News

 

South Dundas council finally approved a new sign design for hamlet signs throughout the municipality. 

The new design is based on that presented by the consultants they hired in partnership with South Stormont to present a uniform design incorporating the shared Upper Canada Region branding.

South Dundas council was not happy with the consultant’s design, so they added some suggestions of their own. 

They wanted to incorporate the township logo and added a border to the Upper Canada Region blade that will be on all of the signs. 

Council unanimously agreed to this ‘hybid’ design.

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When Williamsburg loses the South Dundas Municipal office, it will be gaining a new school.

The building, which is an old school house, is going to be leased by the Upper Canada District School Board from the municipality to provide a new home for the T.R. Leger School of Alternative and Continuing Education.

This Williamsburg site will allow TR Leger to consolidate its Morrisburg and Winchester locations. The campus locations  in each of those two towns will be closing.

“The Upper Canada District School Board and the TR Leger School of Alternative and Continuing Education are always looking for ways to better serve our students,” says Geoff Trasuk, TR Leger principal.

“The amalgamation of the Winchester and Morrisburg sites will allow us to provide the programming that enhances our students’ opportunity to graduate.”

South Dundas Mayor Steven Byvelds, confirmed May 9, that TR Leger is officially coming to Williamsburg. They are leasing the building before this fall.

Those trying to save the Williamsburg Library had been hopeful that the TR Leger school could provide a home for the Williamsburg library to keep it open. “There is no space for the library from what I hear,” said Byvelds.

The Township of South Dundas has asked the SD&G Library to vacate the Williamsburg building by August 1. The Township expects to vacate the building themselves in mid to late August.

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According to South Dundas mayor Steven Byvelds, South Dundas council intends to consider a resolution to support maintaining a library in Williamsburg at the May 21 council meeting.

Whether or not council as a whole supports maintaining a branch in Williamsburg has never been put to a vote at the South Dundas council table.

When The Leader asked if council supports maintaining a library in Williamsburg, what impact such a resolution will have?, Erika Heesen, Communications and Marketing Librarian for the Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry County Library, instead of directly addressing the question, answered: “The SD&G Library Board decided at their December 17, 2012 meeting that the Williamsburg Branch would be consolidated with the Morrisburg Branch, including the reallocation of staff, hours of operation and resources as operationally feasible.”

At the same time as council is pondering support for a Williamsburg branch, the Township of South Dundas has asked the SD&G library to vacate the Williamsburg building by August 1, 2013.

“We’re confident the move will go smoothly,” said Heesen. The collections, furniture, etc. that are currently in the library branch will be re-allocated to other branches of the library system, with the majority moving to the Morrisburg branch.

“Staff at the Williamsburg branch will not lose any hours of work,” said Heesen, explaining that consolidated, longer opening hours will begin sooner than anticipated at the Morrisburg branch.

Services that will continue to be offered locally include the Visiting Library Service which is for retirement homes and the home-bound and 24/7 access to borrowing eBooks and eAudiobooks online. “The library also plans to offer Summer Reading Club as an outreach program in Williamsburg this summer,” said Heesen.

Also in the planning stages is a book pick up and drop off location at a Williamsburg retail location. 

Although the details have yet to be confirmed, the Library hopes to have that service available as of August 1, 2013 so that Williamsburg residents do not experience any interruption in book delivery, according to Heesen.

The SD&G Library is funded by the United Counties of SD&G. The Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry County Library Board is made up of three citizens and four County Councillors. 

Library Board members are appointed by County Council for a four-year term and serve without remuneration. 

The Board is responsible for policy development. 

South Dundas rents space to the Counties for the local libraries.

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 The SD&G County Library Board held a public information meeting in Williamsburg May 9, at the Williamsburg Oddfellows Hall.

Over 75 people attended the meeting where Library Staff provided a power point presentation concerning the upcoming consolidation of the Williamsburg and Morrisburg library branches.

Staff and the library board members were focussed on showing the public the plans for the new branch location in Morrisburg. 

They spoke about the need for rural libraries, like rural communities, to find creative ways to sustain themselves.

With the opportunity to consolidate at a new high traffic location, the board made the decision to consolidate the two branches.

