Month: July 2013

 

A $2 million sewer and water project that will see 1,050 meters of roadway from Canada Way west to the first bridge of Lakeshore Drive dug up this summer will get started as soon as possible.

The project will include sanitary sewer and watermain replacement, storm sewer improvements and the necessary road and sidewalk rehabilitations.

Although it was agreed that work should start as soon as possible, South Dundas Mayor Steven Byvelds, asked that work not start until after Tubie weekend, the 43-year old summer event that attracts large crowds to the Morrisburg waterfront and includes a parade along that stretch of road.

This sewer replacement work was identified as a high priority in the inflow and infiltration study done on the Morrisburg sewer system. 

It is expected that the completion of this work will eliminate or reduce the risk of basement flooding, for which there is a history at several residences along Lakeshore Drive in Morrisburg.

This project includes up-sizing the sewer to accommodate expansion of the collection system to the west limit of the village allowing residents currently on private septic system, as well as future developments to connect to the sanitary sewer, according to the report to council by South Dundas chief administrative officer Steve McDonald.

Todd Grant of AECOM, the project managers, said the hope is that throughout the construction they will be able to maintain a lane to let traffic flow through the area.

“This will be a mess while it’s going on, but in the end it will be worth it,” said South Dundas mayor Steven Byvelds.

The sanitary sewer work will be funded by the Government of Ontario under the Strategic Investments Funding for the sanitary sewer rehabilitation program. The watermain replacement will be funded through water capital replacement and water rate stabilization reserves and storm sewer work will be funded by the United Counties of SD&G. 

South Dundas council awarded the project tender to Cornwall Gravel at the July 16 regular council meeting. 

Four bids were received, ranging in price from $2 million to $2.5 million. Cornwall Gravel submitted the lowest bid.

[…]

 

It’s not even finished yet, but the new Iroquois Wastewater Treatment Plant is already getting an addition.

A year ago, South Dundas council decided that the sequencing batch reactor tanks at the new waste water treatment plant in Iroquois would be covered with fibre reinforced plastic, rather than be located within a building, because they believed that was the most cost effective option. 

Now, a year later, they have changed their minds.

At the July 16, council meeting South Dundas council was told that the pricing for the installation of FRP covers came in at $1.3 million, no longer making it a cost effective alternative.

Instead, it was recommended that the tanks be covered with a masonry structure.

“This might just be a blessing in disguise,” said South Dundas councillor Jim Graham. Council agreed, approving the change.

The additional 5,000 square foot masonry structure will cost up to $1.1 million and add about 16 weeks to project completion.

The report from AECOM Canada, of the project management team, points out that housing the tanks within a masonry building allows the plant to run more efficiently, particularly in the winter months. It also aids in controlling odours and results in a more aesthetically pleasing building.

“The masonry cover can be accommodated within the approved funding envelop,” reported South Dundas chief administrative officer Steve McDonald. 

Through this funding envelop, South Dundas has already been able to do significant work on Iroquois underground sewer infrastructure. 

This new spending will have some impact on the amount of infrastructure work that can be done through existing funding, but the impact will be minimal.

South Dundas should still have about $2.9 million worth of funding left to spend on sewer system upgrades in Iroquois. The funding will be fully utilized before the March 2105 cut off date.

[…]

 

South Dundas council is not willing to declare this municipality as ‘not a willing host’ to industrial wind turbine projects.

A year and a half ago, South Dundas was asked to consider the designation, but the request was shelved at that time, as it did not have sufficient council support to even bring the resolution to the table. 

A couple of months ago, the South Branch Wind Opposition Group again asked South Dundas council to pass a resolution to declare South Dundas as ‘not a willing host.’

Finally, at the July 16 council meeting, the proposed motion from the  SBWOG made it to the table, only to be defeated.

South Dundas councillor Evonne Delegarde brought the motion forward, “We’ve been sitting on this request a couple of years. I think we should deal with it,” she said.

South Dundas deputy mayor Jim Locke seconded the motion.

“I’m only seconding it to get it to the table,” said Locke.

Once put to a vote, Locke voted against the motion. 

“I do not support the resolution and a will not support or deny any potential future project until the time comes,” said Locke.

“In my view, the South Branch wind project is already going ahead. I think council will be in a better position to understand the pros and cons of wind farms after is project is completed.

“We won’t stop the South Branch wind project. I’d rather work with them than fight with them,” said South Dundas mayor Steven Byvelds, who also opposed the resolution. “Will find out within a year what these things are all about,” he said, and added, “The province approved this project, so if there are problems, the province will have to deal with those problems.

South Dundas councillor Jim Graham stated that he would not second the motion, nor support the resolution because he of his strong opinions about the Green Energy Act.

“My problem is with the Green Energy Act. I don’t agree with it. I think the Ontario government should pull back on all of this. It’s almost criminal what they are doing to the taxpayers of this province,” said Graham.

