• District is working with the MNR under the Bear Wise Program to better design our bear proof bins to make them less people proof.
• the costs for the MacTier Water and Sewage System has doubled to $20M, mostly due to higher then expected contractor costs and new Water Regulations.  Funding is via the District and grants.
• the Township will again support the annual work by the Severn Sound Environmental Association; water & terrestrial monitoring, near shore studies, source water protection, groundwater, etc. throughout the Severn Waterway, Severn Sound, Port Severn and Honey Harbour.
• the Project Manager for the township office reported the following:
  • Draft Space needs – approx. 4,000 sq. feet for offices, 1,200 sq. feet for Council Chambers, 1,000 sq. feet for Conf. room and vault, 500 sq. feet for entrance and 2 rest rooms, etc, for total of 6,800 sq. feet.
  • Costs: $1.1M for office at $160/sq. foot (renovation of the old building was estimated at $1M without a Council Chamber), $0.5M for a new 7 bay pre-engineered facility for the public works and fire hall ($70-$80 per sq. foot) and $30K to remove the existing office.  Additional costs include furnisher, Emergency Operations Control equipment and overall contingencies.  Total overall costs should be below $2M.  The rate payers report should be available in February.
  • Questions for the Project Manager can be sent to the Township Office or any of the Councillors (my E-mail is below).
• a tender has been issued for a new fire truck.
• final 2004 Township expenditures will again come under budget.
• the Honey Harbour Winterfest 2005 will be held on February 12 at the park in Honey Harbour.
• there will be a public meeting in April or May 2005 as part of an Environmental Assessment for the widening and/or rehabilitation of the 2 one lane sections of the road through Port Severn.  Construction is scheduled for 2006.
• the 5 year program to inspect all septic systems over 20 years old will be completed this year (only 351 systems remain to be inspected).

Paul M Wiancko
Six Mile Lake
pwiancko@csolve.net