Expositor Front Feb 9-11 JIM_Layout 1 08/02/11 1:44 AM Page 1

• Annual Valentine’s Poetry Contest winner (and all the other contestants too) • Valentine’s Day Gift and Dining Guide See Pages 5A-7A™

Vol. 131, No. 39 95¢ + GST Little Current, Wednesday, February 9, 2011 UCCM, Northland partner on McLean’s Mtn. wind farm 50/50 deal inked between , developer by Jim Moodie laboration is a major develop- MANITOULIN—In what might ment, Mr. Brace pointed out that literally be described as a power it’s not an entirely new concept play, area First Nations have for the industry, or for his compa- joined forces with the McLean’s ny. “We have worked with First Mountain Wind Farm developer Nations before on projects,” said for an equal share in the contro- the Northland CEO. “We have a versial project. partnership with the Constance A major announcement con- Lake First Nation near Hearst on cerning a “50/50 partnership” a water power project, which is between Northland Power and the ...continued on page 20 United Chiefs and Councils of Mnidoo Mnising (UCCM) will be made in Sudbury tomorrow Northeast Town to (Thursday), according to a media advisory jointly issued by North- discuss Northland land and the First Nations group. The deal for co-ownership of green power on Manitoulin road use request “starts with the McLean’s Moun- tain Wind Farm project, but Concerns raised about includes all future renewable disruption of wetlands energy projects on the UCCM by Lindsay Kelly First Nations’ traditional territo- NORTHEAST TOWN—Northland ry, and down the road may include Power is seeking an amendment solar, hydro, gas or electrical to its road use agreement with the infrastructure projects,” the advi- Northeast Town to help facilitate Traditional games like the log-sawing contest—one of many events held over the weekend at the Whitefish River First Nation sory indicates. access to its turbine project. winter carnival—harken back to the survival skills necessary for the good life of a time not so very long ago. Northland president and CEO In a letter to the town dated Jan- photo by Michael Erskine John Brace said he wasn’t at liber- SEE MORE WINTER CARNIVAL COVERAGE ON THE SECOND SECTION FRONT uary 31, senior manager of busi- ty to go into much detail pending ness development, Rick Martin, the formal announcement on requests access to two areas of Thursday, but expressed satisfac- unopened road allowance. The tion that an agreement had been first area, located immediately Tories accused of stalling on bill to bolster FedNor reached with the First Nations. by Jim Moodie sponsored by Nipissing- Tony Martin, the Rota proposal north of Perch Lake, is one kilo- “I can confirm the obvious, metre long and is located in a wet- OTTAWA—Opposition MPs from Timiskaming MP Anthony Rota, passed second reading in June which is that Northland and the this region are furious over the calls on the government to trans- 2009 but has been stalled in com- land that has already been dis- UCCM corporation are getting turbed by other activity. The recent stonewalling of a bill that form FedNor into a stand-alone mittee ever since. Its slow path together on the McLean’s Moun- would make FedNor a stronger entity akin to other regional fun- through parliament continued second area crosses a municipal tain project,” he said. “We’re hap- road allowance near Highway 540 and more transparent agency. ders in —including the last week, when a Tory motion py with this, and think it’s a good C-309, a private member’s bill newly created FedDev Ontario, deferred a vote on the bill and to private land where the road will step. It’s something we’ve been actually be built. serving the southern part of the foreshortened discussion of its working on, and it’s just coming to province. merits. “These two road allowance a culmination now.” usages will not connect to any Public beach Based on a bill that was first “We were supposed to have a While the Northland-UCCM col- to take shape introduced in 2007 by Sault MP ...continued on page 21 ...continued on page 21 in Sheguiandah Love and laughter key to enduring bond between Tehk couple by Lindsay Kelly by Nancy McDermid Bowerman. SHEGUIANDAH—The Hamlet of —Humour and togetherness They were married two years later in 1958 Sheguiandah will be home to the are two important reasons why Dick and at St. Mary’s Anglican Church in the Slash. newest beach in the Northeast Eunice Bowerman are celebrating their 52nd The newlyweds invited everyone on the Town, after a community park is anniversary this year. township voters’ list to the wedding because completed this spring. “The secret to a good marriage is being Ms. Bowerman was a McCullough from The park is a follow-up to the able to laugh at yourself and each other,” Tehkummah and Mr. Bowerman grew up in community development plan Eunice Bowerman stated. South Baymouth so they literally knew each conducted for Sheguiandah last “We enjoy whatever we do and we