Twenty-five apply for public works boss job opening

 

While recent rainstorms have been a welcome sight, they have not been enough to officially change the drought status or lift the fire ban in South Dundas.

On July 24, Sandra Mancini of South Nation Conservation Authority (SNC) confirmed that the Level 2 Low Water Condition remains in place.

“The recent rainfall was very localized,” said Mancini. “Some areas got a lot of rain and some had nothing at all.”

“It had little impact on the watershed. The river flows at well below average for this time of year.”

She reported that while Ottawa received 13 millimeters of rain on July 23, Cornwall received 17.4 millimeters and Brockville none.

Mancini further explained that it would take one full week of very steady rain of long duration and low density to make any positive impact on the current drought situation. 

She pointed out that, unfortunately, the July 23 storm was very high in density and low in duration.

The Ontario Low Water Response program, implemented in 2000, has three levels and according to Mancini, “we are really close to a Level 3 right now.”

“As of today, some of the conditions have not been met” for a Level 3 Low Water Condition,  but, she added, it’s very close. 

While only the province can officially declare a Level 3 drought, South Nation Conservation’s water response team will meet on August 2nd to review the situation. If conditions, at that time, have reached a Level 3, SNC will recommend to the province that the designation be updated.

In determining the water condition, the water response team monitors water levels within the watershed and tracks any reported water-related issues.

The team at South Nation Conservation ask that anyone experiencing water-related issues contact them at 1-877-984-2948 extension 223 or extension 227.

At this point, no dry wells in South Dundas have been reported, but Mancini pointed out, during the 2001 Level 2 Low Water Condition there were several reports of dry wells in South Dundas.

Contacting the SNC will not only give the water response team the data to support their findings, but it will also give area residents the opportunity to ask questions and find out what to do in a dry well situation.

In fact, those residents whose wells are low, but not yet dry, should also contact SNC for information. Low water levels in wells could affect the quality and safety of the water. 

The Eastern Ontario Health Unit (EOHU) provides free water-testing for wells. More information on this can be found by contacting SNC or by contacting EOHU directly.

South Nation Conservation continues to promote conservation. People are asked to use 20 percent less water than they would normally. Should the drought be upgraded to a Level 3, the province will determine if any restrictions are to be put in place in terms of water usage.

In related news, the fire ban in South Dundas remains in place.

South Dundas Fire and Emergency Services chief Chris McDonough was contacted on July 24, following the previous day’s rainstorm. 

“We need another full day of rain before I’ll even think about lifting it,” he said.

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  There’s a cartoon which shows a middle-aged woman, clad in a heavy black suit and sensible shoes, holding a hefty briefcase, and standing at the side of a pool. All around her are men, […]

 

 Among the horses to be showcased at Upper Canada Village’s Horse Lover Weekend (August 30-September 1) are the Village’s very own Canadian horses, now recognized as Canada’s National Horse. 

“They [the Canadians] are indispensable to our programs, and they play a key role in bringing the essence of the 1860s to life.  I can’t imagine Upper Canada Village without our horses! ” says Bruce Henbest.  

This special Labour Day weekend event features three days packed with activities showcasing riding, driving and working horses.  

Natural horsemanship demonstrations and a mock 1860’s horse auction will be part of the weekend’s activities.  

It is a great opportunity to watch, learn and improve your understanding of all things equine, with demonstrations and performances by notable horse experts.

Farrah Green who states her mission as “helping horses with their people, as well as furthering my own horsemanship skills,” has an extensive background as both a rider and teacher. Green, a 3 Star Parelli Natural Horsemanship Instructor will share her knowledge about how to communicate more effectively with horses and will give multiple performances and demonstrations throughout the weekend.  

Joining Green will be Gary Meek and the Spirit in Unity team from Drogheda Manor in Lunenburg, Ontario.  

This team will demonstrate the principles of natural horsemanship in an educational and entertaining presentation that is fun for the whole family.  You will never look at horses in the same way again!  Free horseback rides will also be offered.

CTV Ottawa’s News at Noon Anchor Michael O’Byrne will be the honourary Parade Marshall on Saturday. 

The Parade of Horses takes place at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sunday & Monday in front of Cook’s Tavern and will feature Ken Reid’s six horse hitch of giant Percherons and Upper Canada Village’s six horse hitch of black Canadians along with a number of other breeds.  

Following the parade O’Byrne will help with auctioneering duties at the Mock Horse Auction 1860’s style at 1:30 p.m.  

To join in the bidding at the auction “horse lovers’” dollars must be purchased in advance along with an auction number.  

The lucky bidder will receive a photo with the horse and Farrah Green.  

Other unique items made by Village artisans will be sold in a real auction. Registration and purchase of horse lovers’ dollars takes place at the wooden booth in the fairgrounds.   

Upper Canada Village will proudly feature the versatile Canadian Horse – now officially recognized as Canada’s National Horse – and the many different ways Canadians are used on site.  

The Village has played an important role in the preservation of the Canadian Horse.

In the late 1970’s, when the Village began its breeding program, there were few pureblood Canadian horses outside of the province of Quebec and their numbers were dwindling.  

The Village has continued to promote this historic breed and is now the owner of 25 registered Canadians.  

Traditional horse-related skills will be demonstrated by Village staff and the ingenious ways horses were used in the 19th century.  

This includes field work, drag saw and tow scow operation, horse-powered threshing, making deliveries and driving carriages.  

“We are very excited to welcome 3 star Parelli Natural Horsemanship Instructor Farrah Green to Horse Lovers’ weekend,” says Henbest.  “We also are appreciative for the support from the local horse community.”

“Upper Canada Village has a very special relationship to horses and for our visitors the horses are a seamless part of the Village experience.  We rely on our Canadian horses to pull the carryalls with visitors, they are the power behind our Tow Scow in the canal and they pull the wagon to pick-up the bread from the Bakery every day just to name a few tasks they perform.”  

The weekend will include musical performances by fiddler Robyn Howes on Sunday, and a special Celtic music performance by A. J. Benoit and The Blarney Show Band from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Monday, September 1.

Visitors are cautioned to be careful around horses.  Horses may cause injury.  Always ask the driver or rider, first before touching the horse or riding in a vehicle.

 

 

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