THE GRAND STRATEGY NEWSLETTER VOLUME 6, NUMBER 1 - JANUARY 2001

Grand River The Grand: Conservation A Canadian Authority Heritage River

Feature Fancy a Fence? 1 Milestones Forest Plan 3 Walper Hosts Workshop 3

What’s Happening? Unused Wells 4 Latornell Symposium 4 FANCY A FENCE? Great Canadian Rivers 5 Wetlands Conference 5 by Anne Loeffler, Grand River Conservation Authority Environmental Awards 5 In December, the snow is flying, but local near the watercourses to provide them with easy Now Available fencing contractors still had more than enough access to drinking water. The resulting Trees for 2001 5 fencing jobs to finish before winter tightened its streambank erosion and water quality degrada- grip on the land. What’s going on? Why the tion has affected humans and beasts down- Look Who’s Taking demand for fencing contractors? stream, and thereby has become a societal issue. Action Stream fencing projects are part of the But change is lurking around the upstream Special Recognition 5 reason. In the last two years, 18 projects to bend. The change is happening on farms NA Water Trails Inc. 6 fence livestock from streams have been com- throughout the Grand watershed, where more High Jinks at Shade’s 6 pleted under the Rural Water Quality Program farmers than ever before are participating in Chiefswood 7 in the Region of Waterloo and Wellington environmental programs. One such program is Did You Know? 7 County. Tree buffers have been established the Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) program, between the fence and the watercourse on most which has been instrumental in helping farm Calendar 8 of the participating farms. And already there’s families identify environmental areas of concern interest from at least 30 farms to complete and priorities for action on their farm. The EFP Cover photo similar fencing/buffer projects next year. also offers some limited financial assistance to Author and photographer This increased fencing activity comes as a the farmer taking these actions. Carl Hiebert captures the surprise to some. After all, times are difficult Once farmers have completed an EFP for the patterns and subtleties of for farmers. Input costs are up; commodity farm, they are eligible to receive financial the rural landscape. This prices are down. Profit margins have decreased, assistance from the Rural Water Quality Pro- small tributary has been forcing intensification for many operations, gram (RWQP). The RWQP offers technical and fenced and protected as including those who pasture their livestock financial assistance to implement a variety of part of the Rural Water throughout the Grand watershed. On many best management practices that improve and Quality Program. farms, cattle have historically been pastured protect water quality. Funded by the Regional l See page 2 FANCY A FENCE? ○ ○

from page one ○ ○

Municipality of Waterloo, the County ○ ○

of Wellington and the City of Guelph, ○

the RWQP programs have been able to ○ ○

provide over $700,000 in financial ○ assistance to implement 160 water ○ ○

quality protection projects since 1998. ○ ○

The program is delivered to farmers by ○

GRCA staff who conduct site visits, ○ ○

assist the farmer in the application ○ process, and supply technical assist- ○ ○

ance as required. ○ ○

For example, a farmer is eligible to ○

receive up to $10,000 to share the cost ○ ○

of fencing livestock out of creeks. ○ Eligible project items include fencing, ○ In 1999, this farm stream showed badly eroded banks, with sediment moving freely ○

installation of a livestock stream ○ into the water. The stream was open and unshaded with poor water quality. ○

crossing, and an alternate water supply. ○ ○ The RWQP pays for 75% of the costs if The environmental benefits of stream ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Public School recently helped establish ○

the farmer has hired the job out to a ○ buffers are numerous. Streambank a tree buffer in the Boomer Creek ○ watershed. This project was supported

contractor; however, if the farmer ○ erosion is reduced; nutrient, pathogen

supplies the labour, he is reimbursed ○ and sediment inputs into the watercourse by Home Hardware through the Tree ○

for 100% of the cost of the materials. ○ decrease; fish habitat is protected and Canada Foundation. Students spent The program also shares the cost of ○ enhanced; wildlife habitat and corridors part of the day planting 180 hardwood ○

