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"Scugog"s Community Newspaper of Choice" PORT PERRY STAR - Tuesday, November 6, 2001 - 3 Scugog Shores Millennium Project members host public meeting Question, answer session clears air around shoreline project By Chris Hall Port Perry Star Members of the Scugog Shores Millennium Project had a chance to clear the air and answer any outstanding ques- tions regarding their efforts during a special meeting held last Thursday evening. The question-and- answer session was arranged after a number of queries regarding their project had crept up, and members of the group opted to deal with those questions in a public forum, held at the Scugog Council Chambers. A handful of people attended the meeting, including representatives from the Port Perry Snowmobile Club and Tennis Club as well as three local merchants among others. The project will see a nature-like trail created alongside Lake Scugog, running from Palmer Park to just east of Reid's Independent Grocers by the Causeway. It will include picnic tables and shelters, as well as a fish- ing pier and will see a variety of work done to rebuild the shoreline, including the planting of native plants. At the start of the ses- sion, project chairman Sandy Beaton explained that the cost of the entire project would be around the $2 million mark, and that those funds are being raised though provincial, federal and municipal grants as well as donations of cash and materials. The total project is expected to take up to five years, although that time frame may be adjusted according to financial support. The Township of Scugog has pledged more than $80,000 over three years to the effort. "The primary focus of this is the human popula- tion," said Mr. Beaton. "We want to make the lake friendlier and eco- nomically sustainable for the citizens of Port Perry." Scugog Regional Councillor Ken Carruthers -- the municipality's rep- resentative on the com- mittee -- stressed that the shoreline project works in conjunction with town- ship officials, and that the committee is not "a rogue group doing their own thing. We want to make sure that the lake is viable for centuries to come. If we don't make any efforts to keep the lake alive, then we have no one to blame but our- selves." He also stressed that the committee has always been open to discuss their plans with the pub- lic, and will continue to make themselves avail- able. Among those on hand was Jason Lamont, co- owner of Lakeside Lilly's, a Water St. restaurant. He wanted assurances that snowmobiles would be able to make their way off Lake Scugog and onto the public land just north of the eatery. Shoreline members vowed that a ramp would be set up to allow sled enthusiasts the opportu- nity to visit his establish- ment, and stated that there would be enough for at least 35 snowmo- biles on the property. Mr. Lamont also ques- tioned whether the rede- The Wee Tartan Shop A little bit of Scotland in Port Penny. ANNIVERSARY SALE Nov. 3rd to Nov. 10th Everything on sale! Come wish me a Happy 2nd Birthday! 221 Queen Street, Port Perry ) 9059856573 velopment of the shore- line would have a posi- tive impact on the town- ship. "It will have significant benefit," said project sec- retary Barbara Karthein. "As many as 26,000 peo- ple will walk that trail each year We're interest- ed in the economy of Port Perry as well. A healthy shoreline, which makes for a good tourist attrac- tion, is good for the town." When asked what he would like to see done with the waterfront lands, Mr. Lamont noted that he would like to see it, "developed with stores to create new jobs and maybe a hotel or motel." Committee members responded by saying that representatives from vari- ous hotel chains have vis- ited the area in the past, but were all turned off by the town's small size. Rick McCoshen, anoth- er Water St. merchant, noted that he was first opposed to the project because he was not made aware of all the facts. Another concern addressed during the meeting was the matter of security on the trail. Mr. Beaton explained that digital cameras may be set up to help reduce vandalism and increase security. Councillor Carruthers also noted that he would be in favour of having police officials look over the plans to ensure that the public would be safe. 18) C1 for Kids TPE Fad PCE E 4 kidd pa 0 TO : Ul iy a BR@CK'S 168 - 178 Queen Street, Port Perry VINE REPAPA www.brockstore.com R@CKS On foot