News

 

SD&G–Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry (SDG) Police Services Board announced that Dennis Fife has been reappointed chair and Bryan McGillis has been newly appointed vice chair of the board for the ensuing year.

Dennis Fife, County councillor of North Stormont has been an active member of the Police Services Board for many years.

“Input provided by the Board drives local policing initiatives to ensure a safe community for the residents of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry,” says Fife. “I look forward to continue working with the Detachment Commander, BJ MacDonald and the SDG Police Services Board to ensure we deliver a high level of service to the community.” 

Bryan McGillis, County Councillor of South Stormont, stated “I am glad to be returning to the SDG Police Services Board and look forward to working with the Board, OPP and County staff to provide effective policing in Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry.”

The function of the United Counties SDG Police Services Board is to establish local policies, priorities and objectives concerning policing in Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry that will address the needs of the residents and businesses, in consultation with the OPP Detachment Commander and the community. 

The Board consists of five members being the head of council or his/her designate; one member of the council appointed by council, one person appointed by council who is neither a member of the council nor an employee of the municipality and two persons appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council 

Board members include: Dennis Fife, Bryan McGillis, Kirsten Gardner, John Hope and Bryan McEwan.

 

[…]

 

A private campaign to raise funds for a St. Lawrence Secondary School teacher suffering from a rare form of cancer has secured more than $106,000 in less than two months, reaching its first benchmark goal of $100,000 dollars.

The We’re NUT Givin’ Up Campaign has caught fire, generating media interest from CTV and CBC, and garnering support through literally dozens of fundraising events planned to benefit Stephanie Grady, a teacher suffering from NUT midline carcinoma, an aggressive cancer that has spread to her hips, pelvis, and spine. 

In order to provide the opportunity for Grady to participate in a clinical drug trial at a cancer institute in Boston, supporters have organized events ranging from online and silent auctions to athletic events and tournaments, as well as breakfasts, brunches and dinners.

“It’s incredibly overwhelming,” said campaign spokesperson Heather Lisney, of the success so far. “It’s inspiring and very humbling.”

“Stephanie and her family are so thankful for all of the kindness and generosity shown by friends, family, colleagues and students; and also complete strangers who have been “diggin’ deep” to help her. It’s a significant relief for the family knowing they can now access these funds to help with the cost of care in Boston. It’s also giving hope and providing emotional support.”

Fundraising successes so far have included: Moose Creek 4-on-4 Hockey Tournament, $28,000; We’re NUT Givin’ Up Online Donation Campaign, $37,000; Rothwell-Osnabruck School Online Auction, $8,900; church and community donations $15,000; and roast beef/spaghetti dinners, $7,500. 

In addition, many more school and student initiatives are taking place, and individuals are also fundraising through small business ventures.

“There are still many future events planned all in support of the Grady family,” said Lisney. “Due to the nature of clinical trials, and the rarity of this cancer, exact costs are impossible to determine. Medical expenses can vary significantly depending on length of stay in hospital and the subsequent number of treatments, scans and tests required to treat this disease.”

“In addition, the Grady family will also be required to travel to Boston once a week to receive treatment for six months, possibly longer. As such, we don’t want to stop. We want to ensure the expenses are fully covered and that the Grady family is supported and secure during this fight.” 

“In addition, we want to continue to raise awareness. One of Stephanie’s biggest challenges is the lack of answers due to the limited knowledge resulting from the rare nature of this disease.”

Following countless treatments and surgeries after an initial diagnosis of lung cancer, doctors in Ottawa offered palliative radiation for Grady to help ease her pain, declaring her condition incurable. Grady and her friends were not ready to give up. 

Friends, family, teachers and other volunteers have united as “Team Grady” to create the fundraising campaign to help the 32-year-old teacher. 

The goal is to continue to raise funds to send the Long Sault resident for experimental treatments at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston.

Harvard researchers at the International NUT Midline Carcinoma Registry are using a new drug called BET Inhibitor that has been shown to shrink, and even stop, NUT midline tumour growth in human tissue. The first clinical trial began last month in various centres in the United States. 

Grady is now eligible to receive a series of drug trial treatments at Dana-Farber for six months starting in May. Preliminary testing is scheduled for the end of April.

Upcoming fundraising events designed to help her family cover the treatments include:

• Major raffle featuring an NHL escape package (Tickets available from Rothwell-Osnabruck School, the Upper Canada District School Board, and Brockville Collegiate Institute)

• Benefit Volleyball Tournament at Brockville Collegiate Institute and Thousand Islands Secondary School on March 29 (8-5)

• Kelsey’s (Cornwall) Kickback Night: March 31

• Finch Hockey Tournament: April 11-13

• East-Side Mario’s (Cornwall) Silent Auction and Kickback: April 25

• Keystorm (Brockville) Benefit Pub-Night Social: April 26

• A five-kilometre staff/student and community race in Cornwall: May 4

[…]

The Municipality of South Dundas and the Township of South Stormont have gone live…with the launch of the new UpperCanadaRegion.ca website. 

