Manor board contracts out management to Jarlette

Nursing hours restored

by Tom Sasvari

LITTLE CURRENT-There will be little or no reduction in staff hours at the Manitoulin Centennial Manor, as had been anticipated previously due to financial constraints.

Leslie Fields, chair of the Manor board, told the Recorder on Monday, "Jarlette Health Services has been hired on an interim six-month contract basis with the Manor today. Letters are going out to resident families and staff on this."

"Jarlette will be coming in a management capacity for the next six months to fill the void being left, as Ginette Lapointe (administrator of the Manor) is retiring as of the middle of June," said Ms. Fields. 

"We are looking forward to working with Jarlette for another six months," said Ms. Fields. The company had already been providing consulting services at the facility for the past year and a half.

Despite information provided previously that Manor staff, including nurses, would have their hours reduced due to ongoing financial constraints, Ms. Fields explained, "there may be little or no reduction in staffing hours, probably four-hour reductions at the most. We feel it is best for the residents that there be no reduction in staff hours at this time."

Ms. Fields pointed out the Manor board will be meeting with representatives of the Ministry of Health (MOH) on Thursday of this week.

Satellite imaging of Island municipalities

to help MNR studies, Official Plan update

by Alicia McCutcheon

MANITOULIN-Funding of $30,000 has been given to Island municipalities in conjunction with the Manitoulin Planning Board (MPB) and the Ministry of Natural Resources to carry out a satellite mapping inventory of all land on Manitoulin by the Northern Communities Investment Readiness initiative.

The municipalities involved in the partnership are: Gordon and Allan West, Tehkummah, Billings and Allan East, Burpee Mills, Central Manitoulin, Assiginack and Gore Bay.

Elva Carter, secretary/treasurer of the MPB explained that this one-time imagery will be mainly used by the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) in their studies of waterways, but by pitching in with the cost and partnering with the MNR, all the municipalities, as well as the planning board, will be able to use the satellite images when they consider the rezoning of lands for commercial and industrial development.

"It will be of benefit to update our official plans," Ms. Carter said.

She said there were some concerns over privacy infringement but she would like people to know that the pictures will show and identify roads and perhaps cars, but definitely not people.

Currently, the MPB is using outdated aerial shots of Manitoulin from 1973. These new images will help the board and municipalities identify "good shoreline" from "bad," show when a bush road goes onto another person's property, or if there's a wetland where someone would like to develop the land, for example.

Island's Help Centre in need of a new home

by Jim Moodie

MINDEMOYA-The Help Centre in Mindemoya, which has provided food, clothing and household items to struggling families since 1985, now needs a bit of help in order to make its operation more efficient, safe and accessible.

"We're looking at creating a new building to replace the current one, which is just a couple of portables," said Lori Clark, assistant to the executive director of Manitoulin Family Resources, which operates the food bank and clothing depot.

Help Centre staff will be kicking off their fundraising campaign for a new structure this Saturday, May 9, with a gently used clothing sale from 9 am to 2 pm at the centre, which is adjacent to the Haven House women's shelter.

Ms. Clark noted that the centre "is not typically open on Saturdays, but we want to catch some of the yard sale crowd." She added that many people aren't aware that the centre has a wide selection of clothing, housewares and toys that can be purchased by the general public; many assume it only provides food, or that the additional items are for clients only.

By selling such items this weekend, the organization hopes to both raise funds for the building project and "increase the profile of the food bank," said Ms. Clark.

The centre plays a crucial role in the community by helping those in need, particularly at Christmastime, when it distributes more than 300 food hampers to Island families. But it also provides relief year-round by offering affordable clothing and household items to those of limited means.

Bargain hunters are welcome to browse the depot's wares, too, with any proceeds reaped from sale of used clothing or goods going "to fund the food bank," Ms. Clark noted.

The problem with the present facility is that it is too cramped to accommodate the amount of goods needed to help Island families, while its layout acts as a barrier to clients, volunteers or shoppers with accessibility issues. As well, the tight quarters make both privacy and the safe storage of food more difficult.

