Month: July 2014

MORRISBURG – For the first time, South Dundas officials have made public the final cost of the South Dundas Municipal Centre project. 

The final tally is just over $5 million.

The final numbers were presented at the July 15 regular council meeting, where council decided on the details of how the project will be financed.

“Five million dollars is a lot of money. However, no project gets done without the extras that needed to be done,” said South Dundas mayor Steven Byvelds. 

“Renovating an old structure such as this is a challenge for those involved, but I believe that what we have is worth it. In the end, we have used an old building and brought it back to life to serve the community with a new clinic, library and municipal offices for years to come.”

According to South Dundas chief administrative officer Steve McDonald’s report, the total project cost of $5,001,693.54 included the construction cost of $4,266,690. 

That number was originally expected to come in at $4.1 million; the $3.9 million contract approved by council, plus the $200,000 contingency.

Adding on to the actual construction cost were; some major changes in the project, due to unforeseen structural conditions ($87,000), some additional masonry work ($18,000), miscellaneous minor changes ($28,000) and $40,000 worth of required changes to the clinic space, that council approved.

On top of the construction costs were; $464,000 worth of professional fees for project management, architecture and engineering, $33,000 worth of required studies, $17,000 worth of insurance, $20,000 for the electrical service, $5,000 of miscellaneous expenses and $30,000 interest on the construction loan.

Of the professional fees, including project management and architecture, Mayor Byvelds reported they came in at roughly 11 per cent, which is below the average for work of this nature. “Our other major infrastructure projects all come in the 15 per cent range,” he said. 

Also included in the project cost was the $165,000 purchase of the former St. Lawrence Medical Clinic location in Morrisburg, which was renovated into a new home for the Morrisburg library, with some office space which is being rented to the St. Lawrence Medical Clinic.

Once grants ($10,000), recoverable funds ($8,400) and prior municipal funds committed to the project ($750,500) were factored in to the equation, the balance needing to be financed is just over $4.2 million.

Staff recommended that $200,000 of that come from the existing Morrisburg visitor centre reserve and from working funds, and that the remaining $4 million be financed through Infrastructure Ontario over a 20 year term.

Staff recommended, and council agreed to, a serial debenture as the total estimated repayment costs are about $200,000 less over the 20 year term of the loan. Council also asked that payments be made monthly to save a further $50,000 in borrowing costs.

In the first year, the Municipality of South Dundas’ loan payment will amount to almost $341,000. 

That number will decrease annually, when in 2034, the annual loan payment will be just over $207,000.

This council has set aside fund for the first year’s payment, which will likely come due under the next council. The annual payment that the municipality receives from the St. Lawrence Medical Clinic will also be allocated to the repayment costs.  

This long term debt payment is well within the means of the municipality, which has an annual debt capacity of $1.5 million.

The renovation of the South Dundas municipal Centre is complete, with a one year warranty. 

The only portion of the building that could need some work within the next few years is the roof of the library, which was not replaced as part of the project.

Byvelds pointed out that the cost of the project, was about $195 per square foot. “This figure is very comparable to any new project and demonstrates it was the right thing to do, “ said Byvelds, acknowledging the long-running debate of renovating versus building new. He pointed out that South Stormont’s new clinic build is about $218 per square foot.

“The building is affordable, adds to the asset base of South Dundas and I feel confident that once we get past this debate, we will look back and be amazed at how we did without such an asset in the past.” 

[…]

 

It might have been raining in areas around the Iroquois air port, but overhead, Sunday, July 20, the weather was perfect. Nearly 700 people, including pilots and passengers from 50 planes and two helicopters, arrived in Iroquois to enjoy a breakfast served up by volunteers from Ross Video.

John Ross was very pleased with the level of community support. He was equally appreciative of the hard work done by all the event volunteers, whether directing planes on to the field, acting as air traffic advisors, or working behind the stoves, during a day which began well before the first aircraft touched down.

“Our Ross Video people were fabulous,” Ross said.  “We streamlined our kitchen service this year and it worked out very well. Even better, Cherie Scott has agreed to head up our kitchen team. The township also installed six high current outlets on the site, and what a difference they make for food preparation.”

Planes flew in from many directions. Michel Boucher of Embrun, landed his kit-built Mosquito Helicopter, and drew an immediate crowd. So did Luc Thibault of Lachute, who arrived in a 330 pound, hand-made yellow Hummel Bird. “They have a good breakfast here, and my refrigerator was empty,” he laughed, as he answered dozens of questions from the crowd. 

