News

Representatives from the United Counties of Stormont Dundas Glengarry (SDG) returned last Wednesday, August 20 from the annual Association of Municipalities of Ontario Conference in London. 

The AMO Conference is one of the largest municipal conferences held in Ontario each year.

SDG continues to participate in this annual conference largely through the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (EOWC), raising awareness on issues facing municipalities throughout the region. 

The EOWC was successful in securing delegations with several high profile representatives from the province including municipal affairs minister Ted McMeekin, community safety minister Yasir Naqvi, and the Official Opposition. These opportunities were used to release the EOWC’s Economic Development Strategy for Eastern Ontario, and raise concerns regarding policing costs and infrastructure renewal.

“The AMO conference is another important opportunity for municipalities to lobby the provincial government. It is a forum for us to put forward – with one voice – what our policy and operational challenges are,” stated Warden Eric Duncan. “It is also an opportunity to say thank you, and SDG certainly does not lose sight of that.”

Representatives from the Counties were also on hand for a delegation with infrastructure minister Brad Duguid to promote the Glengarry Regional Water Project. While no formal decision has been made on funding from the province, both North and South Glengarry townships remain optimistic as they continue to pursue this important initiative.

Premier Kathleen Wynne was in attendance at this year’s conference, providing the keynote address to delegates on Tuesday. 

The provincial government announced earlier this week that it would be moving forward with a new $100 million per year infrastructure fund for municipalities. 

The province also announced that it would not be pursuing any further action on joint and several liability – and important file that municipalities have lobbied strongly for action on in past.

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With eight years experience as a member of South Dundas council, the last four years as mayor, Steven Byvelds says he has a good feel for this community, and what needs to be done to keep South Dundas moving forward at a reasonable rate. 

“Another four years is the right thing to do,” South Dundas mayor Steven Byvelds told The Leader shortly after filing his nomination papers Monday, and officially announcing that he is seeking a second term at the head of the South Dundas council table.

Byvelds took a while to make his intentions known, making his announcement with less than three weeks to the September 12 nomination deadline.

“I really had to have a good feeling that this decision was right for me and my family, and right for South Dundas,” said Byvelds. 

He further explained that, as a sitting mayor, he felt that it was important to keep his focus his work as mayor before shifting that focus to the coming election, which to him, is what filing nomination papers does.

For months people have been asking him his intentions, and he says he never really minded anyone asking. “People asking is a good thing. It means they’re interested.”

“I believe steady leadership is required for our path forward,” said Byvelds, who is proud of the many accomplishments over the last four years.

“During those years, we have moved South Dundas forward in a direction that was guided by our strategic plan. We have implemented a new economic development plan which has allowed us to retain and foster new business,” said Byvelds. 

“We have received funding for the Iroquois Wastewater Treatment Plant and it is now complete, within budget. We have done significant rehabilitation work on the sewer systems in all our villages.”  

“I am especially proud of working with our previous MPP Jim Brownell for the $3.2M funding which allowed South Dundas to finally upgrade the Lakeshore Drive Sewer Line which had been plagued with undersizing issues for a long time.” 

“We built the South Dundas Municipal Centre which provides a new home for not only ourselves but the St. Lawrence Medical Clinic and the SDG Library. We have maintained our rural roads and we still can claim to have the best rural road system in Ontario.”

Throughout his eight years on South Dundas council and six years on the council of the United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry, Byvelds has built many good connections with colleagues locally and further afield, which Byvelds believes is another benefit of steady leadership.

“As Mayor, I have worked with your council to ensure they voiced their opinion at the council table.  Our decisions were based on factual information and in the end, I ensured that council’s decision was reflected in how staff proceeded with policy and work assignments.  We have kept budgets within reason knowing how our decisions affect those who live in South Dundas.”

Good leadership, a strong knowledge of municipal finances, an understanding of what the community can afford, along with the willingness to spend time researching issues, is what Byvelds says he brings to the South Dundas council table.

