New attraction in the works for Assiginack
Events coordinator Jackie White approached council with the idea of creating a roadside tourist attraction for the municipality.
Last month Ms. White met with Laval Bouchard of Massey who is well known for his steel statues which dot the Highway 17 landscape along the North Shore.
“He has been doing this type of steel work for years and his art is now throughout North America as tourists stop on the side of the road and either buy pieces or hire him on the spot,” she said. “Municipalities have also hired him.”
Seeking other like artists, she found that Mr. Bouchard’s rate is far more reasonable and that he would be willing to create a piece of a whitetail deer jumping a split rail fence—both symbols of Manitoulin Island—for $10,000.
“The intent of purchasing this roadside attraction is to stop people and get them to pause in our town,” Ms. White added. “Whether they take a picture or just look at it, we have an opportunity to show them what we have to offer. They can stop in at the information booth when it is open, or we are planning on redoing our big bulletin board so they have two more opportunities to learn more about our community.”
“As well,” she continued, “it gives us another platform for social media exposure of our municipality, including our website, the actual ‘Canadian roadside attractions’ website, blog, Facebook and Twitter.”
The statue will also nicely play off the successful Whitetail Deer Show, which will continue each year.
Council debated the funding of the $10,000, with Councillor Brenda Reid suggesting that local businesses be approached for donations to help offset the costs. She also noted that the community could use new roadside signs as well on either side of Manitowaning.
“I mean, we’ve spent $1,2000 on two new picnic tables,” Councillor Reid added.
Council agreed with soliciting local businesses and debated at length how to fund the rest.
Public works superintendent Ron Cooper, who also sits on the Whitetail Deer Show committee, suggested taking a loan from the municipality with the proceeds from the show going toward paying the loan back. While the problem of funding was not nailed down, everyone agreed that the project should ago ahead and gave Ms. White the go ahead to solicit Mr. Bouchard to begin work this fall.
OPP costing
Council received the new costing model from the Ontario Provincial Police, along with new rates for service. Assiginack can now expect to pay almost an additional $24,000 per year, or $2,000 each month extra.
Assiginack clinic repair report
Assiginack council reviewed a report from Architecture 49 regarding a leak resulting from the skylight located at the peak of the Assiginack Medical Clinic’s sloped roof.
The architects recommend eight items to repair and fix the leak, which may only remedy the situation for three to seven years unless the skylight is removed and replaced with glass along with a new roof structure, or entirely a new roof.
“I just hope we can get it fixed, “ said Councillor Paul Moffat.
CAO Alton Hobbs said as yet, there was no time-frame for the work to be finished.
Accounts for payment
Council authorized accounts for payment in the sums of $42,555.25, general, and $20,193.66, payroll.
No objection for easement
Council received an application for consent from the Manitoulin Planning Board for Elwood, Eddy and Merle Sagle regarding 1032 Slash Road, Concession 15, Part Lot 8, for a right of way for access over Lonesome Pine Trail to access Part Lot 3, 31R-1556.
Council had no objections.
Harvest Glory Days
Reeve Brad Ham noted the exceptional job the community has done, once again, in decorating for the Harvest Glory Days contest sponsored by The Manitoulin Expositor.
“I don’t think there’s a pumpkin left in Ontario!” he laughed.
