News

 

Local members and supporters of the Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry Federal Liberal Association enjoyed an afternoon of family entertainment at the Lost Villages Museum on Saturday, August 17th.  

“The weather was perfect; it was a great day for Liberals”, said Del Jones, President. 

The only challenge for the association was feeding the large crowd. 

Organizers had planned on an attendance of 150-200 but the caterers estimated that close to 400 were served.  

“We were a little overwhelmed by the numbers and realized early that we were going to have to shop for more food. That was a problem that we did not mind having.” said Jones.

 Liberals had the opportunity to hear encouraging words from Ottawa-Vanier MP, Mauril Bélanger, former Kingston and the Islands MP and long-serving Speaker of the House, Peter Milliken as well as former SDSG MPP, Jim Brownell.

Belanger reinforced the importance of Liberal supporters getting involved as volunteers and making regular financial contributions. He pointed out that between April and June more Canadians donated to the Liberal Party than any other party, but the Conservative Party raised almost twice as much. 

Jones challenged local Liberals to get involved as volunteers and sign up for the Victory Fund. “There is a 75 percent tax credit for contributions on donations of $10/month which means it only costs donors $2.50/month – less than ten cents per day to support the Liberal Party.  

“Justin Trudeau has strong support across Canada but it will take hard work and financial support in every riding to restore a progressive Liberal government in Ottawa,” he said.

The barbecue was free to members, supporters and their friends. 

Anyone interested in becoming a member, or donating to the Liberal Party should go to the Liberal Party website www.liberal.ca or contact Del Jones at del_jones@sympatico.ca.

[…]

 

Public input is key to a new 10-year housing plan, now in the works. 

Community members will have a chance to help shape a new vision for housing in the City of Cornwall and the United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry for the next decade and beyond.

The City of Cornwall’s Social Housing Division is in the midst of creating a new 10-year Housing Plan for Cornwall and SDG that will focus on the entire spectrum of housing, from homelessness to affordable home ownership. 

The plan will include an assessment of current and future housing needs as well as targets and objectives to meet those needs.

“This is a high-level strategic plan,” said Debora Daigle, Manager, Social and Housing Services. “It will identify needs and respond to local challenges with innovative community-based solutions.”

Public consultation is a key element in the process, and officials are reaching out to the public and community stakeholders to provide input during the preparation of the plan. 

Residents and interested stakeholders are invited to share their thoughts through a short online survey that is available on the City website (www.Cornwall.ca). The survey will be available until the end of August.

“The survey will help us identify gaps in service and priorities to improve access to quality and affordable housing,” said Daigle. “We’re hoping to get input from a wide cross-section of the community, including members of the public, community agencies, planners, developers, builders and housing providers.”

As the Consolidated Municipal Service Manager for Cornwall and SDG, the City of Cornwall has a mandate to develop a plan covering the entire region.

[…]

 

On Sunday, August 11th, my wife Frances and I had the pleasure of hosting our 9th Annual Constituency Picnic. Thanks to a wonderful staff and some great volunteers, the event went off without a hitch. After being so well received by the many constituents throughout SDSG it is very gratifying for Frances and I to return the favour and welcome people to our home. 

The picnic has become a bit of a tradition for us. We have been feeding our guests the same menu, providing the same entertainment and everyone seems to enjoy themselves year after year. We even have bouncy castles for the kids. 

Speaking of entertainment, Lucien “Smokey” Leger and his family have been our entertainment since our first event in 2005. 87 year old Smokey, his sons Alan and Brian, along with son-in-law Rick, keep everyone tapping their toes and sometimes even singing along to the many “old favourites” they play. I feel truly fortunate that our Constituency Picnic is the only “gig” these very professional and accomplished musicians play at all year. They have already been booked for next year’s special 10th Anniversary Picnic.

Certainly one of the highlights of the afternoon is when Frances sang a few numbers. 

As some of you know, Frances has a beautiful voice and she is always a fan favourite when she sings her traditional three numbers. 

Many of our guests are most complimentary of the beautiful flower gardens Frances works so hard at preparing for our special event. 

I do cut the grass, however this year I didn’t get the weeding done, although I don’t think anyone noticed.