All local businesses are invited to attend a Business Breakfast being held on May 8th, 2014 at the Upper Canada Golf Course Restaurant for the official launch of the website as well as to hear about how businesses can benefit from the branding campaign.

The Upper Canada Region brand was originally proposed in 2008 as an identity for South Dundas and South Stormont. The brand highlights the historical roots and provides a sense of location which is further refined by its connection with the area’s renowned tourist attractions, including Upper Canada Village and the Upper Canada Playhouse.

“The Upper Canada Region brand will allow us to market our unique and desirable characteristics to the world. Not only can the municipalities use this identifier to their benefit, but businesses can too. I’m happy that we’re moving forward with building the identity”, said South Dundas mayor Steven Byvelds.

The integration of the brand into the hamlet signs for South Dundas was the first of many initiatives planned to re-introduce the Upper Canada Region. South Stormont will complete their new signage program this spring.

Mayor Brian McGillis of South Stormont said, “Featuring the Upper Canada Region logo on our hamlet signs, and now the launch of our new website, will help create recognition of the brand and start building the association between the identity and positive experiences that people have while visiting, living and, working in our two communities”.

Building this collaborative brand is an important step towards differentiating this area and increasing its ability to attract residents, visitors and businesses.

[…]

“The interesting thing about spring trade shows is, not only are they great for local businesses, they’re great for communities as a whole,” said Donnie Bowes of the South Dundas Chamber of Commerce Home and Trade Show committee. “It’s a chance to shake off winter and get out and explore what the community has to offer.” 

“And, there aren’t that many of these trade shows in our area,” he said. “Ours attracts more exhibitors and visitors every year.”

When the South Dundas Home and Trade Show opens its doors at the Morrisburg arena Friday April 11, the venue will truly have something for everyone. 

“We are thrilled to be in a sold out position,” said Geraldine Fitzsimmons, manager of the South Dundas Chamber of Commerce. 

Sold out, means that over 70 exhibitors will be on site for the two day event that runs Friday from 4-9 p.m., and Saturday starting at 9 a.m.

“This trade show is really a win-win for both the business community and the community at large,” said Joey Van Koppen, president of the trade show committee.

Organizers say, that the timing of this show is perfect. 

After a long winter, with lots of time to plan for summer projects, people can now, go and see all the great products and services that area businesses offer.

One of the feature attractions of the South Dundas Home and Trade Show, is ‘Ask the experts’ where knowledgeable people in a wide variety of areas are on site to offer free advice. 

This year the experts include Josh Beimond, who will discuss organic lawn maintenance Friday at 6:30 p.m. Barry Keicks is talking about the wild turkey hunt Friday at 7:30 p.m. 

Flo McKenzie offering advice on flower and vegetable gardens Saturday at 10 a.m. At 11 a.m. well known fisherman Reno Viola will talk fishing. At 1 p.m. Karen Marshall will discuss decorating trends. 

South Dundas Fire and Emergency Services will talk Fire Safety at 2 p.m. The final experts of this show will be cooking by Pampered Chef at 3 p.m.

“We have a really great lineup of experts this year, so we are really hoping people will take advantage of the opportunity,” said Fitzsimmons.

The Morrisburg and District Lions Club will have a great food concession on site throughout the event, offering a chicken barbecue Friday night, pancake breakfast Saturday morning followed by pulled pork for lunch.

As always, the South Dundas Chamber of Commerce is proud to offer, not only free admission to the show, but also a free door prize draw. 

Ten door prizes of $100, to be spent at one of the trade show exhibitors businesses, will be given away.

[…]

Thirty community members showed up to watch the proceedings of a committee of three, March 24, at the Dixon’s Corners Community Centre.

The meeting was the first meeting of the South Branch Wind Project’s Community Liaison Committee, which has the objective of helping EDP Renewables better understand the concerns and comments of South Dundas residents regarding the South Branch Wind Facility.

So far, the South Branch CLC consists of three volunteers, Bill Byker, a Glen Stewart area farmer, Pieter Biemond, a local retired dairy farmer, and Chris Bazinet, who works for the Municipality of South Dundas as manager of public works. The committee meeting coordinator and facilitator is Francois Lauzon of Stantec Consulting’s Ottawa office.

