With spring comes the roar of motorcycles
Sir: The harbingers of spring are finally here and the birdsong can be heard everywhere from the sparrows, robins house finches and more. The first earthy scents of moist earth, finally released from winter’s grasp are found drifting on the wind. The greening of the grass and the first hint of the green buds that are forthcoming though, not yet, in the trees that adorn our fair city and, the joggers are out in force.
But, there is another annual accession that comes to our waiting ears that is more an invasion of the senses than a welcome addition to the budding season of spring. I refer, of course, to the annual onset of the motorcycles that fill the air with the unrestrained and guttural thunder of their cacophonous engines.
Cars and trucks must have some form of sound reduction on their exhaust systems to be legally compliant with noise bylaws, but not for the motorcycle crowd, who treat us to a symphony of their more eruptive sounds of spring.
For me, and my neighbours, we have the odious benefit of being subjected to these vehicles as they present their growling, whining or roaring engines as they race between Errol Road and Christina, up to Michigan and Christina and, for that matter, all through Sarnia.
It matters not the time of day or night for, these machines are ubiquitous at all hours as they race from point A to point B. I have had the great pleasure of riding motorcycles in my life, but I never had one that made any more noise than a standard motor vehicle.
I have never been able to understand the double standard. I mean, even lawn mowers have mufflers!
The need for the mounting roar of the motorcycle, while being out and about, must have something to do with man’s primeval need to express his masculinity in the superlatives of faster, stronger, bigger but mostly, louder.
Paul Pinel
Sarnia
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Shared student art project inspiring
Sir: I would like to congratulate Mya Chiasson as well as her fellow SCITS and St Clair classmates who were featured in the article “Common Ground” in the April 14 Sarnia Journal.
Their positive attitude and their vision for the future are to be admired and praised!
It is heartwarming to observe these young people demonstrate such leadership, and an understanding that change can open doors and lead to opportunities when you keep an open mind. Kudos also to their teacher, Jenn McQuade, for supporting them in their mission.
Perhaps their involvement in this process could be of great benefit. I sincerely wish you all a very happy and bright future!
Suzanne Oliver
Sarnia
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‘Thank you’ to a Good Samaritan
Sir: I just wanted to thank the person who found my mother’s purse at the Superstore on Monday, April 18th.
By turning it in, you saved her a tremendous amount of grief. Your honesty and integrity was so very much appreciated.
Proof that Good Samaritans do exist!
Sincerely,
Kathy Elliott
Bright’s Grove
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Allen Cup brings back memories
Sir: I recently watched the Allen Cup final on television. Even though it has been 37 year in the past, my memories seem much more recent.
In 1979, and again in 1981, our team from the neighbouring town of Petrolia won the Allen Cup, presented for winning the Canadian mens’ senior hockey championship.
When I saw the cup presented to the Bentley Generals after they won the deciding game 4-3 in overtime, I was proud to recall that Petrolia had its name engraved on that piece of history.
It seemed ironic that the final games this year were played in Steinbach, Manitoba. When Petrolia won one of its championships, they handily defeated the team from Steinbach right here in the old “barn” on Brock Street.
Thanks to the players, coaches and fans for giving me those fond memories of the past.
Don Carpenter
Sarnia
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Getting gouged at the pumps
Sir: I am writing about the ongoing and ever increasing gouging at our friendly gasoline stations.
Due you remember the summer of 2014, when a barrel of oil was almost $110 and a litre of gas was $1.30?
I went to fill up this morning only to find gas had gone from 86 cents a litre to $1.06, and it's only going to get worse with our so called leader of Ontario adding fee's to our already out-to-lunch gas prices.
I think the Premier should have some standardization of pricing in place for the province. I'm well aware that big oil sets the price of gas, and I guess today's sunshine and warmer spring weather justifies a 20-cent increase at the pumps.
Please explain how gas prices in the City of Sarnia are always higher than the GTA, Ottawa or London, with rail, road and waterways and the U.S. at our doorstep.
As a new resident of Sarnia who is enjoying the slower pace of life, I'm wondering what our government representation has to say about all this.
With Sarnia recognized as a retirement community, and a good majority of people on fixed incomes, I'm truly hoping we’re not being preyed upon due to demographics.
Perhaps boycotting local gas stations would get the message across. Take a stance in our community, people, voice your concerns to your local politicians and don't become one of the sheep.
Our current government is a Wynne-lose situation.
Bill Shanessy
Sarnia
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Add a restaurant to RiverWalk pier concept
Sir: Re: the April 21st Journal article about architect David Lavender’s excellent idea for Canada’s 150th anniversary.
Mr. Lavender’s plan is to extend and elevate an existing walkway at The Pointlands out into the St. Clair River, ending at a domed pavilion with an eternal flame on top.
The cost was estimated at $2 million and, although as stated, there may be various funding sources, that is a lot of money to raise for this endeavor.
My first thought when seeing the design drawings was, ‘Wow, that would be amazing.’ On second thought, it brought to mind a long-lost vision that has fallen by the wayside over the years, and that is a fine-dining restaurant on the waters.
While the dome idea is a great one, this might be the time to go back to the restaurant idea. When the public walks the pier and gets to the end, a place for a beverage or even dinner would be an option.
The dome shape and eternal flame could still be a reality, only make it an eatery with an opportunity to dine on the water.
Of course, across the bay is the Dockside, but I say the more the merrier! There is room for both and they would not necessarily attract the same clientele.
Lastly, we need to keep in mind the fact that Centennial Park’s funding for remediation is running out and many of the original plans will not materialize. This could end up being yet another fundraiser for the city and its citizens.
Whatever is decided, Mr. Lavender’s plan is appreciated and hopefully will be a reality in some form or other - another great way to make use of our beautiful St. Clair River and Sarnia Bay.
And if the cruise boats decide to dock in Sarnia for indefinite periods of time, both the Dockside and a new restaurant would do killer business!
Nadine Wark
Sarnia