Joe Kowalski also spoke on a letter he sent regarding the potential for flooding in the spring, and his desire to represent the Township.
“The flood of 2019 from our point of view had really no effect on our ability to conduct business. But the boating ban to the river cost our business close to a million dollars.” Kowalski said. “It really was the worst year of our business.”
He said that such a ban makes sense to prevent looting but “I can’t support shutting down the rapids section where there are no cottages, no sandbagging.”
“When other levels of government make blanket policy on our rivers, I want our region to have representation in that process.” he said. “I don’t know the procedure for this.”
He said that Wilderness Tours operates in rescue operations as well tourism, and that they should have been “excluded from that ban, but were never consulted on that decision.”
CAO Trembley said that he “Wasn’t sure” if the Township had special access to the water during the ban, but that they only did “Shoreline rescue” rather than river.
He suggested that the Township refer that to the Emergency Program Committee and come back with a report to ‘secure those services that we have relied on with Mr. Kowalski.”
“We know that we’ve relied on them for emergency services regarding boats.” he said. “I think it’s appropriate to formalize that.”
Kowalski also stated that they were able to provide that capability “twelve months a year”.
“We’re the only rafting company here all year. We’ll always be willing to provide those services.” he said. “I’m just fearful that it will happen again.”
Councillor Jackson said that they might have to bring a motion that the Ottawa Valley Tourism Board be brought into the discussion of whether or not that section of the Ottawa River be closed, in order to determine if an exception needed to be made.
CAO Trembley said that they would have to do the Emergency Board submission and the Tourism Board would require another submission later.
The motion carried.
