News

SD&G – At the first meeting of the Economic Development Officers Working Group for 2014, held last week at the North Stormont Municipal Office in Berwick, a passionate introduction to the Shift 10% campaign was made.

The Shift 10% campaign is led by champions Kim Stewart, Shift 10% Coordinator, and owner of Stokefire and Donna Primeau, South Stormont, Chamber of Commerce President and owner of Showcase in the Long Sault Plaza.

Shift 10% Back to Local is a campaign designed to remind the public about the benefits of supporting their locally owned businesses. 

Campaign advocate Kim Stewart believes that by actively shifting 10 per cent of shopping to local businesses, the whole community will benefit.  

“The advantage is that we are their neighbours, we are the ones who support their son’s and daughter’s minor sports, donate to community fundraisers, and hire youth from the neighbourhood,” said Stewart.

“The South Stormont Chamber of Commerce (SSCC) has started to develop a 36 month campaign with a primary goal of increasing the profiles of local businesses,” said Donna Primeau. 

There is no charge to participate in the program, only the commitment to be an ambassador of the Shift 10% campaign.  SSCC has been presenting across Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry with the hopes that local business owners will support the Shift 10%  campaign.  

“You do not have to be a Chamber of Commerce member to participate in the program – we want Shift 10% to become region wide – and in the future be recognizable throughout eastern Ontario,” added Stewart.

SDG Economic Development and Communications Officer Terry Besner sees great potential in this grass roots movement. 

“By supporting the Shift 10% program both businesses and consumers will benefit. The economic growth will strengthen existing businesses, encourage expansion, and foster entrepreneurial spirit locally,” concluded Besner.

[…]

There’s going to be a 44th annual Tubie weekend.

The 43 year old event, was in jeopardy when two weeks ago the Morrisburg and District Lions Club’s Tubie Committee announced that they would no longer organize and host the event.

The announcement was a challenge to the community as the outgoing organizers asked that anyone interested in keeping this community’s longest continuously running festival alive, come forward. When they made the announcement, they were confident that someone would come forward to continue the popular event.

Last week, the South Dundas Chamber of Commerce board of directors approved the undertaking and February 14, issued a press release outlining their intentions.

“The community can breathe a sigh of relief. Tubie Fest will not fade away but will continue as strong as ever thanks to The South Dundas Chamber of Commerce stepping up to the plate,” reads the release. 

Chamber President Chuck Barkley is delighted that this signature event will continue. 

“This event is a major economic generator for our Community and the Board of Directors felt strongly that is was much too important to let it disappear,” said Barkley.

In preparation for the 2014 Tubie Fest, the South Dundas Chamber of Commerce will be consulting with the event’s past organizers who have done such an outstanding job over the years.  

“We certainly appreciate their countless volunteer hours and all the challenges they have faced during the past years,” said Chamber of Commerce vice president Carl McIntyre. “We are glad to hear that the previous organizers are willing to guide us through organizing this event.” In the coming months the Chamber will also be looking to the community for volunteers and support as they organize Tubie Fest 2014. 

“Tubie Fest has been one of the community’s most important events for decades and certainly has had a positive effect on the area’s economy over the years. Probably most important, however, is how Tubie Fest brings the community together every summer with friends from near and far enjoying this special week in August. The Chamber feels this is something that should continue and encourages all of those Tubie Racers, hometown folks who live away and the entire community to look forward to making Tubie Fest 2014 one of the best ever,” concludes the media release.

“We are thrilled to learn that the Chamber of Commerce has elected to pick up the torch and ensure that South Dundas will celebrate Tubie Weekend in 2014,” said Michael Domako, who along with Matt McCooeye co-chaired the outgoing organizing committee.

“The Chamber has experience organizing different types of events and by virtue of their mandate have an established network and support in the business community,” he added. “We will work with the Chamber to provide a smooth transition and look forward to the next step in the evolution of the Tubie Festival.

Details about the 44th Tubie weekend event will be up to a new committee, which the Chamber of Commerce directors hope to have in place within the next couple of weeks.

Asked what the community can expect from this year’s event, South Dundas Chamber of Commerce manager Geraldine Fitzsimmons said, “In my own personal opinion – I would think the Chamber will be keeping the event much the same as what the people are accustomed to – it’s been working great so far, so why change it?” 

