News

 

The St. Lawrence Parks Commission has been honoured with two events in the list of ‘Top 100 Events in Ontario’ recently named by Festivals and Events Ontario (FEO) at their annual conference in Richmond Hill, Ontario.  

Named in the Top Ten honours were Fort Henry’s World Famous Sunset Ceremonies for the ninth time, and Upper Canada Village’s Alight at Night for the fourth time.

 The Top 100 recipients represent festivals and events that excel within the industry.

Fort Henry’s Sunset Ceremonies (Wednesday and Saturday nights during July and August) introduced an exciting new 3-D video technology in 2013.  

The high tech addition provides a multi-dimensional projection onto a wall that animates the Sunset Ceremonies with a series of battle scenes in a way that complements the performance of the Fort Henry Guard never seen before.

“The Sunset Ceremony Series is definitely a favourite event with our visitors, and introducing the new high tech element makes it very exciting for a whole new audience,” says Will Baird, Manger, Fort Henry National Historic Site of Canada.   

Also honoured was Upper Canada Village’s Alight at Night festival which transforms the Village into a spectacular winter wonderland with one million lights on the buildings, fences and trees. Alight at Night is firmly secured as a leisure holiday tradition for visitors and residents to Eastern Ontario in December and early January.

“It is a real honour to receive this recognition from Festivals and Events Ontario for the winter festival Alight at Night,” says Geoff Waycik, Manager, Upper Canada Village. 

“This event has sustained its appeal with visitors for 13 years now, and visitation is as strong as ever.  Events are a very important part of our business mix, and we continue to research and develop new experiences that contribute substantially to the economic health of our community.”

As the winter season comes to an end, preparation for the opening of Upper Canada Village on Wednesday, May 7 gets underway.

 

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 Peetoo & Meetoo Would like to be adopted together. Miniature poodles, 3-4 yrs, males, not neutered. Possibly French. Obviously two, very well cared for dogs and obviously raised together. These two young gentlemen were strays and although the Shelter has reached out through Facebook and searched various lost online lost dog sites, their owners were not found. They were not wearing tags and not micro-chipped. A reminder of the importance of identification to all pet owners, even those with small dogs that wouldn't  normally leave the home environment.

 

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Chartwell Hartford Retirement Residence is preparing for an open house to celebrate area heritage.

They are inviting the community to join them for the special celebration March 30.

“The Town of Morrisburg and surrounding areas, has seen a lot of change and growth over the past few decades,” says Leisa Fawcell, sales consultant, in a media release. 

“Join us as we transport you back to the good old days and celebrate our town’s history with a memorable open house event, complete with classic foods, great fun and live entertainment, all from our local community.”  

“At Chartwell Hartford Retirement Residence,  we strive to create a welcoming atmosphere that is safe, fun and rewarding for our residents,” says Julianne Swindells, Hartford general manager. 

“Our vision of Making People’s Lives Better is deeply embedded into our culture, and our dedicated staff are focused every day on helping to make a difference. We not only offer top-quality care and services, but work hard to ensure our residents’ lives are healthier, happier and more meaningful.”

The Hartford Retirement Residence is located at Fifth Street West in Morrisburg. Everyone is welcome to attend this special event.

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Del Jones of Morrisburg says he’s the right person to get things done and the right person to represent the Stormont, Dundas, South Glengarry Liberals in the next provincial election. 

That’s why he is seeking the nomination.

He is one of two candidates vying for the position. The other is John Earle of Cornwall.

Jones, grew up here in Morrisburg, has lived and worked throughout Ontario, Alberta, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island, but chose to raise his family here in his hometown.

“I have the right experience to be effective,” he said. 

With his  background including hands on experience in business, industry, education and municipal affairs, Jones knows that this combination would serve him and the community well at Queen’s Park.

In addition to his work experience, Jones is a long time Liberal, who has always been heavily involved with the party. Presently, he is part of the Provincial Liberal executive and is president of the local Federal Liberal riding association.

Eager to put his knowledge into practice for the benefit of the community, Jones hopes that his efforts will be supported locally. 

“What I need first is the nomination,” said Jones. 

Those who wish to support Jones, who are not members of the Ontario Liberal Party, will need to join the party, in order to have a vote, to determine who the SDSG liberal candidate will be in the next provincial election. 

