LOWER SPANISH
RIVER
PROPOSED
Produced by
Direction
Services
Massey, Ontario
The
Friends of the Spanish River
Private
Buoyage/ Public Dockage System Proposal
After
conducting a six-month study of this proposal, we have concluded that this
project is feasible.
By
working with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Canadian Coast Guard in Parry
Sound, the Ministry of the Environment in Sudbury, the Ministry of Natural
Resources in Espanola, as well as many organizations, companies and
individuals, we have concluded that this project is technically possible, and
both the initial capital cost and especially the yearly operational costs are
financially reasonable.
The
Friends of the Spanish River (hereafter called the FSR), the architects of this
project proposal, became the lead agency and partnered with the Township of
Shedden, the Township of Sables-Spanish Rivers, Sagamok Anishnawbek First
Nation and the Town of Espanola to investigate this interesting concept. FedNor of Sudbury provided the “blueprint”
for cooperation between the five partners as well as the major part of the
funding which was topped up by all five partners. We believe that this study
marks the first time that the four municipalities bordering the Lower Spanish
River (hereafter called the LSR) have ever worked together on a common project.
We submit that this fact alone is probably the single most important point of
this exercise!
Why did the FSR initiate
such a project?
The
FSR saw, and we confirmed through six months of study, that the LSR is
developing more rapidly now that it has been returned to good health. To illustrate
this fact, a retailer in Espanola who specializes in selling topographical maps
recently told us that they have had a 300% increase in LSR topographical map
sales over the last twelve months.
The
FSR is a non-profit charitable organization operated by a small group of
dedicated volunteers. Their mandate is to “Restore, Preserve and Celebrate” the
Spanish River! For example, their main project over the last seven years has
been to restore the Muskellunge fish to the LSR in partnership with the Espanola
Branch of the Ministry of Natural Resources at a cost, so far, of approximately
$250,000.00!
The
FSR’s main reason for recommending this new action is in the interest of
environmentally responsible economic development! By becoming proactive and organizing the municipalities bordering
the LSR, the FSR, with their new partners in this project, hope to guide the
inevitable growth along the LSR.
What would be
environmentally responsible economic development along the LSR?
Preserving and nurturing
the natural environment with all of its inhabitants in, on and around the LSR
would be the first and possibly the most rewarding part of the job. It speaks to the core reason that people
from near and far and of all ages would visit the LSR! With a healthy eco-system
in place, enjoyment through learning about the natural world of the LSR would
be the second function of this project. They have a new word for it today: it’s
called Eco-tourism! The FSR believe that the third part of their mandate, to
“Celebrate” the Spanish River, is the key to environmentally responsible
economic development. Through learning about the natural world while enjoying
the LSR, people will develop a healthy respect for our great river!
The
establishment of the Friends of the Spanish River Private Buoyage/ Public
Dockage System (hereafter called the FSR PB/PDS) on the LSR, would allow local
and visiting cruising boaters to explore the LSR in a safe, informative and
enjoyable manner. There is much to explore, such as the features and special
functions provided by the communities along the LSR. Powwows, Fall Fairs, waterfront and provincial parks, museums,
nature trails, golf facilities, marinas, restaurants, shopping and sundry items
such as groceries, ice, water and fuel are all within easy reach of the
visiting boater.
The
FSR have just begun investigating building and operating a paddlewheel-powered
boat to accommodate Eco-tourism on the LSR. Designed for approximately fifty
people, this boat could carry a busload of people at one time. This proposed
flat-bottomed boat would travel at moderate speed and leave practically no
wake. It could serve as a model to would-be eco-tourism boat services along the
LSR. Paddlewheel powered tugboats pulled log booms down the LSR during the
early part of the last century and the FSR thought that a replica boat of sorts
would be an appropriate vessel.
If We Build It Will You
Come?
Although
the study period worked against us weather wise, we felt that it was necessary
to get some input from the boating public most likely to explore the LSR. To
that end, we joined the North Channel Marine Tourism Council Inc. to give us
access to the Toronto International Boat Show and The Grand Rapids, Michigan
Boat Show attendees. We produced a boaters’ questionnaire titled, “If We Build
It Will You Come?” aimed at these two markets specifically and our local market
through a media campaign and an Internet version of the questionnaire on the
FSR website. The results were overwhelmingly in favour of our efforts and the
respondents for the most part seemed like the sort of boaters we would welcome
to the LSR. One respondent in particular turned out to be very helpful. Mr.
Ernie Williams, the Vice President of the Ontario Boating Forum took the FSR
project proposal to his Executive and this resulted in a strong letter of
support and extensive coverage to come in their next quarterly publication. We
are confident that the boating market is there and that they will come, enjoy
and respect the LSR.
WHAT ARE THE MAIN ISSUES?
Erosion
Erosion caused by the wake
from boats travelling along the LSR seemed to be the main concern, especially
by LSR waterfront property owners. At a public consultation meeting held locally
during our study, Mr. Ken Gibbons, an official from the Ministry of Natural
Resources in Espanola, explained that there is far more erosion from ice and
the annual spring runoff than from any amount of boat wake. He also explained
that all rivers change their course over time, it’s just a fact of nature so,
if you are lucky enough to live by a river, enjoy its many moods.
The
Canadian Coast Guard explained that just as is the case while driving an
automobile, the pilot of any watercraft is responsible for the safe operation
of that watercraft at all times while boating on Canada’s waterways. Just read their Safe Boating Guide and you
will realize that not only is that a fact but there are heavy penalties for not
abiding by the Canadian safe boating rules and regulations.
We
suggest that if the LSR is opened up to boaters through the FSR PB/PD system, a
number of “requests for cooperation” signs could be implemented at appropriate
locations along the LSR to encourage courteous and safe boating practices.
These requests could also be spelled out in the LSR navigation chart that will
need to be produced as an integral part of the proposed system.
If,
after a reasonable period of time to get used to the new buoyage system, too
many boaters are ignoring the “requests for cooperation” signage, the Canadian
Coast Guard suggested that a boating speed limit, or limits, could be imposed
on the LSR in the interests of safe boating in a constricted area.
The
only area of concern from the outset is that of watercraft that can attain very
high speeds. It may be advisable to impose an upper speed limit of 25 mph, for
example, in the interest of boating safety due to the anticipated increase in
boating traffic on the LSR. Also, we understand that the LSR wildlife could
become unduly stressed when exposed to watercraft travelling at very high
speeds.
This
seemed to be the appropriate place to discuss this fact of the LSR. The LSR was
used in the annual spring log drives, right up until the early 1960’s, to
transport logs down to Spanish, Ontario for sorting and manufacturing into
lumber. Deadheads are logs from that era that mainly broke free from log booms
and sank to the bottom of the LSR. Over the years, through eutrophication,
these logs slowly rise to the surface and travel downstream with the current in
the summer months. They are a fact of an historic logging river so, live with
it.
In
an around about way, deadheads can be useful in slowing down watercraft.
Boaters exploring rivers are aware of floating debris, such as driftwood,
anyway and will reduce their vessel’s speed to avoid hitting objects in the
water. The so-called deadheads are just another form of debris.
The
FSR have researched the deadheads of the LSR in the interest of safe boating. Here is what they discovered. Firstly, any
stationary deadhead in five metres of water or less is considered fish habitat
and can not be moved, any deadheads removed from the water must not be used for
personal gain, and further, one must look for the original stamp in the end of
the log to establish and contact the original owner of the log.
The
Canadian Coast Guard was emphatic on this issue. Every person piloting a
watercraft in Canadian waters is solely responsible for the safe and legal
operation of that watercraft, period! The only circumstances where the LSR
Private Buoyage System Parners might be liable would be if one of their “aids
to navigation” were out of position for an unreasonably long period of time
resulting in a boating mishap. To avoid this possibility, a system of regular
inspection of the buoyage system during the boating season would be a
requirement. As a safeguard, the Canadian Coast Guard suggested that the
partners could take out liability insurance on the private buoyage system on
the LSR.
There
is already a pump-out service for boats in Spanish. A new pump-out service would be recommended for a new marina at
Massey and also one at Espanola with their expanded docking infrastructure.
Many outboard motor boats today are equipped with four stroke outboard motors
that eliminate oil and gas pollution, and inboard and inboard/outboard powered
boats are also pollution free.
With
the planned building of marina centres and so much wild natural shoreline, we
do not believe that trespassing and mooring is an issue on the LSR. Boaters
like to congregate so overflow moorings are most likely to evolve at the LSR
marina centres.
We recommend
a strict no fire policy for the entire 52 kilometres of the LSR be applied to
cruising boaters because of the risk of forest fires. Rather, we suggest open
fires only where and when allowed at authorized and supervised fire pit sites
along the LSR. We do not want to take a giant step backwards!
THE COMPONENTS
The Private Buoyage System
The
LSR Private Buoyage System was designed by the Department of Fisheries and
Oceans Canadian Coast Guard, Parry Sound in the fall of 2000 along the LSR for
the FSR. A private buoyage system is paid for, installed and maintained by
private interests such as the five partners of this project. However, the Canadian Coast Guard has
ultimate control over all buoyage systems throughout Canada.
They
utilized a chart of the LSR that was produced by the Canadian Hydrographic
Service in 1986 after the major spill from the pulp and paper mill upstream at
Espanola, Ontario. We confirmed that the water levels in 1986 and 2000 were
similar and noted that the Canadian Coast Guard performed their charting work
in October 2000 at a low water level for the year. Eighteen (18) day beacons
and forty-one (41) medium unlighted buoys would be required to create the LSR
Private Buoyage System. The Canadian Coast Guard stated that one could pilot a
boat from Spanish at the mouth of the LSR, past Sagamok Anishnawbek First
Nation, Massey, Webbwood to Espanola, 52 kilometers up river from Spanish,
Ontario. They have been able to chart a safe passage route over the entire 52
kilometre distance for boats up to 40 feet long, drawing up to 4 feet of water.
