Submitted by Sharron Colter
The Northern Bruce Peninsula Community Support Advisory Action Committee met on Wednesday March 11, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. at the Northern Bruce Peninsula Municipal Offices. The committee members planned for a two part meeting.
The first part was an educational information session presented by Brenda Scott from George Funeral Home who spoke and presented a power point related to making decisions for the final stages of life. She indicated how important it is to tell family members about, and to write down, your wishes for your final arrangements known as a funeral, celebration of life or a quiet family respectful scattering of your ashes.
The “Stepping Stones” booklet from Bruce Peninsula Hospice was distributed for future homework and consideration by the attendees. Gloria Charlton spoke about the history of the “Memorial Scattering Gardens” located behind Christ Church in Lion’s Head. The “Memorial Scattering Gardens” are officially registered and recognized as a memorial scattering garden in Ontario.
The second part of the meeting discussed the “Rural Transit Transportation” survey results collated after 50 completed surveys were returned. The survey indicated the need for transportation on the peninsula for medical appointments, dental appointments, shopping, for arriving at a job location, for visiting another town and recreational outings.
One of the most important needs on the Northern Bruce Peninsula is to bring workers to the region during the busy tourist season and to provide workers to the area for year round businesses. After calculating what a personal vehicle could cost to buy, maintain, insure and pay for fuel, a lower wage, seasonal job does not allow for a dependable vehicle in one’s budget.
An approximate cost could be $10,000.00 per year from a salary of $29,120.00 at minimum wage. On the peninsula it is difficult to find housing at or under $1,000.00 a month. There is income tax, E.I. and CPP paid out of the salary. After all deductions it would be difficult to live on less than $400.00 a month for food and clothing, etc. Francesca Dobbyn from Bruce Grey United Way suggested that a living wage in Bruce Grey would be over $18.00/hr.
Dedicated buses or mini-vans may be the answer to bring workers to Wiarton, Lion’s Head and Tobermory. Scheduling will be a challenge but it can be done. The NBP Community Support Committee has established “rural transit transportation” as a priority goal while considering the well-being and safety of the community.
Recent research from McMaster University claims the lack of transportation and community connections can increase anxiety and depression with residents who no longer drive or cannot afford a personal vehicle. Further research indicates people in the rural areas are at a disadvantage to residents in areas who have transportation choices. Although the Ontario government has written a new draft transportation document for Ontario, Northern Bruce Peninsula and Bruce County were not included in the 12 areas of Ontario that received millions of dollars to implement “rural transit transportation” for their residents. Grey County has received funding to bring a bus to Wiarton at least three days a week. Let’s hope that this is the beginning of the consideration to create a plan to bring “rural transit transportation” to Northern Bruce Peninsula.
The committee will meet on Wednesday April 8, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. to meet Ryan Deska, Community Services Manager who will share his managerial responsibilities in Northern Bruce Peninsula. The committee will discuss how we may partner with Ryan to create a plan for the future for transportation on the Northern Bruce Peninsula. All interested residents are invited and encouraged to attend and be part of the conversation. Be aware that the meeting may be cancelled if the closure of the Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula offices remains.
Since I wrote this article, our lives have changed drastically as we choose to self-isolate, keep a distance from others, follow hygiene best practices and stay home if possible for an extended time as suggested by the Grey Bruce Public Health and all levels of government. This is the time to take responsibility for keeping ourselves safe and healthy. Strong communities pull together during challenging times. Do use the phone and/or internet to keep in touch with your family members and neighbours to avoid social isolation and to know everyone is safe and healthy. Be kind.