A Chipmunk tandem cockpit 1949 deHavilland demonstrator, owned by Iroquois resident Reagh Simpson, flown by Jean-Pierre Chartrand and David Murray, also drew a great deal of interest at the Fly In. “This particular plane is actually written up in deHavilland’s official history,” Simpson said.

Also taking part in the very successful Fly In day, were over 50 vehicles belonging to the Golden Gears Car Club. Visitors made it clear they really enjoyed the combination of planes and cars at the event. 

“We had fewer planes this year,” John Ross said, “but lots of area people came out to help support our Iroquois airport. The community is wonderful. This has been a very successful day.”  

[…]

 

 The Morrisburg BIA organizers were pleased. The more than 20 vendors in attendance were pleased. Local Morrisburg businesses were pleased. 

And the hundreds of people who took in the 16th annual Antique Festival, July 19-20, in Morrisburg, were very pleased with the wide and interesting variety of antiques and collectibles they could explore, evaluate and purchase over the two day event.

“It’s just been fantastic.” said Grace McDonough, BIA co-ordinator. “Hundreds of visitors came out to Antiquefest over the two days. The exposure for our local businesses and our community was phenomenal. While they were here taking in the antiques, people also got to see our Village and all things it has to offer.” 

The vendors, who came from Ottawa, Madoc, Montreal, Gatineau and locally, praised the event.

“We love this venue, love the tents, tables and chairs provided for each of us, all free of charge, and the support we received from the BIA,” said Brian Wildsmith of the Almonte Antique Market.

“I love it here,” said vendor Claude Gauthier of Crysler. “This is one of the nicest shows I’ve been to. And we’ve seen lots of visitors.

The BIA also sponsored a Vendors Breakfast at the Basket Case on Sunday, attended by MP Guy Lauzon, warden Eric Duncan,  South Dundas deputy mayor Jim Locke and councillor Evonne Delegarde.

The Antiquefest offered furniture, art, art deco, jewelry, china, glassware, toys, signs and a large selection of unusual and interesting collectibles. Some dealers on site were willing to appraise articles brought in by visitors. The crowds were steady over both days.

“It has been a great event,” McDonough said. “And I can’t stress enough the support and help the Morrisburg BIA, which sponsored Antiquefest, received from the South Dundas Chamber of Commerce. We created a really good impression of our community. Already 15 vendors have committed to next year’s Antique Festival. The weather,” she added, “was perfect too.”

[…]

 

Zeus-2.5 yr old, yellow Lab/husky mix. Not neutered. Completely house-trained, raised as indoor pet, loves people. Amazing dog, good with other dogs and cats. A great ready to move in boy, looking for love.

 

[…]

 

 What’s the difference between a brougham and a barouche?  What’s faster:  a surrey or a spider phaeton?  What’s more romantic:  a vis-à-vis or a democrat?  

You can find out more about the fascinating history of horse-drawn vehicles and get a chance to ride in one yourself at Upper Canada Village’s ‘Riding in Style’ weekend July 19-20.  

This event gives the Village the chance to showcase 19th century transportation at its best with a special selection of carriages from its collection. 

Visitors will be able to catch a ride in the Surrey, Brougham, Low Spring Democrat and the Pommier Carriages.  

Other vehicles that will be in the 11 a.m. parade will include the P. T. Barnum Band Wagon, Barouche, Trap and the High Spring Democrat.  

Various historical vehicles with different uses on display for Riding in Style weekend will include the Hearse, Doctor’s Gig, McLaughlin’s Carriage and Racing Sulky.  

Rides will be offered from in front of Cooks Tavern from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m..

“We have a wonderful collection of carriages, a mix of reproductions and originals that are very representative of transportation during the 1860s,” says Geoff Waycik, manager of Upper Canada Village. “When our guests are able to sit in the carriages and take a ride in one, it really brings them closer to the time period – and enjoy our modern day amenities a bit more.  We welcome the opportunity to share our collection with our visitors.” 

Also participating in the Riding in Style weekend will be the Eastern Ontario Pleasure Driving Society and the Eastern Ontario Miniature Horse Club.  

The Pleasure Drivers will be at the Village on Saturday, July 19 and the Miniature Horse Club will be at the Village on Sunday, July 20 – both from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Members of both groups will perform driving demonstrations, greet visitors and discuss their vehicles, equipment, clothing and horses and will speak with all interested.  

