Farquhar Dairies closing historic Mindemoya plant

Moving operations to Espanola

by Alicia McCutcheon

MINDEMOYA-Don Farquhar, president of Farquhar Dairies Ltd., has told The Expositor that the historic Mindemoya creamery-site of production for Farquhar's ice cream and butter-will be ceasing production of these famous dairy products and closing its doors forever.

The company is currently looking at moving butter and ice cream production to Farquhar Dairies' Espanola plant, either in part or in whole. On Monday, Mr. Farquhar explained he was meeting with an engineer to discuss changes to the Espanola plant required to house the butter and ice cream production.

"We are hopeful to move butter in the near future (to Espanola) and in the coming months, we will look at moving ice cream as well," said the president.

Ice cream is, according to Mr. Farquhar, a very competitive business and he told the Expositor that it has become economically impractical for the company to compete from its Mindemoya plant.

"We've swallowed losses for numerous years," he said.

"It's unfortunate that we had to do this, but we have to look out for all of our employees and if we have to suspend production at one facility to benefit the company, then it's something we have to do," he said.

Three of the creamery's four employees have received notices of their termination of employment, while the fourth-a full-time driver-will keep delivering for the company.

"A number of economic factors have contributed to this decision," Mr Farquhar said. "The yearly expense of maintaining the Mindemoya production site, which is a seasonal business, and the high transportation and operational costs associated with it, have forced us to make this decision."

Mr. Farquhar noted that cream, the raw product used for the making of both butter and ice cream, has to be shipped from the dairy in Espanola to Mindemoya. Butter and ice cream then have to be shipped off-Island from Mindemoya causing high transportation costs, not to mention, he said, the costs of the building.  Production ceases yearly in November and with taxes, maintenance, insurance, water and sewer bills, it isn't feasible any longer to keep the seasonal building in operation, he said.

Tom Farquhar, who ran the Mindemoya operation between 1986 and 1992, understands the challenges of making the creamery viable. The building was "always difficult to keep up to code," and its expenses often mounted high, he noted.

However, he has many fond memories of the old building. "It was always fun during the summer," he said Monday from his Elliot Lake office.

Throughout the summer, there were always tourists who came with their cars full of coolers, ice and newspapers, looking for "ends" to transport home with them, he recalls. "Ends" were a favourite treat of many-the tubs of multi-flavoured ice cream that were mixed when one batch was finishing and another starting. The two-and-a-half gallon tubs were sold for about $10 from the creamery.

"Once one guy showed up with between 10 and 15 old ice cream shipping tubs to load up so he could have Farquhar's at his home over the winter," he recalled.

He also remembers when, one summer, a man came to the creamery and bought chocolate ice cream and some butter. He returned the next day to tell them he was a pastry chef at the Royal York Hotel in Toronto and exclaimed that the ice cream was like nothing he had ever tried before and the butter was second to none when it came to pastries.

"I smiled to myself when we passed 36 flavours," the former creamery manager said, noting that Baskin-Robbins' claim to fame was always 36 flavours.

Tom Farquhar says that tastes were very much related to the times-for example, when Smurfs were all the rage, Farquhar's introduced a Smurfberry flavour.

The famous hawberry ice cream was actually started by Wagg's Creamery, the original Mindemoya creamery later bought by Farquhar Dairies.

The very first Manitoulin Tourism Association perch derby in 1975 was in need of something special, and consequently, hawberry ice cream was made for the inaugural event. It was a one-time-per-year treat for perch derby weekend but, upon purchasing the creamery, Farquhar's soon made into a full-time favourite.

In 1900, a young Alma Josiah (A.J.) Wagg decided to attend agriculture college in Guelph to learn butter and cheese making. His father decided against supporting Mr. Wagg in his studies as he couldn't see the need for schooling farmers, so to pay his way, the student took on the job of tending to the university's dairy herd-getting up at 4 am every morning to milk the cows by hand before heading off to classes, his daughter Madeleine Becks recalled from her Big Lake home.

That same year, Mr. Wagg returned to Mindemoya and began Wagg's Creamery, which he would run with his only son Douglas, producing butter, yogurt, milk, cheese and ice cream.

