Road work is scheduled for Laurier Street

On April 23rd, South Dundas treasurer Shannon Geraghty confirmed that the April 16th United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry decision to give multi-residential landlords a break would have “no effect on taxpayers.” 

South Dundas taxpayers’ municipal taxes will remain at the already announced 3.5 per cent and the $50,000 needed to satisfy the  Counties will come from the South Dundas working budget.

The issue was first brought to light at the April 17th South Dundas council meeting where South Dundas mayor Steven Byvelds told council that “we did set tax ratios and tax rates yesterday” at the Counties council meeting in Cornwall. 

According to Byvelds, during the April 16th Counties council meeting, North Dundas mayor Eric Duncan requested a reduction to the rate for multi-residential landlords.

A significant reduction in the percentage for multi-residential landlords, Byvelds explained means that “all the other classes pay the burden.”

“Now,” said Byvelds, “our residents have to pay more. I’m not sure if that was a fair way of doing it, however it’s done.” 

“We’ll see if it will encourage more developers,” said Byvelds, as this, he informed council, is the reason for the action.

South Dundas, treasurer Shannon Geraghty pointed out that the issue with the decision at the Counties level is that it equates to a residential tax rate increase of 4.57 per cent, rather than the 3.5 per cent already promised.

“I didn’t anticipate any change, but Counties thought a change to multi-residential was necessary,” said Geraghty.

“The biggest assessment block,” he continued, “is residential. So, it’s the biggest hit.”

Byvelds pointed out that “I’m  not picking on mayor  Duncan, but that’s where it started.”

“As much as you’re trying to increase new,” said Byvelds, “landlords are business people.”

“I can live with non-profit housing,” he added.

As for South Dundas municipal taxes, Councillor Jim Graham said, “I’d hate to have to raise it. I think this year I’d like to see it remain where we set it.”

Councillor Evonne Delegarde agreed, saying “I don’t want to see it raised.”

“Well there goes any fleet reserves,” said Councillor Archie Mellan. “We said 3.5… we’re getting the short end of the stick. I don’t like telling them something and then going back on it.”

Ending the discussion for the night, Byvelds said, “what we’ll do with this one… we can defeat this specific by-law and refer it back to staff.”

Staff followed through on council’s wishes and the South Dundas municipal taxes will remain at 3.5 per cent. 

[…]

South Dundas council was not prepared to declare the Municipality of South Dundas as ‘not a willing host’ to industrial wind turbines, when a local wind opposition group pressured them to pass such a motion less than three months ago, but on October 1, South Dundas did take a stand regarding wind power.

Council agreed to support a resolution drafted and tabled by South Dundas deputy mayor Jim Locke, which declares that the Municipality of South Dundas will not support any future proposals for wind power generating until the supply and demand for electricity generation demonstrates a need.

Council, with the exception of South Dundas councillor Archie Mellan, who did not vote on the resolution due to a declared conflict of interest, unanimously supported the resolution presented by Locke.

“I will support anything that might slow things down and make them (the province) take a look at the energy situation in this province,” said South Dundas councilor Jim Graham.

“I support this. I am, not a willing host, at this time,” said councillor Evonne Delegarde.

“This is not, a not a willing host designation, this is somewhat different,” said South Dundas mayor Steven Byvelds. “I can stand behind this,” he said, suggesting that the council supported resolution be forwarded to the Premier and Minister of Energy. 

“We need to tell the Province to take a look at the energy mix, and make it work better,” said Byvleds. 

While Byvelds says this is not a ‘not a willing host’ designation, the coalition of unwilling host municipalities is now counting South Dundas as one of 71 communities who are unwilling hosts, according to an October 6 press statement.

[…]

The South Dundas Chamber of Commerce will be holding their annual Spring Home and Trade Show at the Morrisburg Arena this month.

The weekend event begins at 4 p.m. on Friday, April 20th with an official opening ceremony at 6 p.m. and will finish at 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 21st.

Of the approximately 80 spaces for exhibitors, to date over 95 per cent have been filled with businesses from all around the area, including a few from Cornwall.

According to Chamber manager, Geraldine Fitzsimmons, “we’re really excited. We’ve got some new local companies coming in and some of the traditional ones too.”

Businesses range from landscaping and home decor exhibitors to restaurant owners. There are businesses of all shapes, sizes, and backgrounds, all hoping to meet new customers and contacts.

In addition to free admission, visitors to the event have a chance to win one of ten $100 give-aways sponsored by the Chamber. 

The only stipulation, Fitzsimmons pointed out, is that the winner must spend the money at one or more of the businesses who participated in the show.

Along with traditional exhibitor set-ups inside and outside the arena, there will also be ongoing demonstrations on the stage. The demonstrations will be done by those exhibitors interested in taking part. So far, among those ready to participate are an Elvis impersonator, a Denmark inspired open sandwich maker, and a Hartford Retirement demonstration.

Three radio stations have signed up and will be  taking turns broadcasting live from the Morrisburg Arena location. Q Country 102.9 FM; Yes-FM 96.7 FM; and, Oldies PAC 98.7 FM are the three participating stations.

The arena will be decorated with royal blue curtains, which according to Fitzsimmons “makes a nice backdrop for our exhibitors to display. It transforms the arena into a real trade show look for the exhibitors.”

“The Chamber of Commerce really appreciates working with Donnie Lewis,” said Fitzsimmons, “he’s always accommodating and always goes overboard to help us.” Lewis is recreation manager for South Dundas.

The Morrisburg and District Lions Club is once again in charge of the very popular Friday night chicken barbecue. 

In addition, this year they’ve added a Saturday morning pancake breakfast from 9 to 11 a.m., complete with maple syrup donated by the Basket Case Café and Gallery.

The Lions Club canteen in the arena’s lobby will be open as well and offering their usual fare.

“We’re hoping people come out to see what South Dundas has to offer,” said Fitzsimmons.

The event takes place Friday, April 20th from 4 to 9 p.m. and Saturday, April 21st from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

[…]