News

Jamie Pollock, an accountant from Craig Keen Despatie Markell LLP, presented the 2011 auditor’s report to council during the May 15th South Dundas council meeting.

“There is a $642,503 surplus moved into the working capital reserve,” began Pollock, “so you had a good year.”

Following this, Pollock went through the details, breaking down the figure into departmental numbers and statistics.

The sum of it all, according to Pollock, came down to “you had a very good year. Administration did well. You should congratulate your administration staff.” 

He informed council that the net financial assets were just under $5.1 million, “so it went up by $1.1 million,” he said. “So, you’re still in a very strong financial position that way.”

The non-financial assets such as vehicles, buildings and so forth were declared to be in the $63 million range.

He said the expenses amounted to $9.9 million and then proceeded to congratulate council on the new sewer plant in Iroquois, which is 100% government funded.

He cautioned council about possible future financial issues, bringing to attention the issue of aging landfill sites. Pollock pointed out that one is at capacity and the other has approximately four to five years left before it’s full.

He also pointed out that “there’s nothing set up to finance” the closing of the two landfill sites. 

“It’s a large liability coming and you have nothing set aside to address this.”

“You should set up a reserve to help finance that cost. If you don’t do anything,” he predicted, it could lead to a “general spike in taxation rates to cover that cost.”

He ended the topic, strongly suggesting that council “get ready to avoid a massive tax spike.” 

Moving toward the conclusion of his report, Pollock told council “you have a good collection of your taxation dollars from year to year.”

He informed that the working capital is at a good ratio and that the working reserves, in terms of the percentage used for expenditures, is also at a healthy level.

“You’ve always been strong with your reserves,” he said.

Following Pollock’s presentation of the auditor’s report, deputy-mayor Jim Locke said, “it sounds like a good report card to me,” pointing out that “all the recommendations for 2011 were adhered to.”

“It’s a great position we’re in,” agreed mayor Steven Byvelds saying he’d like to “especially thank staff for monitoring our budget and making sure things are done on time and on budget.”

“We do acknowledge the landfill issue and maybe that’s something we’re going to have to look at.”

“Council is aware of the water/sewer deficits,” he continued, suggesting they may have to “look at user fees.”

Council accepted the draft financial statement at the May 15th meeting. 

Going forward the township treasurer will provide council with a follow-up draft at the next council meeting. 

Once that has been approved, the report will become available to the public.

[…]

“It is the policy of the Township of South Dundas that no person shall smoke, chew or engage in any other use of tobacco industry products, on or in any public playing field, playground equipment zone or other public recreation place.”

This is the opening statement in South Dundas recreation program coordinator Ben Macpherson’s draft policy document for smoke-free outdoor spaces, presented at council on May 15th.

Council accepted the draft, but as Macpherson pointed out, “the policy hasn’t officially been approved” as of yet. 

“I will be coming back with a couple of things added to the policy including a preamble to indicate that the policy is in effect when youth are present or are engaged in recreation or sport,” he said.

Suggestions for changes to the policy resulted from a discussion focused on the rights of smokers versus the rights of non-smokers.

Getting the discussion underway, councillor Evonne Delegarde was first to inquire about the adult events and whether this policy would impact those smoking adults that participate in those events, like blooper ball for example.

“It’s any event where children are part of the event,” clarified Macpherson. “It’s where there’s influence on children.”

“The more I thought about this,” said councillor Archie Mellan, “the more it bothered me. It is a legal activity.”

“What about the docks,” he asked.

“Yes, there would be kids playing, but it’s a policy,” Macpherson responded, emphasizing the difference between a policy, which is not policed, and a by-law, which is policed.

“A smoker doesn’t have the right to impose second-hand smoke on non-smokers,” conceded Mellan, “but a smoker has the right to have a cigarette. What about smoking areas?”

“If we’re going to promote the rights of the non-smokers, then we’re going to protect the rights of the smokers,” added Mellan.

“The largest concern is freedom of choice,” said Macpherson, pointing out that because it’s a policy it isn’t necessarily mandatory in the way a by-law would be mandatory. It’s more of a strong suggestion.

“I will support it,” said Mellan, “but I think we should have smoking areas if we’re going to have non-smoking areas.”