The event takes a great number of volunteer resources, and the Chamber believes they will have enough help to make it work. 

“Our community is known for all the competent volunteers we have, and everyone knows how important Tubie Festival is for us,” said Fitzsimmons.

“I am glad to see the Chamber pick up the responsibility to run the Tubies,” said South Dundas mayor Steven Byvelds. “The community had told me they would have missed them and this proves that, in the end, if the event is worth doing, someone will.”

[…]

The committee that, in 2011, raised $114,000, in just six months, and brought together 200 volunteers to build a beautiful new playground in Earl Baker Park, now has their sights set on a splash pad. 

The playground was phase one of the project, and now is the time to move on to phase two – the splash pad.

“During the playground building process, the question that everyone was asking then, was can we include a splash pad,” Michael Domanko of the South Dundas Community Playground Committee told council at the February 4, meeting, when he presented a plan detailing the proposed project.

A splash pad is a zero depth aquatic structure combining water movement – flowing, spraying, jetting, misting – for children’s play. 

Because there is no standing water, there is no requirement to have a lifeguard and the flow of water means that it is not subject to the same testing requirements as a pool. It uses municipally treated water that is not re-circulated.

The structure envisioned by the committee would cost about $200,000. The committee already has $40,000 of that in place, and asked South Dundas to approve a dollar for dollar funding request to match up to $25,000 of those funds. The group also plans to apply for funding through various sources, and to fund raise.

Communities throughout the region (South Stormont, Cornwall, Brockville) have these types of structures, and area residents with children are travelling to those communities to use those splash pads. Domanko said that often families are then spending their dollars in those communities rather than here.

In his presentation he discussed the positive recreational, health, economic and social benefits this project.

Once the splash pad is up and running, Domanko’s research shows that operational costs would be about $7,000-$8,000 annually.

Council had no problem agreeing to the $25,000 contribution, and were impressed with the very thorough presentation.

“I have no doubt this will happen,” commented South Dundas deputy mayor Jim Locke.

“This is a nice concept,” said South Dundas councillor Jim Graham. “What a great draw for younger families. I certainly support your efforts. This really makes great use of the park area.”

“What a great addition this will be,” said South Dundas councillor Evonne Delegarde. 

South Dundas mayor Steven Byvelds, had no issues with the dollar for dollar funding request. “The next step is up to the community,” he said. “If they want it, they will support it.”

From now until August, the committee plans to get kids and their parents engaged in the project, and to fundraise while getting all approvals and quotes in place to coordinate the project launch.

Their plan in to have the splash pad installed and completed by fall.

Once complete, the splash pad would be turned over to the municipality for maintenance and operations.

The committee envisions the splash pad fitting well with the ‘high-end’ look of the park, choosing finishes that blend nicely with the landscape rather than bold primary colours. It would include an above grade cabinet to house the operations systems. The cabinet will be camouflaged with strategic plantings.

The system will be on a timer to allow it only to activate during certain hours, and is activated only when children are there to use the splash pad.

Discussions about the potential need for on-site washroom facilities did take place, as the closest facilities  are at the Morrisburg dock. The committee feels this issue is beyond the scope of their project, although as a short-term solution, if the need arose, they could look at a portable washroom, again well camouflaged in its surroundings.

[…]

Unless someone comes forward to take over the Tubie Festival, South Dundas will lose its longest running annual festival.

The Tubie Festival organizing committee of the Morrisburg and District Lions Club confirmed last week that they can no longer commit to the time and effort that is required to run the 43 year old event.

The Tubie Festival Committee is a 10 member club within a club of younger Morrisburg and District Lions. 

Michael Domanko and Matt McCooeye, co-chair the Tubie Festival Committee.

After eight years of hosting Tubies, the committee is starting to experience volunteer fatigue, and thought now would be the time to step away, leaving the door open for someone new to take it over.

Domanko said the ‘red tape’ involved with organizing such an event can be a frustrating part of the process, but while contributing to fatigue, it is not the main factor in the decision. 

“The municipality has taken steps to try and help with things like festival insurance, but you do spend a significant amount of time dealing with red tape at various levels of administration,” he said.

