The Friends of the Mill Creek (FMC) are seeking financial help from Puslinch Township in order to continue their work restoring the tributary.
FMC member and former councillor Don McKay said the township has historically donated $2,500 to FMC, plus various in-kind support.
He outlined for council the recovery efforts already undertaken by the Friends of the Mill Creek to help reverse creek degradation tied to things like tree removal, damming and the construction of Highway 401.
Co-chair Larry Halyk said FMC has developed a Mill Creek Opportunity Plan, which he called “a blueprint” for future restoration efforts.
He said the Mill Creek Stewardship Rangers, consisting of four local high school students and a crew leader hired each summer, do great work on the creek, as evidenced by its increasing quantity of trout, which are great environmental indicators.
“I think the results speak for themselves,” he told council.
However, FMC needs financial assistance to keep the program going, particularly since funding through the Ontario Trillium Foundation ran out in 2007. Halyk said the program operates with a budget of $30,000 to $35,000, not including a lot of in-kind support from the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Grand River Conservation Authority.
“It’s a win-win situation … with the biggest winner being the Mill Creek watershed,” Halyk said.
McKay said the FMC raises a lot money from local businesses, thanks to the efforts of fundraisers Barb McKay and Ron Van Ooteghem, but they still require support from the township.
Councillor Susan Fielding said perhaps it is time council considered increasing the township funding provided to FMC, since it has been $2,500 for a while. She added she has always heard positive things about the rangers, who provide a great service and receive a great work experience.
Councillor Jerry Schmidt commended the delegation for their work and said he is “very excited” to join the cause. Schmidt was recently appointed the council representative on FMC.
Councillor Wayne Stokley called the ranger program a great opportunity for youths and asked if FMC members have approached the Ministry of Education or universities in the area about funding help.
McKay and Halyk said they are looking into those possibilities.
Mayor Dennis Lever told the FMC delegation council would consider the funding request for inclusion in the 2011 budget, which he said he hoped to have passed “earlier” – perhaps by the end of March – than in other years.
