Lieutenant Governor of Ontario officially opens Canada-150 trail in Kincardine

By: Liz Dadson January 16, 2018 1465

Lieutenant Governor of Ontario officially opens Canada-150 trail in Kincardine

The Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, was at Stoney Island Conservation Area in Kincardine, Tuesday morning, to admire the cold and snow of a typical Bruce County winter.

Actually, she was there to unveil a plaque, made by Kincardine artist Jana Mika, commemorating the opening of the Canada-150 trail at the Kincardine Cross-Country Ski Club, located at Stoney Island, and for the official ribbon-cutting.

Following the ceremony, a crowd of local students converged on the new trail, in skis and snowshoes.

Meanwhile, Dowdeswell met with the local press, and said how beautiful the Kincardine area is.

"When we were driving out here, it felt as if we were in a winter wonderland," she said. "It was incredible, there was no difference between the sky and the land."

She commended the ski club for working so hard to maintain this land for people to enjoy - so they can stay fit, physically and mentally.

"It's great to see families together out here," she said. "I'm always impressed by the dedication of volunteers in smaller communities. I hope the young people will learn about volunteerism and giving back to the community."

When asked why, out of the hundreds of requests she receives each year, she decided to come to Kincardine, Dowdeswell replied, "Why not?"

"I try to get to all parts of the province in all seasons," she said, "and I want to see as many Canada-150 projects as I can. Often municipalities are the forgotten level of government, but they are the closest one to the people. I look forward to visiting with mayors and discussing their concerns. I also organize a round-table discussion to find out what you want me to know about your community, and what the community wants."

Later, Dowdeswell enjoyed a luncheon with Kincardine mayor Anne Eadie and other dignitaries.

Earlier in the day, Dowdeswell met with local students at the Davidson Centre in Kincardine.