With the prospect of a new location that will see much higher foot traffic past the door of the library, which will include everyone using the St. Lawrence Medical Clinic or visiting the South Dundas Municipal Centre, the board seized the opportunity.

Using the Kemptville library as a model for a difficult changes that have had a positive outcome, the SD&G Library Board initiated similarly difficult changes. 

Eric Duncan, who is a member of the library board, explained that the expansion of the Kemptville library included the closure of small branches in South Gower and Oxford Mills.

“There was a huge outcry from the public and disaster was predicted. People were furious when it happened,” explained Duncan.

But through the change, they moved to a higher profile, higher traffic location and were able to get more usage and increase membership to 62 per cent.

“If we are one fifth as successful as Kemptville that would be huge for South Dundas and County-wide for the library system.”

That one branch in a place with one-quarter the population of the Counties now has more visits than all 18 branches in SD&G combined. That speaks volumes,” said Duncan. “This is not negative. Give it a chance to show it can work.”

“We need to make the library system better,” said board chair Bill McGimpsey.

Presently about 12 percent of the population of South Dundas uses the library. The board aims to double that usage by attracting some of the large majority of the local population who does not presently use the library.

They plan to offer a new, comfortable and inviting space, longer hours, more staff and more programming including children’s programming and one-on-one technical programming aimed at seniors.

While the board sees this decision as a positive one, those on hand at the meeting felt quite the opposite.

“Our library money is going to Morrisburg,” shouted someone from the crowd.

“You live in South Dundas,” said McGimpsey. “South Dundas is getting a better library.” 

That was definitely not what the crowd of Williamsburg library supporters wanted to hear. 

They expressed their frustration, anger and disappointment with their small town losing yet another service and with having no opportunity to have a say in the decision until after it was already made.

They repeatedly stressed the importance of the Williamsburg branch of the library in their every day lives and its importance for their children.

One of the most important questions asked at the meeting was whether the board would reconsider their decision.

No one would directly answer that question, but most left the meeting with the impression that the decision has been made. “This decision has been made, and our opinions don’t matter,” shouted someone from the crowd.

The library board is hosting a public information session Thursday, May 16, 7 p.m., at the Morrisburg library to show the community what they have planned for the upcoming consolidation.

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Michael Harvey, co-founder of the Back to Church movement and author of “Unlocking the Growth”, says essentially, “the heart of the “Back to Church Sunday” movement is to get a movement of invitation going. I’m interested in inviting, which is different than bringing.”  He adds that, “It’s okay for people to say yes or no. The problem is, we aren’t hearing enough invitations.”

Harvey’s “Unlocking the Growth” seminar offers ideas for increasing the number of people at church. It is designed to inspire church leaders and lay people to help their church grow and at the heart of the growth movement are invitations to families and friends to come to church.

“It’s so easy to drift away from church these days,” says Harvey. “One day becomes two days and two days becomes two weeks.” He says that after while it has been so long that people find it awkward to return.

“That is why invitation is so vital.”

According to Harvey, research shows that the number one reason people don’t offer invitations is that they fear the answer will be no.

The Back to Church movement began in 2004, and early results were amazing.

Harvey, who on Friday was in his second week of a three week tour which started in Western Canada with stops in Vancouver Island, Edmonton and Winnipeg, then Toronto, prior to coming to Williamsburg, said of the smaller venue “I’m always delighted to visit places like this.”

He explains that the results of the movement are tracked by having churches register. Last September, he says 14,000 churches in 17 countries took part and 200,000 people accepted invitations.

“You can do the math and it’s only about 14 people per church, but it’s a start. We’ve almost convinced ourselves that people aren’t into church, but it’s not true. The welcome to get them past the threshold has got to be invitational.”

In 2004, Harvey gave up a demanding job in London, England to teach church leaders to see new possibilities within their churches. Since then he has spoken to thousands of church leaders and has challenged churches of all sizes to double their congregation in a day.

In addition to the hosting Lutheran pastors, a number of South Dundas clergy accepted the ‘invitation’ to attend Friday’s seminar along with the general public. 

