News

 

A project that will open up some municipally-owned commercial property in Morrisburg finally has approval. 

At the June 18 South Dundas council meeting the nearly $535,000 project tender was awarded to David Brown Construction.

The project will see Industrial Road in the Morrisburg industrial park extended 500 meters north and 400 meters east to complete the loop to Prospect Road.

While the properties to the east of the new roadway are privately-owned, those west and north of the road are owned by the municipality.

Having commercial property available and ready for development is something that the municipality has not been able to offer businesses expressing an interest in coming here. This project will open up that opportunity.

“If we want someone to build there, then we better put a road out there,” said South Dundas councillor Archie Mellan.

“This is the only way it happens,” said South Dundas mayor Steven Byvelds. “If we don’t have it, it will never happen.”

Council agreed and approved the project.

The roadway will be built, but the land will not be serviced until the need arises.

[…]

 

 A school is much more than walls and boards and desks, books and playing fields. A school is people: the students who attend it, the teachers who make classrooms welcoming, the parents who faithfully attend every event (and wrestle with homework!), the community that supports and encourages it.

On Friday, June 28, Timothy Christian, which is devoted to “helping children understand God’s world” is inviting everyone to come and help celebrate its 50 years as a vital part of the South Dundas community.

I had the opportunity to spend a morning at the school. Along with principal Gary Postma, my special guides June 12 were members of the 2013 grade eight graduating class: Gwen Knight, Emily Tibben, Cilicia Pol and Kyle Havenaar. (Unfortunately fellow grad Jade van Dyke was not able to attend.)

Gwen is a recent transfer to Timothy Christian. She came last year to grade seven from Rose-des-Vend in Cornwall. “It was easy to fit in here,” Gwen said. “When you go to a big school, you have to find your way. I knew people here by day two.”

Emily, Cilicia and Kyle said, with grins, that they had all been at Timothy Christian “forever.” 

What are some of their first memories of school?

“I remember visiting Mr. Postma,” Kyle laughed. “Then I found I liked nap time a lot.”

“It was great,” Cilicia said, “because we all got a turn sleeping in the Puppet Theatre, which had this big pillow.”

“I remember painting with chocolate pudding,” said Emily, who will be the 2013 valedictorian. “It was gross, but a lot of fun. And we got to eat the ‘paint’ later.”

They talked about field trips to places like Mont Cascade and Cosmic Adventures. They also described science fairs and “fun fairs” that involved some hilarious, if silly games like major “bubble gum blowing.”

Timothy’s Got Talent is a popular yearly school event. Auditions are held and various acts are chosen, including stand up comics. “The best comic in school is Noah, in grade three,” all four students agreed.

Teachers are “very involved. They seem to like it here, they  support us, and they really like kids. Class is usually fun.” (“Maybe not math all the time,” Kyle grinned.)

Were there any embarrassing moments in your school careers?

“Oh, no,” they said solemnly. “Everyone in this group was totally perfect.” 

When the laughter died down, a story about sticking grade seven student Aiden into a garbage pail in the girls’ bathroom came out. “It was just for fun. He thought it was funny too. But just as he got out of the pail and was heading out the girls’ door, Mr. Postma caught him…He caught us too.”

Later the students took me on a tour of several colourful, and bright  classrooms. We visited the junior/senior kindergarten students, the grades one/two and  finally dropped in to the grade seven/eight classroom. Then the grade eights and I joined the entire school outside for a very special 50th anniversary  Timothy Christian photo.

Chair of the Timothy Christian board of directors, Art Pol, also took time from his busy schedule to come by the school June 12 to talk about the big celebration of the school’s 50 years. 

“We formed an anniversary committee last year,” Pol said. “They have really worked hard setting up events, caterers and booking halls. They are also putting together a special booklet that will have pictures of all the graduating classes and all the staffs over the years. On Friday night, people can come to the school to meet and greet and remember, as classrooms will be set up with memorabilia and photos past and present.”

Saturday the committee has arranged a car rally, a barbecue and games at the school. “This is all open house. Everyone is invited.”

On Saturday evening, a special banquet (ticket holders only) will take place at the Matilda Hall. The guest speaker is Dr. Brenda L. Berkelaar, assistant professor at the College of Communications, the University of Texas at Austin, and a former Timothy Christian student. 

On Sunday, a celebration service will be held with guest pastor, and another Timothy Christian graduate, Tim Lumies, preaching the sermon.

For 50 years, what has Timothy Christian meant to this community?

“For my family, it’s important to educate the child,” Art Pol said. “But for six hours a day,  I know my kids are with teachers who also care about what’s going on in their hearts. 

I see it as a triangle of home, church and school. These forces work together to develop the whole child and to equip him or her to better face the future.

