Our Beloved Backus Mill - Neglected but not forgotten

For many generations the Backus (Grist) Mill has been a monumental landmark in Norfolk County.  Built in 1798 it stands tall and proud as a representation of everything that has made not only Norfolk County but Canada what it is today.  It reminds us of the sense of community, the dedication, and the triumphs of our early settlers to the area and gives us all a tremendous amount of pride. 

Norfolk Council In Comittee Meeting - Oct 2, 2013 - 4th Concession Closure.

Who's said Town Council meetings are boring?  This one had it all.

Thanks for every one who came out to show support and to those that didn't, you don't know the fun you missed.  Not quite the FE-NA-LI of Breaking Bad but likely the most fun in Norfolk since Mumford and Son's left town.

With the Mayor feeling the need to tell a Councillor that he did not need to stand when addressing Mr. Cline, (which we assume was out of the councillor's respect for the gentleman; to a vote on whether to interrogate a private citizen at the meeting,  even though his Solicitor was giving the deputation (which was a Yea 5-4); to another Councillor addressing a member of the community in a way we personally found offensive.  Exciting times folks and make sure you're there for the next episode!

The 4th Concession Saga - Summary

Here's a summary of the documents and actions regarding the closure of the 4th Concession of South Walsingham and the attempt to reopen it for Public Access.  Left in limbo momentarily while Council consults it's Solicitors.

1 Road
147 Citizens and a private landowner who's been gated from his land
vs
Norfolk Council, the Norfolk Road Division & The Nature Conservancy of Canada

The Saga Continues...

Norfolk Council Salaries 2012

Norfolk Council Salaries 2012

Mayor Dennis Travale was paid $59,600 plus $6,506 in expenses.

Travale was provided an additional $600 per diem and $306 in expenses to sit on the
Long Point Region Conservation Authority as well as $7,025 as a member of the
Norfolk Power Inc. board of directors.

Thank You Citizens of Norfolk County! Public Meeting Re: closing of the 4th Concession

Norfolk Voice would like to take a moment to thank everyone who turned out to last night’s public meeting. We had a great turn out and a very productive meeting. Thank you, Mr. Mike Squires, for your generosity and for being such a gracious host. Thank you, Mr. Tom Cline, for addressing us all and helping to clarify the issues at hand. This is what a sense of community is all about!

Many issues and concerns regarding the closing of the 4^th concession were addressed and a lot of questions asked by community members regarding further road closures. It is wonderful when so many people are willing to stand up and fight for what is right.

Attendees made many suggestions including ways to fix the 4^th, building a covered bridge, and ways to fix the road surface all while saving money and helping keep the municipal budgets in line. It was our feeling that the community is willing to help any way they can and make suggestions to prevent the county from leaving the 4^th concession closed or closing any additional roads. These ideas were innovative and were a direct reflection of what this community really wants.

Please do not forget that this was only the first step.  We need everyone's support at the council meeting as well.  Please see details below. 

DATE: TUESDAY OCTOBER 1^st . TIME: 5:00 PM (suggested arrival 4:45)

LOCATION: NORFOLK TOWN HALL

ADDRESS: 50 COLBORNE ST. S. SIMCOE, ON.

OFFICIAL TOWN COUNCIL MEETING - PRESENTATION TO NORFOLK TOWN COUNCIL BY COMMUNITY MEMBERS

We are proud of Norfolk County and hope this is the start of something great.

Norfolk Voice

4th Consession Road Closure Council Meeting - Verbatim

4^th Consession Road Closure Council Meeting

The Chair: Ok every one if we could get this meeting back to order.

We are at Public Works, and Environmental Services on pg 59 Staff Report. Staff Report

PW 12-93 gating of fourth concession of south Walsingham. Mr. D’Hondt, please or is it uh?

Councillor Betty Chanyi - Asks for everyone to contact her regarding NCC

Article from Councillor Betty Chanyi in response to the Questions regarding Concession A Bridge, the NCC's acquisition of properties and Long Point Resident's battle with MNR over the Fowler's Toad.

Courtesy of the PORT ROWAN GOOD NEWS - August 2013.

Note: There is no definite timeline, proof or definite numbers for the payment of taxes by the NCC and her references to changes on |Long Point are very vague. 

Closing of 4th Concession, Walsingham - The Truth

The closing of the 4th concession.  Includes video footage of the Town Council Meeting where members do not tell the whole story, pictures of the bridge with cost comparison, and additional current pictures.

Long Point Beach Public Access Advisory Committee Recommendations

Long Point Public Beach Advisory Committee recommending no access to the beach.   Council meeting summary.

Norfolk County 5 Year Financial Comparison

Chart based on Norfolk County's Audited Financial Statements.

The downhill slide into the 'Have Not' County.