News

Changes were made to the South Dundas 2012 budget since The Leader’s March 14th report.

Following is a list of pertinent points from the completed budget which is expected to be passed by council at the March 20th meeting which took place after press time.

According to Treasurer Shannon Geraghty, the “final 2012 budget represents a 5.37 per cent or $253,611.08 increase in municipal levy in comparison to 2011.”

“Operating expenses in comparison to 2011 have increased 0.90 per cent or $79,005, whereas revenue increased by 5.61 per cent or $292,292 mainly due to unfinanced capital outlay transfers along with an increase in interest revenue on outstanding tax arrears.”

“The capital in comparison from 2011 has increased in 2012 by $466,899 or 39.22 per cent,” he continued. 

“Capital projects included in the 2012 final budget:

•Micro Surface 16.5 kilometres of roads which include Flagg Road, Broken Second Road, Salmon & Grace Road, and Pleasant Valley Road;

•3.0 kilometres of partial reconstruction of Savings Street;

•Winchester District Memorial Hospital Pledge;

•Playground equipment at Coyle Drive, Winchester Springs and Rowan Drive;

•$500,000 allocated to the Fleet Replacement Program;

•Dispatch services and equipment for the fire department;

•SCBA Compressor Block;

•Emergency generator for all fire stations; and,

•Phase two of Parlow Road construction which includes base only.”

Geraghty continued, “the total levy requirements for 2011 resulted in an amount of $4,721,453 for the township whereas the 2012 final budget requirements presented to council represent an amount of $4,975,065.”

“The residential tax rate for the township will decrease by 1.49 per cent, as a result of the final year of assessment phase-in.”

“The average 2012 assessment of $156,634 equates to a 2011 average assessment of $149,040.” 

“A residential property with the average assessment change from 2011 to 2012 of 5.06 per cent will pay 50 cents more per week or a total of $25.87 in township taxes in 2012.” 

“Township has maintained an overall good financial position with healthy reserves and insignificant debt,” he concluded, the “majority is being paid by benefitting landowners.”

[…]

At the March 6th South Dundas council meeting, Don Lewis, Planning and Enforcement Manager, presented council with SAI Engineering’s three options for the relocation of the Broken Second Drain in Iroquois. 

Lewis recommended council choose option two whereby the west section of the drain would be relocated along the south side of County Road 2, costing approximately $20,800.

Mayor Steven  Byvelds said, “I disagree with your report. I would go with option three. It would save a lot of work, save a lot of construction, and save a lot of maintenance down the road.”

In the end, after some deliberation, council chose not to follow Lewis’s recommendation, but instead went with the least expensive option whereby the ditch will be relocated perpendicular  to County Road 2. The cost estimate for this option is $1,600.

[…]

March 19th marked the final day of budget deliberations for the United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry. Counties began deliberations with two full days in mid-February.

According to South Dundas Mayor Steven Byvelds, “there is a 3.5 per cent increase on the average assessed house.”

He said the average household assessment for SD&G is approximately $166,000. Based on that assessment and the percentage increase, the average SD&G household taxes would increase by approximately $33.

“There was discussion on keeping it lower,” he said, but council decided on “the inflation rate tax increase so we can reinvest in our roads.”

“We had a really good debate. It took a little longer,” he said.

As for school board tax amounts, according to Greg Pietersma, Chair for the Upper Canada District School Board, the school board budget deliberations will not begin until the provincial budget decisions have been completed and handed down.

[…]

The Dundas Seed, Forage & Agricultural Show was held on March 9th at Matilda Hall in Dixon’s Corners. Exhibitors and visitors filled the hall from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Francis Henderson of Terrdale Farms won this year’s top spot, the Premier Exhibitor. His daughter, Tracy Porteous, accepted the award on his behalf. Kelly Fawcett-Mathers, a representative for  TD Canada Trust, sponsor of the award, presented the award to Porteous. The second award, Reserve Premier Exhibitor, and the third award, Premier Forage Exhibitor, both went to Ian and Tracy Porteous of Ayrporte Farm. 

