News

 

South Dundas council finally approved a new sign design for hamlet signs throughout the municipality. 

The new design is based on that presented by the consultants they hired in partnership with South Stormont to present a uniform design incorporating the shared Upper Canada Region branding.

South Dundas council was not happy with the consultant’s design, so they added some suggestions of their own. 

They wanted to incorporate the township logo and added a border to the Upper Canada Region blade that will be on all of the signs. 

Council unanimously agreed to this ‘hybid’ design.

[…]

 

When Williamsburg loses the South Dundas Municipal office, it will be gaining a new school.

The building, which is an old school house, is going to be leased by the Upper Canada District School Board from the municipality to provide a new home for the T.R. Leger School of Alternative and Continuing Education.

This Williamsburg site will allow TR Leger to consolidate its Morrisburg and Winchester locations. The campus locations  in each of those two towns will be closing.

“The Upper Canada District School Board and the TR Leger School of Alternative and Continuing Education are always looking for ways to better serve our students,” says Geoff Trasuk, TR Leger principal.

“The amalgamation of the Winchester and Morrisburg sites will allow us to provide the programming that enhances our students’ opportunity to graduate.”

South Dundas Mayor Steven Byvelds, confirmed May 9, that TR Leger is officially coming to Williamsburg. They are leasing the building before this fall.

Those trying to save the Williamsburg Library had been hopeful that the TR Leger school could provide a home for the Williamsburg library to keep it open. “There is no space for the library from what I hear,” said Byvelds.

The Township of South Dundas has asked the SD&G Library to vacate the Williamsburg building by August 1. The Township expects to vacate the building themselves in mid to late August.

[…]

 

According to South Dundas mayor Steven Byvelds, South Dundas council intends to consider a resolution to support maintaining a library in Williamsburg at the May 21 council meeting.

Whether or not council as a whole supports maintaining a branch in Williamsburg has never been put to a vote at the South Dundas council table.

When The Leader asked if council supports maintaining a library in Williamsburg, what impact such a resolution will have?, Erika Heesen, Communications and Marketing Librarian for the Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry County Library, instead of directly addressing the question, answered: “The SD&G Library Board decided at their December 17, 2012 meeting that the Williamsburg Branch would be consolidated with the Morrisburg Branch, including the reallocation of staff, hours of operation and resources as operationally feasible.”

At the same time as council is pondering support for a Williamsburg branch, the Township of South Dundas has asked the SD&G library to vacate the Williamsburg building by August 1, 2013.

“We’re confident the move will go smoothly,” said Heesen. The collections, furniture, etc. that are currently in the library branch will be re-allocated to other branches of the library system, with the majority moving to the Morrisburg branch.

“Staff at the Williamsburg branch will not lose any hours of work,” said Heesen, explaining that consolidated, longer opening hours will begin sooner than anticipated at the Morrisburg branch.

Services that will continue to be offered locally include the Visiting Library Service which is for retirement homes and the home-bound and 24/7 access to borrowing eBooks and eAudiobooks online. “The library also plans to offer Summer Reading Club as an outreach program in Williamsburg this summer,” said Heesen.

Also in the planning stages is a book pick up and drop off location at a Williamsburg retail location. 

Although the details have yet to be confirmed, the Library hopes to have that service available as of August 1, 2013 so that Williamsburg residents do not experience any interruption in book delivery, according to Heesen.

The SD&G Library is funded by the United Counties of SD&G. The Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry County Library Board is made up of three citizens and four County Councillors. 

Library Board members are appointed by County Council for a four-year term and serve without remuneration. 

The Board is responsible for policy development. 

South Dundas rents space to the Counties for the local libraries.

[…]

 

 The SD&G County Library Board held a public information meeting in Williamsburg May 9, at the Williamsburg Oddfellows Hall.

Over 75 people attended the meeting where Library Staff provided a power point presentation concerning the upcoming consolidation of the Williamsburg and Morrisburg library branches.

Staff and the library board members were focussed on showing the public the plans for the new branch location in Morrisburg. 

They spoke about the need for rural libraries, like rural communities, to find creative ways to sustain themselves.

With the opportunity to consolidate at a new high traffic location, the board made the decision to consolidate the two branches.

With the prospect of a new location that will see much higher foot traffic past the door of the library, which will include everyone using the St. Lawrence Medical Clinic or visiting the South Dundas Municipal Centre, the board seized the opportunity.

Using the Kemptville library as a model for a difficult changes that have had a positive outcome, the SD&G Library Board initiated similarly difficult changes. 

Eric Duncan, who is a member of the library board, explained that the expansion of the Kemptville library included the closure of small branches in South Gower and Oxford Mills.

“There was a huge outcry from the public and disaster was predicted. People were furious when it happened,” explained Duncan.

