News

“It’s so confusing,” said South Dundas Deputy-Mayor Jim Locke, referring to the opposing sides of the wind farm debate.

Council has decided to postpone rulings concerning the requests made by the South Branch Wind Opposition Group at the December 6th South Dundas council meeting. The group won’t hear anything definite from council until January 2012.

Leslie Disheau, a spokesperson for the South Branch Wind Opposition Group, presented council with the requests after giving a very thorough, detailed presentation on why Prowind Canada’s plan to build the South Branch Wind Farm, consisting of about 14 wind turbines, should be stopped or, at the very least, roadblocked.

The project, which could begin as early as next spring, but no later than 2013, officially began in 2008.

Disheau began by outlining “South Branch Wind Opposition group’s points of objection to industrial wind turbines: they have not been proven safe to be sited close to communities – health concerns; they kill large numbers of birds and bats; they devalue non-participant properties; and, there is no reduction in cost to consumers for electricity rates.” 

In 2006, Nina Pierpont, MD, PhD testified before the New York State Legislature Energy Committee, saying “I’m an intelligent person and I support renewable energy. I am not here to shoot down wind energy, which probably has its place, though that place is not near people’s homes or near schools, hospitals, or other locations where people have to sleep or learn.”

Pierpont has a BA in Biology from Yale University, a PhD in Population Biology from Pinceton University, and an MD from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

In September of this year, Cathy Weston, Managing Director for Prowind Canada, told the Leader that there are only two houses in the area designated to be within 600 metres of a turbine. She explained that the rest of the turbines would be situated at least one kilometre from all existing homes.

At the council meeting, Disheau referred to studies that show inhabitants of houses that are less than a 1.4 kilometres from a turbine are subject to negative impacts on their sleeping habits and, in turn, their health.

According to Pierpont, “a setback of 1.5 miles from homes, schools, hospitals, and similar institutions will probably be adequate, in most NY State terrain, to protect people from the adverse health effects of industrial wind turbines.” For reference, 1.5 miles is equal to 2.4 kilometres.

On behalf of the South Branch Wind Opposition Group, Disheau made several requests of South Dundas council members.

The first request asked council to “pass a motion making a request to the Ministry of the Environment, and provincial officials that would place a moratorium on the construction of industrial wind turbine facilities before a third party independent epidemiological study (can be done) determining they pose no risks to human health, the environment, and property values.”

The second request suggested council “pass a by-law that requires wind turbine companies to have equipment and trained Emergency Response personnel to deal with high elevation fires and rescues for turbines over the 200 foot mark. And, council must amend the Emergency Preparedness Plan for South Dundas to deal with ice throw and flying debris from wind blade disintegration.”

In a third request, Disheau wanted council to “pass a by-law, according to the Municipal Act, restricting night time nuisance noise and vibration.” She explained that as per the Green Energy Act of Ontario, 10 p.m. is the stop time for wind turbine installations.

A fourth request suggested that “before any building permits are given to Prowind or any other developer, South Dundas council should conduct an open forum session for all township residents to have their questions and concerns answered.” 

This request is actually being addressed by Prowind Canada itself. Two public meetings, both scheduled for January, will follow a question and answer format. The meeting in South Dundas will be held at Matilda Hall in Dixon’s Corners on January 10th from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

In the South Branch Wind Opposition group’s final request, Disheau pleaded with council to “make an appeal to the Environmental Review Tribunal on the approval of the wind farm project.”

In response to Disheau’s informative and moving presentation, Mayor Steven Byvelds said, “we hear your concerns. I’ve added it to the discussion. There are some options in my mind as to where we can go with this,” however, “here we are less than six months away from people who have spent a lot of money to put something up. That presents challenges.”

During a later discussion, Byvelds presented his fellow council members with three options in response to the group’s presentation and requests: one, take time to review the information and make a decision at a later meeting; two, “take their information under advisement and monitor the progress of the wind farm and if there are any issues, deal with them according to the law; and three, “agree and do as they ask.”

Both Byvelds and Councillor Jim Graham seemed perplexed as to the last minute attention to the project. Graham asked, “It’s been four or five years and this is the first sign of opposition?”

Councillor Archie Mellan agreed, saying “they’re asking us to try to stop it when shovels” are about to dig in.

Byvelds seemed skeptical of the proof behind the group’s concerns, saying “I would find it really hard to believe that the province is relying on poor information.”

