Seaway Undergrads Honoured

The Council of the United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry announced March 16, that the operations of the Roads and Planning Departments will be merged into a new Department called “Transportation and Planning Services”. 

The actions necessary to implement the change were approved at the March session of County Council and are effective immediately.

SDG County Planner Michael Otis has retired. 

The County is not replacing this Department Head position, but instead will be hiring a Manager of Planning, who will report to the Director of Transportation and Planning Services. 

The new mid-level position will manage the day-to-day operations of the planning services section of the new Department.

The restructuring of the two departments will not impact services levels or operations, either for roads or planning services.

The County will continue to oversee the County Official Plan, as well as land division (land severances and plans of subdivision).

County Engineer, Benjamin de Haan, will assume overall responsibility for the new Department. 

de Haan’s title has changed to Director of Transportation and Planning Services.

“It is always important to be looking for efficiencies when opportunities come up, and these changes to our senior management team demonstrate our commitment to that. There are cost savings and many synergies, both internally and to the public, to be gained by the merging of the two departments,” said Eric Duncan, Warden, United Counties of SD&G.

“We have appreciated Mr. Otis’ service to the County and we look forward to working closely with Mr. de Haan in moving the new Department forward. There is a lot of potential with these changes and we are anxious to implement some new ideas,” said T.J. Simpson, Chief Administrative Officer, United Counties of SD&G

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This summer, the Prime Minister took his sixth tour of the North. These visits have not been sightseeing tours. The Prime Minister is making a statement with these visits. They have been carried out to demonstrate to Canadians, and to the world, that Canada’s North is a priority for our administration. The Arctic is at the heart of our Canadian identity – from ancient Aboriginal cultures to famous explorers, to iconic Canadian artwork, literature, and landmarks.  

Our government under the leadership of Prime Minister Harper has made a commitment to the residents of Northern Canada that we will do everything possible to ensure the “land of the mid-night sun” realizes its full potential. Our Government is committed to promoting tourism and economic development in Canada`s North and invest in arctic infrastructure.

Since elected in January 2006, our government has realized the three Territories play a significant part in Canada’s future. If we are to maintain our position as a leading country on the world scene, we must develop and protect our north. The northern part of this great country has the potential to make Canada a leader in the world economy. Because of advances in technology and science, it is now possible to explore and develop the vast resources contained in our northern hemisphere to their full potential.

I am pleased the Prime Minister is taking a leadership role by actively demonstrating to the world that Canada’s north belongs to Canada and we are prepared to protect what is rightfully ours.  The North has not been a priority for previous governments. Other nations have made attempts to encroach on our sovereignty by making outlandish and false claims of ownership in the area. Countries like Russia and China have been trying to lay claim to parts of this vast area. We must be diligent in the defense of our assets.

I believe the words “True North Strong and Free” contained in our national anthem will mean more than they ever have as our country continues to grow and prosper in the years to come.

Guy Lauzon
Member of Parliament
Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry

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  Upper Canada Village’s award-winning fall event Pumpkinferno is getting ready to enchant visitors once again this fall with the addition of 11 new themed exhibits.   The creative and artistic event will be open […]