To the Expositor:
Declining water levels around the Manitoulin Island continue to ruin wetlands, shallow-water spawning areas and recreational boating opportunities.
In an effort to stimulate government action, the Water Committee of the Manitoulin Area Stewardship Council (MASC) has circulated a petition around the Island so that Manitouliners may express their concerns over the recent ongoing downward trend in water levels. As of May 29, more than 1,000 Manitouliners and visitors have signed the petition seeking federal government action.
It is obvious that Manitouliners feel strongly about ongoing declining water levels in the Great Lakes and are willing to stand up and be counted.
Up until now, the majority of signatures represent Manitoulin residents.
As the season progresses however, we expect summer visitors to witness the ongoing seriousness of the situation and add their names.
Presently, petition forms may be signed at one of 20 businesses on the Island—mainly restaurants and hardware stores.
Businesses willing to display the petition are urged to call 705-377-5072, and blank forms will be provided.
After Labour Day, the forms will be tallied, bound and delivered to our local federal Member of Parliament for presentation in the House of Commons.
Hopefully, a petition from “grassroots” taxpayers will send a strong message to Ottawa that we care enough to speak out, and that we expect action on the part of the Canadian government. Please add your name to our petition.
Everybody counts or nobody counts.
Sincerely,
Mike Wilton
Dominion Bay
