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South Dundas council showed that it can be flexible and open to making amendments when necessary.

At the November 1st council meeting, Treasurer Shannon Geraghty, requested that council make an amendment to a previous resolution passed in October of 2007.

The original resolution approved a “grant-in-lieu amount of $153,192 over 20 years to the Affordable Housing Program project on Hess Street in Williamsburg,” which meant that from 2008 to 2027 “the difference between multi-residential and residential to a maximum of $7,659.60 per year” would be granted.

As Geraghty pointed out, “those (actual tax) amounts fluctuate from year to year.”

“This year,” he continued, “the amount we allotted to them doesn’t cover the difference between multi-residential and residential.”

He acknowledge that it’s a “hard number to come up with (and they’ll need to) deal with it year by year in the budget.”

Adding the increase to the rent rates would put “the agreement with the Province for the Affordable Housing Program in contravention.”

South Dundas Mayor Steven Byvelds admitted that the requested action would “probably cost a few dollars, but (would) keep us in compliance with the province.”

He agreed that the requested amendment would “make the whole idea behind (the resolution) flow better.”

Council unanimously passed the amendment and the resolution now reads: “THAT the Council of the Township of South Dundas provide a payment-in-lieu for the difference in the amount paid between the Multi-Residential versus Residential for the municipal portion only to the Williamsburg Non-Profit Housing Corporation for a period of 19 years including the 2011 taxation year.”

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When  16 year old Taylor Webster of Williamsburg received a last minute phone call to participate in the Rick Hansen 25th Anniversary Relay in Kingston, she knew it was something she had to do.

Taylor has been living with chronic pain for the past year and seven months. Although now on the mend following surgery to her hip to repair a labral tear, the young athlete, who loves to run, spent recovery time in a wheel chair, before progressing to crutches and finally the return to walking on her own.

“I wanted to be part of the relay because of my leg,” says Taylor. “We looked it up and my mom put in the application.”

With some 8,000 Ontarians applying for 2,000 spots, the fact they didn’t hear from their application wasn’t surprising.

But then came the exciting phone call on Thursday, October 27, asking if Taylor would be able to participate in Kingston on Monday, October 31st.

It took a brief family discussion on the organization of it all, to confirm that indeed Taylor would be off to Kingston with her twin sister Jamie, cousin Ryan, her Aunt Nicki and her Grandpa Bill (Devaul).

“We left at five in the morning, and we were the first ones there,” says Taylor. “We met at a high school where we all gathered around in a circle and told the group why we were doing it.”

Following the introductions, the group was the focus of a school assembly.

“We did warm-up exercises and then were taken by bus to our area. I was runner number 15. I carried the medal and passed it to a lady from the Kingston area.” 

The Rick Hansen Difference Maker Medal arrived in Kingston during the afternoon of October 30th.  Its day ended at about 5 p.m. at a ceremony attended by Rick Hansen.

Monday morning, October 31, it was relayed to various Kingston locations until it left the city at noon for Belleville,

Taylor says that her hip problem has made her appreciative of the needs of people with spinal cord injuries.

Her Mom, Shelley Whitteker expresses her pride in Taylor’s battle and her desire to participate in the run. “It takes a lot of courage to do something like that on your own and stand out in a crowd.”

Taylor, who first experienced a “throbbing pain” in her hip in the spring of 2010, is a distance runner. She plays basketball, soccer and baseball and runs cross-country.

The pain intensified, coming and going, until it reached the point, “it didn’t go away.”

A first battery of tests at CHEO did not determine a cause, and Taylor was left to deal with the pain as best she could. When it became so intense, she was bed ridden, another battery of tests at CHEO located the labral tear.

Taylor is now recovering from surgery which required a tendon to be cut to repair the tear, and, says her mom, “she is finally on the road to recovery. Although she is still in pain, she is happy because there is light at the end of the tunnel.”

“She attends physio twice a week, and is finally getting back the physical part of her life. She started riding her bike last week, and hopes to be running cross- country again, very soon.”

Taylor sent out her application for the Rick Hansen Relay to help support and show others that there is hope. 

She wants people to know that “whether you are in a wheel chair, crutches or in pain, you should never give up.” 

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It was an absolutely wonderful experience says 13 year old Tayler Pilon of Morrisburg who participated in the Rick Hansen 25th Anniversary Man in Motion Relay at Smiths Falls on Saturday, October 29. 