Biemond, hopes that this committee will have a role that will help to heal the community, that has experienced much division over this project. “That is my biggest concern,” he said.

The committee meetings are not an open forum to re-visit old concerns about the project, but instead a platform to facilitate two-way communication between EDP and members of the public.

With this open form of communication, EDP will be better able to identify areas for improvement, as we strive to gain local acceptance of this facility, explained Ken Little, project manager. 

“We want the dialogue from these meetings to be meaningful and useful,” said Little. “The aim is a productive two-way conversation.”

At the meeting, Little said that since the start up of the project, so far, one formal noise complaint has been logged with the Ministry of the Environment. 

A local resident, who lives less than one km from a turbine, did report that the noise from the turning blades is similar to that of an airplane, and that since the project has been producing power, he is frequently awakened overnight. 

According to Little, later this month, the facility will undergo a noise audit to check whether or not the noise is within the allowable thresholds for the project.

The CLC is hoping that more volunteers will come forward to join the committee.

Ideally, those who volunteer would be residents or landowners from within a kilometre of the facility, or at least residents of South Dundas. 

Members of the business community or those affiliated with local government or local government agencies, interest groups, conservation authorities or community groups, would also be welcomed to the committee.

The CLC meetings are open to the public for observation, with the possibility of hearing brief depositions from members of the public who have arranged to make presentations.

The committee will meet about four times over the next two years. 

The CLC will next meet in June or July. Once a meeting is scheduled, the details will be advertised. 

In the meantime, anyone interested in joining the committee, or learning more about it, can contact southbranchwindfarmcomments@edpr.com

[…]

The St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation marked the opening of the Seaway’s 56th navigation season March 28, with the transit of Algoma Central Corporation’s newly built ship, the Algoma Equinox, through Lock 3 of the Welland Canal. 

The vessel is the first of eight Equinox-class ships that are being purpose-built for trade in the St. Lawrence Seaway.

 “Algoma Central Corporation’s fleet renewal is a leading example of the unprecedented level of investment that is happening throughout our navigation system,” said Terence Bowles, President and CEO of the SLSMC. 

“The Seaway alone is spending almost $500 million on modernizing its infrastructure – the biggest transformation in five decades.”

“The Algoma Equinox carries more cargo, sails faster, consumes significantly less fuel and is the first Great Lakes vessel to be equipped with a scrubbing system that virtually eliminates sulphur oxide from its emissions.  

These advancements will benefit communities throughout the region and also ensure that our customers – North American industries and farmers – remain competitive on the global stage,” said Algoma Central Corporation’s President and CEO Greg Wight.

In concert with various domestic and ocean carriers investing $1 billion in new vessels, the SLSMC is investing $395 million between 2014 and 2018 to revitalize its locks and structures.  

Likewise, the U.S. Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation is mounting a $92 million effort over a comparable timeframe.

Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation Administrator Betty Sutton said, “The significant investments in Seaway infrastructure are positioning the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway System for future growth.  Our asset renewal program will do more than just rebuild the lock infrastructure; the introduction of new technologies will make the waterway even safer, more efficient, and more reliable.  These investments signal a long term public commitment to shipping on the Great Lakes / Seaway System.”

In addition to its asset renewal program, the SLSMC is also moving ahead with the installation of Hands Free Mooring at all of its high lift locks.  

This investment over the next five years will enable vessels to be secured in a lock by means of vacuum pads, instead of by the traditional wire or rope mooring lines. 

Hands Free Mooring is a core element of the SLSMC’s modernization program, which promises to lower operating costs, increase safety, and provide greater ease of access into the Seaway for Seaway-sized vessels within the world’s merchant fleet.

In terms of the outlook for cargo volume on the St. Lawrence Seaway in 2014, the SLSMC’s Bowles noted that he continues to be upbeat.  

“Tonnage within the St. Lawrence Seaway is forecast to exceed a total of 38 million tonnes this year. 

The U.S. and European economies are improving, and this trend gives us reason to be optimistic,” said Bowles. 

“We also expect to play a significant role in exporting Canada’s bumper grain crop to overseas markets.”

Over 227,000 jobs and $35 billion in economic activity are supported by the movement of goods within the Great Lakes-Seaway System. 

[…]

A little over six months ago, the Morrisburg Business Improvement Area hired their first non-member as a coordinator, and this month, for the first time, they opened an independent office in the Morrisburg Plaza.

The office, located at 99 Main Street Morrisburg (beside Bo’s Barbershop) was generously donated to the Municipality of South Dundas by local lawyer Doug Grenkie. It was donated for the purpose of housing a public washroom facility.

