“DEVOLIN AND KAWARTHA LAKES MAYOR RIC McGEE MEET WITH FEDERAL ENVIRONMENT MINISTER”

 

April 3, 2008

 

OTTAWA – Local MP Barry Devolin and Kawartha Lakes Mayor Ric McGee met with Environment Minister and Minister Responsible for Parks Canada, John Baird earlier this week in Ottawa .  The discussion was focused on enhancing the good working relationship between the federal government and City Hall in Kawartha Lakes .

 

The main focus of the meeting was around the Trent Severn Waterway (TSW) and included Alan Latourelle, Chief Executive Officer of Parks Canada which oversees the operation of the TSW.

 

“My staff and I were happy to arrange this meeting which enabled the Minister to hear first hand some of the concerns and opportunities Kawartha Lakes is experiencing as they go about their day-to-day operation,” said Devolin.  “The Minister has been to the riding before and is familiar with the large presence the TSW has in this area so it made for a good conversation.”

 

“The Minister seemed genuinely concerned about some of the issues we have in Kawartha Lakes .   Low water levels around the Norland Municipal Water System and the need for a new flow monitoring station on the Burnt River we among the many issues we discussed,” said McGee.  “It is critical that we work together to try to stabilize water levels along the system to in order to promote tourism and quality of life for everyone.”

 

“There is also an opportunity for the TSW to work with Sir Sandford Fleming College in Lindsay for their environmental research relating to water quality,” said McGee.  “I would like to see these two organizations work collaboratively to determine the root cause of escalating weed growth in area waterways and develop an action plan to address this issue, ideally making Kawartha Lakes the pilot project for this type of initiative nationally.”

 

“Mayor McGee and I were also able to inform the Minister about the 175^th Anniversary celebration of Lock 32 in Bobcaygeon, the birth place of the TSW, the weekend of June 7th,” said Devolin.  “I know volunteers are busy organizing the event and I hope the Minister will be able to join the festivities.”

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For more information contact:

 

Barry Devolin, MP                                            Ric McGee, Mayor

(705) 324-2400                                                (705) 324-9411 ext. 320

(866) 688-9881