Members of the Rainy River Valley Field Naturalists were saluted at last week’s Alberton council meeting for their work in helping conserve local heritage.
The nomination for the group was submitted to the Ontario Heritage Trust by Alberton Reeve Mike Hammond back in October at the direction of council.
Since 1996, Ontario municipalities, First Nations’ band councils, and Métis community councils have been able to nominate members of their communities “who have made a significant contribution to the promotion, preservation, or protection of Ontario’s heritage.”
The RRVFN was nominated specifically because of its work on the Cranberry Peatlands Interpretive Trail, which is located at the end of Whitmore Road in Alberton.
This fits into the “natural heritage” category of the program because it demonstrates leadership in the protection of wetlands or similar natural areas.
Other categories included “built heritage,” “cultural heritage,” and “heritage garden conservation.”
“We congratulate the Rainy River Valley Field Naturalist club for being recognized by the Ontario Heritage Trust’s Community Recognition Program for your volunteer work in the protection and the access to a very important wetland area,” Reeve Hammond said during last Wednesday night’s meeting.
“People visiting the Cranberry Interpretive Trail will be able to appreciate the scenery and the natural inhabitants of the area,” he added.
“Your vision to preserve this wetland area will be appreciated for years to come by students, eco-tourists, and local residents.”
Ontario Heritage Trust provided a recognition certificate and achievement pins for the 50 people who belong to the RRVFN or helped them with the trail project.
“I know the important role volunteers play in keeping our heritage alive and meaningful,” read a letter from the Lincoln M. Alexander, chairman of the Ontario Heritage Trust.
“Each year, people across Ontario step forward to help preserve, protect, and promote the rich, diverse heritage of this province,” it noted.
About 260 people will be recognized across the province this year for their significant contributions.
“We are very honoured,” RRVFN president Ilka Milne said about the recognition. “We have worked hard, so it’s really nice.”
In other business at last Wednesday’s meeting, Alberton council:
•saw Mike Ford take his oath of office to fill the vacant council seat and then appointed him to the Roads Committee, the Recreation Committee, and the Emergency Management Program Committee;
•appointed Coun. Barb Cournoyer as deputy reeve and Coun. Doug Mitchell to fill the AMBIS Committee vacancy;
•named Wes Jacobs as the township’s 2007 Senior of the Year and agreed to present him his certificate at a later date;
•approved doing work on necessary sections along Peat Moss Road, Domanski Road, and Kehl Road this year (as the start of an annual program to do sections of the township on a rotational basis for better drainage purposes);
•agreed to issue the 2007 dust suppressant invitational tender this week as the Roads Committee wants dust suppressant applied early this year;
•scheduled its annual road tour for Monday, May 7 so the roads budget can be finalized;
•reviewed the first draft of the 2007 budget;
•took no action on the request for a donation to the library fundraiser primarily because the library fee reimbursement program is in place;
•donated $100 to the 2007 Hazardous Waste Day in Fort Frances on May 5; and
•proclaimed June to be “Seniors Month.”
Alberton council’s next regular meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, May 9 at 7 p.m. at the municipal office.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