The BIA decided that the washroom project fits nicely with the work of the BIA, and gives the organization the opportunity to have a standalone space.

The idea of a public washroom in the Morrisburg Plaza has been floated for several years. With the land donation, and the BIA involvement, it is coming much closer to becoming reality. 

However, as of yet, there is no specific plan or time-line available for that project.

“What we needed first was a location,” said Grace McDonough, coordinator for the Morrisburg BIA. “Now that we have this location, we are working at applying for funding.”

The plan is to install one fully accessible public washroom in the space adjacent to the newly established and renovated office.

So far, little has been done to the space, as the washroom will require extensive changes to the area, and likely a relocation of the door to meet provincial accessibility requirements.

Several years ago, fund raising was done for a washroom facility for the Morrisburg plaza, as a South Dundas Chamber of Commerce initiative, carried out in partnership with the Morrisburg and District Lions Club, and fundraising matched by the Morrisburg Scotiabank. The $8,100 raised through those efforts, will go to the BIA in support of the washroom project.

While the washroom project is an important priority for the BIA in its new home, it is one of many initiatives the BIA will be involved in this year.

When McDonough was hired in 2013, it was just on the heels of a successful Antiquefest, which was done in partnership with the South Dundas Chamber.

This year, the BIA, with a committee of BIA members and community members will take on organization of the 2014 Antiquefest alone. Learning from observations and input from last year’s vendors, McDonough says this year, all of the vendors will be in tents in mall courtyard behind the clocktower, or a section of the parking lot that will be cordoned off for the summer event slated for July 19 and 20. “We plan to grow the event this year,” said McDonough.

In McDonough’s first year as coordinator, she participated in a number of pumpkin-themed events including spooky tales, pumpkin carving and window decorating and baking contests, and the BIA plans for many of those to return again this fall. Last Christmas, in addition to the seasonal decorations that adorn the Morrisburg Plaza, courtesy of the BIA, they were joined by the Seaway Valley Singers for carolling in the plaza, held a window decorating contest for its members and turkey draws for Plaza patrons.

“All of this is like nothing I’ve ever done before. I brought a basic skill set to this job, and have been learning a lot along the way. With so many great ideas, and lots of feedback from our members, I’m looking forward to applying what I have learned,” said McDonough. While looking forward to having a role in these returning events, McDonough anticipates some new initiatives to the plaza.

The Municipality of South Dundas has been setting aside funds for a revitalization of the Morrisburg Plaza, and the BIA is looking forward to having input into that project.

The BIA is continuing to work at various ways to promote the plaza, including advertising, promotions and events, more than just hosting its own events, McDonough hopes to be able to make the plaza a stop on established regional events and tours. Additional attractions such as an expanded farmer’s market are in the works. The BIA is interested in making the mall court yard more welcoming to visitors, by adding seating and bicycle racks. 

“Not only would it give visitors a place to rest, it could also be a gathering place to sit outdoors and enjoy lunch,” said McDonough.  “It’s just part of being welcoming community. The tourist season here is a short season, so we want to help our businesses.” 

The Morrisburg Business Improvement Area consists of the geographic area of the Morrisburg Village Plaza. It is funded through a levy, administered by the municipality. The president of the Morrisburg BIA is Bill Ewing. The position is appointed by the municipality for the term of council. There are more than 240 BIAs across the province. BIAs have many functions including overseeing area improvements, promoting the area and advocating on behalf of the interests of the business improvement area. 

The primary responsibility of the coordinator is to assist the board in implementing revitalization and promotion strategy, as directed by the board, while serving as a link between the board and the BIA members, as well as coordinating the activities of committees, community groups and volunteers.

[…]

 

Celebrate Ontario has announced it is awarding the St. Lawrence Parks Commission (SLPC) with $150,000 in event funding to support the investment in two amazing fall events, Fort Henry’s scare-attraction Fort Fright and Upper Canada Village’s Pumpkinferno.

The two will each receive $75,000 to fund the further development of the visitor experience.   

At Pumpkinferno, new exhibits will be created for more than half of the event using new themes and their trademark intricate designs and artistry.

Fort Fright will see investments to augment the new projection and sound and light technology introduced in 2013.  As well new sets will be developed to keep visitors guessing what’s around the corner.

The SLPC is no stranger to building and delivering award-winning and successful events.  

Festivals and Events Ontario recently honoured Fort Henry National Historic Site of Canada (Kingston) and Upper Canada Village (Morrisburg) naming two of their events – Sunset Ceremonies and Alight at Night  –  in Ontario’s Top 100 Events. 

Last fall, the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario honoured Pumpkinferno as Ontario’s Best New Event.

