News

In last week’s edition of The Leader, it was reported that South Dundas Chief Administrative Officer Stephen McDonald had recommended, at the February 21st council meeting, that council receive a proposal for dealing with “small jobs (that) fall below the approval levels in the Procurement Policy.”

The full article was somehow lost in translation and what follows is the missing piece.

The jobs for recurring services fell into the following categories:

•plumbing repairs/installations

•trouble shoot water meter problems

•electrical repairs/installations

•locksmith services

•HVAC repairs/maintenance

•tree trimming

•roofing repairs

•pest control services

•fire protection systems

•septic/holding tank pumping

•property clean-op

The following companies have submitted bids for jobs in one or more of the listed categories:

•Arthur Thom Electric Ltd.

•Aurele St. Jean Plumbing

•ATEL Air

•Barry McShane Electric

•Black Lumber

•Brooks Tree Service Inc.

•Garry Munro Plumbing & Heating

•Kim’s Locksmith Service

• Logtens Tree Service Ltd.

•Morrisburg Plumbing & Heating Ltd.

•Neal’s Heating, Cooling & Refrigeration

•Orkin Canada

•Safe & Dependable Fire Extinguisher

•Tremblay Fire Solutions

•Twin Peaks Sanitary Services Inc.

•W.C. Robinson & Son Ltd.

•Williamsburg Pump Supply & Service

As reported last week, McDonald explained the idea behind the process: “while submitting the low quote does not make any company the exclusive supplier of that service, the township will endeavour to utilize the company submitting the lowest quote for these services where possible subject to scheduling and satisfactory work performance.”

“Where the low price supplier is not available, the next lowest quotation will be used,” he added.

“Managers will monitor the work of these suppliers to insure that jobs are completed in a timely, professional and satisfactory manner. In the case of unsatisfactory work, managers will have the discretion to utilize the next lowest supplier for future jobs.”

Mayor Steven Byvelds applauded township staff on their efforts toward fairness by opening the process to anyone.

[…]

 

Activation of the time-of-use rates for customers of Rideau St. Lawerence Distribution Inc. are delayed.

According to Rideau St. Lawrence Chief Executive Officer John Walsh, “we haven’t been able to get an actual date.” At this point, there is a “fluid date” of May 1st, but it may happen earlier or it may happen later. Walsh did say that when a firm date has been set, customers will definitely be informed.

The time-of-use rates will be divided into three time periods: on-peak (highest price); mid-peak (mid price); and, off-peak (lowest price). In addition, peak periods will change depending on whether it’s winter rates or summer rates.  

In any case, it looks like electricity will be at its lowest price on weekends, holidays, and between the hours of 7 p.m. and 7 a.m.

The activation delay, Walsh explained, is due to “a provincial delay with the MDM/R (Meter Data Management and Repository). They need to implement some new software to comply with Measurement Canada regulations. It’s all up to the government.”

For those wondering what will happen when time-of-use rates do go into effect, Walsh said that Rideau St. Lawrence will be sending out comparative bills for two billing periods prior to time-of-use activation.

The comparative bill will show the customer what their consumption and billing rates are for that time period using the present system’s set-up. In addition, the bill will also show what it would look like ‘if’ the time-use-rates had been activated for that particular bill.

In terms of when customers will actually start paying time-of-use rates, Walsh stated that Rideau St. Lawrence bills “won’t be pro-rated.”

If, for example, the time-of-use system goes into effect beginning May 1st, customers won’t pay those rates on the first bill they receive in May. In this scenario, Walsh explained, they won’t start paying time-of-use rates until their June 1st bill.

[…]

 

In a March 2nd press release, the St. Lawrence Parks Commission (SLPC) announced the return of Farran Park to its portfolio of parks and day-use areas following the expiry of its lease on March 31st with the Township of South Stormont.

The Township of South Stormont has operated the park since 1990. A separate lease agreement between the SLPC and South Stormont remains in effect until 2022 to provide free waterfront access for residents through Lakeview Park. 

