Lake Nipissing Summit Report
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Transcript of Lake Nipissing Summit Report
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8/2/2019 Lake Nipissing Summit Report
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LAKENIPISSING
SUMMIT
REPORT 2012The following document outlines the discoveries after the-two day Lake
Nipissing Summit including notes taken during the World Caf regarding
questions on the future of Lake Nipissing.
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The 2012 Lake Nipissing Summit was a conference-style event designed to create an awareness and
consensus on the need for shared ownership towards the future of Lake Nipissing. Bringing together
members of the communities surrounding the lake, this event provided knowledge and background
information on the lake and its current status, as well as provided a voice for all participants on the
major issues of Lake Nipissing. The summit was focused on three major pillars: social, environmentaland economic. The summit was the first step towards a brighter future of Lake Nipissing through
shared accountability and collaborative efforts.
Included in this report you will find the demographics of those who attended the summit, responses
and outcomes from the World Caf and survey results of the effectiveness of the summit.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the sponsors of the Lake Nipissing Summit for
contributing to its success and helping start the conversation towards a brighter future for Lake
Nipissing.
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DEMOGRAPHICS
All parties were invited to attend the Lake Nipissing Summit. Below outlines the demographics of the
participants.
Examples of people/organizations that fall under the following categories:
Leaders Mayor from the communities surrounding Lake Nipissing
Students Nipissing University/Canadore College students, high school
students
Education/Faculty Professors, Interim President of Nipissing University, Biological
technologist
General Public Retired public members, concerned citizens, other
Tourism Industry Cottage association owners and operators, Resorts, Camp
Directors
Economic Industry Economic Partners
Environmental Industry Conservation s Authority, Greening Nipissing, Ministry of the
Environment FRi Ecological Services
Government Ministry of Tourism, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, OPP,
NOTO
First Nations Chief, Councilors, Nipissing First Nation, Union of Ontario Indians,
Dokis First Nation
5% 8%
10%
18%
10%8%
10%
12%
19%Leaders
Students
Education/Faculty
General Public
Tourism Industry
Economic Industry
Environmental Industry
GovernmentFirst Nations
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WORLD CAF
A World Caf is a conference format that allows all participants a voice on the selected topic. It is
founded on the assumption that people have the capacity to work together, no matter who they are
and what backgrounds and knowledge they have.
We put leaders, stakeholders, tourism operators, general public and students into one room and gave
them three questions surrounding Lake Nipissing to discuss at round tables. One person at each table
was asked to volunteer to be the table host. The role of the host was crucial to the success of the
World Caf as their purpose was to efficiently take notes of the conversations that took place. Each of
the three questions was given two rounds of 15 minutes each. Before the second round of each
question, participants moved to a different table, except the host. The host recapped what the
previous group had discussed. In the end, the recorded conversations included everyones voice.
QUESTION 1
In order to benefit the future of Lake Nipissing from a social, economic and environmental
standpoint, what opportunities can we see that would increase knowledge and awareness about the
lake?
Themes that arose from this question are noted below and the number in brackets beside each topic
indicate the number of participants that felt this was in their top 3 choices for most important of all the
questions and themes.
Education: primary through to university (8)
Central Data Warehouse available to all (10)
Future Summits/Committees (3)
Ministry of Natural Resources participation (6)
Join the Eastern Georgian Bay Fisheries Restoration Project (1)
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After a review of the comments from the World Caf, it was clear that education and having
information available to all was of main concern. Individuals not directly involved with the daily
decisions and information about Lake Nipissing feel they are not educated enough to know what the
real, and most immediate, needs are. On the other side, those that are aware of the issues feel they
have no outlet to communicate this information to the public. Potentially including this information in
the secondary and post-secondary schools curriculum was also discussed.
The media was another topic that was discussed and how they can play a role in the distribution of
information.
While having future summits was among the top 5 themes, it was noted that there are issues that
require immediate attention and dont necessarily require ample discussions and debates with a large
group, but rather actions among many smaller groups.
Overall, there was a general consensus that everyone wants to be more informed. From youth to
retired professionals the feeling was that it is vital that we begin to share information and work
together towards a brighter future for Lake Nipissing.
A complete list of notes from Question 1 can be found in Appendix A.
8
10
3
6
1
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
Education Central Data Future Summits MNR Join EGBFRP
What would increase knowledge andawareness?