see the person listed. year. funny side to everything,” added hubby Dick. Together they raised four children and “When we did the community The duo has a well-honed ability to find the now have seven grandchildren and one development plan for Sheg, one of humour in life; they share the storytelling grandson-in-law. the items that was identified was and the punch lines are delivered on cue. The family home was located on Highway 6 a beach or a swim area for local “I was 16 years old and working at a restau- in South Baymouth, and tragedy struck in kids,” explained town CAO Dave rant in Tehkummah when Dick came in to 1969 when the house burnt to the ground. Williamson. “Right now they have play pinball,” said Mrs. Bowerman as an “You really get your priorities straight- explanation as to how they met. Dick and Eunice Bowerman enjoy a hiking excursion at ened out when you lose everything you own,” the government dock, but they “Yes, I was looking for a cook,” joked Mr. Meldrum Bay in recent years. As a couple they do everything together and go for a walk every day. ...continued on page 19 ...continued on page 21 Expositor Front Feb 9-11 JIM_Layout 1 08/02/11 1:46 AM Page 20

PAGE 20—THE MANITOULIN EXPOSITOR Wednesday, February 9, 2011 ...UCCM, Northland partner on McLean’s Mtn. wind farm ...continued from page 1 ticipating resident of the tion as a partner. They’ve ings and having debate on need to look out for them- at the expense of both the now in the environmental project area and member of been in business for many this,” he said. “I don’t selves and seek economic environment and the non- permitting process, and in the Manitoulin Coalition years, with projects in believe the Elders would development where it’s Native residents of the Quebec we have a relation- for Safe Energy Alterna- Europe as well as here in support this kind of envi- available—unlike some oth- area. ship with the Pessamit tives (MCSEA), isn’t terri- Canada, so they bring a lot ronmental impact.” er folks in the Northeast “First Nations are now First Nation on wind power bly shocked by the news, as of credibility when it comes Chief Hare noted that Town, he has never had a recognized as stakeholders, projects.” he had a sense that some- to lenders.” “we had discussion at the problem with the hotel but the same protection M’Chigeeng First Nation thing was in the works While Mr. Hare didn’t council level” on the issue development in Little Cur- isn’t provided to non-First Chief Joe Hare noted that between the First Nations specify the exact amount of of the UCCM partnership rent that will be First Nations people,” he said. the UCCM formed the and Northland. But he’s cer- money that would have to with Northland, while Nation-owned and -operat- “This project has already Mnidoo Mnising Power tainly disappointed. be ponied up by the UCCM admitting that “we didn’t go ed, as it benefits the com- been divisive enough with- Corporation this fall as a “It’s very upsetting for for the project, it certainly to the community,” in part munity without posing any in the non-Native communi- way to become a player in us,” he said. “We’ve been won’t be a trivial amount. because there is already a major environmental con- ty—how is this going to renewable energy develop- raising environmental In its environmental process in place in which sequences—but he worries affect the good relationship ment on Manitoulin, and awareness all this time, and screening report issued in Northland is required to that this new arrangement we’ve had over the years more recently approached First Nations are supposed 2009, Northland estimated hold public consultations. between Northland and the between Native and non- Northland for a role in the to look after the next seven that “the construction of In Mr. Beaudry’s experi- UCCM is being carried out Native?” McLean’s Mountain proj- generations.” the McLean’s Mountain ence, however, the public ect. Given that industrial wind farm will require a meetings that Northland is “We went to them and wind turbines can have a capital (outlay) of approxi- obligated to hold are essen- said, ‘We want to be part of negative impact on both mately $200 million on tur- tially pointless in terms of Theme night wildlife (including eagles, this development,’” he said. bine components, civil con- citizen impact. “They’ve dinner “At first they didn’t sacred to Native people) and struction, electrical, crane never listened to any of the respond, but after a second humans (some of whom and many additional spe- issues we’ve raised,” he Greek approach they agreed. Once report health problems like cialist contractors.” Half of said. “It’s basically: ‘We’re sleep disruption and they agreed we had to get that would be—you got it— coming into the communi- Saturday, arrhythmia), he feels sup- approvals through our $100 million. ty and this is what we’re porting the project is incon- February 12th respective band councils.” Mr. Beaudry hopes that doing, whether you like it sistent with “their future All of the UCCM commu- the First Nation share of or not.’ It’s not true public outlook” to protect the land nities are on board, he said, these funds won’t come in consultation.” 705-377-4055 and their descendants. including Aundeck Omni the form of low-interest Providence Bay Chief Hare acknowledges That said, some accom- Call for Kaning (AOK) and the government loans, as that that there are some con- modation does seem to LLBO Sheguiandah First Nation, would mean taxpayers will Reservations cerns regarding wind ener- have been made in regard which border on the be on the hook (to some to the concerns of Aun- McLean’s Mountain devel- gy, but in his estimation extent, at least) for a project deck Omni Kaning, said opment and have previous- “it’s the lesser of evils” giv- that many on Manitoulin Mr. Beaudry. In stating its ly expressed misgivings en the other options for don’t welcome. objections to the project about the project. Wik- power generation. “We feel Mostly, though, he’s dis- last year, the leadership of wemikong, which is not that, as far as protecting mayed that a group that for- AOK asked for a buffer of represented by the UCCM Mother Earth as much as merly represented an ally and has its own sizeable possible, it’s preferable to at least two kilometres (as Family Fun Fair in resisting the develop- wind project in the plan- embrace clean, green ener- opposed to the provincial ment has gone over to what ning stages, “is not in on gy,” he said. “When we requirement of 550 metres) he would consider the dark Wednesday February 9th this,” he added. looked at these alternative between turbines and side. “Until now, the First The deal for a 50/50 share energy projects, we felt it dwellings. in the McLean’s Mountain was better to support them Nations have been a real Northland appears to 1:00 - 7:00 pm project—meaning both its because they don’t disturb stumbling block for North- have complied with that financing and profits—is “a the climate and environ- land,” he said. “Now that demand, or at least come At the Mindemoya Community Centre major undertaking on the ment as much as coal or they’re partners, it will close to it. “According to part of the First Nations,” uranium.” probably roll full steam the map of the project pre- 8632 King Street (Hwy 542 East) said the chief, adding that It is also, more practical- ahead.” sented at last Tuesday’s the Sudbury press confer- ly, a way to generate some Northland was already council meeting, they’ve ence represents a chance revenue for First Nation poised to submit its revised moved some turbines away “to broadcast to the indus- communities that other- bid for Renewable Energy from AOK,” said Mr. try in general, and other wise have few development Application (REA) approval Beaudry. “It doesn’t look Free Admission First Nations, a benchmark options. “On the economic this spring, in Mr. like a full two kilometres that they can aspire to.” side, there’s not much for Beaudry’s understanding. from their fence lines, but Exhibitors will showcase the latest in… In most cases, “the devel- First Nations to capitalize He expects that application maybe from the downtown oper takes most of the prof- on with where we are situ- will go forward sooner now, core of AOK.” health and nutrition it,” said Chief Hare. “This ated,” said the chief. “The if it hasn’t already been That adjustment in the children’s development shows how corporations forests are not there, and filed. layout comes at the can enter into a good rela- tourism is limited.” “We won’t know until it expense of Northeast children’s toys and equipment tionship with First Nations, The McLean’s Mountain gets approved,” he said. Town residents whose land safety tips and vice versa.” project might not be taking This could take as long as abuts the project area, The surprising move shape on lands currently six months, following sub- however, according to Mr. comes less than a year after owned by First Nations, but mission to the Ministry of Beaudry. “They’ve also also available… the UCCM took a firm this corner of the Island the Environment, although moved turbines closer into nitoulin Best Start Hub play area remains a part of their tra- stance against the North- his hunch is it will “be clusters that will affect Mason’s Child Health Idencation land initiative. In a state- ditional territory, not to approved in less time than non-participating ment delivered at a public mention spans road that.” At that point, “you landowners, which they program meeting last March, UCCM allowances to which they get 30 days to comment on can do because of the latest tribal chair Franklin Pai- retain some claim, pending it, and after that, there are EBR (Environmental Bill If you need help with transportation, bomsai complained that a the resolution of the 1990 15 days to appeal.” of Rights) ruling that hunt duty to consult with First treaty