Year: 2012

The Morrisburg High School will retain its architectural character and, at the same time, it will be home to new-age enhancements.

Once South Dundas council made the decision to ‘recycle’ the old Morrisburg High School  building, things quickly got underway and Colbourne & Kembel Architects Inc. were hired in the fall of 2011 to draw up plans for the project.

In terms of a timeline for the project, on March 8th, Chief Administrative Officer Stephen McDonald reported that “a tentative schedule is to have drawings complete by April 20th with the tender period commencing thereafter and running until June 5th. A recommendation will be made to council in June. The timeline to complete the renovations will be part of the tenders.”

The plan for the building is to keep as much of the original structure as possible, thus protecting a bit of South Dundas heritage.

At the same time, changes are being made inside and out to make the building safer, more user-friendly, and perhaps a bit more stylish.

As for the interior, according to McDonald, “the lower level (gym) is being filled in order to construct the main level that will house the medical clinic.”

“The main level currently exists on the north and south sides of the lower level. The main level will be extended across the existing gym to connect the existing north and south entrances.”

“The township offices are located on the second floor. Council chambers and municipal programming space is planned for the third floor.”

As for getting from the first floor to the third floor, McDonald has confirmed that “yes, an elevator is included in the plan. The brick portion in the centre  is the elevator.”

As for exterior additions, “the glass and spandrel panels (shown in the picture) are an addition,” he said.

The main front entrance of the Morrisburg Collegiate Institute will not actually be used as such when plans are completed. According to McDonald, “the existing entrance fronting on Ottawa Street is being maintained as an architectural feature to maintain the facade of the original building. The doors will be replaced by windows.”

The main entrance to the ‘new’ building will instead be located “under the canopy north of the elevator tower. This entrance will provide access to the entire building.”

Parking for the Institute will remain similar to what currently exists. “We plan on providing 75 parking spaces, mainly by utilizing existing asphalt areas. The existing parking area in front of the clinic and behind the high school will be utilized and the area that housed the outdoor rink will be used.”

The subject of what to call the new building came up during the March 5th, South Dundas budget meeting. It is most often referred to as simply ‘the old high school’ and, sometimes, by its original name, the Morrisburg Collegiate Institute. 

On March 8th, McDonald confirmed that the subject of building names hadn’t come up before the meeting and, at this point, there hasn’t been any indication, discussion, or decision made on what the building’s official name might be going forward.

[…]

In last week’s edition of The Leader, it was reported that South Dundas Chief Administrative Officer Stephen McDonald had recommended, at the February 21st council meeting, that council receive a proposal for dealing with “small jobs (that) fall below the approval levels in the Procurement Policy.”

The full article was somehow lost in translation and what follows is the missing piece.

The jobs for recurring services fell into the following categories:

•plumbing repairs/installations

•trouble shoot water meter problems

•electrical repairs/installations

•locksmith services

•HVAC repairs/maintenance

•tree trimming

•roofing repairs

•pest control services

•fire protection systems

•septic/holding tank pumping

•property clean-op

The following companies have submitted bids for jobs in one or more of the listed categories:

•Arthur Thom Electric Ltd.

•Aurele St. Jean Plumbing

•ATEL Air

•Barry McShane Electric

•Black Lumber

•Brooks Tree Service Inc.

•Garry Munro Plumbing & Heating

•Kim’s Locksmith Service

• Logtens Tree Service Ltd.

•Morrisburg Plumbing & Heating Ltd.

•Neal’s Heating, Cooling & Refrigeration

•Orkin Canada

•Safe & Dependable Fire Extinguisher

•Tremblay Fire Solutions

•Twin Peaks Sanitary Services Inc.

•W.C. Robinson & Son Ltd.

•Williamsburg Pump Supply & Service

As reported last week, McDonald explained the idea behind the process: “while submitting the low quote does not make any company the exclusive supplier of that service, the township will endeavour to utilize the company submitting the lowest quote for these services where possible subject to scheduling and satisfactory work performance.”

“Where the low price supplier is not available, the next lowest quotation will be used,” he added.

“Managers will monitor the work of these suppliers to insure that jobs are completed in a timely, professional and satisfactory manner. In the case of unsatisfactory work, managers will have the discretion to utilize the next lowest supplier for future jobs.”

Mayor Steven Byvelds applauded township staff on their efforts toward fairness by opening the process to anyone.

[…]

On March 1st, a house fire on Irena Road was reported to the South Dundas Fire and Emergency Services (SDFES).

According to SDFES Chief Chris McDonough, it was “ a major structural fire.”

As for what took place, he said that “at approximately 11:40 a.m., Iroquois and Williamsburg were dispatched to a structure fire on Irena.”

“When they arrived the flames were through the roof of the house. The owner stated he went out that morning to run errands around 10 a.m. and when he returned around 11:30 a.m. there was heavy smoke in the building and he called 911.”