With that said, he addressed council, saying “I want to be fair to both sides. I advise council that you read both sides of the story.”

South Dundas council members unanimously chose option one, meaning they will take time to review, research, and  attend Prowind’s January 10th meeting, before responding to the opposition group’s requests. The requests will be revisited and decided upon at the council meeting following Prowind’s January 10th meeting.

Byvelds concluded the discussion on the topic, saying “I know I sound a little closed-minded, but we’ve had meetings with Prowind. They’ve spent a lot of money. We want to make sure we’re right on this.”

Contact information for both sides of the issue are: Prowind Canada via e-mail at info@prowind.ca; and, the South Branch Wind Opposition Group via e-mail at sbwindoppgrp@gmail.com.

[…]

[…]

Surrounded by their hockey family last Monday night, December 5, Nash Nesbitt and his mom and dad were at the arena where they were presented with the proceeds of a dance organized by the players and parents of the South Dundas Bantam B Rep team.

The benefit dance, held Saturday, November 12 at the Iroquois Legion for youth in grades seven to 12, in addition to some added donations, allowed the Lions to present the Iroquois family a whopping $3,500.

For Nash, his mom Tammy and his dad Earl, the support from the community has been overwhelming since Nash was diagnosed with Non Hodgkins Lymphoma (a cancer of the lymphoid tissue) early this past summer.

That support has seen them through a tough time, as Nash received treatment in Ottawa.

Nash has now rejoined his grade 9 classmates at Seaway High School and says that although he tired easily for the first week, he was extremely happy to be back.

Nash was able to attend the dance and in thanking the organizers and everyone who attended, he says, “the hockey team has been amazing.”

Although he had hoped to return to the Bantam B lineup, his doctor has indicated that while he can skate and practice, it is not likely he will be able to suit up for a game this season. Over the next weeks and months he will continue to be monitored and the port used to deliver his chemotherapy will remain in place until he gets an all clear.

“The support we have received from our friends, family, work and people we don’t even know has been amazing,” said Earl as he and Tammy accepted the donation that will help them to offset the travel, parking and food expenses they experienced during Nash’s treatments. “We have had people from everywhere offering to help us in any way they can. What can you say, but ‘thank you’.”

The Nesbitts thanked the Bantam B Lions team and team parents, the local youth who attended the dance, organizers Rondalyn Jarvis, Cassandra Barry and Heather  Black and everyone who made donations.

[…]

Students at St. Mary’s – St. Cecilia’s Catholic School in Morrisburg were given a rare opportunity on Monday, December 5th when students and teachers came together in the gymnasium to celebrate their successful Movember fundraising venture.

Organized by Chris Veltkamp, physical education teacher, the school took on the challenge of raising money for prostate cancer.

The four male teachers grew mustaches for the month of November, in tribute to the Movember cause. In addition to Veltkamp, there were: Marcel Booyink, Core French teacher; James McIntyre, grade 1-2 teacher; and, Jeff Vynckier, the grade 3-4 teacher.

Veltkamp, in an attempt to make things interesting, gave the students incentives to raise the money.

If they reached $300, they would earn 20 minutes of free time. If they reached $600, all the female teachers would wear mustaches of some kind. And, if they reached $1,000, they were given the opportunity to shave the mustaches from the four male teachers in addition to throwing “pies” (paper plates filled with whipped cream and chocolate sauce) at the teachers. 

As of December 5th, Veltkamp estimated that the students had raised about $850, which meant they were just shy of their ultimate goal.

Being good sports, the teachers called it “close enough” and took the hits. Student council members were given the privilege of shaving off the mustaches.

Eight students were chosen to throw “pies” at the teachers. Each teacher was “hit” twice by two different students.

The cherry on top? That would be kindergartner, Mickaela Macdonald, being given the chance to throw a pie in the face of principal Joy Martel.

All in all, it was messy, but oh so much fun.

[…]

Volunteers with several South Dundas festival groups were alarmed when the township’s council agreed, in 2010, to change their insurance policy to exclude coverage for festival events on township property.

At a recent council meeting, Clerk Brenda Brunt recommended “that council provide a blanket insurance policy for South Dundas Festival Groups for events on township property.”

The impetus for the recommendation came out of a September 2011 meeting between several festival volunteers and South Dundas staff.

Brunt took on the challenge of working with the township’s insurance broker to find a blanket coverage that would work for these groups. 

“I commend Brenda for coming up with a solution,” said Mayor Steven Byvelds, at the December 6th council meeting.

