The Creemore
Echo
Friday, October 21, 2011 Vol. 11 No. 42
News and views in and around Creemore
TOWNSHIP TO GIVE SCI ACCESS TO LAND FOR NEW PROGRAM by Brad Holden Clearview Council intends to donate the use of the now depleted Nottawasaga gravel pit to Stayner Collegiate Institute for use in a new, intensive environmental program at the school that is set to begin in September 2012. The program, a Specialist High School Major (SHSM) in the Environment, will give students a special designation on their diploma, should they complete a “bundle” of credits focusing on Science, Geography, Outdoor Activities, English, Math, and Co-Op Education. They will also be required to gain certifications in areas pertaining to the environment (for example, GPS, GIS, watershed management, animal and plant management). The final piece in the puzzle is the Township property, which contains two distinct habitats – wetlands and forest – that would be used for experiential
learning. As well, it contains the old gravel pit, which has yet to be rehabilitated – a process the students would now undertake through reforestration. “This land would enrich this new program so much,” said SCI vice principal Janice Ellerby in a presentation to Council Monday night. “It would also go a long way towards ensuring that SCI is Clearview Township’s high school for another 50 years.” Planning director Michael Wynia, who took credit for the original idea, told Council the next step in the process would be to check with the MNR that rehabilitation could be done by the students, and to acquire insurance. To that end, Council voted unanimously to move the process forward, and several members expressed their enthusiasm for the project. “We want to jump on your bandwagon,” Deputy Mayor Alicia Savage told Ellerby.
FOODSTOCK MAKES A STATEMENT Last weekend’s Foodstock was
a great success, with nearly 30,000 people arriving at a Melancthon farm, battling mud and bad weather, and managing to have a great time sampling the food of more than 100 chefs, listening to some great Canadian music and standing up as objectors to the Highland Companies’ proposed 2,300acre quarry, which would surround the Foodstock site on three sides. Here, chief organizer and superstar chef Michael Stadtlander revels in the day. For more photos of the event, see page 3, and for photos from a different angle, see page 16.
Hallowfest needs volunteers The spirit that Creemore has shown on Halloween night over the past couple of decades will be showcased on Sunday, October 30 from 10 am to 4 pm at the Station on the Green. Hallowfest, a major fundraising event for the Collingwood General and Marine Hospital that will bring in families from
all over the south Georgian Bay area, is being run by Laurie Copeland and a committee of volunteers. But more volunteers are needed to pull off the event with style. If you are interested, please call 705-466-9998. It’s also hoped that many houses in town will be decorated for the day.
Inside the ECHO HOUSING HELP FACE TO FACE Gail Michelanko and Lynsi Sensenberger
(standing, left to right) of the Georgian Triangle Housing Resource Centre dropped by the Creemore branch of the Clearview Public Library to demonstrate a new initiative to help residents of Clearview to get advice when they’re facing eviction or eminent hydro cut-offs. Using Skype, a video chat program, people can talk directly with a housing supervisor from the library. The goal, said Michelanko, is to reduce any transportation barriers for lowincome people. Sitting at the computer is Clearview Library CEO Jennifer LaChapelle. On screen is housing support worker Marcia Adams. The service is now available at all libraries in Clearview Township.
Dunedin Cancer Walk
Log Cabin Grand Opening
PAGE 6
PAGE 11
$2,376 raised for Cancer Society
A look back before the big day.
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