The help centre relies on the generosity of the community, as it receives no core funding for its operation. So Islanders are encouraged to chip in, either by attending the clothing sale this Saturday or direct contributions to the building campaign.

Many_Islanders cheering for Randy Carlyle's Ducks

by Jim Moodie

MANITOULIN-The Ottawa Senators may be Canada's team, but it seems most folks in Rockville-not to mention a good number in Mindemoya, Providence Bay, and a few other Island communities-are shamelessly backing the quack attack from California.

That's largely because both the head coach of the Anaheim Ducks, Randy Carlyle, and his assistant bench boss, Dave Farrish, have seasonal homes in the tiny Island community of Rockville. And the Ontario-based pair (Carlyle hails from nearby Azilda; Farrish from not-so-far-away Wingham) are well liked among most Islanders who have made their acquaintance.

Plus there's this dizzying prospect: should the Ducks prevail, as seems a distinct possibility as of press time, word has it that the Stanley Cup, hockey's hallowed chalice, might just be making a stop on Manitoulin before the summer is over.

And how often does that happen?

It came close to happening in 1996, when Chris Simon was a member of the victorious Colorado Avalanche squad, but the rugged Ojibwe forward decided to lug the massive mug around the environs of Wawa, his home community, rather than bring it to Wiky, where he has family.

More recently, in June of 2005, the coveted goblet made a memorable appearance in the Whitefish River First Nation. But it wasn't brought there by a member of a winning squad, as 2005/2006 was the lockout year when nobody won the cup; instead, it stopped by as part of a goodwill tour, honouring the Little NHL, among other grassroots hockey traditions.

This time, based on the ferocious play of the billed boys from Orange County and the uncannily conjoined cottaging preferences of their coaches, it looks like Manitoulin really does stand a chance of hosting the storied trophy.

While Ducks fans on Manitoulin are loathe to jinx the team by firmly predicting the cup's arrival in these parts, many can't help but imagine the scenario, if not outright salivate over the possibility.

Asked to explain his unpatriotic preference for the Anaheim squad, Providence Bay restaurateur Greg Niven put it this way: "I don't know the coach of Ottawa, but I'm pretty sure he won't be bringing the cup to Manitoulin."

Mr. Niven has gotten to know Ducks' coach Carlyle fairly well over the past few years, as the onetime Sudbury Wolves standout and Norris-trophy-winning NHLer makes frequent appearances in his Schoolhouse Restaurant.

The big-league bench boss prefers to keep a low profile when he's on Manitoulin, which Mr. Niven respects, but all bets could be off should Carlyle actually tote the cup into Prov this year, as he has hinted he might do in the event of an Anaheim victory.

"He told me that if he ever wins the cup, he's going to bring it into the restaurant along with 30 friends and party it up," said Mr. Niven. "I'm not holding him to that, but if it happens, it would be great. He'll be saying, 'how come all your dishwashers are men in their 40s?'" he laughingly predicts.

Mr. Niven has been rooting for the Ducks since the playoffs began, as has son Michael, a Panther peewee who happens to be the proud owner of an Anaheim jersey signed by Coach C. himself. Wife Heather feels a bit guilty that nobody in the family is backing a Canadian team, but admits that she's cheering for Anaheim as well.

The Nivens have even been so bold as to scrawl pro-Ducks messages on the window of their Lake Huron Fish and Chips business, including the rather blunt taunt, "Bye bye Senators." At risk of "getting egged" by Senators fans, Mr. Niven said he's been trying out a few other phrases to trash the nation's great hope. "Senators are only in it for the pension?" he muses.

Over in mighty Rockville (pop. 42, counting horses and loons), where the two Ducks drill masters like to dwell in the summer months (and winter too: Carlyle has been known to spend the odd Christmas on Manitoulin), neighbours Carol and Ron Sheppard are also helplessly cheering on the California crew.

"I couldn't live in Rockville if I didn't," said Ms. Sheppard with a laugh.

