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To the editor:
With all of the subsidizing factors prevailing in hydro today and the rate that our citizens are getting gouged to the limit so they can send the excess production to the U.S. and Quebec for others to profit, we need a moratorium on all hydro issues until such time as major questions are dealt with and answered.
Maybe it's time to realize that they (Hydro) in conjunction with sister resource industries have essentially killed industry and commerce throughout all of Ontario and that it's time to dissolve the status quo and return it under new and true organization where the primary motive is to return Ontario's competitiveness and help our citizens stave off economic demise. Critical energy resources such as hydro power supply should not be allowed to be plundered for the personal gains of those within and used for political purpose and doling out favouritism and reward.
I am particularly distressed by the very suggestion that they propose a wind farm on our Mattawa watershed route, which happens to be one of the most beautiful and pristine historic resources in our area.
We talk about tourism, economic development and job creation for our area. Let me propose an idea that I believe has great potential for the North Bay/Mattawa historic canoe route that would have very minimal environmental impact.
If an entrepreneurial outfitter (preferably native) enterprise were to organize guided, hosted and accompanied canoe journeys from Trout Lake to Mattawa taking in at times the Moose Grass, White Throat, Werewolf, Big Fish, Tilliard, (not in order) Mouth of the North River to Talon Loop and overnight hosted camping at predetermined beaches and historic sites (i.e. Talon Shoots/Pimisi) it would provide tempted tourists an experience of a lifetime. I can envision this type of enterprise providing employment and business opportunity especially for our experienced First Nation paddlers and native entrepreneurs who cherish this route. They could do so in historic native regalia and customs that define their heritage and culture. If organized and marketed correctly, freighting the canoes, gear and clients back to the Trout Lake Gateway a vacationing family could arrive in North Bay with zero voyageur provisions and experience an adventure of a lifetime hands free or hands on. Expeditions could last anywhere from an one night to a four-day expedition.
The hotels/restaurants in the North Bay/Mattawa areas would be the primary benefactors second only to those who paid for the voyage. Who knows, it could even be expanded over time to include the French River/Georgian Bay route that I am much less familiar with. We could use the Chief Commanda to get them over to a calmer starting point.
There has got to be a better way with far more continuous reward than taxpayer-subsidized windmills for subsidized production to be sold cheaply elsewhere at our expense.
I only wish I was a lot younger.
Miles Peters
North Bay
