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Callander Mayor reacts to dam situation

Callander Mayor Hec Lavigne Released the following open letter in response to concerns over the removal of the Wasi Dam.


Callander Mayor Hec Lavigne
Released the following open letter in response to concerns over the removal of the Wasi Dam.

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Dear Callander Residents

RE: Wasi Dam

Further to our Sustainable Community’s deputation at Council September 4th, 2007, addressing concerns over the removal of the Wasi Dam and the effect of this action on Callander Bay. I met with Randy Morrison, Area Supervisor, Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) to address the matter and to seek specific response to the questions posed in the deputation.

Mr. Morrison made it clear that is was the MNR’s mandate to remove what is an illegal dam and that it is the North Bay Mattawa Conservation Authority (NBMCA) who is the lead agency with respect to Water Source Protection.

The MNR has been working closely with the NBMCA to ensure that there will be no ill effects as a result of the removal.

However, and to date, I have no written response to our inquiries or response to the report provided by our Sustainable Communities Committee (SCC).

Both the MNR and NBMCA have committed to a response and are awaiting the results of the consultants report on the matter in order for them to reply.

Mr. Morrison is quite confident that there will be no short or long term effects and suggests that the removal of the dam in 4 phases commencing September 24th will be beneficial in that it corrects septic bed issues and other concerns of higher water on Wasi Lake that contribute to higher than normal phosphorous levels that eventually flow down stream to Callander Bay.

At issue is the timing of the removal. Firstly, MNR has confirmed they are absolutely proceeding with the removal and have fixed September 24th as the date the project will commence. The report from consultants which MNR and NBMCA will use to respond to our issues is due for release tomorrow, September 20th, at the NBMCA sponsored cruise of Callander Bay.

My concern is that we do not have time to react to any comments provided should the report not scientifically support the removal of the dam.

I have called a public meeting for Friday September 21, 2007 at 12 noon to address the matter. Council wishes simply to report the findings and discussions of the short and long term effect of removing the dam and perhaps consideration to alternate solutions or timing of the removal.

I am meeting with both the MNR and NBMCA September 20th to address this matter further but must be assured by both agencies of their collective position.

I am looking for your assistance and support in making yourself available to attend the NBMCA planned cruise of Callander Bay, September 20th (information and tickets available at the Municipal Office) and our public meeting Friday September 21st, at 12 noon.

Yours truly,
Mayor Lavigne

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