The Sheppards have known Carlyle for two decades, ever since the Azilda native established his seasonal home near their permanent one, and their sons have grown up with the Carlyle boys, one of whom, Craig-a fine hockey player in his own right, now playing for a US college team-has worked for Sheppard Brothers Construction for a half dozen years. Assistant bench boss Farrish is a relative newcomer to the Rockville scene, having just acquired his seasonal home a couple of years ago, but he's been quickly adopted by Rockvillians as well.

"It's quite a thing for Manitoulin," said Ms. Sheppard. "If this does go through and they win, we're certainly going to put a banner across the road."

Following the series from a bit farther away, but with equal pro-Ducks anticipation, is John Knepper, a Rockville cottager who is temporarily trapped in his Ohio home. He'd rather be on Manitoulin, and pledges to get back here soon.

"I think that cup is made to turn off Highway 17 and come down Highway 6," he said. "And I figure I'm going to be drinking martinis out of it."

Mr. Knepper, a Pennsylvania native, recalls watching Carlyle when he played for the Pittsburgh Penguins, but became friends with the former NHLer later when the two crossed paths in Rockville. He's gotten to know Farrish quite well now too, and has been corresponding with both coaches via email.

"I don't say anything in my emails to jinx them," he stressed. "But I know that Randy wants very much to take that cup to Sudbury, and he says he would also love to take over the Schoolhouse and put the cup on the piano in there. It's pretty amazing to have two coaches with places here in the final."

Apart from counting Carlyle as a friend, Mr. Knepper is also, more objectively, simply amazed by his accomplishments. "He was a hell of a player, who won a Norris trophy (for best defenceman in the NHL), and how many coaches get to the Stanley Cup final in just their second year at that level?" he asks.

But despite his rapid ascendancy as an NHL coach, in person Carlyle remains "quite shy, and very careful with his friendships; he's not really a public person at all," said the cottager.

Mr. Knepper has been glued to his TV screen as the final proceeds, hoping his pal's squad will triumph. "I'm rooting real hard for them," he said.

So has been Ben Wilson of Wilson's Corner Store in Mindemoya. "I've known (Carlyle) for years," he said. "He's a hometown boy from Azilda. I haven't missed a game."

The merchant noted that some Mindemoyans had been cheering for Detroit in the Western Conference final, while others had been pulling for New Jersey in the East, but he's been a steadfast Ducks supporter from day one, and all because of Carlyle. "I remember when he played for the Wolves, and then Toronto. You see him every summer. So I just wish him the best to win it."

Kevin 'Jake' Mackan, the voluble furniture salesman/award-winning actor/sports commentator from The Hub, is also in the corner of Anaheim, partly because he admires Carlyle but also because he simply feels the Ducks are the better squad.

"They're nittier, grittier and tougher," he said of the Ducks. "Randy Carlyle is a no-mess-around coach, and the bottom line is, Anaheim has 18 Canadians. Ottawa isn't tough enough yet."

Mr. Mackan said he prognosticated an Anaheim-Ottawa final when he spoke on Elliot Lake's Moose FM radio station before the season even started, "and I predicted the Ducks would win in six or less." Don Cherry also predicted a Ducks-Sens final, but has so far been declining, from his pulpit on Hockey Night in Canada, to say which squad he thinks will prevail.

For Mr. Mackan, it's not a case of being pro-Canadian or anti-Canadian. He'd be pleased to see Ottawa triumph, if the team could just prove it has the mettle to do so. But his feeling is that it's Anaheim's year, as the Ducks are simply stronger, especially on defence.

"I told Randy in the summer when he got (Chris) Pronger, please just give me $100,000 and I'll coach your defence." Between the towering Pronger and the smooth-skating Scott Neidermayer, arguably the two best rearguards in the league, "you just have to open the gates and say, 'when you're tired, come off,'" quipped Mr. Mackan.

But there are other strong blueliners on the Ducks, as one might expect, given the coach was a pretty solid defenceman in his own day. And all eight of Anaheim's defenders are Canadian. So is the goalie. So are most of the forwards.

So even if you don't live in Rockville, or have regular interactions with the coaching staff of Anaheim, perhaps you shouldn't feel all that guilty for cheering on the Canuck-laden Ducks.

