Year: 2014

Voters in South Dundas should have received a copy of a pamphlet in the mail this week that explains how they vote in the upcoming municipal election.

In this election South Dundas voters will have the opportunity to vote by phone, internet or paper ballot.

This pamphlet is not the Voter Information Letter, that will be send out the second week in October.

Electors in South Dundas will personally and individually receive by first-class mail, a Voter Information Letter containing the following information;

1. The toll free telephone number to call and the website to visit to vote;

2. Your confidential and Personalized Identification Number (Voting PIN);

3. A list of the candidates nominated for each office and instructions on how to vote;

4. The telephone number of the Voter Help Center.

As an added security feature, voters will be required to add your date of birth before voting. Anyone unsure if their full date of birth is on the voter’s list, may have to come into the Voter Help Centre (Municipal office) to fill out a form and provide photo identification.

Voting will commence on October 22, 2014 at 9 a.m. and conclude on October 27, 2014 at 8 p.m. 

Voting access by telephone and internet will be available on a continuous six day, 24-hour basis during this voting period. The “vote by telephone” method requires use of a touch-tone telephone. The “vote by internet” method requires use of a computer with internet access.

As in the past no proxies are permitted with these alternate voting methods. Any individual, during the six day voting period, may request assistance at the Voter Help Centre (Municipal Office).

In addition, all County Libraries have established internet access centers for the use of the public at locations in the various communities in the United Counties of S.D.&G.

To accommodate all electors, the Municipal Office will be open extra hours. For further information call them at 613-543-2673.

[…]

Voters in South Dundas should have received a copy of a pamphlet in the mail this week that explains how they vote in the upcoming municipal election.

In this election South Dundas voters will have the opportunity to vote by phone, internet or paper ballot.

This pamphlet is not the Voter Information Letter, that will be send out the second week in October.

Electors in South Dundas will personally and individually receive by first-class mail, a Voter Information Letter containing the following information;

1. The toll free telephone number to call and the website to visit to vote;

2. Your confidential and Personalized Identification Number (Voting PIN);

3. A list of the candidates nominated for each office and instructions on how to vote;

4. The telephone number of the Voter Help Center.

As an added security feature, voters will be required to add your date of birth before voting. Anyone unsure if their full date of birth is on the voter’s list, may have to come into the Voter Help Centre (Municipal office) to fill out a form and provide photo identification.

Voting will commence on October 22, 2014 at 9 a.m. and conclude on October 27, 2014 at 8 p.m. 

Voting access by telephone and internet will be available on a continuous six day, 24-hour basis during this voting period. The “vote by telephone” method requires use of a touch-tone telephone. The “vote by internet” method requires use of a computer with internet access.

As in the past no proxies are permitted with these alternate voting methods. Any individual, during the six day voting period, may request assistance at the Voter Help Centre (Municipal Office).

In addition, all County Libraries have established internet access centers for the use of the public at locations in the various communities in the United Counties of S.D.&G.

To accommodate all electors, the Municipal Office will be open extra hours. For futher information call them at 613-543-2673.

[…]

Tick exposure, and therefore the risk of being exposed to Lyme Disease, is a burgeoning issue, especially in this area.

While the Gananoque area has long been a hotbed for tick activity, the Seaway area, is now the number two area for tick exposure in the province of Ontario.

Dr. Devin Hunt of the Morrisburg Animal Hospital recently discussed the growing prevalence of tick exposure, and the huge growth the local veterinary practise has seen in canine exposure to Lyme disease.

“In 2006-2007 we may have seen three positive tests for exposure to Lyme disease. This year, so far, we have 26 cases so far in the Morrisburg office,” says Hunt. “These are positive tests for exposure to Lyme disease.”

Throughout the Dundas Veterinary Services practice, which includes the Morrisburg Animal Hospital, the vast majority of positive test results for Lyme come from dogs seen at the Morrisburg location.

“Of the dogs we see, about 70 per cent of those exposed to Lyme, come from the Ault Island – Ingleside area,” said Hunt. 

The remainder seem to come from the Williamsburg and Iroquois areas. 

Prevention of Lyme disease, in dogs and humans is about minimizing exposure to areas where ticks could be picked up, especially during May-June and September-October.

Hunt explains that adult ticks feed in blooms, and it is during these times when the risk of tick and Lyme disease exposure is higher. 

The ticks here that carry Lyme are black-legged ticks, also known as deer ticks. 

These ticks are also carried by rodents and birds, so tick exposure is not limited to bush and grassy areas. “They can literatly be parachuted into an area by the songbirds that tend to carry them,” said Hunt.

For those living in, or frequenting the Ault Island area, Hunt suggests that dog owners consider the Lyme disease vaccine. He  generally recommends that the vaccine be done in March-April, to protect dogs during both of the peak times of the year, one of which is now.

