By RORY RING
President and CEO
Sarnia-Lambton Chamber of Commerce

More than a half century ago, Canada was in the midst of a national debate on whether to build an east-west natural gas pipeline giving consumers in central and eastern Canada access to bountiful western resources. Today, there is renewed debate around west-to-east pipeline proposals. And just as it was in the 1950s, the stakes are high.

While many different stakeholder and special interest groups are involved in this debate, none has greater standing than local communities along the pipeline routes. The Sarnia Lambton region is not only a major interchange for the North American pipeline network but is also home to Canada’s largest and most important refining and petrochemical industry hub.  A study done in 2010 found that about one-third of the local population relies on the petrochemical industry for employment – 4,900 direct jobs and 23,500 indirect jobs. The industry buys and sells about $28 billion in materials and services annually, and invests $400 million per year in the local economy.

One current pipeline proposal involves the reversal of Enbridge Pipeline’s Line 9 which lies between Montreal and Sarnia. The National Energy Board has already approved the reversal of the section of the pipeline that runs from Sarnia to Westover, and there is currently an application before the NEB to reverse the section that runs from Westover to Montreal.

Refineries in Sarnia-Lambton have long benefitted from having the option of using lower-priced Canadian crude as a feedstock. Extending that ability to refineries elsewhere in the province (notably Imperial Oil’s Nanticoke refinery) and in Quebec (the only remaining refinery in Montreal is operated by Petro-Canada) would serve to safeguard jobs in the entire refining sector.

Indeed, in an industry that is intensely competitive on a global scale, profit will be improved, thereby reducing the risk of further refinery closures. The supply of product, direct jobs in the industry and indirect jobs in the petrochemicals and plastics industries will be secured. Ontario will gain 3,250 person-years of direct and indirect employment from the Line 9 reversal. In addition, potential new markets for the refineries’ output will be opened up.

A reversed Line 9 will strengthen the already strong ties between economies in Alberta and Ontario. Over the next 25 years, more than half of all spending on goods and services by the oil sands industry outside of Alberta – $63 billion – will be with Ontario companies.  By 2035, seven per cent of the total jobs related to the oil sands will be in Ontario.  For a province facing significant challenges from the continuing decline of its manufacturing sector, this is an important source of future jobs and investment.

The stakes are also high for Canada. The federal government estimates that the country is losing about $50 million per day in export sales because our western oil reserves lack access to Canada’s coastlines.  In other words, our economy is missing out on more than $18 billion annually in export earnings. We are also missing out on good-paying jobs from the Line 9 proposal and other energy infrastructure projects waiting for approval. Economists have estimated that construction and related jobs linked to infrastructure-building in the energy, power and pipeline sectors would create up to one million jobs in Canada over the next two decades.

With any pipeline project, environmental and safety concerns are foremost in the minds of stakeholders and the public. Enbridge has informed us that it will conduct a comprehensive system check along the Line 9 route to ensure the integrity of the line. This would include preventive maintenance and the repair of sections of the pipeline, if required. Overall, it is reasonable to expect that Enbridge would continue to routinely conduct safety and environmental inspections throughout the life cycle of its pipelines.

Pipelines are recognized as a safe and reliable means of transmitting oil and gas. If there were no transmission pipelines, there would be either 5,000 more tank cars on our railroads carrying crude oil or 15,000 more tanker trucks on our highways every day. Rail accidents involving hazardous materials averaged four per year over the last four years. Highway accident rates involving trucks were considerably higher. In contrast, ruptures on federally-regulated Canadian pipelines between 2002 and 2011 averaged slightly more than one per year, or just two litres for every million litres transported.

For all of these reasons, the Sarnia Lambton Chamber of Commerce strongly supports Enbridge’s proposal to reverse the flow of Line 9. The project will benefit our community’s most important industry and job creator, and will strengthen the local, provincial and national economies by significantly improving Canada’s west-east energy grid.

Rory Ring is President and CEO of the Sarnia Lambton Chamber of Commerce

EVERGLO performed at The Stubborn Mule for INDIEFEST (Part 3) on Saturday, May 18, 2013

Third time’s the charm for INDIEFEST? – you bet.

The region’s preeminent celebration of independent live music threw down again this past weekend at the Stubborn Mule with the third Indienight of this season’s scheduled pentalogy, a locally-borne concert series that’s provocatively demonstrating that independently-produced music is thriving and vibrant.

