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The possibility of a level three drought remains close, in the opinion of South Nation Conservation Authority officials.

The SNC examines triggers such as rainfall and stream flow along with other factors to form that opinion. However, it is up to the province to declare a level three drought.

There is the possibility of some rain, according to the latest forecasts. 

“Any rain that we do get helps somewhat, but what we need is a long duration of low intensity rain,” says Jason Symington, SNC environmental technician. He explained that the higher intensity rainfalls, which we have experienced tend to run off, rather than soak in to the ground.

Later this week the water response team, which is made up of stakeholders from business and industry, including the agricultural sector, the Ministry of the Environment, Ministry of Natural Resources and municipalities will meet to discuss and record any low water issues they are experiencing.

As of Tuesday morning, no dry wells have been reported in South Dundas. SNC is still asking that anyone experiencing water-related issues contact them a 1-877-984-2948.

After the meeting of the water response team, if necessary, the SNC can make a recommendation to the province to up the drought level to a level three, which can determine further water restrictions above the 20 percent conservation that people are now being asked to do under the level two conditions.

In the meantime, PC politicians, including Stormont, Dundas, South Glengarry MPP Jim McDonell, met in Ottawa Monday, calling on the McGuinty government to take action to help Ontario farmers who have been hit hard by the drought.

Tuesday, Ted McMeekin, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs toured farms in eastern Ontario. 

Ontario has asked Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada to join with the province in an assessment of support options for livestock producers affected by dry weather through the AgriRecovery framework – a disaster relief program for farms.

McMeekin called on the federal government to accelerate tax relief for livestock producers in affected regions through the identification of Prescribed Drought Regions.

Ontario is committing that farmers in Prescribed Drought Regions will be protected from reductions in their AgriStability coverage if they are:

• Experiencing challenges from the lack of rain and dry conditions.

• Forced to sell breeding stock due to hay and pasture shortages.

[…]

 

The fire ban for South Dundas remains in place, but the restrictions on open air burning have been eased a little to allow for campfires.

South Dundas Fire and Emergency Services Fire Chief Chris McDonough reported Monday morning that “the ban has been lifted for campfires only.”

However, the ban on all other open air burning remains in place. “No permits for open-air burning will be issued until we receive a substantial amount of rainfall for at least two to three days,” he said. 

For those who do opt to have a campfire in these dry conditions, McDonough urges extra caution and offers the following advice:

• Build your campfires away from overhanging branches, rotten stumps, shrubs, dry grass and leaves. Keep it at least 25 feet from all structures. Watch for flying embers.

• Clear the immediate area surrounding your campfire site approximately 8-10 ft in radius.

• Keep the fire in a contained unit such as a burn barrel, barbecue unit or hibachi. Do not build a fire directly on the ground. Fires can spread underground through root systems or decaying material.

• Keep campfires small and do not let them get out of hand. (2’x2’x2’ in size)

• Keep plenty of water handy and have a shovel for throwing sand on the fire if it gets out of control.

• Stack extra firewood upwind and away from the fire.

• After lighting the fire do not discard the match until it is cold. Douse it with water to be sure.

• Never leave a campfire unattended. Even a small breeze could quickly cause the fire to spread.

• When extinguishing the fire, drown it with water. Make sure all embers, coals, and sticks are wet. Move rocks, as there may be burning embers underneath. Stir the remains, add more water, and stir again.

• Do not bury your coals, they can smolder and start to burn again.

[…]

 

Chopper Thom, an eight-year-old Golden Retriever, who shares his home with Jimmy and Christine Thom and family, is making his hometown acting debut in Wife Begins At Forty opening August 6 at Upper Canada Playhouse.

On July 27, despite a busy rehearsal schedule, the star was graciously able to spare The Leader a few moments for an interview.

Chopper, with your debut at UCP in Wife Begins At Forty, you are following in the paw prints of such stars of stage and screen as Rin Tin Tin, Sandy, Nana and Asta. What drew you to acting?

All those dogs you mention had personal trainers and dog doubles. I prefer method acting. I do all stunts and scenes on my own. Early on in life, I recall watching Katts & Dog and the Littlest Hobo. I think that’s when I got the acting ‘bite.’

This is your first major role, starring as Chopper, the Harper family’s dog. What unique qualities do you feel you are bringing to this play?

Actually, this is NOT my first role. For the past seven years, I’ve been working as a greeter at Atel Air. As for the rest, I can pant, drool and wag my tail on cue. I am also very good at improvisation. I am, in fact, a dog: that is my unique quality.

How have rehearsals been going? Any special challenges?

Boring! The actors are mediocre, if not mundane. And the director’s a drip.

Fellow cast member Walter Learning, at an earlier press conference, described you as a… “joy. He loves everyone.” How do you react to this praise?