The driving will take place in the large mall area directly in front of the Battle of Crysler’s Farm Monument and National Historic Site (just west of the main parking lot) . Displays will be situated beside the front entrance to Upper Canada Village.

With the Reciprocal Program all visitors who purchase an admission will receive a complimentary pass to return on another day or to use to visit Fort Henry National Historic Site of Canada.  It’s Ontario’s Best Vacation Deal!

[…]

“We are all in over our heads, but that’s okay,” a group of community youth pastors agreed as they spoke about an upcoming first time event they are organizing and hosting – Under One Summer Youth Rally.

Joe Groeneveld, of the Williamsburg Christian Reform Church, Dan Ponsen of the Dixon’s Corners Christian Reform Church, James Garlough of the South Dundas Lutheran Community Church and Daniel Rudd of Gathering House, recently spoke about the upcoming event.

This network of area youth pastors are organizing and hosting the Under One Summer Youth Rally, Saturday, July 26 here in Morrisburg. They hope to attract hundreds of youth from grades 6-12 to the Morrisburg waterfront to enjoy swimming, displays, outdoor games, a share a positive message with area youth through a special guest speaker and concert featuring three pop/rock bands. The concert takes place at the Cruickshank Amphitheatre.

The Under One youth pastor network has hosted other smaller events before, with much success, so they decided to work together to organize the Rock the Riverfront rally. 

“None of us have ever organized a concert before, so this is all new to us,” said Rudd.

“Even though it’s all new to us, it is amazing to see how God is bringing everyone together,” said Ponsen.

“All of the area churches have gotten involved in some way and are helping to support and promote this. It’s wonderful to see,” said Garlough. “It’s exciting for this area to have a big event like this, and it’s really nice to have something for this age group.”

“My hope is that everyone, even those who haven’t set foot in a church in a while, will come to this event, bring their friends and have a great time,” said Groeneveld.

The fun and games start at 3 p.m., with the concert to start a 6:30 and go until 10 p.m. The only expense to those participating, will be food. The fun and games, and the concert, are free.

All youth are welcome and encouraged to attend. Church youth groups from all of South Dundas and its surrounding areas have been invited to attend.

[…]

The 16th Annual Antiquefest is set for this weekend, July 19 and 20 in the Morrisburg Plaza.

This is the second time the long-running event has been held at the plaza venue. 

Although the antique trade has taken a bit of a hit in these tough economic times, the Morrisburg BIA, organizers of this year’s event, have been able to grow the show for the upcoming 2014 edition.

Grace McDonough, BIA coordinator says that they expect to have about a 20 vendors participating, which is more than last year.

The dealers will be under 13 tents that will fill the mall courtyard and a portion of the parking lot. 

“There will be a little of everything,” said McDonough who has antique vendors bringing in furniture, primitives, glassware, jewellery, artwork and collectables.

Admission is free and the show goes on, rain or shine. 

“The fact that the dealers are willing to invest in participating in this show tells me that we have a good show here,” said McDonough. 

Antiquefest takes place in the Morrisburg Plaza, Saturday July 19 from 10-5 and Sunday, July 20, 10-4.

[…]

 

The very newest features coming to the Morrisburg Waterfront are canons folks. That’s right canons…but probably not the kind you are thinking of.

With the completion of dotmocracy done with area children at the end of the school year, the selections for the Splash Pad coming to the Children’s Park in Morrisburg have been made and included among the elements are some “water-spraying” canons.

In fact the water canons ranked number one in the children’s selections.

On the design front, the Playground planning committee is looking at the potential layout for the splash pad that will include something for everyone and that will fit in with the current playground structure.

A Splash Pad is a zero depth aquatic structure which combines water movement–flowing, spraying, jetting and misting–for kid’s play.

There is no standing water, no lifeguard requirement and minimal water consumption.

Splash Pads provide safe alternatives for small children, non-swimmers and those times when there are forced beach closures, which as a general rule occur every summer at the beach in Morrisburg.

And with the design work well underway, the very important work of continuing to raise money is about to go public.

Since the original playground build, the playground committee and the community have quietly gone about raising money for the splash pad. The total is now sitting at $116,000.

The targeted amount is $200,000.

To date the committee has prepared numerous proposals for available grant money, and they are now working on ways to engage the general public.

It is hoped the community will now jump into the Splash Pad Project with donations and events to raise the required money. Every little bit will help.

Coming up during the Tubie parade, the community is invited to donate to the Splash Pad Float, which will be easily recognizable as it will be carrying a whole lot of “little splashers”.

[…]