Breakwall to be improved

Mark Ribble

Leamington Post

It appears that the government officials examining the Leamington breakwall are in agreement with local officials that something has to be done to help prevent another tragedy.

Leamington Mayor John Paterson and CAO Bill Marck met with officials from the Canadian Coast Guard, the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario and two federal agencies involving water safety and navigation on Friday in Chatham.

The Leamington contingent came away feeling good about the results.

“We were very impressed to see three different departments of the government willing to co-operate on such a level,” he said.

He added that there will be changes, and soon.

“It was a very well run meeting and we have come to the conclusion that there will be short term fixes and long term goals,” he said.

Short term, the MTO will work with the federal branches to install two items on the breakwall, which claimed the lives of three area residents in June.

Radar deflectors will be installed to help any boater with radar locate the breakwall.

“If they have radar, it will jump out at them on the screen,” said Paterson.

Secondly, they will design and install spotlights, shining down to illuminate the rocks.

The water safety branch of the federal government has also offered to do a boating safety review with boaters this fall. They will also attempt to establish a safety review next spring, prior to the boating season, with input from the Canadian and U.S. Coast Guards.

“These are all big steps and I couldn’t be more pleased,” said Paterson.

He credits MP Dave Van Kesteren with lighting the fire to this issue the day after the latest tragedy, but says the work is not finished.

“We have to carry the torch as a municipality,” he says.

Long term, the delegations discussed a plan that would see them repair and upgrade the breakwall, or completely remove it over time.

This process, cautions Paterson, will be a long one, because the amount of red tape involved.

“It will take quite some time for the long term stuff to happen,” said Paterson, citing co-operation from various levels of government and even the Walpole Island First Nations, who have a land claim on the lake bottom.

All told, it may take between three and five years for them to make a decision on the long-term goals.

The delegates will meet again in September to discuss progress.

Jumping Jacks turn in outstanding performances in Calgary

The Jumping Jacks Competitive skipping team just returned home from Calgary, competing in the Canadian National Jump Rope Competition.

The team consists of 13 skippers, who all qualified in various events two months ago in Brampton to allow them to compete at the national competition.  The team traveled to Calgary the week of July 16 to compete against 12 other teams from various provinces/territories throughout Canada.

The skippers competed in a variety of events which included a group routine, individual routines/speed events, group routines/speed events, including single ropes, as well as, double-dutch.

The 10/11 age group, named “The Little Hoppers” - (Abbey Hopper, Kylie Cioco, Daniella Thiessen, Darrigan Chambers and Megann Gillett), placed 4^th out of 12 teams overall; “Chad and the Chicks” – (Chad LeCoure, Shelby Bekaan, Lauren Tiessen and Emma Jackson), in the 12-14  mixed age group, placed 4^th out of seven teams overall; and “Who Needs Him”- (Cassie Jackson, Kassandra Armstrong, Caitlin Bekaan and Emily Bateman),  in the 19-28 age group, received a 4^th place in their 4-person double-dutch routine.

Shelby Bekaan received the bronze medal for the 10/11 girls individual events and Chad LeCoure was 4^th overall in the 12/14 male category.

The Jumping Jacks are coached by Jen Elwood and Kassandra and Samantha Armstrong.  Both coaches and parents would like to congratulate all team members on such an awesome season.

Please watch for more information regarding  our Fall Recreation Programs to be held in Wheatley and Leamington.

Deputy chief climbs ladder to chief’s post

By Pat Bailey

Chuck Parsons came to Leamington 10 years ago looking for a challenge — and now he will take on another challenge as the new fire chief of the Leamington Fire Service.

Parsons, 46, is excited about the next phase in his life as a firefighter.

“I’m very pleased,” Parsons said of his appointment as fire chief, replacing retired chief Bob Bradt, “I think I can serve the community well.”

And for the Parsons’ family, including wife Wendy, daughter Lisa and son Daniel, Leamington is now home.

“It’s a really good fire department and community — it’s progressive,” said Parsons. He said the community was very welcoming when his family relocated here and has everything he looked for in a place to raise his family.

“Chuck Parsons is an excellent choice for fire chief,” said Mayor John Paterson. “He has the right mix of management and frontline knowledge to guide our services into the future.”

“Chuck is well liked and respected throughout the municipality and we are pleased he has accepted the position,” he added.

Parsons said Bradt was an excellent leader so he is not expecting there to be many changes in the near future. But said when it is necessary, “I think I’ll be able to take the next step and lead the fire department well.”

Parsons moved to Leamington 10 years ago, stepping up from captain/fire prevention officer with the Grand Valley Fire Department to deputy chief here, focusing on public education and training. Before fighting fires in urban areas, Parsons fought forest fires in northwestern Ontario — for a total of 25 years as a firefighter.

His responsibilities as deputy chief included — command officer for emergency responses, firefighter training, public education and community emergency management co-ordination.

Parsons also authored the municipality’s simplified risk assessment and the municipal emergency plan which demonstrates his understanding of the community risks that the fire service must face and protect here.

The new chief hold a company officer diploma and public fire and life safety educators certificate from the Ontario Fire College. He is also a municipal manager  III (fire service professional/emergency management professional) with certification from the Ontario Municipal Management Institute.

Cacciavilani wins three grand national bears

Contributed by Autosports Media Group

After nearly a month off from racing during the peak of the karting season, CF Racing's Cory Cacciavillani put on a dominating performance this past weekend at the annual Brian Stewart Racing Karting Championship (BSRKC) Shannonville event. With the coveted Grand National Bear trophies on the line, Cacciavillani was looking to build on his team's recent success including a win as well as a second place finish at the Rotax Pan American Challenge qualifying event at Michiana Raceway Park and three wins at the Point Pelee rounds of the BSRKC series.  To read more go to www.leamingtonpostandshopper.com

Wheatley Idol attracts 350

Leamington Post

About 350 people came out to Two Creeks Conservation Area on Sunday, July 31 for the 8th annual Wheatley Idol competition.
The contest, which showcases youth talent, went off without a hitch and event chair Darla Janzen was pleased with the turnout.  To read more go to www.leamingtonpostandshopper.com

Wheatley Idol in its 8th year

By: Mark Ribble

Leamington Post

The next 11 days will fly by for Wheatley Idol chair and event organizer Darla Janzen. Then her hard work and dedication will come to fruition over a five-hour span on July 31 at Two Creeks Conservation Area.

Although registration is full for the competition, there is a waiting list of hopefuls, anticipating that last minute call to participate.

That's exactly what happened to Leamington's Jennifer Morin last year.

"I got a call the week of the competition from Darla, telling me that there was a spot for me," she said.

Not only did she have a spot..... To read more go to www.leamingtonpostandshopper.com

Council told of festival preparations

By: Mike Thibodeau, Special to the Post

Leamington council has given its approval to the use of town facilities for the Tomato Festival.

The 2011 edition of the festival returns to Seacliff Park in August following a one-year stint at the Robson Road park at the marina. The moves there was necessitated by the rebuilding of Seacliff Park.

Festival co-chairman Dave Campbell told council last week that all the events are ready including a major new effort, a beach volleyball event.  To read more go to  www.leamingtonpostandshopper.com