“It’s believed to be that the fire initiated around the wood stove, although the damage was too extensive to confirm. No injuries were reported.”

[…]

The Easter Seals Society, whose financial and emotional support means so much to many young people, was again delighted by the participation of the community, service clubs and local businesses  in the 2012 fund raising bonspiel held at the Morrisburg Curling Club on Saturday, March 3. “We had 12 teams, including two of Little Rocks, an Oddfellows team and teams from the Morrisburg and District Lions and the Iroquois-Matilda Lions clubs with us,” said Bob Ruddock, treasurer for the Dundas County Easter Seals. “We were able to raise $1,425. Betty Locke organized the event and she and Jim donated a stained glass work for the draw, which was won by Fred Langlotz. This was a for fun bonspiel, although prizes for the top two teams were donated. The final fun draw was a competition between Kyra Lewis, six, and Graham Pemberton, 84.” Pictured above (l-r), in back, are Martina Lewis, Ross Ward, representing Easter Seals, and Emily Byers. In front are Kyra Lewis and Ewan Wilson.

[…]

South Dundas Mayor Steven Byvelds attended the annual ROMA/OGRA Combined Conference in Toronto last week.

The conference, which took place from February 26th to February 29th, gave Byvelds the opportunity to meet with politicians from other municipalities throughout Ontario.

According to their website, ROMA (Rural Ontario Municipal Association), “is Ontario’s rural municipal voice, ensuring that matters affecting rural  communities are brought to the attention of the provincial and federal governments.”

OGRA (Ontario Good Roads Association) “represents infrastructure interests of municipalities through advocacy, consultation, training and the delivery of identified services.”

On March 6th, Byvelds revealed that “there were no objectives going to ROMA. It is,” he added, “a great opportunity to discuss issues or methods with fellow municipal politicians.”

In terms of how things progressed at the conference, he said “there were some good information sessions.”

“I believe if you come home with one idea it was worth the effort.”

As for what South Dundas residents might find relevant from the conference, Byvelds said, “I did go to a seminar that was related to climate change and picked up a contact with information we can use when we have our public meeting concerning the sewer issues in our villages.”

In addition, “there was also a panel discussion on how municipalities need to work with local post-secondary institutions and how they affect economic development.”

According to their own literature, the ROMA/OGRA Combine Conference “is one of the largest annual gatherings of municipal leaders in Canada. It’s aim is to reinvigorate public debate about how municipalities will respond to emergent challenges and opportunities.”

This year’s conference, according to Byvelds, presented a good opportunity “to get a feeling on where the Provincial government is heading in these current times of fiscal restraint (don’t expect the cheque in the mail).”

While Byvelds didn’t get an opportunity to speak with the Premier himself, he did “take the opportunity to listen when he spoke.”

According to Byvelds, Premier Dalton McGuinty “did speak in generalities and hoped to continue to work with municipalities in the future. He committed to the finish date on the uploads but cautioned us on the new spending limit for the OMPF (Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund) of $500 million. He also re-committed to Green Energy.”

While several politicians walked out during the Premier’s ROMA appearance in protest of his energy policy, Byvelds admitted, “no, I was not involved.”

“I do not think it is a way to have a meaningful dialogue on issues. It takes two to discuss and walking out does not solve the issue.”

[…]

The Dundas County Food Bank (DCFB) held their  annual general meeting on February 27th at the J.W. McIntosh Seniors’ Support Centre in Williamsburg.

Brenda Millard, board chair for the food bank, began by saying, “the word that stands out is blessed.”

She then revealed, “we did end in the black this year with our budget. So that’s a good thing.”

She quickly explained that being in the black does not mean that the DCFB has money sitting idle. Rather, “that money has to carry us into the next months, into spring.”

Millard reminded everyone that the focus of the food bank “is to give food to people who are without and we are able to serve our clients and that’s what I see as success.”

During her report as chairperson, she also revealed that she would be stepping down as chair, but would be remaining on the board for another year.

Referring to her start as chairperson, she said, “I was terrified.” And now, at the end, she admitted that “it’s been rewarding.”

In addition to this, Millard said she had been meeting with South Dundas council in relation to the Morrisburg location of the DCFB.

“When I spoke with Stephen McDonald (South Dundas Chief Administrative Officer), I was assured that they were keeping us in mind and that they would be helping us find a new location.”

While not confirmed yet, she revealed that council is strongly considering moving the DCFB into the SD&G library’s present location, ‘below’ the Morrisburg Arena. If this works out, the DCFB would share some of the space with the arena’s maintenance crew.

“It’s an excellent facility with some need for revisions,” said Millard, “but it is a handicap accessible, clean, well-maintained space.”

As for the Winchester location, 2012 is the year for the final payment on the $60,000 no interest loan. The township of North Dundas lent the DCFB money to purchase their May Street location five years ago.

In terms of numbers, Judy Hilson provided statistics for DCFB usage and Dave King presented the financial report.