An
essential part of the LSR PB/PD System would be a comprehensive navigation
chart of the 52 kilometres comprising the LSR. Firstly, the chart would advise
“daytime travel “only because of the deadheads and other driftwood, and the
fact that the “aids to navigation” would not be lit (purposely to discourage
night-time travel on the river). Secondly, prominent photographs on the
navigation chart illustrating what deadheads look like in the water would
instruct boaters on what to look for to avoid hitting deadheads in the water.
This action would also serve to slow down watercraft on the LSR in general. The
chart would also explain what docking facilities, services, supplies and
features the boater can expect as they travel upstream. Of paramount importance
to the FSR would be the inclusion of educational materials built into the chart
to educate the visiting boater about the natural beauty of the LSR. Knowledge
is the key. Through this information,
the visiting boater will learn to respect and enjoy the LSR.
Public
docks are already in place at the new Shedden Four Seasons Complex and Marina
at the mouth of the river in Spanish, Ontario. A number of new public docks
would be available to the visiting boater at Sagamok’s new Indian Head Park,
Massey’s new planned marina and in Espanola, 52 kilometers up river. There are
already five public boat launch ramps with car and boat trailer parking dotted
along the LSR for use by the general public. Expanded individualized
infrastructures are planned at these locations to compliment the LSR PB/PD
System.
HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?
The Private Buoyage System
The
Canadian Coast Guard estimates the cost of the 59 marker buoys system,
including cement weights for 41 floating buoys and the installation of 18 fixed
day beacons, purchased through their office at reduced Canadian Coast Guard
costs, at approximately $30,000.00
Three
thousand (3,000) LSR “aids to navigation” full colour charts would cost
approximately $3.00 each x 3,000 = $9,000.00. Please note however that the
navigation chart will be a source of profit for the LSR Partners. We would
expect them to be sold for $10.00 each for a profit of $21,000.00 per 3,000
charts sold. The visiting boater would
expect to pay at least that much for any navigation chart. The boater really
should not travel without it on the LSR for fear of damaging their boat by
hitting submerged hazards. Also the
boater may plan to return to the LSR for future visits once they have enjoyed
our river and our hospitality.
Sixty (60) feet of 5-foot wide floating docks securely fastened parallel to the riverbank would cost approximately $20,000.00 each, including some finger docks and anchoring bulwarks, materials and labour. That’s $20,000 x 3 = $60,000 for three sets of docks. These docks are strong, buoyant, stable, lightweight and designed to be completely removed in the fall of the year and installed every spring. Steel poles could be driven into the ground above the high water mark and the floating docks secured to them by steel “arms” that would allow for fluctuating river water levels.
Please
note that the docks would be the responsibility of each Municipality or First
Nation Community to fund, install and maintain, as stated from the outset of
the project. It would be relatively
simple and inexpensive to install additional “moorings to shore” docking
systems with dinghy docks for easy access for the cruising boater.
After the initial installation of the buoyage system, because of the LSR weather extremes, it would be necessary to install, maintain and remove the buoyage system and docks on a yearly basis. We suggest that would require two workers with one boat and one light barge with small crane five days to install in the spring and three days to remove in the fall. We assume that a suitable boat and barge are already in the machinery inventory through one or more of the LSR Municipalities, First Nation Community, or perhaps from Domtar Inc., Espanola who do have such equipment. The cost of installing and removing the three sets of docks are added here because they are an integral part of the system. We estimate it would take 2 workers x 8 hours/day x 3 locations x $10.00/hour = $480.00, once in the spring and once in the fall, therefore $480 x 2 = $960.
Budget
cost for installing and removing three sets of docks = $1000.00 per year
We
have also included an inspection component to the maintenance program to ensure
that the Aids to Navigation (buoys) are correctly in place throughout a 12-week
boating season.
Therefore,
2 workers x 8 hours/day x 1 day x 12 weeks x $10/hour = $1920.00 or a budget of
$2,000.00 for the season.
The
annual budget for the maintenance program for the buoyage system, dockage
system and inspection program would be:
Winter Preparation $2,000
Spring Launch $3,000
Boating Season Inspection $2,000
$7000
Annual Cost per Partner (4) $1750
We
have identified a number of funding sources for the capital cost and
installation of the LSR Private Buoyage System. FedNor, Sudbury, Ontario
Heritage Fund, HRDC, Ontario Living Legacy and the Patten Post funding
management are all aware of our efforts and waiting for this summary. We
suggest that funding may also be available for Public Dockage, however that
component will ultimately be the responsibility of each jurisdiction bordering
the LSR.
We contend that all four jurisdictions bordering the LSR would benefit
equally from the building and maintaining of the PB/PD System. This is the classic
case of “the sum is greater than the
parts”! In any event, after the initial cost is covered, the total yearly
maintenance cost is minimal and in our opinion very worthwhile.
The first sentence of our Executive
Summary reads that this project is feasible. We also stated above that we
believe this is the first time that the four jurisdictions bordering the LSR
have ever worked together on a common project. You have proved that you can do
it. You all made financial contributions to this study along with the FSR and
FedNor. The synergy is building! Complete cooperation is not only necessary, it
is our one pre-condition to recommending that, as partners, you proceed with
this very worthwhile permanent project. Why the strong feelings? Two words:
Public Safety! Without your total support, this proposed project could put the
boating public at risk. Incidentally, the Canadian Coast Guard shares this
view. The LSRPB/PDS would not be hard to build and operate, but it would have
to be managed properly every year without exception in the interest of public
safety.
Earlier
in this report we stated that the FSR, with their new partners in this project,
hope to guide development along the LSR. Environmentally responsible economic
development would be the mandate of this new alliance. That would take some
doing. Communications would be very important but not all that time consuming
or difficult. It’s feasible.
Last
November 15, 2001, we travelled to Napanee, Ontario on a field trip to study
the Napanee River Private Buoyage System recommended to us by the Canadian
Coast Guard who initiated that system. Mr. Andrew Schmidt of the Quinte
Conservation Services Alliance was very helpful and encouraging in his remarks
and showed us how they manage the Napanee River Private Buoyage System. Although they do not need to remove the
buoyage system annually, they do monitor their system on a regular basis with a
simple recorded inspection system. Andrew offered to advise us with our own
private buoyage system if it was to proceed.
The
Napanee River Private Buoyage System marks a safe boating channel over 40
kilometres on the Napanee River through three Municipalities to the mouth in
Napanee at Lake Ontario. All three Municipalities participate in the safe and
effective operation of their private buoyage system through the Quinte
Conservation Services Alliance set up to manage this and other conservation
related services throughout the three Municipalities. The Alliance is funded by levies submitted on a yearly basis to
each municipality at appropriate times to blend into each municipality’s annual
budget. It works for them!
We
recommend that each partner assign a senior person to sit on the Board of a new
organization set up to administer the LSR Private Buoyage System and as an
advisory board to guide future economic development along the Spanish River.
The Spanish River Development Alliance would meet as required to discuss
operations and future plans. Each of those members would then report to their
municipal council with the recommendations of the new Spanish River Development
Alliance. Please note that the FSR would act in an advisory capacity only for,
unlike the four jurisdictional partners, the FSR do not have ongoing funding
sources.
If
there is a consensus amongst all five partners in the LSR Private
Buoyage/Public Dockage System proposal to proceed with the development of this
project as outlined in this Executive Summary, we recommend that you study “The
Spanish River Action Plan” enclosed that we prepared for you.
This project is quite
feasible and would become a permanent yearly feature of this area rivaling for
example the Agawa Canyon yearly train excursions. The project is also
financially very reasonable in relation to its anticipated overall positive
economic development of the communities bordering the Spanish River. The capital cost, including three sets of
docks, is under $100,000. The $7,000
yearly maintenance costs may even be covered by the profit from annual LSR
navigation chart sales.
The
introduction of environmental educational materials celebrating the Spanish
River, strategically placed at feature locations along the river and in support
materials such as the LSR navigation chart, would lead the general and boating
public into a better understanding of and respect for the natural beauty in, on
and around the Spanish River. This material should also include examples of the
rich history of the Spanish River watershed.
The
one precondition we have to recommending that you proceed with this project is
that there must be unanimous agreement and active cooperation amongst all
partners. We believe that, with that
condition entrenched, this project will be successful and the boating public
will enjoy and respect the LSR year after year.
Over
the six-month study, we have discovered much more potential than outlined in
your original LSR PB/PDS proposal. Although this material was not asked for in
the study, we felt that our findings were very important to the development of
the Spanish River in part and the region as a whole. We prepared a separate
report titled “The Spanish River Action Plan” for your consideration.
Let’s
take an example from our Friend, the Spanish River. She does not know of or
respect manmade boundaries but flows constantly from headwaters to delta. Let’s
practice good stewardship with this project and work together seamlessly toward
our common goal, to Restore, Preserve and Celebrate our Spanish River!
Although we have worked hard
over the last six months to understand the issues surrounding this proposed
project and we have presented our findings as accurately and clearly as
possible, we nevertheless claim a “hold harmless” status on all aspects of our
report.
W.T.
McKenna
Direction
Services
March
31, 2002
The
Spanish River
ACTION PLAN
The Spanish
River…
THE BIG
PICTURE!
Over
the years, Direction Services has advised many clients in both the business and
non-profit sectors. One of the first things we ask the client to do is to try
and visualize the Big Picture. This gets the client thinking “outside the box”;
sometimes spotting potential opportunities that may move them ahead
significantly. We believe that you have many more opportunities through this
Friends of the Spanish River Private Buoyage/Public Dockage System proposal for
the Lower Spanish River than originally outlined.