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Question 2
In moving forward towards a brighter future for Lake Nipissing from a social, economic and
environmental standpoint, what needs our immediate attention?
Themes that arose from this question are noted below and the number in brackets beside each topicindicate the number of participants that felt this was in their top three choices for most important of
all the questions and themes.
Regulations - eg. fishing licenses, reduction of harvest, fisheries control (14)
Educating the public, communicating ACTION (18)
Development of a communications plan (4)
Funding more studies - eg. Spiney flea, creel count, algae (10)
Ministry of Natural Resources participation (9)
Pollution Monitoring (1)
Although a different question was posed, conversations seemed to arise about educating the public
and having a more transparent system when sharing information, which indicated its importance.
Various potential solutions were discussed regarding altering regulations but they were generally
outside the scope of the participants expertise to formulate an actionable item. It was clear that
conversations needed to continue in an alternative environment with experts in order to reassess
current regulations and how they are managed.
A complete list of notes from Question 2 can be found in Appendix B.
14
18
4
109
10
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
Regulations Educating the
Public
Communications
Plan
Funding Studies MNR Pollution
Monitoring
What needs our immediate attention?
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Question 3
How can we support each other in taking the next steps? What unique contribution can we each
make?
Themes that arose from this question are noted below and the number in brackets beside each topicindicated the number of participants that felt this was in their top three choices for most important of
all the questions and themes.
Set-up committee and additional summits (7)
Outreach to stakeholders communicating the issues (9)
Co-Management (18)
Accountability collaboration on Lake Nipissing Fisheries Management Plan (7)
One voice (8)
Co-management was a strong theme for a response as to how the public will be able to support each
other. Although, after the discussion on this topic it was clear that individuals have various
interpretations of what the term co-management means. Setting up a committee and having
additional summits was among the top five themes from question three. Suggestions of having a group
of individuals with representatives from each sector and department in order to get a truly informative
and well rounded opinion of the health of the lake was another popular topic.
A complete list of notes from Question 3 can be found in Appendix C.
7
9
18
7
8
0
2
46
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
Committee Outreach Co-Management Accountability One Voice
How can we support each other?
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Overall Results
The following demonstrates the complete list of results from the World Caf that were compiled and
assessed:
Legend:
A Media Involvement
B Education and Research (secondary, post-secondary and public)
C Volunteers
D Committee/Annual Meeting/Leadership Group needed
E Environmental Issues
F Enforcement/Management
G Biology/Funding StudiesH Regulations
I Sharing Information/Accountability/Cooperation and Co-Management
J Ministry of Natural Resources More presence
K Partnerships
L Tourism
M Communication Plan/Action Plan
18
40
5
40
73
12 12
23
86
1315
5
20
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
A B C D E F G H I J K L M
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Conclusion
With the overall analysis of the results, sharing information and co-management was the top
reoccurring theme among all questions during the World Caf. Participants each had their top
concerns and immediate needs but without a clear overall awareness of the lake, decisions cannot be
made. During discussions issues and topics were brought forth that many were unaware of, althoughextremely important.
It is clear that there is a common theme among participants genuine concern of the health and
future of Lake Nipissing. Immediate actions to improve the lake did not have a common theme
however; creating committees that represent each sector equally in order to move actions forward
was a common consensus among participants.
A survey was distributed to participants following the summit and results were positive and motivating
as we move forward. A more complete analysis of results and the questions that were asked can be
found in Appendix D.
The success of the Lake Nipissing Summit will be determined by how the information in this document
is shared and acted on in the future. Chief Couchie closed the summit stating that, We havent
finished, weve just begun. Ive witnessed us come together and have spoken about our heartfelt
passions. There will be a report created from the Summit and in the immediate future we will call the
leaders together and develop a suggested action plan and it send back to the group. We will commit to
action.
The plan moving forward is exactly what Chief Couchie said in her closing remarks. Actionable items
will be determined that the leaders will then discuss and communicate to their regions. The strategy
developed will bring together a variety of people and follow this report in order to address the issuesthat were of most concern to the public who attended the 2012 Lake Nipissing Summit. While it is in
the beginning stages of action, it is a positive start in a brighter future for Lake Nipissing.
