Harper Government Invests In Recreational Fisheries Conservation Projects In Huron Bruce

The Government of Canada to invest up to $5.5 million to restore recreational fisheries habitat through Round II of the Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program

Member of Parliament Ben Lobb, on behalf of the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, today announced that, under the second round of the Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program, the Government of Canada will provide up to $53,000 to the Lake Huron Fishing Club to conserve fish habitat in Saugeen Shores and Kincardine.

The Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program was announced in Economic Action Plan 2013 to support fisheries habitat restoration projects led by recreational fishing and angling groups, as well as conservation organizations. Given its early success and high demand, Economic Action Plan 2014 increased the funding available through the program by $15 million, for a total investment of $25 million.

Quick Facts

• With the funds the club will be able to determine which streams and rivers will support the natural reproduction of fish and wildlife.
• With that knowledge, the Club can focus its energy on creating healthy ecosystems within those streams to further enhance recruitment of young of the year fish.
• Under the first round of the Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program, up to $1,239,448 had been made available for 16 projects in Ontario.
• Up to $5.5 million for 128 projects to restore recreational fisheries habitat through Round II have been approved nationally.
• A third window for funding applications will be open shortly. Details about eligibility and how to apply are available on the Program’s web site (www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/pnw-ppe/rfcpp-ppcpr/index-eng.html) where you can also sign up for updates.

Quotes

“Our Government is committed to supporting the individuals and organizations who are working along the shores of lakes, rivers and streams across this country to protect and restore fishing habitats for future generations. Recreational fishing is an important economic activity which attracts thousands of visitors to Canada and contributes billions of dollars to our economy every year. The projects funded by the Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program will benefit Canadian communities for years to come.”

Huron Bruce MP- Ben Lobb

“Today’s announcement that the Lake Huron Fishing Club has received a Federal Grant from the DFO for $53,000 will propel the Club well into the future as it pertains to stream rehabilitation along the eastern shore of Lake Huron. Specifically, our focus will be between the Saugeen and Penetangore Rivers inclusive. With the support of Strategic Partners such as Bruce Power and the DFO, the Lake Huron Fishing Club will now be able to determine, with certainty, which streams and rivers will support the natural reproduction of fish and wildlife. With that knowledge, the Club can focus its energy on creating healthy ecosystems within those streams to further enhance recruitment of young of the year fish. I would personally like to Thank Ben Lobb on behalf of the LHFC for his continued support in our efforts to make our rivers and streams in Grey and Bruce Counties Environmentally Sustainable.”

Vice President of the Lake Huron Fishing Club- Michael Hahn

Ontario – Member of Parliament Ben Lobb would like to spread the word about the 2^nd Annual Kelly Gruber Silver Slugger Baseball Camp in Clinton on July 14^th and 15^th. The camp which is hosted by Clinton Minor Baseball provides a great opportunity for our region to grow and promote the great game of baseball and most importantly get kids active. Last year we had over 100 boys and girls from Huron, Bruce, Perth, Middlesex, and Lambton counties attend our baseball camp, making it a truly regional event. It’s for children aged 8 to 18 years old and registration can be done online by going to http://gruberbaseball.com/ .

Quotes

• “We are very excited to return to Clinton this summer to run the Kelly Gruber Silver Slugger baseball camp. We received such a warm welcome last year and instantly felt like part of the community. People always think that it is all about bringing baseball to the communities that we visit but for us it is also about the experiences we have while visiting and the relationships we form with the coaches, players and the community. It is important for us to come back and see these people and see how they have developed over the year and to help them develop further. Can't wait to be back.”

Kelly Gruber, Major League Baseball All Star

• “The Clinton Camp last summer was one of our most successful camps we have had anywhere in Canada. The support from the business community and sponsors was second to none. The camper support was outstanding reaching our capacity limit of 100 players last year as well. We had such a great time last year that we told Bill "Spaceman" Lee that he had to come. He is Mr. Baseball and is a favourite at all of our camps .His knowledge of the game is unbelievable, as well as some of his stories. We bragged about the food, the community and our stay at the Benmiller Inn to our wives so much that they are joining us this year as well. Hopefully we will get some fishing in as well.”

Doug Jones, Kelly Gruber Baseball Director

• “The baseball camp last summer was a great success with children attending from 5 counties. The reason the camp is held is to give back to the community and teach children the fundamentals of baseball. We appreciate all the community and business support for the camp and allow the camp to be affordable to everyone.

Ben Lobb, Member of Parliament for Huron Bruce

• “It’s a positive experience for the kids and it was amazing to see 100 kids playing baseball on the diamonds in Clinton last year. Right now we’re about 30 per cent full, so don’t wait till the last minute to sign your child up. Clinton Minor Baseball is very happy to help put on this event with Ben and Kelly Gruber.

Brad Thompson, Clinton Minor Baseball

Seniors in Huron Bruce will receive financial support for renovations, today announced Huron Bruce MP Ben Lobb, on behalf of the Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors).

Blue Water Rest Home is receiving more than $25,000 for their project from the New Horizons for Seniors Program. Seniors involved with the organization will oversee the project where Cedarwoods Community Kitchen will be renovated to allow seniors to provide intergenerational cooking and social activities.

Quick facts

• Economic Action Plan 2014 proposes an additional $5 million per year for the New Horizons for Seniors Program to support additional projects that benefit seniors.
• Since 2006, the New Horizons for Seniors Program has funded more than 13 000 projects in hundreds of communities across Canada.

Quotes

• “Our Government is proud to work with organizations across Canada that involve seniors in local projects showcasing their skills, knowledge and experience.”

-Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors)

• “Our Government recognizes the valuable contribution seniors have made to our society and the economy. By supporting New Horizons for Seniors Program projects, we are acting to ensure that seniors maintain a good quality of life and continue to be active members of their communities.”

-Huron Bruce MP Ben Lobb

• “The New Horizons grant will allow us to complete our clubhouse renovations creating a facility that adds to Saugeen Shores’ appeal as a destinationfor retiring or vacationing seniors, where they can exercise, mix socially and converse in a pleasant, wheelchair accessible setting.”

- Saugeen Shores Lawn Bowling Club President Alan Jardin

Associated links

• Funding: New Horizons for Seniors
• Economic Action Plan