Seeking ‘Big Bike’ teams

 It’s only been about six months since municipal water and sewer users experienced a substantial increase in their utility bills, but another increase is on the horizon.

Because there’s not enough money left to fund the necessary capital projects for the South Dundas municipal water treatment plant, staff asked council to consider increasing the fixed water charge by $4 a month. That increase would mean that Iroquois water users will see an increase of $8 a month once sewer charges are factored in, and Morrisburg water users will see a total increase of $7, including sewer charges.

South Dundas treasurer Shannon Geraghty explained that increasing the fixed portion of the rate structure is the only way to tackle the issue. He said that if the consumption charge is increased, it would only prompt people to conserve, and therefore not bring in the funds needed.

Even with this increase, there will not be enough money in the water reserves to pay for the $558,500 worth of capital projects that need to be done. So, the funds for the capital work will be borrowed from the Morrisburg and Iroquois sewer reserves which are healthy at almost $1.8 million.

“We can’t do this on a regular basis,” commented South Dundas councillor Archie Mellan.

“You’re right, this is not sustainable,” agreed South Dundas chief administrative officer Steve McDonald. 

Nonetheless, South Dundas council agreed to the proposed increase.

The biggest capital project at the South Dundas water treatment plant is the replacement of the Zenon filters, the main component of the plant.

These filters are nearing the end of their 10 year lifespan.

While staff knew that they would have to replace them soon, they recently learned they actually need to purchase the filters before October 6, 2015.

South Dundas manager of public works Chris Bazinet explained that the original water treatment plant contract included a 10 year replacement cost of guarantee of $350,000. 

That means if the filters are purchased before October 6th they will cost $350,000. If they are purchased after that date, they will cost $700,000. 

So the municipality  needs to act sooner than later to take advantage of the offer. The new filters must be installed at the time of purchase.

Council is expected to approve the necessary bylaw for the increased rates at the next regular meeting.

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Three local Dundas Country agencies, Linking Hands, the J.W. MacIntosh Seniors Support Centre and the Dundas County Food Bank were all recipients of 2012 grants from the John Stewart Estate Memorial Trust Fund. The money is investment income derived from the 1991 sale of the John Stewart Home in Cornwall. Representative Adele Eyman said the board looked at the “sustainability of each organization, as well as the numbers of people it served” in determining recipients. These Dundas groups “are all good neighbours in their communities,” she added, presenting the checks on Saturday, March 10, at the Seniors Support Centre in Williamsburg. Linking Hands will use its $400 to continue to develop its Lunch and Learn program through the House of Lazarus. The Dundas County Food Bank will use the grant of $1,166 to help “keep stocking our shelves with healthy food,” said Food Bank administrator Donna Quesnel. Janet Levere, executive director of the J.W. MacIntosh Senior Support Centre hopes to use the $400 grant towards subsidizing vital transportation costs. Pictured (l-r) are Nancy Christie of the House of Lazarus, Janet Levere, Adele Eyman, Alvin Runnalls, chair of the Dundas County Food Bank and Donna Quesnel. 

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The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has ended its week-long Spring Seat Belt Campaign and the preliminary numbers are in.  

From April 14 to 22, 2012, officers checked vehicles throughout the province and laid a total of 5,585 seat belt related charges.   

The OPP was pleased to see no seat belt related fatalities during the campaign but there were a reported eight people injured in collisions in which seat belt non-compliance was a factor.  

“Despite the fact that seat belt legislation has been around for over 35 years and has saved countless lives, one in four deceased occupants last year (2011) were not properly restrained,” said OPP provincial commander for traffic safety, deputy commissioner Larry Beechey.  

“Not just this week, but every week, motorists can expect a zero tolerance approach to seat belt violations. Buckle up – it takes just a few seconds and one click of your seat belt to significantly reduce your chances of serious injury or death in a crash,” added Beechey. 

In 2011, 71 Ontarians lost their lives in collisions in which seat belt non-compliance was a factor.

Non-use of seat belts remains one of the four major causes of persons killed in fatal motor vehicle collisions along with speeding, impaired driving and driving while distracted.

The motoring public should remain aware that, as part of its Provincial Traffic Safety Program, the OPP will continue to aggressively enforce all traffic safety laws throughout the year, including seat belt legislation.  

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