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Appendix A
Details on the findings from Question 1 in support of the key themes
EDUCATION
Approach Cogeco, advertising comments from these experts on the lake. People would learn
from these individuals
Take advantage from university, they are offering (expertise) for research
Education plays a great factor, TV station also school
Problem we have to re-educate homeowners expansion of homes-trailers
Lack of enforcement for owners contaminating Lake
Integrated local education curriculum that explores resources, culture, history provides
context for creating solutions (open minds)
Elementary school (GNSC) kits, build on this
Ensure all Ontario Curriculum links all school boards and schools
Education about need to clean boards, etc. (invasive species) at boat launches
Fact sheet etc. @lodges, resorts, outfitters etc.
What are some best practices in other places
Should have sustainable fisheries agreement similar to forestry, user funded formula
Everybody needs to cut back if youre not willing to might as well cut summit short
NFN commercial fishing awareness
Educational tools curriculum, target audience rec. anglers
Tourism awareness Opportunities operators, signage at access pointsYouth are concerned about the environment, their ears are open, they need a forum they have
the voice start education young (build on game presented)
Knowledge of various communities, organizations and stakeholders both locally and
provincially. Relationship building (Economical too)
More media coverage to get message out (social)
Tourism, new models for businesses
More communication around lake
Downloadable app
Need to reach entire comm.Fun event, public education, interactive, involve youth, create multimedia, social network
Gord Miller - Environmental Commissioner of Ontario
Stewardship council stuff for kids Adults
Lake Nip. Mascot, Wally the Walleye, Winnie, Pat Pete the pickerel
Festival
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Tie in with Canoe Festival
Awareness of Fishery and ecosystem
Make a short film on issues, documentary/educational
School groups, education/awareness
Film series of different issues
Canadore students to direct/produce ie You tube, social media
Guided tours (talk, history, changes)
Visual experience, 1st
person, ie 1st
nation water walkers, Josephine Mandaamin
Environmental cleanups (shoreline)
Media: fishing/angling # of fishermen vs. ice fishing
Weekly guest column Nugget, Nipissing Reader, Nipissing News and rotate between social,
environmental, economic
Cogeco weekly hour show or monthly
Webpage
Facebook page Qs and AsThis is 2nd
summit need a grass roots educational drive
CENTRAL DATA WAREHOUSE AVAILABLE TO ALL
Make it mandatory for septic system
Raised on the French cottages and other areas probably doing the same
Looking at shoreline /habitat
Building inspector but we have no one that really inspects where septic systemIndependent, mutually support biologists studying the lake (holistic, thorough)
Signage about the issue on the lake
Sharing of research and efforts more broadly
Central Warehouse of information
Timing of information. Data communication. Management
Hands On Ecosystem Management Experiences
Nipissing Univ. Involvement in scientific research
Website info sharing communication tool education
Info needs to be tailored to specific audiences need that communications flow to breakbarriers (social & economic)
Social media!!! Using it to get the word out ..attractive to youth
Establish a database of people who want to know what is happening and help Lake Nipissing
Information: sharing info among agencies, more research and collaboration, paleolimnology
historic changes in organisms.
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Fast track strategy for messaging
United message around the lake
Challenge with messaging because fishing will be good
FUTURE SUMMITS/COMMITTEES
Each group have meetings exchange ideas
Looking at maybe volunteer updating of system
PLAN FOR FUTURE weather
Access to waterways
Development of local regulations on the fishery
Building regulations collaboratively
Focus on mutual prosperity
More collaboration between stakeholders
Governing body involving different interest groups
Sector focus, Agriculture, Tourism, Industry
Yearly conference like this
Utilization of stewardship councils
Independent & funded assessment team made up fisheries experts (scientists)
More interaction between stakeholders
Restructuring/re-engagement of ADFC, Anishnabeck Ontario Fisheries Resource Centre
Hard decisions must be made sooner than later
Multi-faceted leadership group with representation from community
Create own entity, lake wide above current political structure or bring players together
(economic)
Social action plan to move forward from meetings like this!
Ppls need to come together more often to gain a true holistic view of the lake, the knowledge
isnt out there, knowledge based curriculum, local. Build understanding.
Timelines and organizational group
Harness local passion, knowledge and experience fir well being of the lake (enviro & economic)
Continue to bring people together to establish momentum to get political attention to deal with
issues on Lake Nipissing
Engage volunteer groups
Utilize University support, connect to programs and research
Town hall meetings spring late aril on waster, festival, Union of Ontario Indians Water Walk
Strategy to continue this formal summit.