The
Spanish River begins at Biscotasing and flows 116 kilometres through the Upper
Spanish River, through Lake Agnew, over High Falls dam, through the 32
kilometres of the Middle Spanish River, over the Webbwood Dam at Espanola, and
52 kilometres later reaches the mouth of the river at Spanish, Ontario. That’s
200 kilometres of river to be protected, nurtured and developed
responsibly. At one point on the Middle
Spanish River, the Spanish actually runs right under the Trans Canada Highway!
Just think of the possibilities.
This
is a name that we chose for a possible new non-profit organization that could
review this study, secure the necessary funding and supervise the building and
maintenance of the Lower Spanish River Private Buoyage/Public Dockage System
(hereafter called the LSR PB/PDS). The Spanish River Development Alliance could
also embrace the topics listed below that we have identified through this study
as having development potential over the entire length of the Spanish River.
The Spanish River
Development Alliance (hereafter called the SRDA) could begin by creating a
management team that would:
A-
secure
self funding
B-
effectively plan and develop the LSRPB/PDS
C-
guide
environmentally responsible economic development over the entire Spanish River
and
D-
communicate
effectively with all those concerned, as required.
The
SRDA management team could be comprised of a Board of Directors representing
all of the communities bordering the Spanish River and the Friends of the
Spanish River. An executive director and a secretary operating in the vicinity
of the Spanish River could handle the day-to-day operations of the SRDA.
The
first order of business after selecting the SRDA board members and the staff
could be to review this feasibility study, secure funding for the project and
develop a comprehensive plan of action to build the Lower Spanish River Private
Buoyage/Public Dockage System. In our opinion, this is not the time to scrimp
and try to build the LSR PB/PDS with volunteers. There is just too much to do
that must be done properly on a yearly basis, firstly in the interest of Public
Safety and secondly to achieve the goals set out by the SRDA.
The
SRDA could identify and apply for funding to finance the LSR PB/PDS. Once
funding is secured, the SRDA would act as general contractor in the building of
and overseeing the maintenance of the LSR PB/PDS. We suggest that the SRDA
should take charge of the entire project including the design, funding,
building and maintenance of the public dockage component of the LSR PB/PDS.
The
SRDA would oversee the design and printing of a cost efficient quantity of LSR
PB/PDS navigation charts. This would be a formidable task because it would need
to be accurate, user-friendly, informative and educational.
The
SRDA would assist the Township of Sables-Spanish Rivers, Sagamok Anishnawbek
First Nation Community and the Town of Espanola in securing the funding,
designing, building and maintaining the Public Dockage component of the LSR
PB/PDS.
The Lower Spanish
River Private Buoyage/Public Dockage System Maintenance Program
The
SRDA would design and implement an annual maintenance program for the LSR
PB/PDS to guarantee a safe and effective system each and every year.
We
ask you to consider the possibilities outlined in the following list of topics
that could be researched and developed by the SRDA:
·
Spanish
River environmentally-sustainable economic development over its entire length
·
Spanish
River dredging
·
Spanish
River water flow management
·
Spanish
River natural world education program
·
Spanish
River sunken log harvesting
·
Spanish
River fish stocks, programs and protection
·
Spanish
River Eco-tourism
·
Spanish
River parks and marinas
·
Spanish
River history
·
Promote
Spanish River communities as a whole
·
Assist
the FSR with the “Spanish Dancer”, their paddleboat concept
·
Long-range
solution for “Deadheads”
·
Set
up “policing” of the Spanish River for pollution, over and illegal fishing,
excessive boat speed, etc.
·
Provide
communications to all sources, e.g. media, boaters groups, environmentalists,
governments
·
Coordinate
with “trails clubs”
·
Other
The
Friends of the Spanish River
Private Buoyage/ Public
Dockage System Proposal
MATERIALS AND
AIDS
·
Canadian
Hydrographic Service/Department of Fisheries & Oceans/Canadian Coast Guard
preliminary navigation chart of the Lower Spanish River
·
Chart
#8202 #1 Spanish to Massey
·
Chart
#8202 #2 Massey to Webbwood
·
Chart
#8203 #1 Webbwood to
· Chart #8203 #2 Espanola
· We produced a smaller scale colour chart of the LSR, including the 59 “aids to navigation” marker buoys to illustrate the potential private buoyage system planned for the LSR
· Enclosed also find topographical maps for Spanish Harbour, Massey and the confluence of the Sable River at the Spanish River and Espanola area of the Spanish River
· Canadian Hydrographic Service charts of the LSR (without Canadian Coast Guard aids to navigation markings) purchased by the FSR
· Canadian Coast Guard Private Aids to Navigation Design, Lake Huron – North Channel, Spanish River including aerial photographs of the LSR and the Canadian Coast Guard Marine Aids
This data was compiled for the FSR by the Department
of Fisheries & Oceans Canadian Coast Guard, Parry Sound Office, and will be
very helpful in establishing the FSR LSR PB/PDS. It is in fact a “blueprint” of the private buoyage system
required by the Canadian Coast Guard if the FSR are to build the system.
· Site inventory and technical data on the aids to navigation for the LSR
· Canadian Coast Guard Marine Aids, Preliminary Threat Rating for the LSR
· Canadian Coast Guard Marine Aids, Needs Matrix inner approaches/confined water
· Canadian Coast Guard, Central & Arctic Region Owners Guide to Private Aids to Navigation. This publication is a complete guide and will serve the FSR well when the time comes to begin the project!
· The Canadian Aids to Navigation System. This publication is filled with very useful information that will come in handy when the FSR proceed with this project. For example, on page 44, there is an explanation of the GPS (Global Positioning System) that the FSR may use to position, check and reposition the floating aids in the LSR Buoyage System each year.
· A sample brochure from an “aids to navigation” marker buoys manufacturer illustrates the new type of low maintenance plastic buoys that the FSR are likely to use. The Canadian Coast Guard is prepared to provide all the buoys we require at their cost to assist us with this project.
· We include a copy of the Canadian Coast Guard “Safe Boating Guide”. The 1999 version is their latest issue to date and is filled with very useful information for both the boating public and any group that is contemplating building a private buoyage system.
· We enclose a copy of the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary. If this private buoyage system on the LSR is built, it may be wise to start a local branch of this very fine water safety focused volunteer organization.
The
Friends of the Spanish River
Private Buoyage/ Public
Dockage System Proposal
FIXED AIDS
1
Mile Starboard Day Beacon $125 each
side/2 required
1
Mile Port Day Beacon $125
each side/2 required
7’
Pipe Tower $250
Concrete
Base $100
$ 600 each
Number
required of #1.4 X 18
$ 10800
Average
of 3 day beacons per day permanently installed = 6 days
2
workers x 8 hours/day x 6 days x $10.00 per hour = $ 960
1
work boat per week $1000
$ 1960
Total Estimated Cost for
Fixed Aids
Materials and Installation $12760
FLOATING AIDS
SB-40 $150 each
Plastic
Ort $250
each
Mooring
Block $ 50 each
½”
chain @ $2.10/foot
Counterweight $ 10 each
¾”
Shackle $ 15 each (1 required)
½”
Shackle $ 7
each (2 required) = $14.00
Reflective
Material $ 15 per buoy
$ 300 and up each
Number
required of #2.7 Small (175 kg) X 41
$ 12300 and up
Average
of 7 floating unlighted buoys installed per day
2 workers
x 8 hours/day x 6 days x $10.00 per hour = $ 960
1
work boat and 1 light barge with small crane per week $2000
$ 2960
Fixed Aids $12,760
Floating Aids $15,260
and up
Contingency $ 1,980
Therefore,
approximate cost
of
Private Buoyage System
Installed $30,000 + tax
The
Friends of the Spanish River
Private Buoyage/ Public
Dockage System Proposal
We
researched the Public Dockage System requirements and concluded that any system
we considered would have to be easily removed in the fall and installed each
spring of the year. This is because of the weather extremes experienced on the
LSR.
We
talked with two local experienced contractors about how to secure floating
docks to the shore on the LSR. Raymond Mailloux of Mailloux Construction,
Walford, Ontario built the new marina and docks at Spanish, Ontario. Bob
Freeman of G.F. Freeman Construction Ltd. Espanola, Ontario is going to rebuild
the boat launch on the Spanish River at Espanola this summer 2002. Both men
were very knowledgeable and helpful with their suggestions on our project. They
both will be very useful resource people for the project.
Raymond
Mailloux recommended that we float the public docks parallel to the shore and secure
them with long steel “arms” to steel posts driven into the ground along the
shore above the high water mark. This is the system we are recommending for the
initial public dockage.
This
quote therefore is for three 60 foot long x 5 foot wide floating docks with
necessary hardware, one section for Sagamok, one for Massey and one for
Espanola. Spanish, Ontario already has
their beautiful new marina just waiting for us to “catch up” to them.
The steel and synthetic docks were
approximately the same cost. The synthetic docks are far more flexible in how
they can be used, lightweight for easy removal and reinstallation and they can
withstand extremely low sub-freezing temperatures so could be stored outside in
winter. We therefore are recommending
EZ Dock Ontario’s new synthetic docking system.
Lower Spanish River
1
60 foot long x 5 foot wide floating dock
with
necessary hardware from
EZ
Dock Ontario
$11,597.87 x 3 = $34,793.61 plus applicable taxes
Mailloux
Construction suggested that the cost of securing one set of 60 foot x 5 foot
floating docks to the shore along the Spanish River at approximately $5,000.00
per dock system. That would include all steel beams, steel arms, brackets,
chains, equipment and labour.
