A Christmas Carol supports WDM Hospital

“I have received information from other groups in South Western Ontario that proponents have been revisiting councils who have wind turbine projects proposed for their areas in an effort to gain their approval,” said Bruce Albers, president of the South Branch Wind Opposition Group.

Concerned by the information, Albers and the opposition group sent a letter to several governmental representatives including council members for both South Dundas and Edwardsburgh/Cardinal townships as well as local members of parliament and members of provincial parliament.

“The letter was to remind both South Dundas and Edwardsburgh/Cardinal councils that there is a significant number of residents who oppose these projects,” said Albers, “meaning councils should not assume the community is in favour of such projects.”

In the letter, the group stated: “We sincerely hope that if the Ontario government initiates any call to municipalities, townships or counties soliciting support that the broader public, including groups such as ours, will be consulted and included in the determination of any assignment of ‘points’.”

Premier Dalton McGuinty’s recent changes to the Green Energy Act outline a points system whereby a community’s interest in wind projects is determined. The initiative is meant to help those communities who want the projects to get them more quickly.

There is not, as of yet, a system or device by which a community can outright refuse projects.

The South Branch Wind Opposition Group’s letter ended with a plea: “Your assistance in ensuring that all voices of affected residents are considered and heard in this divisive debate is appreciated.”

On June 4th, South Dundas mayor Steven Byvelds reported that council has not been approached by any wind company proponents other than Prowind Canada. 

He also confirmed that council has not been approached by any provincial governmental body in relation to the points system.

“We will follow whatever the protocol is,” said Byvelds, in reference to dealing with any future  contact from possible wind company proponents.

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Has a County employee gone above and beyond to give you excellent service? 

The United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry is pleased to announce their new Staff Recognition Awards initiative – and is looking for nominations from both staff and the public.

Recognizing those that go “Above the Crowd”, the County Staff Recognition Awards provide an opportunity for County employees to be recognized for any actions or undertakings that are above and beyond the expectations of their regular job responsibilities. 

“We sometimes receive letters and emails telling us about the good work that our employees are doing in the community,” said Counties CAO Tim Simpson. 

“Our staff also recognize the achievements of their co-workers and colleagues. These awards give us the opportunity to recognize these employees for their dedication and leadership”.

Three new awards will be handed out on an annual basis: the Customer Service Excellence award, the Safety Smart award, and the Innovation, Sustainability and Leadership award.

Employees who are a recipient of a County Staff Recognition Award will be recognized at the June 17th County Council meeting. 

County staff who have achieved specified years of service or are retiring in 2013 will also be recognized at this time. 

To nominate a County employee for an award, the public is asked to fill out a nomination form, available online at www.sdgcounties.ca. Further details on these awards can also be found on the County website. 

The deadline for submissions is Friday, May 24th, 2013.

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South Dundas council and staff are working to find a way to accept a generous offer of $50,000 towards the expansion of the Iroquois beach. At the November 3, regular council meeting, South Dundas council […]