Comment By Bill Jackson

Last week was one of those when there seemed to be an infinite number of community events going on. It's that time of year when everyone seems to be rejuvenated and ready to get outdoors to do something productive.

Well, almost everybody.

The local racing season was ushered in at a local motorsports showcase and barbecue last week that benefited the developmentally disabled. Police and EMS workers were gearing up for events during the next two weeks that honour officers and paramedics fro their work in the community and also create awareness for the public. Ruthven's bird banding program got a grant from Ontario Power Generation to expand its lab. Horticultural clubs are selling flowers and plants to raise money for worthy causes. Car shows and car cruises can be found on the community events calendar. Lions and other community volunteers are walking and riding their bikes for guide dogs. The list goes on and on.

In Haldimand there's certainly no shortage of people who are proactive about the things that matter them most – their community.

However a letter presented at a Haldimand County Council meeting on Monday proves that even community events led by volunteers are being affected by the native land claim situation these days. Finally, a community leader other than a politician, has the guts to say it.

The letter, addressed to Mayor Marie Trainer and County Council, is signed by the President of Dunnville's Mudcat Festival, Carolyn Chymko, who says that the Dunnville "community is now suffering directly."

Chymko has been contacted by several businesses, including a local construction company, that claim their business has suffered to such a degree that they cannot proceed with projects. A local developer who donated $1000 to the festival in 2007, gave nothing in 2008. ditto for local commercial builder. A future business – we're guessing Wal-Mart – that promised to support the festival has not come across with anything so far because it has also been stopped by natives. And according to Chymko's letter, other smaller businesses that supported the festival in the past have reduced their donation or have eliminated it altogether.

Last week, a local man from the Caledonia area asked me to write a story on the positive events going on in Caledonia this summer. Rumor had it that Canada Day in Caledonia had been cancelled, he said, however that isn't the case. There are numerous events coming up over the next few months. So get your calendar ready.

Hopefully people will dig a little deeper in their pockets this year when organizers appeal for donations. Because while occupations are one thing and a resulting lag in municipal operating dollars is another, the ripple effects are having a tremendous impact on many community groups.

But we all must realize these issues, confront them and speak out instead of going along in a cloud.

I can't tell you how many times I've been out a community events at which people tell me they are scared to say anything, fearing reprisal from native factions and even government agencies.

When someone tells you something is off the record, you have to listen. And therefore, many of the hurdles experienced by local community groups go unreported.

While there are lots pf positive things happening, community groups made up of volunteers and hard working citizens are now suffering. It's true, some stories can only be positive, but they could be even better. And that, at least to my way of thinking, is neither negative nor positive, but a shame.

Business and development are the fabric of our local communities and the proof is in the pudding. Because even the positive events that people look to to take their minds off such ongoing problems are beginning to suffer.

Those who sit back and continue to stay silent are just ignoring a major issue that will continue to fester without the voice of everyone that's affected.

A local group is calling on developers and builders to take a stand against people blocking development throughout the watershed and put their name behind their actions. Chymko has asked Haldimand Council to convey her concerns on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce, to the proper provincial and federal agencies that might be able to help. This, even thought he Mudcat Festival sis till a go in June. It's also time that community groups of all sizes speak out and do the same, instead of waiting for others to solve the problems for them. We've all done that, and it doesn't work.