Minaki Community Association

Sept./October, 2021 Issue #24

MINAKI NEWS

Thank you to everyone who par- ticipated by walking, running or donating to the 2021 Terry Fox event held in Minaki on Sunday, September 19, 2021.

A number of summer and year ‘round residents of Minaki have always participated in the Terry Fox Day, either in Minaki or by traveling to Kenora to take part in their annual, “official” event. As in 2020, this year’s official Keno- ra version was held virtually due to the Covid-19 virus. As a result, a group from Minaki undertook to hold an unofficial, socially dis- tanced, outdoor event to cele-

brate Terry Fox Day in Minaki. Event organizers were Lorraine Muncer, Tim & Fatima Martin, and Peter Barber.

Event Highlights:

1) The weather was excellent.

2) The enthusiasm was exception- al.

3) Participants ranged in age from 4 to 94.

4) One 6-year-old suggested that we should have 2 Terry Fox events each year to raise more money for cancer research.

5) The winner of a 2021 Terry Fox T-shirt was Donna Cordeiro.

6) The winner of the Terry Fox book was Saxon Lambert.

Four routes had been set out so that participants could choose the distance that suited their situation. Here they are for those of you who walk as a part of your exercise routine:

1) The Minaki Community Hall to the first set of tracks and return – 4 kilometers

2) The Minaki Community Hall to the Pistol Lake boat launch and return – 7 kilometers

continued on page 2

Terry Fox Day

Page 2

Terry Fox Day—cont.

3) The Minaki Community Hall to the Pistol Lake junction and return – 8 kilometers

4) The Minaki Community Hall to the Minaki Lodge log cabins and return – 3 kilometers

The purpose of the event is to cele- brate the achievements and life of a Canadian hero, Terry Fox, and to raise funds for Cancer Research. We are pleased to report that we were able to deliver a pledge sheet along with $1160 to Laurine Goerzen, who has headed up the official Terry Fox event in Kenora for many years. Once again, thanks to everyone who partici-

pated in the event and best wishes for good health in the months ahead.

The Terry Fox Run has been held in over 60 countries and is the world’s largest one-day fund raising event for Cancer Research. The first Terry Fox Run was held on Sept. 13, 1981.

Terry Fox was diagnosed in 1977 with Osteosarcoma. The survival rate for those afflicted with Osteosarcoma has increased dramatically since 1981, in part, due to research supported by the $750 million dollars raised, to date, in recognition of Terry Fox’s Marathon of Hope.

—Peter Barber

The Minaki News welcomes classified ads at no charge:

• for sale/rent • wanted

• for give-away

Submissions can be made to:

minakinews@outlook.com

The deadline for submissions for our upcoming issue is November 18th, 2021.

Page 3

Minaki Youth Soccer

The Minaki U8 soccer sessions wrapped up on September 23. What a coopera- tive year for weather and what a load of fun! Besides the odd smoky evening midsummer, conditions were just right for the kids and spectators to enjoy soc- cer and kick baseball one evening every week. The kids worked hard on their shooting, passing, dribbling and trap- ping. During our game on the last night, improvement was evident wherever you looked on the field. By the end, even the parents were loosened up and display- ing some smoother moves. While the players were pleased with their pro- gress, it was clear that what mattered most to them right through until the last night, was juice break.

Thank you to the Minaki Community Association for providing the equipment and refreshments, and Curtis Batiuk for the space and field maintenance. Thank you also to our youth helpers, Rowan McDonald and Myka Taylor.

Congratulations to all the players that made it out each week and scored a

few goals: Benny Barber, Ollie Barber, Jack Beauchamp, Cain Beauchamp, Léo-Paul Beauchamp, Annie Gowing, Sam Gowing, Pierce McDonald, Ryan McDonald, Keisha Taylor, Lucy Taylor, Nelly Taylor, Autumn Tonkin, and Chloe Tonkin.

And, here’s what the players had to say when asked what was their favour- ite part of soccer nights:

Ollie Barber – “having a juice box” Benny Barber – “playing with all the kids”

Pierce McDonald – “I loved playing soccer with all the kids”

Cain Beauchamp – “scoring goals” Léo-Paul Beauchamp – “having fun because it’s all about having fun”

Jack Beauchamp – “being chased by my friends”

Nelly and Keisha Taylor – “we love playing with the children!"

Sam Gowing – “I liked learning the soccer rules, and I also liked playing soccer and visiting”

Annie Gowing – “me too!”

Attention

Business

Owners!

Would you like your local business to be included in the Business Directory in the upcoming issue of the Minaki News? Simply send us your information, including: business name, description, contact information, and hours of operation. Send info to:

minakinews@outlook.com

Submissions can be made as written text or attached as a picture file. The deadline for submissions for our upcoming issue is November 18th, 2021.

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Tennis Anyone?

Well another tennis season has come and gone. It's been a strange one what with Covid and smoke due to forest fires, but we've had fun as always and appreciate the facilities that make our game possible. Putting the net away has made me think of how this odd group of players, the Minaki Tennis Club, first got started. The Club has ex- isted since the early 1980's when the new, state of the art, tennis courts were constructed at Minaki Lodge. The prime force for the group was Doug Honeyman who inspired others with his passion for the game. Whatever the weather, the original group played. Doug was persua- sive with his gravelly phone voice stat- ing, "It's clearing in the west!". Al Freder- icks, Vince Horbay, Jim Eastwood, and Gord Cummings all succumbed to his admonitions and so the tennis club be- gan. Soon young upstarts wanted in on the action. Each was vetted through Doug to be sure they were good enough to join. Al Lauder, Bob Wilkes, and my- self, Jock Warriner, were deemed ac- ceptable in his sight, if barely so.