This can be done online https://contribute.ontarioliberal.ca/home/join or by contacting Jones directly for those who prefer to complete a paper membership application.

“I am a strong voice. I am from this community, so I have a strong understanding of the local issues, while at the same time I have a firm grasp on provincial and national issues,” said Jones. 

“I have a history of getting things done. I have a track record of finding creative solutions to complex problems, and a history of helping to make large organizations more efficient.”

His problem solving skills are something that he would like to have the opportunity to apply in a provincial governmental capacity. 

“Problem solving motivates me. I am a numbers guy and a facts guy. I would like to get by all the rhetoric and get to the facts. We have big problems to solve, and I’d like to get on with it,” said Jones. 

“Anyone wishing to support me should become a member of the party and plan to vote at the nomination meeting, Saturday, April 5th at Nav Canada in Cornwall.”

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The Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry Provincial and Federal NDP riding associations elected their executive members for 2014 at their joint annual general meetings on March 5, at the Navy Veterans Association in Cornwall.  

Brian Lynch was re-elected as President of both the SDSG provincial and federal NDP riding associations.

Lynch told the crowd that the local NDP, as a result of their outreach activities in recent years,  are in a good position to run a strong campaign in SDSG in the next provincial election with nominated candidate Elaine MacDonald.  

MacDonald, a twice-elected Cornwall city councillor, was nominated as the provincial NDP candidate in SDSG at a nomination meeting last year on March 27, 2013.  

A provincial election in Ontario could come as early as this spring.

“Across Ontario, people are coming to see the NDP as the party that gets results to create jobs, make life more affordable, strengthen healthcare, and make the government more accountable,” said Lynch. 

“Ontarians deserve better than the tired, discredited Liberals and the ‘slash and burn’ Hudak Conservatives” who want to cut essential public services and make Ontario a low wage province.”

Candidate Elaine MacDonald praised the work of NDP leader Andrea Horwath and the Ontario NDP caucus at Queen’s Park to get results that make life better and more affordable for everyday people. 

“If elected as MPP, my first responsibility will be to the people of SDSG.  I will work for good-paying jobs, youth employment, access to post- secondary education and training, healthcare we can count on, and greater affordability for everyday people,” said MacDonald. 

She also wants to see greater assistance to agriculture and rural communities and a fairer tax system that will pay for essential public services and help the province balance its books.  

On the issue of skyrocketing hydro rates, MacDonald said, “The Ontario NDP will stop the expensive private power deals, cap hydro executive pay and cut down on waste and duplication by merging Ontario’s hydro agencies, and stop the $1 billion annual subsidy of electricity exports to jurisdictions like New York and Michigan.”

Also elected to serve on the 16 member local NDP riding associations’ executives were Elaine MacDonald as vice president; Paul Aubin, recording secretary; David Denneny, chief financial officer; Madeleine Lebrun, women’s representative; Carilyne Hebert, youth representative; Trevor Tolley, Darlene Jalbert, Marion Adams, Jason Setnyk, Ian Wilson, Jack St. Thomas, Patricia Sylvia, Alison Parker, David Mcilveen, Bonnie Lauzon as members-at-large.  

Brian Lynch and Carilyne Hebert were also elected as the local NDP provincial councillors.

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February 25, 2014, the Winchester District Memorial Hospital Board of Directors approved a plan to balance the hospital budget for the 2014/2015 fiscal year. Achieving this was more challenging than in years past since, for several years, government funding increases have been much less than increases in expenses.

“Caring for our patients is our number one priority,” notes Lisa Little, Board Chair. “This plan is the result of a collaborative process that involved staff, physicians, volunteers and Board members. Everyone worked together to identify opportunities and provide feedback.”

The plan contains four key elements. 

“We are pleased to report that none of these changes affect patient services and programs. In fact, WDMH is doing more surgeries, providing more cancer care, seeing more outpatients, and admitting more inpatients than ever before,” adds Lisa Little.

WDMH will permanently staff 12 beds on Complex Continuing Care (previously 17) and 25 beds on the Medical/Surgical Unit (previously 34). 

The ECU (Enhanced Care Unit) will also relocate to the second floor, adjacent to the Medical/Surgical Unit. 