In the July 25, 1990 edition of The Leader, it was reported: “At its July 18 meeting, the St. Lawrence Parks Commission decided to open doors for business entrepreneurs to participate in operating the parks which were closed this spring due to restructuring.”

The parks in question included Brown’s Bay, Charlottenburgh, Farran, Grenville, and Nairne.

In a follow-up article, the October 10, 1990 edition of The Leader reported that the SLPC “received 14 proposals from public and private sectors for the five parks it closed earlier this year in a cost-cutting measure.”

One of the proposals came from Osnabruck Township (now known as South Stormont) for both Farran and Nairn.

“On an agreement with the Commission, Osnabruck Township operated Farran Park this summer (1990) from July to Labor Day, realizing a profit of $4,000.”

“The Township is looking at a lease to operate both parks for between 30 to 50 years for a nominal fee,” the 1990 article continued. “They wish to extend the camping season to the end of September, and upgrade facilities starting with water and electrical sites in both parks, and improve the boat launching area at Farran.”

The March 2012 SLPC release revealed that in 1991 the SLPC entered into a lease agreement with the Township of South Stormont for the operation of Farran Park.

The SLPC lease required the Township to reinvest a portion of the profits of the campground into the maintenance and capital refurbishment of the park in lieu of higher rent payments to SLPC. 

This has resulted in an estimated $500,000 investment in the campground’s infrastructure.

It was also revealed that, in February 2012, the SLPC Board voted to reassume operation of Farran Park, effective April 2, 2012 with the option of considering any future proposals that the Township may choose to submit during the coming year. 

Darren Dalgleish, GM & CEO of the SLPC, said, “the municipality should be proud of the job it has done operating the campground over the past 21 years. Now that the lease has reached its end and with SLPC in the process of revitalizing the campgrounds, it’s the right time for the SLPC to reassume operation of the park.”

In the same release, SLPC acting chair, Ron Eamer said, “the SLPC is committed to maintaining and growing Farran Park as we reintegrate it into the Commission’s network of parkland. The camping sector is poised for significant growth and we see a very bright future ahead for Farran.”

Further to that, SLPC Parks and Recreation Manager Lou Seiler added, “we will accommodate current guests and all planned special events at Farran Park.”

“We have decided to ‘grandfather’ the seasonal camping fees and daily campsite fees that were established by the Township in 2011 for the upcoming 2012 season,” continued Seiler. 

“Coupled with this will be the new benefits of access to other attractions which represents tremendous value to residents and guests.”

[…]

 

At the February 21st South Dundas council meeting, Economic Development Officer Nicole Sullivan supported Bill Shearing’s efforts to erect four signs honouring specific events connected to the War of 1812. 

Sullivan asked council to “approve an application to the Eastern Ontario Development Program (EODP) for funding to support” the initiative. They unanimously agreed to the request.

Former honourary Colonel of the SD&G Highlanders, Shearing pointed out, during a plea to council at their December 20, 2011 meeting, that “our township has an important military history that is largely forgotten.” 

At the time, council applauded the idea of heritage signs commemorating the War of 1812, but were resistant to the project’s potential cost.

Since then, Shearing has been able to raise over $2,000 to make the signs a reality. Both the Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Highlanders Regimental Foundation and the Friends of Crysler’s Farm Battlefield have promised a donation of $1,000 each. 

In addition to this, Shearing is pursuing other benefactors, like the Morrisburg and Iroquois Branches of the Royal Canadian Legion.

“If EODP funding for the project is approved, it would offset any costs associated with the project,” said Sullivan.

Furthermore, she added, “the signs installed would be township property. Barring any accidents or vandalism, the signs will last approximately 10 years after which Council can evaluate the merits of having them replaced.”

The total project cost is estimated at $6,200.

Mayor Steven Byvelds said, “I’m glad to see that we’ve found a source.”