Therefore the total estimated cost for securing all three LSR Public Dockage Systems would be:
$5,000.00 x 3 = $15,000.00
plus applicable taxes
Dock: $11,597.87
Securing: 5,000.00
Total $16,597.87 plus applicable tax
Total Estimated Cost
For All Three Dockage
Systems
$16,597.87 x 3 = $49,793.61 plus applicable
tax
·
EZ
Dock Ontario brochure, diagram sheet of our application, and a price sheet on
our system
·
Kropk
Industrial Inc. Con-O Lift Dock System brochure
·
Armtec
Construction Products waterfront retaining walls (2 brochures )
·
Floating
Docks, Rafts and Boatwells from Dow Chemical (1 brochure )
·
Canadian
Coast Guard Navigable Waters Protection Act booklet on rules and regulations
for inland waterways dockage systems
·
Ontario
Ministry of Natural Resources work permits for lakes and rivers
·
Ontario
Ministry of Natural Resources Fact Sheets on working around water ( 8 )
·
Living
By Water pamphlet “Waterfront Living “ from the DFO useful tips
The
Friends of the Spanish River
Private Buoyage/ Public
Dockage System Proposal
The
navigation chart for the LSR will be an essential component of the LSR PB/PDS.
The Canadian Coast Guard would not let you build this system without it and the
chart will need their approval regarding content and ease of use.
Although
we have access to a chart constructed by the Canadian Hydrographic Service in
1986, we have some concerns about being able to integrate their material in our
new chart. We therefore have priced our chart based on 40 hours of design time
to ensure creative and functional design and content control.
The
cruising boater is used to buying navigation charts--they are absolutely
necessary for safe cruising--especially in unfamiliar waters. Navigation charts
are not cheap. They need to be tough and, if possible, waterproof. We have
priced our new navigation chart to include both of these qualities.
It
is important to print a cost efficient number of charts and therefore we based
our cost on producing 3,000 charts.
3,000 20”x28” full colour charts
folded down to fourteen 4”x9” panels
on waterproof synthetic paper
would cost approximately $9,000 including tax
The
unit cost, even if full taxes apply, would be less than $3.00 each.
The
LSR Navigation Chart will be a moneymaker for the SRDA. For example, at a
selling price of $10.00 each x 3,000 units = $30,000.00 - $9,000.00 cost =
$21,000.00 profit on 3000 charts sold.
This
price is subject to change without notice because of the nature of the printing
business however this quote is from O.J. Graphix, Espanola who have printed
material for the FSR before at very reasonable rates.
Chrismar Mapping Service, Newmarket, Ontario produced the waterproof chart for the Upper Spanish River and they have promised to send us a quote however, they explained that they are very busy at the moment.
The
Friends of the Spanish River
Private Buoyage/ Public
Dockage System Proposal
A
chain is only as strong as its weakest link! It would be tempting to think that
the maintenance program for the LSR PB/PDS was secondary. It’s not. Once the
complete system is in place, the ribbon-cutting ceremony is over and the
boating public wonder how they ever got along without their private
buoyage/public dockage system, the real work begins.
A
regular maintenance program isn’t hard to design. It’s very important that all
of the partners know that the ongoing maintenance program must operate
efficiently, around the clock, year after year. You get the picture.
Let’s start with fall because it will probably be the first time the regular maintenance program will be put into practice.
The
18 day beacons will have been installed permanently so check them off.
The
41 floating aids (buoys) will need to be removed and stored for the winter:
2 workers x 8 hours/day x 3 days x $10.00 = $ 480.00
1 boat and 1 light barge with small crane 1,000.00
$1,480.00
Therefore
budget $1,500.00 to remove and store 41 buoys for the winter.
2 workers x 8 hours/day x 3
locations x $10.00 = $ 480.00
Therefore,
the total cost of preparing the LSRPB/PDS for winter is estimated at $2,000.00.
Repositioning The Aids to
Navigation (Buoys)
Reinstalling
the 41 aids to navigation (buoys) will take a little longer because they will
need to be placed accurately in their proper location. We mentioned GPS (Global
Positioning System) in this study. A handheld GPS with the proper way points
(exact location) will make that job relatively simple and a new GPS, if one is
needed, can be purchased for under $300.00 (capital cost).
2 workers x 8 hours/day x 5 days x $10.00= $ 800.00
I boat and 1 light barge with small crane $1,500.00
Therefore
budget $2,500.00 to put the 41 buoys in place.
2 workers x 8 hours/day x 3 days x $10.00= $ 480.00
That would be 1 day per dockage location x 3 locations.
These
synthetic docks are lightweight and easy to handle-they even come with wheels.
Therefore,
the total cost of LSRPB/PDS Spring Launch is estimated at $3,000.00.
To
begin with, throughout the boating season, the floating buoys will need to be
checked on a regular basis by staff, and possibly as well by volunteers who may
live near them on the river.
2 workers x 8 hours/day x 1 day x 12 weeks x $10.00=
$1920.00
Therefore
budget $2,000.00 to check the buoyage system over a 12-week boating season.
Winter Preparation $2,000.00
Spring Launch $3,000.00
Yearly Checking of Buoys $2,000.00
Estimated Annual Maintenance Budget $7,000.00
The
Friends of the Spanish River
Private Buoyage/ Public Dockage
System Proposal
59 Aids to Navigation $ 30,000.00
3 Sets of 60’ x 5’ floating docks 50,000.00
3000 Navigation Charts 9,000.00
$ 89,000.00 + applicable taxes
Contingency 11,000.00
*Note: sales of Navigation Charts should gross
$21,000.00 profit on 3000 sold.
Total Annual Maintenance Program Costs
Including removing and replacing Aids to
Navigation (buoys), three sets of docks and
A 12-week boating season Aids to
Navigation (buoys) weekly inspection $ 7,000.00
100%
of funding for the Capital Costs should be available through a package of
grants.
The
annual maintenance cost per partner (4) is estimated at $1,750.00 and some of
that cost may be covered by funding agencies.
It
is interesting to speculate that annual LSR Navigation Chart sales could
finance the entire yearly maintenance costs!
The
Friends of the Spanish River
Private Buoyage/ Public
Dockage System Proposal
In
our Executive Summary, we mention that we have identified and pursued numerous
funding opportunities to help you realize this permanent project. The single
most important point seems to be partnerships or alliances as a gateway to
funding. We have spoken with and written to some of the funding agencies with
encouraging responses so far. The following is a list of funding agencies that
have indicated a strong interest in this important environmentally sustainable,
economic development multiple partners project:
·
Northern
Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation--want a copy of our study
·
FedNor’s
numerous programs--they are the main funding source of this study
·
Ontario
Northern Development and Mines--tourism is very important to them
·
Ontario’s
Living Legacy--tentatively agreed to help us with project infrastructure
·
HRDC--Brent
St. Denis, MP for the area, has pledged support of this project
·
The
Patten Post Economic Development Fund has pledged their support to this project
·
Domtar
Inc. Espanola Community Improvement Fund--support this project
·
Canadian
Tourism Commission know what we are planning and support our efforts
There
are more funding agencies out there, however the proof of the pudding is in the
eating… you will see just how committed these sources are when you commit to
proceed with this proposal.
The
Friends of the Spanish River
Private Buoyage/ Public
Dockage System Proposal
The
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources staff
in Espanola brought to our attention an opportunity to advance the
Friends of the Spanish River’s mandate to “Celebrate” the Spanish River. Apparently
Ontario’s Living Legacy is interested in participating with us in the LSR
PB/PDS project in a funding capacity, as we mentioned in our chapter on
Funding.
If
we combine a number of environmental signs on the restoration of the Spanish
River to good health, they may assist us in “Showcasing” those signs. By
incorporating the signage into a number of pavilions along the Spanish River,
the combined effect will enhance the theme while promoting the Ontario’s Living
Legacy’s own mandate of promoting the Great Lakes Heritage Coast.
Our
own Marcel Golec, Chairman of the Friends of the Spanish River provided
schematic drawings, with costs, of constructing just such a pavilion. Please
find a copy of his presentation enclosed. At a unit cost of $26,243.29 x up to
six pavilions = $157,459.74, this opportunity takes on a significant
importance.
We
had the signage component priced out at approximately $2,500.00 per pavilion by
a local Massey, Ontario sign maker. Therefore $2,500.00 x 6 = $15,000.00 for
signage + $157,459.74= $174,459.74 total funding possibility from Ontario’s
Living Legacy!
Also,
enclosed please find two photographs of pavilions that we shot in Napanee while
on our field trip there to study their own private buoyage system. As one can
see, the pavilion adds a touch of class to an otherwise naked bit of grass.
The
Friends of the Spanish River
Private Buoyage/ Public
Dockage System Proposal
We produced
a questionnaire with the above title to reach out to the boating public. We
took it to the Toronto International Boat Show last January 2002 and to the
Grand Rapids, Michigan Boat Show in the U.S.A. in February 2002, to try and get
the boater’s input on our proposed LSR PB/PDS. We also reached out to boaters
in our own backyard through an extensive and successful public relations
campaign coupled with Internet access to the same questionnaire posted on the
FSR website.
The
results were overwhelmingly in favour of encouraging us to go forward and build
the system. Here are some of the comments we received from boaters in Canada
and the U.S.A:
·
My wife and I here in North Bay would love to see such
a project happen, and
support it whole-heartedly! Go for it! And count on us to come.
Jeff Archambeault, North Bay, ON
·
Hi
there folks,
Logged onto the web site to link to the Spanish River story and the survey,
want to participate. -K
· We keep our boat at Spanish Marina and love the area.
·
Build
it. They will come.
·
We
plan on coming next 1-2 years.
·
The
sooner you have it ready, the sooner I will be there and I will encourage as
many boaters as possible to come. It is
great to see that communities such as yours recognize the positive economic
impact cruising boaters will have on your economy.
·
Good
Luck. Great idea.