“These changes reflect the number of inpatient beds that have been in continuous use over the past year,” notes Cholly Boland, CEO. “WDMH is actually admitting more inpatients than ever before. However, they are staying for less time due to advancements in the practice of medicine, new technologies and additional supports in the community.”

WDMH will be eliminating the equivalent of 9.5 full-time positions in nursing, housekeeping, food services and management. 

“The good news is that no one is losing their job,” adds Cholly Boland. “These changes will be achieved by not filling vacant positions and reducing some part-time hours.”

WDMH will raise the daily parking fee from $2 to $5, and raise the monthly fee from $20 to $25 (for staff and visitors). 

“The WDMH parking rates have remained the same for the past 14 years and WDMH has the lowest hospital parking rates in Eastern Ontario,” explains Cholly Boland. “Proceeds from parking fees are used to support patient care.” This change will take place in late spring.

Finally, a review of all supply budgets is underway. Supplies include almost anything purchased externally such as medical and surgical supplies, heat and electricity, linen and private patient transportation. “Currently, we spend more on supplies than most other similar hospitals and we want to improve that,” says Cholly Boland.

“We are committed to providing the same level of high-quality hospital care and will keep our local communities informed as these changes are implemented,” sums up Lisa Little.

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Local MPP Jim McDonell was quick to react to Winchester District Memorial Hospital’s announced bed closure last week.

Within a few hours of the announcement McDonell issued a press release from Queen’s Park.

“Winchester District Memorial Hospital announced the permanent closure of 14 beds earlier today, which equates to more than 22 per cent of their total capacity,” reads the release. 

The MPP is concerned with the impact this will have on the community. 

“At a time when the senior population of Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry has increased and requires access to acute and chronic healthcare, the Government’s funding approach is causing local beds to close,” said MPP McDonell. 

“We have seen the present government slowly and silently eroding the provision of health services. While they may claim to be encouraging home care and other alternative health provisions, they focus more on creating expensive levels of administration and agencies such as Local Health Integration Networks, rather than actually delivering patient services. WDMH provides an essential service in an area that does not have easy access to either the Cornwall area or Ottawa hospitals – their ability to respond to any health situation that may arise is dependent on their capacity.”

 “WDMH is an essential service for Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry, providing excellent care and stable, local skilled jobs. Enough is enough. The funding cuts that led to this closure are unacceptable and the Minister of Health must be held to account. I have created a petition against the closure of the 14 beds at WDMH, I encourage the community to sign in so that I can present it in the Legislature and show the Minister the terrific support for our highly recognized hospital.  It is available on my website and at my office.”

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Darren Dalgleish, General Manager and CEO of the St. Lawrence Parks Commission (SLPC) has won a Canadian Government Executive (CGE) Leadership award.  

This prestigious award recognizes Dalgleish and his team for leadership in business renewal efforts through their strategy ‘Alive in Five’.  

“I am very honoured to be recognized with this award.  The toughest part of my job as CEO of SLPC is standing to receive recognition for work that others have done.  Over the past two years, my incredibly talented team has rallied around a common vision of self sufficiency and business excellence and we have achieved real momentum,” said Darren Dalgleish, General Manager and CEO, St. Lawrence Parks Commission.  

The award criteria was based upon the demonstrated benefits  improved service and reduced costs; difficulties faced; the quality of change management and leadership; innovation, collaboration, networking and partnerships; the development of team support and employee “buy-in”; the significance and materiality of the project; lessons learned and Replicability.

 “Congratulations to Darren Dalgleish on receiving the 2014 Canadian Government Executive Leadership Award.  The Commission has successfully enhanced its service offerings in creative and innovative ways during challenging economic times.  This award is a well-deserved testament to the hard work, dedication, ingenuity and leadership of the entire St. Lawrence Parks Commission team,” said Steven Davidson, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport. 

Shortly after the arrival of Dalgleish, the SLPC adopted the business renewal strategy they call ‘Alive in Five’.  

The strategy, now in its third year, aims to completely renew the organization to self sufficiency within five years.  

There are two essential pillars of this plan; 1: Cost Structure improvement through the execution of Lean Kaizen methodology, enrichment of programs and product portfolio.  

“As an Agency of the Ministry of Tourism Culture and Sport, our priorities are complex and diverse, but we believe growth and cost effectiveness are key to regional economic growth and essential to enabling sound stewardship of the heritage facilities and properties entrusted to us” said Dalgleish.  

