April 23, 2003 ARCHIVE
 
 
 

Thick ice not expected to affect ferry

by Neil Zacharjewicz
SOUTH BAYMOUTH - Thick ice may be slowing down the ice breaker, but 
it is not anticipated to affect the Chi-Cheemaun.
"We really do not anticipate any problem in two weeks time," stated 
Ian Dean, of the Owen Sound Transportation Commission. "There is not 
a problem. There never has been in the past."
The Chi-Cheemaun begins its new season on Friday, May 2.
Horses most vulnerable to West Nile Virus, vet explains
by Neil Zacharjewicz and Michael Erskine
MINDEMOYA - While people are taking steps to protect themselves from
the effects of West Nile Virus, it may be a horse lover's best friend
who is most at risk to suffer the affects of the virus.
"It is more prevalent in horses than it is in people at this time,"
explained Dr. Leslie Woodcock, a member of the Ontario Ministry of
Agriculture and Food's (OMAF's) Veterinary Science Unit. Dr. Woodcock
was on hand to make a presentation to members of the Manitoulin Light
Horse Club on the dangers of West Nile Virus at a meeting held in the
Central Manitoulin council chambers of Wednesday, April 16. She has
been travelling throughout the province making presentations on the
virus since spring began.
The West Nile Virus is a mosquito borne virus which can cause
inflammation of the central nervous system. Symptoms in horses
include listlessness, trembling, loss of appetite and co-ordination,
and partial paralysis. A vaccine against the disease has been
developed and approved for use with horses, and can now be accessed
through a local veterinarian.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Food is taking the threat seriously.
It is focusing its efforts to fight the disease on three fronts:
education, surveillance and diagnostics.
OMAF is advising large animal owners to discuss the issue with their
veterinarians and to take measures to protect themselves and their
horses from mosquito bites. Education kits are also being sent to
county libraries, agricultural colleges, OMAF Resource Centres and
equestrian organizations and groups. Ministry staff are arranging
speaking engagements, such as the one conducted by Dr. Woodcock, and
informational brochures have been prepared and will be distributed
through outlets across the province. Up-to-date and relevant
information is maintained on the OMAF website.
The diagnostic services have been expanded at the University of
Guelph, and the service should be in full swing in time for the 2003
mosquito season.
The Ministry of Health and Long-term Care is leading the Ontario
government's overall effort to combat the spread of the disease in
Ontario and will be augmented by OMAF collected and submitted samples
from 2002. The surveillance data is helping the government direct its
efforts.
"We understand the threat of this disease, and are taking action,
along with our partners in the veterinary profession and the equine
industry, to contain that threat," stated Minister of Agriculture and
Food Helen Johns recently.
"I would urge horse owners to consult with their veterinarians now
to ensure that their animals are protected."
During the course of Dr. Woodcock's presentation, she explained when
people first started discovering dead birds in New York in 1999, it
was the first sign of the West Nile Virus. By 2000, the virus was
found in approximately seven American states. By 2001, the virus had
spread to nearly half of the states in the US, and by 2002, it could
be found in all but the most westerly parts of Canada and the United
States.
While the virus has affected approximately 3,400 people in the United
States, it has hit the horse population even more severely, with over
15,000 cases reported. Ontario's first case of West Nile Virus was
discovered in August of 2002.
The West Nile Virus is believed to have arrived in North America from
migratory birds. It is endemic to the West Nile Valley in Uganda,
where it is not nearly as problematic as the people and animals who
live there have built up a natural immunity. In North America,
however, the affects are much worse.
The West Nile Virus replicates itself in birds, and then is
transmitted by mosquitoes. While the virus cannot replicate enough
for humans or horses to serve as hosts for the disease, the virus can
be dangerous. While it is estimated the virus killed at least two
Ontario residents last year, 107 cases of West Nile Virus were
discovered in horses. Approximately one-third of all horses which
contract the virus either die or must be euthanized.
