Property value goes up

Shannon Geraghty, treasurer for South Dundas, made a recommendation to council at the April 3rd meeting on behalf of the Park Pals committee.

Geraghty recommended that council “authorize a transfer from the Parkland Reserve Fund in the amount of $2,000 contingent upon the committee, through fundraising efforts, raising the balance for the landscaping work at the Waterfront Dog Park.”

According to Geraghty’s report, “the scope of the work to commence at the dog park includes:

• An irrigation system that will over spray the heavy traffic areas of both the large and small dog park areas which will help to make the seeding and fertilizing efforts more successful.

• Excavation and installation of a gravel pad inside the entrance to the large park as a means to deal with the wear and tear incurred due to people/pets arriving, leaving, and congregating at the entry area.

• Installation and supply of electrical wiring including trenching, conduit, wire, sand, cement, etc. in order to allow for a light fixture to be installed between the two parks.”

During council’s discussion, deputy-mayor Jim Locke said, “I have no doubt that the group will fulfill their obligation. That’s good.”

“They do a good job,” agreed councillor Jim Graham.

Councillor Evonne Delegarde and mayor Steven Byvelds both expressed concern over the addition of the light fixture and how it may or may not fit into the plans of the Morrisburg Waterfront committee.

Byvelds had additional concerns as to the process for electrical hook-up and for ongoing payment of electricity charges at the dog park.

Geraghty pointed out that the current water and sewer charges for the dog park are being paid “from funds raised by the committee.”

The Park Pals committee is looking to SB & D Landscaping Co. of Iroquois to complete the work.

“The total cost including HST along with the rebate that municipalities currently receive,” reported Geraghty, “the cost that would be required to be financed through transfers and donations would amount to $6,989.97.”

“The committee currently has applied for a lottery license to conduct a Mother’s Day Draw for May 13th,” he reported. “They will be printing 1,200 tickets and selling them at a cost of $5 per ticket.”

He said the group hopes to make $5,000 in profit from the draw.

According to Tracey Veinotte, co-chair of the Park Pals committee, “we have some good prizes.”

The six prizes include: an ipad 3, a $200 Canadian Tire gift card in a Coach wristlet, a $100 gift card from Valumart in a Fossil wallet, a Swarovski pearl and crystal necklace, a manicure and pedicure from Pamper Me Esthetics, and a home visit from Mobile Hair and Make-Up Service.

The draw will take place on Mother’s Day, May13th at 1 p.m.  at the South Dundas Dog Park in Morrisburg. 

The fun part, according to Veinotte, is in the delivery. They plan to personally deliver the prizes to the door of each winner on Mother’s Day.

Once the Park Pals committee has secured their portion of the required funds, the township will transfer the $2,000 from the Parkland Reserve Fund and give it to the group.

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Forty teams participated in the Renegade Bass Classic XX held this year in Morrisburg. Although Renegade Bass tournaments have experienced some amazing tournaments here in Morrisburg in the past, the participants this year generally said […]

Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary’s Nature & Wildlife Day on October 2nd.

The yearly event, hosted by the Friends of the Sanctuary, offered an array of informative, educational and entertaining  options.

Little Ray’s Reptile Zoo brought a few residents from their home in Ottawa. The lucky reptiles and amphibians in attendance were able to enjoy the warmth of being inside the Interpretive Centre.

Outside, despite the cold and mist, everyone seemed to enjoy the various exhibits.

“The Roasting Man” filled the autumn air with the delicious smell of summertime barbecue.

Under the shelter of tents, visitors could browse the tables filled with various items for the silent auction, arts and crafts, baking, and used books. They could also try their luck with some raffles. 

Visitors were given the opportunity to build a birdhouse or sift through samples of water for various bugs and other living things.

The Raisin Region Conservation Authority and the South Nation Conservation (SNC) were in attendance to answer questions. 

In fact, the SNC was also hoping for some votes. They were recently “awarded $10,000 in funding from the SHELL Environmental Fund.” By voting online for SNC, the $10,000 could turn into $25,000. Shell will choose the top eight programs. If interested in voting, the link is http://fuellingchange.com/#org-list where South Nation is listed in the project profiles.

The Canadian Carp Club was also available with their freshly caught carp. For those who were curious, “petting” the carp or more precisely “toughing” the carp was also possible. The club was there to bring awareness to the “sport” of carp fishing. It was pointed out that the majority of all carp caught are again returned to their habitats, including the visitors to Nature & Wildlife Day.

For those looking to pet wildlife with fur, there were a number of opportunities. The Monalea Petting Zoo’s llamas and goats were more than eager to say hello. Also there were rabbits and ducks.

The Muskoka Wildlife Centre’s demonstration included an introduction to a skunk, a grey fox, an opposum, a porcupine, and a groundhog. For those who wished, the groundhog welcomed a friendly pat.

Falcon Environmental Services provided the airborne wildlife who couldn’t be touched, but could definitely be admired and appreciated.  Among the guests present were the Harris Hawk, the Peregrine Falcon, the  American Kestral, the Barn Owl, and the Great Horned Owl.

The proceeds from the event will “assist in the promotion of educational, resource management, recreational and interpretive programs at the Sanctuary.”

The free-to-use walking trails are open year round.

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