Brunt explained that, “all groups have not decided whether they will host their event in 2012 therefore there is no firm amount for coverage.”

“Our insurance broker has indicated the price range for this policy would be around $2,000,” she continued. “During the 2012 budget deliberations, council will have to decide if they will fund the groups or divide amongst them.”

[…]

It was a sad day on October 7th when the Dunbar Recreation Hall was devastated by fire.

With sighs of relief and several shout-outs of “thank you,” the South Dundas council decided on December 6th that the hall will be rebuilt.

Until that meeting, local residents had been very concerned about the fate of the former hall. So much so, in fact, that they came out in droves to the December 6th council meeting to hear the council’s verdict. 

Clerk Brenda Brunt recommended to council that they choose one of four options to determine the fate of the former hall. The first option was also the only one that allowed for the hall to be rebuilt on the same spot.

Deputy-Mayor Jim Locke quickly chose option one saying, “prior to the fire the building was not slated to close. We have full replacement cost insurance. We have a committed community group. I believe it’s an asset in that part of the township.”

Councillor Evonne Delegarde suggested council consider option two, “use the depreciated value of the building and put towards an existing building.”

Delegarde pointed out that while the building hadn’t been slated to close, it was also not being used very much. She suggested that the township building in Williamsburg would be available in the near future and could possibly become a replacement for the lost hall.

Councillor Archie Mellan, choosing option one, said, “these little communities make South Dundas great. They rally around their communities. They rally around South Dundas, and I think we should rally around them.”

Mayor Steven Byvelds also chose option one, pointing out that “it gives us our asset back and it is covered by insurance.”

He also pointed out that the well and the sewer on the site would need to be investigated. Should either require a lot of work and financing to bring to code, then “we’d have to come back to this because that could change things.”

However, at this time, Byvelds wanted to make it clear to the inhabitants of the hall’s community that “they are part of South Dundas, not part of Chesterville, and we want them to know they’re part of South Dundas.”

He concluded: “let’s take the opportunity and rebuild it.”

[…]

Many residents of South Dundas and many visitors from outside the township have all had the chance to enjoy a yummy snack while visiting Morrisburg’s waterfront.

The Docksyde, a canteen offering both hot and cold items, will once again be in operation for visitors to the waterfront in the summer of 2012.

The Morrisburg and District Lions Club have been leasing the land space for their canteen since 2004. At the time, South Dundas council approved the request provided the Lions Club take responsibility for all costs associated with the request, including water and sewer.

The lease was extended for a second three-year period in 2007. On November 3rd of this year, Lions Club President Bob Bechard sent council a letter requesting permission to extend the lease to include the 2012 season. In addition, he requested permission to lay brickwork under the tent where the picnic tables are located. 

Council members, at the December 6th council meeting, debated the issue of laying bricks, but in the end decided in favour of the request. 

It looks like residents and visitors can, once again, enjoy the flavours of the Docksyde for another summer.

[…]

This month’s meeting of the Helping Hands of Matilda group was held on December 6th and featured the talents of the OPP Auxiliary’s, Coppertones.

Helping Hands is a group of like-minded seniors who meet the first Wednesday of each month. The group’s purpose is twofold: to give people a venue to come together, socialize, and make a difference and, at the same time, to reach out to those who are “shut in.” 

The order of events for most meetings includes discussion of business, luncheon and, then, entertainment.

The group disbanded in September after their last meeting, where there were 24 members in attendance. 

Lorne Strader, recognizing the importance of the group, took it upon himself to bring the Helping Hands of Matilda back together in November, where he welcomed a whopping 55 members to the ‘restart’ meeting.

It was then that the group decided to have a Christmas celebration for their December meeting. 

Members were greeted with music during the morning, which was supplied by Ralph Jollota.

The Coppertones were invited to entertain after the luncheon, which was provided by the Iroquois Legion Branch #370 Ladies Auxiliary.

The Coppertones delighted the group with popular Christmas songs punctuated by a hilarious, if sometimes scandalous, joke between each song. The audience roared with laughter.

Sound like fun? Well, if you are aged 50 or older, you can join the group! Contact Lorne Strader at 613-652-2260. It’s only five dollars for an entire year’s membership.

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Helping Hands will be held on Wednesday, January 4, 2012.

[…]

“We’ve heard that there are many here interested in the service,” said Nanda Wubs of Wubs Transit in Winchester.