EDITORIAL

History of Ipperwash affair shows tragedy was avoidable

Courtesy of the CBC, we have below the time frame of events that led to Mr. Justice Sidney Linden's recommendations last week in his report on the shooting death of Dudley George in 1995 during an occupation of Ipperwash Provincial Park.

It makes interesting reading because there are several clear points along the way where the park's occupation and the ensuing death of Mr. George could have been prevented, most notably in the period just after the Second World War when the federal government chose not to return the disputed land to the Stony Point people.

The occupation of the park was merely a tragic byproduct of the whole sorry affair: the park, a popular spot along the Lake Huron shoreline south of Grand Bend, was originally not in dispute but it's occupation drew attention to the Kettle and Stony Point people's desire to have nearby Camp Ipperwash returned to them.

Now (since 1998) it has been. But at what a cost. And Justice Linden has recommended that Ipperwash Provincial Park should also be returned to the band. Federal Indian and Northern Affairs Minister Jim Prentice immediately agreed that this should and would be done.

There are protests and there are protests. The recent blockade of a rail line near Deseronto by Mohawk protestors is a step over the line of what's acceptable and, in fact, it's impossible to condone civil disobedience that knowingly puts anyone's life or health at risk, on either side of the dispute.

But in the case of the Ipperwash situation, common sense should have prevailed 60 years ago and the late Dudley George, as well as the late OPP officer Kenneth Deane, paid the price for government arrogance.

The Ipperwash situation has been a comedy of errors from at least 1945 and we hope that policy- and decision-makers will review the facts of the past 70 years and determine that bureaucratic inaction and stubbornness will never again be allowed to stand in the way of common sense, certainly in the case of Aboriginal land claims where the government itself has created the situation in the first place.

And it's a guarantee that, if there is one situation like the Camp Ipperwash land claim in this country, there are bound to be several others.

1936: The province of Ontario creates Ipperwash Provincial Park.

1942: The federal government expropriates land near the shores of Lake Huron in southwestern Ontario that had been claimed by the Kettle and Stony Point First Nations and build a military base, Camp Ipperwash. Ottawa pays the bands $50,000 to use the land.

1945: The federal government refuses to return the land after the war ends.

1981: The federal government pays out an additional $2.5 million for use of the land and promises to return it when the government no longer needs it for military purposes.

1993: Dozens of members of the Kettle and Stony Point First Nations and their supporters march into the abandoned Camp Ipperwash, put up tents, build shacks and set up trailers. They say they're occupying the camp because they have become frustrated trying to negotiate with the government for the return of the land.

Sept. 4, 1995: Dudley George and about 30 others move the protest into the adjacent Ipperwash Provincial Park, occupying it and claiming the park also contained sacred burial grounds.

Sept. 6, 1995: Ontario Provincial Police move in on the protesters during the night. Shots are fired and Native protester Dudley George is hit. His brother and sister drive him to hospital. They are stopped and arrested for attempted murder before George is taken for medical treatment. He dies in hospital. The protesters say they were unarmed. The police say they only fired after they were fired on.

April 1, 1996: Members of the George family file a wrongful death lawsuit, naming Premier Mike Harris and others as defendants.

July 23, 1996: The OPP's Kenneth Deane is charged with criminal negligence causing death.

April 27, 1997: Deane is convicted. Later, he's sentenced to community service.

June 18, 1998: The federal government and the Kettle and Stony Point First Nations sign an agreement returning Camp Ipperwash to the band. The government had confiscated the land to build a military base during the Second World War. Under the $26-million settlement, every band member receives $150,000-$400,000 in compensation.

April 9, 1999: A United Nations commission on human rights urges the Ontario government to call a public inquiry into the death of Dudley George.

Sept. 15, 1999: Lawyers for Kenneth Deane, the Ontario Provincial Police officer convicted of criminal negligence in the shooting death of Dudley George, say they have new evidence that may clear their client. The lawyers say new witnesses will testify that the protesters were armed and did fire at police.