Timothy Christian is developing our youth and our future leaders, teaching them that morality matters in a leader.”

“Celebrating a half century of Christian education in our community is very special,” Art Pol explained. “God has led us through all the struggles of the past. He continues to guide and to bless us.”

[…]

 

The proponents of a proposed grain terminal for South Dundas released a number of details about the upcoming project on Monday.

Ontario Grain Terminals is proposing to construct a grain terminal on the site of the UTI dock located on Lakeshore Drive in South Dundas. 

Once in operation, the grain terminal expects to receive wheat, soy beans and corn during their respective harvest periods for shipment by marine vessel. 

Eastern Ontario produces over one million tons of grain annually and this creates a seasonal surplus that must find its way to market. 

Current storage capacity in the area is insufficient creating less than ideal market conditions for local farmers at harvest.

It is expected Ontario Grain Terminals new export facility will relieve some of the congestion by providing local farmers and elevator operators with a new market for their grains. 

Several major marine shippers of grain have expressed interest in loading their ships and this should provide better economics for local grain farmers.

The proposed facility will consist of two 20,000 ton grain bins similar in design and construction to grain bins on farms and grain elevators with the possibility of adding two more bins of the same size in the future is demand is sufficient. 

The bins are proposed to be located immediately south of Lakeshore Drive on the UTI dock. 

The design includes truck unloading and loading, plus a conveyor to the edge of the water for loading ships. 

The proposed grain terminal is being designed by Horst Systems Ltd, a Guelph based builder of grain storage and handling systems for the past 20 years. 

Earl Horst, the Founder of Horst Systems, now resides in Winchester and is actively involved in the design and construction of grain storage and handling projects in eastern Ontario.

The truck unloading pit will have dust control systems. 

The aeration fans required to maintain grain quality will also be located on the south side of the grain bins. 

The terminal will not have grain drying equipment. 

The site is in close proximity to several residences and is being designed to the highest standards to minimize the impact. 

The project has recently moved to the permitting stage and construction is expected to begin after the required permits have been obtained.

Ontario Grain Terminals will be managed by Ben Currelly, CEO of NorAg Resources Inc. 

As the founder and owner of NorAg Resources, Ben has over 30 years of experience as a grain farmer, elevator operator, and 12 years of experience as a grain merchandizer/trader. 

Ben is well known to farmers and elevators in eastern Ontario and has developed an excellent reputation among his customers and suppliers. 

NorAg provides a full suite of services to grain farmers and elevator including forward purchase contracts, hedging and logistics. 

[…]

 

The Iroquois-Matilda Lions Club, who have hosted Canada Day festivities at the Iroquois Locks for over 25 years, this year have made a significant change to the July 1st event’s grand finale.

The fireworks will be set off at the waterfront instead of the traditional Iroquois point location.

“We feel this location will make it easier for everyone to see the display of fireworks from town,” said Steve Wilson, president of the Iroquois-Matilda Lions. 

“We are always proud of the great job the firemen do in putting them on, making it easier for everyone to see is a bonus.”

While the all day event features plenty of food and fun, the club is proud to be able to feature an antique car show by the Golden Gears Car Club.

“Everyone should attend the event this year to see an amazing display of antique and classic cars,” said Wilson. 

“There is a renewed interest in restored and preserved automobiles. Here, enthusiasts can see the time and effort that has gone into making them look like new.” 

The car show runs from 10-3:30, with awards being handed out at 2:45 p.m.

“Our main attraction is the amazing line up of local talent that will entertain everyone from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.,” said Wilson. Cory Coons, Mary Perry County Classics, Bobby Paradis and Rukus are all featured.

“The most special event has to be our famous barbecue chicken,” said Wilson. 

“It is the best chicken by a dam site!” He recommends that tickets be purchased in advance at Mustard’s Variety or from any Lions’ member. 

“Get you tickets early because they will sell out, and you don’t want to be disappointed.”

Fireworks at the waterfront are expected to start around 9:45 p.m. Anywhere along the front streets should be the best vantage point.

[…]

 

This year those enjoying Canada Day at the Morrisburg waterfront will have a new opportunity that has never before been part of the Canada Day festivities here.

This year, there will be a cruise boat operating from the dock offering tours. Some tickets will be available the day of the event, ticket sellers will be set up at the Morrisburg dock. 

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for families to go out on the river,” said Tracey Veinotte of the Morrisburg Canada Day Committee.

In the park there will be plenty of activities including activities and entertainment for the kids. Inflatables, rides and games will be on site. The Ontario Early Years will have activities on site and from 12-3, some more traditional games like the three legged race are being organized by Carrie Van Allen.

For those who like a little competition the Children’s bike decorating contest takes place at noon and there is a new competition this year.