process. Mr. Brace said “there are camps and severed lots please contact your local Health Centre. Nations “has been ignored “The 1990 land claim set- still some documents that don’t count,” he said. tlement included us forgo- and continues to be we have to finish drafting Mr. Beaudry under- Organized by Family Service Agencies ignored.” Until such time as ing our rights in terms of before the REA application stands that First Nations the province agreed to talk resources like aggregates can go in, but it will directly with First Nations, and water, but we don’t look become fully public once it “the chiefs will remain at it that way,” said Chief is assessed to be complete.” opposed to the project,” he Hare. “We believe we own While the odds now certain rights of way, and asserted. seem stacked against any- you have to use that to your CAN YOU HELP OUT? To be fair, those objec- one who opposes the devel- advantage. You go with tions were directed more at opment, Mr. Beaudry what you’ve got and what the Ontario government believes a few tools are still An account has been set up at you own.” than the developer, but gen- left at the disposal of wind erally speaking there Partnering equally with TD Canada Trust, Little Current Branch Northland on the Island’s critics—one being the seemed to be little warmth aforementioned REA between the First Nations first major wind farm—at in the name of Dianne (Smith) Lecuyer In Trust last count, it was to include appeal process, as is cur- and Northland Power until rently occurring in very recently. 43 wind turbines that would Chatham-Kent following a to assist Dianne with expenses as she must AOK is also on record as generate 77 megawatts, and nominal green light for a resisting the project. A could expand—will repre- project in that area. “We travel to and stay for a while in Toronto band council resolution sent a major investment on would appeal on the basis from last January states the part of the UCCM com- of irreversible harm to the that the First Nation “cate- munities, but Chief Hare to receive a life-saving gorically opposes North- believes it’s doable because environment,” he said. LUNG TRANSPLANT. land Power’s wind-farm of the cachet that North- Another avenue to project proposal until such land has within the indus- thwart the process could time as all encroachments try. well rest with members of of noise, low-frequency “It’s virtually impossible the First Nations whose noise, health effects issues, for First Nations to raise leaders have inked this Your generosity is appreciated by Dianne and environmental con- money on their own,” he deal, Mr. Beaudry suggest- cerns that will affect the said. “We can put up some ed, particularly since the and her family. If you have any questions, health of our membership equity, but the rest has to be pact seems to have been (are) addressed and to our borrowed, and it makes reached without communi- please feel free to contact satisfaction.” raising capital easier when ty input. “They should be Ray Beaudry, a non-par- you have a major corpora- holding community meet- 705-368-1086 or 705-368-2639. Expositor Front Feb 9-11 JIM_Layout 1 08/02/11 1:46 AM Page 21

Wednesday, February 9, 2011 THE MANITOULIN EXPOSITOR—PAGE 21 ...Northeast Town to consider Northland road use request ...continued from page 1 are seeking expedition of speakers are talking about ed, noting that its waters noted that the company’s issue of the road use agree- actively utilized developed the process, the town must issues that have to do with drain into Bass Lake, and impact study still has to ment further on Tuesday, road areas,” writes Mr. Mar- complete its due diligence, this road agreement,” he down into Sheguiandah pass approval from the February 15. tin. “The adjacent landown- he added. He said it was said. “We’re not talking Bay, while it travels to MNR and the Ministry of ers’ lands will be gated off important to “satisfy our- about bat mortality or bird White’s Point in the other the Environment before where the road turns off selves,” in speaking with impact, or whether or not direction. Any impact could going through. the indicated allowance so the MNR, that all require- the setbacks are appropri- also affect residents’ water The Northeast Town’s it will not encourage any ments have been met by the ate where they are.” source. road use agreement with activity other than that of company, and that waiting He noted that emails that Councillor Michael Ersk- Northland went into effect initial construction and lat- an additional two weeks for have been circulating to ine noted that, in the leadup on April 22, 2010, and out- er maintenance of the wind a seven-year project won’t council address other fac- to Thursday night’s meet- lines parameters for the farm. We recognize that be onerous. tors, such as Northland’s ing, he had been accused of use of town roads during LOCAL MANITOULIN this will be fully overseen “I’m a little reluctant