Posts made in October, 2014

Have you met Peggy Peterson?   You should visit her.  While you cannot see her in this picture, she is occupying much of the very contentious ground (gorgeous middle bottom of photo) that early explorer David Thompson portaged on many years ago. There have been a few articles about Peggy’s effort in the local papers and THIS ONE from the TorStar / Metroland Group is decent.  Gets the point across with some information about her, why she is protesting in Bala ( not her home ) and what she hopes to accomplish. When i met Peggy, i was taken with her positive  up-beat spirit, which after 50 some odd days camping out in various tents on “Turtle Island” is a testament to her strength and beliefs in our environment, culture and heritage. There is often a small gang of supporters around the encampment.  For many weeks now, and especially during Thanksgiving  and Cranberry Festival, interest-seekers come by offering water, food, wood, coffee and verbal thank you’s to help get her through each day.  I must confess, the amount of rain and cold weather (and wind storms) that Peggy has endured is incredible.  Not sure that i would have the intestinal fortitude to do what she has done for the community of Bala and...

Please forgive the length of this blog but I felt it important and compelling reading about what transpired at South Falls, near Sundridge, written as a somewhat personal and somewhat educational note to inform us about what could transpire in Bala.  While i have not identified the writer, this was the email written.  In addition, if you’d like to read more, there is a page on the SaveTheBalaFalls Web site pertaining to this at:  http://savethebalafalls.com/?p=5086 ********* “Sorry I could not get back sooner to you.  This unsightly dam is located in South River Ont.  Not too far of a drive from Bala. Just straight up hwy 11 to Sundridge, South River turn off.  South River approx. 8km N of Sundridge. Turn right down Ottawa St at the lights and go to Isabella St.  Here you turn Left and follow around. It will bring you to former gorgeous Falls sight but now you will see not the beautiful cascades of water but the immense cement building and pipes . There are 2 bridges and the water on both bridges wouldrush down from the South to the North but now is basically dried up and exposed rock faces and horrid cement blockades. It really would be worth your while to see...