GORE BAY— The Douglas A. Smith Family Foundation has provided funding to both the Gore Bay Fish and Game Club (GBFGC) and the Town of Gore Bay for projects that are designed to promote fitness-recreation and to attract more people to town.
“One of the things I have been trying to do is get funding for expansion of a clubhouse on the Gore Bay fish hatchery building,” said Jim Sloss, chair of the United Fish and Game Clubs of Manitoulin (UFGCM) at a meeting last week. “We have an excellent hatchery and are raising beautiful fish in it. The club would like to expand by putting a clubhouse on the building, where people can tour the hatchery building, where displays can be set up and more. Ches Witty (a member of the GBFGC) has estimated the clubhouse will cost $30,000.”
“I’ve been negotiating with Jeff (Smith) and the (Douglas A. Smith Family Foundation) has very generously committed $30,000 for our project, they will underwrite the whole thing,” said Mr. Sloss.
Mr. Witty explained, “what we are looking at is an expansion to the fish hatchery building, 16×24 feet in size, on the north side of the present building. To expand the hatchery building will benefit the (GBFGC) by giving us a club house to meet and make decisions, provide more room to entertain visitors and tourists that come to see the community hatchery.”
“Also, we the club have talked about having tours for schools and other groups that have an interest in what the hatchery and the GBFGC is all about,” said Mr. Witty. “We feel it could be a real promotion for the hatchery and the town. We are thrilled with the generosity provided by the Smith Foundation and thanks go to them, and Jim and Sharon Sloss for getting this funding for the hatchery building.”
“I am really pleased that the Smith family are providing this funding,” said Mr. Sloss.
Jeff Smith, executive vice-president of Manitoulin Transport, when contacted by the Recorder last Friday said, “we earmarked $30,000 for the hatchery project. We are providing the funding to the town toward the fish and game club.” He pointed out the Smith Foundation was launched about three years ago.
“It is my understanding that the expansion to the building will not only benefit the club members and the hatchery, it will allow members of the public, students and other folks the opportunity to experience the hatchery in a more spacious setting, and make the hatchery more of an attraction,” said Mr. Smith.
Mr. Smith explained, “we (Smith Foundation) have also provided funding ($12,000) to the Town of Gore Bay for a new walking trail they are establishing in town. It will be a really great attraction for locals and visitors to Gore Bay. This will be fantastic and between these two attractions it will help bring more people to Gore Bay.”
Ron Lane, mayor of the Town of Gore Bay, explained, “the trail we are talking about will run from the end of the boardwalk downtown to East Street, to Noble Boulevard, and then up the hill to the Harold Noble Lookout. I will provide more options for people who want to take a walk, or stretch their legs.”
As an added attraction, “we will be putting in a couple of new lookouts on the trail, and a bench for people to stop and sit for awhile,” said Mayor Lane. “There are actually two trails going to be set up, this is the first of the two.”
“We have the area brushed out, and the next step is to put down the gravel to build up the trail. The trail will be ideal for two people walking side by side.”
“We will have two outstanding trails in place with beautiful lookouts of the bay and the town from the East Bluff,” said Mayor Lane. “The second phase of the project will be to create another trail that will be a little steeper and more difficult, for those who want more of a challenge on their walk.”
“With the brushing having been completed, we will be able to go ahead with work on the trails in the spring with the lookouts, fencing, garbage cans and signage being posted,” continued Mayor Lane.
“No question, the Smith family has been very generous and continues to help the town in many ways,” said Mayor Lane. “This recreation-fitness project will be another real attraction for the town.”