Wubs was discussing her company’s plans for a shuttle bus service to Ottawa from Morrisburg. “We have about 15 people committed. We’re looking for 30 to 35 people before we move ahead with that,” she informed South Dundas council at the December 6th meeting.

As reported in August, Wubs Transit already has a route, which includes multiple stops in both Chesterville, Winchester and Ottawa.

They offer monthly passes, single trip tickets, passes for one-way trips, and a book of 10 one-way tickets. The monthly pass is actually an OC Transpo pass that includes the Wubs Transit Daily Line Run. A monthly pass for Chesterville is $258. A pass for Morrisburg would be comparable.

For more information, phone the Wubs Transit office at 613-774-6618 or visit their website at www.wubs.ca.

Following Wubs presentation, Mayor Steven Byvelds said, “I think this is a service we will hopefully get off and running. I wish you success in that venture.”

[…]

A very special Christmas tradition for many people in the community is once again underway as organizers prepare for the 15th annual Community Christmas Dinner on December 25 at the Morrisburg Legion.

Each year on Christmas Day, this very special event is arranged by the Apple Tree Ministry of St. James Anglican Church in Morrisburg and brought to its delicious conclusion by a huge number of volunteers “for people who need people”.

The Apple Tree Ministry began in the early 1990s under Rev. Bill Byers and then Pastoral Assistant Pat Martin who was ordained in 2000. Its early mandate was to raise funds for the local food bank, and one of its first outreach programs was Martha’s Kitchen for young and single moms. 

For that program, Jane Lee who, with her husband Nick, has been involved with the Apple Tree Ministry since its inception, explains that “we brought in a food advisor to talk about nutritious meals and how to cook them. Then we cooked the meal and participants took the food home.”

Although Martha’s Kitchen is thriving today, it has evolved into a once weekly ‘soup’ luncheon for ‘anyone and everyone’ in the community.

“Pat Martin started the Christmas dinner for ‘people who needed people’,” recalls Lee. “It was a natural progression from Martha’s Kitchen.”

Lee remembers the challenges of the first year. “We had no idea how many people would come. We tried to get people to register, but some just showed up. We probably fed about 80 that first year and then the next year we served 100. The highest number we have ever had is 200.”

The Community Christmas Dinner includes the traditional turkey with all the fixings, a visit from Santa with gifts for the children, and music which, for a good 10 years was provided by Betty Barkley and her band.

“The Legion generously provides us the hall at no cost, and we spend the whole day there, the day before getting ready.”

As much of the food as is possible is prepared ahead. “We arrange for as many as 30 pies to be made by the church community and people cook the turkeys the day before in their homes. Some people donate the turkeys and others donate their time to cook them.”

After 14 years and countless lists,  the preparation, the cooking, the service and the cleanup are now “down to a science”.

“It’s wonderful,” says Lee who coordinated the dinner for its first 10 years. “Every item of food is donated. Some of our volunteers show up as early as 8 a.m. on Christmas day to start the dressing. By the time the cleanup is finished it’s about 3 p.m. when they are finished.”

Considering that it is Christmas Day, it is amazing that “we get so many helpers it is hard to find jobs for everybody to do. It’s Christmas time, and they want to be part of it.”

The dinner attracts people of all ages. Children come with their moms and dads and whole families have come. Many are older people, some of whom have been coming year after year.

Anglican Church minister, Rev. Sue McCullough experienced her first Community Christmas Dinner last year. 

“To me it’s people living Christmas and the message that we proclaim but have a reluctance to act upon. It’s a lot of work, but it’s a lot of fun. It’s great to see the people enjoy a good meal and enjoy some fun and fellowship. Going and being there last year kind of rejuvenated me.”

When Rev. Martin left the area, Shirley Testerink took over as the Ministry’s coordinator.

While Martha’s Kitchen and Community Christmas Dinner are the better known programs of the Apple Tree Ministry, Testerink explains, “the heart of the Apple Tree Ministry is the behind the scenes things. We are an unofficial advocate for people. We quietly reach out to help people. Sometimes it’s the elderly, sometimes it’s children and sometimes it is the working poor.”

And sometimes the help is as simple as cooking a turkey…or making a pie for ‘people who need people’ .

That is especially true for those who without the Community Christmas Dinner might otherwise spend Christmas day alone.

Reservations for this year’s  15th annual Community Christmas Dinner can be made by calling 613-543-0722 by December 20. There is no charge but free will offerings are accepted. Limited transportation is available. 

[…]