·
I
have a sailboat. Are there overhead
obstructions, or would I have to lower my mast?
·
An
excellent idea! I’ve boated on the Wye
River (Midland) and the Holland River (Bradford), as well as the
Trent/Severn/Rideau Rivers, and think river travel offers excellent
opportunities to observe wildlife and nature as well as our beautiful heritage.
·
Need
information on campsites and currents for canoeing.
·
I
plan to berth my boat at the Spanish River Marina. As a sustaining member of the North Channel Yacht Club I am quite
familiar with the area, but really liked the facilities at Spanish. Since my wife does not like the “big”
waters, I am sure that the river would make and ideal (retired) family cruising
area. I have already enjoyed the
alternate entrance to the Spanish Marina, as it gives a little bit of the taste
of river cruising. I have owned a
sailboat for about 25 years and sailed the North Channel, this is my first year
as a “stink-potter” and I am really looking forward to our summer on the
Spanish. Louise and Bill Hart, Sudbury
aboard the Minitug “Lil Toot”.
·
Excellent
idea. Keep me posted on your progress.
–Jim Thomason
·
Keep
up the good work. I believe this is a
great idea. I have wondered about this
after my first road trip from Espanola along the back road to Massey. Doug Hay, “Seakindly”, Blind River
·
Could
use a head dumping station, picnic/camping area. Should be supervised or policed to avoid vandalism.
·
Existing
fisheries should be strongly considered so that boats either proceed at a
signed speed, or avoid the areas marked (signed) as such, i.e. there is a huge
weed bed which ends about mid-stream from the south river bank outwards. “Pickerel weeds” is the handle that most
people place on this type of weed which rises to near the surface about
mid-summer. Great pickerel spot and
soon the muskies will patrol its edges.
Earl Sanftenberg, and other old timers know this river well and could
contribute a lot of info re my “subject”.
Jim Slack
·
As
a concerned property owner and outdoorsman who has been familiar with the area
for 25 years, I don’t feel I can support the encouragement of further pressure
on an extremely fragile ecosystem. The
reason I own and pay taxes on my property is that I would like to maintain it
in an unspoiled state. The Bible states
that the root of all evil is the love of money. From what I have read, the intent of this proposal is to increase
the economic benefit to the area by environmental exploitation. Make sure you don’t sell your souls for
thirty pieces of silver. I am a native
of Saskatchewan and have seen the disappearance of the prairie chicken, the
burrowing owl and wetlands that supported waterfowl in numbers you can’t
imagine. I have spent my working life
in Sarnia on the St. Clair River which was turned into little more than an open
sewer by so-called economic development.
I am also a sailor, having cruised in the Caribbean Sea, Lake Erie and
Lake Huron, including the North Channel.
My opinion is that such a small enclosed area like the Spanish cannot
support a large transient population or a large number of boats pumping
pollutants into the water. Any competent boater or sportsman who wishes to
visit the area can do so at the moment.
Development of a buoyage and docking system will only encourage yahoos
who have more money than brains to wreak havoc on the area. There are very few animals who void themselves
in their own living quarters.
Unfortunately, humans, for all their intelligence, are one of those
species. I intend in the near future to
retire peacefully to my home in Sables-Spanish Rivers. I do not intend to shit in my own or my
neighbour’s back yard. I also do not
intend to invite those who would.
Regards, Richard E. Ball
P.S. I would suggest that those who are not
satisfied with what they have in this beautiful area move to Toronto where they
will find economic development more to their liking.
We
were fortunate to receive phone calls and e-mails from members of the Ontario
Boating Forum who, having seen our questionnaire at the Toronto International
Boat Show, were delighted with our initiative and will be spreading the word to
their members through their quarterly publication that will be published in
April 2002.
It
has been difficult to find meaningful statistics that would help us estimate
what numbers we could expect if we built the system. Here are a few 2001
numbers we gleaned from the new marina in Spanish, dated November 2001.
The
Spanish Marina experienced an increase in traffic this season. Sailboat traffic
was up 40% and powerboat traffic was up 24%. We saw an increase of 54% in
visitors from Canada and 20% from the U.S. The marina was visited by a total of
604 transient boaters this year, compared to last year’s total of 471. Most of
the other marinas in the North Channel experienced a drop in their numbers this
season.
Finally,
we include statistical profiles of the local populations to illustrate just how
sparse our numbers are and just how much we need to attract new people to our
area, both to stay and work, or retire and to visit with us.
The
Friends of the Spanish River
Private
Buoyage/Public Dockage System Proposal
SPANISH RIVER
WILDLIFE INVENTORY
Prepared by the
Ministry of Natural Resources
1993
American
Bittern
American
Crow
Bear
Beaver
Belted
Kingfisher
Black
Duck
Black
Tern
Blue
Heron
Blue
Winged Teal
Boreal
Chickadee
Canada
Goose
Canvasback
Caspian
Tern
Cedar
Waxwing
Chipmunk
Common
Flicker
Common
Loon
Common
Merganser
Common
Tern
Cormorant
Cowbird
Crow
Deer
Double-Crested
Cormorant
European
Starling
Fox
Great
Blue Heron
Grey
Owl
Herring
Gull
Hooded
Merganser
Leopard
Frog
Loon
Mallard
Marsh
Hawk
Mink
Moose
Muskrat
Northern
Cardinal
Northern
Harrier
Northern
Leopard Frog
Northern
Raven
Nuthatch
Osprey
Otter
Painted
Turtle
Pickerel
Frog
Pileated
Woodpecker
Raccoon
Raven
Red
Squirrel
Redbelly
Snake
Redwing
Blackbird
Ring-Billed
Gull
Sandhill
Crane
Skunk
Snapping
Turtle
Sparrow
Spotted
Sandpiper
Spring
Peeper
Spruce
Grouse
Starling
Tern
Turkey
Vulture
Warbler
White-Tailed
Deer
Wigeon
Wood
Duck
The
Friends of the Spanish River
Private Buoyage/ Public
Dockage System Proposal
We began
this project on October 1, 2001, and were fortunate to secure some visual
images of the LSR before we lost the fall weather to winter. We have put those
images to good use since, in helping us to explain to interested parties just
how much potential the Spanish River really has in advancing the FSR mandate to
Restore, Preserve and Celebrate the Spanish River.
We
produced a visual record in 35mm, digital and video formats thinking that we
may just need this material before we would be finished this feasibility study
for the FSR.
Our
still image photographic record of the LSR, beginning in Spanish, travelling
through, Sagamok, Massey, Webbwood, and ending in Espanola, 52 kilometres up
river, really opened many people’s eyes to the natural beauty of our great
river. It also graphically demonstrates just why a buoyage system would be
necessary before inviting visiting boaters to explore and enjoy the LSR.
We
are pleased to report that we also produced a short film titled “The Spanish…A
River Reborn”. Having accumulated many photographic images of the Spanish River
over the last few years, we decided to use this material in a film. As luck
would have it, a Canadian musician had just finished writing and recording a
new song. You guessed it…”The Spanish River”. We premiered our film at the
public consultation meeting in Massey, Ontario and everyone applauded. It is
safe to say that it was well received.
We
also produced a colour chart of the LSR and included every aid to navigation
(buoy) on the chart. We unveiled it, also at the public consultation meeting,
in Massey. It proved to be very helpful in illustrating the potential of the
LSR PB/PDS.
The
Friends of the Spanish River
Private Buoyage/ Public
Dockage System Proposal
·
Fall
2001 boat trip up the Spanish River to capture important features, hazards,
etc. in visual format for future use.
·
All
work was suspended for four weeks while a review of the bidding process was conducted.
We were then advised to recommence our work.
·
We
produced a visual image photo album of the Lower Spanish River, including
existing features, hazards to navigation, etc.
·
We
traveled to Parry Sound for a meeting on the project with the Canadian Coast
Guard and continued on to Napanee, Ontario for a field study of an existing
private Aids to Navigation System with the Quinte Conservation Alliance.
·
We
attended the grand opening of Sagamok’s new Millennium Centre and loaned them
our new LSR photo album for an economic days development workshop.
·
We
hosted a dinner party in December with one of the partners in attendance. We
were able to expand on the potential of this project at that time.
·
We
joined the North Channel Marine Tourism Council Inc. so that we could access
boat show attendees.
·
We
developed a boaters' questionnaire, “If We Build It Will You Come?” It was
presented at the Toronto International Boat Show. We also introduced the
questionnaire through an extensive public relations campaign and had the local
population access the questionnaire through the Internet on the FSR website.
·
We
began a series of meetings with the MOE, the MNR, the DFO and local contractors
with marine experience to develop a dialogue on this project.
·
We
attended the first meeting of the Algoma & Area Regional Trails Council in
Spanish to offer them support and explain the partnership part of our project.
·
We
kept the dialogue open with the Northern Ontario Heritage Corporation funding
people regarding a grant for the buoyage component of the project. We also
researched other funding sources for this project.
·
We
attended the Toronto International Boat Show where we introduced our boaters'
questionnaire with great success. We enjoyed very good exposure through the
Ontario Boating Forum and will be getting wide exposure to our project through
their quarterly publication due out in April 2002.
·
We
secured confirmation that Anishinabek/Ontario Fisheries will perform a bottom
contour mapping of the LSR this late spring after the spring freshet is over
and apparently at no cost.
·
We
met with Mr. Pat Parker of Domtar Inc. Espanola concerning water flow
management of the Spanish River. He suggested that we could participate with
INCO, Ltd., Domtar, Inc., and the MNR in overseeing this critical area.
·
We
have been actively pursuing media coverage on those aspects of this project
that warranted exposure. As you can see from the media clippings, there is a
lot of interest out there in what we are doing.
·
We
have been attending partner municipal council meetings when and where necessary
to keep all partners informed of our progress on this project.
