We sincerely apologize to Mr. Jensen for the inaccuracy of our previous statement, that may have given the impression that he played a disproportionate role in our current problems with Ogden.

Those new rules have a number of unacceptable consequences. Among others, they would force us to reduce the trail width to 2.5 metres, and forbid all picnic tables and benches along the trail. Taken literally, they could even force us to dismantle the tipi and monument site! The current 3 meter width is what is recommended for safety on a multiple usage trail such as ours. Moreover, by forbidding any machinery exceeding the 2.5 meter width, the new rule would effectively forbid us from completing the resurfacing work that was started last fall, and that is funded by a grant from the MRC.

Sentiers Massawippi had already responded to the municipality’s concerns, and explained its point of view in a calm and rational fashion. However, our position has been completely ignored by the municipality.

We consider that these new rules consitute unacceptable legal harassment from Ogden. The municipality wants to institute a zoning rule that only applies to a single owner, that is Sentiers Massawippi. Moreover, the rule’s intent is clearly hostile to our operations, with the ultimate goal of forcing us to stop operating the trail. Indeed, the next step will be to use the « unsafe » width argument to forbid the use of bicycles on the trail! As such, the municipality is yielding to the unjustified complaints of a small group of citizens, to deny all the others the benefits of the trail, which is appreciated by all, and does not cost a single cent to the Ogden taxpayers.

There is a last chance to force the council to modify the new rule, and to have our position be heard loud and clear. We therefore invite all the members of Sentiers Massawippi, and all the users and friends of the Tomifobia Nature Trail, to be present at the next Ogden council meeting, on Monday May 7^th, 7h30pm, at 70 Chemin d’Ogden. The council must be realize that the Tomifobia Nature Trail has many more supporters than opponents, and that those unjustified attacks must come to an end!

•  Minutes of the April 17, 2011 AGM
• The annual report of the Board, presented by the President
• Financial reports for the fiscal year ended Dec. 31, 2011
• Budget for 2012
• Election of Board of Directors
• Appointment of the Auditor
• Discussion on present & future operations of Sentiers Massawippi

As usual, registration, with coffee and donuts served, will start at 9:30 a.m. Breakfast is also available (at your own cost) at the hotel dining room for those who arrive early .

Heavy rain in April 2011 caused a major flood of the Tomifobia river, and caused severe erosion of the river bank at km. 10.2 . A major stabilization work was undertaken, under the supervision of Harry Isbrucker, with the help of our summer student Alex Old.

Ray Banham, workmaster, does the final inspection before reopening the bridge to traffic.

During the summer and fall of 2010, volunteers from the board proceeded to repair two of the bridges on the Tomifobia river, near km. 5 and 8. The addition of metal plates on each side made the structure much safer, so we could remove the old wooden guards rails.

Ron Keymer proudly poses in front of the tipi.

Volunteers from the board of Sentiers Massawippi have all helped in construction of a tipi during the summer of 2010. We invite everyone to come and take a look at this original rest area, near km. 16.