tree seedlings and saplings to be ○ are created. Benefits to the farming saplings at the farm, and then planted ○

planted in the newly retired stream ○ operation can include improved herd 25 saplings in their schoolyard to

buffer area at a rate of 75% to a ○ health, improved pasture productivity, provide shade. ○

maximum of $6,000. Former pasture ○ and windbreak and shading effects from How do the students feel about land which has been retired into trees ○ the trees in the buffer. participating in a stream buffer ○

through the program is also eligible for ○ There can be educational benefits as planting? Here are some of their ○

a performance incentive of $250/acre/ ○ well. The Grade 8 class from Linwood answers:

year for up to three years to compensate ○ ○

the farmer for loss of production from ○ the land, and to cover ongoing man- ○ ○

agement costs for weed control. ○ ○

Obviously this cost share formula ○ has proven to be attractive to many. To ○ ○

date, RWQP fencing/buffer projects ○ ○

have resulted in the establishment of ○

over 30,000 trees in stream buffers, ○ ○

more than 13 kilometres of stream ○ fencing, and the exclusion of about 750 ○ ○

head of livestock from watercourses. ○ ○

The farmers themselves have supplied ○

much of the labour. It is estimated that, ○ ○

to date, local farmers have contributed ○ over 1,700 hours of labour to construct ○ ○

fences on their farms to restrict live- ○ ○ In 2000, the same stream is already on its way to becoming a healthy, clean stock from creeks. An impressive ○ indicator of commitment to environ- ○ watercourse. Fencing keeps out livestock, and new trees will eventually shade and ○ protect the stream. mental protection! ○ ○ ○

2 SHARE THE RESOURCES - SHARE THE RESPONSIBILITY ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ • We helped prevent erosion. The Plan. Walper Hosts Heritage stream buffer will clean up the In early November the Steering Workshop water. Committee for the Watershed Forest Plan The Walper Terrace Hotel in • It was a cool experience. We met to review each draft section of the Kitchener will be the host venue for learned how to properly plant trees plan and also to generate ideas and th and how important they are. action plans for implementation of the the 4 Annual Heritage Day Work- shop on February 19, 2001, organized • We helped animals that live in the plan starting this spring. Many excellent by The Grand Strategy Heritage creek. ideas were discussed and broad priorities • The water will be cleaner so less were set. Some of the project and pro- Working Group. This heritage inn makes this an ideal location for the people will get sick. gram recommendations of the Steering workshop with its theme Heritage • We learned how to respect our Committee are available to review on- environment. line at the Watershed Forest Plan website Makes $ense: Discover Why. An inn at the centre of the commu- • By planting trees, we made the air in the form of fact-sheets. nity has welcomed visitors since early cleaner and fresher. Completed draft sections of the • It was good experience, good Watershed Forest Plan are also available settlers came to Sandhills (now Kitchener). Originally the Varnum exercise, and we got stronger. on-line and broad community input on Inn stood on the site at Schneiders • We were satisfied with the work we these sections is needed and encouraged. did. People can then quickly and easily fill Road (Queen South) and Preston Road (King Street). In 1836, • We enjoyed knowing that we made out the on-line comments form for the Frederick Gaukel purchased the inn, a difference! section they wish to provide feedback on and submit their comments for consid- enlarged it and renamed it Gaukel’s Do you want to establish a fence Hotel. The hotel saw several owners eration. and stream buffer on your farm? For and name changes before C. H. more information on the Rural Water Public open houses are also being scheduled for January and February to Walper took over in 1886. Then Quality Program, contact the GRCA at known as the Commercial Hotel, the give the general public an opportunity to 519-621-2761. building was destroyed by fire in review the final draft of the WFP and offer their comments and suggestions 1892. The following year a new building was erected as a high-class (see Grand Actions Calendar, page 8, MILESTONES hotel at the cost of $74,000. In 1908, for details). The Watershed Forest Plan website will continue to play an impor- $4.50 a week supplied the guest with a room, meals and a maid to fill the Milestones are progress or products of tant role in providing information to the water pitcher, while beer and whiskey The Grand Strategy Joint Work Plan. stakeholders groups and the public about the plan, meeting dates and minutes, and sold for 5 cents a glass. Hotel rooms were then lighted by gas jet, only two Forest Plan Comes about forest resources of the Grand River rooms had baths and there was one Together Watershed and about implementation of the plan. The final version of the plan is telephone in the lobby. Even with much of the watershed Since then the hotel has undergone to be completed in early spring this year. blanketed in a thick layer of snow, the many changes, from recognition as stakeholder groups of the Watershed ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ So take the opportunity to use the cold months of winter to reflect on some of one of the best eating places in Forest Plan are already thinking of the Canada to closing its doors in 1979 the great trees you’ve known, planted, warmer days of spring and of course, because of financial difficulties. In trees. Since the initial survey went out climbed on, swung from or had in your living room decorated with lights. The 1982, Fred Fontaine purchased the to the watershed community in No- building and refurbished the hotel to forests of the Grand River benefit vember of last year, the Watershed create an elegant reminder of its Forest Plan has forged ahead with everyone in the watershed; even if it’s just thoughts of fresh air and a shady golden age. The $7 million project broad public support, and great succeeded; Tourism Ontario bestowed retreat on a hot, summer’s day...... in progress has been made towards its a five star rating on the hotel and completion. With the final draft January. The Watershed Forest Plan website business is improving. This hand- nearing completion, it is time to look some hotel in the heart of Kitchener can be accessed through the GRCA forward to the immediate and long- is proof that preserving our heritage website at www.grandriver.on.ca term futures of the Watershed Forest buildings can be a sound investment. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