And so we played happily until 2001 when our first female joined the group. It wasn't easy for these older men to accept, but Lisa Templeton was every bit their match and so she worked her way into the lineup, and opened the door for many others. The club now is split between men and women about fifty-fifty.

Now tennis is less serious but still lots of fun. We play in the Igloo and love every minute of it. Our group has grown in size (and daresay, age) and so we now play three on three to max- imize the single court. The Igloo is a godsend for us. Protecting us from wind and rain, it has provided us with a place to compete, and be loud.

Now here's the thing: we would love to get some new blood in the group. We need younger players to continue the tradition set by Doug, hopefully, mem- bers who wish to play doubles on a more competitive basis. I know there are people out there with the interest but unless someone steps up, the tra- dition will end and the Igloo will sit un- used (for tennis). If you are interested in joining the Minaki Tennis Club, phone Jock Warriner at 431-998- 6591. We'll find a place for you.

Anyway, thanks to the Minaki commu- nity (and the hockey players who pro- tected our net) for providing this won- derful facility to a group of nutty rack- eteers and putting up with the noise. This year, because of the forest fire restrictions, our final tournament was a spirited game of horseshoes at the island of Vic Curtis. Doug would not be happy.

—Jock Warriner

Horseshoe Tournament for Tennis Group (left to right: Don Fullerton, Rick Abbott, Robbie Warriner, David Young, Nancy Young, Susan Wilkes, Bob Wilkes, Al Lauder, Linda Abbott, Jane Banton)

Share your special

announcements

in the Minaki News:

• Birthdays

• Graduations

• Anniversaries

• Weddings

• Sporting Achievements • Special Events

• New Arrivals

• Obituaries

Submissions can be made to minakinews@outlook.com. The deadline for submissions for our upcoming issue is November 18th, 2021.

Page 5

Words of Advice From Minaki Fire

We are back to school and into October soon. The weather is good with still lots of green, alt- hough the trees are calling for an early Fall. This is telling us we have some changes coming. Those changes will mean safety challenges and preparations for the winter.

We are still in the No Day Burning Ban as we enter October. The days are shorter and you can burn earlier. This ban is in effect until after Halloween. When the little

ones have all their candy and the goodie bags from the fire depart- ment on October 31st, that signals that you can once again burn as you wish. Halloween bags from the fire department will be distributed from my home again this year. Shortly after that, in November, we will also have smoke detectors be- ing checked and batteries being changed.

Cold weather is coming which means furnaces, wood stoves and chimneys will once again be in use.

Please get your chimney cleaned early in this good weather as it will make it easier to do while the weather is still mild. If you are getting a professional, make sure you book early. Maybe someone can organize a day of profes- sional chimney cleaning via social me- dia to reduce prices. Early cleaning also means you can then let a warm day or hot fire dry it out more and clean a second time for better effect. With the cold weather coming, we will be sealing our homes and moving in- side. Smokers might be tempted in- doors, candles will be lit, and fires will be roaring. All of these can have risks involved. The cold weather also means that we need to adapt our es- cape plans to include a warm meeting place. What neighbor will your family seek refuge at? A plan allows for bet- ter decision-making and saves valua- ble time.

Finally, heading indoors means our fun will be there too. The “designated host” for the little get-togethers after hunting, fishing or even just socializing to connect with friends is someone who can make good decisions when needed. Our summer residents are almost gone but we are still celebrat- ing the good times. This year, we had mainly call-outs for information, so please try to keep it that way. Thanks.

Robert Creedon Minaki Fire Educator

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Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry Burning Regulations

The new regulation describes conditions for outdoor fires that are relatively safe and do not require a permit. Fire permits will not be required for small scale burning of wood, brush, leaves or wood by-products if these conditions are followed:

No Day Burning From April 1 to October 31

Piled material:

• tendedbyaresponsiblepersonuntilout

• a single pile less than 2 metres in diameter and less than 2 metres high

• the fire is ignited two hours before sunset, or later, and extinguished two hours after sunrise or earlier

• thefireisatleast2metresfromanyflammablematerials

• the person has adequate tools or water to contain the fire

Grass and leaves:

• thefireistendedbyaresponsiblepersonuntilout

• theareatobeburnedislessthan1hectare

• thelengthofflamingedgeislessthan30metres

• the fire is ignited 2 hours before sunset, or later, and is extinguished 2 hours after sunrise, or earlier

• the person has adequate tools or water to contain the fire

Incinerators:

• enclosed device

• at least 5 metres from any forest

• atleast2metresfromflammablematerials

• coveredbymeshlessthan5millimetresinsize

• aresponsiblepersonmonitorsthefireuntilout

If a Restricted Fire Zone is put in place because of high fire hazard, these fires will not be allowed.

Forest Fire Reporting: 310-Fire (3473) Satellite Phone Users Call: (807) 937-5261

For updated information regarding forest fires in our region, visit: www.ontario.ca/page/forest-fires and click on the interactive map. The map is up- dated in real time, and shows the status of active fires, fire danger levels across the province, along with restricted fire zones that are currently in place.

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Message From the Minaki Fire Chief

We are currently working into a training cycle. We will be looking at five recruits, as two from last year need to complete training. The OMF is planning a local basic firefighter training and refresher for the entire department over two 2-day weekends in November and January. This will be a great opportunity to get the entire de- partment refreshed and ready. As a new chief and relatively un- trained, it has been a long, diffi- cult time during Covid to get to where the community needs us all to be.

The fire truck is back in service again as we found it was the brake light shorting the battery. Thanks to Pellatt for the Mutual Aid as the truck was in for repairs. This coming training will go a long way to demonstrating our commit- ment as a community. That com- mitment will put us in line for new equipment and even possibly a new truck. The OMF is going through a program of replacing older equipment in all of the NFPP departments including ma- jor equipment. As we all know,

governments are slow so they are currently waiting for the massive order to be tendered and then filled. This inventory was done lo- cally this past summer and much of the gear was found needing up- dating.