This year, a pie baking competition is taking place. A table will be set up in the market for entries. The pies must be in by 2:30 p.m., with judging to follow immediately. A cash prize is up for grabs.

Musical entertainment, will be much the same as previous years but a couple of new bands have been added to the lineup including Furious Gord (with special guest appearances by Sons of Furious Gord) and Rogue.

Plenty of Food will be on site, including a Thai food vendor, lobsterfest, and sugar monsters (fried dough) along with all the standard fare.

Mobile Gamerz, which features a trailer of gaming equipment with enough room for 16 players at once, will be on site this year. They had planned to be at last year’s event but their trailer was stolen. 

The popular market will be even bigger and better this year. Last year the market had just over 20 vendors and this year, it has been expanded to nearly 30 vendors and displays.

According to Veinotte, the market proved popular with both the public and the vendors, so the committee has expanded it a bit and prolonged the hours, running from noon until 7 p.m.

Fireworks will go as planned. Organizers had some tense moments when they realized that the fireworks factory that burned, and sadly where two lives were lost, was the company that they deal with. 

Since the tragic event the company’s customers have been notified that orders will still be delivered on time.

This year the committee will have some well marked volunteers collecting donations for those who want to give to the fireworks for next year. 

“It would really help us if people made some donations, it would mean we would have to spend less time selling tickets. Then we could focus more of our time on the event,” said Veinotte. Seventy percent of the cost of running the event is spent on fireworks.

Also new this year, is a giant Canada Flag to be painted on the Cruickshank Amphitheatre. The committee hopes that this 18×36 will bring added enthusiasm.

This is the third year the Canada Day Committee, of about 10 volunteers has run this event.

The committee generates funds for the event through raffle ticket sales, the support of many wonderful sponsors from the local business community, some township and federal government funds and the Red and White Dance organized by Kaylee Morrell. 

The Morrisburg Legion helped the cause by donating the use of the hall for that important fundraising event which brought in $1,177 for the fireworks.

“The efforts of everyone who donates and supports this event are much appreciated,” said Veinotte.

[…]

 

Game, set, match. Tennis has lost in Morrisburg.

South Dundas council agreed to the removal of the Morrisburg tennis courts at the June 18 council meeting.

“The condition of them: they’re not fit to be used,” said South Dundas councillor Evonne Delegarde.

“The issues with the property outweigh the use they’re getting,” agreed councillor Jim Graham.

“We can’t put money into them, when we don’t own the property they are on,” said South Dundas councillor Archie Mellan.

According to reports, the Morrisburg tennis courts originated in the 1970s/1980s with the assistance of Wintario funds. 

The property was owned by the Village of Morrisburg and subsequently sold to the adjoining owners – Chartwell (The Hartford Retirement Centre) and the Upper Canada District School Board (Morrisburg Public School). As a result the municipal tennis courts ended up on land that the municipality does not own.

“As the property where the tennis courts are located is not owned by the township, a long term commitment from the owners is required to justify any investment by the municipality,” said South Dundas chief administrative officer Steve McDonald in his report to council. 

The UCDSB has no interest in the tennis courts, and have given consent for their removal. “Chartwell has also confirmed their position that the removal of the tennis courts will give them an opportunity to revisit opportunities for more seniors housing on their site,” said McDonald.

“We don’t own the property, and they’re looking for it back,” said Councillor Mellan. He suggested that perhaps a single tennis court could be built in a different location in the future.

McDonald told council that with the school year coming to an end, and with the township having summer students available to help with the work to remove the courts, now is the time to do it.

Council agreed.

[…]

 

By the narrowest of margins, the SDG County Library Board passed motion, at the June 20 meeting that will keep a library in Williamsburg.

In a 4-3 recorded vote, the motion states that library staff will work with South Dundas to find a suitable location in Williamsburg for a branch of the SDG Library system. 

“It is now up to South Dundas to move forward on sourcing a suitable location for the Branch,” said South Dundas deputy mayor Jim Locke, who is a member of the library board. Locke voted in favour of keeping a branch of the library in Williamsburg.

“We are pleased with the result of the library board meeting,” said Kharla Ward, one of the library users who fought to keep a library in Williamsburg. 

“As time is of the essence, we look forward to working with the library board and the South Dundas council to settle into a new location before the August 1, 2013 deadline.” 

The library has been asked to vacate the space by August 1, in order for South Dundas’ new building tenants, the TR Leger School of Adult and Alternative Education to move in. 

According to Ward, committee members, along with Mayor Steven Byvelds and Deputy Mayor Jim Locke, have looked at a house, a commercial building (the former Canadian Tire) and have also discussed the possibility of a new building for the Williamsburg branch of the library at J.C. Whitteker Park. She also mentioned that perhaps T.R. Leger could still consider finding them a space.