I wouldn’t believe anything Walter Learning says. Seriously, have you ever talked to the man?

How would you generally characterize your relationship with the other members of the cast? The crew?

I’ve only recently met the cast, but I’ve already become quite sociable with some of them. (pause) Actually, I ignore the cast! I prefer the company of the crew, especially the three lovely stage management females. Nice legs. I’m working on dinner and a date in Cornwall.

You’ve been working closely with director Richard Bauer. How have you helped him with staging and character motivation in your scenes?

In terms of motivation, well, it all comes down to treats. I’m a very active dog and I like to try new things at rehearsal. Because of that they’ve put me on a short leash. As I mentioned before, Richard is fairly clueless. I generally create my own blocking and motivation. In the end, I make him look good.

You’ll be making your acting debut in front of a home town crowd. Does this worry you at all?

No! As long as the check clears, I’m happy. Seriously though, as you probably know the people of South Dundas are the best audience anyone could play for. It will be a pleasure to tread the boards in front of them. And just to let local folks know, I’ll be signing autographs at the Dog Park at a yet to be confirmed date.

What lies ahead for you, Chopper, once you have this play under your collar?

I’m very excited. Once the show closes, my owner says he’s going to get me tutored. (He says it may calm me down). I also plan to take voice lessons. I hear they are making Lassie! The Musical!

Any final observations about life on the stage and/or the big screen, Chopper?

Alfred Hitchcock once said something like ‘Golden Retrievers are all heart and no brain’. 

If that’s the case, how come I have a group of people who feed me, bring me water and walk me? I also have my own driver and trainer. So who’s the fool?

 

(Many thanks to Playhouse artistic director Donnie Bowes and Wife Begins At Forty director Richard Bauer for assisting Chopper with this interview.)

[…]

 

One of the big discussions at the July 17 South Dundas council meeting was whether or not to cover the upgraded Iroquois waste water treatment plant (IWWTP).

The decision to cover the plant seemed easy, while deciding what to cover it with created a bit more discussion.

With almost one million dollars left in the IWWTP project, covering the tanks became an option and the benefits of covering the tanks were outlined. 

Benefits include such things as odour control, protection of tanks from the weather, easier and safer access to tanks by operators, and aesthetics.

While it was agreed that an actual building would be the most aesthetically  pleasing, it was also the most expensive option up front and in terms of ongoing costs.

Out of six options listed, council agreed on option two, the Fibre Reinforced Plastic SBR ‘walk in type’ Cover. This option costs approximately half of what it would cost to erect an actual concrete building, but still allows for all the benefits of a building.

In making the decision, mayor Steven Byvelds reminded council that they had to take into account what the people of Iroquois would most want: an expensive building covering the waste water treatment plant or sewer work to be done on the Iroquois streets identified as low priority in the recent sewer study.

It was generally agreed that part of the money should be spent protecting the new tanks and part should be kept back for use on the rehabilitation of the sewer system in Iroquois.

[…]

 

“George is absolutely bowled ‘agoogaly’ by his wife’s announcement,” said actor Brian Young, who plays George Harper in Upper Canada Playhouse’s new comedy, Wife Begins At Forty, coming August 2 until the 26th. “He thought he was happily married, nicely content and all was well. And then his wife Linda informs him that after 17 years of marriage, she wants a change. And he isn’t part of it.”

George’s frantic efforts to save his marriage and his happy domesticity are the subject of the Playhouse’s sparkling Arne Sultan, Earl Barret and Ray Cooney comedy, Wife Begins At Forty. Set in the home  George and Linda share with their teenaged son, Leonard, George’s elderly father, Bernard, and the family dog, Chopper, the play reflects the ups and downs of married life with a sure and very funny touch.

The play has all the traditional  and hilarious trappings of farce, but Richard Bauer, who directs the production, describes Wife as “a family farce. Not so many doors slamming. And we have a tremendous backstage crew. They definitely control the chaos and keep us in line. John Thompson designed our set and Sean Free built it and is handling our technical side.”

Bauer,  who plays the role of neighbour Roger Dixon,  also has a strong and talented cast with which to work comedy magic.

Fresh from the outstanding Playhouse production of Here on the Flight Path, is Melanie Janzen as Betty Dixon. 

“I think I am trying to channel Ethel Mertz (from the classic I Love Lucy show) in this role,” Janzen explained at the press conference. “Betty is supportive and wise in her own way and she understands that marriage does have its trials.”

As Roger, Bauer describes his character as “a bit of a cad and a playboy. He and Betty sort of stir the pot and offer advice to the Harpers. In fact, Roger is trying to ‘arrange George’s affairs.’”

Walter Learning who directed Flight Path, plays Bernard, George’s elderly father, a former R. A. F. pilot from World War II. 

