Local Child and Youth Services Providers Bring Feedback to MPPs

Delia and Bill Barkley of Barkley Farm, have always had concern for greater environmental issues, but one of these issues is hitting especially close to home, prompting them to take action.

For 30 years, the Barkleys have maintained 10 beehives to provide honey, and pollinate the farm’s strawberries and apples which they sell at market.

Having weathered various factors that have impacted their bee population over the 30 years, they harvested their last honey in 2012.

“We believe the bees died because of exposure to neonicotinoid pesticides,” said Delia.

Neonicotinoid pesticides are systemic pesticides applied to corn and soybean seeds. 

She explains that, as the pretreated seed grows, the insecticide incorporates into every leaf, bud and branch. 

Pollinators, like bees, are dying and the Barkleys are not the only people blaming neonicotinoid exposure.

They have joined a class action lawsuit against neonicotinoid producers with other Ontario beekeepers.

The Ontario government is examining possible regulatory changes to reduce the use of neonicotinoids. An ongoing public consultation period ends January 25, 2015.

Delia Barkley says there is a strong lobby against the regulatory changes and she urges people who may share her concerns and favour the regulation changes to submit their comments to PollinatorHealth@Ontario.ca, before the January 25, 2015 deadline.

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The 750 Highway 401 overpass at Morrisburg will be dedicated as the Cst. Ronald Pitt Memorial Bridge, now that the application to the Ministry of the Transportation that allows for the naming of bridges on […]

The United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry (SDG) finished 2013 in a surplus position, as reported today (Tuesday, June 10) by its auditors Craig Keen Despatie Markell LLP.

 Although the year’s surplus was small relative to SDG’s budget, the $242,000 surplus is a positive financial result for the County. 

Ian Murphy and Ross Markell, auditors and partners of the firm, also highlighted the solid reserves balance and County Council’s achievement of maintaining its capital assets. 

Additional capital assets of $10 million were completed in 2013, while the year’s depreciation was $7.5 million; resulting in a net book value increase in the capital assets now valued at $84.6 million.

When presenting the Five Year Financial Review, Markell highlighted that SDG has done well in controlling its spending. 

“Over the last five years, SDG’s expenses have increased by a total of only 1.5 percent, an amount much less than the rate of inflation,” explained Markell. Over this same time period, dwindling federal and provincial grants have increased pressure on the County’s tax rates. 

“In closing, I can tell Council that your internal controls are good, your financial position is good, and your accounting records are good,” Markell concluded.

 Like many municipalities in Ontario, SDG continues to meet more demands for public services than dollars to meet the demands.

“Council and staff are keenly aware our financial pressures and set realistic priorities when budgeting,” said Vanessa Bennett, County Treasurer. “Controlling costs and working within approved budgets is everyone’s main concern.”

The SDG Police Services Board and SDG County Library Board also completed 2013 with surpluses. 

Final audited financial reports will be posted soon at www.sdgcounties.ca

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