July 16, 2011
Another Successful AGM
On Saturday, July 16th, over 100 people gathered at the Port Carling Community Centre to be updated on what‘s going on in the Township of Muskoka Lakes.
The morning was off to good start as people gathered to visit, examine the displays and refresh themselves with coffee and mini muffins. The MRA are grateful to the Watershed Council, Muskoka Magazine, and our busy Directors for the informative exhibits.
The meeting was called to order and special guests introduced. The officials including our MP, Tony Clement, MPP Norm Miller and District Chair John Klinck spoke about their concern for the many Muskoka residents who fit the disadvantaged category. Most people see Muskokans as wealthy. The statistics do not bear this out. We have some serious social issues:
- Average income is only 82% of provincial average
- Unemployment Insurance rose from below the Provincial average to second highest in the province
- Social assistance caseload growth is up 70% since 2008- the highest of Ontario's 17 regions
- Over 900 families on assistance... involving over 600 children
- An additional 200 families not eligible for provincial or federal assistance have been facilitated (temporarily) by District limited programs...
Providing a year round economy and affordable housing is vital for the all over health of this community.
The Mayor was more positive in her remarks, speaking of the beauty and pleasures we enjoy.
During the business meeting, the Minutes and Financial Report were approved as distributed in the 2011 Yearbook. You can still receive a Yearbook by contacting the MRA office.
The Board of Directors was elected by acclimation and the Executive positions confirmed on Saturday July 23rd.
- Susan Daglish - President
- Peter Long -Past President
- Helen Hobson - Secretary-Treasurer
Directors: (“*” indicates new director elected this year)
- Andree Baillargon *
- Doug Bryden
- Douglas Clark
- Louise Cragg
- Diane Davidson *
- Liz Denyar *
- Madeline Fielding
- Michel Fortin
- James Gilmore
- Michael Silver
- Leigh Terry
- Michael Webb *
Retiring Directors Roger Crawford and David Fox-Revett were thanked for their extensive and dedicated contributions to the MRA.
Our speaker was James Solecki and his topic was DARK SKY LIGHTING. He made a very strong case for the financial benefits of appropriate lighting. He cited studies showing a health benefit to humans when we sleep in unlit surroundings. He showed how wildlife is negatively impacted by thoughtless lighting methods. Light trespass was described as an increasingly prevalent form of pollution. Several suggestions were given for ways to ensure your lighting is appropriate and how to demonstrate to neighbours that their lights are problematic. The talk was peppered with fascinating anecdotes such as when Los Angeles began its rotating blackouts to conserve energy and thousands of people phoned 911 in a panic about an inter-terrestrial invasion. They were seeing the stars for the first time in their lives and had no idea how our galaxy could light the heavens.
During a half-hour Question and Answer period, Mayor Alice Murphy and District Chair John Klinck fielded many thoughtful and probing queries. The Mayor gave her word that the issue of Dark Sky Lighting by-laws would be on the Council agenda this year.