Also, many veterinary strength fleas prevention treatments are also effective for ticks.

Hunt recommends that pet owners regularly check their dogs for ticks. 

“Generally, ticks need to be attached for 48 hours for a dog to have a significant risk of contracting Lyme disease.

Even if a dog tests positive for being exposed to Lyme, a follow up veterinary visit will determine whether or not treatment is warranted.

Hunt explains that only about five per cent of those dogs that test positive for Lyme will develop full blown Lyme disease.

“One known bite can result in a positive Lyme disease test result,” says Hunt, but he goes on to explain that it has to be from the right kind of tick (the black legged tick).

 Of those ticks, about five  per cent actually carry Lyme disease, and if a Lyme carrying tick bites your animal, there’s about a five per cent chance that bite will result if full blown Lyme disease. 

Kidney failure is the worst possible outcome for a dog that has been unlucky enough to contract Lyme disease.

Hunt says that anyone finds a tick attached to their dog should carefully remove it by gently pulling it off with tweezers, grasping the tick as close to the skin as possible. Hunt uses a tool called a “Tick Twister” that looks like a tiny crow bar. They are sold for under $15 at the Morrisburg Animal Hospital.

Cats don’t appear as susceptible to the effects of Lyme disease, but dogs a people are at risk of contracting the disease.

Hunt explains that the nature of ticks mean that people aren’t likely to get a tick from their pet, but they are as likely to pick up a tick from the surroundings as their dog is.

Due to the increase in Lyme disease-carrying ticks in the region, the Eastern Ontario Health Unit recommends that people take precautions to protect themselves and their families from Lyme disease:

• Apply insect repellent containing DEET to clothing and on all exposed skin. Read and follow the manufacturer’s directions for safe use.

• When possible, wear long sleeves, long pants, socks and closed footwear (avoid sandals or open shoes). Light-coloured clothing is best because it makes ticks easier to see and remove before they can attach to feed.

• Tuck your shirt into your pants, and tuck your pants into your socks.

• Examine your body for ticks after being outdoors, especially if you were in an area where there’s tall grass or shrubs, or where ticks are known to live. If possible, stay in the middle of trails. Showering after can also help remove ticks that have not yet attached.

Anyone who notices a tick has attached to themselves or a family member, remove it with tweezers and clean and disinfect the site of the bite. “Contact your healthcare provider if you believe the tick was attached for more than 24 hours or if you develop any symptoms of Lyme disease, including a rash that looks like a red bull’s eye and flu-like symptoms,” says the EOHU. Left untreated, Lyme disease can affect the heart, nervous system or joints, but if caught early can generally be treated successfully.

In dogs, Hunt recommends, monitoring a dog that has had a tick removed, and visiting a vet if the animal seems dull, depressed or fevered. 

[…]

Tick exposure, and therefore the risk of being exposed to Lyme Disease, is a burgeoning issue, especially in this area.

While the Gananoque area has long been a hotbed for tick activity, the Seaway area, is now the number two area for tick exposure in the province of Ontario.

Dr. Devin Hunt of the Morrisburg Animal Hospital recently discussed the growing prevalence of tick exposure, and the huge growth the local veterinary practise has seen in canine exposure to Lyme disease.

“In 2006-2007 we may have seen three positive tests for exposure to Lyme disease. This year, so far, we have 26 cases so far in the Morrisburg office,” says Hunt. “These are positive tests for exposure to Lyme disease.”

Throughout the Dundas Veterinary Services practice, which includes the Morrisburg Animal Hospital, the vast majority of positive test results for Lyme come from dogs seen at the Morrisburg location.

“Of the dogs we see, about 70 per cent of those exposed to Lyme, come from the Ault Island – Ingleside area,” said Hunt. 

The remainder seem to come from the Williamsburg and Iroquois areas. 

Prevention of Lyme disease, in dogs and humans is about minimizing exposure to areas where ticks could be picked up, especially during May-June and September-October.

Hunt explains that adult ticks feed in blooms, and it is during these times when the risk of tick and Lyme disease exposure is higher. 

The ticks here that carry Lyme are black-legged ticks, also known as deer ticks. 

These ticks are also carried by rodents and birds, so tick exposure is not limited to bush and grassy areas. “They can literatly be parachuted into an area by the songbirds that tend to carry them,” said Hunt.

For those living in, or frequenting the Ault Island area, Hunt suggests that dog owners consider the Lyme disease vaccine. He  generally recommends that the vaccine be done in March-April, to protect dogs during both of the peak times of the year, one of which is now.

Also, many veterinary strength fleas prevention treatments are also effective for ticks.

Hunt recommends that pet owners regularly check their dogs for ticks. 

“Generally, ticks need to be attached for 48 hours for a dog to have a significant risk of contracting Lyme disease.