“Bernard is full of vim and vigor and he loves life, including his little flirtations with Mrs. D.,” Learning laughs. “It’s true that he’ll share war stories with anyone who will listen, and he has become a bit forgetful by times, but he has a deep affection for his family.”

That family also includes grandson Leonard, played by UCP newcomer, Kyle Orzech.

“It’s been wonderful here at Upper Canada Playhouse,” the 22-year-old actor said. “I’m very comfortable in this role, working with older people. (“Not that old,” the rest of the cast chimed in). Sorry, ‘seasoned professionals’ I should say. Leonard is a typical 17-year-old, more interested in doing his own thing. Frankly, Leonard can be a bit of a punk, living for himself. But it is great to play this character.”

The focal point of the comedy is the obviously changing relationship between George and Linda, a married couple played by Brian Young and Alison Lawrence, who are, in fact, an actual married couple.

“Yes, we met doing a production of Wrong For Each Other,” Young laughed. “Turned out we were right for each other.”

Is it challenging to be a genuine couple and to play a couple breaking up?

“Brian and I have worked together seven times,” Lawrence explained. “On stage we have developed a kind of ‘short hand’ and that makes it easier to get into our characters. We separate real life from the acting.”

“Since George and Linda have  intimate moments together,” Young added, “it’s really so much easier doing them with your actual wife.”

The last cast member is South Dundas boy, Chopper Thom, a Golden Retriever making his acting debut as Chopper Harper, the family dog. 

“It was a little challenging holding dog auditions,” director Bauer said. “We brought Chopper out for audiences and asked them to clap and shout, and he seemed quite comfortable. Of course, a dog can upstage you,” he added with a laugh, “so he keeps the rest of the actors on their toes.”

“Chopper is a joy,” Learning said. “He loves everyone.”

Laughter is set to begin again at Upper Canada Playhouse on August 2 when this newest production in the theatre’s outstanding summer season opens its doors.

Tickets for Wife Begins At Forty are available at the box office or by calling 613-543-3713.

[…]

 

“Are we almost there,” asked South Dundas deputy-mayor Jim Locke.

During the July 17th council meeting, South Dundas Fire and Emergency Services chief Chris McDonough requested that council award the tender of a new pumper/rescue truck to Eastway Emergency Vehicles.

The new truck, whose approximate delivery date is April 2013, will replace the Iroquois department’s 1985 GMC front-line truck.

The cost of the truck is $345,296.21. At budget time, council approved $300,000 from the 2012 capital budget for this item.

Following council’s approval of the request, mayor Steven Byvelds expressed concern that this might be “cramming too much equipment into one budget year.”

“We might regret it sometime down the road,” he said.

Council recently approved an unanticipated purchase of a 2004 Western Star 3,000 gallon ‘super’ tanker for the Williamsburg station at a cost of $117,666.19.

[…]

 

 “Today your games here in Iroquois replicate what is happening in London and around the world,” said MP Guy Lauzon, “You too have gathered for very special games. But when I look out at the crowd I am reminded of the saying that it takes a community to raise a child. In South Dundas you have one wonderful community. I declare these games open.”

Lauzon addressed hundreds of players, parents, officials and fans gathered for the 2012 South Dundas Soccer Association World Cup Tournament held in Iroquois on July 27-28.

This is the Soccer Association’s 17th season. Over 510 children took part in this year’s program, coming from Prescott and Ingleside as well as South Dundas. 

A highlight of the tournament was the Parade of Nations as each country, led by Canada, marched behind the Iroquois Legion Branch 370 colour guard  and piper Stewart Nimmo around the track to loud applause by spectators. 

Welcomed by next year’s president Steven Bygott, the large crowd joined Jennifer Howard to sing O Canada, and Rev. Geoff Howard for the blessing of the cauldron.

The Torch Run, carried out by selected SDSA players (in keeping with the Olympics in London) symbolized the passing of friendship and peace throughout the tournament games. 

Steven Bygott presided over special presentations held during the opening ceremonies. 

He honoured student volunteers Joshua Martineau, Alayanna Fetterly and Quinn Smail,  thanking them for their dedication and hard work, calling them the “future of our program.”

The Soccer Association also presented a large group of adult volunteers with special gifts, and deep thanks for the many years they have put in on behalf of the association. Honoured at the ceremony as they retire were Helen Tupper, Christine and Dave Hartle, Barry Barkely, Cindy Peters, Karen Merkley and Evonne Delegarde. “These people leave big shoes for this organization to fill,” Bygott said.

A touching high point to the ceremony was the recognition given to Christine and Dave Hartle for the many hours they have devoted to the soccer program. From now on, the field canteen will be officially known as the Hartle Canteen. 

Under perfect skies on Friday evening and all day Saturday, some excellent soccer was enjoyed by the entire community.

[…]

 

“This is the first expansion of our business park,” said South Dundas mayor Steven Byvelds following the passing of a by-law to authorize the sale.