During the Second World War, Douglas was killed in action, devastating Mr. Wagg and causing him to lose interest in the business. His sons-in-law, Duff Brown and Doug Becks came to his aid and took over operations.

In 1979, Duff Brown and his wife Marion died tragically in an aircraft accident and in December of 1981, the creamery was sold to Farquhar's.

Mr. Wagg passed away in 1960 and, according to Evan Cormier of Little Current, great-great-grandson of A.J. Wagg, he was later inducted into the Ontario Agricultural Hall of Fame for his role in the betterment of Manitoulin livestock thanks to his purebred hogs and dairy cows. Mr. Cormier presented a project at the Little Current Public School heritage fair last year on his great-great-grandfather's legacy.

It is the hope of Farquhar Dairies that this legacy of its world famous ice cream and butter will continue, perhaps not in Mindemoya, but nonetheless continue.

First Nations, feds ink new governance pact

by Lindsay Kelly

ONTARIO-Independent governance for First Nations across the province moved one step closer to becoming reality last week, following the signing of a Governance Agreement-in-Principal (AIP) by representatives from the Anishinabek Nation and the Canadian government.

Anishinabek Nation Grand Chief John Beaucage and Jim Prentice, minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Metis and Non-Status Indians, sat down to sign an agreement which, according to a press release, "provides the framework for the establishment of the Anishinabek Nation government and for the recognition of First Nation governments with law-making authority in four core governance areas: leadership selection, citizenship, culture and language, and management and operations of government."

In addition, the agreement proposes to replace outdated parts of the Indian Act with a practical approach to First Nations governance "while operating within the Canadian Constitutional framework."

The Anishinabek Nation represents 42 Ontario First Nations, and about 50,000 citizens (or 30 percent) of the province's First Nations people.

"The AIP on governance is one step toward eliminating the Indian Act, reasserting our jurisdiction, and re-establishing our own Anishinaabe forms of government," Grand Council Chief Beaucage said in a press release. "We look forward to completing these negotiations and forging new relationships with Canada that provide practical and effective ways to implement our inherent right to self-government and improve living conditions for our people."

Minister Prentice agreed that the signing of the agreement establishes a new relationship between First Nations and the Canadian government.

"Canada's new government is committed to working with First Nations to support stronger First Nation governments as a key step in improving the lives of First Nation people," he said in the release. "This important agreement sets the groundwork for participating First Nations to adopt new governance institutions and structures that are more responsive and more accountable to their communities."

The signing of the agreement marks the completion of the second stage of a three-part self-governance negotiation process that began between the two parties in 1995. The first stage saw the signing of the Anishinabek Nation Framework Agreement on Governance in 1998. The new agreement only becomes legally binding when it is approved by participating First Nations people and brought into force by federal legislation.

Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Deputy Chief Glen Hare, a band member and former chief of the M'Chigeeng First Nation, believes that much was accomplished at the signing.

"The big one that I like to see-one of the things First Nations need to do-is have elections at the same time as them (the government), every four years," he said. "I think if you want to make something happen, we need to move for the same elections as the government. You can't make changes in two years."

The response from the participating First Nations has been very positive as well, he said.

"Even within the last three weeks, the band council resolutions (to indicate support for the agreement) have been coming in at their own pace," he said. "We're not rushing them, but already we've had 28 out of the 42 come in over the last few weeks."

Despite this enthusiasm, current M'Chigeeng Chief Joe Hare sees the agreement in a different light. M'Chigeeng is not party to the agreement, he notes, as the community has chosen to take its own path on things like governance and education.

"Each First Nation has the option of being party to the agreement and we choose not to because, basically, we don't agree with some of the core sections of the agreement," he said. "They talk about First Nations being able to do more in certain core governance areas and they refer to having their own leadership, but you can see we already have leadership and a custom code election."

Chief Hare also takes exception to the idea that the new agreement will allow First Nations to gain stronger ties to culture and language, noting that "we practise them all the time."

