Durocher eyes shore funding
As the new mayor of Pelee Island Township, Ray Durocher wants to hit the ground running when it comes to engaging senior levels of government for shoreline protection funding.
“It’s important for us,” said Durocher, who was acclaimed as mayor on Monday. Durocher said a recent drone survey showed 37 breaches in township breakwalls. “We’re on an island and we’re isolated, we need to protect it,” Durocher said. “It’s beyond our financial capabilities.”
The island took a beating during an April storm that caused significant shoreline damage threatening water supply, roads and infrastructure.
The loss of protective armour stone brought MP Dave Van Kesteren (C-Chatham-Kent-Essex) to Pelee for a tour along with Tim Byrne of the Essex Region Conservation Authority.
At the time, Byrne recommended immediate action, and estimated the cost of all shoreline repair work at $8 million.
“We’ll have to get into that,” Durocher said of the work that lies ahead for him and four newly elected councillors. Durocher said his previous experience as deputy mayor from 2010-2014 will help. “Definitely, the first four years on council was a learning experience,” the 73-year-old Chrysler retiree said.
“I think my biggest asset is being able to listen to people.”