But through the change, they moved to a higher profile, higher traffic location and were able to get more usage and increase membership to 62 per cent.

“If we are one fifth as successful as Kemptville that would be huge for South Dundas and County-wide for the library system.”

That one branch in a place with one-quarter the population of the Counties now has more visits than all 18 branches in SD&G combined. That speaks volumes,” said Duncan. “This is not negative. Give it a chance to show it can work.”

“We need to make the library system better,” said board chair Bill McGimpsey.

Presently about 12 percent of the population of South Dundas uses the library. The board aims to double that usage by attracting some of the large majority of the local population who does not presently use the library.

They plan to offer a new, comfortable and inviting space, longer hours, more staff and more programming including children’s programming and one-on-one technical programming aimed at seniors.

While the board sees this decision as a positive one, those on hand at the meeting felt quite the opposite.

“Our library money is going to Morrisburg,” shouted someone from the crowd.

“You live in South Dundas,” said McGimpsey. “South Dundas is getting a better library.” 

That was definitely not what the crowd of Williamsburg library supporters wanted to hear. 

They expressed their frustration, anger and disappointment with their small town losing yet another service and with having no opportunity to have a say in the decision until after it was already made.

They repeatedly stressed the importance of the Williamsburg branch of the library in their every day lives and its importance for their children.

One of the most important questions asked at the meeting was whether the board would reconsider their decision.

No one would directly answer that question, but most left the meeting with the impression that the decision has been made. “This decision has been made, and our opinions don’t matter,” shouted someone from the crowd.

The library board is hosting a public information session Thursday, May 16, 7 p.m., at the Morrisburg library to show the community what they have planned for the upcoming consolidation.

[…]

 

A whole new slate of directors has South Dundas Chamber of Commerce officials excited about the prospect of bringing new blood and new ideas to the organization that was founded in 1946.

The South Dundas Chamber of Commerce annual general meeting was held April 29 at the Upper Canada Playhouse. About 40 people attended.

“This is an exciting time to be in business in South Dundas,” said Chuck Barkley, who is returning for his second year of a two year term as president of the organization.

“Not only do we have one of the fastest growing trade shows in the area, last year was the first year that the Chamber of Commerce has been over the  150 member mark in its history.”

“It benefits the entire community to have a strong chamber of commerce. It’s a good time to be in business in South Dundas and I am looking forward to a strong year,” said Barkley.

The 2013 board members include president Chuck Barkley, first vice president Carl McIntyre, secretary Tracy Jones, treasurer Lauren Harriman, and directors Sue Jarvis, Joey VanKoppen, Stewart Cook, Brenda McIntosh, Donnie Bowes, Ralph Rick and Nicole Keicks.

Part of the AGM included a vote to re-affirm the general manager’s position, which they did.

Artistic director Donnie Bowes was guest speaker at the event, where he reflected on 30 years of the playhouse.

He spoke about its humble beginnings and its present successes.

He credits the longevity and success of the playhouse with a supportive community, professional actors and strong marketing.

“This playhouse has established itself as one of the most successful companies of its size in the province,” said Bowes.

That success translates into a great economic impact on the local community. “We really treat this like a business,” said Bowes. “Show business.”

“My greatest source of pride is seeing that parking lot full every night,” he said. “When I see that parking lot full, it means that people are choosing live theatre. They are supporting culture, but most of all they come here because they want to. We have really broken down a lot of barriers.”

[…]

 

This year’s first local Masonichip child identification clinic was extremely successful.

Don Salt, reported that the program funded by the Masons that gathers important data for parents useful to police in the case of a missing child, was very well received.

They had a booth set up at the South Dundas Chamber of Commerce Trade Show and there they saw 75 children. 

They even had six teenaged girls and two teenaged boys participate in the clinic. 

Salt was especially pleased that the teenaged girls participated in the program, a target group that he would like to seem more of at the clinics. 

From his years as a law enforcement officer, he knows that they are the highest risk group. For those who missed the first clinic, the Iroquois-Cardinal Masons are hosting their next clinic at the Cardinal Firehall Saturday, May 11, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. No appointment is necessary. 

[…]

 

CJAM Fashion Boutique quietly opened its doors in the Iroquois Plaza almost a month ago, and already sales are exceeding expectations of owner Colin Jones.

Local dignitaries dropped by the Iroquois location May 4th to celebrate the store’s official opening.

CJAM offers new fashions, mostly for women, from fashion basics, to dress clothing to bridal and formal clothing. 

Jones plans to fulfill the fashion needs of the community by talking to his customers, learning what they want and need. 

“The community is telling me what they need. Now, I just have to listen to my customers,” he said.

