"Scugog"s Community Newspaper of Choice" PORT PERRY STAR - Tuesday, July 31, 2001 - 3 Name also sought for stream Scenarios for creek restoration outlined By Chris Hall Port Perry Star _ The township put out a call for volunteers last week at a special public meeting, held to discuss the rehabilitation of the yet-to-be named creek that meanders under- neath most of Port Perry. A small group of resi- dents and concerned homeowners gathered at the Scugog council chambers last Wednesday evening (July 25) to hear plans for the rebuilding of the stream, which has tem- porarily been dubbed . "Jesters Creek". The creek makes its way from a point near the Victorian Village subdivision to the pub- lic boat launch at Lake Scugog, travelling underneath most of Port Perry's downtown core. Township officials have pledged $10,000 towards the project: That money will go toward cleaning out the sediment and other junk at the mouth of the creek, where it enters Lake Scugoeg. It is believed that build-up near the lake is the main cause of spring flooding along the creek. The first stage of the rehabilitation project will include work near the boat launch, and a small stretch running along Queen St. The remainder of the work will depend on the municipality's financial resources, local home- owners and volunteers, Please jo Carol nus in recognizing Meek"s 36 Years of Service and Retirement township works depart- ment boss Larry Postill said. "A couple of months ago, (the Kawartha Conservation Authority and township officials) walked the creek, look- ing at a few things and what we could do and couldn't do. We wanted to come up with a game plan," he said. "We're only con- cerned with a very small portion of the creek this year because we have no additional funding. Hopefully we can help the spring flow by clean- ing up the mouth of the river this year," he said. "If we have any suc- cess, we'll be back next year." - A master plan will be drafted to outline where the township plans on planting vari- ous types of vegetation, to control erosion and assist in moving sedi- ment along quickly. It was suggested at the meeting that a senior student at Sir Sandford Fleming College in Peterborough may be hired to work on the project. Mark Peacock, a watershed engineer with the KCA, explained that urbanization over the years has increased flows into the creek. Upon reaching the lake, the flow of the creek diminishes and sedi- ment is left at its mouth. "If we put some vege- tation into the creek, it'll help restore the walls of the creek and keep the water moving," said Mr. Peacock, noting that concrete walls are the township's other option. "But I'd rather see you re-grow it rather than reconstruct it." Other options, such as crib walls, were also discussed. KCA fisheries biolo- gist Scott MacNeill said Back to school rehabilitating the creek may lead to a variety of fish inhabiting it. Russell Pastic, who owns a home on North . St. expressed concern over larger vegetation catching rubbish pass- ing by in the creek and littering - residents' lawns. Ward 2 Councillor Marilyn Pearce suggest- ed that such larger plants be planted high- er up the creek near Queen St., where the lit- ter could be snagged and cleaned up by township staff. Roslyn Gower, who lives on Perry St., asked whether work on the creek could be done in a professional manner, so that the landscaping of her family's home would not be altered drastically and the value of her home decreased. Paul Arculus, who was on hand representing the Scugog Historical Society, was also asked by the group to come up with a historically signif- icant name for the creek. ite faghions ) re invited to Tt: Clients and Jr or pol end erriving daily! drop bY 10 Carol during congratulations OV SE 5 pm ween 9 am § be Wishes Only) ) Tv : ) YE a") (CK KQ BINCARN 168 Queen Street, Port Perry PLINER AERA