A proposed drainage scheme to relocate the drainage canals in the Holland Marsh will cost an estimated $8.7 million. This sum is too great for the Marsh farmers alone so they are attempting to extend the assessment area to 65,000 acres of upland property in Bradford West Gwillimbury, King Township, New Tecumseth, Newmarket, East Gwillimbury, and Caledon but this idea has been met with legal challenges. Due to the legal fees surrounding this the Holland Marsh Drainage Committee has asked the province for $2 million in extraordinary funding for the scheme. After being completed in 1930 the 17.5 miles of canals that ring the Holland Marsh have been dredged several times, and after Hurricane Hazel were even widened and deepened. Although, recent studies show that the canal is almost filled in at certain points. Studies have also shown that due to south canal being filled in so much the north canal is handling four times the flow of the south canal. Relocation of the canal is the preferred solution to this problem.
Art Janse has been involved in the Holland Marsh all of his life, as a resident, a farmer, a Town employee for 45 years, and drainage superintendent for Bradford West Gwillimbury and King Township. Janse is retiring due to the response from many of the farmers to his ideas for the Holland Marsh Drainage Scheme improvements that would also improve the safety for motorists. The project has a high price tag of bout $17 million but Janse has won the right to assess upland residents a share of the cost, and has made the case for contributions from municipalities, OMAFRA, Transportation, Natural Resources and Environmental Ministries, and Conservation Authorities.
"Professor W.H. Day is the original father of the Holland Marsh but for the past 36 years, that role has fallen to Art Janse. On April 30th, Janse retired from his role and it is now up to the new Holland Marsh Governance body to make the new Marsh relocation scheme a reality..." Article continues on to highlight Art Janse's contributions to the marsh, and upcoming projects and renovations.
"The Schomberg River dredge was finally launched last Tuesday after an abortive effort the day before. The ponderous machine, built by Louis Devald, slid slowly into the water near Wanda Street, and to the relief of everybody it not only floated, but operated like a charm. Celebrating the event with a bit of the bubbly at right are Art Janse (left) Louis Devald, and John Rupke. The dredge has its work cut out, clearing tons of silt from the Schomberg River."
"The Ad Hoc Facilities Committee, comprised of Mayor Frank Jonkman, Councillors Marty Toombs and Jim Corneau, Chief Building Official Art Janse, Deputy Treasurer Ian Goodfellows and Police Chief Bruce Davis met on Wednesday night, to consider future facilities that could include a new Police Station, a consolidated administration centre, and possibly, an indoor pool." ...
"West Gwillimbury Road Superintendent, Grenville Hughes, 68, resigned last week, after 14 years of service with the council staff. Reeve Orville Hughes accepted the resignation, thanked the road superintendent on behalf of the council for all his co-operation in the past and wished him a long and happy retirement. Councillor Bud Brown and Art Janse suggested council show appreciation of Mr. Hughes services over the years in some tangible way. This was agreed to by Reeve Hughes and Councillor Bob Sturgeon. Councillor Brown asked Mr. Hughes, whose resignation becomes effective on April 6, if he would be prepared to stay on for a short time until a replacement could be found, should this prove to be necessary. Clerk Don Wood told council that two or three applications for the job had already been received."