Mayor Steven Byvelds suggested there should be a preamble pointing out that “our concern is with children.”

“I don’t want to go down councillor Mellan’s road of having segregated smoking areas. They shouldn’t be doing it when young children are around,” he continued, predicting “the worst place will be in front of the arena.”

Mellan said that he understood the point of the policy was education and influence on young children, but added, “I hope we don’t take this to the next step.”

Byvelds reminded council that “the intention isn’t to ban.” 

“It will probably come down from the province eventually,” offered Macpherson.

Councillor Jim Graham suggested that the policy would police itself: “whether it’s adult areas or not, if there are non-smokers there they’ll make it known.”

According to the draft policy document, “public playing fields and recreation spaces means fields and/or lands of natural and/or man-made composition that are used for athletic purposes to conduct organized or unorganized sporting activities.”

“This shall include a 15 meter fringe area around the perimeter of the established playing boundary or recreation facility to include but not limited to baseball diamonds, soccer fields, lawn bowling, tennis/badminton courts, football fields, athletic tracks, and associated outdoor fields, ice rinks, pools, and other public recreation facilities including halls, centers, gazebos, pavilions, and shelters.”

“Smoke includes carrying a lighted cigar, cigarette, pipe or any other lighted smoking equipment.”

[…]

On May 17th, Lloya and Dwayne Sprague celebrated the grand opening of their  Home Hardware store in Morrisburg.

The couple officially took over ownership of the store on July 18, 2011. According to Dwayne, “when we got here the shelves were basically bare.”

Since then, they’ve been working diligently to refill the shelves on a gradual basis. Dwayne pointed out that as of May 18th, it has been 10 months since the Spragues took over the business and they’re “finally finished the renovations.” 

“We’ve had a lot of fun building the inventory.”

At this point in time, the Morrisburg Home Hardware has four full-time employees, including Lloya and Dwayne, as well as two part-time employees and a faithful helper.

As for customers and keeping busy, Dwayne said, “it’s been non-stop for the whole week. I’ve sold 42 lawn mowers already and I’ve ordered 40 more.”

He pointed to the special grand opening flyer where every item was listed for less than cost. The flyer went out en masse last week for the four day event. 

In addition to great sales over the long weekend, customers were greeted by members of Scouts Canada who hosted a charity  barbecue on-site.

In attendance for the grand opening were representatives from the Township of South Dundas including deputy-mayor Jim Locke, and councillors Evonne Delegarde, Jim Graham and Archie Mellan. Also in attendance were economic development officer Nicole Sullivan and recreation program coordinator Ben Macpherson.

Several members of the South Dundas Chamber of Commerce attended the official opening, including the new president, Charles (Chuck) Barkley, and the new vice-president, Carl McIntyre.

Marilyn McMahon, from the office of Jim McDonell, was on hand to present the couple with a certificate while four representatives from the Home Hardware head office attended, bringing along a plaque in honour of the grand opening.

Locke remarked that “it is great to see this filled with cars again” and turning to the Spragues, he offered: “We wish you the very best in your venture.”

[…]

Allison Waytowich, a grade 8 student at St. Mary/St. Cecilia Catholic School in Morrisburg, has been selected as a candidate in a First Choice Haircutters online contest to find 10 models for a 2013 advertising campaign.

Allison, 14, “saw the commercial on television for First Choice Haircutters, Be the Face contest, a few months ago, so she decided to enter,” says her mom Lynne.

“There were 9,000 applicants, and we were amazed when she made the top 50!”

Allison is now involved in the second stage of the contest which involves obtaining online votes from the public.

“It would be neat that everyone who reads the Leader has a chance to make a local girl ‘famous’,” adds Lynne.

If Allison makes the top 10, she will win a trip to New York City, and an opportunity to be in the First Choice Haircutters commercial.

The website is www.bethefaceoffch.com. Only one vote per e-mail address is permitted.

The advertising initiative began December 9, with the launch of BeTheFaceofFCH.com.

It invited consumers to upload a photograph and explain why they should be in the upcoming advertisement.

A three person judging panel then narrowed the field to 50 finalists. Ten winners, one from each of 10 different gender and age categories, will be determined through the online voting. 