GRAND ACTIONS . January 2001 3 ○

○ than not, these unused wells are not prepared by Agriculture and Agri-food WHAT’S ○ ○ properly maintained. Canada and the Ontario Ministry of HAPPENING? ○

○ Even a well you’re not using now, but Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

○ might be in the future, must be maintained This BMP can be obtained by contact- ○

Unused Wells Pathways ○ like a working well. A well that won’t be ing the Ontario Federation of Agricul- ○ used again must be properly abandoned ture at (416) 485-3333. In the event that for Pollution ○

○ (plugged or sealed) to protect the aquifer you need work done on your well, it by Mitch Wilson, Hamilton- ○

○ from surface contamination and to should be done by a contractor

Wentworth Stewardship ○ eliminate a safety hazard to humans, licenced by the Ontario Ministry of the Council. ○ ○ livestock and wildlife. Environment.

What do think about when you drive ○ Well and aquifer contamination can Grand River watershed residents ○

the rural roads of the watershed? If ○ occur in many different ways. For planning to plug an unused well may be ○

you are a well contractor you probably ○ example, feedlots, animal yards, septic eligible for assistance through the

ponder about the hundreds, if not ○ systems, manure storage, fertilizer and Environmental Farm Plan program or ○

thousands, of unused wells that dot ○ pesticides can all contaminate your water the Rural Water Quality Program. Call

the landscape. An unused well is a ○ supply. The amount of risk will depend the GRCA Soil and Water Conservation ○

general term used to describe a water ○ on the condition of your well and how Services at (519) 621-2761 for more ○

well that is not currently used or is ○ close it is to potential sources of contami- information.

used occasionally. ○ nation. ○

Early farm and rural water supplies ○ Why should you be concerned? It is a Latornell Symposium were drawn from streams, springs and ○ lot easier and cheaper to prevent con- ○ The annual A.D. Latornell Conservation hand-dug wells. Since the early days, ○ tamination than to try and clean it up.

○ Symposium provides a forum for

the needs of rural residents, and the ○ Treating the water, constructing a new discussion and understanding around well technology to meet those needs, ○ well, or getting water from another ○ emerging conservation issues. It is

have evolved. Our reliance on a clean ○ source are all inconvenient and can be

○ Ontario’s premier conservation and plentiful groundwater source has expensive.

