The Council of the Township of Whitewater Region approved a motion for:
Entering into a 5-year agreement with Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s Small Craft Harbours Branch for the renewed lease of both Lapasse and Westmeath boat launches.
Reallocation of capital funding in the amount of $25,000.00 from the Westmeath Boat Launch project to address the shortfall for the Westmeath Boyer-Laderoute Park as a result of not moving the Westmeath Cenotaph and loss of a $25,000 grant.
Reallocation of $15,000 of the remaining capital funding for the Westmeath Boat Launch project for minor improvements at both the Lapasse and Westmeath Boat Launches.Parks and Recreation Manager John Durocher said that this was merely a recommendation, but that included reallocating the funds to compensate for the lost grant for moving the Westmeath Cenotaph.
He said that the boat launch was “on our radar for years” and that DFO recommended that a “Dredge would not likely be necessary” before the event.
He said DFO “does not support new infrastructure, and only supports existing infrastructure.”
Councillor Nicholson asked for Durocher to describe the boat launch for context “for those of us not the Westmeath.”
“The docks are almost sitting on the ground at this point.” He said. “Depending on the time of year, the water is low this time of year.” He said that dredging was done on a regular basis by volunteers, using hi-hoes and rafts.
Nicholson reiterated that they did not want “the close of the Westmeath boat launch” but asked “What are we doing to keep it?”
Durocher said the Recreation task force would look at ways to “make use of it.” but they had no plan at this time.
Mayor Mike Moore said that spring flooding “bring in the silt” and it shows up in low waters.
“Without dredging every year, we probably wouldn’t get Fisheries permission, and with the equipment, we’re just not in that kind of business.” Mayor Moore said.
He also said the silt was on the south side.
“There’s not many locals left that have that kind of information.”
“This is certainly not a new issue.” Councillor McLaughlin said, saying it had been around since he started sitting on council. “I’d be a shame not to use that boat launch. I have a lot of memories from that boat launch. But with al that silt and with all that rules and regulation, we need to look into a plan.”
“What people need to understand is that it’s in a bay.” CAO Trembley said. “It’s going to fill up in the spring.”
He said that with the money, they will “improve the experience” with garbage cans and other facilities.
Councillor Olmstead added that Boyer-Laderoutte Park was nearing completion and it “looked fantastic”.
There were no other questions, and the motion was carried.
