treed gullies and watersheds
within themcontained a huge percentage of rare or endangered species, and
that these lands were vitally important to the cohesive management of our
ecosystem healthand,by extension, our own healthand quality of life.
Since that study was completed,little has been done by Conservation
Authoritiesto preserve or enhance that diversityat the lakeshore itself.They
have been doing great work inland, but we all need to up our game.The
recent,wonderful exception to this lack of action on the lakeshore has been
The Thames Talbot Land Trusts, Hawk Woods Campaign, which isin the
process of acquiring the historical and important Hawk Cliff areaand the
adjoining woods and lakeshore.They will work to restore and enhance its
biodiversityand preserve what is already there. They are leading by example.
ncident that happened several years ago at the mouth of
Hemlock Creek where it enters Lake Erie. This was a magnificent natural
site, with high treed cliffs and some 200-year-old plus trees and a gravelly
7
outflow intoanarrow but relatively stable year-round beach. The most
wonderful part of this site was a large patch of deep blue-fringed Gentians
thatbloomed in late summer and early fall. At this time of year,there were
also large clumps of White Lady's Tresses Orchids, Grass of Parnassus, and
other fall delights. You could approach the outflow along a well-vegetated
farmerthat led to a patch of short,thickly growing gnarled
Willows that guarded and held the slope toe at the outflowwith several feet
of thickly tangled roots.You stepped down two or sometimes threefeet to the
sand beach.Due to a very unfortunate incidentinvolving ablocked drain
upstream thatwas not cleared of spring debris, a wall of water 10-to 12-feet
high built up in the creek valley and eventually burst, washingout the road
andscouringthe valley walls, taking with it all that amazing vegetation I just
described.These species had undoubtedly takena long time to come to
inhabitthat spot in which they had flourished.So should we standby and
weep? Or shrug Oh well, gone now, nothing more to
be done.No,definitely not.
We will set about creating restoration plans, and a better drainand due
diligence to monitor it in spring;assign more concerned guardians, residents
near the site,and create action plans. These spots belong to all of us, and are
at once our legacy and responsibility to preserve and enhance.Let mebe the
first to volunteer to work at the mouthof Hemlock Creek on a restoration
plan.
I think it is high time for a study by Conservation Authoritiesto scout
potential lakeshore outflows for the creation of some new conservation areas
that provide increasedpublic access to the lakeshore instead of just talking
aboutit. I say this not in an accusatory fashion,but in aspirit of cooperation
andfirthe enhancement of habitat and bio diversity.
Finally, no discussion about Lake Erie erosion would be complete or fair
without giving mention of and full credit to Mr. Frank Lennard of Port
Stanley. Frank is a true Titan on this issue; he probably has a copy of every
article, news item, letter to the editor, and most, if not all, of the engineering
studies done over a 20-to 30-year period.
8
I have the ultimate respect and admiration for this man. He has been a tireless
worker with respect to solving the complex erosion problem with hands-on,
practical, low-cost, low-tech solutions that simply and elegantly work with
the forces of nature to stabilize and maximize accretion, and allow the
shoreline drift to continue unabated. Frank not only talks the talk, he really
walks the walk.
Frank has taken every slump and slide in stride, and bounced back to
continue on. It is truly amazing what he has done at his property above the
cliff in Port Stanley. Not only has he done this for himself, there was a time
in the past when he lobbied virtually every politician and person with any
authority on the issue to implement an action plan and get to work!
He has been, I am sure, an almost intolerable thorn in the side of many, many
county officials. Everyone from Clayton Waters, Joe Preston, Steve Peters,
Karen Vecchio and countless County Wardens, alder persons and others.
Why not
makes so much sense.
For all his tireless work and especially for his encouragement, I thank him
from the bottom of my heart as one Lake Erie lover to another. We all stand
on the shoulders of those who went before us.
So, to close, I would like to quote Robert Kennedy, former U.S. Attorney
"Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve
General, who said,
greatly."
or white, win or lose. We are not adversaries, but allies.
to great things.
Thank you for your time.
9
REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL
FROM: Rhonda Duffy, Director of Homes and Seniors Services
DATE: November 19, 2015
SUBJECT: Homes-Employee Extended Leaves and Vacancy
INTRODUCTION:
Most recently, the Homes have been faced with several short staff situations which
have impacted all three Homes. There are three situations due to one vacancy and two
extended leaves.
DISCUSSION:
Two employees are on leave, one with an unknown return to work date and the second
returning by January 2016. The first employee on leave has no known return date at
this time. The position is the full-time Manager of Resident Care for Elgin Manor. At
present the Administrator for Bobier Villa and Elgin Manor, who is also an RN, is filling
in for this role and in effect performing three senior roles: Administration for Bobier
Villa, Administrator for Elgin Manor and Manager of Resident Care for Elgin Manor.
This is not sustainable. The Administrator will continue to perform two roles at Elgin
Manor and the Director of Homes and Seniors Services will assist in overseeing Bobier
Villa in the interim. In the event the absence is for an extended period of time, a
temporary full time vacancy will be posted.
The second temporarily vacant position, an Administration Clerk at Bobier Villa, will be
backfilled utilizing an existing clerk within the Homes and County. There will be an
incremental cost of 1-2 days per week to cover the employee's absence.
As the Director of Homes and Seniors Services is assisting at Bobier Villa, the Manager
of Support Services at Terrace Lodge will be given increased responsibilities two days
per week and a special purpose rate. A Diet Technician role has been developed to
provide additional support to the Food Service Department at Terrace Lodge.
The following provides an estimate of additional bi-weekly costs to the Homes for 2015:
Estimated Incremental Costs Across Incremental Bi-Weekly Bi-Weekly
Cost/rate/hour Hours Cost
Manager of Support Services TL $ 1.67 70.0 $117
Diet Technician TL 27.43 28.0 768
Administrative Clerk BV 24.88 28.0 697
Total Bi-Weekly Cost $1,582
10
CONCLUSION:
The three County Homes are experiencing unforeseen staffing shortages requiring
additional measures in order to maintain operations. Utilising existing staff will eliminate
unnecessary training and recruitment costs that would be incurred to obtain coverage
on a short-term basis and help to ensure departmental operations are sustained at the
highest possible level. The status of the duration of the Manager of Resident Care for
Elgin Manor's leave may be better known by January 2016. If the leave extends beyond
the end of January 2016, staff will bring further alternatives for coverage for this position
to Council. The current added costs will be contained within the 2015 budget.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
THAT the special purpose rate be used to compensate the employee identified in the
Homes Employee Extended Leaves and Vacancy19,
2015; and,
THAT Council approve the additional staffing costs as identified above to be contained
All of which is Respectfully Submitted Approved for Submission
Rhonda Duffy Mark G. McDonald
Director of Homes and Seniors Services Chief Administrative Officer
11
CLOSED MEETING AGENDA
November 24, 2015
Staff Reports:
1) Director of Engineering Services Municipal Act, Section 240.2 (a) the security
of the property of the municipality or local board Graham, Scott, Enns Lease
2) Director of Engineering Services Municipal Act, Section 240.2 (a) the security
of the property of the municipality or local board Clinical Associates Lease
3) Director of Engineering Services Municipal Act, Section 240.2 (a) the security
of the property of the municipality or local board Municipality of Central Elgin
Short Term Lease
Annual Performance Evaluation