News

 

It was a tough decision for the three official, and one slightly unofficial, judges who had to choose the best chili entry at the Iroquois Legion Branch 370 Great Chili Cook-off on Saturday, February 28.

When all 12 entries had been sampled (and greatly admired) the judges selected Gail McCallum first, Lyle Fickes second and Anita Gilmour, third. Vicki Tetley took home an honourable mention and the People’s choice awards.

“It’s never easy for the judges to choose,” said contest organizer Shelley Cumberland. “We had 12 great contenders for the title of Chili Champion, 2015, with bragging rights for the year.”

This was the ninth annual Chili Cook-off held at the Legion. After the official judging, guests enjoyed a delicious dinner and the music of Keith Johnston, King of Karaoke.

Official judges for this year’s cook-off  were  Michael Tryon, chief cook on the Canadian icebreaker ‘Griffon’, South Dundas Fire and Emergency Services Chief, Chris McDonough, and South Dundas mayor, Evonne Delegarde.

The somewhat unofficial  fourth judge was one ‘Juan Pedro de la Rodriques’, apparently from Tijuana, a noted chili eater, visiting in Iroquois to get away from all that hot weather down in Mexico. (In another life, Judge “Juan” is also known as Justin Mayhew).

“The chilis are all submitted anonymously, with none of the cooks on hand,” said Shelley Cumberland, “so there is not a hint of favouritism. The decisions are based on the judges’ personal tastes. We don’t have a set criteria.”

The funds raised at events such as the Great Chili Cook-off allow the Legion to continue its support of many community efforts.

[…]

 

“This is an awesome day, and awesome work by our students,” said Seaway District High School principal, Don Lewis, as he joined teachers and members of the community in examining the displays at the annual SDHS Science Fair. 

“We brought the grade sixes over to see these science projects,” he said, “because it’s great for kids to get a look at the ideas of others, and for our young Seaway scientists to act as mentors, communicating about their projects with others. We were also pleased that members of the community also came to look at the Science Fair.”

Seaway held its Science Fair in the school gym on Friday, February 27. All of the intermediate students as well as 15 grade nines took part. Judging of the projects was done by teachers, community people and by senior high school science students.

There were three types of projects for the fair entrants: experiments, research and design. “We wanted them to focus on scientific enquiry,” said Seaway science teacher, Melissa Ringler. “We wanted students to ask a question, to work to find the answer, and then to communicate that knowledge to others.”

Senior student judges, Joshua Casselman, Jaime Garlough and Bronwen Fowler, indicated that it was a bit of a tug-of-war, evaluating the junior school projects. “We want them to share information, but we didn’t want to intimidate them. There was quite a range of projects and skills out there, and we made a point of giving constructive criticism as we went along.”

The range of skills and interests on display at the fair was very impressive. Student Grant Wells created a virtual hunter training simulator (V.H.T.S.) which is designed to make a person familiar with different types of game and different firearms. “Kids are getting housebound,” Grant said. “This simulator is meant to get them outside, working with animals and the environment, becoming better and safer hunters.” 

Gabriel Baker and Alex Stewart, who both say they really like science, examined the properties of bleach on organic and non-organic materials, while Maiah Horne’s work, Rust Never Sleeps, studied the problems of rust in automobile steel.  

Abigail Jordan studied the relationship between density, colour and nutritional values in selected fruits and vegetables in Eat A Rainbow Every Day. Aaron Tibben explored ways to clean even the dirtiest water, without the use of costly chemicals, by building a long filter that incorporates the earth’s natural filtering properties. “This is important for third world countries,” he said.

Other projects looked at tsumanis, oil versus wind energy, the effect of different liquids on diffusion, the electrolyte challenge and the nature and uses of uranium. 

Science fair winners will move on to a board-wide competition.  

[…]

 

“We had two full draws taking part in the Bonspiel, 48 players,” said Greta McGann, who organized the 2015 Morrisburg Curling for Heart & Stroke, “and we hope to give over $1,000 to Heart & Stroke this year.”

