ATV accident claims 12 year-old’s life
Alvinston sugar shack won’t be rebuilt
March 28, 2017
The sugar shack at the A.W. Campbell Conservation Area will not be replaced.
The shack had been the showpiece of the St. Clair Region Conservation Authority’s display during the annual Alvinston Maple Syrup Festival for decades. Families could walk into the shed and see the sap being boiled as modern producers processed it.
But in 2016, the conservation authority tore the building down because it was deemed unsafe.
There was hope the St. Clair Region Conservation Authority Foundation would help rebuild the iconic building, but foundation member Norm Giffen says that won’t happen.
Giffen was saddened when the original building had to be taken down. “I hated to see what was there go but when we had a look at it, it was a safety hazard.”
And he says the foundation just couldn’t justify the cost for rebuilding the shack.
It was estimated it would have cost $30,000 to replicate what was on the site.
“Should we spend all our money for something that is for use just two days of the year,” asks Giffen “or do we put the money into other projects that also do good?”
Giffen says the foundation gets request for funding for all kinds of projects and it provides annual scholarships to students as well.
So, the conservation authority will continue to host the Maple Syrup festival, talking about the traditional methods of making syrup but without bringing people into the old sugar shack.
Brooke-Alvinston Councillor Frank Nemcek, who is on the conservation authority board, understands the decision.
“Its about money. It’s only one week in the year and is that justified for one week in the year?” he asks. “Does it justify itself when money is so tight?
“The bottom line is money and it is hard to get money for a small project anymore.”
Still, he is disappointed by the move saying generations of people have been to the sugar shack with their children over the years.
But he says losing the A.W. Campbell sugar shack is a lesson in conservation.
“Once it is gone, it is hard to get it back,” says Nemcek.
“We have to keep what we have.”
Front Page
ATV accident claims 12 year-old’s life
July 9, 2025
The Independent A 12 year-old known for his kind heart and being a role model to others died in an ATV accident in Dresden. Chatham-Kent Police, Dresden firefighters and paramedics were called to a Dresden property just after 8 pm July 3 after three boys crashed. One was “injured and not responsive.” Police say officers on the scene, Kyle Merrit
Read More
Front Page
Conservation authority voices water concerns at York1 site
July 8, 2025
Heather Wright/The Independent The St. Clair Region Conservation Authority says the aquifer which feeds private wells in the Dresden and Dawn-Euphemia areas is “highly vulnerable to any contamination” and it’s calling on the province to ensure there is water monitoring at the old Dresden dump. That from the authority’s submission to the Environmental Registry of Ontario in May. At the
Read More
Front Page
$1M grant to upgrade Moore Sportsplex
July 8, 2025
Heather Wright/The Independent Another Lambton County municipality has cashed in on a new provincial fund to upgrade recreation facilities. Sarnia-Lambton MPP Bob Bailey announced Tuesday St. Clair Township would receive $1 million for repairs to the Moore Sports Complex. The money is coming from the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund. Officials from the sports complex, in a social media
Read More
Front Page
Private paid Ipperwash parking OKed
July 8, 2025
Heather Wright/The Independent Lambton Shores council has approved plans for a private, paid parking lot in Ipperwash. The owners of the DeJong Grand Bend Clothing want to use their 50-spot parking lot to generate revenue. Lambton Shores planners didn’t recommend it saying there is parking in the area. Officials added the lot, which fronts onto the beach, is partly in
Read More