Domanko believes that Tubie interest is on the rise, compared to what it was about five years ago.

He said the decision was not about money. “When the Lions took over the event it was to support an important community festival. It was never about being a fundraiser for the club.” While some years, the profit was minimal, the event has never lost money for the Lions.

“While the number of crafts have been steady over the years, I think it’s encouraging that we are seeing a number of younger participants,” said Domanko. 

The committee has been working over the years to make Tubies a more family oriented event, bringing in activities for the kids, and encouraging more youth to get involved. 

“I think we’re seeing that pay off,” said Domanko. “Now, a lot of those kids look forward to Tubie weekend too. In my opinion, we’ve crossed a threshold. More people are coming forward an showing an interest.”

“I think it’s better to make a change in organization while things are on an upswing, rather than on the decline,” said Domanko. 

“As lifelong residents of the community, and former Tubie Weekend participants, it was a privilege to be involved with the organization and execution of ‘Tubie Weekend’ for the last eight years,” reads a letter to the community drafted by the committee. 

“Tubies have been part of our community’s fabric for over 40 years, and we took pride in being one of the many and varied groups that has worked to ensure it remains the longest continuous running local festival.” 

“It is our hope another group steps forward and continues the tradition with the enthusiasm the weekend deserves.”

Domanko says he is optimistic about the future of the Tubies. “I think enough people have fond memories of Tubies, that enough of them will get involved to ensure that Tubies continue.” 

“I think they also recognize the weekend as having significance both as a tourist draw and a community event,” he added.

Looking back at the years where he and the Lions CIC have steered the event, Domanko says, “I feel good about that too.”

Although it has been a lot of work, Domanko has always enjoyed his time as organizer, and taken great pride in seeing every aspect come together. 

“People always tell me, ‘I come home every Tubie Weekend, because I know that is when everyone else will be coming home too.’ I think that is one of the greatest attributes of Tubie Weekend,” said Domanko.

Anyone interested in getting involved with keeping the Tubies afloat can contact Domanko by email (mdomanko@gmail.com). The committee is happy to share information and help facilitate a change in leadership.

The Tubie tradition started in 1970, as a fun event where a couple of guys teamed up, built a craft of an inner tube and paddled from Arlor Haven Campground at Mariatown to the Morrisburg Beach. 

The race winners were crowned ‘Kings of the River’. 

The fun of the event caught on. Powder puff and junior classes even drew competitors to the race. 

A Tubie parade has always been part of the Tubie tradition.

Over the decades, certain names dominated the races year after year, – Veley, Cassell, Farlinger, McGee. 

The Lions Club took over Tubie weekend in 2006, from the Flamingos hockey team, and formed the Tubie Festival Committee.

In 2009, they changed the race format. Instead of racing from Mariatown to the Morrisburg beach, they organized a series of elimination round heat races from the Morrisburg dock to the beach, with the winners of the final being named Kings of the River.

In 2010, the dance was moved from the Morrisburg arena to the waterfront under a big tent. 

“Keep in mind, Tubies have seen a number of different incarnations over the years,” said Domanko. “You don’t have to do it the way we did it.”

[…]

Cancer volunteer driver, Jennifer Hindorff was delighted with the 25 of  ‘pink pigs’ she put out for adoption at Valu-mart on Saturday.

Hindorff, of Winchester, is a Wheels of Hope driver for the S.D.G. Prescott Russell branch of the Canadian Cancer Society. She quickly jumped into the adoptive piggy pasture when she heard of the unique fundraiser first run this past fall in Owen Sound, says Carolyn Bourassa, the Community manager for the Cancer Society.

“This (the fundraiser) is a brand new idea, so we thought we would give it a go,” said Bourassa, Saturday, as Hindorff’s was kept busy handling piggy adoptions. “It was a volunteer who came up with the fundraising idea. They (Owen Sound) tried it in the fall and were very successful.” 

“Wheels of Hope is a fairly expensive program to run, but it is hugely beneficial program to people who need help with transportation to get to their cancer treatments. So we thought we would try the Piggy Adoption fundraiser. We thought it was a fresh idea and a catchy concept, so we put the idea out to our local drivers.”

Last year the Wheels of Hope program in S.D.G. Prescott-Russell, supported 28 families with a child and 506 individuals with their transportation needs. The total cost of the service was $150,716.