Dr. Woodcock explained there are a number of signs to watch for with
West Nile Virus in horses, including sudden or progressive weakness,
muscle fasciculations in the face and neck, excitability, and
blindness. Horses can appear unsure of their movements and unbalanced
in their movement.
Unlike in humans, where West Nile Virus primarily affects older
people, the virus affects all members of the equine family, both
young and old.
"If your horse has neurological signs, you need to call your vet,"
Dr. Woodcock suggested.
There are a number of steps a horse owner can take to protect their
horses from West Nile Virus, aimed at reducing mosquitoes.
Eliminating standing water, by changing the water in vases, bird
baths and planters; repairing leaky pipes and outside faucets;
avoiding putting horses outside at night; using repellents and body
sheets to protect horses; installing fly screens on barn windows and
doors; and placing larvacidal products in catch basins are all steps
horse owners can take to help protect their equine friends from
mosquitoes.
However, Dr. Woodcock suggested OMAF is recommending the vaccination
of horses to protect them from West Nile Virus. Horses need to
receive the shot twice, three to six weeks apart, with an annual
booster to ensure protection. The vaccine takes approximately one
month to establish itself, which is why OMAF is recommending horse
owners vaccinate now. The vaccine is estimated to be 94 percent
effective.
In addition, Dr. Woodcock noted OMAF is recommending horse owners
take an extra step to protect their horses with an extra shot in
August. She indicated while the manufacturer of the vaccine does not
feel this is necessary, OMAF is recommending it until more
information on the virus becomes available.
In the case of pregnant mares, Dr. Woodcock indicated vaccinating the
mare four to six weeks before foaling will stimulate passive transfer
of immunity to the foal.
Horses should not be vaccinated until two to three months of age.
However, Dr. Woodcock warned that until they reach six months of age,
there is the potential that maternal antibodies could interfere with
the vaccine. It is recommended horses of six months of age be
vaccinated, with a follow-up booster four to 12 weeks later.
Dr. Woodcock explained while there have been rumors surrounding
horses having aborted foals due to the vaccine, there is no
scientific evidence to suggest this is the case. She pointed out many
pregnant mares in the state of Kentucky have safely delivered foals
after receiving the vaccine.
Still, for some horse owners, the cost of vaccinating their herds can
be cost prohibitive. Dan Graham, of Kicking Mule Ranch indicated the
cost would be too high for him to vaccinate all of his animals.
"I run 18 to 20 head here," he said. "In fact I just bought seven
mules from down south. Frankly, I think the fellow was getting rid of
them because he was worried."
"You only have 10 to 12 weeks to make a year's salary," said Mr.
Graham. "At $30 to $50 a shot, it can get pretty expensive if you
have a lot of animals."
"There is a whole lot of scare going on," said Mr. Graham. "I
understand there were 76 cases last year in Ontario, that is out of
350,000 head in Ontario."
Mr. Graham likens the virus to the common cold. If a person eats
right and keeps themselves healthy, he said, then they don't catch a
cold.
"If you let yourself get stressed, then you get sick all the time.
Come on down to my place and you will find the happiest bunch of
stress-free animals in the world."
Working in the United States for the past five or six years, Mr.
Graham has not heard mention of the issue.
"I worked with 147 mules in the Grand Canyon," he said. "They never
heard of it. Montana is eaten up by mosquitoes, but you don't hear
about it there either."
Honora Bay Riding Stables owner Kyla Jansen is taking a different
tack on the problem, although she is also not ready to vaccinate all
of her horses against the new threat.
"I am trying something different," she said. After researching the
issue on the net, Ms. Jansen is 'bug proofing' her animals with a
small dose of garlic in their feed. "The garlic effect discourages
all kinds of biting flies," she said. "It also works as a deterrent
on mosquitoes."
With 31 horses, the cost of repeated doses of vaccine would be
prohibitive for her, said Ms. Jansen. "It would beggar me," she said.
For now at least, she will trust to a healthy regime and diet
additives to strengthen her horses against the threat.
"For new horses coming into the stable I recommend getting them
vaccinated first," she said. "It is a precaution for now."