Winners will be announced June 15 and  will receive a trip to New York City, a hair makeover, modeling training, a professional photo shoot and the possibility of being in the First Choice ad campaign. 

Allison is the daughter of Frank and Lynne Waytowich of Morrisburg.

The community is invited to vote for Allison at www.bethefaceoffch.com. Allison is one of five girls pictured in the 13-19 female age category. She is listed as Allison W.

[…]

Coming up this Saturday, May 26, the Canadian Tire Store in Morrisburg is asking the community to get involved and make a difference in the lives of local kids.

On May 26, the Fourth Annual Jumpstart Day will take place at the Morrisburg Canadian Tire, located on the north side of Highway 2 in Morrisburg. 

The day-long fund raising event is the celebration of Jumpstart’s One Million Red Balls campaign, which, through the month of May, encourages customers to donate $2 in exchange for a red ball – a national symbol for child’s play.

On Jumpstart Day, most Canadian Tire stores across the country will celebrate and raise additional funds for Jumpstart with special events and activities for customers. 

At the Morrisburg Canadian Tire, customers will be asked for a donation to participate in the GoClean car wash, balloon pop and table top games. 

All money raised will be donated to Jumpstart, helping Canadian kids get involved in organized sport. 

Donations to Jumpstart help the one in three Canadian families that cannot afford to enrol their children in organized sports and recreation. 

All funds raised through the One Million Red Balls campaign and on Jumpstart Day stay within the local community to help local children. 

To date, 498 children in Morrisburg have been able to participate in sports and recreation because of Jumpstart.

The local Jumpstart committee is comprised of local people. Through the Jumpstart program financial assistance has been provided that has enabled local youth to play hockey, soccer, to figure skate and to take dance lessons, to name just a few. 

Since 2005, Jumpstart has helped 439,383 kids across Canada by removing the financial barriers that prevent children from participating.

[…]

In Canada, one in three families cannot afford to enrol their children in organized sport or recreation activities because of financial barriers (Vision Critical 2011). 

Ever since she was a little girl, 17-year-old Casey, knew she wanted to play professional golf, but her family’s budget was stretched with a busy household of seven young children. 

“We knew that Casey had extraordinary talent, but we could not afford the expensive membership and green fees,” said Casey’s mom, Julie MacNeil.” The last thing we wanted was to keep her off the golf course due to affordability. She had such big dreams for herself.” 

Kids who are able to participate in organized sport and recreation, outside of school hours, gain many short and long term benefits including increased self-esteem, greater self-confidence, leadership skills, and better grades.

“The benefits of kids participating in sports affects their entire lives, not just their childhood years,” said Dan Thompson, President, Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities. “Programs like Canadian Tire Jumpstart are dedicated to removing barriers so financially disadvantaged children can participate in organized sport and recreation.”

Despite the financial hardships many Canadian parents are facing, there is a way to get kids into the game, no matter what barrier. By covering the cost of registration, equipment and/or transportation, Canadian Tire Jumpstart has helped 417,835 children like Casey get in the game.

“We couldn’t be more proud of what our daughter has accomplished,” said Casey’s mom. “This year Casey is heading off to Charleston, Southern University on a full golf scholarship, and we have Jumpstart to thank for giving her the opportunity to continue to perfect her game.”

Help kids in your community by visiting Canadian Tire, Mark’s and Canadian Tire Gas+ stores and Pita Pit locations throughout the month of May and on Jumpstart Day, Saturday, May 26, 2012, to donate $2 in exchange for a red ball, with all proceeds going to Canadian Tire Jumpstart.

Visit www.canadiantire.ca/jumpstart to learn more.

[…]

Mark Jarvis is still a little overwhelmed.

“We were definitely not expecting to win the Donner Prize,” he said. 

“We learned in March that our book was on the short list for consideration by the Donner Canadian Foundation, and my colleagues and I were pleased just about that. But when we went to the awards banquet in May and he (Allan Gotlieb, chairman of the Foundation) announced our names, well, it was incredible. 

Actually,” Jarvis (37) added with a ready laugh, “I think we were all just hoping that someone was actually reading the book.”