○ conference, attracting over 400 ○ also grown. Our constant search for a The correct way to plug a well de- th ○ delegates annually. The 7 annual

safe and reliable water supply on the ○ pends on the well’s construction. Meth- Symposium was held on October 23-25, farm or behind the house often results ○ ods of plugging unused wells are de-

○ 2000, at the Nottawasaga Inn in ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

in the improper abandonment of one ○ scribed in the Best Management Prac-

○ Alliston. Delegates came from conser- well for the use of another. More often tices (BMP) book on Water Wells vation authorities, federal and provin- cial agencies, municipalities, and private business, universities and community groups. The theme was Growth and Conser- vation: Chaos or Compatibility, and focussed on the delicate balance between growth and conservation, urban and rural interests, and private benefits versus public good. Speakers delved into urban and rural issues around growth, the impacts of munici- pal amalgamation and restructuring, concerns about the changing land- scapes, aquatic habitat manipulation, and the ever-increasing demands we place on our water and land resources. Concurrent sessions dealt specifically On March 26, 2001, TV viewers across Canada will learn what Grand River with surface and groundwater issues, watershed residents already know. The Grand, pictured above, is a beautiful differing management approaches and

Canadian Heritage River and an important part of our lives. innovative tools and new technologies. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

4 SHARE THE RESOURCES - SHARE THE RESPONSIBILITY ○

Great Canadian Rivers ○

○ ○

A new television series, from Good ○

Earth Productions, premieres across ○ ○

Canada on the Discovery Channel, on ○ ○

Monday, January 1, 2001, at 9:30 p.m. ○

(EST). ○ ○

Great Canadian Rivers is narrated ○

by actor/musician Tom Jackson and ○ ○

will profile thirteen of Canada’s ○ ○

greatest and most interesting rivers, ○

each representing the natural and ○ ○

cultural heritage of Canada. Each half- ○

hour episode focuses on one river, ○ ○

while the series as a whole presents a ○ ○

variety of landscapes, regions and ○

stories. ○ ○

Season One of Great Canadian ○ Rivers includes visits to British ○ The Honourable John Snobelen, Minister of Natural Resources (left) and GRCA ○ Chairman Peter Krause (right), present a GRCA Honour Roll Award to Gil Columbia’s Stikine, Fraser, and ○

○ Henderson of Onondaga Farms.

Gataga Rivers, Alberta’s Red Deer and ○ ○

Athabasca Rivers, Saskatchewan’s ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○ There are six award categories, For a list of available nursery stock

Churchill River, Manitoba’s Hayes ○ including agriculture, business, commu- contact Brenda Armstrong at (519) ○

River, Ontario’s Grand and French ○ nity, education, and stewardship of a 621-2763, ext. 250, or email Rivers, Nova Scotia’s Margaree River, ○ natural area. Awards will be presented on ○ [email protected] For

New Brunswick’s St. Croix River, plus ○ June 7, 2001, at the Kitchener City Hall. information about assistance with your the Coppermine River in the NWT/ ○ ○ The awards are being sponsored by tree planting contact Martin Neumann Nunavut and the Yukon’s Yukon ○ Region of Waterloo municipalities,

○ at (519) 621-2763, ext. 258, or email

River. Our own Grand River will be ○ business groups, the Chamber of Com- [email protected] featured at 9:30 p.m. on March 26, ○

○ merce, GRCA, and many other environ-

2001. ○ mental organizations. ○ LOOK WHO’S ○ For nomination forms, or more

Wetlands Conference ○ information about the nomination TAKING ACTION ○

Postponed ○ guidelines and categories, contact Regan ○

The Wetlands Conference, scheduled ○ Bowers of the Chamber of Commerce at ○ (519) 576-5000. And yes, it is OK to

for January 25, 2001, has been post- ○ Special Recognition poned until March. The new date will ○ nominate yourself. The Awards Committee ○ The Honourable John Snobelen,

be posted as soon as possible. The ○ would like to know about your efforts.

