Zainab Al-Mehdar
Calumet Island Feb. 21, 2022
The day started off sunny but it didn’t take long when Canada’s weather turned to wind and flurries. But that didn’t stop community members from coming out to the annual ice fishing derby at L’Île-du-Grand-Calumet held by the B.GC.P Fire Department (covering the areas of Bryson, Grand Calumet and Portage)
About 70 Pontiacers and their kids gathered around fire stoves to stay warm, enjoyed a hot dog, and patiently watched their fishing rod for the slightest movement and indication they might have a fish on their hands.
Because it snowed the day before, Martin Bertrand, Grand Calumet firefighter, noted they had to do a lot of shoveling the . . .
night before to give people access to the ice.
“Our biggest goal was to do something, especially these COVID times, to get people together,” said Bertrand.
The annual fundraiser is a way to buy equipment for the department when they need it but also as a way to give back to the community, and that is what it was all about, pointed out Bertrand.
With the restrictions loosening up it was a great way to gather with folks safely, and because COVID put a damper on their fundraising efforts the event will certainly help replenish the funds they need for the department as it was the first event since the pandemic started.
All dressed up for the windy weather Stephane Laroche of Cloture S&A Fencing was out enjoying his time with some of his friends. He hadn’t caught anything around noon but noted he was just happy being out and enjoying being together with his friends.
Samantha Smith watching closely for fish said, “The sun is shining, it’s windy, but we’ll get through it.” She was also there with her family, excited to be out and having a good time.
Bertrand stated that the fire department is close with its residents and not being able to throw events has been hard on them.
He added, “this is a way for us to connect with the population that we serve. When we see them normally we see them because it’s a tragedy, but this is a fun event.” And stated that it was an event the community was looking forward to.
For many, coming out to ice fish was for the social aspect and being able to see their neighbors and friends. Melissa Stewart said she was there because it was for a good cause, and it meant a lot for her to show up and support her local fire department. She too hadn’t caught anything by around noon, but said while laughing “it is the name of the game.”
Most of the fishes caught were pike and while everyone was gathered around the fire with a drink or sitting in their ice shack to warm up, someone would yell that a fishing pole moved.
Bolting in hopes of catching a fish someone would run to their fishing pole only to pull up an empty fishing line. The afternoon was full of these moments as people watched and laughed and mostly patiently waited for that oh so slight movement.
Winners for biggest, second biggest and third were announced at 4 pm. In first place with a 2.8 pound pike was Brett Yach.
Bertrand also mentioned that the community has been generous enough to donate gifts to make this event fun. Although they might not be big and flashy gifts or big cash prizes he said “It’s more for bragging rights” and that people came out to have a good time.
Bertrand informed THE EQUITY that all fire departments in the Pontiac are looking for firefighters, although there is a lot of training and courses involved, it is rewarding. “You go and help save lives and you’re involved in a community, a brotherhood of firefighters,” emphasized Bertrand.
For anyone interested Bertrand encourages people to contact their local municipality or local fire department for more information.