to company structure and being both for and against the construction and main- • Premium Angus Beef just push things through First Nations involvement, the project from proponents tenance of the wind tur- by the municipality and the • Lamb roads superintendent as per right now,” the mayor said, all of which are off-topic and opponents of the proj- bines, including require- • Grass-Fed Beef the road user agreement.” reiterating a suggestion and aren’t applicable to the ect. ments that Northland has Noting that several con- from earlier in the term municipality. “It’s an emotionally to meet. • Pork stituents had contacted him that he wants to see respect- Addressing the road use charged issue,” he said. “If The amendment would Boxes of about speaking to the issue, ful, informed discussion on issue was, at one time, seen you’re not immediately on add additional roads to the Assorted Cuts, Councillor Bill Koehler sug- the topic. “We’re moving as a way to derail the proj- side with one side they agreement that could be Quarters or Sides gested deferring the matter forward with this, but it’s ect, Councillor MacNevin think you’re on the other used by the wind power until the next council meet- very important that every- noted, and if people are per- side of the issue.” company, and would fall Delivered ing on February 15. Mayor body feels their voices have mitted to speak, they must Although his initial con- under the same terms and Joe Chapman agreed. been heard and has the focus on the issue at hand, cern was the town’s liabili- conditions that exist with- Martin Farms “I’m a little unclear on opportunity to speak.” and not veer off-topic. ty should the road use in the full agreement. what’s being asked and why Councillor Al MacNevin Apprehensive about the agreement be expanded, he Council will examine the 282-1334 it’s being asked,” he said. suggested that, should peo- impact on the wetland, believes the town should “There are questions I’d ple be allowed to speak on Councillor Christina Jones not be seen as placing like staff to follow up on the issue, they should be voiced her concern that the “undue and unreasonable with the MNR (Ministry of confined to addressing only study by the MNR has been delays” on the project. Are you interested in senior housing and Natural Resources) with the topic of road use. completed. While he agrees that peo- alternative care on Manitoulin Island? this.” “It’s important to me that The wetland “is very pre- ple should be permitted to Although the proponents when we go to this meeting, cious to us,” she comment- speak to the issue, he also Please join us for a community consultation about the future development of the Manitoulin Centennial Manor and its ...Public beach to take shape in Sheguiandah potential Continuum of Care model. ...continued from page 1 to fund that aspect of the plan is to encourage those boardwalk, over to the gov- don’t actually have a beach project. people travelling across ernment dock, up along the Please join SHS Consulting and C.J. Stewart “The beauty of the park Manitoulin—including the Lewis Trail, and back to the area.” Consulting Service to discuss your ideas and To facilitate the project, is that this really links that 260,000 ferry passengers— museum, which will stand the town is having a num- community development to stop to use the public out as the hub for the route. issues surrounding the development of the ber of cottages removed study,” Mr. Williamson washrooms and spend more For inspiration, the Manitoulin Centennial Manor. that are currently sitting on says. “What we’re trying to time in the hamlet while municipality looked to the the town-owned municipal do is get people off of the they’re there. Township of Kagawong, Consultants have been hired to determine if a road allowance. Owners of highway and have them In addition to the play- which has a simple layout Continuum of Care model at the wander through the com- ground, washrooms and that doesn’t require much the cottages have already Manitoulin Centennial Manor been working with the town munity and really enjoy the swimming park, the town maintenance, but which to remove some of the cot- Hamlet of Sheguiandah.” will install signs at the play- attracts lots of visitors is a viable opportunity. tages. The process began last ground area directing peo- every year. In the spring, the park year with the installation ple to a walking trail that “We’re trying to emulate Please join us to share and learn about the will quickly take shape as of playground equipment will lead from the museum something that we see opportunities that exist for the area will be cleaned up, and the creation of new to Batman’s Mill, to the working very well with the Manitoulin Island! including lawn mainte- washrooms at the museum fish-spawning viewing sta- people who come to the nance and adding picnic property. Research has tion erected by the Little Island,” he says. tables. Playground