[…]

Things are moving steadily forward for the South Branch Wind Farm project. Submitting the final report to the Ministry of Environment (MOE) is Prowind Canada’s next step.

On March 13th, Rochelle Rumney, Environmental Coordinator for Prowind, reported that while the company had expected to have the final report submitted by early March, “it will be closer to the end of the month.”

Rumney gave a brief explanation of the process following submission of the final report for the South Branch Wind Farm: “The MOE will review the application within 40 days of our submission and determine if it is ‘complete’. Once that has been established, it will be posted on the EBR (environmental registry) and the 30 day review period begins.”

Tracking the progress of the final report can be done by going to www.ebr.gov.on.ca. The public can submit comments and opinions about the report to the MOE once the 30 day review period has begun.

According to Rumney, “we will notify the public by way of newspaper ad once that review period begins.”

[…]

With Prowind Canada’s submission of their final report to the Ministry of Environment (MOE) drawing closer, the South Branch Wind Opposition Group (SBWOG) is still hard at work trying to stop the project from moving forward.

On March 18th, at the DC Community Center in Dixon’s Corners,  the opposition group held a fundraiser, “Patty’s Delight Fundraiser,” to help subsidize legal fees for their appeal to the Environmental Review Tribunal.

Following the event, group representative Leslie Disheau reported: “Our group had great support today for the afternoon of music, desserts, and silent auction.”

“Everyone enjoyed themselves. We ended the day with a grand total of $1,827.”

“I am very happy with our fundraising event,” continued Disheau, “and proud of the work done by our members.” 

In addition to fundraising, the group has also been busy lobbying for help from local MPP for Stormont, Dundas, and South Glengarry, Jim McDonell.

According to his Executive Assistant, Marilyn McMahon, McDonell “has agreed to attend and help set up a format with other MPPs for an open discussion with both sides.”

Disheau said that “we have no firm date yet from Jim’s office but it looks like around the first of April.”

“SBWOG is still busy. We have placed our newsletter, Breaking Wind, in seven locations for people to take and read,” she said. 

The newsletter, Breaking Wind: Demystifying misconceptions about Wind Power, sheds light on a few myths and defines some wind power terms like ‘low frequency noise’ and ‘infrasound.’

One of the myths presented is the often heard: “It’s just in their heads.” According to the opposition group’s newsletter: “People complain wind turbines make them sick… it’s not just in their heads! Evidence exists that if wind turbines are placed too close to residents, they can cause harm to  humans.”

In a passionate appeal to the general population, Disheau pleaded: “People in the community need to wake up and realize that as tax payers there are 149 houses directly affected by this project and each of us will be appealing our property assessments to MPAC (Municipal Property Assessment Corporation) for devaluation.”

“Guess who’s picking up the lost property taxation? Residents of Morrisburg, Iroquois, and Williamsburg areas. Our township is small and we don’t have enough industry to help pay the tax base so everything once again falls on homeowners.”

In addition to answering questions by phone, 613-658-1236, the South Branch Wind Opposition Group is creating their own dedicated website.

[…]

According to Winchester District Memorial Hospital spokesperson, Jane Petricic it is unclear how an announcement made Monday, concerning changes to Ontario’s method of funding hospitals, will impact the local hospital.

“At this time, we don’t know anything more than is in the announcement,” said Petricic, Brainstorm Communications for WDMH. “We’re still awaiting additional details.”

According to Monday’s press release issued by the office of Ontario Premier, Dalton McGuinty, “Ontario is making changes to the way it funds hospitals to ensure families get access to the right health care, at the right time and in the right place.”

The new patient-based funding model will see hospitals funded based on how many patients they see, the services they deliver, the quality of those services and other specific community needs. Currently, hospitals get a lump sum based on their previous year’s budget with no link to the type or quality of care they provide.

Working in partnership with hospitals, Ontario will phase in the new patient-based funding model over the next three years. 

