Unanimous support for Williamsburg library

WILLIAMSBURG – A funding request from the Morrisburg Business Improvement Area has been turned down by South Dundas council.

The BIA requested just over $11,000 to help fund the installation of an electronic sign on the north face of the clock tower, in the Morrisburg Plaza.

The sign would be used to promote area businesses and community events.

The funding request was made through the Dollar for Dollar matching funds program. However, staff and council agreed that this application did not fit the criteria of this program which is intended to match community fund raising efforts for capital recreation projects on township-owned lands.

South Dundas chief administrative officer Steve McDonald characterized this as a “quasi-commercial” endeavour.

“This is definitely not in the true spirit or intent of the program,” said South Dundas councillor Archie Mellan.

“The project does have merit, but the businesses are the best funders of this project,” said South Dundas mayor Steven Byvelds.

South Dundas councillor Jim Graham, who is the council appointed member to the BIA, asked on behalf of the organization if council would instead consider short term financing of the project, for which the BIA has already set aside some of the funds.

Council will explore the idea of instead providing a loan to the project once a formal request is made to council. 

In the past, council has provided loans for capital projects to other committees of council, such as the marina committee.

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Williamsburg is all decked out in its fall-finest because this is the weekend that the Williamsburg Community Association presents Williamsburg’s 23rd Annual Fall Harvest Festival.

Events kick off Friday evening with a free movie night at the Oddfellows Hall in Williamsburg with a screening of The Legend of Oz – Dorothy’s Return.

Saturday morning, one of the newest events to Harvest Festival, the Outhouse races take place at 10 a.m. along Villa Drive.

Last year was Harvest Festival’s first go at outhouse races and it proved very popular. All are looking forward to the races. For those not participating, spectators are encouraged to check out the fun-filled competition. 

Saturday morning judging will take place for various competitions including heaviest potato, largest sunflower face best decorate bicycle, and more. 

The Harvest Festival parade takes place at noon.

Saturday, park activities for the kids including face painting, pony rids and petting zoo and air bounce will be available, along with games, displays and demonstrations. Shoppers may want to check our the Craft Show and Sale at J.W. MacIntosh Seniors’ Support Centre and the Flea Market and Farmers Market at the park.

The 6th Annual Allan Doherty Memorial Horseshoe Tournament also runs Saturday at the park. 

As always, admission and events that take place from one end of the village to the other are free of charge.

Saturday night revellers can shuttle their way to Matilda Hall to dance to Landmark. The shuttle which picks up in Morrisburg and Williamsburg is free. Admission to the dance is $12.

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The United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry’s budget deliberations wrapped up February 16th with a planned 1.2 per cent tax increase to the counties portion of property tax bills. Overall, the 2016 budget will […]