Democratizing  the  Constitution: Reforming Responsible Government, the book by Peter Aucoin, Mark D. Jarvis and Lori Turnbull was awarded the 2012  Donner Prize, valued at $50,000.

The Donner Canadian Foundation established the annual prize to recognize and reward the best public policy thinking, writing and research by a Canadian. It provides a spring board for authors who may not necessarily be well-known, but who can make a meaningful contribution to policy discourse.

Author Mark Jarvis was born and raised in Morrisburg, a graduate of St. Mary-St. Cecilia, and of St. Joseph’s in Cornwall.

He recently learned that his book has also been shortlisted for the Smiley Prize, named in honour of Donald Smiley, and presented by the Canadian Political Science Association. That winner will be announced in June.

“This has all been a great honour,” Jarvis said. “And in many ways, a true surprize.”

Following his education in South Dundas, Jarvis attended Trent University in Peterborough where he took a degree in sociology. He won his Master’s degree from Carleton University, again in sociology.

Jarvis is currently a doctoral candidate at the School of Public Administration with the University of Victoria.

I asked him how a sociologist came to change his academic direction toward the area of public administration, government ac-countability and public policy.

“Well,” Jarvis said. “It really was a kind of round about trip. While I was taking my sociology degree at Carleton, I was offered a job in public service in Ottawa. My task involved doing research into accountability for a small branch of the government. In the process, I gradually became interested in the whole concept of accountability.”

He published Modernizing Government Accountability: A Framework for Reform (2005) and The Adoption of the Accounting Officer System in Canada: Changing Relationships? (2009) among others.

He also met the late professor Peter Aucoin and professor Lori Turnbull. 

“We found we held a number of ideas in common, and gradually the outline of a book took shape. What we were interested in was some of the dysfunction within our Parliamentary system. In particular, we looked at the specific powers that enable prime ministers to inhibit Parliament from ensuring the government is accountable to the citizens it serves.”

The three first took their ideas, in the form of an opinion piece, to a national newspaper. The paper refused to print the article.

“Peter, highly regarded in his field, already felt very strongly about the issue of power and accountability,” Jarvis explained, “and this paper’s absolute refusal to print our article pretty much motivated us to develop our views more fully and to approach an academic publishing firm with them. They said go ahead.”

Dividing up chapters, and meeting to discuss ideas and to make revisions, took the trio from March of 2009 to the book’s completion in 2010. It came out in 2011.

Sadly, Peter Aucoin recently died, in his 67th year. The book which would win him the Donner Prize was among his last.

What lies at the core of Democratizing the Constitution?

“The concept of accountability is a major personal concern to me,” Jarvis said. 

“I think it is a basic premise of our democratic system that the people to whom we have delegated authority to act in our name, must justly discharge that duty. Individuals have to be held to account for the acts and decisions they make. 

We all want effective government and good outcomes in Canada. This cannot happen without accountability.”

The book has created some controversy over its argument that prime ministers have too much power.

“I am not claiming that prime ministers in Canada are abusing power the way leaders of other countries do. Think of the corruption confronted by Arab Spring. Think of someone like Putin, who practices extreme control and manipulation,” Jarvis explained, 

“But improvement is needed. Prime ministers can retain and use Crown powers resulting in a situation where they have almost unfettered power to make decisions – partisan and otherwise – that limit or negate Parliament’s role in our democratic system.”

Jarvis readily admits that any changes or “improvements” will require re-opening the Canadian Charter of Rights.

“Canadians are very reluctant to do this,” he said. “Every time we’ve tinkered with the Charter in the past, well, the outcome has not been productive. Think Meech Lake. 

We now seem to have developed a kind of national paralysis or great fear of opening the Charter up for revision or a second look. I contend, and this is my opinion, that the current level of power held by prime ministers is too much with regards to parliament.”

The book advances research and specific situations which the authors believe support their point of view. 

What lies ahead for Mark Jarvis, with the Donner Prize on his list of accomplishments?

“With some luck I can now really focus on my (doctoral) dissertation,” he laughed. “I need to defend it sooner or later, and my committee would certainly prefer it to be sooner.”

[…]

[…]

Sari Liem of Dillon Consulting in Ottawa presented the interim report for the South Dundas Community Strategic Plan at the May 15th council meeting.

