Rockwood Conservation Area 50 Anniversary
ROCKWOOD CONSERVATION AREA
50 ANNIVERSARY
Remarks by Ted Arnott, MPP
Wellington-Halton Hills
June 26 , 2013
The Rockwood Conservation Area is one of our area’s
finest summer attractions.
As a campground, it gives our local residents and
visitors an affordable place to getaway for a holiday, in
a safe, quiet, and scenic environment.
Hiking, swimming, canoeing, picnicking, and mini
golf, and taking in the majesty of the Mill Ruins are all
part of the package of fun things to do.
As a teenager back in the 1970s…now if that doesn’t
make me sound old, I don’t know what else I could
possibly say that would…I enjoyed camping here, with
friends and classmates from Arthur. Somebody had a
ghetto blaster, and we’d have the Beach Boys on as
loud as it would go, until someone in a GRCA truck
came around to tell us they’d gotten complaints about
the noise, from Guelph! Wanting not to be escorted
out of the park by the men in beige, we soon turned
down the Beach Boys.
The times we spent here form great memories.
Like the Rockwood Conservation Area, I observed my
50th birthday this year. As I get older, and slow down
a bit, Rockwood does the opposite. It gets better and
better each and every year.
Part of that attitude of pride and excellence comes
from being part of the Grand River Conservation
Authority. The GRCA is known across the country,
even internationally as a leader in watershed
management and environmental protection. I’ve
worked with them since I was first elected, and was
glad to reach across party lines to support their
designation as a Canadian Heritage River in the early
1990s. Later, while we were in Government, I pushed
for financial support for needed work at the Shand
and Conestogo Dams.
Together, we worked hard to get that dam money.
And if there are any dam questions, I’ll take them
later.
In celebrating today, we acknowledge the
professionalism of all the GRCA staff, and the
dedication of all who volunteer their time in any way
to assist.
Lastly, I want to thank my colleagues in elected public
service, Chris and Michael, who I share the
microphone with today, and the others who are here
from local government, for their outstanding
leadership and service to the people of our area.
Conservation authorities are a partnership between
the province and municipalities, a partnership that is
enshrined in provincial legislation, and it works well.
We’re always appreciative for any support from the
Government of Canada. Both Chris and Michael have
worked hard to support the GRCA’s activities, and
deserve our thanks.
As the MPP for Wellington-Halton Hills, it is an
honour to give voice to the thousands of people
who’ve shared wonderful times here at Rockwood, to
say thanks, and to wish you well in the coming years.
Thank you very much.