Balanced committee, pooled resources, research
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Working with community organizations, management among regimes
Responsibility (economic, environmental)
Declare emergency united communities
Put agendas aside and create interest group who can decide needs
Form a body to take ideas forward
MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES PARTICIPATION
We need more volunteers MOE used to do a sample no more funding stopped
MNR needs to participate in events like this
Local involvement from govt as participant not just enforcement
Outreach from govt on ways for environmentally friendly ways of upkeeping/upgrading
waterfront properties (proactive vs. reactive)
MNR must be an active participant
Need for MNR role, need more support. Unity provides argument for this, productivity(Economic)
Utilize MNR to establish procedures, processes for Nipissing stakeholders to use
MNR Statement?
Seek govt funding
Working with federal agencies
Provincial engagement/enforcement
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APPENDIX B
Findings from Question 2
REGULATIONS
Lottery for huts ie tags, on deer/moose
Fishing license allows you to catch a set number of fish
More promotion of conservation licenses
Close ice fishing
Look at fisheries regulations and cut angling limit significantly
The lake cannot support a commercial fisheries redirect to tourism
Rotate slotsize and seasons
Need neighbourhood watch concept
Tourist operations need to police selves, collect data and educate clients and to track data toassist MNR COs
Hatchery made aware of restocking problem can we do it vicious circle no solution
prioritize what needs to be done 1sst
Tighter control of ice fishing no over night
Crisis reduce harvest province First Nation
Need flexibility to act on regulations to deal with Lake status
Quota and slot size must be addressed
Walleye fishery needs to be addressed to protect spawning fish
Action plan to execute ie; forest industry, compliance issues, for all industries ie low waterlevel blue/green algae/septic tanks in cottages
Legislation /enforcement
Update laws and regs in the province to remove top dog logic
normal farming practice
Drainage act
Follow Lake of the Woods project
New management approach
More responsible regulations
Fisheries control
General health of the lake
mandatory reporting of harvest
Regs to protect fish to reach spawning size and angling regs
Inspections of shoreline septic systems, agricultural practices, etc other discharger
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EDUCATING THE PUBLIC
Look for other communities Lake Simcoe and follow suit
Promoting catch and release
Inform public to accept the situation
High years/low years
Education
Tourism/economics focus
Today is the 1st
day of your life make it count work together
Lake Nipissing ecosystem must be better understood
Education of the community
Educating people - broadcasting summit going into schools radio Nugget, Social Media ie
Facebook
Look for comments from public Facebook
DEVELOPMENT OF A COMMUNICATIONS PLAN
Communication PR high profile and public awareness
Information with respect to the state of the Lake Nipissing must be communicated to lake users
and decision makers
Communications committee
Co-operation/communication between Lake Nipissing stakeholders
Communications/education to agricultural communityNext steps who drives the bus?
Commitment to management, joint lake wide, immediate
Need more comments, get ministries involved more between each other
Keep all members around the lake in the loop
Geographic cohesiveness, following of standard policies and regulations
Regular column in paper ex Nugget
Common comprehensive consensus point of view affects oneconomic socially as well
Not all municipalities and reserves are here and should be from here out
Alternate marketing campaign for fish species (diversify harvest)
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FUNDING MORE STUDIES
Restoring fish population, alter harvest immediately cut down harvest or close for certain
timeframe
Study spiny water flea what to do about it and what we know so far
Continue monitoring spiny, BGA
Creel count find a better way
Create value in other species
Protect young walleye find a solution could be reduction of # of young walleye that can be
caught
Blue green algae, spiny water flea and decline in mature walleye need an action plan to address
must be developed and implemented
Creel counts log catch
Agricultural prosperity adjacent to watershed
Review MSY and Quotas
Warm water outflow from harbor front (pollution, concentration)
Small problems need to be fixed - large problems need to be addressed ie; # of fishes coming
out of lake
Need good science freely available to all up to date current independent biologist
including First Nation information collected all year round
More broad based approach to research, produce management plans holistically
Need to be addressed urban issues like storm overflow
Storm water management 2 day/rain no swimming salt? necessary there are solutionsbut problems still remain
$$funding need new ideas foundation community
Watershed thinking
MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES PARTICIPATION
Joint enforcement stronger
Provincial regulation to be looked at
Economic partnership with organization Chamber of Commerce MOE business Big
MNR enforcement many young fish coming up now slot size fish still being harvested
stricter penalties repeat offender
Greater MNR participation and collaboration
POLLUTION MONITORING
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Pollution issues sewage checks also an enforcement issue
APPENDIX C
Question 3
SET-UP COMMITTEE AND ADDITIONAL SUMMITS
Each talk to your community about what is happening to the lake
Each group identify someone who can sit on a committee