He also doesn't believe M'Chigeeng needs better operational and management practices, pointing to the clean record of the First Nation's long-time band administrator Alfred Debassige, who has held that position for 43 years and "gets a good audit all the time."

Rather than transferring power to another organization, such as the Anishinabek Nation, Chief Hare added that, in his view, it would be just as easy to continue dealing with the federal government, because of their established ties.

Getting another organization to operate on their behalf doesn't do much to build a strong community, or to encourage self-sustainability, self-reliance and self-dependability, he added.

Rather than rely on an organization located hundreds of miles away from their First Nation telling them how to operate, Chief Hare said he would rather work with the young people of M'Chigeeng to build up the community.

"I always say if you want to get something done, you have to depend on yourself first and find out yourself how to get things done," he said. "I try to instill that in the people I work with, and hopefully they pass it on.'

Still, Grand Council Deputy Chief Hare said the tone of the talks at the agreement signing was positive and he is optimistic about future negotiations between the two parties.

"The minister, and the chief, too, was very positive about it," he said. "The goal is to negotiate a final agreement, hopefully, within the next 18 months."

While he acknowledged that this is a very small time frame in which to accomplish that task, and that "a lot of work still needs to be done" in the meantime, he said that everyone involved has focussed, and will continue to focus, on getting the negotiation settled, without letting obstacles-such as elections-slow them down.

Schneider Power windmills set to generate on March 1

by Jim Moodie

SPRING BAY-Some minor glitches have stalled the powering up of two wind turbines at Spring Bay, but the firm in charge of the project is confident that the blades will be spinning by the beginning of next month.

"We are happy to report that testing of the wind farm is nearing completion and we are currently wrapping up some smaller items," communicated Schneider Power CEO Thomas Schneider in a recent email to the Expositor. "We are in the process of fixing these minor items and the machines will remain offline until the Electrical Standards Authority can do a re-inspection which is scheduled for February 21 (today). We therefore expect the machines to enter long-term operation as of March 1."

Mr. Schneider noted that "we take electrical safety and reliability very seriously" and "every component from the machines to the transmission lines goes through a 172-point inspection." In the course of their testing of the turbines over the past couple of months, "we discovered some components on the transmission side that needed to be replaced," he indicated.

The hiccups "included a not-so-reliable revenue meter and aviation lights that were accidentally damaged by the transport company on their way to Manitoulin," Mr. Schneider related. And since the company's policy is that the machines must remain offline whenever work on the site is being conducted, the massive rotor blades have yet to be set into motion.

After the plant is up and running, Mr. Schneider said that the company is "planning on holding a commissioning event for everyone in the community," as a "thank you for the Island's support of our project and to celebrate this accomplishment."

While a date has not yet been set for this ceremony, the Schneider Power CEO intimated that it would likely be this spring, "when it's a little warmer."

Electoral reform for Ontarians?

Part IV of a series

Mixed system deemed 'best of both worlds'

by Alicia McCutcheon

ONTARIO-Last Saturday, members of the Students' Assembly for Electoral Reform-of which Sandfield's own Tiffany Doucet is a part-presented their final report to the Citizens' Assembly for Electoral Reform in Toronto. Their research and findings had them choose from four of the main families of systems: our current system of first-past-the-post (FPTP), List proportional representation (List PR), single transferable vote (STV) and mixed member proportional (MMP).

On Saturday, the students presented mixed member proportional as their favourite choice.

This system allows the "best of both worlds," according to Don Brickett of McKerrow, Citizens' Assembly member for Algoma-Manitoulin. (The Citizens' Assembly and the Students' Assembly for Electoral Reform are parallel groups, convened by the Ontario government, to consider alternative methods of electing MPPs.).

In the textbook 'Electoral System Design: The New International IDEA Handbook,' mixed systems are explained as a way to combine the positive attributes of a plurality system-like first-past-the-post-with a proportional representation system such as List.

