I have several things that I’d like to focus this week’s column on, the first of which was a well-appreciated presentation, several weeks back.
Snow Lake Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department Chief Cory Anaka and Deputy Chief Bernard Fourie, met with McLean Engineering’s Josh LaJambe at the community fire hall on the evening July 9. On behalf of McLean, LaJambe presented the department with a heavy duty power inverter, valued at approximately $6,500.
Both the chief and deputy thanked LaJambe and McLean for their generosity. Chief Anaka said that it was thoughtful of the company to provide them with the inverter and they appreciated the gesture. “It is something that the department can really use and will help us in keeping the community of Snow Lake, and its residents safe,” said Anaka.
Moving on, just last weekend the annual street party was held during the afternoon and evening hours of Saturday, July 20. The event was held on the community’s Main Street, between the Snow Lake Motor Inn and the Royal Canadian Legion. A fenced-off portion was set with tables, a dance floor, food services and a bar. Celebrations began shortly after 3 p.m. with the opening of the bar, and a community meat draw proceeded at 4 p.m. Also part of the meat draw was a Chase the Ace draw that had no big winner and a 50/50 that was rumoured at around $600 and won by Mary Ann Otto. A meal of barbecued beef on a bun with homemade baked beans, potato salad and coleslaw started at 5 p.m. and the dance floor was active all night long with tunes laid out by DJ “Jazzy” Jordie Dawson. A car show was also part of the early afternoon celebrations. “It wasn’t as well-attended as other years,” said street party co-organizer Gerard Lamontagne. “But everyone who attended enjoyed a good time.” The Snow Lake Motor Inn and Legion Branch #241 once joined forces to put on the event and all supper proceeds were earmarked for local causes.
In another matter the Snow Lake Canada Day committee’s Victor Trudeau and Margaret Yoder appeared before the community’s town council at their July 16 meeting. They attended in order to answer questions that arose at the council’s previous meeting in respect to their request to build a 12-foot x 60-foot structure (a 20-foot x 12-foot storage area and four 10-foot x 12-foot carnival booths) outside the north end of the Sunset Beach tennis court, facing the Snow Lake Health Centre.
Mr. Trudeau informed council that their reason for wanting the structure was that they are having recurrent problems storing some of the larger items that are used at the beach during Canada Day festivities. They have also had scheduling conflicts housing activities in the singular location known as “Henry’s Hut.” In addition to this, they have experienced problems accessing power to put on some activities. The structure they are proposing, outfitted with power, would alleviate all their problems.
Trudeau said the planned building would be two-by-four construction on a cement pad and would be clad in metal siding. Both Trudeau and Yoder also stated that other groups using the area throughout the year would be allowed use of the booths after a damage deposit was remitted.
Council had several questions on power requirements, setbacks from area flagpoles and the tennis court gate, and whether colours would match up with a new beach house slated to be built in the area. Ms. Yoder and Trudeau answered council’s questions and agreed to match their siding to the beach house, as well as delete one booth from the plan to allow more room near the tennis court gate and flagpoles (making the structure 12 feet x 50 feet). Mayor Peter Roberts thanked the delegation for attending and advised them that they would be apprised once council had discussed the issue and made a decision. The delegation left the council chambers at 7:16 p.m.