“It was awesome,” says Tayler who was accompanied by her mom Laury, her grandmother Inez Bilmer and a large number of family members to Smiths Falls where she ran in memory of her beloved ‘poppy’ Les Bilmer, who was left a quadriplegic from a spinal cord injury suffered in 2000.

Les passed away in May of 2004.

Tayler was one of seven participants in the Smiths Falls segment of the relay, “three wheelers and four runners”. It was a great experience. I met a lot of nice people.”

When Tayler learned she was one of 2,000 Ontarians selected for the relay, she and her mom Laury set a goal to raise $1,000. As of last week, they raised $2,020. 

“That is way more than I ever expected. I want to thank all the people who donated. It is going to a great cause.” 

Both Tayler and her mom were impressed with the day, the organization, the coordination and the wonderful spirit of all those working in the relay.

“They made it so much fun,” said Laury. 

“You clapped people off the bus, and they played music all the way along the route,” says Tayler. “Everything was laid out and ready to go. Everyone was so willing to help and there was always a person around if you had a question.”

Tayler says it was an honour to carry the commemorative Rick Hansen Difference Maker Medal (produced by the Royal Canadian Mint) which was passed to her by Amanda Lawson of Brockville. She then  carried it to a waiting Marshal Hogan of Smiths Falls who was the community ‘medal bearer of the day’.

As a participant Tayler received a replica of the medal and will keep her “Man in Motion’ Nike track suit.

Major sponsors for the 25th anniversary relay are Nike and McDonald’s Restaurants.

Twenty-five years ago, Rick Hansen wheeled through 34 countries in 26 months to complete his now-famous Man in Motion World Tour. He raised millions of dollars and invaluable awareness for people with spinal cord injuries and related disabilities.

The 25th anniversary relay started in Newfoundland in August and will end May 22, 2012 in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Pictured: Above Taylor is passed the Relay Medal by Amanda Lawson of Brockville. Below she is pictured with Marshal Hogan of Smiths Falls who was that community’s ‘medal bearer of the day’.  In the background of the bottom photo (far right) is her grandmother Inez Bilmer.

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On November 05th, an SD&G OPP officer had the occasion to stop a vehicle for speeding on Highway 401, South Dundas Township. 

The stop resulted in officers locating and seizing approximately 21 pounds of suspected marihuana packaged in plastic bags. The value is estimated at $190,000.00.

Officers also confiscated approximately one kilo (in bricks) of suspected Hashish with an estimated value of $20,000.00.

The driver, Corey Amaral, and passenger, Monteiro Alexander, were arrested and charged with: Possession of a Controlled Substance (2 counts); and, Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking (2 counts).

The 20 year old Toronto residents were released and are scheduled to appear in Cornwall court on December 06, 2011.

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Serving members of the SD&G Highlanders stopped off in Morrisburg November 5 to see the new South Dundas Community Playground named in their honour by the Playground committee in September. On hand to greet the soldiers and to share something about the construction of the Playground were committee members Rosemary Laurin and Mike Domanko. The Glens had also spent some time at the memorial honouring the Battles of Crysler’s Farm and Hoople Creek with former honorary colonel, Bill Shearing. “You have a beautiful park here,” said Lieutenant Alain Grenier. “We wanted to learn more about our regiment’s history as part of our professional development. It is important to stay in tune with our past.” “I hope these visitors spread the message about what a group from South Dundas can do and how they honoured the Highlanders,” said Shearing. Left to right, at the Playground, are Shearing, 2nd Lieutenant Matthew Eamer, Captain Jean Tessier, Major Jim Mills, padre Captain Andrea Harrison, Lieutenant Grenier and Rosemany Laurin. 

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 Sunny, blue skies graced the Remembrance Day ceremony held in Iroquois on Sunday, November 6. 

Veterans,  members of the Royal Canadian Legion, police and firefighters, business and civic representatives, scouts and families and ordinary citizens of South Dundas gathered at the Iroquois cenotaph following a memorial service at the Legion, branch #370. 

The Legion padre, the Reverend Janet Evans, reminded those gathered for the act of Remembrance, that the names etched on the gray stone monument are eternal reminders that many of those who enlisted from South Dundas never came home again.

For many area families, the cenotaph is the final marker for lost sons, husbands and fathers. 

