Pictured L-R: Sherry Jimmy (Reeve of RM of Meota), Harvey Walker (Mayor of Cochin and Committee Chair), Rob Wiebe (Committee Technical Advisor), Roddy Whitwell (Mike’s father), Peter Wiesner (Cochin Councilor), Candy Whitwell (Mike’s mother), Ruth Seime (North Sask. River Basin Council member and Cochin Councilor), and Brittany Fader (Mike’s sister). The breakwater area can be seen in the background. (Submitted photo/Battlefords and District Community Foundation)

By Martin Martinson

A lasting impact

Michael Whitwell Memorial Fund Supports Jackfish Lake – Lehman Creek Breakwater Project

Sep 6, 2023 | 3:17 PM

Members of North Battleford’s Whitwell family recently presented the Breakwater Rehabilitation Committee with a grant of $11,538 from the Michael Whitwell Memorial Fund, to support the Jackfish Lake – Lehman Creek Breakwater Project.

The project is intended to minimize siltation of the creek outlet, support efficient transfer of water through the creek, fish and fish habitat, and reduce the effects of flooding upstream of the breakwater between the two lakes.

Resort Village of Cochin Mayor, Harvey Walker spoke to the value of the grant given in Michael’s name, via release by the Battlefords and District Community Foundation.

“This generous gift in Michael’s memory helps assure that we will make our fundraising goal in efforts to rehabilitate the breakwater,” he said.

“Rehabilitation is essential to maintaining free flow of water between the two lakes. Structural failure of the breakwater is on the horizon and, if it happens, navigation between the lakes will, among other negative results, be a thing of the past. We thank the Whitwell family for their vision.”

HEALTHCARE

RBC Foundation donates $10K to up-skill BUH nurses

3h ago

Black smoke pours from Sistine Chapel chimney, indicating no pope was elected as conclave opens

3h ago

Preeceville measles exposure risk

Measles exposure risk in Preeceville: SHA

3h ago

Michael’s parents, Roddy and Candy, and his sister, Brittany Fader were on hand for the presentation, and said in a joint statement it is a valuable cause that would have been close to his heart.

“Mike’s love and respect for the lakes helped us to make the decision to support this project. He was passionate about the fish and wildlife,” they said. “The lake was a huge and important part of his life. Supporting its longevity in his memory is an honour. We encourage others to support this important project.”

The Michael Whitwell Memorial Fund was established with the Battlefords and District Community Foundation following Michael’s death in 2011. It has also provided support for the dock in Cochin.

—

Martin.Martinson@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @MartyMartyPxP1