MOE Want You To Get Hooked On Fishing During 2013 Frosty Days
MANITOUWADGE, ON – Manitouwadge Outdoor Enthusiast member Kathy Hudson has an obvious love of the outdoors and what’s more, she wants everyone else to appreciate and enjoy all the natural gifts Manitouwadge has to offer as well. Recently, Hudson announced that the MOE was organizing their 3rd Annual Family Fishing Derby. Held on Ontario’s Free Fishing Weekend the derby welcomes seasoned anglers, novice fishermen/women and even those people, children and adults alike, who have never before had the opportunity to enjoy fishing or ice-fishing “It’s for everybody” says Hudson “We want people to come out, have a great day ice fishing and end the day feeling like they just have to get out fishing again”.
The MOE is proud to once again be promising prizes to EVERY child registered and participating in the Family Fish Derby, regardless of whether they catch a fish or not. Manitouwadge Lake does have plenty of fish however and so there are also prizes, at the end of the day, for the kids who catch the biggest Pike, Pickerel and in an “other species” category. The derby does not stipulate any release regulations so participants are even welcome to keep their fish if they so choose.
This year, the derby almost ran into a road block when, January 23rd during their regular meeting, Council opened discussion regarding the MOE’s letter requesting that fees for plowing of the beach, to facilitate parking and participation in the derby, was opposed by Councillor Sheldon Plummer.
Plummer commented on the timing of their request saying it was ‘early in the year’ for a non-profit organization to be reqesting asistance. Perhaps he had not understood that the MOE takes advantage of the lone Free Fishing Weekend in winter during which Canadian anglers in Ontario are not required to have a fishing licence, to host their derby, or maybe he missed the point that the fish derby was being held, in part, as a Frosty Days event (the MOE didn’t choose when Frosty Days would occur – that was a date the township Community Services Department had chosen)? That comment was just one of those made during Plummer’s statement that was confusing and/or offensive but his final stand, required no interpretation “I cannot support this” were Councillor Plummers final words (Council’s full discussion around the topic including their vote and full derby details from Hudson in the video below this article) . “It was a little suprising”said Kathy Hudson in reaction to Plummer’s comments as she remembered that “last year there was no opposition at all” Hudson also added that “It is a Frosty Days event and as far as we knew the town wants to help us out in doing this, to have a Councillor object to it… He brought that up that we’re non-profit and its so early in the year and we’re already asking for favours – it was a little hurtful.”
In spite of Councillor Plummer’s objection, when it was called to vote, Councillors Connie Hunter, Donna Jaunzarins, and Natalie Labbee each, having expressed appreciation for the local volunteers and non-profit organizations that make Manitouwadge a better place to live and contribute significantly to the success of Frosty Days, voted in support of waiving fees associated with plowing of Lion’s Beach for the 3rd Annual MOE Family Fish Derby as did Mayor John MacEachern. “They are going to help out, this is the 2nd year I’ve come to council and asked them to come and plow the beach area and parking lot so that people can come down and even just watch the event, walk around on the ice, buy a hot dog and support whatever group is doing the bbq” said Hudson, appreciative of the final decision adding “I was pleased with the outcome I’m glad council is in support of this local event”.
Don’t miss the 3rd Annual MOE Family Fish Derby Sunday, February 17th from 10:30am – 4pm, Kathy Hudson will be there to register you for the derby (see her in the trailer, she promises it will be warm) or if you’d like just visit to have a hot chocolate and hot dog that’s OK too!