The Seaway cluster of pastors who invited Harvey to speak at Williamsburg included Pastor Norine Gullons of the South Dundas Evangelical Lutheran Parish of South Dundas, Rev. Jo Barkley-Probst of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Riverside Heights, Rev. Bruce Thompson of the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Brockville, Rev. Robert C. Wiesner of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Belleville and Rev. Steve Hoffard of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Kingston.

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It’s a little committee that is hard at work planning a big “July 1st” day for the community.

“We listened to what people told us they wanted last year, and we have tried to include as much as possible,” says Morrisburg’s Canada Day committee member Tracey Veinotte. “I think we have made some nice changes, and nice additions and there will be something for everyone. It should be a fun day.”

Foremost on the list of things to do, is for committee members to get out and about to sell the Canada Day Raffle tickets which contribute hugely to the cost of the Canada Day Fireworks. The ticket sales began this past weekend at Valu-mart and Canadian Tire and will continue throughout the next weeks leading up to July 1st.

Tickets can also be purchased at the Canadian Tire checkouts at any time.

On board to help raise money for the Fireworks which this year have a price tag of $11,300 is Kaylee Morrell and a volunteer committee which is organizing and hosting a Red and White Fireworks Fundraiser dance this Friday night, May 10 at the Morrisburg Legion. Music is by the local band Reckless and the cost is $10 per person.

“We are a small committee of under 10 people, so it becomes very labour intensive to get everything for the Canada Day celebration organized and advertised. When a group like Kaylee’s comes along and offers to help out, it certainly lightens the load. It is a wonderful offer.”

“Their group has done quite a good job in the past organizing and hosting dances to raise money for various causes.”

“We think everyone is the community really enjoys the fireworks, so we think the community is up for supporting the cause whether through the purchase of the Canada Day raffle tickets, attending the dance or both.”

Veinotte also explained that this year, “we are going to try music with the fireworks. Randy Chesbro is setting up a sound system that should be able to be heard throughout much of the park.”

Being revamped and expanded is the Market that was very popular last year. The all-day music in the park at the band stand will also see a few changes, mainly with a few additions to the performers.

Appearing for the first time is a local band, Furious Gord which includes Scott Veinotte, Mario Beriault, Derek Jones and Dan Barkley.

“What is really neat about this is that there is a second band, the Sons of Gord.  These are some of the children of the band members and these talented youngsters (Conor Veinotte, Liam Veinotte, Gavin Veinotte and Joel Beriault) will play fiddle, mandolin and acoustic guitar. The boys do a show of their own between sets, and we think people will get a big kick out of seeing them perform.”

“Basically we listened to what people said last year and tried to bring them what they want,” says Veinotte of this year’s Canada Day lineup of events. For example a lot of parents wanted something involving the more traditional games like eggs on a spoon race and sack races. So we have the Ontario Early Years centre on board with this.”

“And we have the Willyburg Flyers coming in for a demo. They are thrilled to be included and there are a lot of people interested in seeing them. We have tried to include that kind of thing to make it a little more for everybody.”

The committee is now promoting the very important Canada Day Raffle ticket sales and Dance to support the fireworks.

Please watch for the ticket sellers and support this year’s Canada Day celebration.

[…]

 

Reg is a 1 year old male. A real beauty. Possible Dutch Shepherd mix….a highly valued dog for police work and search and rescue. Reg a good sized dog and needs manners training. He has been raised an outdoor dog.  A real gentle, fun-loving sweetheart who would make a wonderful pet to someone who has the time to train him… a great agility dog and the shelter thinks one very wonderful pet. Reg is very healthy but would need to be neutered.  Great dog, beautifully coloured.

 

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Since 2002, the Township of South Dundas has had a bylaw requiring all dog owners to have their dogs leashed at all times when they are not on their own property.

“We need to make people aware that this bylaw exists. They’re still not getting it,” says Shirley Gillmor who has been advocating the use of leashes, especially in the Morrisburg waterfront park, where she and her dog fell victim to an attack last August.

Her leashed Yorkshire Terrier was attacked by an unleashed German Shepherd. Gillmor’s dog Bruiser was killed in the attack and Gillmor was injured. The owner of the Shepherd faced charges stemming from the attack.