The new model will also provide a better return for taxpayer dollars and result in: shorter wait times and better access to care in their communities; more services, where they are needed; and, better quality care with less variation between hospitals.

Allowing health care funding to follow the patient instead of the hospital is part of the McGuinty government’s Action Plan for Health Care and builds upon the significant progress that has been made in improving Ontario’s health care system since 2003. 

According to Deb Matthews, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, “our current funding model for hospitals is out of date and doesn’t reflect the needs of the communities they serve.  As part of our Action Plan we are implementing a system that funds hospitals to increase services where needed, deliver quality care more efficiently and serve more patients.”

March Rochon,  Interim CEO for the Ontario Hospital Association, said, “the Ontario Hospital Association has been a long-time supporter of patient-based payment because it has tremendous potential to align hospital funding with positive patient outcomes.”  

While 91 hospitals are transitioning to the patient-based funding model, 55 small hospitals will be excluded from the new model to recognize the unique role they play within their communities. 

Winchester District Memorial Hospital is not among the list of 55 hospitals excluded from the new model.

[…]

Now I’d be the first to admit that I don’t know anything about golf.

To me, a “hole in one” describes my socks.

“Bogey” is a great 1930s screen actor.

A “shotgun start” is a forcible hillbilly wedding.

But I do know funny. And Upper Canada Playhouse’s 2012 season opener, The Foursome, is funny. Very funny.

From the moment Rick, Ted, Cameron and Donnie stride on to the Windemer Golf Course at the start of Norm Foster’s hilarious tribute to friendship and to the ‘greatest game,’ the audience can settle back for 18 holes of pure entertainment.

On the surface, Foster’s plot seems straight forward: four old buddies get together at their 1985 college reunion, and “catch up” on the past 25 years as they take in an early morning game of golf. 

“This show is an ensemble piece,” said director Jesse Collins at an earlier press conference. “All four actors are out there, on stage, the entire time. Foster has broken the show into 19 scenes, a symbolic golf course really. Norm loves golf, and he loves relationships. The “man talk” that makes up the play is hilarious.”

Romantic secrets, rivalries and grudges fly around the course as readily as golf balls. Yet the audience comes to know this foursome, and to care about them. 

There is Ted, played by Victor Cornfoot, a man recently married to a wife 20 years younger and very sensitive about the comments this engenders. (Rick: “I’d like to give your wife a wedding gift. What should I pick up, a skipping rope?”) Secret fears of inadequacy plague Ted: Cornfoot paints a sympathetic picture of a man teetering on the edge of alcoholism.  

“What is that loud banging noise,” Ted snarls at Cameron, while clutching yet another morning beer.

“Leaves,” Cameron replies drily.

Rick (a delightfully arrogant Richard Bauer) is described by his friends as “self-centred, devious and shallow,” and those are his good points. He is forever seeking the ultimate deal, the big score. 

His old friends know him well. 

After hearing Rick’s description of his latest scheme which involves “importing” to Florida Brazilian pepper trees whose berries make song birds ‘high’ so they sing louder and longer, Ted immediately asks, “Is it legal?”

Rick: That’s sort of a grey area.

Ted: So you’re a bird drug dealer…

Cameron (cheerily played by Brian Young in very memorable plus fours) is the peace maker, constantly trying to keep the old gang on an even keel. Married for years, he admits that he is “living life vicariously” through Rick’s tales of his romantic escapades, until he learns just how far those “escapades” have gone. 

The hapless Donnie, father of five, loving husband, non golfer, is played by Sweeney MacArthur in  a Hulk t-shirt and orange plaid. 

To roars of laughter from the audience, he struggles to absorb the fine points of golf as he teams up with Rick in a “friendly bet” against Ted and Cameron. 

He is hilariously unsuccessful. 

Donnie: I think I’m standing too close to the ball. How far away should I stand?

Rick: Try Winnipeg.