The smoke detector program will be up and running again as soon as Covid restrictions and training settle. Currently the chief is taking his Fire Officer 1 course and will be looking at the Training Officer course soon. After this upcoming training, we will also be looking at diversifying the department by ar- ranging training for others to fill key roles. There is already interest in new fire educators by some re- cruits. Long term, we need to work on depth of skill and ability within this small department. Many hands make light work for all. We are al- ways looking for new recruits. Thanks for the support and be safe out there. We love to see everyone, but prefer it not be in a time of cri- sis.

Robert Creedon Minaki Fire Chief

Update From The Minaki Conservancy

Happy Fall, Everyone! We have two items to report:

Due to the thoughtfulness and support of Doug and Glen Gratton, the Conservancy was able to hold their annual board meeting August 28th, on The Dockside's outdoor deck. Many members were able to attend (and were able to finally say hello to each other), the rain stayed away, and we were treated to a tour of the cabin renovations and the powerhouse when the business part of the meeting was complet- ed. All in all, a successful time.

One of the items on the agenda was Flowering Rush. During his presentation, Don Engebretson ex- plained the mitigation measures for this invasive

We need volunteers!

We encourage our community members to join the Minaki Fire Team by contacting Fire Chief Rob- ert Creedon at 224-3450. We thank our current members for their volunteer service to our com- munity. Your time and dedication is greatly appreciated!

Current Members of the Minaki Fire Team

Alex Akong

Richard Akong

Ben Barber

Roger Beauchamp – Deputy Chief Robert Creedon – Fire Chief

Mike Gowing Jeff Kakepetum Stephen Payne

Alan Tonkin Mike Turcotte

plant are determined by what particular species of rush has invaded our water. We have sent a sample in for analysis and once we have received the infor- mation we will let you know.

—Caroline Josephson on behalf of The Minaki Conservancy

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Chronology of Events in the Minaki Area

Part Two: 1950 to Current, Fall of 2021

Hello one and all! We hope you en- joyed Part One of our area’s chro- nology in the last issue of the Mina- ki News. Now, we pick up our story beginning in 1950, the year of the historic Winnipeg Flood.

1950 – Ernie ‘Walleye’ Simpson, Joe Perron and George Kelly were continuing to compete at sports- men shows in Canada and the USA; including canoe tilting per- formances in both Toronto and Washington D.C. for $150 per day. Both CN and CP began run- ning trials with diesel locomo- tives. Several school children from Winnipeg were taken in by the Minaki School as their fami- lies escaped the flood. The clear- ing work on the east channel at The Dalles was completed to ease high flows through the west channel. PALA Camp opened for the first time under YMCA owner- ship.

 1951 – The residents of Minaki continued to petition for a road to the outside world; as well as for the supply of hydro power to the community. John Cleaveley was the Chief Ranger, and Mr. Retallak was the HBC store manager. The first public radio-telephone was in- stalled outside the HBC store.

 1952 – King George VI died, and his daughter became Queen Eliz-

Whitedog Falls Pre Dam circa pre-1956 (courtesy Tony Dadson collection)

abeth II. The electrical wiring of Minaki homes was underway in preparation for the arrival of power; and on Friday June 20 ‘Skipper’ Holst blew out a candle and pulled the ceremonial switch to announce hydro power’s arri- val.

 1953 – Elmer John Hendry, manager of Holst Point, passed away. Lawrence Soderman re- ceived the Gold Medal in Civil Engineering. Minaki residents enjoyed the first visit of a Lands & Forest helicopter. The CNR first introduced the popu- lar ‘Dinette’ train cars.

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 1954 – In April Mr. Wilfred Chris- tensen was named as the Man- ager of Minaki Lodge; he would be the last one under CNR ownership. Bill & Maria Sigurgeirson purchased the Minaki Marina from Les & Annie Muncer. July saw the crea- tion of the Minaki Yacht Club, while the outer bands of Hurri- cane Hazel lashed the area on October 15. Jim Mason became the CNR’s new station agent, and the CNR began using continuous rails which began the end of the familiar ‘clickity-clack’ from pass- ing trains.

1955 – Minaki Lodge was sold by the CNR to A. & T. Hotels, be- ginning a series of ownerships over the next eight decades. The ‘Super Continental’ was first in- troduced by the CNR. Construc- tion began on the Whitedog and Caribou Falls Generation Station, as well as the road from Minaki

north to the sites. There was a very active polio inoculation campaign carried out on children throughout the District. Scott Ritz was one of the Owners of Holst Point Lodge, Bob Scott was its Manager, and it hosted the mobile X-Ray unit set up for resi- dents to be tested for tuberculo- sis.

 1956 – In early 1956 Jul- ius Kowbel and his family moved to Minaki and opened their store. The right of way for the new high voltage transmission line was being surveyed and cut. A new 14 ft. cedarstrip boat listed for $289, while a 10 hp Evinrude Sportwin cost $385. Joe Garrow was operating his sawmill north of Minaki. The Ca- nadian Government intro- duced registration and licenses for boats. By July there were two telephone operators in Minaki.

1957 – Tragedy struck on the ice of south Gun Lake on Janu- ary 12, when a hydro transmis- sion line’s work truck crashed though the winter road’s ice, drowning 5 men. Jim and Lil Kastner opened their Tea Room. Work on the Trans- Canada pipeline through the area was underway, and PALA Camp was put up for sale by the YMCA. Over 1,700 men were working at the two Hydro dam sites.

 1958 – February to October saw the power units at both Whitedog and Caribou brought on-line. John Cleaveley became the Deputy Chief Ranger at Minaki. Ted Charlesworth spent Christ- mas with his family in Winni- peg, missing Christmas in Minaki for the first time in 51 years.