Jan. 26, 2001: The Supreme Court upholds Deane's conviction.

Nov. 21, 2001: Ontario Premier Mike Harris begins testifying in connection with the wrongful death lawsuit filed by the family of Dudley George. He maintains that he did not order police to move against protesters occupying Ipperwash Provincial Park.

Feb. 20, 2002: Outgoing Ontario Premier Mike Harris files a $15-million libel suit against the Globe and Mail for a story the paper published saying Harris is "clearly linked" to the police decision to march on Ipperwash Provincial Park.

Sept. 23, 2002: Kenneth Deane resigns from the OPP. The move means the former OPP officer convicted in the death of Dudley George has abandoned his fight to hang on to his job.

Aug. 21, 2003: The Ontario government agrees to release police videotapes and photographs taken when Native protester Dudley George was shot and killed in September 1995. The CBC had been trying to get the tapes released under the Access to Information Act for three years.

Oct. 2, 2003: The family of Dudley George drops a lawsuit against former Ontario premier Mike Harris for his alleged role in George's death and reaches a $100,000 settlement with the Ontario Provincial Police.

Nov. 12, 2003: The Ontario government, under recently elected Liberal Premier Dalton McGuinty announces a public inquiry into the death of Dudley George.

Apr. 20, 2004: Ipperwash Inquiry opens. Seventeen groups and individuals are granted standing for Part 1 of the inquiry, which deals with the circumstances surrounding the death of Dudley George. Eleven groups and individuals have standing for Part 2, which explores ways of preventing future violence. More than 100 people are on the witness list for the fact-finding part of the inquiry, with former premier Mike Harris and other former senior ministers testifying near the end.

Dec. 8, 2005: The Ipperwash Inquiry holds a consultation in Toronto about Aboriginal burial and other sacred sites in Ontario. "The inquiry is particularly interested in identifying best practices and policies that lead to peaceful and constructive resolutions of potential conflicts," the inquiry says.

Jan. 4, 2006: CTV airs the movie, One Dead Indian, about the events leading up to the killing of Dudley George in 1995.

May 31, 2007: Justice Sidney Linden, commissioner of the inquiry, rules that the OPP, the government of then-premier Mike Harris, and the federal government all bear some responsibility for events that led to Dudley George's death.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Resident skeptical of conservancy group's role on Island

Sometimes the true goal is not real clear

To the Expositor:

I was excited to see that the Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy has started to construct a hiking trail in the "Bidwell Bog," which most long-time locals have called the "Blueberry Marsh" for many years. The conservancy now owns it, and they can call it whatever they want. I was also very pleased to hear that they have found numerous insects and plants that have survived the many generations of caretakers of this property, the latest being our own mayor, Mr. Stringer. I only hope that the proposed changes to the property, and the many new visiting hikers that will visit, will not harm these rare finds in the future.

What the Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy would like for us to believe is that we need them to protect something that we already protect, and that they can make our lives better (the more people that they convince of this, the longer they have an income). Do we really need outside intervention to protect unique plants, animals or insects on Manitoulin Island? I think that most landowners have been successful at this on their own for many generations. If the EBC is such a welcome group, why would they resort to trying to disguise the fact that they are involved with the proposed Nordic Ski Club hiking trail? A person would probably only have to do a Google search of the organization to find the answers to this question.

I have done some research on the group, and discovered that not everyone affected by their efforts are happy with them. The "core" areas that they protect along with the "buffer zones" can and do involve privately owned property, and are in most part controlled by the Niagara Escarpment Commission who will determine how most residents in these areas will utilize their own property. I would suggest everyone Google the Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy and read very carefully the information that comes up; sometimes the true goal is not real clear.