The St. Lawrence Parks Commission is leading the way in event development with great success in shoulder season events that collectively draw over 75,000 into the Great Waterway region during a time that is often when attractions are winding down for the season.  

Fort Fright named Ontario’s Top New Event in 2008 by Festivals and Events Ontario is now entering its seventh year and fills a niche in the fall market offering an experience with a blend of live scare actors, animatronics and stunning visual special effects all set against the limestone backdrop of the fortress of Fort Henry.  

At Upper Canada Village, Pumpkinferno has also carved a niche for itself in the fall with an evening walking tour through artistically designed exhibits with over 6,000 hand-carved pumpkins.  It is a mesmerizing display of creative ingenuity set against the night-time backdrop of Upper Canada Village.  

“The development of quality special events is a high priority for the St. Lawrence Parks Commission,” said Darren Dalgleish, General Manager & CEO, St. Lawrence Parks Commission. “The consistent evaluation and monitoring of visitor feedback guides us to create experiences that are entertaining and appealing, and the positive results are clearly demonstrated with our attendance levels.”

“However in our event building processes, we are always mindful to preserve our core historic attractions.  We appreciate the awards and accolades that our teams have received along with the positive feedback from our visitors.”

“This Celebrate Ontario funding is a great vote of confidence in the work we are doing, allowing our teams to continue to develop and grow these special events” 

Upper Canada Village will open for the 2014 season on Wednesday, May 7, 2014.

[…]

The blades are turning and power is being produced at the South Branch Wind Farm. 

While waiting for weather to cooperate for site rehabilitation work to take place, Ken Little, project manager with EDP Renewables, is concentrating his efforts on community outreach.  

With many windy days since commercial operations approval was granted, March 4, so far Little is pleased with the testing.

“We’ve already had the towers working at full power,” he said. 

Peak production for this 10 turbine project is 30 MW. 

The blades generally turn about 10-12 revolutions per minute but can turn a maximum of 14 rpm.

Little has been attending area farm shows, and one of the questions he is asked most often is ‘what do they sound like?’.

He encourages anyone who wants to know the answer to this question to take a drive to the South Branch wind farm, stop along a public roadway near any tower and to listen for themselves.

Last week, when reporters toured the site with Little, it was difficult to differentiate the sound of the rotating blades from the surrounding wind noise on what was a very windy day.

Anyone who wants to tour the site, or educators who may want to obtain information about wind power, can contact Little directly. 

According to Little, later this year, the Ontario Power Authority will be accepting bids on new wind projects, on 300 megawatts province-wide.

 

EDP is hoping be successful in the bidding process, as they have their sights set on two local projects, one in South Dundas and one in North Stormont. 

The size of those projects would depend on available capacity. Little would not discuss the exact location of either project.

“That 300 mw bid is a competitive bid process, no longer Feet-In-Tariff, which are set prices,” said Little. “That is a step in the right direction towards getting lower costs for energy production.”

In early April, Little will meet with South Dundas council to discuss the allocation dollars from the $30,000 per year, 20 year community fund associated with the South Branch project.

[…]

 

The Canadian Club of Morrisburg and District now has an evenly split year thanks to a 2012 directors decision to have the usual three meetings in the fall and add a meeting in March, to the existing meetings in April and May.   

And so, for those of us who don’t go south,  we can look forward to being entertained at the upcoming March meeting on Wednesday, March 19. 

In March, we will  enjoy a roast pork dinner and then Rev. Dan Hayward will  help shorten the winter we have experienced.  The United Church of South Stormont is where Rev Hayward ministers now.  He will explore the Comedian’s Craft – Behind  the Scenes. His presentation will be light-hearted, insightful and tasteful – and we look forward to seeing you there.

In April, Ron Bennet, president of the  Federation of Agriculture, will look at Canadian agriculture’s contribution to our economy and the World. As usual, we will have a draw for a  3’ x 6’  Canadian Flag–compliments of our local MP Guy Lauzon.  The Legion Branch 48 auxiliary ladies will serve a turkey dinner.

Prime rib will be on the menu  in May.

Our final speaker for the year will be a representative of the Area Crime Prevention program from the SD&G OPP Detachment in Long Sault speaking to the club on Identity Theft, Fraud and Protecting Personal Information.  

Typically, the Canadian Club also has the winner of the Dundas County Public speaking contest speak to us.  The winner will be known in mid April.

Members of the community are invited to join the Canadian Club for any dinner meeting for only $20.

Tickets for the dinner meetings are $20 and should be purchased one week in advance. Members of the community are invited to attend a Canadian Club meeting and tickets can be purchased by calling Clara at 613-774-2407 or Doug at 613-543-2922.

[…]