In all sincerity this day is very special to me. It is very humbling to welcome all the great friends we have made over the past years to a very simple happy family event. 

Our BBQ gives all of us a chance to catch up with each other, see old friends, and just be grateful for the wonderful country we live in. For me it is a wonderful reminder of just how fortunate I am to be blessed with being the Member of Parliament for Stormont, Dundas & South Glengarry.

[…]

 

“Phenomenal,” was how Susan Le Clair, manager of customer service and corporate communications, described the first Food Lovers Field Days event that took place, at Upper Canada Village, August 17 and 18.

“We exceeded expectations,” said Le Clair, who reported that almost 6,000 people attended over the two days.

Saturday, those who organized the event were already talking about next year’s event. 

“We have already been talking about how we can make it even bigger and better,” said Le Clair, who is sure they will be able to make some improvements for next year, now that they have a year’s experience under their belts.

While the food lovers who attended were pleased to learn so much about what is available in their own backyards, so too were the 30 vendors who participated.

By Sunday afternoon, some of the vendors started to run out of product, indicating that their expectations were also exceeded.

Because Upper Canada Village appeals to such a large demographic, the vendors gained exposure to a larger demographic that they may not get at a regular food show, explained Le Clair. “The vendors were very happy,” she said.

The venue has room for even more vendors next year.

Le Clair acknowledged that they were lucky to get such perfect weather, and hopes that will happen again for next year’s event.

[…]

 

Outhouse racing. Yes, outhouses.

Outhouse racing is one of the new events coming to this year’s Harvest Festival, taking place September 21, in Williamsburg.

David Lapier of the Williamsburg Harvest Festival Committee, explains that outhouse races involve contestants building an outhouse, on casters, for a street race.

“We wanted to get the word our as soon as possible so people can get to work on building their outhouses,” said Lapier, who looks forward to the new, unique event. “It’s something that we haven’t seen here before.”

The outhouses will be pushed by a team in a foot race. Each team will consist of two pushers and one rider, all aged 15 and up. 

Complete rules and regulations are available at the Williamsburg Garage.

Outhouses will also be judged in the best decorated outhouse competition. Judging on general appeal, appearance, use of the fall theme and creativity, a winner will be selected.

For those more interested in the front yard, there will be a new bench and porch decorating contest, of course with a harvest theme. 

“We thought we’d try something different this year,” said Lapier.

Also, new this year is a sporting activity in J.C. Whitteker Park, led by Ben Mcpherson, South Dundas recreation program coordinator, in promotion of the South Dundas Sport Lending Library.

Lapier said that the Scouts, who traditionally organize Bessie Bingo, are planning to try something similar, but a little different this year. “The Scouts always do a good job at Harvestfest. They are always really creative with what they organize.” This year the Scouts will be doing a pumpkin catapult bingo.

Other new exhibits coming to this year’s Harvest Festival include the Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Pop Up Library and a beautiful display by the Grenville Fish and Game Club.

“Along with these new activities, all of the other regular activities will be back again this year,” said Lapier. Most importantly, Lapier encourages those interested in the outhouse races to pick up the rules and regulations and get busy designing and building their own outhouse. 

All Harvest Festival activities and events are free.

[…]

 

Plans are going ahead to build an addition on the North Williamsburg Recreation Building at J.C. Whitteker Park in Williamsburg to house a Williamsburg library branch. 

The Friends of the Williamsburg Library and South Dundas staff have agreed, in consultation with the North Williamsburg Recreation Group, that closing in the covered 31’ x 18’ cement slab, and sharing common space with the recreation group will provide a compatible space for the branch. 

Along with the construction, upgrades to the heating system and washroom facilities will also be required as part of the project.

Rather than guess at the cost of such a project, South Dundas chief administrative officer Steve McDonald asked council to authorize staff to retain architectural/engineering services to prepare preliminary plans for the project, on which they will be able to base a proper budget estimate. 

Council approved the request.

While staff did not want to mention any costs without proper drawings, the deputy mayor did want to talk about the cost of such a project.

“If we use our own equipment, this project can be done for $50,000 or less,” said South Dundas deputy mayor Jim Locke. 