“Our focus is simple, we simply challenge everything we do with the question – “Would the customer be willing to pay for that?”” Dalgleish added. 

The other key is to lead a staff culture change whereby there was greater connection from the top to bottom of the organization with fewer layers, more open dialogue and greater employee engagement.  

Staff surveys, quarterly ‘All Hands’ meetings, Kaizen events, a Hero’s Cup staff award recognition program and other initiatives have helped to dramatically improve employee morale and engagement.  

“The open door management style at SLPC is taking hold” Dalgleish said.  

He also sites General Electric’s philosophy of E=QxA (effectiveness = quality (of the idea) x acceptance) as essential to the sustainability of change and at the core of SLPC’s quest. 

“Darren has brought an important private sector perspective to the St. Lawrence Parks Commission.  His passion for his work has permeated the whole organization and has given new energy to all our initiatives,” said  Ian Wilson, Chair, St. Lawrence Parks Commission.

Canadian Government Executive is the journal of record for public sector executives.  

Now in its 19th year of publishing, CGE reaches a wide national audience of senior decision-makers and managers across federal, provincial and municipal jurisdictions.  

Their mission is to contribute to excellence in public sector management. 

Our contributors are among the sectors most well-known and respected thought leaders.  Published 10 times a year, CGE reaches up to 60,000 public sector leaders and decision-makers every month. 

With extensive experience in business renewal and development, Dalgleish joined the St. Lawrence Parks Commission as CEO in 2011 charged with executing a corporate transformation to create business sustainability.  

He has extensive executive leadership experience in the public and private sectors, led multinational companies and business transformations.  

He is educated in Engineering and Business and has studied at Loyalist College, York University and the University of Tennessee and is a Six Sigma Black Belt. 

The St. Lawrence Parks Commission operates internationally renowned historic site Upper Canada Village, Fort Henry National Historic Site of Canada, part of Ontario’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site, thirteen campgrounds and beaches from the 1000 Islands to the Quebec border, Crysler Park Marina, Upper Canada Golf Course and Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary along with two scenic parkways – the Long Sault Parkway and the 1000 Islands Parkway.

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The Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry Provincial Liberal Association has scheduled an all candidate’s debate for Monday March 3rd at 6:30 PM at the Best Western Plus Hotel, 1515 Vincent Massey Drive, Cornwall. 

The event will feature the candidates seeking the nomination for the Provincial Liberal Candidacy. Candidates will be asked a series of questions from the event moderator, and be given an allotted period of time to respond to the questions.

“There are two excellent candidates currently seeking the nomination, who come from two very

different backgrounds” explains James Borer, president of the SDSG PLA. “Both would make very strong candidates in the next Provincial election.”

Currently the two candidates seeking the nomination are Del Jones and John Earle.

The event is open to the general public. 

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The average residential property owner in South Dundas will pay about $8 more in municipal property taxes this year, and when combined with the Counties and Education levies the average property tax bill will be about $20 more than last year.

An average home in South Dundas is valued at approximately $176,000.

Capital and operating budgets approved by South Dundas council for 2014 result in a total levy of $5,231,000, which is about $85,000 more than last year.

South Dundas council wrapped up two days of budget deliberations February 20 and 21, satisfied that they had met their target to hold the municipal levy increase close to one per cent.

At the outset of budget deliberations, South Dundas mayor Steven Byvelds said, “We need to concentrate on getting the projects we’ve started done. We as a council have to consider what’s good for all of South Dundas, not just for individuals.”

With reserves sitting in fairly good shape at about $3 million, Byvelds suggested, “It’s better to set the books straight for the end of this year so the new council isn’t left to question what we did over the last four years.”

With staff submitting budgets that did not include a lot of excess, council made quick work of the operational budgets. For the most part they were happy with the capital projects presented, and provided their approval.

South Dundas chief administrative office Steve McDonald said there were no service cuts in the budget and told council that the 2014 budget included a one per cent increase in wages and council honourariums. Annual contributions to the municipal return of service incentive for new doctors ended this year.

“This is not an exciting budget. It’s a stay the course budget,” added McDonald, who thanked management staff, especially the treasurer, for the months of hard work that were poured into this document.

The budget does not become official until the budget bylaw is approved by council. It will be presented to council at the March 4, regular council meeting.

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