Traditional wreaths were laid in honour of the fallen by both the very young and the very old during the cenotaph ceremony. Pipe Major Mike Durant of the Kemptville Pipe Band played the Last Post followed by Reveille, after those gathered observed  two minutes of silence.

 At the end of the service, the reverend Janet Evans, spoke the ancient words, 

“They shall not grow old as we that are left grow old…At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, We will remember them.”

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On November 10, 2013 a most important commemoration will be observed along the shores of Hoople’s Creek in South Stormont, that being the Bicentennial of the Battle of Hoople’s Creek.  

American Forces under General Wilkinson had moved by boat from Sackets’s Harbour in Upper New York State to just above Cornwall, which at that time was a major military stores location.  

It is a documented fact that a wagon train of 150 commandeered wagons began taking the all important stores north from Cornwall to St. Andrews, to Martintown and thence to Coteau de Lac. 

In order to keep the Americans at bay during the removal of stores, British Regulars, Stormont and Glengarry militiamen were sent to the Hoople’s Creek area where they engaged the enemy at what is now referred to as “The Battle of Hoople’s Creek”.  

This military engagement also served to provide General Morrison, at his headquarters on the farm of John Crysler just east of Morrisburg, time to plan the battle which was to occur the next day on the Crysler, Hanes, Fetterly and neighbouring farms. 

On Tuesday, November 15th, retired SD&G Highlanders Colonel William Shearing will speak to the Chesterville & District Historical Society at their regular meeting about the Battle of Hoople’s Creek as well as his successful endeavour to have signage as near as possible to the actual site of the battle erected.  

The meeting will be held at the Chesterville Heritage Centre at 14 Victoria Street in Chesterville. It is open to the public and will begin at 7:30 p.m. with Col. Shearing speaking soon thereafter.

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What is your vision for South Dundas? Where do you see your community and your township in 10 years?

In the hope of answering these questions, South Dundas Chief Administrative Officer, Stephen McDonald submitted a request to council at the November 1st meeting for the acceptance of a “Proposal for a Community Wide Strategic Plan.”

According to McDonald, this is a “project we’ve been looking at for a couple of years now. We wanted to wait until the new council was somewhat settled before we undertook this.”

He reported that a few other studies had already been done, “namely the South Dundas Strategic Economic Development Plan and the Strategic Plan for Recreational Programs and Services. Both of these,” he continued, “were undertaken because a need existed and funding assistance was available.”

McDonald told council that “a lot of recommendations have been followed up on, so it’s time to update.”

He “recommended that we retain the services of a qualified consulting firm to assist with the development of a community vision/strategic plan.”

“This community vision/strategic plan will provide the township with a blueprint that will govern and establish strategic priorities and directions for the development of South Dundas over the next 10 years.”

McDonald supplied council with a “draft Request for Proposal” for them to review, informing council that he’d talked with a few of his peers and the process is both costly and time consuming, so that’s why staff has kept the proposal fairly  broad.

Deputy Mayor Jim Locke commented that “hiring a consultant gives good press and when you consider the scope, we get an unbiased view of what people expect.”

He agreed “council needs something to see where we’re heading.”

Councillor Jim Graham was concerned about the budget requirements. It was confirmed that the money required to complete this project was, indeed, already allotted for in the current budget.

Councillor Archie Mellan agreed that it was “worthwhile to spend the money and get an unbiased” account.

Mayor Steven Byvelds stipulated that “we need a consultant that’s fairly practical and that knows how to handle a rural/urban setting like we’re in.” He referred here to the Waterfront Project, reminding council “that it didn’t really meet the needs of the community.”

With McDonald’s request approved, Byvelds suggested that they “get the public out” to ensure they get “their say in the direction South Dundas goes.”

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Ontario Power Generation advises hunters, anglers and recreational boaters on the St. Lawrence River that ice booms will be installed in narrow stretches of the river starting Monday, November 14, 2011. 

These booms, which will be placed in the river off Galop Island, in the North Channel, near Johnstown and at Prescott, are chain-and-wood devices used to assist the build-up of ice during the winter. 

They ensure an even ice formation on the river, helping to improve power generation during the winter months.

All users of the river should take extra care in the narrow reaches where the work is being undertaken to install the booms.

Ice booms are placed in the same narrow reaches of the St. Lawrence River each November before the river freezes over and removed in the Spring when the ice has melted, before the St. Lawrence Seaway shipping season commences.