Big used to be better with every band’s dream being to get signed by a major label, but nowadays bands like Blurred Vision, Arcade Fire, Mumford & Sons and Nate Ruess’ Fun are decisively proving that you don’t need a record label to be on top of the heap anymore.

There seemed to be something different in the air this time around, a subtle contrast from the earlier two shows – lessons had been learned from the first two back-to-back weekend outings last month and their success clearly impelled a fresh momentum that translated into a more polished, tighter and all-around better night of live entertainment.

First off, there were more people in the venue, folks that got there early to support their favorite band and, more specifically, independently-produced – or indie – music.  As the evening progressed, people continued to rifle through the doors, easily making for the best one-night turn-out yet for this burgeoning concert series.

David Burrows – founder and co-organizer of the concert series – opened the night at 9:30 p.m. sharp, taking the stage and quickly connecting with the rowdy crowd and even charming them with his warm, often humorous words and noticeably experienced demeanor behind a microphone.

Leigh Coltman performed at The Stubborn Mule for INDIEFEST (Part 3) on Saturday, May 18, 2013

After not much of a delay with more people in attendance than at both previous shows, local folk-rocker Leigh Coltman kicked off the night taking the stage at precisely 9:35 p.m. to raucous applause.

Coltman – who also fronts the folk-rock band Steadfast – embodied professional excellence with his broad vocal range and incredible one-man-band-style stage performance, markedly playing a bass drum, acoustic guitar and harmonica all at once.

“I love the opportunity to come out here and support independent music, especially because I’ve known David (Burrows) all my life and know he’s doing this from the heart,” said Coltman.  “It’s a great opportunity not only for local musicians, but for hard-working independent musicians everywhere.”

Coltman masterfully played one track after another, conjuring up classic sounds of folk-rock reminiscent to Cat Stevens but with a distinctive modern charm.

At one point, near the end of his set, he paused and talked about a humorous experience he had in Toronto a little while back.  He was apparently busking on a street in Toronto when an elderly lady approached him and said, though she doesn’t normally give money to the homeless, she wanted to buy him a hot meal.  Coltman – who was well dressed and well spoken – chuckled at the notion that she perceived him to be homeless because he was playing music on the street, thought for a moment and accepted her offer.

Indeed, personal experiences, according to Coltman, are the foundation of his song-writing and musical expression as an independent artist.  “I write about things I know, experiences I’ve had.”

MARKURS performed at The Stubborn Mule for INDIEFEST (Part 3) on Saturday, May 18, 2013

The next artist – MARKURS – took the stage at 10:25 p.m.  Victor “MARKURS” Laranja, who says his handle was borne years ago when he was a “young gamer”, is another one-man show, not that he can necessarily play three instruments at once, but moreover in an artistic, creative and very technical fashion.  He’s a consummate professional and self-promoter in the most archetypal sense, crafting and producing all his own cutting-edge material in-house including music and video.

His performance was driven and intense, assets that were well represented by his signature, angst-inflected big voice and penetrating personality.  His propensity for perfection was evident as he took time between each song to calibrate his instruments for whatever’s next.

MARKURS, who said he’s inspired by the future, said he’s moving to Toronto in September to more seriously pursue his career in music, adding that he’ll likely have his first LP finished by next April.  If talent, drive and ambition are a recipe for success, there’s no question that this artist has a big future on the horizon.

Notwithstanding the brilliant opening performances by local musicians Coltman and MARKURS, it was finally time for the co-headliner and highly-anticipated EVERGLO to hit the stage at 11:10 p.m.  This band is no stranger to Bluewater country, having played here numerous times previously most notably at Rogers Bayfest and Sarnia Ribfest in recent years.

Kat Vhonda was undoubtedly the highlight of the night with her high-octane performance marked by radio-ready vocals, masterful hooks and funky pop/rock beats; dancing on stage and frequently interacting with the crowd on the dance floor; and, most conspicuously, a charismatic, charming personality that allows her to easily and naturally connect with her fans.

EVERGLO performed at The Stubborn Mule for INDIEFEST (Part 3) to a rowdy, high-octane crowd Saturday, May 18, 2013

Still, Canadian Idol alum Vhonda, diversely talented and entertaining in her own right, is only one component of EVERGLO – a talented ensemble of musicians that together deliver an unparalleled on-stage experience rivaled only by more experienced, established and commercially successful acts already in the marketplace.

