July 23rd, 2021
The RM’s Chief Administrative Officer Brandi Morissette led the meeting through the agenda. She started with speaking to the committee’s purpose. She said the committee is responsible for making recommendations on allowing public access to Fox’s Point in an ecological fashion while maintaining the area in its natural state.
Leading up to the meeting, the RM and the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation (SWF) had to navigate some initial disagreements on member selection between the RM and Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation (SWF). However, the RM of McKillop council and the SWF eventually agreed. The meeting appeared to be collaborative, respectful and professional.
On the committee - RM Councillor Garry Dixon, SWF Executive Director Darrell Crabbe, Barb Gilbey of Saskatchewan Windriders, Steve Mazurak - Mayor of Pelican Point, Larry Pfliger – Region 3 Director SWF, absent was Stan Willcox.
The committee appointed Steve Mazurak as committee chair, Larry Pfliger - Vice-Chair, and RM staff to provide administrative support for the position of Secretary.
There was no consensus on the legal name of Fox’s Point, but the RM will look at land titles to ensure the legal name is used.
On the agenda was RM road closure and public access, fencing, washrooms, garbage, insurance and PPG School Request.
Speaking for the RM, Councillor Garry Dixon addressed an undeveloped road allowance on the far east side of the land, which he said belongs to the RM. However, he was unsure if the parcel included the road allowance. He advised the committee that the RM may have to close the road, which would involve public consultation. He said he was also unsure if the RM could give away the road. Darrell Crabbe asked if it was a well-used road, which Dixon said it wasn’t; however, people use the road to travel between two resorts. He said the RM wants to ensure it’s done correctly as “we would be under the gun if we didn’t do our closure right.”
The committee recommended the RM administration investigate if the road was on co-title when transferred or if the RM alone owns it and if it needs to be closed.
The committee will be getting together for a ‘field day’ on Wednesday, July 28th, to look at the area. The trip would help them better understand the logistical nature of the matters they will address. The SWF will be providing drone photographs of the area to supplement the committee’s information which will complement their site plan.
The committee touched on washroom and garbage issues such as -location, maintenance, type. The committee also touched on signage, insurance and camping. Councillor Dixon raised concerns regarding signage and liability with sign wording. SWF has extensive experience in providing signage as Executive Director Darrel Crabbe noted that SWF manages 1500 parcels.
The committee addressed a request from PPG School to place a cargo trailer on-site to access their gear. The committee agreed they wanted to keep the area in its natural state and were not in favour of allowing a commercial enterprise in the capacity as proposed. Councillor Garry Dixon suggested he would not be opposed to allowing the school a spot for a one or two-day clinic.
The committee also discussed weed control, damage to the land via vehicle traffic and erosion. The committee was keen to develop a site plan and be meeting again on August 12th after their field visit. Barb Gilby will be zooming in for the meeting.
Following the meeting, Darrell Crabbe said that the UAV- unmanned flight vehicle (what people know as a drone) provides undulations that will give the committee a 3-D model that can be manipulated so the viewer can see the area from different angles. The model will be helpful as it provides the ability to conceptualize the area and site plan development.
Chair Steve Mazurak was all smiles and said he said he was looking forward to the field visit. He commented that the scope and mandate put together by the RM and SWF was clear for the direction of the advisory committee and the protection of what he described as a beautiful spot.
We contacted RM representative Councillor Garry Dixon for comment on how he felt the first meeting went but did not respond at the time of publication.
Jennifer Argue, Local Journalism Initiative reporter
Note: These reports are abridged for content
- Jenifer Argue, Local Journalism Initiative reporter
Note: These reports may be abridged for content