 1959 – Work began in earnest that spring of the 14 mile highway link north from Trout Lake to the Hydro road at Pistol Lake. Mr. Buman was the HBC store Manager. The Keno- ra TV station CBWAT came online in time to broadcast that year’s Grey Cup game to Minaki residents, where the Bombers beat the Ti-Cats for the second time in five years.

 1960 – In May Manitoba’s Premier Duff Roblin announced that the Trans Canada Highway would be four lanes to the On- tario border by the end of that year, 61 years ago at the time of this writing. By the end of 1960 both CN and CP had eliminated coal as a locomotive fuel on its fleets. In July the YMCA again listed their PALA Camp for sale. The character of the Minaki area changed forev- er, on October 27, with the arri- val of the road from Trout Lake by way of the completion of the

Skipper Holst 1956 Season’s Greetings Card inscribed “Taken from front door of my summer cabin at Minaki. Always like to have a pretty girl alongside of

me.” (courtesy Eva Holst, Skipper’s great-niece)

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Bud Hatch’s ‘Iris H’ passenger launch at Miller’s Landing circa late 1950’s (courtesy Allan Minor)

mal, with the bottleneck at the Rough Rock Lake narrows as the culprit.

1965 – The new red & white Canadian Maple Leaf flag re- placed the Ensign. Evinrude confirmed that all new motors were to use a 50:1 fuel to oil mixture. The new 17 lot subdi- vision on the west shore of Pis- tol Lake was offered for devel- opment. Two years after the ‘Boys’ Club’ was formed, there had been only one break-in and 125 children and adults were involved. By now, the grade 8 to 12 Minaki school children were being bused to Kenora.

1966 – Rod and Janice Carey moved their family from Wichi- ta to Minaki, as Rod was now one of the new Owners of Mina- ki Lodge and would also act as its General Manager, all while overseeing a $100,000 reno- vation and construction project. Construction had begun on the new airport. The first Minaki Lodge ‘Blueberry Bowl’ Golf Tournament took place on the Labour Day weekend, and this humble reporter was honoured to have helped run it along with Grant Boden. Water pollution on the river was an ever in- creasing concern.

 1967 – Longtime boatman Fred Cassie passed away at age 83. The Community hosted its annual outdoor fish chowder fly-in lunch in March on Town Bay; with over 20 light aircraft and 50 guests flying in. The RCAF’s twin rotor helicopter also dropped in for the festivi- ties. (Does anyone have photos of this event?). Mr. & Mrs. Elmer Reid celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary. The CNR introduced its new Red/ White/ Blue passenger fares. July 9 saw the arrival of

last CNR automotive rail cross-

ing.

 1961 – Con Warren was intro-

duced as the new Manager of the HBC store. By now, PALA’s list price was $30,000. The new Owners of Holst Point were Win- nipeg Blue Bomber star fullback Charlie Shepard, lawyer David Bowles and businessman Kurt Schwabe. Steve Weare was the Manager at The Lodge. A plane crash in the Winnipeg River next to Seller’s Island claimed the lives of four young people. The Bud Hatch ‘Iris H’ launch service on the river ceased to operate. The new school addition began, and Skipper Holst turned 93.

1962 – Lots in the new Pistol Lake subdivision were being sold. In early winter some 62 children were attending Sunday School at the Community Hall. Young Alex Rheault and Russell Bencharski attended Air Cadet Camp that summer. The new $30,000 control dam was an- nounced for the Macfarlane River

at Ena. Skipper Holst passed away that July at age 93. Les Muncer officially opened the new school addition in August.

 1963 – February saw the con- struction of the first 300 ft. radio tower at Minaki. The original HBC warehouse was torn down, and the new HBC store built in its place. Tommy and Anne Ellis were operating Rough Rock Lake Camp, and Hans and Mar- got Seefield had their Black Bear Portage Camp. Jack Cornelius had plans for a ‘Boys’ Club’ at Minaki; largely over concerns of the 151 cottage break ins committed over the previous 3 1/2 years.

 1964 – The new curling rink hosted its first bonspiel on March 1. The waters of the Win- nipeg River were reported as being ‘massively polluted.’ The Minaki School District No. 1 be- came part of the Kenora School system’s board. River levels were up five to six feet from nor-

Page 11

the canoes from across Canada which were competing in the ‘Centennial Voyageur Canoe Pag- eant.’ On its arrival in Montreal on September 4, Manitoba won at 531 hours and 6 minutes over 104 days and 3,283 miles. Birch Island was listed for sale at $33,000. Holst Point was now owned by the same ownership group as Minaki Lodge.

1968 – Dwight Edward Barnard, an eighteen year old from Keno- ra, died of asphyxiation while in his living quarters at the Texaco gas service station just 3 1/2 miles south on Minaki. Bob Cook and the Mayo Bruno Trio enter- tained at The Lodge. Both the new airport and the new OPP De- tachment building were opened on September 11 by Premier John Robarts. The airport cost $75,000 to construct. The CL- 215 water bomber was intro- duced for aerial forest fighting.

1969 – January 1 brought the formal amalgamation of the Minaki School District into the newly formed Kenora Board of Education. The ‘dental car’ paid its annual visit to the siding in front of the station. The long awaited and much needed Kenora Sewage Treatment Plant began construc- tion. It was announced that the 2 tracks were being removed to make way for a road along the town bay, along with the relocation of the existing au- tomotive rail crossings to the sin- gle crossing we now have. In No- vember the newly constructed Holiday Inn Hotel, on the water in Kenora, was opened for busi- ness.

1970 – May 27 saw the Ontario Lands and Forests extend the Mercury Pollution warning, al- ready in place for the English Riv- er, to the Winnipeg River from Kenora to the confluence of the English with the Winnipeg River.