His wife and his children are the very core of Donnie’s life. There is a wonderful Foster moment in the play when Donnie stands up to the scoffing of his buddies and makes that very clear. The audience at the performance I attended spontaneously applauded. 

Norm Foster understands relationships. He understands how real people talk to each other. And he understands the power of laughter. 

The Foursome is expertly directed, and appealingly acted on a beautiful set “golf course” created by technical director Sean Free.

By the way, Norm Foster, who loves golf dearly, speaks truth in a way that will resonate with all the golfers who see this show.

Rick: You know, we hate this game. Loathe it.

Donnie: Then why do you keep playing it?

Rick: Because every once in a while you hit that one perfect shot…It’s those shots that keep us coming out here week after week, not because we want to, but because we must…”

The Foursome runs until April 1. For tickets contact the Playhouse at 613-543-3713.

[…]

“I encourage all residents of South Dundas to participate in the Community Cafés this week,” said South Dundas Mayor Steven Byvelds on March 19th.

Dillon Consulting Limited, on behalf of the township of South Dundas, is holding four Community Vision Cafés beginning today, March 21st. 

Today’s cafés will take place at Matilda Hall in Dixon’s Corners from 2 to 4 p.m. and at the Morrisburg Meeting Centre from 7 to 9 p.m.

Tomorrow, March 22nd, there will be an afternoon café from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Iroquois Civic Centre and an evening café from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Williamsburg Oddfellows Hall. 

According to Economic Development Officer Nicole Sullivan, organizers continue to take reservations for the cafés and will do so up until the final café. Those who want to come, but haven’t made a reservation, are encouraged to attend regardless.

And, “if you can’t make it,” said Byvelds, “please go to the South Dundas website and follow the links to fill out the survey.”

“This is your opportunity to have your say on where South Dundas should be in the next 10 years.”

The online survey can be found at www.surveymonkey.com/s/DL7QZWF where there are seven questions to be answered:

•What are we doing well in South Dundas?

•If I left my community and returned in 10 years, what would I want to see?

•What external influences affect South Dundas?

•What are our community’s assets?

•What is unique in South Dundas that no other municipality has?

•What will be the most important thing to ‘get right’ in creating South Dundas’ future?

•What partnerships are needed to get things done?

According to Sullivan, the survey will be available online for two weeks following the café consultations. Anyone who hasn’t done so already, is encouraged to visit the website and complete the survey.

In addition to the online survey, the township of South Dundas is also creating an online photo journal. To submit photos, email the photo with a description to photos@southdundas.com

Going forward, Chief Administrative Officer Stephen McDonald explained that a status report based on the information gathered from the public will be ready for council to consider in April. 

In June, an implementation plan will be presented to council for consideration. 

[…]

The Williamsburg United Church has been conditionally sold.

On March 14th, Reverend Ralph Taylor confirmed that the church’s congregation had indeed accepted an offer made to purchase the building.

With things not quite finalized, Taylor felt it best not to pinpoint anything for certain. What he did say, however, is that the church has been ‘sold’ to a young couple who wish to turn the church into a home.

At the moment, he revealed, that the church officials are working with the township of South Dundas to change the current zoning for the lot to residential.

Taylor also indicated that they are “in the process of negotiating  with somebody who bought a former school within the general area” for a possible lease on a temporary worship center. He pointed out that a contract has not yet been signed.

Should things work out, “this is going to be our tabernacle while we work on our future.”

“There might be other churches in the Presbytery looking for some partnerships and rather than tie ourselves down, this (school) will be our interim kind of place.”

Taylor told his congregation: “we’re like the people with Moses; we’ve gone out in the wilderness.”

All decisions involved in the selling of the church went through the congregation for discussion and approval, said Taylor.

“In a way we were surprised, we thought we’d be listed for a long time.”

“There’s a sadness and a joy,” said Taylor, referring to the years of worship and memories attached to the church.

With that said, however, Taylor added, “we made the right decision. We’re on the right road to our future.”

[…]