According to Sullivan’s report, “the signs themselves will be painted metal with 3M reflective lettering meeting Ministry of Transportation  Ontario (MTO) specifications. Sign faces will be a MTO standard size” of three by four inches.

“I like the proposed size of the signs and the proposed materials,” said Deputy-Mayor Jim Locke.

Events commemorated by the signs include: the first engagement along the front of Toussaint’s Island; the landing of the Americans and their occupation of the front of Matilda; the burning of Nash Creek Bridge; and, the Battlefield encompassing the Nine Mile Road to Fetterly’s Farm.

Shearing informed council that South Stormont has already agreed to erect commemorative signs for the War of 1812 and South Glengarry is considering doing  the same.

Sullivan pointed out, in her report, that with the erection of signs in South Dundas, it will “provide continuity across the three areas and further promote our common history with which the region appeals to visitors.”

She reported that the initiative has “potential benefits” for South Dundas as it “will bring to life the early history of Dundas County to support tourism marketing and development.”

Shearing told council that he hopes, if signs are complete in time, to have a ceremony and reception on July 11th in Iroquois. He chose this date as it is “the 200th anniversary of the mobilization of the Dundas Militia.”

With support from the community and from South Dundas council, Shearing seems to be well on his way to making this dream a reality.

[…]

 

“We often require services of tradespeople and vendors on an ongoing basis,” said Chief Administrative Officer Stephen McDonald at the February 21st South Dundas council meeting.

He outlined a proposal for dealing with “small jobs (that) fall below the approval levels in the Procurement Policy,” whereby the “selection of a supplier is at the discretion of the Manager.”

“In order to insure an open process for these jobs, quotations were invited for the supply and delivery of recurring services for 2012 and 2013,” reported McDonald.

Invitations for bids were advertised on the South Dundas township’s website as well as with local newspapers.

McDonald explained the idea behind the process: “while submitting the low quote does not make any company the exclusive supplier of that service, the township will endeavour to utilize the company submitting the lowest quote for these services where possible subject to scheduling and satisfactory work performance.”

“Where the low price supplier is not available, the next lowest quotation will be used,” he added.

“Managers will monitor the work of these suppliers to insure that jobs are completed in a timely, professional and satisfactory manner. In the case of unsatisfactory work, managers will have the discretion to utilize the next lowest supplier for future jobs.”

Councillor Archie Mellan asked if staff had considered “setting a price as a township and seeing if anyone would do it for that price,” which he explained would “give everyone the opportunity.”

McDonald responded saying, “no, we hadn’t thought of that, but I guess it’s something we could consider.”

The jobs for recurring services fell into the following categories:

•plumbing repairs/installations

•trouble shoot water meter problems

•electrical repairs/installations

•locksmith services

•HVAC repairs/maintenance

•tree trimming

•roofing repairs

•pest control services

•fire protection systems

•septic/holding tank pumping

•property clean-op

The following companies have submitted bids for jobs in one or more of the listed categories:

•Arthur Thom Electric Ltd.

•Aurele St. Jean Plumbing

•ATEL Air

•Barry McShane Electric

•Black Lumber

•Brooks Tree Service Inc.

•Garry Munro Plumbing & Heating

•Kim’s Locksmith Service

• Logtens Tree Service Ltd.

•Morrisburg Plumbing & Heating Ltd.

•Neal’s Heating, Cooling & Refrigeration

•Orkin Canada

•Safe & Dependable Fire Extinguisher

•Tremblay Fire Solutions

•Twin Peaks Sanitary Services Inc.

•W.C. Robinson & Son Ltd.

•Williamsburg Pump Supply & Service

Mayor Steven Byvelds applauded township staff on their efforts toward fairness by opening the process to anyone.

[…]

 

The Playhouse is a hub of activity these days with the construction of a new production storage area and the official opening of the recently completed new box office.  

But the real action begins when Norm Foster’s hilarious hit comedy, The Foursome, takes to the stage on March 16 running until April 1. In fact the four funny guys who’ll keep audiences in stitches have already arrived. 