This would mean voters in Algoma-Manitoulin,or any other riding, would elect one member to represent them in the legislature, in just the way we currently do, most likely using our current system of first-past-the-post. Simultaneously, people would cast a second vote for their preferred political party, not necessarily represented by the same party as the candidate they chose. This, explains Dr. Jonathan Rose, academic advisor to the Citizens' Assembly and professor of political science at Queen's University in Kingston, is why this system appeals to some people, because of the amount of choice. And this system, once again, is the Students' Assembly on Electoral Reform will be recommending as its choice to the Commission on Electoral Reform.

The mixed member proportional ballot would be a 'double ballot' where one side would list local candidates and the other side would have a list of potential political parties. Voters would place an 'x' beside the candidate of their choice and an 'x' beside the party of their choice. These can represent the same political affiliation, but  a voter may also pick a particular candidate who they feel would best represent their riding, while choosing a political party other than the one represented by that candidate  because that party's platform appeals to them. A voter may think that Joe Smith is an excellent riding representative but the party he supports may not appeal to him or her. Therefore, he/she may choose an entirely different party from the one Mr. Smith is representing.

Dr. Rand Dyck, professor emeritus of political science at Laurentian University and member of the academic reference group to the Citizens' Assembly, prepared the following statements on the mixed member proportional system for the Manitoulin Expositor.

"Two of the main values which an electoral system tries to achieve are representation for all areas of the province and fair representation for all parties," he wrote. "The existing first-past-the-post system is good at representing all corners of the province-the electoral map is divided into single-member electoral districts and each one has its own representative at Queen's Park.

"To be fully democratic, all such constituencies should have approximately the same number of people, and in order to group together at least 70,000 people in a single electoral district, those in the north such as Algoma-Manitoulin tend to be very large in geography," the professor noted. "Even though the size of the constituency stretches the resources of a single person to represent it all, at least everyone has an official representative at Queen's Park.

In his comments, Dr. Dyck further pointed out that "the existing electoral system is not so good at providing fair representation for each party in terms of its popular vote. There are electoral systems in the world for which that is the main value, and it can be done. But fair representation for each party and having a local representative for each citizen are usually not values that are usually found together. That being the case, the mixed-member proportional system is a combination of both systems, seeking the best of both worlds."

Such a system, explained Dr. Dyck, "starts with an electoral map that divides the province into a number of single-member constituencies, such as Algoma-Manitoulin. The great advantage here is that everyone retains their official local representative at Queen's Park. But then, to make the system fair for all parties, a second set of seats in the legislature is awarded on the basis of each party's popular vote."

He indicated thatthere are "many ways in which this second set of seats can be awarded, but it is often designed to compensate parties for their under-representation in constituency seats. In some countries, each voter is given two ballots: one to vote for the local constituency representative, and one for hir or her preferred party. In short, the mixed-member proportional system seeks to provide local constituency representation with fair representation for each party."

According to Dr. Dyck, "one way to achieve the two objectives would be to double the size of the legislature, so that we would have about 100 constituency seats and another 100 seats based on popular vote. In Germany, for example, half of the parliament is based on single-member constituencies and the other half is based on each party's proportion of the popular vote. That is not out of the question, but many people would object to such a large increase in the size of the Ontario legislature (and it would even be hard to fit them all in!), so maybe the province should be divided into about 50 constituency seats and another 50 proportional seats, to leave the legislature about the size it is now. "

The main problem with reducing the electoral map to about 50 constituency seats, however, "is that each electoral district would have to be about twice as large as it currently I," noted the professor. This might not be a problem for concentrated urban areas, but it is out of the question when it comes to the North. It would be physically impossible for one person to represent a constituency twice as large as Algoma-Manitoulin currently is. In fact, it is really hard to see how the number of constituency seats could be reduced at all, given the already gigantic territorial expanse of Northern Ontario electoral districts.

So if people "objected to doubling the size of the legislature (too many politicians, too much expense, etc. etc.), we would have to add a smaller number of proportional seats," he pointed out.

"Say, for example, that we had 100 constituency seats and 50 proportional seats, the latter to compensate parties for disparities in the allocation of constituency seats. The winning party almost always gets more constituency seats than it deserves in terms of its popular vote, so most of these compensatory, proportional seats would go to opposition parties. "

In Dr. Dyck's estimation, it would probably be possible to rectify the greatest distortions with 50 such seats, and perhaps even less. But the general principle holds that the larger the number of proportional seats, the less chance there is to leave the winning party with a majority of seats. So it partly comes down to a choice between having a majority government or fair representation, but at least mixed-member proportional leaves us with single-member constituency representation."