 

Wikwemikong celebrates 200th Unit

by Michael Erskine
WIKWEMIKONG---Words from an essay by 10-year old Cassandra Recollet,
a Grade 5 student at Wikwemikong, were used to emphasis the
importance of housing in the community by Master of Ceremonies Wayne
Osawamick, as he introduced the many dignitaries who had gathered to
honour the construction of a historic 200th unit, by the Wikwemikong
Unceded Indian Reserve Housing Department.
"My house is very important to me," wrote Ms. Recollet. "It is a
place where I can feel safe."
"Even children recognize the importance of having a home," said Mr. Osawamick.
Underlying the accomplishment of constructing 200 affordable housing
units, said Wikwemikong Unceded Indian Reserve Chief Walter
Manitowabi, is the nearly as important fact that much of the work was
completed by the reserve's own workers.
People were trained as carpenters, electricians, plumbers, acquiring
skills and trades which will continue to serve the community well, as
it strives to meet the challenge of providing quality homes for the
700 people who remain on the waiting list for housing.
"We are up to the challenge," asserted Chief Walter Manitowabi
confidently, as he noted that plans are moving forward to build over
50 units a year.
Population trends in all First Nations are spiraling upward, noted
Chief Manitowabi, but unfortunately funding for new housing has not
kept pace with demand.
"We will have to develop a program of our own," he said, noting that
the spirit of teamwork demonstrated by the project teams which
developed the housing program will stand the community in good stead
as it moves forward to meet the housing needs of the community.
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation General Manager Nelson
Merrizi said he was delighted to be able to work with the community,
and especially to be able to be there to celebrate so concrete a
symbol of the community's accomplishments as the completion of the
200th Unit.
Margaret Manitowabi, Wikwemikong Band Councillor responsible for the
Housing Portfolio, also noted the importance of teamwork and
communication in bringing in the innovative Section 92 program which
allowed for the building of the homes.
"It was a big change," she said. "We had a hard time bringing it in.
Everybody worries about change. But it is wonderful to no longer see
our young people walking around the community, looking for a place
where they are going to stay tonight."
"I am very happy to see so concrete a symbol of the Federal
Government's commitment to housing in one of the largest communities
in our riding," said Algoma Manitoulin MP Brent St. Denis. "The
Federal Government is back in the housing business, and that is also
a trend which is continuing."
"This project has led the way, in many aspects, with communities
working together," said Algoma Manitoulin MPP Mike Brown. "CMHC works
together in the community, with the people who do the work, to make
it all happen. I commend the leadership, along with all of the people
in Wikwemikong, for the work they are doing on a wide range of
fronts."
Chief Manitowabi praised the contributions of Housing Department
members past and present, Housing Committee members, and Project Team
members who worked so hard to bring to housing project to this point.
He singled out former Housing Director Don Scotty Fisher, Ivan
Eshkawkogan, Linda Eshkawkogan, Margaret Manitowabi, Jeff Toulouse,
and Housing Inspector Walter Mishibinijima for especial praise and



 
Hotel may become Little Current reality
by Cheryl Waugh
NORTHEASTERN MANITOULIN and the ISLANDS (NEMI) --- The group working
to bring a Quality Inn hotel/conference centre to Little Current
would like to take advantage of the up coming construction season and
get the shovel in the ground for the hotel this summer, with a
potential grand opening of the facility in the summer of 2004.
Jim McBane, president of Streetwise Holdings Inc., the owner of the
land that the hotel is - at this time - slated to be built on
addressed NEMI council on the issue last week as the group goes
through the process of getting a Manitoulin Official/Secondary Plan
amendment and an amendment to Little Current's zoning bylaws.
"The construction season is upon us and we hope to get the shovel in
the ground this summer, and then have the opening next summer," said
Mr. McBane.
However, he explained if the bid fails to get the amendments to the
Official/Secondary Plan and the zoning bylaws, the project will be
shut down for this year. He also explained to council that the group
does have a second site available outside of NEMI, although the group
would prefer to build in Little Current.
