Port Matters by Frances Kennedy franceskennedy782@gmail.com The old adage March comes, ‘In like a lion, out like a lamb,’ proved true again (as of this writing.) Spring in Port awakens our wild life, and our wildlife. Colleen Burns, our resident wildlife
rehabilitator offers humane strategies for co-habiting in spring. See FB Fur-Ever Wild Rehabilition and become a Wildlife Warrior! For emergencies, text 519-777-6440. Congratulations to PS Sailors Junior C coaching staff, Matt Bowes, Rob Richardson, and Parker Smith for winning the Yeck Coaching Award for 2024-2025! Cheers to the players for achieving new franchise records! Core values count in instilling a spirit of team in young athletes’ dreams. Melanie MacDonald has recently established Port Stanley Quilt- ers and invites aspiring quilters to learn more. Quilts are donated to charities. www.facebook.com/groups/676430701482910 Lake House Books is celebrating Canadian Independent Book Store Day by hosting our Peri Hayes for a poetry reading of her first book: Keep your Heart Open and Your Love Flowing , on April 26 from 11 am to pm. Book signing at 3 pm. Freebies from books to treats are on offer! On the MCE front, Erie Rest Beach is slated to be paved to accommodate 58 vehicles. The previous Council deferred the proposal in 2020. So, what’s different now? The hue and cry has raised a slew of questions. The delegation led by Ed Finlan attended the March 24 Council meeting looking for answers. Minutes and those of 2025-26 budget meeting and updates on the short-term rentals survey and public meetings are all available on MCE website. The Mayors’ Breakfast, hosted by the St. Thomas and District Chamber of Commerce on February 26 assembled a crowd keen for an update on the year’s progress in regional development by the Mayors of St. Thomas, Southwold County, and Municipality of Central Elgin. Chamber President Paul Jenkins opened the event by referencing member survey results indicating that 62% of local businesses anticipate serious challenges due to the prospect of U.S. tariffs. Wowza! The preeminent question before the panel was what can be done with certainty in uncertain times here and now? All told, the consensus was to
prepare for whatever comes by continuing to work together to accelerate the current growth initiatives. What does that mean for Port? Tourism and fishing are less susceptible to issues challenging other sectors. Trump’s threat of annexing Canada has rallied a ferocious patriotism. Consider Canucks’ resistance to Excited States’ travel and the Americans’ exchange rate advantage as an opportunity to expand the visitor season and our hospitality offerings. What can we do to ensure Port’s prosperity beyond ‘shop local’? What about an ‘all hands on deck’ public-private sector partnering to promote Port as a year-round destination? Such collaborations work well when a common cause is the focus. Similar markets are promoting theme packages offering spa services; theatre/ entertainment; special interest tours; art, photography, and cooking classes, and hospitality. Let’s become Port’s winning ‘Eh Team’ ambassadors! When we practice our best future, we create it.
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Port Stanley Villager • April 2025 • Page 15
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