○ Minister of Natural Resources, was the

conference will encourage dialogue ○ Guest of Honour at the GRCA Special around existing issues and policies ○

○ Recognition Awards and Honour Roll relating to wetlands to assist the ○ NOW AVAILABLE Ceremony on November 24, 2000, at the GRCA in revising its current wetland ○

○ GRCA Administration Centre. Mr. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ policies. ○

○ Snobelen presented the awards and

○ Trees for 2001 brought greetings from Premier Harris. Environmental Awards ○ ○ If you have a large tree-planting project Recipients of Grand River Watershed ○ Conservation Awards were: Nominations are now being sought for ○ in mind, the GRCA may be able to help.

the Region of Waterloo Environmental ○ Tree planting assistance can be arranged Conestogo Winterbourne Optimists - ○

Sustainability Awards. Each year ○ for spring 2002, and trees (without for extensive community work, and trail individuals and organizations are ○ ○ planting assistance) may still be available maintenance on trails such as the Trans

recognized for their commitment to ○ for spring of 2001. Canada Trail. l See page 6 ○

conserving our natural heritage. ○

○ ○

GRAND ACTIONS . January 2001 5 ○

AWARDS ○

from page five ○ ○

Ken Hunsberger (St. Agatha) - for a ○ ○

wide range of conservation farming ○

practices, and his work with numerous ○ ○

farm organizations. ○ ○

Dr. Jean Steckle (Kitchener) - for her ○ ○

work to support the environment, ○

education and heritage programs at the ○ ○

Steckle Heritage Homestead. ○ ○

Six Nations Eco Centre (Ohsweken) - ○

for environmental and educational ○ ○

programs provided by the Eco Centre. ○ ○

Mike and Mary Konkle (Dunnville) - ○

for their extensive plantings in ○ ○

Dunnville, and their work with the ○ ○

Haldimand Community Forest Initia- ○

tive. ○ Members of the Ancient Mariners Canoe Club of Cambridge take to the water with ○

In addition a GRCA Honour Roll ○ enthusiasm and ambition for their mini-Olympics at Shade’s Mills this fall.

Award was presented to Gil ○

○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

Henderson (of Onondaga Farms, south ○ trails organizers on all levels in the United High Jinks at Shade’s ○

of Cambridge) for his lifelong support ○ States and Canada to apply these guiding Mills of environmental restoration, conserva- ○ principles to their trail. The result will be ○ by Ron Anderson and Eric tion farming, and education. ○ greater care for the waters and lands along

○ Thomlinson

○ the trails and less need for official policing

North American Water ○ and regulation.” The Ancient Mariners Canoe Club of ○

Trails Inc. ○ Modern water trails are recreational Cambridge held a mini-Olympics at ○ waterways between specific locations Shade’s Mills in September. Fourteen North American Water trails, Inc. is a ○ ○ containing access points and day use canoes participated. The stands were

coalition of organizations and individu- ○

○ sites. A trail might include small-boat filled with at least 200 gulls and als committed to the establishment of ○ launches, shore access and overnight numerous migrating ducks. Included recreational waterways on North ○

○ campsites. The North American Water in the competition were grueling

American interior and coastal waters. ○ Trails Guiding Principles are: events such as “bowman’s bluff” Membership includes volunteer ○ ○ • Partnerships - Cooperating and Sharing where the stern paddler wears a

groups, public interest organizations, ○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○ • Stewardship - Leaving No Trace blindfold and the bow paddler, who government agencies, private compa- ○ • Volunteerism - Experiencing the Joy of has no paddle, has to talk his way nies and dedicated individuals. ○ ○ Involvement around the course; the “100 metre

The coalition has announced a new ○

○ • Education - Learning by Experience splash” where both canoeists paddle set of eight guiding principles to ○ • Conservation - Protecting our Natural with the blade up and the shaft down; address every aspect of water trail ○