“This resolution is moot. It’s a waste of our time.”

The motion was defeated.

South Dundas councillor Archie Mellan did not vote on it as he had declared conflict of interest.

Leslie Disheau, president of the South Branch Wind Opposition Group, released a  statement regarding council’s decision, saying she was not surprised by the outcome. She does not believe working out any potential issues that may arise with the wind developer is a viable option. “Council should have read the complaint process written on this wind project, and read the documentation given to them on how flawed the complaint process is in this province. I’m not sure how they think there is a different process for our area,” said Disheau.

[…]

 

Take a ride back in time on one of Upper Canada Village’s elegant, vintage carriages which will be on display Saturday and Sunday, July 27 and 28, 2013 from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.  

Looking for speed?  Test ride a spider phaeton or a surrey.  

Interested in something romantic?  Definitely try the vis-à-vis or democrat.  

Or, close your eyes and imagine you are one of the Province’s early settlers travelling via stagecoach on the King’s Highway.  

This weekend event is a once in a season opportunity to get up close to Upper Canada Village’s extensive collection of 19th century vehicles, some rare and unusual and not often seen on site altogether. 

Starting at 11:00 a.m. a parade featuring the diverse collection of horse-drawn carriages will travel through the Village.  

Guests will be able to sit in the carriages or take a ride from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and learn about these seldom seen historic vehicles.

Visitors can stop by the Blacksmith Shop and see a wheel wright demonstration and the specialized tools of this trade and drop in and chat with the Cabinetmaker about the work done to repair and restore Upper Canada Village’s historic carriages.  New this year is a special display in the Discovery Centre showcasing popular vehicles manufactured by the McLaughlin Carriage Company.

While a number of notable 19th century vehicles will be on display, one not-to-be-missed is The Barouche, said to have been driven by Canada’s first Prime Minister Sir. John A. Macdonald.  The Doctor’s Gig both the original and a unique historical reproduction made by Upper Canada Village’s talented artisans will also be showcased.  Other vehicles will include P.T. Barnum’s Band wagon, a racing sulky and many more.

Visitors can enter a draw to win a chance to ‘Ride in Style’ in a Pommier Carriage (a $90 value) during the 2013 Alight at Night Festival.  Entries can be dropped off in the Discovery Centre.

The newly renovated Village Store carries one-of-a-kind artisan-made tinware, woollen blankets, homemade Village fudge, cheddar cheese made right on site in the Union Cheese Factory, flour milled at Bellamy’s Steam Flour Mills and fresh baked bread from The Bakery.  The bread is delivered to the store twice daily at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., but sells out quickly!  

The Village Store also has a great selection of souvenirs, a Candy Shoppe and items made by local craftspeople.  

The Café located adjacent to the store serves specialty coffees and teas, baked goods including croissants, croissant sandwiches and other tasty treats.

Riding in Style ticket prices are Adult (13 to 64 years of age) $17, Senior (65+ years of age) $14 and Youth (6 to 12 years of age) $14.  Children 5 years of age and under are free.  For more information, call 1-800-437-2233 (613-543-4328 locally) or buy tickets online at www.uppercanadavillage.com. 

[…]

 

Eleven-year-olds from Iroquois Public School and Morrisburg Public School will be the first students to get a chance to participate in a new pilot program that will get kids out on the golf course, with mentors, to learn the game of golf and the important life skills inherent in the game.

The pilot program, Stay on Course, was the idea of OPP Constable Pete Robertson, who is the local media relations officer and an integral part of the Seaway Valley Crime Stoppers Program.

OPP and the Upper Canada District School Board have teamed up with the Iroquois and Morrisburg Golf Courses, Archies Driving Range and the Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Community Futures Development Corporation to make this program possible.

“Stay On Course is a pilot program structured to present a quality curriculum that teaches students values such as integrity, respect and perseverance through the game of golf,” said Frank McDonald, Seaway Valley Crime Stoppers board chair, at the Iroquois Golf Course July 17, where the program and funding announcements regarding the program were made during the Seaway Valley Crimestoppers annual fundraising golf tournament.

“In addition to learning fundamentals of the golf swing and the game, this program will instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices which will help young people, starting at the age of 11 prepare for success in life,” said McDonald.

This program will not only allow Crime Stoppers and the OPP the opportunity to be more proactive in the community, it will allow them to form meaningful connections with this community’s youth. “All of the hard work that goes into this will pay off,” said McDonald.

“We are pleased to be a partner in this program,” said Dave Thomas, director of education with the Upper Canada District School Board, speaking about the benefits of the skills children learn while they are at play.

“We are really pleased for the federal government to invest in our youth for a better future,” said MP Guy Lauzon. The SD&G CFDC, which is funded by the federal government, through the Eastern Ontario Development Fund, has contributed $30,000 to Seaway Valley Crime Stoppers to support the new Stay On Course program. “The Government of Canada recognizes the important role that not for profit community based organizations play in strengthening our rural communities. We want our children to be active, healthy and have fun while participating in sports and physical activity.”