Ontario Power Generation would like to remind boaters to take every precaution around its dams and generating stations, and to practice safety on Ontario’s waterways.

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 Several local residents celebrated some significant membership milestones this past weekend.

Legion Branch 48 held their annual awards night dinner on Friday, November 4th in Morrisburg.

The evening got underway with a delicious meal prepared and served by the Ladies Auxiliary.

Speeches and awards presentations followed immediately on the heals of dessert.

Ladies Auxiliary Zone Commander Rose Phillips began saying, “we’re all proud of you and the work you do on behalf of our veterans.”

South Dundas Mayor Steven Byvelds said, “on behalf of the township, thank you for all the work you do. Thank you for all your efforts and congratulations to all the winners tonight.”

After a brief “Poppy Push” from Legion President Maurice Praine, awards were given to women of the Ladies Auxiliary. Member Michelle Brooks took the podium to announce the awards while President Rita Fowler handed over pins and medals.

Ladies Auxiliary – 10 Years

Receiving 10-year pins were Elaine Baker, Brenda Fyke, Florence Merkley, Diane Trudeau, and Loretta Kennedy.

Ladies Auxiliary – 25 Years

Kim Murphy was the lone recipient of the 25-year pin.

Ladies Auxiliary – 35 Years

 Donna Dowson was the sole recipient in the 35-year pin category.

Ladies Auxiliary – 50 Years

The sole 50-year pin went to Ruth Rice.

Ladies Auxiliary-Life Member

Inez Bilmer received her Life Membership pin while a congratulatory card from Barbara McIsaac was read aloud.

2011 Branch Service Pins

Following the LA presentations, Praine retook the podium to single out the “Years of Service.”

5 Years of Service

Recipients included: John Hitsman. Marcel Hubert, Mary Ellen Merkley, Donald Nesbitt, Geoffrey Peters, Susan Peters, Maurice Praine,  and Kevin Spencer.

10 Years of Service

David Baldwin, Philip Jamieson,  and Lewis Tomlinson earned their “10 Year” pins.

15 Years of Service

Recipients included Lawrence Belmore, Eleanore Belmore, Jeff Cassell, Melanie Cassell, Arlene Darrach, Robert Darrach, Lori-Anne Davies, Nancy Davies, Michele Dumaresq-Watt, Jeffery Lowe, and Elwin Woolsey. 

20 Years of Service

James Caldwell, Kevin Keyes and Michael Robertson achieved twenty years of service.

25 Years of Service

“25 Years of Service” pins were given to Gord Dillabough, Mark MacDonald, Anna Nicolier, and Sydney Smith.

30 Years of Service

Recipients included John Falardeau, Jane Gale, E. Hamilton, Brian Howald, Glen Howald, Mary Meher, and Gwen Phelan.

35 Years of Service

Recipients included Larry Jardine, Cecile Millar, Anne Carruthers, and Bob Henophy.

50 Years of Service

George Dowson was the lone recipient in this category.

55 Years of Service

Sydney George was the sole recipient. Unable to attend, Ray Boucher accepted on his behalf saying George and his wife “hope to make it for the 60th.”

65 Years of Service

Charlie Eamon was on hand to receive his pin for 65 years of service. Keeping it short, he said, “I’ve really enjoyed my 65 years being here. It’s been a long time and it’s been worth it. Thank you very much.”

Life Members

Barry Holmes, from Branch 108 in Winchester, introduced the two life member award recipients, Beverly Beck and Tom Beck. 

The Becks were former members of the Winchester branch before transferring to Morrisburg, where they now live. 

Before their transfer, Branch 108 had been planning to bestow the honour on the couple, but were unable to make it happen in time. 

Branch 48 worked in conjunction with Branch 108 to make the awards for the couple a reality with the former making the recommendation and the latter offering the financial backing. 

The award is given to those who have put in a substantial amount of volunteer service, both inside and outside the Legion, over a significant number of years. 

Holmes was accompanied by 11 other Winchester members.

Service Bar Medals

Branch Service Medals and Ladies Auxiliary Service Medals were introduced in 2010 “to recognize the significant volunteer and service work accomplished by members.” 

This year the recipients included Steven Coligan, Donna Dillabough, Rita Fowler, Elsie Guindon, Anna Nicolier, and Bill Shearing.

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