Each group identify a need to be addressed
Each group should realize other group needs and decide what they are willing to give up for the
lake
Need coordinating body anglers, scientific and government
Political advisory group
Set up advisory committee for education on issuesSupport consensus ie; cod population
Stick to it
Realize long term goals
Find a way to engage
Set goals and milestones
All mayors/councils be brought on board in order to communicate and agree on changes we
have to have meetings
Summit is unique it is starting a good example
Sub committees maintain respect when different points of view are shareAn unbiased fisheries specialist group (apolitical)
Inform ourselves, our neighbours, our groups that we are involved in
Keep momentum going
Develop matrix of contactswhos who resources from this group to draw on for area
meetings , media, communications, scientific, etc
Continue talking
Social events (make issues personal)
Education for tourism operators
Ongoing summit to (1 day/year) to allow info to be updated to community
Mayors and FN should formalize a Lake Nipissing Interest group
Establish a lobby group to promote the interests of the lake
A lake summit to be established on a routine basis (1/yr) to exchange info
Outreach to stakeholders that are interested in the well being of the lake
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OUTREACH TO STAKEHOLDERS COMMUNICATING THE ISSUES
Everyone understand the need for give and take collaboration
Take it as your personal task to help the lake each day
Political group send letter to MNR requesting their participation
Political group discuss with Vic Fedeli and Jay AspinMeet with Ministry of Environment
Take ownership of the problem before its irreversible
Educate, enforce long term, have pamphlets
Promote sustainable chemicals, detergents
Less lighting around the lake for shadflies
Drama might be having a stronger messages
People/organizations be able to give not always take
Need a gathering place ie Facebook page
Next steps matching funds with initiative user fees - $$$Creating additional recreation activities on the lake
Need to educate re garbage fishing regulations, septic systems, FN treaty rights,
Municipalities send out info through tax bills
Alternate revenue generation does not exhaust resources crown land use on atv bicycle
trails
Implementation of fishery hatchery
Reach out to rod and gun clubs to educate on rights, science
Ensuring sustainable opportunities (harvesting)
Look outside the province for other models
Leadership from NFN
CO-MANAGEMENT
Include all organization not just NFN/municipalities, stakeholders,
Chamber of Commerce, Tourism, Camp holders, universities, research organizations,
conservation authorization provincial bodies
From west to east biggest area of water North Bay should be a moderator and provide
leadership to get it goingNFN has the chance to be the leader in starting this change
Encompass all people/groups in decision making (meetings) from Callander to West Arm
French River Save our Lakes
Support each other unique contributions
Everyone has to be willing to make a contribution (MNR)
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Co-manage fishery with FNs
Support each other with a unique contribution
Co-management model Easter Georgian Bay model include Nipissing Trust Education
Partnerships NFN and tourism
Crisis fisheries and managementRecognition of Management systems
Education advisory committee educate public about the lake educate municipal leaders
Information shared between parties MNR/Greater Nipissing/NFN/etc
ACCOUNTABILITY COLLABORATION ON LAKE NIPISSING FISHERIES MANAGEMENT PLAN
Municipals looking into Melbourne principles for sustaining cities and we should follow suit
Volunteer reduction in catch ongoing until formal regulations come into effect
We have to get past the blame stage
Science has to be providing some solutions with scientific details- personal involvement and
experience of lake (new also)
Barriers politics - $$$ - equal partners good faith democracy needed for larger forum
Ice fishing all take/no give user fees on commercial shacks has to stay on lake
Catch reporting forms mandatory reporting form ice fishing harvest accuracy
Highlight what everybody is already doing any gaps? Ie opportunities to support overall
sharing
Stage 2invite everybody who wasnt there ie MNR
This is a good 1st
step willing to participate
Share information and responsibility for the problemCompromise and creativity
No organic bait (artificial bait only)
Show NFNs leadership and initiative (public awareness strategies)
We need to work together stakeholders tourism MNR FN OPG etc
Share perspectives between tourism First Nations value of other species
Publicize names enforcementrestorative justice concept works well need to find ways
to work with offenders
Environmental/cultural protection
Cultural/social identity of lake respect of surroundingsCommunicate to fellow fishermen of factors contributing to decline of Nipissing Fishery do
not blame natives for harvesting or wasting less marketable species
Return to own home and act as individual with choice of change
Responsibility on user
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Possible re-branding managing in harmony with F.N. bring special attention co
management info flow try and change mentalities re fisheries, rights
Review regulations for next year needs to be done now this summer
Collaboration on info encourage participation by providing an economic, social benefit
Accountability and publicity positive supportSurrounding communities need to respect self governing laws, regulations
MNR transparency
How is technology impacting lake
ONE VOICE
Establish website, good science, interactive to add content, to see data (MNR)
Each one/teach one
Loud, united voice consensus and communication plan proper representationRecognize the princiiple values
