Hot, humid and dry… drought is confirmed

Nicole Sullivan, as South Dundas’s new Economic Development Officer (EDO), is here to help build our community. 

The Leader met with Sullivan at her Morrisburg office on November 2nd to learn more about her and her plans for the area.

Sullivan is a native of Bells Corners in West Ottawa. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Waterloo where she majored in human geography and minored in business and tourism. According to Sullivan, she “went into geography because it was a little more of a broad focus.”

As for her Masters degree, Sullivan went to the University of Guelph where she produced a thesis entitled “Immigration Attraction and Retention for Small Towns and Rural Areas.”

Her first job was actually a volunteer internship in Nicaragua where she worked “on an organic farm (which was) part of a bigger community development project.”

She was impressed with “how the community took what they had and built on it to improve their quality of life.”

When she returned home she “started looking at similar projects,” which is how she found her position as the Area Economic Development Coordinator for the Parry Sound Regional Economic Development Advisory Committee. This position was a year-long internship sponsored by FedNor.

According to www.fednor.gc.ca, it “is a regional economic development organization in Northern Ontario that promotes economic development, diversification and job creation and encourages sustainable, self-reliant communities in Northern Ontario.”

As for why Sullivan chose to become an EDO, she said, “I really like the variety of initiatives and how dynamic the field is; there’s a lot of space for creativity; (and, the position) allows for a lot of interaction with the community and I feed off that.”

In choosing South Dundas as her new home for both work and personal life, she admitted that she’s “always been attracted to small towns and rural areas.”

“I saw the opportunity and couldn’t resist,” she continued. “I was attracted to the tourism opportunities, the rich heritage, and the strong agricultural community.”

Sullivan, at the time of the interview, was only on her third day of her new position in South Dundas and was “still trying to get a feel” for how things work here.

She acknowledged that “people who live here know it the best” and she welcomes their input.

“Yes, if there’s a business that would like to provide some feedback, please come out.”

The EDO position is vast in its description as well as its list of duties. She explained that “it’s very diverse, from marketing to looking at industrial park to engaging with the community.” Sullivan believes that making it work is all about balance.

As for where she will start, it “depends on the community’s objectives and how it wants to move forward.”

At the moment she is “getting oriented to the community (and) learning about its priorities and dynamics.”

Sullivan “recognizes that economic development means different things to everybody” and she’s “really excited to be here and to get moving.”

“I’m looking forward to being part of the community.” Sullivan is hoping to find a place in South Dundas before the snow falls.

[…]

Delia and Bill Barkley of Barkley Farm, have always had concern for greater environmental issues, but one of these issues is hitting especially close to home, prompting them to take action.

For 30 years, the Barkleys have maintained 10 beehives to provide honey, and pollinate the farm’s strawberries and apples which they sell at market.

Having weathered various factors that have impacted their bee population over the 30 years, they harvested their last honey in 2012.

“We believe the bees died because of exposure to neonicotinoid pesticides,” said Delia.

Neonicotinoid pesticides are systemic pesticides applied to corn and soybean seeds. 

She explains that, as the pretreated seed grows, the insecticide incorporates into every leaf, bud and branch. 

Pollinators, like bees, are dying and the Barkleys are not the only people blaming neonicotinoid exposure.

They have joined a class action lawsuit against neonicotinoid producers with other Ontario beekeepers.

The Ontario government is examining possible regulatory changes to reduce the use of neonicotinoids. An ongoing public consultation period ends January 25, 2015.

Delia Barkley says there is a strong lobby against the regulatory changes and she urges people who may share her concerns and favour the regulation changes to submit their comments to PollinatorHealth@Ontario.ca, before the January 25, 2015 deadline.

[…]

This year those enjoying Canada Day at the Morrisburg waterfront will have a new opportunity that has never before been part of the Canada Day festivities here.

This year, there will be a cruise boat operating from the dock offering tours. Some tickets will be available the day of the event, ticket sellers will be set up at the Morrisburg dock. 

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for families to go out on the river,” said Tracey Veinotte of the Morrisburg Canada Day Committee.

In the park there will be plenty of activities including activities and entertainment for the kids. Inflatables, rides and games will be on site. The Ontario Early Years will have activities on site and from 12-3, some more traditional games like the three legged race are being organized by Carrie Van Allen.

For those who like a little competition the Children’s bike decorating contest takes place at noon and there is a new competition this year.

This year, a pie baking competition is taking place. A table will be set up in the market for entries. The pies must be in by 2:30 p.m., with judging to follow immediately. A cash prize is up for grabs.

Musical entertainment, will be much the same as previous years but a couple of new bands have been added to the lineup including Furious Gord (with special guest appearances by Sons of Furious Gord) and Rogue.

Plenty of Food will be on site, including a Thai food vendor, lobsterfest, and sugar monsters (fried dough) along with all the standard fare.

Mobile Gamerz, which features a trailer of gaming equipment with enough room for 16 players at once, will be on site this year. They had planned to be at last year’s event but their trailer was stolen. 

The popular market will be even bigger and better this year. Last year the market had just over 20 vendors and this year, it has been expanded to nearly 30 vendors and displays.

According to Veinotte, the market proved popular with both the public and the vendors, so the committee has expanded it a bit and prolonged the hours, running from noon until 7 p.m.

Fireworks will go as planned. Organizers had some tense moments when they realized that the fireworks factory that burned, and sadly where two lives were lost, was the company that they deal with. 

Since the tragic event the company’s customers have been notified that orders will still be delivered on time.

This year the committee will have some well marked volunteers collecting donations for those who want to give to the fireworks for next year. 

“It would really help us if people made some donations, it would mean we would have to spend less time selling tickets. Then we could focus more of our time on the event,” said Veinotte. Seventy percent of the cost of running the event is spent on fireworks.

Also new this year, is a giant Canada Flag to be painted on the Cruickshank Amphitheatre. The committee hopes that this 18×36 will bring added enthusiasm.

This is the third year the Canada Day Committee, of about 10 volunteers has run this event.

The committee generates funds for the event through raffle ticket sales, the support of many wonderful sponsors from the local business community, some township and federal government funds and the Red and White Dance organized by Kaylee Morrell. 

The Morrisburg Legion helped the cause by donating the use of the hall for that important fundraising event which brought in $1,177 for the fireworks.

“The efforts of everyone who donates and supports this event are much appreciated,” said Veinotte.

[…]