Dwayne Sprague of Home Hardware in Morrisburg purchased two acres of land “sitting at the northwest area of VanAllen Road and what would be the Campbell Street extension,” said chief executive officer Stephen McDonald. The sale price was $15,000 per acre.

Sprague and wife Lloya took over the Morrisburg Home Hardware on July 18, 2011.

According to McDonald’s report, the property in question had originally been reserved for the Dog Park, but with the Dog Park finished and located on the Morrisburg Waterfront, the land was once again available.

“The availability of this property was discussed with the new owners of Home Hardware in late 2011,” reported McDonald. “The owners are now ready to complete the transaction with a covenant that they will proceed with development within three years.”

[…]

 

 The weather was perfect. The setting was idyllic. Both vendors and visitors  praised the 14th annual Antiquefest which took place July 28-29 at the Morrisburg waterfront.

Organized and sponsored by the Morrisburg & District Lions Club, the show attracted over 800 visitors on Saturday, and the same again on Sunday. Antique hunters and fans could admire jewelry, furniture, china, toys, silver, crystal and some highly unusual collectibles over the two days. The Lions also offered up a silent auction.

Lion Mae Pederson chaired Antiquefest this year. 

“It was a fantastic event,” she said. “We had over 1,600 visitors during the two days coming from Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa and as far away as Perth and Kingston. The weather was spectacular, and the water and trees make the venue really attractive.”

Pederson said that she has visited other antique shows, and “I know now why vendors love it here in Morrisburg. Our location is outstanding.” 

Some of the vendors were returnees from last year, but there were also some newcomers to the event.

Lucienne Dolle from Montreal was a new vendor. “I was lured here because I heard that this was a beautiful site, down at the waterfront. And there is a lot to see. Upper Canada Village is so near. And the Morrisburg Lions have been wonderful to work with. I fully support their charities.”

Planning for the 2012 Antiquefest began in January. Club members organized vendors,  manned the entrances, rented tents, ran the canteen and set up the silent auction. 

Any funds raised by the Antiquefest go to support “our charities and our community work,” said Lion Pederson. 

[…]

 

“Nicole certainly has some good ideas on how to revitalize this committee,” said South Dundas mayor Steven Byvelds, “She’s certainly not letting it drop off.”

South Dundas economic development officer Nicole Sullivan presented council with recommendations for reformatting the structure of the Economic Development Advisory Committee during the July 17th council meeting in Williamsburg.

Council agreed with Sullivan’s recommendation that they turn from an Economic Development Advisory Committee (EDAC) structure and move to an Economic Development Advisory and Project Teams (EDAPT) structure.

The switch will allow for one advisory team that oversees the various project teams. 

One of the benefits of EDAPT, said Sullivan, is that “it helps us to include participants who might not otherwise have wanted to commit time.” 

Project teams have defined parameters with specific goals. People who might not normally join an advisory team due to its broad scope and large time commitment, might now join a project team with a specific time frame and an agenda that interests them personally, thus bringing in new ideas and perspectives.

According to Sullivan, the South Dundas Economic Development Advisory Committee met on June 13th to discuss and formulate a forward action plan in relation to suggestions made in the South Dundas Economic Development Strategy Update, adopted by council on June 5th.

During the meeting, the committee identified four initiatives they feel are priorities for South Dundas.

The identified initiatives include:

• Develop a tourism strategy

• Develop and continually update marketing and investment attraction materials

• Develop a more tourist-friendly community

• Identify what brand works best, and fully engage the brand

The bottom two initiatives will be focussed on internally by Sullivan herself, while the top two initiatives will be divided and addressed by two separate project teams.

Currently, the Tourism Strategy Project Team consists of Donnie Bowes of Upper Canada Playhouse, Michael Burton of Russell Manor, Sally Francis of Iroquois Marina, Susan Le Clair of the St. Lawrence Parks Commission, Hanna Rycroft of the Basket Case Gallery and Café, Tom Morrow of the McIntosh Country Inn, Linda Wilson of Cornwall and the Counties Tourism, and South Dundas councillor Jim Graham.

The Investment Attraction Materials Project Team consists of John Allison of John Allison Real Estate, Stephen Law of Iroquois, Mark Miron of the Operating Engineers Training Institute of Ontario, Steve Walsh of Udder Comfort, and South Dundas councillor Evonne Delegarde.

The Advisory Team consists of EDAC chairperson Mart Prost, director of South Dundas Chamber of Commerce Michel Proulx, South Dundas mayor Steven Byvelds, and the chairs of each of the two project teams.

Sullivan is also a member of each of the three teams. 

Anyone interested in joining one of the teams should submit a statement of interest along with a detailed synopsis outlining their reasons for joining and their unique qualifications to nsullivan@southdundas.com.

[…]