This promises to be a fun-filled early start to The Playhouse’s 2012 season. 

The Playhouse has built its reputation on laughs, and audiences will get a bellyful of those as veteran actors Jesse Collins, Richard Bauer, Sweeney MacArthur and Brian Young bring this popular comedy to life on the Playhouse stage which set designer Sean Free has transformed into a functional golf course. In fact two chunks of the stage have had to be removed to allow the actors to properly swing their golf clubs! 

One of this popular playwright’s funniest plays to date, the show features four friends who meet, after years apart, for a round of golf. 

In the course of this reunion, they catch up with each other’s lives and their stories, secrets, schemes and surprises have consistently left audiences howling with laughter in virtually every theatre in the country for years. 

Women in the audience have just as much fun as the men as the characters reveal their insecurities and engage in an hilarious and poignant game of one-upmanship as the play unfolds. 

‘The great thing about the show is the fact that you don’t have to know a thing about golf. It’s just a fun thing for them to be doing as the comedy unfolds,’ remarks Artistic Director Donnie Bowes. ‘It’s full of the kind of humour audiences have come to rely on Norm Foster to deliver: comedy that comes from real peoples’ lives and predicaments. And the cast is iron-clad.’  

The characters are an interesting mix of men from all walks of life. 

There’s Ted, played by Jesse Collins, who’s on his second marriage with a younger woman and just a tad insecure about the age difference. A drinker, he fills his golf bag with enough beer to ignite the foursome as the game progresses. Collins also directs the play, bringing his experience and love of both directing and golf to the play. 

Brian Young plays Cameron, a worrier and a hypochondriac by nature, who’s insecure about his job as a TV ad salesman. 

Richard Bauer plays Rick, an arrogant, womanizing and manipulative bachelor who sells boats for a living. 

Finally there’s Donnie, a regular family man with four kids who considers himself a loser and is a terrible golfer. 

All in all the cast has all the ingredients, talent and experience for a wild and crazy show! 

Collins, who has had an enviable career as a stage, TV and film actor and director, was last seen at The Playhouse in The Affections of May, which he also directed, along with Norm Foster’s Bedtime Stories. He has starred in theatres in Toronto and across the country, as well as in many television shows including the seasonal classic The Santa Claus as well as five seasons as the star of CTV’s Katts n’ Dog. 

Collins also received an Emmy nomination for directing the children’s television program Zooboomafoo. 

Richard Bauer is familiar with Playhouse audiences as an actor and director and was seen in Not Now, Darling, which he also directed, and the holiday play, Dear Santa. 

Brian Young was also seen last season in Not Now, Darling as well as in such past productions as On Golden Pond and The Odd Couple (female version). 

Sweeney MacArthur, who starred in Mervish Production’s Mama Mia, and has been seen in countless musicals and plays in the Toronto theatre scene, returns after several seasons. He was seen in such shows as Perfect Wedding and Looking.

Often described as a hole-in-one comedy and a laugh-fest that’s filled with superb one-liners, The Foursome promises to be just the tonic audiences need to chase away the winter blues.  

The Playhouse on-stage golf course is groomed and the four hilarious guys are ready to go. However, audiences will be the big winners when this comic season opener hits the stage. 

Contact UCP, at 613-543-3713, for ticket information.

[…]

 

“I do have the opportunity tonight,” began South Dundas Mayor Steven Byvelds, “to present cheques to services I feel are worthy.” 

On February 21st, Byvelds presented cheques to Carefor Hospice Cornwall, Dundas County Hospice, and St. Lawrence College’s Cornwall Campus.

Carefor Hospice received $1,000. Sandy Collette, a representative from the hospice, confirmed that “we’ve had a number of people from South Dundas come through our hospice.”

She revealed that Carefor Hospice Cornwall has “to raise about half a million dollars a year to keep it running.”

