Some of you may recall that during my last term on Council I created and chaired the Community Planning Committee (CPC). A combination of community members and elected officials, the CPC\u2019s aim was to support economic development, beautification, township marketing, social and recreational development and environmental awareness. The intention being to promote inclusive and positive community development. Between 2010 and 2014, the committee had many successes including: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
One of my favourite initiatives (and long-time dream of mine) was the Eels Creek Project. In late September 2012 with the guidance of experienced paddlers from Trent University and the Canoe Museum, I paddled a \u2018relatively unknown\u2019 section of Eels Creek to see if there was an opportunity to identify another public access canoe route. While we traveled through some incredibly stunning and wild landscapes, we spent more time walking that section of the creek rather than paddling. Although we did not achieve my goal of establishing another public canoe route, it did inspire me to continue my exploration and research of this incredible watershed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Even though the CPC committee was not continued during this Council term, I still found ways to explore this natural treasure. Last August I got another chance to paddle the creek- this time on a stand up paddleboard (SUP)! Fellow adventurers Mark and Rebecca Brinkman, Jeff Shimada and I spent the morning paddling the creek from Highway 28 to Jeff Rd. Jeff Shimada is a distributor for Kahuna Paddleboards and provided us with inflatable SUP\u2019s specifically designed for moving water. A log had been pulled from the dam 2 days earlier so there was a gentle, steady flow down the creek. We were pleasantly surprised to find hardly any logjams and those few we did encounter were easy to straddle or lift the boards over. We only had to portage once near Hole 4 at Marvel Rapids Golf Course and we \u2018lined\u2019 the SUPs through another rocky section near there. There were several small rapids throughout this portion of Eels Creek but again, these were easily navigated with the inflatable boards. It was a fantastic morning exploring a beautiful, quiet section of the creek. What I Ioved most about it was using the SUPs. The ability to change positions and move around obstacles with the inflatable paddleboards was incredibly easy. Standing up gives you a great perspective and view but I also kneeled, sat cross-legged, laid on my back, my stomach\u2026 you get the idea. It was fun just to drift. The trip was such a success that we plan to explore more of the creek this summer via SUPs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Perhaps it\u2019s because I live beside the Eels Lake dam which is the headwaters for Eels Creek but I have always been fascinated by this remarkable little watershed. It has historical, cultural, environmental and recreational significance for our entire community. It links both the Chandos and Burleigh Anstruther Wards and travels the entire length of North Kawartha Township. The potential development of alternate paddling routes is only part of my bigger vision for Eels Creek. What about:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As you can tell, I believe there is much to explore and share with both residents and visitors to North Kawartha. I believe Eels Creek is one of North Kawartha\u2019s most important (and perhaps somewhat neglected) natural resource. However, there is no rush to complete all of this at once. Just like the creek meanders and winds its way from Eels Lake to Stoney Lake, taking the time to fully explore these ideas is critical. The intent is not to exploit or negatively affect the creek, but to raise community awareness and appreciation of this most amazing watershed. If you would like to know more, I post regular updates about Eels Lake and Eels Creek (including when the Trent Severn Waterway makes dam adjustments) on Twitter @eelslake or Facebook-Eels Lake Marina. Perhaps I will see you during my next adventure on the creek- happy exploring!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Some of you may recall that during my last term on Council I created and chaired the Community Planning Committee (CPC). A combination of community members and elected officials, the CPC\u2019s aim was to support economic development, beautification, township marketing, social and recreational development and environmental awareness. The intention being to promote inclusive and … <\/p>\n