The attack happened at the Morrisburg waterfront, near the Docksyde, which is a very busy place.

Gillmor now walks her newly adopted dog Daisy at the Morrisburg waterfront, and on a regular basis encounters unleashed dogs and oftentimes the owners tell her not to worry, their dog is “friendly”. 

Last week, one of those “friendly” dogs approached her and her dog and it was growling.  “My thoughts were, Oh God, not again! My nerves are pretty-well frayed at this point and I’m angry and frustrated. What do I have to do to be able to walk my dog without fear of being attacked?” says Gillmor.

Gillmor has been working with the township’s bylaw enforcement officers in an effort to ensure that people are aware that this bylaw exists for the protection of all who use the park.

Regardless of temperament, every dog that is in the waterfront park not on a leash is contravening the bylaw.

While South Dundas bylaw enforcement officials do try to have some presence along the waterfront to inform dog owners of the bylaw, it is generally enforced by complaint.

In an effort to raise awareness of the existing bylaw, according to Donald Lewis, manager of planning and enforcement, they plan to add six new signs to the waterfront area to make users aware that all dogs must be on a leash and that owners must pick up after their dogs. Gillmor also points out that, for those who wish to let their dogs run unleashed, there is a beautiful off leash dog park available, right across the road.

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CustomCarts.ca has opened a kiosk location in Williamsburg.

The grand opening was celebrated May 1, with community dignitaries on hand to offer their congratulations to the new business.

Custom Carts’ home store is in Trenton, but seeing so many of their customers making the trek from Eastern Ontario and western Quebec they decided to open this kiosk location in Williamsburg. They purchased the building that formerly housed Williamsburg bank, and quietly opened their doors about two weeks ago.

“This location is great,” said Mike Eden, store owner. “It gives us the ability to be here with a relatively small footprint.”

For now, Nickey Eden commutes from Trenton daily to run the location which is open Tuesday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. They plan to open Saturdays starting in June.

As the name implies, Custom Carts sells new and used custom golf carts. Ninety-nine percent of their business is to individual people or businesses who oftentimes have various uses for the carts including improved mobility, industrial use and as originally intended for golf.

New or used carts are available and can be customized as much or as little as needed. “For every reason and every season is our slogan,” said Eden.

Pricing for a four person model generally starts around $2,500.

The Edens found this Williamsburg location using Google. They knew generally the area of the province they wanted to open a kiosk. They found Williamsburg and liked its proximity to Ottawa, and the Quebec border. They found the building advertised for sale on Kijiji.

The Williamsburg kiosk location has a small sample of what Custom Carts has to offer, with about half a dozen golf carts on site. Their Trenton location has an inventory of between 600 and 700 golf carts.

“We are so happy you’re here,” said Sue Dingwall, representing the office of MP Guy Lauzon. “It’s wonderful when any new business opens and we are glad you found us. Thank you for coming to us.”

Marilyn McMahon-Ayerst, representing the office of MPP Jim McDonell welcomed the new business to the area. “We hope you enjoy our region, we are proud of it.”

“Small businesses are the lifeblood of our towns,” said South Dundas deputy mayor Jim Locke who welcomed the new business to the community. He estimated that this is one of seven new small businesses that have recently opened their doors in South Dundas.

“We are happy to have you join us,” said Chuck Barkley, president of the South Dundas Chamber of Commerce. “I love the product,” he added.

The Edens are committed to the product they offer and are excited to bring it to this area. “I think the community will be great for us,” said Mike.

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Paul Harris will speak at the Lakeshore United Church, Morrisburg, Saturday, May 11. 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. 

His Theme is: Christian Meditation: Contemplative Prayer for a New Generation.

Paul  is a former journalist and public servant living in Ottawa. He is n internationally-renown speaker and retreat leader. he is author of eight books om Christian Meditation.

Christian meditation, recovered by Benedictine monk, John Main (1926-1982), is an ancient prayer of silence, stillness and simplicity that leads us on our spiritual journey to find a deeper experience of God.

The program consists of two talks by Paul on the teaching of John Main and a time of silent meditation.

There is no cost but please bring finger food to share. 

All interested are welcome.

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