The plan for Little Current is to build the hotel/conference centre
on the vacant lots at the corner of Park Street and Water Street,
across from Low Island Park. Those lots are currently zoned
multi-residential in Little Current, and are designated on the
Manitoulin Official Plan as a residential policy area. The amendments
are to allow for general commercial usage for those lots, which would
allow a hotel/conference centre to be built.
According to the Manitoulin Planning Board application for the
amendments, the frontage of the lots is 291.79 feet on Water Street,
and 865.92 feet on Park Drive, with an irregular depth of 349.20
feet. A proposed site plan for the hotel/conference centre shows
three attached buildings, two two-storey buildings, and a three
storey building. The lots are elevated, so the height of the
buildings is listed as a maximum of 12 metres from the highest grade.
Mr. McBane explained to council that the hotel/conference centre is a
$5.2 million project that has been worked on for the last two to
two-and-a-half years. He said $40,000 was spent by the private sector
on a feasibility study for a hotel/conference centre for Manitoulin.
"The study identified a real need for a hotel on the Island," said
Mr. McBane.
Because of the amendments needed to the Official/Secondary Plan, and
the zoning bylaws, a public meeting will need to take place before
the project can continue forward. The public meeting will allow those
who are in favour or against the amendments an opportunity to speak.
The decision has already been made that the public meetings on the
two amendments will be held jointly, and will be chaired by NEMI.
Councilor Marcel Gauthier said the project was a worthwhile one that
would create jobs for Manitoulin, while Councilor Ziegler said he
also liked the idea of the hotel/conference centre, but wasn't in
favour of its location because of its nearness to Low Island Park.
However, council had no objections to the amendment process going
forward.
Councilor Al MacNevin noted that it was wise for council to remain
neutral, subject to the public meetings taking place, since NEMI is
chairing that meeting.
NEMI is expected to advertise the public meetings when a date is set.
Those within 120 metres of the lots will automatically be notified of
the potential zoning bylaw amendment. (A public meeting must take
place in not less than a 20 day period of a public notice.)
The Official Plan amendment still has to go through pre-consultation
with the Minister of Municipal Affairs before it can be presented at
a public meeting.
During a delegation to a NEMI council meeting in October of 2002, the
plans for the hotel/conference centre included 60 rooms, conference
rooms, a pool, a fitness facility, and an attached restaurant. It was
explained then that the hope was for a spring 2004 opening.
Once built, the hotel was expected to provide 12 to 15 full-time
jobs, not including potential work at therestaurant. About 30 to 35
full time equivalent construction jobs are also expected to be
created.
The Quality Inn franchise is considered mid to upper level hotel
property. Choice Hotels owns the Quality Inn franchise, along with
several other hotel franchises including Econolodge and the Comfort
Inn. The Quality Inn is considered a step above the latter two.
The Quality Inn is supported by a central reservation system, which
brings about 18-30 percent of its customers.
During that presentation, Christopher Kallio, president of K.A.L.
Management Group, a Sudbury company that offers economic development,
planning and marketing services, said that an investment group has
already been pre-qualified for a Quality Inn franchise.
Mr. Kallio explained to NEMI council that the investment group plans
to aggressively market Manitoulin's shoulder seasons and the winter
season. As well, the hotel investors plan to market bus tours and
small meetings and conferences.
"I can't go into the specifics of the market (for the hotel), but the
most important market is the regional market place (over southern
Ontario)," he said during an October interview with the Expositor.
"We are looking at attracting meetings where there are 70-100 people
staying for two to five days. It could be that a group just wants to
get out of Sudbury, and stay at a reasonably priced facility with
good meeting facilities."
In that capacity, there would be an overflow to other
motels/accommodations, he told NEMI council. "We will need more hotel
space for conferences that we will go after, especially in the
shoulder season," said Mr. Kallio. "We really want to work with the
community to make this a viable project."
The closest Quality Inn to Manitoulin is in Sudbury. Quality Inn took
over the Senator Hotel, just off Paris St.