The effects of the mercury to the Indigenous Peo- ples downstream are still being felt today. While both Barney’s Ball Lake Camp and Tetu Lodge were closed, Minaki Lodge opened. Plans were an- nounced for the year-round opera- tion of Minaki Lodge, and that a ski hill would be built.

1971 – By March

Barney Lamm had

sold his interest in

the Lodge, and

with declining res-

ervations due to

the mercury con-

cerns the main

Lodge building did 1960’s (courtesy Shauna DeGagne collection) not open for the

Con & Marg Warren [HBC store manager] circa early

season – just the Chalet. In De- cember construction of the ski hill had begun, along with the ‘winterization’ of the main Lodge building and development of the indoor pool.

 1972 – A proposed new school for the Islington (now Wa- baseemoong) Reserve was an- nounced. CN telegraphs sent its last Morris Code telegram message on May 31; gone were the ‘tap-tap-tap’ of the telegraph key and the hanging of tele- grams in the station window’s wire mesh we all looked forward to.

 1973 – The 200 ft. Mount Mina- ki Ski Hill opened in January, with 2 T-bars, 9 open runs and 4 downhill runs. On September 11 the Great Burlington Centennial Seaplane Race, the largest race of its kind in the world with its 43 aircraft, arrived on the wa-

ters of the Winnipeg River for a day and a half stopover at Minaki Lodge. The Lodge with its new indoor pool (with the support column in its middle) opened for business on De- cember 21.

1974 – The Ontario Govern- ment purchased the Lodge from Rod Carey in February, andanew7per- son Management Board of Di- rectors was in place by April. The last guests to the Lodge left in September, prior to the upcoming lengthy Government shutdown. Symptoms of Mina- mata disease from mercu- ry poisoning were appearing in several Indigenous People.

 1975 – Peter Barr was award- ed the Eric Silk Trophy for his assistance in helping the OPP arrest a gunman who robbed the HBC store in 1974. While

Page 12

the Lodge remained closed, the golf course was kept operating by the Community. An 18 inch/ 14 lb. WW II RCAF bomb was found at the Minaki dump. Winter ac- commodations for up to 60 ski- ers was provided at The Point Lodge.

 1976 – Rupe Ross was the Chair of the Unorganized Communities Association of NW Ontario. The new VIA Rail passenger train branding appeared on the first CNR train schedule. A significant fire in late May resulted in a train being stationed on the siding ready to evacuate over 300 peo- ple, and 13 cottages were de- stroyed and many more dam- aged on the west side of Pistol Lake. Philippe Cousteau and his research team arrived

Guide George Kelly at Birch Island 1963

Highways.’ The Ontario Govern- ment abandoned its ongoing attempts to sell the Lodge, and committed more funds for ren- ovations and new construction. By December Mount Minaki had snow making capability; but the winter of 1978/ 79 was its last year of operation.

1979 – In February Barry Gib- son, once a member of the ‘Banjo Bandits’ musical group, became owner and operator of the Minaki Trading Co. at the Tommy Murray Camp. There were rumours that Minaki Lodge, still closed, may be con- verted to a luxurious high stakes gambling den. Over 350 people enjoyed a New Year’s Eve dance at the Lodge.

1980 – We lost one of Minaki’s pioneers on February 1 when Wesley Edward (Ted) Charles- worth passed away at aged 93. The Ontario Government brought in Radisson Hotels on a management contract for the Lodge. The Reid family was now promoting their new Birch Is- land Resort. An architectural consortium was selected for the design of the redevelopment of the Lodge. The CNR made appli- cation for the closure of its Minaki station and the termina- tion of the agent’s (Phil Mosher) position.

1981 – The Ontario Govern- ment confirmed that $14 M would be spent to upgrade the Minaki Highway. That summer the contract was awarded for the new 3 storey, 120 unit bedroom wing at the Lodge. Construction of the Kenora highway bypass was begun that fall.

1982 – In May a major auction of Minaki Lodge contents was held. By the end of the year im-

at Whitedog in their Canso flying boat to see and learn about the mercury pollution.

1977 – Passenger rail service was actively being cut back by VIA Rail early that year. On May 18 NDP leader Stephen Lewis’s campaign bus was stopped by a group of residents at the Com- munity Hall and prevented from entering town; Barry Gibson told Mr. Lewis that his criticism about Minaki Lodge was ill founded and harmful to the eco- nomic prospects for the commu- nity.

1978 – The Molstar ski races were back at Mount Minaki in February, reported its Manager Peter Barber. Kelly Gibson and Dave Schneider formed a canoe outfitting business, ‘Wilderness

(courtesy Sally Kendall collection)

Page 13

provements were being made to both the airport and the station.

1983 – The redevel- oped Minaki Lodge was pre-opened on April 29, and an offi- cial opening by Prem- ier Bill Davis was held on July 15 after $45 M had been spent on the Lodge, the community, air- port improvements, and the road. Ken Johnson was the Resident Entertainer at the Lodge.

CNRSuperContinentalEastboudcircapost-1960(courtesyCNR—brochure)

1984 – The Holst Point Lodge was being promoted as a winter desti- nation for cross country skiing. A propane tank explosion at the Moore Camp in August in- jured five people. The forest was suffering from significant spruce bud worm damage. Murder Mystery weekends were being held at the Lodge.

1985 – Early that year the days of operating Holst Point as a tourist lodge came to an abrupt end, al- most 80 years after Skipper began the business, in order to convert HPL into staff quarters for Minaki Lodge employees. The first annual Minaki Lodge Fun Fitness Triathlon was held on the Labour Day week- end.

1986 – The Lodge continued to lose money, despite its extended season of April 25 to November 2. December 9 saw the announce- ment of the sale of the Lodge to the 4 Seasons Hotel chain for $4 M; while the Elgin Group would be the management firm.