“Some say it can’t be done for that, but I say it can, and I can show you how,” he added. 

Staff will come back to council  with a full cost report for this project once the design work is complete. 

“I’d like to see this move forward as soon as possible,” said councillor Archie Mellan

[…]

 

A $268,000 bridge replacement project along the Nine Mile Road in South Dundas will get significant help from the Ontario Government which is investing $11 million in critical infrastructure projects in Eastern Ontario. 

The funding, through the Municipal Infrastructure Strategy, was announced August 9. 

South Dundas was successful in its $241,200 funding application for the bridge replacement project that, once complete will allow for two-way crossing and eliminate the need for school and agricultural vehicle detours.

Also among the 11 Eastern Ontario project receiving funding is a United Counties of SD&G project to renovate pavement and drainage on County Road 19 which is located near Williamstown.

[…]

 

Almost five years of intermittent discussions between South Dundas and Edwardsburgh/Cardinal have finally resulted in a boundary road agreement that both municipalities have now endorsed. 

The new agreement, which has already been approved by Edwardsburgh/Cardinal council, was last week approved by South Dundas council at the August 13 regular meeting.

 It allows either municipality to complete construction or reconstruction work on boundary roads in consultation with the other, however cost sharing will not be a condition precedent.

The new agreement looks at each of the boundary roads between the two municipalities and proposes changes to road maintenance responsibilities to a couple of those roads. 

South Dundas will take over maintenance responsibility for Marine Station Road. 

The ratepayers from this road, who all pay taxes within South Dundas, years ago had petitioned South Dundas for road improvements. However, in the past, those improvements fell under the jurisdiction of Edwardsburgh/Cardinal.

This new agreement eliminates that issue, and now South Dundas council members say they are looking forward to using their control over that road to make improvements in the area. 

As part of this agreement, Edwardsburgh/Cardinal takes over maintenance responsibilities for the Safford Road. 

[…]

 

Tuesday, contractors were putting the finishing touches on the second and third floors of the South Dundas Municipal Centre.

Moving to the new offices in Morrisburg starts today, August 21. Next week, the Municipality of South Dundas will be open for business, on the second floor of the newly renovated former high school building.

When the Municipal Centre opens for business August 28, Don Lewis, South Dundas manager of buildings and recreation, expects that the alternate entrance, being the south entrance to the building, will have to be used until the addition, which houses the main lobby and elevator, are complete. 

The first regular council meeting after the move is scheduled for September 3. It may not take place in the new council chambers, that are located on the third floor of the SDMC.

The room is ready, and furniture is expected to be delivered on time, but if the front entrance and elevator are not ready in time for the meeting, they will have to hold the meeting in an alternate, accessible location, according to South Dundas clerk Brenda Brunt. Many alternate, accessible options are available including the Iroquois Civic Centre, Matilda Hall and the Morrisburg Arena.

The first floor of the South Dundas Municipal Centre building, which will house the Morrisburg location of the St. Lawrence Medical Clinic, is not yet complete, but the SLMC plans to be open and operational in its new home early in September.

[…]

 

What may have been a barrier to participation in the Winchester District Memorial Hospital Foundation Heel n’ Wheel Fundraiser has been removed.

The event had featured mandatory minimum fundraising amounts for participants but Friday it was announced that those mandatory minimums have been removed.

“The minimum is deterring people who want to participate from signing up. So, we removed it,” said Christina Enright, WDMH Foundation Manager of Community Engagement.

“Our hope is that people will sign up to walk or cycle from one of the seven starting locations and se their own fundraising goal at their comfort level,” she said.

The registration fees of $25 per adult and $10 per child still apply, but they can be applied to go towards your fundraising goal.

The event will be held on September 7, 2013, with walkers leaving each of the seven starting locations (Greely, Osgoode, Russell, Crysler, Finch, Morrisburg, South Mountain) at 8 a.m., and cyclists leaving between 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. 

This event is open to all ages to participate, and families are encouraged. 

The Heel ’n Wheel will wrap up with a celebration BBQ in front of WDMH, complete with musical entertainment, children’s activities, and a presentation of awards. To find out more, visit heelnwheel.ca

[…]