Trust education
Pride in our lake
Bridge the gap
Best practice who leads
We must all take responsibility for the better good of the lake
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APPENDIX D
Survey given to participants
1. What days did you attend?
2. How did you hear about this event?3. How easy was the registration process for the summit?
4. Overall, are you satisfied with the online registration? Would you like to see other methods of
registration in the future?
5. Did the World Cafe format make you feel like part of the conversation towards the future of the
lake? (knowing that the report is soon to follow)
6. What would you consider was the most effective aspect of the Lake Nipissing Summit?
7. What could be done to improve the overall experience of the Lake Nipissing Summit?
8. Would you attend this event again?
9. Overall, were you satisfied with the conference, neither satisfied nor dissatisfied with it, or
dissatisfied with it?
10. Comments?
Survey Results
A survey was distributed to all participants asking for their feedback on the organization and overall
effectiveness of the summit. From those who responded the following was discovered.
62% of participants attended both days of the summit. Reasons for not attending both were
mainly work related and prior commitments.
Over half of the participants found out about the summit through word of mouth
Almost 95% of participants found the World Caf format effective in allowing everyone to have
a voice.
All but 1 person said that they would attend the Lake Nipissing Summit again
Overall, 93.1% of participants were moderately to extremely satisfied with the overall format of
the summit
When asked what the most effective aspect of the Lake Nipissing Summit was, the follow were among
some of the responses:
Making people aware of the issues related to the lake and the viability of the fish populations.
The World Cafe was great because it gave people an opportunity to be engaged in the
discussion. The comments were displayed and open to all.
I enjoyed the ability of the facilitator to keep the discussion on track, as this issue can
sometimes be somewhat confrontational, especially between First Nations who are rights
holders and priority users and local anglers/tourists.
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Important to have both the research and the opinion side of the discussions to engender lively
discussion of views at the world cafe.
Hearing a variety of sources that ranged from academic scientific research presentations to
anecdotal. The "World Cafe" was interesting and valuable. I like the way the groups were pre-
structured by the organizers to include a diverse group. Good dialogue resulted between FNand non-FN.
All Components of value
I believe that the bringing together of different user groups so that each could hear the other's
viewpoints and concerns about the lake was very important. This I believe is a very effective,
and maybe the only, way, for people to understand how others utilize resources in and around
the lake. The world cafe was an effective tool as well to allow everyone to have their say
regarding what they feel are the most time-sensitive issues facing the health of the lake.
When asked what could be done to improve the Lake Nipissing Summit, the following comments were
made:
MNR involvement. Another Summit in one years time.
more small group interaction
Perhaps next year, the days could be blocked into themes, with both the talks and world cafe
discussions following each "set of presentations"
All stakeholders involved
The discussion at the end could have been longer and maybe directed by topic (i.e. breaking
down the issues and discussing issue by issue).
Could the summit address other concerns regarding water quality and biodiversity as well as
how to achieve a balanced approach for Lake Nipissing?
When asked for any additional comments, the following were some of the responses:
It is an event that engages people about the health of our lake and opportunities to discuss
some of the problems that need to be addressed. I hope that we will be able to make progress
if all involved take a united stance.
Chief Marianna and Mayor Al McDonald should be commended for organizing this important
summit
I enjoyed the summit, but there is still much work to be done, and action plans need to be
established.
While I felt the summit was an excellent start, I think the general public needs to be heard
from---even if it might prove to be rather contentious. The public needs to see the whole
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picture, not just their own point of view. That won't happen unless data (and the seriousness of
the situation) is made public.
The speakers were very educational and very competent especially Richard Rowe and Phil Hall .
Mr. Reynolds, the tourism man had some constructive ideas about providing more activities for
tourists besides fishing so as to have activities that would be of interest to all members of afamily