The Manitou Environmental Group's 2008 Annual General Meeting went really well. It was a beautiful early summer day for the meeting and we enjoyed the commanding view of Little Manitou Lake from our vantage point in the Banquet Room "Above the Diner". Thanks to our hosts Kevin and Marg Harcourt for their generous donation of the space.
We read our amended by-laws and they were passed without opposition. One member suggested a minor clarification from the floor and that was agreed upon and entered into the record. The board feels that the AGM was very important and useful because now we have our by-laws all composed and written down. Seeing as how we are all volunteers and very busy with our own lives, it is sometimes quite a challenge to dedicate time to the task of administrating the corporation. However, we are all dedicated to our mandate and always find the time in our busy lives to get the job done, because we know how important it is to look out for the health and well-being of this fragile eco-system. This is especially true now that there is mounting pressure on the infrastructure here with all the new residential development.
In fact, The Resort Village of Manitou Beach is experiencing some growing pains as dozens of new homes are being constructed literally as we speak. A member announced from the floor at the AGM that the village administration has been advised by provincial authorities that they are no longer permitted to develop/sell residential lots until the issue of sewage waste is properly addressed. Apparently, the existing lagoons are inadequate to properly filter the ever-increasing volume of waste that is being generated by both residential and commercial properties.
This group has made inquiries about this issue in writing to the Mayor and Council but our concerns have not been taken seriously to date. We are going to send another letter in the near future and hopefully will receive a more meaningful response.
As outlined earlier, MEGI members are committed to ongoing monitoring of the water quality in the lake as well as potentially detrimental inputs from sources including the sewage lagoons. In light of the fact that we have just had our Canada Day long weekend and hosted in excess of 3000 visitors, this is a good time to sample the run-off from the lagoons into the lake. So, we have sample bottles on hand and are presently making arrangements with an independent laboratory in Regina to test for certain elements for public information.
Obviously, everyone would be happy and relieved if we get positive results back from the lab tests. Positive in the sense that the constant runoff into the lake from the lagoons is clear of pathogens, fecal matter, E-Coli bacteria, etc. THAT IS THE HOPE. However, we will only know for sure once we have the test results analyzed. Rest assured that the results will be made public as soon as they are available.
We are committed as a group to be transparent and fully open and forthcoming with any facts that we uncover through our observations and research.
MEGI Director Fraser Murray (front right) speaks with member Bob Guist after the AGM. Member Gene Angers is issued a receipt by Treasurer Sharon Gibson as he renews his annual membership.
Friday, July 4, 2008
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