The Citizens' Assembly, noted the academic, "has to grapple with all these different values, and each of us may also have to do the same if there is a referendum on a proposed new electoral system in October. There are many other alternatives, but a mixed-member proportional system has attractive features: continued constituency representation, greater fairness for party representation, and the possibility of a majority government."

Even if the assembly opts for this alternative, there would be many details to work out: how many constituency seats; how many proportional seats; and how the proportional seats would be awarded. "These are important details, but they could probably be decided on without too much difficulty if the assembly decided that mixed-member proportional would be an improvement on the existing electoral system," suggested Dr. Dyck.

 EDITORIAL

Creamery closure unfortunate but products should survive

It's unfortunate to learn that Manitoulin's last-and most prominent-creamery is closing, with production moving off-Island.

Farquhar's Dairies announced this week that, due to high costs associated with the Mindemoya creamery, the company is declaring that property redundant and moving the Mindemoya product line to the Farquhar's milk processing plant in Espanola.

The product line, of course, consists of Farquhar's Country Fresh Ice Cream and Farquhar's Butter.

Centralizing production is, of course, consistent with modern trends and was inevitable.

It will, however, be unusual to pass by the old creamery building at Mindemoya's main intersection this spring and know that no ice cream or butter is being made there. This is a high-profile location and so the property will doubtless find other uses.

But the creamery business in this location (begun by Wagg's Creamery and carried on since the early 1980s by Farquhar Dairies) dates back to 1894, according to a promotion advertisement in a special edition of The Expositor published July 13, 1939. That ad, a broadsheet half-page in size, credits the company (A.J. Wagg and Son) with being in business 45 years at that time and for making, besides homogenized milk and butter, "Homogenized Ice Cream-Made from Real Cream."

As a simple observation, that is a long, unbroken tradition and Manitoulin people and tourist visitors alike will lament the closure of the old creamery.

On the positive side, Farquhar Dairies have not said they plan to discontinue the ice cream and butter products. Rather, production is to be moved to Espanola and this is good news indeed. While there will doubtless be job losses associated with the closure of the creamery, it is important to know that the products, while not made on Manitoulin Island, are still available and are still made as much as ever from dairy products that originated on Island farms.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Northeast Town walking trail will pose problems for landowners

Taxpayers should get involved and make their voices heard

To the Expositor:

I would like to thank all the taxpayers that attended the Northeast Town council meeting on February 6. We expressed concerns regarding the opening of the road allowances to a hiking trail. Hopefully we as taxpayers have voiced our opinions to council. Since many taxpayers own property that abuts unopened road allowances, I believe there are a lot of issues that need to be addressed.

1. Who is going to police these road allowances?

2. How does council plan to remove garbage, beer bottles, etc. that will be thrown along the walking trails? It is obvious to me that garbage is a serious problem at the Cup and Saucer trails; this privately-owned property is used by the public and the barrels are always overflowing.

3. What will the cost be if someone is to get hurt or lost on these trails, and who will be responsible for search and rescue? Is the public expected to pay for this?

4. How does council plan to protect our property from trespassers and potential damage or theft? Once the road allowances are opened, four-wheelers and snowmobiles will be travelling them-not just the honest people.

5. Farmers will have a major burden. Who will take responsibility for the farmers' animals on these properties-for gates being left opened, or for cattle chased by four-wheelers or hikers? Cows may be poached also.

I feel that by opening these trails you are doing a disservice to the taxpayers that own this land.

The risks associated with these trails far outweigh the gains to the people who live here. If we allow these trails to be established in Ward 4, the situation will become out of control, and there is no use in closing the barn door after the cow gets out.

Many safety issues need to be addressed by the people who own the adjacent land. Our mayor and council are employed by the taxpayers and they should listen to the people. We already have too many organizations telling us what we can and can't do with our land.