“We are lucky that Winchester Hospital provides some cancer treatments, but most of our local people go to Ottawa,” said Bourassa.

Hindorff, a single mom who is fighting her own battle with cancer, drives two to three times per month in the Wheels of Hope program for this area. “It is so very sad. If someone calls needing help with their transportation, you know it is because they don’t have family to help out, or they don’t have a car,” said Hindorff. “It is scarey enough to be dealing with the cancer. You don’t want to have to worry about how to get to your treatments. I figured I can drive, so this could be my way of helping others.”

Prior to bringing the Piggies of Hope to Morrisburg, Hindorff set up her first adoption pasture in Finch where she adopted out 20 pigs. “It was the first time, and we were all quite excited about it.”

It is hoped that each piggy that is adopted is returned at the end of February (to Valu-mart) stuffed with $75 which is the average cost for a round-trip to cancer treatment.

In addition to the money required to pay the costs of transportation, the Wheels of Hope program is always looking for drivers. “Some drive weekly, some monthly,” explained Bourassa. “We have lots of drivers who are retired, some of whom are away in the winter. So we would love to have more drivers.”

Anyone who was unable to adopt a piggy on Saturday, or who would like more information on becoming a volunteer driver is invited to call the office at 613-932-1283. Hindorff will also be placing some Pigs of Hope in various businesses in North Dundas.

Those unable to take on the sole responsibility of one of these adorable creatures, can keep an eye out for those located in businesses in South and North Dundas. 

One such little pink guy is grazing on the front counter at The Leader for anyone who would like to make a donation.

[…]

For about two years, the Optimist Club of South Dundas has been working towards the mission of Optimist International.

The Optimist mission: By providing hope and positive vision, Optimists bring out the best in kids.

The service organization, which calls itself a friend of youth, has 2,600 clubs around the world, including one in South Dundas.

The club which meets monthly at the Dixon’s Corners Community Centre (the building which formerly housed the public school).

Club representatives, Hugo Desrochers (president), Audrey Ortwein and Ben Luimes, spoke about their club and some of the work they have been doing, after a recent donation made at Iroquois Public School.

“Optimists are friends of youth, and work to help bring out the best of youth,” said Desrochers. 

They have about 30 members, who meet regularly on the last Monday of the month. Although the club is relatively new, they have already been involved in many activities in the community and plan to be involved in many more.

“We are a fairly young club,” said Desrochers.

The South Dundas Optimists organized a bike rodeo last year and Dixon’s Corners, and this year will host another, this time in Morrisburg. 

They support two youth groups weekly, with an average of about 20 kids in total attending weekly. The older members of those two groups are building a fishing shack at the community centre that will be sold as a fund raiser.

This year, the Optimists are working to raise awareness of their organization in the community.

Last week, they donated almost $500 to Iroquois Public School for books. February 17, they are hosting a Family Day Skate at the Dundela outdoor rink, where they will serve hotdogs and hot chocolate from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. They also plan to particpate in summer festivities.

Adult volunteers join Optimist Clubs to conduct positive service projects in their communities aimed at providing a helping hand to youth. 

Each club determines the needs of people in its community and conducts programs to meet those needs.

The South Dundas Optimists are always interested in welcoming new members to the club. Anyone interested can contact Desrochers by email (hdesrochers@live.ca).

[…]

Within the next six months, the municipality of South Dundas should have the ability to hand out parking tickets, and collect fines from parking infractions.

South Dundas council and staff are in the midst of reviewing a bylaw that will regulate parking on all of South Dundas’ municipal roads and municipally owned property including the parking lots at the Iroquois and Morrisburg shopping plazas and waterfront areas, as well as parks across the municipality.

South Dundas council and staff members, including Donald Lewis, manager of planning and enforcement, Dan Tessier, building inspector and bylaw enforcement officer and new department hire Brent Mattice, went through the bylaw, line by line, with council at a special meeting held January 20, at the South Dundas Municipal Centre in Morrisburg.

With this bylaw, will come a major sign purchase to properly mark nearly 40 areas where parking will be prohibited or restricted.

The bylaw also sets out designated fire access routes. 