·
We
attended a luncheon and round table talks with Brent St. Denis MP and Mr. Jim
Watson, President and CEO of the Canadian Tourism Commission and had an
opportunity to explain the synergistic qualities of our project through our
five partners. Good exposure.
·
We
attended the Eco-North 2002 Conference in Sudbury. It was well worth the trip
and everyone in the industry was there. We came away with lots of good useful
material.
·
We
built a new LSR waterfront property owner mailing list, we prepared a special
letter inviting them to a special Public Consultation Meeting on this project
and mailed them out.
·
Our
boaters' questionnaire was presented at the Grand Rapids Michigan Boat Show in
February with positive results.
·
We
attended a special economic development meeting at Sagamok's new Millennium
Centre one Sunday morning and gave them a presentation on this project.
·
We
prepared for our Public Consultation Meeting in Massey in March 2002. We
invited experts to address the hard questions such as erosion, pollution, etc.
We informed the public and the press.
·
We
held our Public Consultation Meeting starting with a new short film we produced
called “The Spanish…A River Reborn”. It
received a warm reception. The Canadian Coat Guard charts of the LSR had never
been seen before and were of considerable interest to all. We also produced a
reduced scale colour chart of the LSR including all the aids to navigation
(buoys) that would be needed if the project was to be realized. The meeting was
a great success and well attended.
· We have been concentrating on dock manufacturers and fabrication considerations for the dockage component on the LSR.
·
We
have spent considerable time evaluating and pulling together all the material
in a meaningful and accurate way towards completion of the feasibility study
and finished with our recommendations.
We wish you success with this venture!
Lower Spanish River
Private Buoyage/Public Dockage System Proposal
Economic
Impact Report
Overview
As
their Millennium project, the Friends of the Spanish River decided to study the
possibility of a private buoyage/public dockage system to help the boating
public enjoy, explore and through learning, respect the beauty and rich history
of the 52 kilometres of the lower Spanish River from Spanish to Espanola.
The
prime purpose of this study was for the Friends of the Spanish River to take the
lead and help guide the inevitable economic development along the now restored
lower Spanish River. This action
ensures that “environmentally sustainable” economical development would
be the “Cornerstone” of all future development along the Spanish River.
Because
of their ongoing work projects, the Friends of the Spanish River are in an
excellent position to enrich any future development projects along the river
with historically and environmentally important educational material and
advice.
The
Spanish River would be an ideal location to encourage both the public and
private sectors to build eco-tourism venues. Again, the Friends of the Spanish
River would be an excellent organization to help develop proposed projects in
this growing and important new tourism field.
The
Friends of the Spanish River, the lead agency of this project, are joined by
the four local jurisdictions governing the Lower Spanish River. They are the
Township of Shedden, The Township of Sables-Spanish Rivers, Sagamok Anishnawbek
First Nation Community and the Town of Espanola. After the completion of the
proposed Lower Spanish River Private Buoyage/Public Dockage System feasibility
study commissioned by all five partners, they have agreed in principle to
develop the private buoyage/public dockage system along the 52 kilometres of
the lower Spanish River.
In
addition, the five partners enjoy the active participation, guidance and
support of the following organizations:
·
The
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources
·
The
Ontario Ministry of the Environment
·
The
Federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Canadian Coast Guard
·
The
Canadian Hydrographic Service
·
The
Spanish River Watershed Authority,
including Domtar Inc., Inco,
Falconbridge Inc, the MNR and the MOE
·
The
North Channel Marine Tourism Council Inc.
Finally,
by the very nature of this project, the geographic area that will benefit from
this project is thousands of hectares in size.
Direction
Services of Massey, Ontario was retained to produce the Lower
Spanish River Proposed Private Buoyage/Public Dockage System feasibility study
on behalf of the five partners in this ambitious project. The study was funded
by the Sudbury Branch of FedNor and was completed on March 31, 2002.
Direction
Services and FedNor agreed that a “Blue Sky” economic impact study would be of
little use also, by the expiry date of March 31, 2002, most of the partners had
not completed their own riverside project ideas sufficiently to build into the
feasibility study. Subsequently,
Direction Services offered to produce a “Wish List” based economic impact
report for the five partners (at no cost) to help bring this important project
to fruition. By identifying specific economic development goals within each
jurisdiction, the consulting firm hoped to get a clearer picture of what
economic development might be realized along the lower Spanish River as a
result of establishing the private buoyage/public dockage system.
Each
of the five partners was asked to identify economic development opportunities
along the lower Spanish River within their own jurisdiction assuming that the
private buoyage/public dockage system was constructed.
Firstly,
it is important to distinguish the difference between “Blue Sky” possibilities and
each partner’s “Wish List”.
Both
assume that the private buoyage/public dockage system is realized. ”Blue Sky”
possibilities are just that, possibilities. Certainly, they could be explored,
researched, approved and finally realized. However, this approach can be
misleading, waste time and valuable resources and ultimately be the cause of
disappointment if not realized.
The
“Wish List” is more specific in outlining projects both wanted and needed,
realistic and effective in their objectives and very possibly may actually be
realized.
The
“Jewel of the North”, the Shedden Four Seasons Complex and Marina has already
been completed. Valued at approximately five million dollars, this latest state
of the art facility greets the cruising boater at the mouth of the Spanish
River at Spanish, Ontario. Operating from June 15 to September 15, this Marina
includes 119 slips and can accommodate boats up to 70 feet long.
Of
paramount importance to the whole proposed private buoyage/public dockage
project is a deep channel at the mouth of the river to afford the visiting and
local boater access to the 52 kilometres
of the Lower Spanish River. The Township of Shedden has secured the considerable funding needed to dredge the
mouth of the Spanish River. This dredging work is scheduled to take place this
fall (2002).
It
is important to note that in future years, assuming that the private
buoyage/public dockage system becomes a permanent feature of the region, it
will be the combined responsibility of all partners to ensure that a deep
entrance channel is maintained each year to ensure access to the entire 52
kilometres of the Lower Spanish River by the boating public.
Fifteen
kilometres up river from Spanish, Ontario, Indian Head Interpretive Centre and
Riverside Park is already under way along the shores of the Lower Spanish River
on Ojibway land. The silhouette Indian Head natural rock formation visible from
Sagamok road beside the Lower Spanish River stands guard just upstream from a
stretch of turbulent waters and is steeped in Ojibway native history. The proposed private buoyage system will
safely guide boaters through sections of river such as mentioned here on the
largely “Flat Waters” of the Lower Spanish River.
Sagamok
is planning to conduct Powwows, provide colourful native dancing, display
native crafts and artifacts and serve native foods in an authentic Ojibway
native setting in their new centre. They plan to erect three large teepees as
the dominant feature of this proposed
centre.
They
also plan to provide public docking and boat services including a boat launch
ramp. This would be one of three locations on the Lower Spanish River where the
partners as a whole would provide free public docking for boaters to tie up, go
ashore and explore each facility and local community. Sagamok First Nation
Community also intends to provide free docking further down river, nearer to
their shopping district, that includes for example, a laundromat facility and
new restaurant.
A
municipal or possibly a private marina at Massey, Ontario is first on this
Township’s Wish List. They have even identified a 19-acre parcel of land,
including an island, as the possible site of the proposed marina.
The
marina proposal is particularly appropriate partly because, located about half
way up the Lower Spanish River (22 kilometres), it would be in an ideal
location to provide cruising and local boaters with supplies and service needs
as well as secure overnight docking facilities. Massey would be the second
location where free public docks would be provided to allow the visiting boater
to go ashore and explore the town of Massey.
The
town of Massey could also provide general supplies and many attractions such as
the Massey Museum, the Massey Golf Course, the Massey Fair, the Sables River
Mouth waterfront park on the Spanish River, the new walking trails and bridges
along the Sables River in the Chutes Provincial Park and the Trans-Canada
Trail.
Although
there is no current development planned for the town of Webbwood along the
Spanish River, once the buoyage/dockage system is installed, the town would
most likely provide marine facilities to accommodate the visiting and local
boater.
The
town of Espanola, 52 kilometres up river, would be the eastern end of the
navigable Lower Spanish River. This town of six thousand people has many
attractions of interest to the visiting boater, including an excellent nine
hole golf course right on the river and numerous walking and pulp and paper
tours provided free of charge by Domtar Inc., in Espanola.
First
on their “Wish List”, the town of Espanola is currently upgrading their public
boat launch and parking area in anticipation of more riverside tourism
development. Their improved boat launch facility will be the access point of
much planned outdoor adventure activity. The addition of the proposed free public
docking near this site would greatly enhance the opportunity for visiting
boaters to explore much that the Town of Espanola has to offer.
The
Town of Espanola is actively pursuing economic development throughout their
jurisdiction and for example, recently completed an eight million dollar four
seasons sports recreation facility that is open to the public, boaters
included! Also on the town’s “Wish List” is the probability that local municipal or private economic
development along the river at Espanola would include comprehensive marine
services for the visiting boater.
Their
“Wish List” features a Forestry Interpretive Centre that would include the
following components:
·
Historic/Cultural
aspects of lumberjacking and pulp and paper making
·
Bush
operations
·
Saw
milling operations
·
Pulp
and paper making process (Then/Now)
·
The
finished products
·
Impact
of this industry on Northern Ontario, the Province and the Country
The
proposed Forestry Interpretive Centre is planned to be built along the Spanish
River in Espanola and would be another major tourism highlight for the visiting
boater.
Boat
tours on the Spanish River were also on the town’s “Wish List”. It was
identified as an excellent eco-tourism opportunity based in Espanola at the
eastern terminus of the Lower Spanish River.