Even if a dog tests positive for being exposed to Lyme, a follow up veterinary visit will determine whether or not treatment is warranted.

Hunt explains that only about five per cent of those dogs that test positive for Lyme will develop full blown Lyme disease.

“One known bite can result in a positive Lyme disease test result,” says Hunt, but he goes on to explain that it has to be from the right kind of tick (the black legged tick).

 Of those ticks, about five  per cent actually carry Lyme disease, and if a Lyme carrying tick bites your animal, there’s about a five per cent chance that bite will result if full blown Lyme disease. 

Kidney failure is the worst possible outcome for a dog that has been unlucky enough to contract Lyme disease.

Hunt says that anyone finds a tick attached to their dog should carefully remove it by gently pulling it off with tweezers, grasping the tick as close to the skin as possible. Hunt uses a tool called a “Tick Twister” that looks like a tiny crow bar. They are sold for under $15 at the Morrisburg Animal Hospital.

Cats don’t appear as susceptible to the effects of Lyme disease, but dogs a people are at risk of contracting the disease.

Hunt explains that the nature of ticks mean that people aren’t likely to get a tick from their pet, but they are as likely to pick up a tick from the surroundings as their dog is.

Due to the increase in Lyme disease-carrying ticks in the region, the Eastern Ontario Health Unit recommends that people take precautions to protect themselves and their families from Lyme disease:

• Apply insect repellent containing DEET to clothing and on all exposed skin. Read and follow the manufacturer’s directions for safe use.

• When possible, wear long sleeves, long pants, socks and closed footwear (avoid sandals or open shoes). Light-coloured clothing is best because it makes ticks easier to see and remove before they can attach to feed.

• Tuck your shirt into your pants, and tuck your pants into your socks.

• Examine your body for ticks after being outdoors, especially if you were in an area where there’s tall grass or shrubs, or where ticks are known to live. If possible, stay in the middle of trails. Showering after can also help remove ticks that have not yet attached.

Anyone who notices a tick has attached to themselves or a family member, remove it with tweezers and clean and disinfect the site of the bite. “Contact your healthcare provider if you believe the tick was attached for more than 24 hours or if you develop any symptoms of Lyme disease, including a rash that looks like a red bull’s eye and flu-like symptoms,” says the EOHU. Left untreated, Lyme disease can affect the heart, nervous system or joints, but if caught early can generally be treated successfully.

In dogs, Hunt recommends, monitoring a dog that has had a tick removed, and visiting a vet if the animal seems dull, depressed or fevered. 

[…]

Joy and Leanne Casselman of Old Homestead Farm welcomed several two-legged and four-legged guests to their farm September 11, when the Giddy-Up for Bonnie fundraising ride passed through South Dundas. The seven people, and eight horses, were riding from Lindsay to St. Andrew’s West, to raise funds for a dear friend battling cancer. The 440 kilometre journey, included most of the group on horseback, with a team hitched to a covered wagon. Joy was thrilled that the group found her farm, where they camped for the night. The organizer of the ride had driven the back-roads route a few weeks before, stopping at various farms suitable to overnight the camping riders’ horses. They were here on day 12 of their 14 day journey. The ride was more challenging than they anticipated. However, making it a little easier were the people they encountered along the way.

[…]

South Branch Community fund agreement is now in place, and within 60 days, the Municipality of South Dundas should be receiving the first $30,000 cheque for the fund they will distribute.

South Branch Wind Farm officials and interested community members attend the recent council meeting when the funding guidelines were approved by South Dundas council.

The South Branch Community Fund has been established to provide funding to benefit the community near the South Branch Wind Farm.

Through an application process the funds are meant to help promote and/or benefit;

• Public recreational facilities and programs 

• Community gathering facilities, events, and related Municipal usage fees

• Educational and job training related to sustainability or renewable energy

• Other community related activities approved by the Municipality of South Dundas.

The South Branch Wind Farm will pay $30,000 into the fund annually for a term of 20 years, starting in 2014 and ending in 2033. 

To qualify for funding the facilities or residents must be from within the boundaries outlined in the agreement, which are Irish Headline Road/ County Road 5 to the north, County Road 18, including Matilda Hall in the south, Taylor Road to the west and Heritage Road, including the Dundela rink property in th east.

The fund is intended for community benefit and could help, for example, with community spaces such as the Dixon’s Corners Community Centre, Matilda Hall, Dundela rink and area parks. 

Any single release of funds greater than $5,000 requires the approval of EDP Renewables Canada.

The project is owned and operated by South Dundas Wind Farm Limited Partnership, a subsidiary of EDP Renewables Canada Ltd. The project began commercial operations in March 2014. In July and August all of the site restoration work was completed.

South Dundas is awaiting a report from EDP regarding a road use agreement between EDP and North and South Dundas.

[…]

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.

[…]