If this trail goes through, the end result could easily be the beginning of someone telling us that we cannot cut wood, drive snow machines or use our boat and motor for fishing in designated areas. Are we as landowners willing to take that risk? These trails are not for the taxpayers.

If there is money for this proposed walking trail it would benefit more if given to our schools, hospitals, or our seniors' centres-these  are all worthy causes and we would be giving back to our taxpayers in a big way.

Since, according to Jan McQuay's letter, there are already eight walking trails on the Island, do we really need any more? The people involved with the trails are advertising for a name for the trail. Isn't that putting the cart before the horse? Or is it a done deal?

Don't have the opinion that this trail will not happen here on Manitoulin-it has already happened down south. Many people who live near the Bruce Trail are disappointed with the people who came and broke promises to them. It will happen if people don't all get involved. Stand up and be heard Manitoulin. Watch for the next meeting on this and show your support.

Brock Chisholm

member, Manitoulin Landowners Association

Rockville

Seniors' residences require more resources

Something has to be done right now!

To the Expositor:

If I were in jail, I am told my daily food allotment would be about $7. But I am not in jail. I live very happily in a private room in Manitoulin Centennial Manor in Little Current. I am in a senior citizens' residence, and the daily food allotment per resident is five dollars and forty-six cents. Everyone knows that seniors do not eat as much as, or the same things, as younger people eat.

This residence is extremely well managed, well cared for, immaculately maintained, and the staff is unbelievably capable. I am tired just watching them dash about caring for the people who need a lot of help. I cannot understand the attitude of those who are unable to see how much a seniors' residence needs-such as more staff, more funding, and, yes, more understanding. When I think of the huge raise the provincial government has just so generously given themselves, I think of what the residences all over the province could do with that amount. I feel it is high time some of our provincial members were invited to spend several days at the various residences to gain understanding of the dedication of the staff members. I am extremely fortunate in that I can manage without having to ring my bell for help, but I do know that from time to time when I do ring, that help comes at once.

I have no idea what the pay scale is in a residence but I certainly know it is not enough, especially when one considers the tedium of attending to the same things, for the same person, over and over again. The amazing part, for me, is the even tenor of the staff: no-one ever gets cross, no-one ever appears tired, no-one's voice is ever raised in anger, yet obviously, those who handle the funds do not understand how difficult life is for the people who keep us warm, well-fed, clean, content and happy in truly fine surroundings.

It is upsetting to read the paper and see the negative things that are said of the residences. In almost every instance, the problem is lack of funds, therefore lack of sufficient staff. Certainly there are other types of residences, generally known as "private," I understand because they are not connected to the government. Also, these residences are a much more expensive type of place. I do think we are at the point where action needs to be taken, and those people who are in charge must realize that there is a real need for more staff, before a very serious situation happens. Actually, there have been two very serious events. Surely those who are supposedly in charge of Ontario's seniors' homes can realize that something must be done, province-wide, to improve the whole picture, and it must be done not soon, but right now!

Marion Mason

Manitoulin Centennial Manor

Little Current

Caregivers need support of employer, union

Worker left to fend for himself

To the Expositor:

I wanted Mr. Mackenzie to know I was very pleased with his letter in the February 7 edition of the Manitoulin Expositor, "Employers should be there to support in times of tragedy." I, too, am saddened to hear of the death of Mr. Patterson.

My hope for his family is that justice will be served, and they can get a certain measure of closure.

I believe, however, that, yes, blame has been swiftly assigned. We, as health-care providers, do need reassurance that we will be supported by our employer and union. Are you feeling reassured and backed up by your employer and union, Mr. Mandigo? Or have you been left to fend for yourself?

The news reports have left me wondering why one person has been held solely accountable for this alleged mistake. Where are the other staff/union members while Mr. Mandigo is beginning this long, hard journey?

With a clear conscience, I have to believe that standing up for Mr. Mandigo is the only thing to do. I can only hope others will follow. After all, you've got to stand for something or you'll fall for anything.

Christie Middleton

Personal support worker and former Lodge employee

Spring Bay