Mr. Niles is a fine gentleman and a hard worker
To the Expositor:
I’m completely baffled by the letter of August 13, 2014 from Jack Hicks regarding the Providence Bay Marina, ‘Writer saddened by negative restrictions at Providence Bay dock.’
This year I became a new summer resident of Manitoulin Island and, more specifically, a seasonal boater/fisherman at the Providence Bay Marina. I’ve been there since May of this year. Since that time, I’ve spent an enormous amount of time at the marina as I am an avid salmon fisherman who is lucky enough to be semi-retired.
When I first arrived at the Providence Bay Marina in early spring this year I was immediately greeted with a warm welcome and friendly smile by Harbour Master Ken Niles. At that time I had no intentions of securing a seasonal slip as I already had already paid for a place for my boat on Lake Mindemoya. I inquired about the salmon fishing and he provided me with more information than I could possibly dream of. His knowledge and experience about Providence Bay and salmon fishing is immediately apparent, and his enthusiasm is unsurpassed by any other harbour master I have met. While I was there I noticed many other folks coming and going and they seemed to be extremely pleased and taken by his charm and personality as well. I knew immediately that I wanted a slip there and wanted to become part of the community that Mr. Niles appears to have developed.
Since our first meeting, I have noticed how hard he works around the marina, continually cleaning, maintaining and improving Providence Bay for both the tourists and seasonal boaters. There is no doubt that Mr. Niles is responsible for the ongoing improvements including the parking, docks, marina building with clean bathrooms, landscape, and a large deck/patio to enjoy a cup of coffee or friendly conversation. He also maintains a spotless fish cleaning station that is constantly cleaned and never in disarray like others I have seen. And on top of that, he takes photos and records your catch and provides photos to you for free. I’m extremely pleased that Mr. Niles is the harbour master for Providence Bay Marina and cannot even imagine anyone else performing this job the way he does. His energy is remarkable and his personality is extraordinary. To say that he has had a negative impact is absolutely ludicrous and staggers my imagination.
In my opinion, Mr. Hicks ought to be ashamed of himself for such ridiculous claims, and furthermore, publicly apologize for what can only be described as a personal attack on Mr. Niles, who can only be described as a fine gentleman and hard worker.
A big thanks to Ken Niles for all you have done!
Shawn Clifford Roy
North Bay