“The next four years can be an exciting time for South Dundas.  We live in one of the most picturesque parts of Ontario with the St. Lawrence on the south and many beautiful farm and rural lands in the north.  If elected, I will work closely with Council and staff to grow and improve our community and continue to make it a great place to live, work and play,” says Byvelds.

“Over the next nine weeks, please let me know your comments and concerns.  I will have a website up soon (stevenbyvelds.com) and you can contact me directly by email (bycrest@persona.ca) or phone (613-652-2271).  I will also be ‘out and about’, so stop me and let’s have a discussion of the future of South Dundas.  Remember, if we all pull the rope in the same direction, we will move forward.”

Municipal elections take place October 27. So far, in South Dundas, the mayor’s race is between South Dundas councillor Evonne Delegarde and South Dundas mayor Steven Byvelds. 

The list of municipal election candidates is not finalized until the September 12 nomination deadline passes.

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As of Monday, all seats of South Dundas council are being contested. 

Monday afternoon, Bert Geertsma filed his nomination papers to seek election as a South Dundas councillor in the upcoming municipal election.

Geertsma has never been an elected councillor, although he did once run once, unsuccessfully, for council in Williamsburg.

Geertsma is a longtime resident of the Dunbar area of South Dundas. 

He retired from Nestlé and had a hobby farm that he has since sold. He now works at a dairy and cash crop farm.

“I have the time to spare, and I’m sure I can fit the job well,” he said. “I am willing to make the commitment to council, and to serve all the public interests in South Dundas.”

He sees the council position as the right place to start. “I would prefer to start there, to get the experience, and to work with council and the mayor,” said Geertsma.

“I think its time for a change,” he said, adding that he would like to see more public input into decisions being made.

With Geertsma’s nomination, the number of candidates for councillor now outnumber the available seats. 

Geertsma will be competing with sitting councillors Archie Mellan and Jim Graham and former councillor Bill Ewing for the three available seats at the council table.

So far, the mayor’s race and deputy mayor’s races are two person contests with mayor Steven Byvelds and councillor Evonne Delegarde seeking the mayor’s seat and deputy mayor Jim Locke and first time candidate Leslie Disheau seeking the deputy mayor’s seat.

The nomination deadline is September 12, after which the list of candidates is finalized.

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Numerous agencies providing services to children and youth in Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry gathered on Wednesday to brief MPPs Jim Wilson and Jim McDonell regarding their programs and ways the provincial government can assist them in delivering those services efficiently and broadly.

 

“Our young people are the future of this province,” said Ontario PC Interim Leader Jim Wilson. “Today, we heard from people committed to making this the best place in Canada to grow, and to start a career.”

 

The province offers support programs in fields such as health, skills training, mental health support, and education for children and youth in Ontario.

 

“We must focus our resources on delivering the best opportunities for our local children and youth” – MPP McDonell commented. “Directing provincial funding wisely in helping young Ontarians achieve their full potential will enhance their futures and help our province rebuild its competitiveness and attractiveness to families. Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry is a wonderful place to call home – the community’s generous spirit and volunteer resources are a significant factor in this. Today’s consultation highlighted the importance of consistent and reliable provincial funding, and for the government to tailor programs to meet local needs. We will bring their concerns to Queen’s Park and continue working for all residents of Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry.”

 

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 Since October 2013, South Dundas council and staff have been working on revising a tough new sewer use bylaw.

This bylaw has been the subject of previous special meetings of council earlier this year, and of two public meetings in June, where the public was invited to review the bylaw and provide feedback.

Last week, at a special meeting to once again review the latest draft of the bylaw, council suggested more changes. 

The latest changes will give homeowners longer to face compliance.

At the August 13 meeting, council decided that they would like to see tiered implementation, with industrial and commercial properties within the villages needing to ensure their compliance within about a year of the bylaw enactment, with a possible grace period.

Because commercial and industrial sewer use has the most potential to upset the balance of the sewage treatment plants, council decided that would be an important place to start with the bylaw.

“We’re not here to drive anyone out of business,” said South Dundas mayor Steven Byvelds. 

The bylaw is designed to regulate what can and can’t be put into the sanitary sewer system, and deals with improper connections that result in extraneous flow of rainwater into the sanitary system, such as roof downspout connections.