This is the sixth year that McGann and her volunteers have put the fund raising tournament together. It was held at the Morrisburg Curling Club on Saturday, February 28 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

“It’s definitely a for fun bonspiel,” McGann said. “But there’s lots of action and lots of fun for everyone who takes part.”

McGann and fellow volunteers, Joanne Baker and Linda Murphy, provided a delicious lunch for participants. Wally Baker prepared the excellent ice for the tournament.

“We had over 40 prizes donated by local businesses,” McGann said. “People bought tickets and placed them in the containers near the prize they were interested in. Then the winner was drawn. The funds raised by these draw prizes also goes to Heart & Stroke, once our expenses are covered. We really appreciate the generosity of our area businesses. They really help us out.”

McGann appreciates the importance of fund raisers like the bonspiel.

“Lots of people in our area have heart issues. It’s due to events like this that the Heart & Stroke Foundation and the SD&G Emergency Management Services were able to place defibrillators in public places like the curling club. I have no problem getting people to come out to curl with us. The support is strongly there.”

Cindy Rowe, area manager of the Heart & Stroke Foundation, was on hand to thank participants and to answer questions about the work the Foundation does.

“I think it is important for people to realize that every seven minutes someone dies of heart disease,” she said.

[…]

Council and staff of the Corporation of the Municipality of South Dundas have received many inquiries concerning the issuance of a building permit at 11610 County Road 2. As a result of the inquiries, Council wishes to clarify certain aspects of the building permit process.

The issuance of building permits is governed by the Building Code Act. 

The Chief Building Official, while appointed by Council, is given authority under the Building Code Act in order that they remain impartial and independent from the Municipality’s interests. 

The actions and decisions of the Chief Building official are therefore mandated by statute. 

Council should not, and cannot, interfere with the decisions of the Chief Building Official.

If and when the Chief Building Official is satisfied that an application for a building permit meets all applicable law, he or she is required to issue the permit. 

In the case of the building permit for the Morrisburg Dock Expansion Inc. Property, as with all other permits, the Chief Building Official carried out the required due diligence, including obtaining legal advice and professional planning advice confirming that the application met existing zoning requirements. 

Council has been advised that upon being satisfied that all applicable law had been met, the Chief Building official issued the permit as required by the Building Code Act.

An Application has now been issued and served appealing the decision of the Chief Building Official to issue the permit. 

As this matter is now before the Courts no further comment will be made by the Municipality of South Dundas.

[…]

Monday, March 2, the newly elected council of South Dundas kicked off 2015 budget deliberations.

“Nothing here is in stone,” South Dundas mayor Evonne Delegarde told council, urging them to ask lots of questions and take time to consider what’s presented. Council plans to spend the rest of this week discussing the budget, and expects deliberations to conclude Thursday.

The ‘wish list’ – if all that each of South Dundas’ managers requests is approved, would amount to $750,000 more tax dollars than last year.

From the managers’ budgets, South Dundas treasurer Shannon Geraghty and South Dundas chief administrative officer Steve McDonald pared the budget down considerably. 

The budget tabled for council Monday, if approved as presented, represents a 7.27 per cent dollar for dollar increase over 2014.

That increase would mean a 2015 budget of $5,611,220, up about $380,000 from last year.

Such an increase would mean about $18 more on the municipal portion of an average residential property, with a home valued at $176,000. That would be added to the approximately $23 increase already proposed to the Counties portion.

The rest of this week, South Dundas council will be looking to make budget cuts to reduce the size of the proposed increase.

Every $52,300 that council cuts from the budget, drops the 7.27 per cent proposed increase by 1 per cent.

At Monday’s budget meeting, council was unsuccessful at making any significant cuts, in fact, adding more money into the budget. They suggested that the allotment for legal fees be increased, recognizing that this year, the budgeted amount of $15,000 will not likely be sufficient.

[…]

At press time, The Leader has learned of the death of local lawyer Peter Remillard, in a motor vehicle collision.

An Ontario Provincial Police report confirms that Remillard, 62, of Morrisburg, was the driver of the BMW sports utility vehicle involved in a collision at 9 a.m., February 24, along County Road 7 in North Dundas.