She reminded council that the process “is very much shaped by the community.”

Liem also pointed out that ideas need to be “achievable, practical and economically achievable” and should “support continuous improvement.”

According to Liem’s report, “we received over 200 community wishes (specific aspirations for the betterment of the community) across the various consultation activities.”

“The community wishes have been grouped into seven topic areas:

• Culture, heritage, tourism and waterfront development;

• Beautification;

• Economic growth, job creation and business support;

• Social supports, community resources and affordable housing;

• Planning and infrastructure;

• Recreation programs and facilities; and,

• Agriculture.”

In addition to breaking community wishes into topic areas, the Dillon consultants were able to summarize community wishes and ideas into common themes, which include:

• Create a municipal identity that will celebrate South Dundas’ rich history and culture;

• Create recreational programs, opportunities and facilities that will attract and retain families, children and youth;

• Strengthen South Dundas’ agricultural sector through partnerships with tourism industry;

• Support business expansion and job creation;

• Sustain South Dundas’ small town lifestyle through appropriate development;

• Implement beautification projects to strengthen our sense of pride and community.”

Liem told council the action plan meetings will be held on May 30th at Matilda Hall in Dixon’s Corners between 1 p.m. and 8 p.m. Anyone in South Dundas wishing to have input in making actual plans for moving forward in South Dundas should register and attend.

Participants will be divided into two groups: group A and group B. Each group will tackle three different themes, spending 90 minutes on each planning session.

Following Liem’s presentation, mayor Steven Byvelds said, “I think what you’ve heard is what South Dundas is all about.”

“Hopefully, with appropriate action plans, we’ll get there.”

Following the action plan meetings, Dillon Consulting will create a recommended vision statement and an implementation strategy complete with timeline. 

The final plan, when ready, will be presented to council for approval and then be released to the public.

[…]

With close to 50 members and several car shows already scheduled for the summer,  the Golden Gears Car Club Inc. is off to a roaring start.  

The club, revived after a 40 year absence,  originally focused on performance and speed but today’s club is aimed at the enjoyment and restoration of classic cars.  

The Golden Gears began in 1963 in Iroquois when a group of young men who shared a passion for cars and high performance engines got together to swap stories and tips for improving the horsepower ratings of their engines.  Now the members tend to be older and in an energy conscious era, are more interested in maintaining classic vehicles from the past, and some from the present.

Re-organized over the past winter under the direction of club president Henry Swank,  the Golden Gears have developed a new set of by-laws, have been incorporated as a non-profit group and are ready to begin enjoying the hobby of classic car enthusiasts. 

First on the agenda is a “Show & Shine” planned for May 25th from 6 to 8 pm at the Canadian Tire parking lot in Morrisburg.  

For those unfamiliar with the term,  a “Show & Shine” simply means that owners of classic and restored vehicles bring them to a central location so that other car hobbyists and the general public can wander around the lot and enjoy looking at some truly beautiful automobiles.  

Music, usually rock and roll from the golden age of most of the vehicles, is part of the  event. As well, there can be displays from auto related vendors, and of course, food and drinks.    

The club will also stage a  similar event in Iroquois in the north-west corner of the shopping plaza lot on Wednesday,  June 13, from 6 to 8. With high visibility from the traffic on County Road 2,  and food available from several Iroquois plaza eateries,  that show is expected to be a highlight of the summer as well.

The Golden Gears have also taken some of the workload from the Iroquois- Matilda Lions Club by agreeing to run the car show that has become a large component of the Canada Day celebrations on the Iroquois Point.  

Upwards of 150 cars are expected if the weather cooperates and the car club will look after registration, parking, judging and all the other aspects that make up a great car show. 

Also on the summer agenda is a car show to run parallel to the Fly-In Breakfast on July 15 in Iroquois. With the encouragement of the flying club, the show will take place in the park land, directly south of Elizabeth Drive enabling visitors to walk around and view both aircraft and classic cars all in the same location.

The Golden Gears meet monthly, with the next meeting to take place under the pavilion at Iroquois Point on June 12,  starting at 7.  

If you’re interested in joining, why not come out and see what it’s all about?  You can also check the club’s website at www.goldengears.ca.

[…]