Easily, one of the many highlights of their performance at INDIEFEST was the live rendition of their newly dropped single entitled It’s You available here or on the band’s website.  EVERGLO will be returning to Sarnia Ribfest next month, Jun. 15.

The final band of the night and co-headliner, Running Red Lights, took to the stage at 12:35 p.m. to a more subdued, less rowdy crowd.

Undeniably, this band brought a very different energy to the evening’s music – intense and hauntingly compelling with a unique aural quality that distinctly sets this band apart from many others.  The performance was very polished, tight and marked by effortless harmonies and a vintage pop/rock sound that has that transcending quality that, with determination, intense drive and hard work, will take them far as indie or signed artists.

Running Red Lights performed at The Stubborn Mule for INDIEFEST (Part 3) on Saturday, May 18, 2013

Organizers David Burrows and Kevin Thorne said they were happy with the increased turnout and feel that, broadly speaking, their independent live music venture continues to gain momentum, new sponsors are coming on-board  and they’re bringing attention to independently-produced music and, more importantly, they’re doing it all for a good cause.

The next Indienight is scheduled for Jun. 22 and slated to have independent bands Affinity, Backline Revival and The Boys.  Advance tickets for this event cost $10 and are available at Cheeky Monkey, Sarnia Rocks and Picker’s Alley.

For more information about INDIEFEST, the performing artists involved or becoming an event sponsor, visit www.indiefest.ca or contact organizers Kevin Thorne or David Burrows at (519) 491-0449 and (519) 490-4617 respectively.

It has been a trying two and a half months, but Gena Olsen will soon be returning home after Trillium Villa’s convalescent-care program helped her regain her mobility.

She had acquired cellulitis brought on by a staphylococcus (staph) infection, which caused severe inflammation and pain in the joints in her feet and left hand.

Olsen is going home May 13. She arrived at the Sarnia long-term care home’s convalescent-care unit on April 8. Before coming to Trillium Villa, Olsen was being cared for by a health team in Strathroy, Ont., where she had been taken after being air-lifted from the U.S. to Canada.

Olsen was holidaying with her husband in the U.S. when she acquired the infection, which sent her to a Valdosta, Georgia, hospital for more than two weeks in mid-February.

Once Olsen was at Trillium Villa, the restorative-care team continued her treatment by working to help her regain her strength while the cellulitis was treated.

“They have a wonderful staff here,” Olsen tells S&R Today. “The staff is very helpful and very cheery and the rehab part of it (is excellent). “

Olsen also commends Trillium Villa’s homey environment.

“The whole atmosphere here is different than a hospital,” she says.

That said, Olsen underscores the importance of being an advocate for one’s own health and well-being — which is exactly what she did when she came to Trillium Villa. She listened to advice from the restorative-care team and followed through with her exercises.

When she first came to Trillium Villa Olsen was immobile, but things soon changed.

“I am now walking to the dining room and back for every meal,” Olsen says.

Based on her success at Trillium Villa, Olsen says she wishes there were more convalescent-care programs offered at long-term care homes. Aside from providing people with top-notch care, such programs keep hospital beds free, she adds.

“We are lucky to have this, and it’s too bad there aren’t more,” she says.

This story was provided to the Steeves & Rozema Group by Axiom News and originally appeared on the S&R Today website. Republished with permission.

Noticing a young woman straddling the guard rail, he exited the highway to get to the overpass to assist.

By the time he arrived, other police officers and members of the public were dealing with the female, distracting her enough that the off-duty officer was able to pull her from the rail. She was subsequently taken to Bluewater Health for an assessment.

The boy was found “safe and sound” and police have expressed their gratitude for any help in locating him.

The youngster, who is about 5-foot, 6-inches tall and of slight build, was wearing blue basketball shorts and a green and blue horizontal striped short-sleeved t-shirt.

He was last seen walking west on Ross Avenue at about 10:30 a.m.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Officer in Charge at the Sarnia Police Station, 519-344-8861, ext. 5271.

Fifty-two ladies living at Southgate Residence were celebrated last Friday (May 10) with a special afternoon tea held in their honour. The event included a luncheon with a big spread of sandwiches and dainties served alongside the finest silverware in an effort to make the day extra special.