Council foresees a final draft of this bylaw, for commercial and industrial sewer use being tabled for approval late in September.

South Dundas staff have been asked to explore the possibility of a municipal funding program designed to encourage voluntary compliance.

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SD&G OPP officers are currently at the scene of a vehicle fire that occurred on August 21st, 2014 at approximately 12:15am on Highway 401, eastbound lanes, South Stormont Township. Investigation indicates a tractor-trailer unit caught fire due to mechanical reasons. 

Fire Department is on scene and a section of Highway 401, eastbound lanes (only) is closed to traffic between Dickinson Drive (Ingleside) exit and Moulinette Road (Long Sault) exit. Traffic is being re-routed via Emergency Detour Routes (EDR). The closure is expected to remain in effect for several hours as emergency personnel tend to the scene.

The 36 year old male driver (from Etobicoke, Ontario) was not injured. The vehicle was carrying non-hazardous products (dog food).

The 401 was re-opened around 10 a.m.

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The St. Lawrence River is one of our community’s greatest assets and the Morrisburg Waterfront Committee is excited to share an update on the initiatives that are underway this summer to enhance it.

The Morrisburg & District Lions Club has graciously spearheaded and funded the installation of finger docks along the Morrisburg waterfront. The new docks provide over 60 additional feet of space for small watercraft to dock and come ashore to enjoy our community. The docks were supplied by Quinte Boatdocks and concrete landing pad to which they are attached was installed by Cruickshank Construction Ltd. 

In support of the initiative, the Morrisburg Waterfront Committee has recently commissioned a “lock door” sign. It is designed to commemorate the canal system that ran along the waterfront in Morrisburg prior to the construction of the Seaway. 

Enhancements are also being made in the park itself; the Lions Club Pavilion is now equipped with six new durable, steel top picnic tables, two of which are handicap accessible. These additions match the benches and picnic tables that surround theDocksyde Snack Bar and have received positive feedback. The coordination will help facilitate a consistent look throughout the waterfront park. 

Leading residents and visitors to the park are new sidewalks and, soon to be, decorative lighting. The sidewalks running on the east side of Ottawa Street at the waterfront will be lit with a series of energy efficient lights that match those running along the waterfront walking path. These additions are important steps towards making the park safer and more visually appealing.

In late 2013, the Committee presented South Dundas Council with a preliminary design for the Morrisburg Waterfront. Randy Veinotte, spokesperson for the Committee notes that “these initiatives make the park more welcoming to the public and contribute to the overall vision the community has identified for the space”.

“The river is a defining characteristic of our community” said Mayor Steven Byvelds, “and continuing with these successful partnerships will help us ensure it remains a place for residents and visitors enjoy”.

Full plans for the Morrisburg Waterfront are available online atwww.southdundas.com.

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Municipal Elections will be held on October 27, 2014 for the election of Municipal Councils and School Board Trustees. Persons interested in submitting their names as candidates, may now complete the necessary nomination forms and submit them to the Municipal Office by 2:00 p.m. on Friday, September 12, 2014.

The Municipality of South Dundas has adopted the alternate voting method of "Vote by Telephone, Internet or Paper Composite Ballot". VOTING WILL ONLY BE DONE BY TELEPHONE, INTERNET OR PAPER COMPOSITE BALLOT.

Should a municipal election occur as a result of having a greater number of candidates than required to fill the office(s) available, each eligible and registered elector on the List of Electors 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.

 

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As an added security feature, you will be required to add your date of birth before voting. If you are unsure that your full date of birth is on the voter’s list, you may contact the Voter Help Centre (Municipal Office) to have it added prior to voting. After September 22, 2014, you will be required to come into the Voter Help Centre to fill out a form and provide photo identification.

Voting will commence on October 22, 2014 at 9:00 a.m. and conclude on October 27, 2014 at 8:00 p.m. Voting access by telephone and internet will be available on a continuous 6 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 6 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. Please contact the Municipal Office for the hours or further information.