Logistically, there are many reasons for this location. For example,
busloads of tourists already tour the Domtar facilities and walking tours. Tour
boats with the capacity to carry up to fifty people would “dovetail” well with
this existing tourism venue.
The
primary function of this environmental protection organization partner is to
guide any future Spanish River development to ensure that it is “environmentally friendly” economic development.
Now that the Spanish River has been restored to good health, it is imperative
that all those concerned ensure that it remain a beautiful, pristine river for
all to enjoy forever! That is a tall order but it must be the first
consideration of any development in, on and around the Spanish River.
The
Friends of the Spanish River are well suited to the task of guiding any
development on the river. Just log onto the Friends of the Spanish River web
site at www.etown.net/spanishriver
to get a sense of the work being done
by this group of dedicated volunteers. From working with the MNR to restock the
Lower Spanish River with Muskellunge to designing a replica “Sternwheeler”
fifty passenger eco-tourism tour boat designed for the flat waters of the Lower
Spanish River, the Friends of the Spanish River have proved themselves capable
of rising to any challenge to protect and enhance the Spanish River.
Eco-centre
open pavilions in at least three locations along the Lower Spanish River, (
Sagamok Indian Head Interpretive Centre, Massey and Espanola ), would
illustrate the restoration and return to good health of the Spanish River. Colourful signage in each pavilion would
highlight the natural flora and fauna in, on and around the Spanish River for
visitors to learn about and respect the natural beauty of the Spanish River.
A
floating stage could be used at different locations along the entire 52
kilometre length of the Lower Spanish River by any of the partners throughout
each boating season. It could simply be floated on the river from location to
location as required. For example,
Sagamok Anishnawbek First Nation Community could use the floating stage during
their annual Powwow in July and Massey could use it during their annual Massey
Fall Fair every August.
The
three sets of proposed public docks, each sixty feet in length (in ten foot
sections), could be floated from location to location along the Lower Spanish River
to accommodate special events just as in-water boat shows share docks to
present more boats for sale.
Direction
Services, the producers of the Lower Spanish River Private Buoyage /Public
Dockage System feasibility study, included “The Spanish River Action Plan” as a
blueprint to developing and operating this exciting project. They felt very
strongly that an action plan was necessary to produce this project where there
are so many partners. The reader of this economic impact report would be wise
to read the Action Plan in the feasibility study to fully understand its
purpose, methodology and scope.
The
Spanish River Development Alliance, the proposed new non-profit organization
representing all partners and associates could oversee Spanish River
development. It would be through this Alliance that the Friends of the Spanish
River could apply their guidance to ensure that any economic development of the
Spanish River would be “environmentally sustainable”.
The
Lower Spanish River Private Buoyage/Public Dockage System by itself would have
little economic impact. In fact, it would be a new transportation service for
the bordering communities. Just as new
highways connect areas, so too would the Lower Spanish River Private
Buoyage/Public Dockage System connect the communities along its shores.
However, input all five partners’ wish list projects along the Lower Spanish
River and the resulting marine services and riverside tourism infrastructure would have significant local economic
impact!
Take
an imaginary boat cruise beginning at the mouth of the river in Spanish,
Ontario and cruise up the Lower Spanish River through the towns of Sagamok,
Massey, Webbwood ending 52 kilometres up river at Espanola. Input all of the
items listed in each partner’s “Wish List” plus the existing riverside tourist
related businesses and you will begin to get an idea of the richness and
diversity of your boating adventure.
Although
attracting the visiting boater would be the first objective, the resident
boater would also be attracted to the Lower Spanish River with its expanded
facilities and attractions. Instead of
leaving their boats on trailers at their homes, many area boating residents
would likely dock their boats at local marinas on the Spanish River thereby
supporting local business while getting more enjoyment exploring the Spanish River and more use of
their boats.
The
eco-tourism opportunities on the Spanish River would also become very
attractive with each partner’s “Wish List” project in place. The possibilities,
although not endless, would encourage investment funds to capitalize on this
growing tourism business.
Existing & (Wish List)
Tourist Businesses
Serving the Boating Public
on the Lower Spanish River
Brennan
Harbour Resort A
cottage rental company at the entrance
to the Spanish River
The
Shedden Four Seasons
Complex
and Marina A
full service marina at the mouth
of the Spanish River with boat launch ramp and
boat trailer and vehicle parking
Cavanagh’s
Unique Experience Horse &
buggy rides from the marina
to
the town of Spanish
Mitchell’s
Marina and Camp Grounds A full service
marina and camp grounds
Vance’s
Marina and Camp Grounds A full service
marina with pump-out facilities
and
camp grounds
Blue
Heron Resort Cottages and boat rentals
Kring
Road Public Boat Launch Ramp Boat trailer
and vehicle parking
The
Wilderness Experience
Native Birds & Animals in
Natural Settings
(by
appointment)
McKie’s
Pick-Your-Own
Raspberry
Farm Right on the River
Ott’s
Landing Public Boat
Launch
Ramp Boat
trailer and vehicle parking
Sagamok
Public Boat Launch Ramp Boat
trailer and vehicle parking
Sagamok
Public Boat Docks To
access their shopping area (wish list)
Ruby’s Pick-Your-Own Strawberry
Family
Farm Right
of the River
Indian
Head Interpretive Centre
&
Riverside Park (under construction) Will
include public docks, boat launch ramp, boat trailer
and vehicle parking and
Eco-centre pavilion (wish list)
Massey
Municipal Marina Will
include public and overnight docks, marine supplies
and services, Eco-centre, restaurant, washrooms and
transportation into Massey (wish list )
Massey
Public Boat Launch Ramp Boat
trailer and vehicle parking
Sables
River Mouth Park
A full services waterfront park at the Spanish River in
Massey
Webbwood
Public Boat Launch Ramp (to be rebuilt)
(wish list)
Espanola
Public Boat Launch Ramp Boat trailer
and vehicle parking (currently being rebuilt
& expanded)
transportation into Espanola
(wish list)
Floating
Stage Useable
along the entire Lower Spanish River (wish
list)
Espanola
Golf Club Right
on the River
Forestry
Interpretive Centre A major Espanola tourism venue on the
river (wish list)
Spanish
River Eco-boat Tours Based
in Espanola (wish list)
Domtar
Public Walking & Mill Tours Near
the river and free of charge
Add
the above existing tourist related businesses located on the Lower Spanish
River to the five partners’ “Wish List” of new riverside facilities listed
above and one will begin to realize the tremendous tourism potential of the
Lower Spanish River!
Direction
Services produced a questionnaire titled “If We Build It, Will You Come?” They
presented this questionnaire to the boating public at the Toronto International
Boat Show and the Grand Rapids Boat Show in Grand Rapids, Michigan, U.S.A. in
the winter of 2002. The results were
very supportive. Details and sample comments are contained in the feasibility
study in the Support Documents section.
Through
the Toronto International Boat Show exposure, contact was made with the Ontario
Boating Forum who came forward with glowing praise and encouragement for the
project to proceed. Mr. Ernest
Williams, the Vice President of the Ontario Boating Forum, explained that there
is ongoing friction between Ontario cottagers and cruising boaters to the
extent that the cottagers are trying to limit cruising boaters cruising
grounds. The fact that the five partners want to encourage the visiting boater
was instantly embraced and supported by this Ontario cruising boater
organization. This is a very powerful positive statement to proceed with this
project.
Mr.
Williams did offer the following information regarding statistics on the
cruising boater in Ontario. He
said, “Although there is no current
cruising boater survey, the Canadian Boat Builders Association wants to produce
a national survey. The Ontario Boating Forum believes that the only accurate
survey we can work with is an Ontario only survey which also must account for
the large amount of American Boaters traveling on our waters.” He went on to
state, “The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs did a survey a few years ago
and it estimated each snowmobiler generated $100.00 per day to the local
economy, from gas, meals, accommodations, repairs and other related
expenditures. One thing for sure, if a snowmobiler generates $100.00 per day,
you can bet that a boat with 3 or 4 people can easily generate $200.00 to
$300.00 per day!”.
Prepared
by The Tourism Company October 30, 2001
·
The
Township of Shedden is forecasting that the dredging project will result in 850
boater nights in 2003, an additional 380 boater nights from 2002. The following statistics are representative
of seven marinas on the North Channel Waterway: Lake Huron-Blind River, Hilton
Beach, Sault Ste Marie, Little Current, Thessalon, Meldrum Bay and Spanish.
|
|
1999 Boater Nights |
2000 Boater Nights |
2001 Boater
Nights |
2002 Boater Nights |
2003 Forecast No Dredging |
2003 Forecast
With Dredging |
Market
Share Increase |
|
Spanish
Municipal Marina |
552 |
471 |
604 |
471 |
470 |
850 |
+380 |
|
North Channel |
4,661 |
4,065 |
4,729 |
4,000 |
4,000 |
4,500 |
+500 |
|
Market Share |
11% |
10% |
12% |
11% |
11% |
18% |
+7% |
(Source: Tourism Company, ‘Marketing Plan’ North Channel Marine Tourism Council, October 30, 2001)
·
The
expenditures made through boater visitation in a community are generally
understood to be approximately $181.39/day (Source:
Tourism Company, ‘Marketing Plan’ North Channel Marine Tourism Council, October
30, 2001). The projected increase
of an additional boater 380 boater nights at the Spanish Municipal Marina, can
result in an additional $68,000 in direct economic impacts to the community.
·
The
Spanish Municipal Marina and Spanish Four Seasons Waterfront Complex is the
Township of Shedden’s key economic initiative.
The Spanish business community focuses on the marine tourism industry
during the summer months. The newest
business venture arising as a result of these facilities is “Cavanagh’s Unique
Experience” Horse and Buggy Rides, transporting boaters from the marina to the
downtown sector.