1987 – The Hudson’s Bay Compa- ny sold off its interest in their 178 Northern Stores, including Minaki. By that summer VIA Rail passenger service was down to 3 times a week. More renovations at the Lodge were announced, along with

the new Dockside bar and restau-

rant.

1988 – The Gunn Lake Lodge Re-

sort & Conference Centre first opened for year-round business. The ever popular Sunday brunches at the Lodge were suspended. After a 14 year legal battle to win com- pensation over his sale of Minaki Lodge to the Ontario Government, Rod Carey’s case was dismissed by the Ontario Supreme Court. Similar- ly, the Ontario Court of Appeals ruled against Mr. Carey a year lat- er.

1989 – A recreational waterway was being studied between Atiko- kan and Minaki/ Whitedog. An ar- son-set fire struck on August 3, and destroyed the historic Holst Point Lodge. The public continued to push back against further VIA Rail service cutbacks; while ridership continued to drop. The last Minaki Camper’s Special operated in the fall of 1989.

1990 – In January, the CPR’s ‘The Canadian’ passenger train made its last run over the CPR line, and soon replaced the CNR’s ‘Super Conti- nental’ as it would now travel over the CNR line. (This needs verifica- tion, as other reports indicate it was in September of 1992). Yukon Heli- copters were offering aerial spray-

ing of the spruce bud worm infes- tation. Gene Halley was featured in a Globe & Mail article titled ‘Winter Camp’; with the article featuring his Rex Lake outpost cabin.

1991 – The annual 3-day Jazz Festival was again being held at Gunn Lake Lodge, with lead singer Rachel Lee entertaining some 210 customers. The OPP carried out increased, and some said ex- cessive, enforcement on the ar- ea’s waterways. Andre-Philippe Gagnon entertained at a Septem- ber convention at the Lodge.

1992 – In July the Lodge offered a unique marketing approach, by offering ‘drive to Minaki for your family vacation this summer, and we will credit you 10 cents per mile travelled towards your food and beverage bill; mileage re- strictions apply.’

1993 – On April 19 Jocelyn McDonald of Minaki received a YTV Achievement Award for rescu- ing her 5 year old friend from an abductor while walking through town. In July Rob Bennett and Jan Gibson were advertising their Sun- set Inn’s waterfront cottages. On August 6 at Minaki Lodge, Primate Michael Peers of the Anglican Church of Canada offered his

Page 14

Church’s first apology to the Indige- nous Peoples for its participation in the Residential Schools system.

1994 – The 4 Seasons Hotel chain announced its plans to sell off sev- en of its properties, including Mina- ki Lodge. By Septem- ber Wabaseemoong Independent First Nations and other inves- tors purchased Minaki Lodge.

1995 – Radisson Hotels were brought in as the franchise opera- tor for the Lodge. In December gov- ernment budget cuts forced the Kenora Board of Education to close down the Minaki Elementary School.

1996 – An article in the Globe & Mail reported in detail the success- ful ‘Yurts Shelter Nomatic Tourists in the Shield’, the year-round oper- ation started 4 years before by Jordy & Nadine McBride. By August the Lodge was up for sale again, and did not operate that year.

Mount Minaki Brochure circa mid 1970’s (

1997 – The Club Minaki Nordic Ski Club was maintaining 7 trails over 25 km. The golf course was open for play at $20 for 18 holes. Jean Louis and Denise were at Gunn Lake Lodge and wowing the ‘wood and lake’ set with their menu. Pur- chase offers continued to come in for the Lodge, but were deemed either too low or lacked proper fi- nancing.

1998 – The most popular Precam- brian Shield climbing site with the Alpine Club of Winnipeg was listed as the ‘Gooseneck Rocks’ north of Minaki, with over 60 different climbing routes. The Lodge was sold in April to Sadrudin Kassam. A Sunday afternoon beaver dam burst just east of Clearwater Bay and shut down the Trans Cana- da Highway, forcing hundreds of area cottagers to return to Kenora, gas up and head south of Lake of the Woods via Minnesota to return

courtesy Dawn Burns Wilson collection)

to Winnipeg. By September the

Lodge was for sale again.

1999 – John Newsome, whose

home looked over the Lodge property, had taken over operation of the golf course and was ‘considering’ the Lodge pur- chase. He was quoted that IF he bought the Lodge, he would spend $3 M to $4 M to tear down the rooms’ complex built by the gov- ernment and replace it with log cabins to match the other Lodge buildings.

2000 – In his recent book ‘The Lake’, Jake MacDonald wrote “Like most cottagers, I maintain a deep, almost fanatical devotion to my place on the water.” How true. Rest in Peace Jake.

2001 – Gunn Lake Lodge was listed for sale or lease. By June the river level at Minaki was at 4.5 ft. above average. The basic boating courses and chal- lenge exams for watercraft operat- ing licenses were being held in Minaki.

2002 – Phil Archer became the new owner of the Lodge, with the stated plan to develop 250 RV sites on 32 acres and to eventual- ly turn the bedroom units into con- dos. At the same time he was pre- pared to sell the site for a report- ed $8 M; claiming to have spent $4.7 M for purchase and renova- tions by August. The site was now being advertised as ‘The Castle of the North.’

2003 – This was NOT a good year for our beloved community. Herb LeGrange, a veteran Winni- peg hotelier was hired to be, as it turned out, the Lodge’s last Man- ager. Tourism that summer was adversely affected by the SARS epidemic, a slow USA economy, and the Iraq War. In August Keno- ra Fire No.110 on the north side of Catherine Lake destroyed sev- eral cottages and closed the Minaki road for some days. Tues-

Page 15

Chief Isaac Mandamin with Philippe Cousteau at Whitedog re mercury pollution 1976

(courtesy Winnipeg Free Press)

day, September 2 saw the Lodge tragically, abruptly and with abso- lute finality (but unknown at the time) close its doors forever. It was reported there were $600,000 worth of vacation book- ings scheduled for the month of September. Sunday October 12, at around 3:30 am the magnificent Minaki Lodge was destroyed by fire. To this day the cause is ‘indeterminate.’ To honour its memory, Minaki’s own Sage McBride of ‘Shred Kelly’ renown penned the song ‘Jewel of the North.’