It appears to me that these people are opposed to: hunting, trapping, logging, development (housing or subdividing), quarries and many other activities that many landowners enjoy, and which are already controlled by our elected officials. It also sounds as if all of the property that they are purchasing could possibly be removed from our property tax base, which will in turn cause our property taxes to increase. In researching the EBC, I noticed that they hired a prominent local lady to determine if the expected increase in tourism would replace the lost property tax revenue (I suspect not without increasing remaining property taxes). My thoughts are that the more the EBC can regulate your property the less resale value it has, therefore the more likely you will be to designate your land as a conservation easement for tax relief purposes. I can only hope after your research that you will be as concerned as I am about what this group has planned for our future. Please do not fall for the media hype on the Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy; research will provide you with accurate information about this group. Manitoulin taxpayers and landowners are the ones who stand to lose in the long run.

Mike Bauer

Rockville

Policy concerning mayor's vote leaves room for interpretation

Council heads are facilitators as well as leaders

To the Expositor:

Sorry, whether a mayor is obliged to vote when a councilor calls for a recorded vote is not as clear-cut as suggested by NEMI Mayor Jim Stringer and the publisher of the Expositor on this page last week. It is a matter of interpretation.

It is true that the Ontario Municipal Act says that on a recorded vote every member of council "shall announce his vote." But nothing in the act compels anyone to vote. On the contrary, rather than impose sanctions for not voting, the act merely rules that failure to vote is counted as a vote against the motion.

Practices vary from one municipality to another.

Mayors and reeves are normally expected to cast their vote to break a tie. Otherwise, many of them rarely vote. That was the practice that I continued as reeve of Central Manitoulin.

And although abstaining may, technically, be a vote in the negative, it need not signify personal opposition to the motion. Mayors and reeves sometimes abstain as usual and reveal afterwards that they agree with council's decision.

Reasonable people can disagree on whether a mayor or reeve should always make his position known by voting.

This reflects the fact that heads of council have a dual role-they are leaders and they are also facilitators. As leaders, they are expected to accomplish things. But as the chair of council, which makes the important decisions, they are also expected to be fair and objective. In that respect, their role is much like that of the speaker of a legislature, who never indicates whether or not he supports a motion (except to break a tie).

So on one hand, voters want to know where the head of a municipality stands on sensitive matters. And leaders don't just wait to see which way the wind blows.

On the other hand, heads of council have a duty to chair meetings even-handedly. It is hard to have confidence in the impartiality of a chair who takes a position during discussion or by voting. (In rare circumstances, if the chair feels very strongly about something, he can ask a councillor to take the chair for the whole discussion, so that he can make his case.)

On factious councils, voting with one faction or another can exacerbate tensions.

And regardless of what council decides, the head of council is obliged to obey council and to implement its decisions. It is only human to wonder how diligently a mayor will implement a decision that he has voted against.

Mayors and reeves have different circumstances. Some have congenial councils that try to find consensus. Other councils are prone to personal disputes. Some have a bad apple who can spoil meetings unless the chair is fair and firm in upholding rules of procedure and trying to forge consensus.

I have no idea what approach would work best in the Northeast Town now. But in managing the business of council, a mayor need not discard the option of remaining neutral on most votes, whether or not a councillor wants everyone's vote to be recorded. The chair's conduct should not be governed by a single councillor.

And on the matter of what he does on recorded votes, the mayor can safely interpret the Municipal Act whichever way he thinks will work best.

Perry Anglin

Mindemoya

Good Samaritan turns lost card into bank

Thoughtfulness of stranger appreciated

To the Expositor:

On May 20 I did a business transaction in downtown Little Current and paid by credit card. When I arrived home, also in Little Current, my wife gave me a message to phone the Credit Union. I called and spoke to Cheryl who told me that my credit card had been found and turned in to her. I could not believe this, as I am very careful about trying to protect us from identity theft, so I checked my wallet to be sure. To my surprise my credit card was missing.

I went to the Credit Union and retrieved my card from Cheryl who explained to me that it was brought to her by someone who had found it on the ground at one of the parking areas. Cheryl also told me the name of the person and where she worked. This person works at Maggie's Cafe in M'Chigeeng. Her name is Betsy Debassige.

I phoned Ms. Debassige at Maggie's and told her who I was and the reason for my call. I also expressed my appreciation for her action on my behalf and asked if there was anything I could do to show how I felt about it. She graciously declined my offer.