The northbound BMW driven by Remillard was in a head-on collision with a southbound 2010 Dodge SUV, driven by a 40 year old North Dundas woman whose name has not been released. 

According to the report, the woman sustained serious, non-life threatening injuries.

The sympathy of the community is with the Remillard family.

[…]

Last week United Counties of SDG council wrapped up budget deliberations. The end result: A $23 increase to the SDG portion of the tax bill of a typical residential property.

A typical residential property in SDG is assessed at $186,500 in 2015.

This $23 increase represents only the Counties portion of property tax bills, as South Dundas has yet to deliberate its budget. 

Locally, final tax bills are comprised of  upper tier (SDG) municipal, Lower tier (South Dundas) municipal and Education (Provincial) levies.

SDG department heads have been working on the draft budget document since the fall of 2014.

Counties officials report many positive influences on the budget having finished 2014 in a surplus position. 

Good weather in December kept roads maintenance within budget. 

Changes in the OPP billing model resulted in a $1.3 million decrease in OPP policing costs. 

Strong growth in SDG has resulted in over $600,000 of new assessment and there was also re-assessment growth.

Even with these extra funds at their disposal, counties council agreed to go to the tax base for more money than last year.

Council sees this as an opportunity to work on improving the overall quality of the county roads system.

“I am very pleased with our 2015 budget and how smooth the process went,” said Eric Duncan, SDG warden. “This has produced a budget that allows us to take two steps forward, without having to take one back. We finally have a chance to catch up on some key county road projects.”

Overall, the Counties budget will raise $40,959,216 tax dollars.

The Counties will spend about $12.4 million on road and bridge capital projects in 2015, and increase of almost $2.6 million from 2014.

So far, over a million dollars of that will be roadwork is scheduled  for South Dundas.

“South Dundas will benefit from $468,000 in road work on segments of County Roads 1, 16, 18 and 31 as well as $700,000 for rehabilitation work to the Iroquois CN bridge,” said South Dundas mayor Evonne Delegarde. 

Another $750,000 remains, so far, unallocated in the roads budget. 

Counties council will meet next month to discuss the allocation of those funds. 

[…]

The Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary sees at least 60,000 visitors a year, and The Friends of the Sanctuary, a volunteer group, is working towards renovating the boardwalk and revitalizing the Sanctuary to further increase the popularity of the destination.

Last week, local MP Guy Lauzon was at the Sanctuary to announce $45,000 in funding towards Boardwalk improvements, being undertaken by the St. Lawrence Parks Commission and the Friends group.

“This is just a small step forward, but a big step towards realizing your dream,” Lauzon told the small group of volunteers who gathered for the announcement Friday.

“Our Government is pleased to support the St. Lawrence Park Commission, and specifically the Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sancutary, as part of our efforts to expand and improve recreational and multi-purpose trails across the country.”

This $45,000 funding allocation comes from the $10 million National Trails Coalition Fund.

Pauline Gagnon of the Friends said that the entire project to replace the boardwalks is estimated to cost $400,000 but it is being undertaken piece by piece.

With the Blue Heron boardwalk trail already condemned at the Redwing trail deteriorating quickly, the Friends and the Parks are actively seeking funding partnerships and help for the project.

Planning work on the Redwing trail is already underway. 

The work will see a 550 section of the trail, one of the most heavily used sections, redesigned and reconstructed for better accessibility and increased longevity.

Along with the NTC funding, the St. Lawrence Parks Commission will contribute $69,000 and the Friends of the Sanctuary will provide $6,000 from their ‘Get on Board’ fundraising initiative towards the $120,000 phase one project.

“This Sanctuary is an incredible benefit for the surrounding community, so it’s a positive move to resurrect this jewel,” said Chuck Clavet, president of the Friends.

“The Friends of the Sanctuary’s ‘Get on Board’ initiative really got the ball rolling for this project,” said Lou Seiler, manager, parks and recreation facilities wit the SLPC.