2004 – The Office of the Fire Mar- shall confirmed that the fire was not caused by the main power sup- ply to the building. In June there were 100 soldiers of the 2nd. Bat- talion of the Princess Patricia’s Ca- nadian Light Infantry (PPCLI) from CFB Shilo training in the Minaki area.

2005 – Despite 10 offers received for the Lodge’s remaining assets, its sale was delayed by the resort’s many creditors.

2006 – Proposed logging of the area’s timber became a topic of concern, in particular any adverse

Stanley Thompson designed golf

course.

2011 – Research on the river

bed at The Dalles was being con- ducted to establish whether it was viable to reintroduce stur- geon into the upper reaches of the Winnipeg River. The Lodge owners were actively pushing with the Ministry of the Environ- ment for the assignment of the permit to operate the old sewage treatment plant. By late October blue-green algae was fouling parts of our rivers and lakes. In November 12 aircraft parked out- side at the airport suffered wilful and significant damage to both floats and fuselages.

2012 – The critically acclaimed book ‘Indian Horse’ by Richard Wagamese was published and received numerous awards. By December the redevelopment plans for the ‘Minaki on the River’ (MOTR) were being de- fined, as approved by the MMAH for a condominium project.

2013 – Record high water levels again assailed our docks and shorelines. The Minaki Cottagers’ Association (MCA) submitted its written concerns to the MMAH on the proposed development.

2014 – The Minaki Aircraft Re- pair and Maintenance Co. was busy at the airport. By September the PPCLI were again training in the area. While two MMAH staff members visited the community and met with its leaders, there was still no reply to the 2013 community concerns sub- mitted.

2015 – On June 23 the OPP’s Minaki detachment was closed, after decades in the community and with no local consultation. The Labour Day weekend saw the ‘Great Minaki Boats on the River Parade’, that demonstrated the concerns with respect to signifi- cant boat traffic in that narrow

affects on the sight lines and treeline profiles from the water, and golden eagle habitat.

 2007 – Minaki’s own Nadine McBride was a coach of Canada’s cross country ski team competing in the 2007 Canada Winter Games. The Sixtieth Anniversary of the 1947 Dugald Train Crash was recognized.

 2008 – The Alberta Corporate Reg- istry listed ‘The Villas of Minaki’; it was soon de-listed.

2009 – Jake MacDonald’s newest book ‘Grizzlyville’ appeared on the shelves. Ms. Cleone Couch, a for- mer comptroller of Phil Archer’s, purchased the Lodge out of receiv- ership and was branding it as the ‘Winn River Resort Ltd.’

 2010 – Geo-caching was very pop- ular at the time; with a club formed in Minaki. By October Manitoba Real Estate developers Robert Schenkel and Bob Banman had a tentative deal in place to purchase the Lodge site. Community meet- ings were held, with the year round and seasonal residents raising concerns on issues including sew- age treatment, boat traffic and the

Page 16

channel. That fall, the Adam Beach Film Institute used Reid’s Birch Island as their home base and principal set for the filming of ‘Julianna and the Medicine Fish’, an adaption of one of Jake’s books.

2016 – In April the MMAH ap- proved the condominium develop- ment application with no consider- ation of the local concerns tabled. The group of residents and the MCA appealed the decision and, at a pre-hearing conference in Keno- ra in November, the hearings were scheduled for two weeks in July of 2017.

 2017 – A large fund rais- ing campaign allowed for the hir- ing of legal and technical support for the 11 days of hearings held by the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) that July; at which many witnesses testified before the Commissioner. In October the OMB overturned the MMAH ap- proval on a single point of fact; a private communal sewage service is not allowed under Ontario’s Pro- vincial Policy Statement. The de- velopers appealed the decision.

 2018 – The OMB denied Minaki on the River’s appeal. There was also a community wide effort to purchase the Lodge site, but that approach collapsed once the demolition costs of the hotel wing

with its inherent asbestos proved

to be too expensive.

2019 – The arguments over the

until June to western visitors, and Canada’s USA border closed until early August. Spring bear break ins again raged throughout Gun Lake. The Minaki Lodge site was purchased by Doug Gratton, with a modified development ap- proach being proposed for cot- tage lots and redevelopment of the rooms’ wing that has seen general acceptance by the com- munity. N.W. Ontario saw an extremely dry summer, with early season storms starting many fires causing sever- al community evacuations. The massive 500,000 acre Kenora No. 51 fire north of the English River threatened Wabaseemoong, added to an already heavy smoke layer and on some days contributed falling ash, and resulted in boats needing their running lights on during the day. The fire base at the Minaki Lodge site saw fire- fighters from Australia, Mexi- co, Quebec, the Atlantic Provinc- es and several Great Lakes States battling extreme heat, hu- midity and strong winds while helping the Ontario crews.

Garry Bolton Minaki History Society



Lodge continued, and by March the proposed site plan was showing 198 trailers. At its July AGM the MCA became The Minaki Conserv- ancy (TMC). The CNR celebrated its 100 Anniversary; and again we battled high water.