○ and Cultural Heritage and the “roll away relay” where the

development and use from partner- ○ • Community Vitality - Connecting buoys must be rounded stern first. ships and stewardship to education ○ ○ People and Places A demonstration sport was a

and conservation. The principles are ○

○ • Diversity - Providing Opportunities for thorough cleanup of debris on the designed to better assist local water ○ All shores of the lake. The Ancient trails organizers as they develop new ○

○ • Wellness and Wellbeing - Caring for Mariners excel at this event and

trails or maintain existing trails. ○ Self and Others practise year round while hiking and “These principles highlight what we ○ ○ For more information about North canoeing on the trails and waterways

believe are the best, most important ○

○ American Water Trails Inc. call Barbara of the Grand River valley. aspects of modern water trails,” said ○ Veale at (519) 621-2763, ext. 274, or email Medals were awarded but no one North American Water Trails President ○

○ [email protected] seems to remember who won. We

Brook Lenker. “We encourage water ○

○

○ ○

6 SHARE THE RESOURCES - SHARE THE RESPONSIBILITY ○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

expect the competition will be held were planted by local school children ○ downtown Kitchener. ○

again in 2001. The Ancient Mariners and Six Nations community volunteers. ○ • The area of North and South ○

Canoe Club, founded in 1988, is an Other partners who helped with these ○ Dumfries was bought from the Six

affiliate of the Cambridge Seniors projects include Grand River Employ- ○ Nations for 8,841 British pounds. It ○

Centres and an avid supporter of the ment and Training, Sweet Grass Gar- ○ was later named by William

GRCA. dens, and the Ministry of Natural ○ Dickson after his native town in ○

Resources. This year’s projects also ○ Scotland. Dumfries is said to be ○

Chiefswood National include the reconstruction of the ○ derived from “dun Fris, the

Historic Site summer kitchen, holding a Writer’s ○ Fresian’s fortress”. ○

Circle and participating in a community ○ • Phineas Varnum, first innkeeper in

Chiefswood, the mansion birthplace ○ collaborative play. Sandhills in the early 1800s, of Mohawk poet E. Pauline Johnson, ○ For more information about ○ allowed free use of a tiny log cabin

is situated on a ridge overlooking the ○

Chiefswood, call (519) 752-5005, or ○ for Mennonite immigrants coming Grand River, on Highway 54 at email: [email protected] ○ to the country with little money. The Ohsweken. Chiefswood, built in 1853, ○

○ Varnum Inn became the first official

symbolizes the Johnson family’s role ○ trading post for the natives of the as intermediaries between aboriginal ○ DID YOU KNOW? ○ area. Many Indian families would

and non-aboriginal cultures. The Six ○

○ come to trade and sleep in the warm Nations Council received the home ○ inn kitchen before returning home. and 225 acre estate as a bequest from • When Absolom Shade, founder of ○ ○ • From 1854 to 1855 barges carried

the last surviving member of the ○ Shade’s Mills, later known as Galt, more than 20 million feet of lumber Johnson family, Miss Evelyn H. C. ○ died in 1862, his fortune was esti- ○ and 400 thousand bushels of grain Johnson, in 1926. mated at $300,000. No less than 60 ○

○ down the Grand River from points Chiefswood has undergone several heirs later made claims to his estate. ○ between Freeport, Galt and ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ periods of restoration, completed • The Eby and Schneider farms in ○ ○ Brantford to the port of Buffalo.

mainly by volunteers with enormous ○ Sandhills in the early 1800s encom- l See page 8 community support and effort (see ○

passed what is now almost the whole ○ Grand Actions, September 1998). The restored house is open to visitors and many restoration activities continue on the land. These include landscaping improvements and regeneration of the site based on photo documentation and historical records. A meadow rehabili- tation project involved the removal of the existing European-developed grass and replacement with grass native to the area. An archaeological dig has excavated hidden treasures. Six Nations students participated in the dig, which took place on the east side of the house, on the site of the old summer kitchen. Archaeologist Dr. John Triggs identified the found items and ensured they were properly catalogued. Two thousand trees have been planted around the estate perimeter. Canada Trust Friends of the Environ- ment, Brantford Chapter, provided Native grasses and colourful wildflowers will welcome future visitors to Chiefswood $5,114 to purchase the trees, which National Historic Site in Brantford.

