The Southwest Outdoor Clubs (SWOC) – Big Boyz Walleye and Salmon Tournament, the Canadian Legion 185 Great Erie Salmon and Walleye Hunt and the Mitchell’s Bay Area Association – Canadian Tire Mitchell’s Bay Open received the Feature Act Recognition on Monday, May 7, 2018 in Council Chambers.
Each of these groups create opportunities for people to enjoy the natural habits of Chatham-Kent, bring tourists and the funds raised are contributed back to groups and renewal projects.
Mayor Hope presented certificates of recognition and expressed his appreciation for their efforts in promoting Chatham-Kent and giving back.
The SWOC has been hosting the fishing tournament for 15 years. Youth benefit and enjoy the kids’ free fishing derby held each July during the Province of Ontario’s family fishing week. In addition, SWOC partners with Safari Club International to co-fund the National Archery in three area schools. www.swoc.ca.
The Cpl. Harry Miner VC Branch 185 Royal Canadian Legion has hosted the Great Erie Salmon and Walleye Hunt for the last six years of its 38 year history. Every dollar the legion makes from this event goes back into the community as well as assisting veterans.
The Mitchell’s Bay Area Association is hosting the 5th Annual Canadian Tire Mitchell’s Bay Open.
They have capped the registration to 75 boats with prize and money packages of approximately $45,000.
Their goal is to put Lake St. Clair and Mitchell’s Bay on the tournament world map.
Profits from the tournament supports beautification of the area to improve the natural habitat and environmental ecosystem and quality of life experiences.
Trails have been developed with the help of the Municipality and wetlands have been restored that were overgrown with the invasive weed Phragmites.
The group owes its success to the more than 50 volunteers and 60 sponsors without whose efforts and support the event would not have succeeded.
The Chatham-Kent Chamber of Commerce CEO, Gail Hundt, and Wallaceburg & District Chamber of Commerce Chair, Karen Debergh, cited that the actions taken by all these groups are examples of how people investing in Chatham-Kent can create opportunities for people and change people’s future and quality of life through the funds given back to so many projects.
To learn more about fishing experience in Chatham-Kent go to https://www.chatham-kent.ca/Tourism/things-to-do/fishing.
The Feature Act recognition ceremony was held at the Civic Centre during Municipal Council and was televised by YourTV Chatham. Feature Act is a recognition program of the CK Community Leaders’ Cabinet in partnership with the Chatham-Kent Chamber of Commerce and the Wallaceburg & District Chamber of Commerce, and the Municipality to say thanks for building a better Chatham-Kent.