Economic Impact Study of the
Trent-Severn Waterway September 2000
This
comprehensive study reinforces the desirability of building and maintaining the
Lower Spanish River Private Buoyage/Public Dockage System to accommodate the
visiting and local boater as well as the eco-tourist. Parks Canada commissioned this study and an indepth Trent-Severn
Waterway Management Plan dated October 2000 to:
·
Provide
local government, the business
community and other interested groups with a more comprehensive view of some of
the local, regional and provincial economic impacts associated with the
operations and development of the Trent-Severn Waterway.
·
Help
define the relative economic importance of the Trent-Severn Waterway on the
surrounding communities, regions and the province
·
Provide
baseline information, such as site use by visitor market segments, and
illustrate the economic growth within each region.
We
have included four pages of the highlights of the TSW Economic Impact Study
produced by the Canadian Tourism Research Institute and The Conference Board of
Canada to assist in the development of the Lower Spanish River Private
Buoyage/Public Dockage System project. Of particular importance in the TSW
study are the number of jobs created to service the boating public and the
breakdown of the boaters expenditures such as fuel, restaurant meals, etc. A
copy of the Trent-Severn Waterway Economic Impact Study summary and the
accompanying TSW Management Plan is submitted with this report.
A cruising
boater might typically take three to four days to travel up and down the Lower
Spanish River that would total 104 kilometres, 52 kilometres each way. The
boater’s average speed would probably be approximately ten knots (11 mph) to
enjoy the river scenery while watching for other boaters and obstructions in
the water.
Using
the Tourism Company’s estimates mentioned above on the cruising boaters
spending and assuming that marine supplies and services are available along the
Lower Spanish River, it would seem probable that each boater, including crew,
could spend between $544.17 and $725.56 exploring the Lower Spanish River from
Spanish, Ontario to Espanola and back. over three to four days.
Using
the Township of Shedden forecast
for year 2003 (with dredging completed ) of 850 boater nights at their
marina, one could expect up to ten percent of that number to cruise the Lower
Spanish River. Therefore, just drawing from the anticipated Spanish, Ontario
numbers, one could extrapolate 85 cruising boaters could spend 85 x $544.17 =
$46,254.45 over three days, and for four days 85 x $725.56 = $61,672.60 along
the Lower Spanish River at different communities.
The
forecast of visiting boaters to the North Channel of Lake Huron for 2003 is 4,500 (with Spanish Marina
dredging completed ) according to the North Channel Marine Tourism Council,
October 30, 2001. One could expect up to five percent of those boaters to
cruise the Lower Spanish River, therefore: 225 boaters x $544.17 = $122,438.25
over three days and 225 x $725.56 =
$163,251.00 over four days could be spent by these boaters along the Lower
Spanish River once the marine and tourism infrastructure is in place.
|
Forecast
for 2003 of Boaters Cruising the Spanish River |
Number
of Boater Nights (3
to 4 people per boat) |
Estimated
spending for three days @ $181.39/day |
Estimated
spending for four days @ $181.39/day |
|
Township
of Shedden Forecast |
85 |
$46,254.45 |
$61,672.60 |
|
North
Channel Marine Tourism Council Forecast |
225 |
$122,438.25 |
$163,251.00 |
An
eco-tourism boat tour business cruising the Lower Spanish River could expect to
attract many customers throughout the boating season on the river. Each tour boat with a capacity of fifty passengers
would fit the pre-packaged bus tour business and could result in many new visitors enjoying the beauty of the
Spanish River. To illustrate the potential, in 2001, one tour boat on the
Toronto Harbour carried 30,000 passengers at $50.00 each, that included dinner,
for gross sales of $1,500,000.00. The Lower Spanish River, although not in
Toronto’s league, is nonetheless a viable location for a marine eco-tourism
market. A local tour boat company could produce the following yearly revenue:
100 days x 2 cruises per day x 20 passengers (one
half capacity) x $40.00 = $160,000.00 gross sales (including one meal) low end
and up to $320,000.00 at full capacity per boat. Evening cruises and special events such as wedding receptions
could be additional revenue and profit for the operation.
The
local boater may dock his boat at a local marina on a seasonal rate. Here is an
example of the revenue that could be generated by this market: example,
50 boats x $300.00 seasonal rate = $15,000.00 per
marina plus fuel, oil, servicing, storage, ice, shore power (for larger boats)
and marina restaurant meals and sundries.
Realistically,
the boating season on the Lower Spanish River begins after the spring freshet
at the end of May and finishes by mid-September for a boating season of
approximately fifteen weeks. The first and last two weeks however would be
considered a shoulder season with reduced activity so therefore one could count
on an annual high season of ten weeks of good cruising weather. Compare this
total 15-week season to the much shorter but very popular Agawa Canyon season
and one begins to see the potential of developing the Lower Spanish River.
The
cruising Boater over a four day cruise on the Lower Spanish River:
85 boater nights originating from the Spanish
Marina
$ 61,672.60
225 boater nights originating from the North Channel
boat cruisers 163,251.00
The
eco-boat tour business based on two boats x one half capacity 320,000.00
The
local boater market seasonal dockage on the Spanish River 15,000.00
Total
revenue excluding additional riverside business $559,923.60
Obviously
over time as the local marine and riverside tourism infrastructure builds and
promotes itself, one could expect many more eco-tourists, cruising and local
boaters to support the local marine and tourist services along the Lower
Spanish River.
New
job creation is an important part of the proposed Spanish River Private
Buoyage/ Public Dockage System. Furthermore, because the proposed new system is
in fact a 52-kilometre corridor, any new jobs would be spread throughout all
four jurisdictions bordering the Lower Spanish River. Most of the new jobs,
although seasonal, would be permanent summer jobs. Numerous senior positions
would be year-round jobs.
Using
the Shedden Four Seasons Complex and Marina as a model, we can project
realistic new job numbers:
Shedden
Four Seasons Complex and Marina:
Permanent jobs 1
Seasonal jobs 13
Samamok
Indian Head Interpretive Centre and Park
Permanent jobs 1
Seasonal jobs 6
Massey
Municipal Marina
Permanent jobs 1
Seasonal jobs 10
Espanola
Forestry Interpretive Centre, Marine Services and Eco-Boat Tours
Permanent jobs 1
Seasonal jobs 14
Friends
of the Spanish River Eco-Pavilions (three in all)
These self-directed displays will require management
and maintenance on a yearly basis,
therefore some seasonal jobs will result (see system
maintenance below)
Lower
Spanish River Private Buoyage/Public Dockage System Maintenance
Permanent jobs 1 (volunteer)
Seasonal jobs 2
The
initial jobs created to establish the proposed system, including the main “Wish List” items mentioned above,
could realistically result in the creation of approximately 5 full-time and 45
seasonal jobs for a total of approximately 50 new jobs created! Add to this the
creation of eco-tourism and other projects outlined in the “Wish List” to
realize that many additional new jobs would be the result of the growth of river-based tourism on the Lower Spanish
River.
The
Lower Spanish River Private Buoyage/Public Dockage System could be built for
less than $100,000.00. It could create over 50 jobs and produce over
$550,000.00 gross revenue annually while building more jobs and revenue as it
develops!
The
Trent-Severn Waterway statistics showed that in 1997, boaters spent $28.2
million dollars or almost three times the amount spent by the land-based
visitors who spent $10.6 million dollars. The recreational boater is an
important market and developing the Lower Spanish River corridor is the way to
capture some of that market.
The
entire cost of building the Lower Spanish River Private Buoyage/Public Dockage
System would be under $100,000.00 and the annual maintenance would be
approximately $8,000.00!
In
1996 Parks Canada spent $10.9 million dollars on staffing, construction and
maintenance, promotion and outside services in and around the Trent-Severn
Waterway corridor therefore, we believe that government funding should be
readily available to build the Spanish River system.
Considering
the significant long term benefits of creating the Lower Spanish River Private
Buoyage/Public Dockage System as mentioned in this economic impact report and
the preceding feasibility report, the
relatively low cost of building and maintaining the system and government spending on marine tourism, we
strongly recommend that all five partners proceed with this important project.
It is conceivable that the “ribbon-cutting ceremony” could take place as early
as next July 1, 2003 if you act now!
We
provided “The Spanish River Action Plan” with our feasibility study to give all
partners a blueprint on how to proceed with the creation and maintenance of the
Lower Spanish River Private Buoyage/Public Dockage System. We strongly
recommend that you adapt this blueprint in the interest of cooperation and
effectiveness between all partners and associates. The key component in this
project we believe will be communications and that is best achieved directly
between all partners and associates.
It was
disappointing to discover that there is very little current data available on
the cruising boater in Northern Ontario, both local and foreign (USA), as
explained by Mr. Williams of the Ontario Boating Forum. However, steps are
being taken to produce useful statistics by several sources such as the North
Channel Marine Tourism Council Inc. to provide useful information on this topic
to assist marine tourism planners in the future.
This
economic impact report was produced on behalf of all five partners of the
proposed Lower Spanish River Private Buoyage/Public Dockage System. It was
compiled for the partners by Direction Services of Massey, Ontario at no cost
in the interest of helping this important project come to fruition.
Finally,
the last word goes to the Friends of the Spanish River and their dedication to
‘Restore, Preserve and Celebrate’ the Spanish River. This small group of mainly
retired volunteers has worked long and hard to achieve these goals. As the lead
agency in this project, their main function will be to guide all economic
development on the Spanish River to ensure that such development will be
environmentally sustainable!
Signatories:
Township
of Shedden
Township
of Sables-Spanish Rivers
Sagamok
Anishnawbek First Nation
Town
of Espanola
Friends
of the Spanish River
Direction
Services
Date: September 4, 2002
This
Report was produced by Direction Services of Massey, Ontario. For further information, contact us at
705-865-2828 or at madera@vianet.ca.