These routes include areas around South Dundas’ three fire stations, fire reservoirs, and most notably, areas of the Morrisburg and Iroquois Plazas. 

The area near the Morrisburg clock tower of the mall, has long been an area where vehicles stopping has long been an issue as they impede proper traffic flow at a busy intersection. 

Stopping will be prohibited there and along the roadway in front of the Mac’s store in the Iroquois Plaza.

This bylaw will finally give the municipality the power to ticket, and possibly even tow those stopping there illegally.

Generally, the bylaw states that motorists parking at the plazas, must park between the lines in a designated parking space.

This bylaw will give South Dundas the authority to ticket those illegally making use of designated wheelchair accessible spaces. 

While most of the 35 parking fines outlined in the first draft of the bylaw are $25 or $35, the fine for illegally parking in an accessible space is $300.

The bylaw outlaws any heavy truck, trailer or bus to be parked on any municipal road within the municipality of South Dundas. Those doing so could face a $50 fine, once this bylaw comes into effect.

Other standard parking rules such as not blocking driveways, intersections or fire hydrants, or parking that interferes with snow removal, will become ticketed offences, once the bylaw is enacted. 

The process to enact this bylaw is longer than others because it must receive provincial approval, which can take up to six months. It becomes law after the third reading, which takes place after provincial approval has been granted. The bylaw has not yet had first reading at the South Dundas council table. Some changes that arose from discussions at the January 20 meeting are being implemented before the document is made available to business organizations and the public.

“What we are going to need is a common sense application of what we are doing here,” said South Dundas mayor Steven Byvelds. “There’s a reasonable explanation to every rule here that we want to put in place.”

[…]

Upkeep of dams, weirs, built channels and erosion prevention structures within its drainage basin is one of the ongoing priorities of South Nation Conservation.

“It’s in part basic housekeeping,” said Sandra Mancini, SNC Team Lead, Water Resources. “But proper maintenance and repair is essential to avoid long-term damage to erosion and flooding. As dams age, risk can increase.”

That’s why SNC – with the help of provincial Water Erosion Control Infrastructure (WECI) – is implementing safety reviews and upgrades of retention structures at Chesterville and Crysler. The structures in question are the Chesterville Dam, the Crysler Dam and the Crysler Dyke.

“There are some outstanding projects to be undertaken at the three structures that won’t impede flow or cause any other inconvenience and the time is right to get them done,” Mancini explained.

“Our objective is to ensure the structures don’t pose unacceptable risk to public welfare, property, the environment and cultural resources.”

Mancini noted that provincial guidelines and approvals are in place that owners must adhere to when operating and managing their water retention structures. To financially assist conservation authorities with upkeep, the Ministry of Natural Resources devised WECI, a 50 per cent cost-sharing program.

Since WECI was launched 10 years ago, more than $825,000 has been allocated to maintain and improve SNC’s seven eligible structures, generating thousands of dollars in local economic activity.

In the upcoming round of upgrades at Chesterville and Crysler, close to $100,000 will be spent on an assortment of projects.

The existing Chesterville Dam was constructed in 1978 as part of an extensive South Nation River flood control and low flow augmentation project. The structure manages a total drainage area of 1,050 square-km.

An audit recommended that operational procedures and safety measures around the dam be reviewed. The same study indicated that, while protection devices at the dam are acceptable, the presence of a nearby school and park popular with local children “increases the risk of dangerous actions such as jumping from the dam.” Different options for adequately fencing the site will be assessed.

Moving down river to Crysler, that dam controlling a drainage area of about 1,300 square-km underwent significant modification and reinforcement in 1975.The audit pointed out that the dam’s north abutment is cracked and the upstream portion of the north retaining wall also appears to be in poor condition. Mancini said $63,000 has been set aside for the necessary repairs.

Other projects include a review of public safety aspects at the Crysler Dam, and an integrity assessment of the Crysler flood control dyke built in 1984.

[…]

The Ontario Provincial Police, SD&G O.P.P detachment responded to over 30 traffic related calls for service over a 24 hour period during Monday’s adverse weather conditions. 

The calls ranged from vehicles in the ditch to moderate personal injury collisions.

The most serious collisions originated on Highway 417 with the remainder spread throughout the rest of the United Counties.

[…]