The event tied in with Mother’s Day, which was on Sunday. But there was a reason why the team that organized the tea made sure it was not labelled a Mother’s Day celebration.

“Some of our ladies are not mothers,” explains activity director Holly O’Neil, adding that the event was held on Friday to keep Sunday free for those who wanted to spend time with their families on Mother’s Day.

A highlight of the event was a hat contest. Residents were asked to wear their favourite hats, and some spent a lot of time ahead of the event making their own chapeaus.

“(The ladies) went to a lot of work to make their hats and they were so excited,” says O’Neil, adding a hat made by resident Maria Datillo from a lampshade was declared winner.

O’Neil says her favourite aspect of the event was the way in which staff members, residents and volunteers all came together to make it successful.

For example, resident Ann Bernath donated flowers, personal support worker Susan Davis brought cupcakes and chocolate-covered strawberries and volunteer Debbie Clinton was found helping in every corner of the Kingsville retirement community that day.

The event was only for the ladies. There are about eight men living at Southgate Residence who O’Neil says joked that they felt left out.

But not to worry, the gents will have equal time dedicated to them in June, says O’Neil.

“They’re going to get their day on Father’s Day,” she chuckles.

This story was provided to the Steeves & Rozema Group by Axiom News and originally appeared on the S&R Today website. Republished with permission.

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

This week on The Show with David Burrows, footage from a recent theatrical production of “A Family Affair,” by St. Clair Secondary School students along with a special mention to Erin Gabriel.

This week’s footage also includes video from Hotel California’s tribute to The Eagles last weekend at The Stubborn Mule.

David also talks about the summer’s tastiest, donation-centric festival of food and music – RIBFEST.  This year’s festival is expected to be the best yet and will feature, along with Blackburn Radio, the community’s attempt to break the world record for the most people playing air guitar.

Speaking of RIBFEST, it’s slated for Father’s Day weekend this year and, organizers believe, would make a great place to celebrate the occasion and for the whole family to come out and enjoy the food, sun and music.

Also in this episode of The Show, David gives details about an upcoming auction at Cheeky Monkey to help support local artist Jessie J. Rabbit on May 18 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Last but certainly not least, this week’s show is packed with more information about this weekend’s highly anticipated third installment of INDIEFEST 2013 to be held, as always, at The Stubborn Mule.  It’s slated to happen May 18 and will include popular independent bands EVERGLO and Running Red Lights with special guests MARKURS and Leigh Coltman.

STAY TUBED!

By AARON ZIMMER
Marketing Manager, Blackburn Radio Sarnia

It has been 13 years since Sarnia has been in the Guinness Book of World Records. In 2000, “The Big Kiss” took place at the RBC Centre and Sarnia broke the record for “Most Couples Kissing Simultaneously.” That record has since been broken. This summer, Sarnia will attempt to make it back in the record book, not by kissing, but by playing Air Guitar.

The current “Largest Air Guitar Ensemble” record of 2,377 is held by San Manuel Indian Bingo & Casino in Highland, California. We are looking to shatter that record with 3,000 participants.

This free, family oriented, record breaking attempt will take place on Saturday, June 15th between
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm. The location will be in Centennial Park during Ribfest. The Sarnia Kinsmen have granted us access to the fenced in area to the north of the park and the use of the stage and PA system.

Participants must enthusiastically play air guitar to a three minute long rock song. There must be three compulsory moves during the song: Arm windmill, finger tapping and playing behind the head. A professional guitar player will be on stage to go over the compulsory moves with the crowd prior to the attempt and a practice session will be held to make sure everyone understands the rules and compulsory moves.

Participants are asked to pre-register at one of the radio stations three websites (k106fm.com, foxfm.com or chok.com). Registration will also be available on site but pre-registration is encouraged.

To officially break the record, many guidelines need to be followed. Videography, photography, witnesses and paperwork are just some of the requirements to break the record. To abide by the rules, we are also looking for volunteers. 60 volunteers must be present to help officiate the event. We are hoping a few local organizations and/or businesses can help out and provide some volunteers. This is also a great opportunity for high school students to get in last minute volunteer hours. Volunteer registration will also be located on the radio stations websites.

Let’s put Sarnia back in the Record Book with a fun and simple community event.

For more information regarding the World Record Breaking Attempt, or how to volunteer, please contact me at 519.542.5500 or azimmer@blackburnradio.com.