“This program will be a real asset to the community,” said South Dundas Mayor Steven Byvelds. “It will provide a great foundation for those who don’t often get the opportunity.”

“It is great to see this program for youth that will help before it’s too late,” said Dennis Fife, chair of the SD&G Police Services Board.

Although the full details of the program are still being ironed out, it is known that the program will be free, it will be organized through the schools and all of the necessary equipment for participation will be provided.

[…]

 

A vacant house at 10873 Seibert Road was completely destroyed by fire July 21.

The call came in at 11:30 a.m. Firefighters from the Iroquois station attended the scene.

“Upon arrival, the building was fully consumed and the structure was down,” said Chris McDonough, fire chief for South Dundas Fire and Emergency Services.

“The amount of garbage and combustible debris that people have been disposing at this location made it very difficult for fire crews to access and extinguish the fire,” he explained.

An excavator was called in to remove excess debris to allow firefighters to ensure that the fire was completely out.

Crews cleared the scene around 3 a.m. and no injuries were reported.

[…]

 

Police and the Ontario Fire Marshals Office are investigating the cause of a July 21 fire that destroyed a camper trailer and damaged an adjacent home.

At 2:47 a.m. a tenant woke up to a fire at the side of his house located at 13027 Froats Road. 

The tenant reported the fire to emergency officials.

South Dundas firefighters from the Williamsburg station attended the scene. 

They quickly extinguished the flames that were burning in a makeshift wooden box. 

“Looking further, it was observed that a camper trailer, adjacent to the house was completely destroyed by fire,” said Chris McDonough, Fire Chief for South Dundas Fire and Emergency Services. 

“Exposures from the fire had melted the siding and facia down to the wood framing,” he added. 

Nearby lawn tractors and equipment were damaged as well.

Crews remained on scene until 4:19 a.m. No injuries were reported.

Fire Chief McDonough estimated damage at approximately $2,500.

[…]

 

Sherry-Lynn Harbers says she likes working outdoors, and she likes working with seniors. So when the opportunity presented itself to return to her summer job for a second year, it wasn’t a tough decision.

Harbers, 20, is employed by the J.W. MacIntosh Seniors’ Support Centre in Williamsburg, as a helping hand to seniors living throughout South Dundas.

She quite simply, does the various summertime jobs that seniors living in their homes or apartments might have a difficult time getting done.  These summertime chores include lawn mowing, planting of beds and gardens, weeding and cleaning and minor maintenance around the home, both inside and out.

“One of the hardest things I have had to do was cut out pieces of sod and move them to an old garden area. It was a lot of work,” says Sherry of the summer job she truly loves.

“Generally, I do a lot of lawn mowing, which has been difficult to keep scheduled this year because of the rain. But, I also weed beds, wash windows and even help clean decks.”

The Leader caught up to Sherry-Lynn recently, at the home of Earl and Sheila Hummell in Morrisburg. While Sherry-Lynn was busy mowing the lawn, Sheila pointed out how valuable her help has been this summer, their first time involved with the program.

“Our riding lawn mower quit. I’ve tried to cut it, and my husband has tried but we can’t do it. It’s wonderful to have Sherry-Lynn help us out. She does just about anything you ask her to do. One day she helped me clean the deck. She has a really nice personality. She is always friendly and always smiling. We have really lucked out with this.”

The Hummells have Sherry-Lynn booked for two hours on Thursdays, and Sherry-Lynn explains that some of her seniors may have her only once all summer for a special project, some appointments are for an hour or two every couple of weeks and some are on a weekly basis.

Now preparing to head into her third year at Brock University where she is studying Recreation and Leisure, Sherry-Lynn says she hopes to work in a recreation program in a senior facility or perhaps in a sports complex setting.

She says she is quite busy and has a list of some 40 to 50 seniors she will work for over the summer. 

Clients pay an hourly rate and Sherry-Lynn is employed by the Senior Support Centre. She puts in a very full 35 hour week, and covers all of South Dundas. She is available until August 23.

In addition to the outdoor gardening work, seniors can find themselves in need of some help indoors. “I might clean their windows, or I might go into their home once a week and help them to clean out a cupboard or two. They often can’t reach the higher cupboards or lift the heavier things. Some have arthritis which prevents them from doing things.”

Seniors who are interested in having Sherry-Lynn help out around their homes can call the J.W. MacIntosh Seniors’ Support Centre in Williamsburg at 613-535-2924.

Now in her second year of employment with the centre, Sherry-Lynn says she has enjoyed the work and the people she has met. “They really appreciate what I do, so they are always nice.”

The summertime student position is partially funded by a government grant, donations and by the charge assessed to the clients. 

[…]