GRAND ACTIONS . January 2001 7 ○○○○○ DID YOU KNOW? ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ given the name Kitchener in 1916. of air over the Grand River basin from page seven • In March 1916, as the Imperial holds in summer holds an average of • James Lee, famous for the Lee Hotel in Galt burned to the ground, 22 mm of water, while in the winter ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Metford and Lee Enfield rifles, was a fireman drenched with water was it holds only 5 mm, since warm air .born in Scotland but arrived in Galt frozen to a ladder. Axes were used can hold more water vapour than in 1836 with his parents. His father to chip him free and his hands and cold air. became Galt’s first watchmaker and face were frozen. • As recently as 13,000 years ago, the jeweler, and James learned the • Monticello in the north of the entire Grand River basin was trade of watchmaker in his shop. Grand River watershed receives covered in glacial ice. The mean • In 1901, Canada’s first sugar beet only 18 mm of rain in an average annual temperature at that time was factory was built in Berlin on January, while Dunnville in the probably about -4 degrees C. Lancaster Street to process the south receives 27 mm. The chances • According to University of Waterloo large quantities of sugar beet grown of a white Christmas are 60% in researchers, the 1700s had a climate in the area at that time. Brantford and 80% in Monticello. similar to the present, while warmer, • Kitchener was known as Sandhills, • It has been estimated that a column moister conditions prevailed in the Ebytown and Berlin before being early to mid-1800s. ABOUT THIS NEWSLETTER THE GRAND STRATEGY CALENDAR This newsletter is produced as a communications tool by the Grand Watershed Forest Plan Open Houses will be held as follows: River Conservation Authority on behalf January 31, 2001, 7 to 9 p.m., GRCA, 400 Clyde Road, Cambridge. of the partners in The Grand Strategy. February 5, 2001, 7 to 9 p.m., Caledonia Legion, 29 Caithness St. E., Caledo- nia. This newsletter can be seen on the February 12, 2001, 7 to 9 p.m., Drayton Arena, 68 Main Street West, Drayton. Internet at www.grandriver.on.ca February 13, 2001, 7 to 9 p.m., Grand Valley Community Centre, 90 Main St., Grand For information on The Grand Valley. Strategy For more information contact Jason Culp, (519) 621-2761, ext. 259. Contact Barbara Veale, GRCA, 400 Clyde Road, Box 729, Cambridge The Wetlands Conference originally scheduled for January 25, 2001, has been ON N1R 5W6. postponed until March. Phone: (519) 621-2761 or 621-2763, 4th Annual Heritage Day Workshop, February 19, 2001, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 ext. 274. p.m., at the historic Walper Terrace Hotel, Kitchener. The theme is Heritage Fax: (519) 621-4844 makes $ense: Discover Why. For more information contact Barbara Veale, (519) Email: [email protected] 621-2763, ext. 274, or email [email protected] Website: www.grandriver.on.ca Water Managers Working Group meeting, February 22, 2001, at 1.30 p.m., at For newsletter submissions the GRCA, 400 Clyde Road, Cambridge. Contact the Editor, Liz Leedham, Ontario’s Rural Tourism Conference Beyond the City Lights, February 25 to c/o Barbara Veale at the above address. 27, 2001, at Queen Landing Inn, Niagara-on-the-Lake. For further information, Newsletter submissions must be made contact Cathy Bartolic at 1-800-668-6284, or (519) 763-3160, ext. 229. Email: by the 15th of the month prior to [email protected] publication, and may be subject to editorial change. Tax deductible donations and sponsorships toward the Thank you to all who contributed to Grand cost of producing this newsletter are Actions over the past year, and a Happy New always welcome. Year to all our readers. Publications Mail Agreement #1448471

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