Along with resurrecting the boardwalk infrastructure, the incredibly dedicated board of 14, are working diligently to increase membership numbers from 100 they have now. 

Most of the board members are from the South Stormont area.

The Friends want to build awareness of the natural asset of the Sanctuary and extensive programming it offers. 

Their next moonlight ski and snowshoe event is scheduled for March 7. 

During March break, March 16-21 daily activities are planned at the visitor centre.

The Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary offers more than eight kilometers of self-guided nature trails were visitors can get up close to nature seeing countless species of birds, wildlife and natural habitat. 

Access to the trails is free. 

Skis and snowshoes are available to rent at the visitor centre which is open from noon until 4 p.m. weekends. 

Small donations to the Friends organization are often requested from those participating in various programs.

[…]

Lunch and a backstage tour of the Upper Canada Playhouse was on the menu for this month’s Linking Hands Lunch and Learn program. 

Linking Hands is a project of the The House of Lazarus Community Outreach Mission. 

Although its mission is to give a voice to people living in poverty in the communities of Dundas County by raising awareness, and offering networking, empowering and supporting opportunities, Linking Hands welcomes all residents of Dundas County to join in their activities. 

Community Lunch and Learn is an opportunity to socialize and enjoy a free lunch while learning about various topics of interest.

This month, two dozen people were at the Upper Canada Playhouse, which opened its doors for the luncheon. Lorne Pardy, a former actor and director with the Great Canadian Theatre Company spoke about acting.

“This is a rare opportunity where my past and present are intersecting,” said Pardy, while centre-stage at the playhouse. 

Pardy is now the coordinator for Linking Hands Dundas County. For the first time in about five years, he also acted performing a moving dramatic piece for the audience assembled for the luncheon.

Following Perrin’s performance, Upper Canada Playhouse director Donnie Bowes took guests on a tour backstage of the playhouse were they saw the ‘green room’ dressing rooms, prop room and workshop were all of the sets are built on site. 

Participants enjoyed the backstage tour, seeing the modest facility behind the scenes of this area’s popular attraction.

“This is a great opportunity for anyone to get out, socialize while enjoying a new experience,” said Pardy. 

“We are really pleased to be able to offer this program,” said Janet Carkner,  executive administrative manager with the House of Lazarus. 

She said that the program offers a free social opportunity for those who may be feeling isolated, which so often happens in a rural setting. 

They will arrange transportation and child care for those who may need it at each of their Lunch and Learn sessions.

They hope to grow their club, and at each meeting ask those attending to come back to the next one, and if possible, to bring a friend.

Nancy Christie with the Lunch an Learn program was pleased with Friday’s event. 

“We had such a great opportunity here,” she said. “Everyone who comes to Lunch and Learn, always learns something.” 

Since Linking Hands is a Dundas County initiative, events alternate between North and South Dundas. 

The next Lunch and Learn will be at a Chesterville area sugar bush. The next South Dundas event will be in May when mental health will be the focus. 

[…]

 

 WDMH’s cancer care navigator program supports patients and their families throughout their cancer journey. A new free workshop series is focusing on how to live well with cancer. 

On Tuesday, February 24, WDMH will be hosting “Living Well with Cancer: Self-Care and Coping” – an education session presented by Kimberly Janssen, WDMH’s Social Worker. During the session, Kimberly will discuss the unique needs of cancer patients and provide coping skills and strategies. Family and friends will also learn how to provide support while taking care of themselves. 

“This is important for people with cancer as often the disease can take over one’s life,” explains Kimberly. “The goal is to remember that while cancer can be life-altering, it doesn’t need to be all-consuming. We want to encourage people to live well with cancer and not let cancer define them.” 

“It’s all part of our effort to support our patients and their families,” adds Linda Johnson, WDMH’s Cancer Care Navigator. “We want to help patients be the healthiest they can be during their cancer journey.” 

The session is on Tuesday, February 24 at 2:00 in the hospital boardroom (Room C1-401). For more information, or to sign up to attend, please call Linda Johnson at 613-774-2422 ext. 6798 or email nursenavigator@wdmh.on.ca 

[…]