Buses back on the road

South Dundas council approved an application form for the South Branch Community Fund.

The form will be filled out by those seeking funds from the $30,000 per year, 20 year fund which was established by EDP Renewables, as part of the South Branch Wind Farm project.

Eligible projects must be located within the established wind farm boundaries.

Funding decisions will ultimately lie with South Dundas council, as administrator of the fund, with larger contributions needing EDP approval.

Although council approved the application form drafted by their manager of recreation programming, they expressed a desire to form a committee of area residents to help in the decision making process.

“It is a community fund and we want community input,” said South Dundas mayor Evonne Delegarde.

Councillor Archie Mellan suggested that they look to such a committee for a larger scale vision for the area to ensure that these significant funds are put to good use. South Dundas staff will draft terms of reference to seek interest for such a committee.

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After the next council meeting South Dundas council will have their first ever code of conduct.

Staff presented council with a draft of the code of conduct at the September 18 council meeting, and no member of council had any issues, questions or suggestions for amendments to the draft.

“There’s nothing here I can’t sign,” commented deputy mayor Locke.

Of the code, councillor Jim Graham said, “This is certainly something that will be enforceable.”

“This is a trend that is happening, and it’s a good thing,” said councillor Evonne Delegarde.

“There’s nothing here that’s news, but it’s nice to have it put in writing,” said councillor Archie Mellan.

Mayor Steven Byvelds was very pleased with the draft document saying that South Dundas’ code is better than the others he had seen at the recent Ontario East municipal conference.

The document spells out the roles of council, the head of council and officers and employees of the municipality.

It sets out the minimum standards of conduct and specific rules about handling confidential information and releasing information to the media. With this new document council will also have a specific list of procedures to help them handle operational inquiries.

Compliance with this code will be mandatory, as any member of council, staff or the public who believes the code has been contravened will be able to submit a formal complaint to an integrity commissioner. The integrity commissioner will have the power to investigate the complaint filed, make a decision regarding the infraction and impose necessary penalties. 

The integrity commissioner will be retained through a contract whereby they provide the service to the municipality on an as needed basis.

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With more than 60 participants currently registered, there are plenty of people excited about the second annual WDMH Foundation’s Heel ’n Wheel for Local Cancer Care.

Taking place on Saturday, September 7, participants will be walking or cycling on four active routes including: Finch, Osgoode, Russell and South Mountain.

As with last year’s event, due to the far-reaching WDMH catchment area, seven communities were initially chosen as starting locations for all walkers, runners and cyclists including: Crysler, Finch, Morrisburg, Greely, Osgoode, Russell, or South Mountain. 

The final routes chosen for the event include: Finch, Osgoode, Russell and South Mountain. 

By merging some of the initial routes, fewer resources are required, including food, shelter, portable washrooms and even volunteers, therefore making the event more cost effective.

Walkers will be leaving from the Community Centres in Finch and Osgoode at 9 a.m. and from the South Mountain Township Agricultural Hall at 10 a.m. Cyclists and runners will be leaving from Russell High School and the South Mountain Township Agricultural Hall at 2 p.m. 

If you’re into cheering on these participants, you can meet the walkers along the Finch, South Mountain or Osgoode routes between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.; or you can meet the cyclists or runners on the Russell or South Mountain routes between 2 p.m, and 4 p.m.

This event’s proceeds are designated to the WDMH Foundation Cancer Fund, many people who are participating or pledging are interested in the event because they or someone they know has been touched by cancer. 

In 2012, More than 6,300 patient visits took place, including people: having a colonoscopy, using the Ontario Breast Screening Program, or having Chemotherapy visits. 

In addition, many surgical procedures occur at WDMH, including biopsies and cancer surgeries.

Once the active portion of the Heel ’n Wheel is over, participants, their families and friends, as well as any members of the general public, can attend and enjoy an After-Party and BBQ in the Winchester Public School Field on York Street in Winchester (in case of rain, After-Party and BBQ will be at the Winchester Lions Hall). 

Meant to be an inclusive event, this family-friendly afternoon will feature a barbecue, musical entertainment, mini-putt, face painting, balloon animals, a photo slideshow and an awards ceremony. For only $5, the general public can purchase a barbecue ticket which buys: a drink, a burger or hot dog, and a bag of chips.

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