2020 – The year 2020 was one for the history books; and not all in a good way. First, we learned of the tragic death of Jake MacDonald, the ‘Bard of Minaki’. In March the MOE approved the amendment to the Lodge’s sewage treatment plant permit, allowing for trailers on the site. This was appealed by the year round resident group; that was denied in July. By March the world changed as the Covid 19 virus began to circle and ravage our world. Travel was affected or prevented as masks, hand wash- ing and social distancing took hold and became the new norm. Tourist traffic to Minaki dried up as resorts struggled to adapt and sur- vive while many of our fellow cot- tagers were unable to attend. Nu- merous bear break ins occurred up and down the river, and in the fall particularly throughout Gun Lake. 2021 – The virus continues to rage. The Ontario border closed



We remind all drivers that the suggest- ed speed limit when entering Minaki is 30 km/hr.

Driving with caution as you enter Mina- ki is extra important since the play- ground is located at the start of the town road, and this is an area where many children play and ride bicycles.

Please slow down and drive safe- ly! Thank you.

Page 17

Page 18

MINAKI Business Directory

Minaki Marina & LCBO

Phone: 807-224-2581

Our fall hours are currently as follows:

Mondays—10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Tuesdays—1:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays—Closed Thursdays—10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Fridays—1:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Saturdays—10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sundays—10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Any changes to our opening days, hours, and Covid restrictions will be posted on our Facebook page.

Barber’s REsort

Year-Round Accommodations Phone: 807-224-6411 Email: barbersresort@kmts.ca Website: barbersresort.com

Pine & Paddle Cabin Rentals

Joshua Rheault Owner

Phone: (807) 464-4268

Email: pineandpaddleminaki@gmail.com

Find us on Instagram & Facebook!

Wilder Woodwork & Carpentry

Joshua Rheault Owner

Find us on Instagram & Facebook!

Phone: (807) 464-4268

Email: wilderwoodworkandcarpentry@gmail.com

Page 19

Emergency Numbers

Ambulance – (807) 468-3311 OPP – 1-888-310-1122 Hospital – (807) 468-9861 Fire – (807) 224-1100

Forest Fire – (807) 310-FIRE (3473) Poison Control – 1-800-268-9017

Minaki Nursing Station—(807) 224-3531

Clinic Hours: Mondays – Fridays, 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Please call (807) 224-3531 or (807) 467-8770 to schedule appointments.

Telehealth Ontario—1-866-797-0000

Telehealth Ontario is a free, confidential service you can call to get health advice or information. A Registered Nurse will take your call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. When you call, a Registered Nurse will ask you to answer questions so they can assess your health problem and give you advice. Telehealth Ontario nurses will not diagnose your illness or give you medicine. They will direct you to the most appropriate

level of care or may put you in contact with a health professional who can advise you on your next steps.

The nurse will help you decide whether to:

• handleaproblemyourself

• visit your doctor or nurse practitioner

• gotoaclinic

• contact a community service

• go to a hospital emergency room

Minaki Landfill Site Operation

Summer Hours – Sundays or Holiday Mondays 4 to 8 PM Winter Hours – Sundays or Holiday Mondays NOON to 4 PM

Tippage fees will be collected at the time of dumping and are:

$3.00 per bag

$25.00 per 1⁄2 ton truck or small trailer

FOLLOW SIGNS FOR DESIGNATED AREAS:

 Brush – no exceptions  Domestic Garbage

 Fish Guts

 Metals

Due to demands from the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) and the Ministry of Environment (MOE) restrictions are as follows: ABSO- LUTELY NO: Wood of any kind, fibreglass insulation, shingles, plastics, tarps, styrofoam, glass, furniture, mattresses, tires, appliances, elec- tronics, paints, batteries, or hazardous chemicals. There is a $500.00 fine for anyone caught dumping these items at the Minaki site. These items must be taken to the Kenora Waste Transfer Station for proper disposal. Non-compliance will result in the rescinding of dump- ing privileges. All fees go towards the costs of operating the site in accordance with MNR and MOE guidelines. The Minaki Waste Manage- ment Board is a volunteer group working for the benefit of the community to keep the landfill site open. We appreciate your co-operation in maintaining the Minaki dump site.

Minaki Roads Board

Bryan Rheault—Chair Malcolm Reid—Trustee Mike Turcotte—Trustee

Jennifer McPhearson Secretary/Treasurer

Minaki Waste Management Board

Lorraine Muncer Bryan Rheault Kane Turcan Minaki Foundation

Jane Campbell - Chairperson Peter Barber - Treasurer Grace Tindall - Secretary Jan Gibson- Director

Gord Smithson - Director

Join us on Facebook!

The Minaki News is on Facebook! Search “Minaki News” and send a request to join our group.

You will gain access to digital versions of our com- munity newsletter. We will also be posting infor- mation about upcoming events, along with other news and updates of inter- est to community mem-

bers. Please join us on Facebook and get in- stant notifications about happenings in and around Minaki!

Local Services Board of Minaki

Barbara Mach—Chairperson

Kelly Beauchamp—Secretary/Treasurer Roger Beauchamp—Member Cathy Gilbert—Member

Rachel Taylor—Member

Minaki Community Association

Rachel Taylor—President

Kelly Beauchamp—Secretary/Treasurer Lara Barber—Member

Cathy Gilbert—Member Barbara Mach—Member

Minaki News Scope of Content: The Minaki News is a bi-monthly newsletter intended to update residents in the Minaki Local Services Board area of community events and activi- ties. It is distributed to the community free of charge, and paid for by the Minaki Communi- ty Association as part of its mandate to create and support recreation opportunities in Minaki. The scope of content as agreed upon by the volunteers who organize and distrib- ute the newsletter is as follows: reporting on community events, reporting on activities of the local fire team, local boards & community groups (Minaki Foundation, Minaki Conserv- ancy, Minaki History Society, etc.), along with announcements, classifieds, and business directory. Paid advertising will not be included. Submissions are reviewed to determine whether they are in line with the above scope, and if they benefit the health and wellbeing of the community (promoting physical/social activities, healthy living, etc.). Feel free to contact minakinews@outlook.com for more information. We look forward to your submis- sions!