News

On March 15th, Pastor Norine Gullons along with a few congregants met with Terry Triskle, vice-chair of the Dundas County Food Bank board, and Donna Quesnel, administrator for the food  bank. They were celebrating the recent $2,000 Synod Antipoverty Grant received by the food bank from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, Eastern Synod as part of their Compassionate Justice initiative. The grant was issued to the food bank for their Newborn Necessities project for which the objective is “to meet the needs of those with young children coming to the food bank for emergency assistance by providing them with formula, baby food, and diapers.” According to Quesnel,  the Synod Antipoverty Grants received over the past five years have become pivotal to meeting babies’ needs locally.” Last year, in addition to the grant, the South Dundas Lutheran Fundraising concert raised approximately $450 for the food bank.

The Dundas County Food Bank is currently in need of the following: canned fruit and vegetables, canned pasta and pasta sauce, cereals and peanut butter, brown beans and kidney beans, canned tomatoes, Kraft Dinner, fruit cups, pudding cups, and bars of soap. Also needed: empty baby food jars, small jars, and juice bottles.

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During budget deliberations, South Dundas council learned that this year, 2012, marks the completion of a pledge commitment to the Winchester District Memorial Hospital (WDMH).

The final pledge installment of $70,000 will be paid to WDMH this year, thus ending 10 years of payments. With this year’s payment, South Dundas will have fulfilled its pledge of $700,000.

Treasurer Shannon Geraghty confirmed that 2012 is also the final year of a four year agreement with three doctors who have been practicing in South Dundas.

“The Township offered an incentive to new doctors coming to South Dundas in the form of $10,000 per year for four years with a return of service agreement between the doctor and the township.”

“Council reviews the need for the program on an annual basis as part of budget discussions,” he added.

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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.”

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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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.”

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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.

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On March 2nd, the St. Lawrence Parks Commission (SLPC) announced they would be taking back control of Farran Park in Ingleside from the township of South Stormont when the lease expires at the end of the month.

On March 9th, South Stormont Mayor Bryan McGillis told The Leader the decision came as a surprise and a disappointment. “Residents have expressed disappointment too,” he added. 

“St. Lawrence told us last week that they were going to take over the park,” said McGillis. “We were upset, but there’s nothing we could have done about it.”

“We’ve done everything we could. Nobody can say we didn’t try.”

McGillis referred to several attempts at reaching an affordable lease agreement with SLPC who, as McGillis pointed out, has a new procurement policy that doesn’t allow for long-term leases. “There wasn’t much in the way of negotiations,” he said.

A feeling of loss for the township is palpable when speaking with McGillis. “There’s an untapped resource here,” lamented McGillis. “The potential that we’re losing out on is significant.”

“There’s a lot of upset local residents that use the park. They felt it was more intimate with our own municipality running this park.”

During the March 9th discussion, disappointment remained at the forefront for McGillis. However, he also recognized the need for cooperation between South Stormont and SLPC saying, “their door is open and ours is too.”

“They assured us everything is going to run the status quo. Hopefully they’ll hire the same people.”

“They have a lot of ideas,” he continued. “Hopefully they’ll come to the conclusion of doing what they’ve said.”

And, “hopefully it works out in the long run for the betterment of the community.”

South Stormont has been responsible for the operation of Farran Park since July of 1990. As reported in the October 10, 1990 edition of The Leader, the park had been closed by SLPC due to “cost-cutting measures.”

Following a July invitation for bids on five of their parks, SLPC granted a long-term lease for Farran Park to South Stormont. 

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“It’s a wonderful thing to have,” said Syd Drennan, a long-time Morrisburg resident, “I’m glad to have it.”

Drennan was talking about the Aging at Home program run by the J.W. McIntosh Seniors’ Support Centre.

According to Executive Director Janet Lever, the centre, “under the umbrella of the Williamsburg Non-Profit Housing Corporation was successful  in their application for Aging at Home funding to provide assisted-living services for high risk seniors.”

“Champlain Local Health Integration Network (LHIN) approved the proposal for the 20 spaces of assisted-living services, 10 in Iroquois and surrounding area and 10 in Morrisburg and surrounding area.”

In a recent release, the LHIN stated: “Seniors in the Champlain region are benefitting from a new assisted-living program that help them maintain their independence.”

The program is “funded by the Champlain LHIN and operated by various community agencies.” These include several agencies in Ottawa, as well as agencies in Barry’s Bay, Arnprior, Hawksbury, Almonte, Carleton Place, Cornwall and Williamsburg.

Levere revealed, “since we started, 17 individuals have been supported with this service. We are waiting for a couple of assessments to be completed and expect to be up to 20 soon.”

“The aim of the program,” according to the Champlain LHIN,” is to increase health services for seniors in their own homes. This relieves the pressures on hospital emergency rooms. It also prevents premature admissions to long-term care homes, freeing these beds for people who need them the most.”

In agreement, Levere said, “we want them to stay independent and this can help them stay independent. We are in the business to help people stay at home and stay in the community.”

“And, stay out of the emergency department,” added Joyce Alguire, supervisor of the Aging at Home program for J.W. McIntosh Seniors’ Support Centre.

The Champlain LHIN professed that “early results show that clients in the program – even though they are generally more ill – visit the emergency room less often than seniors who are not enrolled in the program.”

In fact, Alguire revealed, this is the first winter that Drennan “hasn’t had hospitalization.”

According to Drennan, he has been in the program “pretty much since it started – about a year.” He was first referred to the program following a lengthy stay at the Winchester District Memorial Hospital last winter.

While he said he was well cared for by nurses and doctors who were “great,” he was happy to get home and would prefer not to go back.

While referrals for the program can come from different sources like a physician or caregiver, it’s the Community Care Access Centre (CCAC) that assesses applications and makes decisions.

The Aging at Home program, Drennan said, “is good for anybody that needs it. It’s a good thing to have. It’s excellent.”

In Drennan’s case, he has regular visits during the week. “I’m going to be fine with the ladies coming every day,” he said with a smile.

Alguire pointed out that Drennan also has family members living with him who also help out a lot. “When families are involved, they stay involved,” she said. “We don’t try to take over.”

“Everybody works together,” added Levere.

Drennan does things for himself as well. While his personal support worker might start dinner, for example, he will often finish it. “I get to do a little bit,” he said. 

As for the service provided, Drennan said, “there’s nothing that has to be changed. It’s great. The ladies are wonderful.”

In a pamphlet circulated by the J.W. McIntosh Senior’s Support Centre, Assisted Living in Dundas County, the available services are listed as: personal care, light housekeeping, medication prompts, exercises, meal preparation, shopping, laundry and linen change, security checks, Emergency Response System installed in the home, and 24 hour Urgent Response.

It is Alguire’s job to meet with prospective clients to determine what their specific needs are and to set up a schedule reflecting those needs.

Levere hopes to spread awareness that this service, which is free of charge, does exist here “in the rural area. It’s not just in the city.” 

“The J.W. McIntosh Seniors’ Support Centre has provided community support services since 1991,” Levere reported, “including adult day programs, meals on wheels, and transportation.” 

“The Assisted-living Services as well as the Supportive Housing Services, Respite Apartment Services and the Going Home program are all part of the J.W. McIntosh Centre’s Aging at Home initiative to keep seniors at home and avoid hospital admissions.”

For more information about assisted-living services in Dundas County, contact the CCAC at 1-800-538-0520 or the J.W. McIntosh Seniors’ Support Centre at 613-535-2924.

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