equip- shown that the single Current Fish and Game The town anticipates Tuesday, February 15 at 7 pm biggest reason the travel- Club. having the park in place by ment is being considered Council Chambers for a future date, although ling public stop is to use From there, the trail will this summer. finances have to be raised washrooms, so the town’s go out along the hamlet’s or Wednesday, February 16 at 7 pm ...Tories accused of stalling on bill to bolster FedNor NEMI Recreation Centre ...continued from page 1 and are protected by legisla- tives,” as well as provide the House last Friday—two debate on the bill on Febru- tion. “the ability to track invest- days after the bill got short ary 2,” said Carol Hughes, Northern MPs no longer ment dollars in the region shrift in its scheduled MP for Algoma-Manitoulin- have to look as far away as instead of a blended Indus- debate period—taking par- The Kapuskasing. “The Conser- Atlantic or Western Cana- try Canada budget.” ticular aim at Mr. Clement, vatives moved to delay the da, however, to see an exam- Ms. Hughes said the lat- who has responsibility for vote and also curtailed ple of a strong regional ter point is a key one. FedNor as part of his port- debate, so there will be an body that stands on its own “Because it’s just a depart- folio as industry minister. hour less next time it comes and has lots of money to ment initiative right now, “Mr. Speaker, the minis- up.” spend. In 2009, the Harper the spending plans are not ter of industry loves to use Roosterant Ms. Hughes had been pre- government established the available to the public and the name FedNor at press Mindemoya 377•4156 pared to speak to the bill, Federal Economic Develop- you don’t get a snapshot of conferences,” said the Nick- along with Nickel Belt MP ment Agency for Southern long-term planning for el Belt member. “But what Claude Gravelle, but didn’t Ontario—FedDev Ontario, ,” she the people of Northern Open Thursday through Monday get the chance to voice her for short—and committed said. “If it was a full agency, Ontario really need is an support for the concept. $1 billion over five years to independent economic 8:00 am to 8:00 pm “We were ready with our this new organization. development agency, like Licenced by the A.G.C.O. speeches,” she said. “It was “Why should southern ‘Why should the ones in southern obviously a deliberate tac- Ontario have its own Ontario and Quebec.” (L.L.B.O.) tic to avoid the issue.” agency and not the North?” southern Ontario Noting that there is “a In her view, it’s essential asked Ms. Hughes. have its own bill before the House of that FedNor become a full- The lack of Tory MPs in Commons right now that Daily Dinner Specials fledged agency “so that its this part of the province— agency and not would make FedNor an mandate is developed by only Greg Rickford of the North?’ independent agency that people here in Northern Kenora and Tony Clement can meet the needs of peo- Valentine’s Dinner Specials Ontario and there is an of Parry Sound-Muskoka —AMK MP ple from our region,” Mr. ability for the agency to represent the North as Carol Hughes Gravelle demanded to know on February 13 and 14th work more in unison with members of government— why Conservatives are projects here in the North.” might go some way towards blocking the initiative. At present, FedNor exists answering that question, the spending plans would “It’s clear this Conserva- within Industry Canada she suggested. be available to parliamen- tive government and its Sunday Brunch and functions as a program Chambers of Commerce tarians for analysis when industry minister, who con- from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm of that department. This is in the North have endorsed the government tables its siders himself a Northern in stark contrast to the Mr. Rota’s bill—the full main estimates.” Ontarian, have no respect Your hosts: Diane and Neil Chmielak country’s other economic name would be An Act to The AMK member feels for us in the North,” stated development agencies— Located across from the Mindemoya Arena Establish the Economic it’s critical to not only Mr. Gravelle in the House. such as the Atlantic Canada (location of the previous Hub Restaurant and Island Pub) Development Agency of strengthen the mandate for “If they did, they would Opportunities Agency, Canada for the Region of FedNor but also ensure that have made FedNor a stand- Western Economic Diversi- Phone 377•4156 Northern Ontario—argu- “there is transparency and alone agency just like the fication Canada, and the ing that the move would accountability” for the one they set up for southern Economic Development assure “program continu- Agency of Canada for the agency. Ontarians. Why the double ity for both providers and Fellow NDPer Mr. Grav- standard Mr. Speaker? Why Regions of Quebec—all of clients of economic initia- Welcome to Our Place! which enjoy separate status elle came out swinging in the hypocrisy?”