Bea Van Gilst, a representative from Dundas County Hospice, was also on hand to receive a cheque for $1,000. Byvelds said he was inspired to help the hospices after his wife Debbie took a course in hospice. Byvelds said, “we need people for support, and these special people need us for support.”

St. Lawrence College received $300 towards its building program and another $4,000 for scholarships.

“I feel we need to invest in our young people,” said Byvelds.

Fairweather assured council that the donations would “certainly be put to good use” and “directed specifically at people from our area.”

Byvelds said, “the funds were remaining from money collected from donations for use during my term as Warden for events such as the Warden’s Room at ROMA.”

“Since the funds were donated,” Byvelds felt it important to donate the money to services within SD&G that could benefit everyone.

[…]

 

South Dundas Fire and Emergency Services was called out early Friday morning, February 24th to a garage fire on Brinston Road.

According to a report from Fire Chief Chris McDonough on February 27th, “fire crews from Iroquois and Morrisburg responded. Upon arrival the garage was fully involved with exposures to the house. A vehicle was also fully involved at the rear of the house.”

“The owner’s pet was rescued from the kennel which was attached to the garage and suffered minor burns to its nose and paws.”

“We saved the house,” he  added, “only minor damage” to the house. 

“Damage,” in total, however, “is estimated at approximately $100,000 including contents.”

He added that “the fire was deemed suspicious by the Fire Chief and the Fire Marshal’s Office (OFM) was requested to attend.”  

“The OFM will complete their investigation and if deemed criminal the OPP will investigate,” he explained.

[…]

 

The competition for the first South Dundas Recreation Logo has come and gone and the winner is… Nikki Ault.

In addition to having her design be the logo for South Dundas Recreation for the foreseeable future, Ault’s face and logo will grace the cover of the second South Dundas recreation guide, coming out this spring. 

According to Recreation Program Coordinator Ben Macpherson, there were almost 30 entries in the logo contest. The decision, he said, was based on five criteria: simplicity, memorability, timelessness, versatility, and appropriateness.

To see the new South Dundas Recreation Logo, watch your mail for the spring/summer recreation guide coming out later this week!

[…]

 

“They had so much fun. It’s such a positive experience,” said Fiona Carr, Family Resource Coordinator for GIAG.

Carr was referring to the full-day events on February 22nd, Ash Wednesday, marking the first day of Lent.

Organized and planned by Lutheran and Anglican churches in South Dundas, the base of activities took place at St. James Anglican Church in Morrisburg. Children from kindergarten to grade 12 were invited to join in the day’s activities where the theme for the day was “Lord Teach Us to Pray.”

According to Carr, “we had kids from tons of different schools.” The similarity? “They have a commonality of believing in God,” she said. 

Kids in Carr’s group, the intermediates, were exchanging phone numbers because although they hadn’t known one another before Wednesday, many of them “became instant friends.” 

Both the intermediate and senior groups took trips to the food bank where they dropped off donations, took a tour and helped out. 

“I was really impressed with them,” said Carr, of her intermediate group. “They helped pack some snack bags.” 

Carr was told that “they asked more questions than they’ve ever asked before,” and, in addition, they were fascinated to learn that donations can include pet food and toiletries, things they hadn’t thought of before the tour.

The primary group was led by Carol Rumble of Iroquois. According to Rumble, aside from honouring Ash Wednesday and having some fun in the process, the day’s purpose was to deliver the message of outreach to the children.

The primary group spent time during the day making cards for orphans in Madagascar. Mary Sherwood is a missionary at an orphanage there and had previously visited the area, giving a presentation of her work and what’s needed. According to Rumble, the cards will be forwarded to Sherwood who will see to it that the children receive them. 

The intermediate and senior groups had a visit from Karen Marshall who spoke about the outreach work her son Chris and his partner Shayna Campbell are doing in Uganda.

Currently, the couple is in the midst of a year-long mission to make a difference at St. Francis Health Care Services located near Mbiko, Uganda. They are trying to raise $33,500 to build a maternity hospital at the center. 

[…]