Hilson revealed the differences in numbers of families served between January and December for a three year period: 2009 saw 1,726 families; 2010 saw 1,606 families; and, 2011 saw 1,665 families.

Of the 1,665 families served in 2011, 776 came from Winchester and 889 came from Morrisburg.

In addition to serving families throughout the two townships, North and South Dundas, the DCFB also serves a handful of families in Finch and Berwick. These towns are “kind of outside any area,” said Hilson, “so we’ve made an agreement with Cornwall.”

“We’ve had support from Finch: the Finch Lions, Catholic school, and BMO,” added Hilson.

Of the people DCFB serves, 42.3 per cent are children. At the Morrisburg location, children make up 44.9 per cent of those using the food bank’s services while at the Winchester location children make up only 39.5 per  cent of those using the food bank’s services.

Included in Hilson’s statistics are those families not living within DCFB’s mandated area who visited the food bank once in 2011. In this situation, “we don’t turn them away. We give them food,” she said. However, “they are encouraged to go wherever they’re supposed to go” for the next visit.

Along with being the DCFB statistician, Hilson is also the coordinator for the Winchester location of the food bank. Norma Smith is the coordinator for the Morrisburg location.

As for the finances, Dave King had great news for everyone. In 2011, the food bank reported $114,155 in revenue and only $95,886 in expenses. 

In addition, they raised more in revenue than they had originally budgeted for in 2011. For example, they had anticipated receiving about $80,000 in donations, excluding grants and fundraising efforts. Instead, however, they received $83,583 in donations.

As for grants, in 2011, the DCFB received $5,000 from RBC, $1,000 from Kraft Canada, $2,000 from the Canadian Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, and $800 from the John Stewart Estate.

Millard repeatedly lauded the overwhelming support received from the public in all its forms: businesses, community groups, individuals, churches and so on. “I don’t hear of support when I go to other meetings like ours, not even from their councils,” she said.

“If we go to the community, they’ve always responded and without that support we wouldn’t be able to carry on.” 

As for expenses, the food bank received a ‘break’ on rent and utilities at the Morrisburg location. The township of South Dundas gave them a special dispensation eliminating the need to pay the fees.

According to King’s financial report, the majority of the expenses go straight toward purchasing food. Excluding extras like fresh produce, dairy or meat, the DCFB spent $132,072 on food in 2011: $73,125 in Morrisburg and $58,947 in Winchester.

Looking forward, Donna Quesnel, Administrator for the Dundas County Food Bank, reminded everyone that “we’re always looking for ideas in our community” for fundraising.

It was also revealed that the annual volunteer luncheon will take place on March 28th this year at the Christian Reformed Church in Williamsburg. According to Millard, the food bank has approximately 60 active volunteers.

Food bank hours are: Mondays from 10 a.m. until noon; Wednesday evenings from 7 to 9 p.m.; and, Thursday afternoons from 1 to 3 p.m.

For assistance,  to make a donation, or to volunteer, contact one of the Dundas County Food Bank’s two locations. The Morrisburg location contact number is 613-543-0065. The Winchester location contact number is 613-774-0188.

According to Quesnel, the Dundas County Food Bank is currently in need of the following items: cereals; canned veggies, including beans, carrots, and peas; canned pasta; canned fruit; soap for bathing; peanut butter; and, margarine.

[…]

 From Kirby the Hermit Crab to Dakota the Poodle, from Florida’s Gatorland to television’s Sesame Street, the young speakers at the 2012 Iroquois Public School Speak Off entertained judges, teachers, family members and their fellow students with some outstanding speeches on Monday, March 5. 

“The eight finalists in our gym were chosen from their individual classroom competitions,” said teacher/organizer Margaret Phifer. “It was definitely tough for grades four to six teachers to choose those finalists because all the classes had some great speeches. This has been an amazing competition.”

This year, after a hiatus of some years, the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 370, Iroquois, is once again involved in elementary school public speaking.

“It is wonderful that we are participating with the Legion again,” Phifer said, “that they are becoming involved with our young speakers.”

This year’s first place finisher was Katie Buter, whose speech, complete with actions and singing, was based on the enduringly popular children’s show, Sesame Street.  Katie will be going to the Legion semi-finals competition in March. She and second place finisher, Darci Dodge, the proud owner of Kirby the Crab, will both present their speeches at Winchester Public School for the South Dundas Family of Schools in April. Third place finisher was Dana Domanko, who shared a wealth of information on a sticky subject, Gum.

Judges for the event were retired IPS teachers Bob Dolan and Gail Burrell, while Maurice Kolff, represented the Iroquois Legion.

At the medals presentation, judge Dolan congratulated all the participants on the tremendous amount of time, energy and effort they all put into writing, practicing and memorizing their speeches.  He also told them that it took real courage to be able to get up and speak before a large audience, and he reminded them to always stay passionate about what they are doing.

[…]