Thank you Ms. Debassige for what you did. Your thoughtfulness to a stranger will not be forgotten and you show that honesty is alive and well on Manitoulin Island.

Norris Valiquette

Little Current

Landowners are only defending their way of life

What do you expect us to do, sit back?

To the Editor:

    I have listened to and read the information regarding the proposed trail for NEMI. The landowners have been made out to be the bad guys in all of this. What did you expect us to do: sit back while "they" manipulated the situation to suit "themselves?" I take immense offence to our tactics being described, in the editorial of April 11, as "communist fear-mongering." We are only defending a way of life we believe in. The proponents of the trail started the situation by using exactly that kind of tactics-secrecy, shove down our throats and do as we want tactics. The first that most people heard of the trail was the "name the trail contest." It was already a done deal with no public input. We only looked at history to prove our point. The problems in southern Ontario with landowners started with one innocent-looking little trail on public land and, via the Internet or by listening to affected people, you can see where it all snowballed to.

    The public meeting was painted in bad light by a headline on a letter to the editor ("Reasonable debate hijacked by angry mob at trail meeting"), which is absolutely ludicrous. Everyone there was on their best behaviour despite how strongly they felt (pro or con) about the situation. Sorry folks, you didn't miss a brawl. It's obvious we are so isolated on the Manitoulin we've never witnessed an angry mob to know what it looks like. As for your story's reference to a lopsided representation at the meeting, it was a public meeting with the invitation to any interested parties being issued by your paper. If you want lopsided, read your reporting of the meeting.

    The landowners have been portrayed as anti-trail. My family have hiked the trails in the area every summer-the Cup and Saucer, the Lewis Trail, the Orr Trail (by the way, one councillor painted such a wonderful picture of the Orr Trail but omitted telling the audience that it has been closed to public use-why?). What I feel we are against is a repeat of what has taken place on the Bruce Pennisula and further south, and no-one has given proof that it won't happen here.

    A foothold is a foothold. Dr. Jeffery and the ski club are honourable people, I'm sure. However, the hidden agenda, real or only perceived, is frightening. I guess if you only own a half-acre plot with your house and work elsewhere it doesn't much matter to you, but for us you are talking our livelihood, our retirement and our legacy.

Ron loves this land we live on and tries hard to farm it in an environmentally friendly way. The small farms on Manitoulin can do this, unlike the factory farms in the south. We only want to be left alone to continue doing what we love. Our life is being impacted by more and more laws and paperwork every day. We don't want someone else telling us what we can or cannot do on land that we have faithfully paid our taxes on for the better part of 42 years. If you want hiking trails build them on your own private properties-keep them off public road allowances.

    Just to close, a comment to Linda Belton. If she thought a lot of the members of the audience did not look physically fit, it is not because of a lack of exercise, but the perils of their jobs (long hours, that cow that turns on you, that tree that went the wrong way, falls), trying to produce commodities or services to make your life more comfortable. This is something you will never understand. Maybe you will when all the valuable growing land is producing corn for ethanol to fuel your fancy cars and not to fill your bellies (even farmers know where the dollars are), or you have to eat imported food accidentally laced with rat poison because their food inspection laws fall far short of those we work under in Canada, but it will be too late. The small farms of the country which have been a constant backbone of the industry will all be gone.

Mr. Editor, it has long been my belief that the troubles of this world are fuelled by the media, and I think you are a prime example.

Judy Wood

Green Bay

Isles coach Ted Nolan congratulated for good season

Garden River rightfully proud of favourite son

To the Expositor:

I would like to send in a cheering acknowledgement to coach Ted Nolan of Garden River First Nation on his accomplishment, with the help of his assistant coaches, for the turnaround of the New York Islanders. While the NHL Isles may not go far in this year's playoffs, it will be a good measuring stick of what kind of help they may need for next year and help build toward a Stanley Cup winning team. The community of Garden River-Ketagahnseebeeng is no doubt happy for their favourite son and rightly so. Chi miigwetch Ted for lifting up us all with perseverance and focus.

Eugene Manitowabi

Wikwemikong