Letters to the Editor:
To Whom It May Concern,
Please be advised of the “Stop The Septic Sludge Beds - Keep Sioux Lookout Beautiful” online petition, as well as those placed throughout Sioux Lookout businesses.
This applies to Official Application of Amendment (No. OP01-2021) and Zoning By-Law Amendment (No.202-2021) for Lot 26, Concession A, Pelican Road, also known as the beginning of the Sioux Mountain Trail. The purpose of the application is to permit 18-30 metre long Septic Drying Beds and a Septic Pumping Station within the treed area on the North side of the road leading to Sioux Mountain. At the current time, the decision for these amendments have been deferred until a subsequent Planning Report can be prepared for council.
By allowing these amendments, areas of concern are:
1) The old growth forested stand which is the key component for the natural habitat for the wildlife in the area.
2) This is the only access point to Sioux Mountain. We are one of the few, maybe the only town in N.W. Ontario that is named after a legend, with significant First Nation history. By placing sewage ponds at the base of our legend is a disgrace and emits pure disrespect to those who have resided and fought on this mountain.
3) This is one of the most visited areas in SLKT, with hikers, snow-shoers, fat-bikers and dog walkers on a daily basis. Also note that the snowmobile trail runs along this proposed site within ~ 30 feet. These winter enthusiasts pay money to use a trail to experience the pristine of winter and not to have to be subjected to this waste.
4) How will this affect property value to adjacent lots and future development projects? It is highly unlikely that there would be any interested parties who would want to purchase this land nor want to live here if developed.
5) This particular section of land (~ 4 Hectares), services the First Nation youth through Public school and Non-Profit organization programming geared toward land based teachings such as gathering medicines, sustainably harvesting food, trapping and hunting, because of its location and uniqueness.
6) I can only assume the smell which would attract bears, which would in turn increase danger to the users of this road.
7) This particular section of land has been known for many generations as a foraging area for many types of mushrooms and berries.
8) The residences on the road or nearby. There are currently six residences, PFFNHS students/staff/visitors and tourists of Anderson’s Landing who have to drive by and live within the proximity of this proposed project. This should not be considered a remote area.
Other sites should be looked at for this project, such as the old dump (which is currently being used for sewage dumping), Km 6 on the North Road or other areas out of the proximity of residents, tourists, teachers students and such forth. There is plenty of Crown Land surrounding Sioux Lookout which had adequate drainage and can be flattened.
This area is a mere convenience for the developer, as the road is already there and in between the area that is serviced, allowing to lower the costs, while not taking into the considerations mentioned above.
If in support of objecting this proposed site for this project please sign the online petition or petition throughout town.
https://www.change.org/p/municipality-of-sioux-lookout-stop-the-sludge-ponds-keep-sioux-lookout-beautiful
On behalf of the Concerned Citizens of Sioux Lookout.
Michelle Hrynchuk of Sam Lake Ltd.