While Byvelds and Locke did participate in one meeting, with the Friends group to discuss potential locations, it will be up to South Dundas staff, library staff and the Friends organization to choose a location and then bring their proposal to South Dundas council for funding approval.

[…]

 

The South Branch wind farm is expected to be operational by the end of this year, according to Ken Little of EDP Renewables Canada.

He and Ryan Brown provided South Dundas council with a project update at the June 18 meeting.

“We are starting to mobilize the project team,” said Little. “There’s been no movement of earth yet.”

However, the contractor, White Construction has been selected.

The 30 megawatt industrial wind project will see 10 three megawatt towers located in the Brinston area.

These Siemens turbines will have a rotor diameter of 113 meters and will be located on a 99.5 meter tower. 

Civil construction is expected to start in late July, early August. Tower delivery is expected in the fall, with erection slated for November.

“We expect to have our renewable energy approval within the next few weeks,” Little said.

[…]

 

As soon as the South Branch Wind Opposition Group asked South Dundas council to consider a motion to oppose the construction of industrial wind turbines in this community, they requested that the decision be delayed.

First, Leslie Disheau, president of the SBWOG, read the motion they drafted for council to address pass as a resolution with a recorded vote.

Then she said, “BUT – I would like to ask that council hold off on dealing with this resolution until your next regular scheduled council meeting.”

She invited them, with appropriate municipal staff, to meet with representatives of the SBWOG to discuss the suggested resolution.

The group wants the opportunity to discuss specific areas of concern and share information to help council be more informed. 

They will get the chance.

Council agreed to the deferral and have scheduled a meeting with the group for next week. South Dundas councillor Archie Mellan will not be part of that meeting as he has declared conflict of interest in the matter.

At the council meeting, Disheau spoke about four myths regarding the South Branch wind project.

According to Disheau, municipal council’s hands are not tied, a lot of money has not been spent on this project by anyone other than the wind developers, the South Branch wind project is not a done deal as it is still under technical review, and she disputes the fact that this project will have no negative impact on the community, pointing to the marked decrease in property values. 

“As a council, you should take notice and have concern over the reduction in property taxes, as this is a direct effect on your revenue income,” said Disheau.

Disheau informed council about a public safety matter regarding the turbines. 

The Ashfied turbine fire resulted in a debris field that extended 1,800 from the turbine base. “If turbine 15, which is located between the villages of Brinston and Dixon’s Corners caught fire and had a debris field of 1,800 m like that in Ashfied, we have two villages getting bombarded by flying debris,” said Disheau. 

[…]

 

Earlier in the day, it appeared the weather might not co-operate with the big Children’s Fair scheduled to wrap up the 2013 Love South Dundas campaign. However, the two week celebration of this community ended under warm, sunny skies on Sunday, June 23.

Love South Dundas, now in its fifth year, brings together volunteers from area churches to engage in service projects and random acts of kindness to the people of this region.

Beginning with a hymn sing on Sunday, June 9, at the Pentecostal Tabernacle, members of Love South Dundas (in their  distinctive bright yellow shirts) offered free car washes, distributed special baskets of “baked blessings” for service organizations and schools, visited and sang at seniors’ residences, handed out freezies to all the children in the SD Soccer Association on Saturday, June 22 and staged a food drive. 

“There were also many, many Acts of Random Kindness carried out in our community over the last two weeks,” said the reverend Geoff Howard, one of the volunteers. “This year we also got involved with the Galop Canal Bluegrass Festival, giving a free breakfast Sunday morning for the campers in Iroquois. We enjoyed that a lot.”

The two week celebration, Love South Dundas, culminated at Earl Baker Park in Morrisburg on Sunday, June 23 with a bustling Children’s Fair.

“We really had a good crowd out,” Howard said. “A lot of families were here, with young children.”

There were clowns and Tribeck bouncy castles, pony rides, face painting and the Barnyard Petting Zoo. The SD Fire and Emergency Services dropped in with rescue vehicles for youngsters to try out. The Pentecostal Church served up a free barbecue. A highlight of the afternoon was the exciting stage performance of Michael Bourada, a magician from Ottawa. Later evangelist Layton Kerr talked to the crowds. “Local merchants and individuals were very supportive of our event,” said Howard.

“Our guest speaker for the Ecumenical Worship service at 6 p.m. was Ken MacLaren, from Ottawa Inner-city Ministries,” said the reverend Clarence Witten, another member of Love South Dundas team. “He administers to homeless and the street people. His theme is that we should always support our communities, and make a real effort to meet the needs of our communities. We need to show God’s love in tangible ways.”

[…]