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One of the summer’s biggest events along the Seaway is set to take place on Sunday, August 24, as the Golden Gears Car Club hosts its third annual Car Show and Concert at the Iroquois Locks.  

This Show can attract up to 300 vehicles of all types from eastern Ontario  as well as northern New York. When you add the sounds of good-time rock and roll featuring the popular group, Eddy & the Stingrays, you have the makings of a memorable summer afternoon. 

This is an opportunity for everyone to take in both an exciting car show and some outstanding music. 

Admission to the event is free for all spectators. Visitors to the Locks will be encouraged to make a donation to help defray costs, if they wish. 

The Car Show runs from 9 a.m.  until 3 p.m. Eddy & the Stingrays will swing into musical action on the Locks stage from noon until 2:30 p.m. 

For those who arrive early, the Iroquois members of the South Dundas Fire and Emergency Services will be presenting a vehicle rescue demonstration at 10:30 a.m., using the Jaws of Life. This promises to be a fascinating exhibition for the youngsters.

This year, the date of the annual Car Show and Concert has been moved from September to late August.

The day’s many activities have also been moved ahead to take advantage of a bit more daylight, and to allow drivers to get home before dusk.  

Car owners coming out for this Show will be eligible for a variety of prizes and trophies in various categories of vehicles. As well,  everyone can take part in the  50-50 draw. 

Again this year there will be vendors on site offering vehicle accessories and all things automotive to visitors. And there’s no need to pack a lunch. The food concession will be operated by Terry Palmer of the South Mountain area.  His crew can handle a crowd with speed and precision, offering delicious beef, or pork on a bun, sausages and much more wonderful food.  

In the event of rain, the Golden Gears have arranged for large tents to be put in place: the band will be playing on the covered stage. 

There’s no need for a little damp weather to spoil any of the concert fun. Just  remember to bring your lawn chair.

The Golden Gears Car Club, revived in early 2012, now boasts over 80 members made up of classic car owners and car enthusiasts. Its mission is twofold: the preservation and restoration of classic cars, and the desire to help our community.  

The Gears operated the annual car show at the Canada Day celebration at the Iroquois Locks on behalf of the local Lions Club. The club also held a food drive in Morrisburg in early August with proceeds going to the Dundas County Food Bank, and was instrumental in a car show and food drive held in Cardinal on August 10th.

Don’t miss the Golden Gears Car Show and Concert, featuring  Eddie & the Stingrays, Sunday, August 24, at the Locks. What a great way to wind up the summer.

  

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The Provincial Government is providing small, rural and northern municipalities with stable, annual funding to build and repair critical infrastructure and help to create jobs across the province.

Premier Kathleen Wynne and Jeff Leal, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, were in St. Thomas to announce that the new Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund will provide $100 million per year in funding for critical road, bridge, water and wastewater projects. 

Half of the funding for the initiative will be allocated annually using a fair and transparent formula, which recognizes that municipalities have different infrastructure and fiscal needs. The remaining $50 million will flow through an application-based process, allowing municipalities to continue partnering with the province to invest in critical infrastructure projects that will create jobs and support growth. 

The Premier also announced that Ontario municipalities can now propose infrastructure projects to be considered for support through the Small Communities Fund. Through this fund, Ontario and the federal government will each provide $272 million to support projects in municipalities with populations less than 100,000.

The province is now accepting expressions of interest for the application-based component of the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund and the Small Communities Fund, with grants expected to be awarded in early 2015.

To be eligible for the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund, municipalities must have a population of less than 100,000 as of the 2011 census or be located in northern or rural Ontario.

To ease the administrative burden for small municipalities, the province worked with the federal government to closely align the Small Communities Fund with the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund.

Ontario plans to invest more than $130 billion in public infrastructure over the next 10 years. This will support more than 110,000 jobs on average each year in construction and related industries.

“Our government is fulfilling a commitment to provide a permanent infrastructure program that will continue to build up small, rural and northern communities. We listened to our municipal partners, who know what’s best for their communities. This is why providing predictable, sustainable, annual funding is a key component of this new fund,” said Jeff Leal, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

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