So far, the store’s customers are mostly seeking conservative fashions and basics. “The people of this area are really starved for fashion,” said Jones.

While the store is already stocked with plenty of clothing and accessories, Jones is already planning to expand his offerings They sell sheepskin fashions including vests and jackets and will soon offer Dri-zabone Australian oilskin coats. He also plans to offer an alterations service.

Jones, who is originally from Australia was living in Ottawa when he found Iroquois.

He spent 30 years in the Australian Army where he flew an Iroquois Helicopter. So the community name really struck a chord with him.

After visiting the town many times he decided to retire here, but instead of retiring, he decided to open CJAM.

At Saturday’s official opening, South Dundas deputy mayor Jim Locke welcomed Jones to the Iroquois Plaza. “I wish you the greatest success,” he said.

Evonne Delegarde, speaking on behalf of the Iroquois Business Group pointed out that with this store opening, there is now only one storefront left to fill in the plaza. Jones worked closely with South Dundas’ economic development officer Nicole Sullivan to open this business in the Iroquois Plaza.

[…]

 

The Seaway Valley Presbytery is the first presbytery in Canada to complete an en-masse restructuring.

In 2011, hundreds of church delegates voted to support a process that would support and encourage dialogue concerning the future of local United Churches.

The presbytery includes United Churches in the Seaway Valley from Prescott to the Ontario-Quebec border. 

The results of those dialogues are now coming to fruition, with many of the ongoing changes set to take effect July 1, 2013.

The basis of the restructuring is the pressure that all churches are facing due to increasing costs and declining membership.

The bold moves that this region has taken to facilitate change have garnered the interest of many across the country and across faiths.

“We get calls from right across the country, from people who are interested in finding out how the process is going,” said Rev. Wendy Wright-MacKenzie. She chairs the vision and transformation committee of the Seaway Valley Presbytery. “Many, including those of other faiths, are monitoring our model,” she said.

The discussions have been left with the congregations, rather than the governing body (the presbytery), to allow each area to choose their own path forward, explained Wright-MacKenzie.

Some churches, like Morrisburg’s Lakeshore United Church, have opted to remain a stand alone church. 

Change for that church will be minimal, however, their minister is moving on, so they will be seeking a new minister.

Others like Iroquois United and Brinston (pictured) -Hulbert Valley United have decided to amalgamate. Through this new union, they will become the Iroquois-Matilda United Church. 

It will be a two point charge, under one minister. The Iroquois-Matilda United Church is seeking a minister.

Other models being explored across the presbytery are a regional model and cluster model. 

A cluster model involves sharing one new governance. Churches at the west end of the presbytery are in the process of determining if they would like to follow this new cluster model.  

A regional model is a fresh start. “In a regional model, churches disband and close, and a new ministry is started,” explained Wright-MacKenzie.

Only one regional church has been formed in the Seaway Valley Presbytery: Christ  Church United.

This new ministry is located in the Chesterville United Church building, but the building has been completely changed in order to make it a new space to those moving there from the former Morewood and Chesterville area churches. 

Christ Church United is still in discussions with other area congregations, including the Williamsburg congregation, which presently holds services at the former Elma School location after selling their church building. 

Wright-MacKenzie explains that this regional model is one that is generating much excitement among its parishioners.

“The difference between amalgamation and what is happening here, with a new ministry, is that people are encouraged to get rid of the tangibles and to embrace letting go. Church is not the building,” she said.

“Churches generally have key leaders. When you go to a regional model, this puts all of their energy together. And, when you do that, something exciting blossoms,” said Wright-MacKenzie.

In a regional church model, one minister does two services on Sunday. 

There is more lay-leadership, pastoral care is shared with the people in the congregation, study groups are led by trained lay-leaders, and a central youth group is formed. Resources, such as music are shared.

“We are looking at ways to meet the needs of the community,” she said while the congregation explores new ways of worshiping differently, together.

[…]

 

During a tragic situation along the St. Lawrence River near Cardinal that claimed the life of a diver, those on hand trying to help encountered difficulties with reaching the proper emergency services.

While some locals may be aware that occasionally their mobile phone calls are picked up by powerful towers on the American side of the border, those who do not live here, especially tourists enjoying the river, may not be aware of the issue.

Generally, the result is being billed for expensive and unexpected roaming charges, but in an emergency situation the impact is much greater.

“We rely on 911 for help in an emergency and we pay for it on our phone bills, but in reality, when we are near the St. Lawrence River, in some places the only reliable access to 911 is a land line,” noted Hugh Hamilton of South Mountain.

Hamilton, after the recent diving accident at Cardinal, has been doing what he can to make as many people, including local politicians aware of this serious and important issue.

“Because of this anomaly, and three 911 calls later, we did not get timely assistance for a diver who died on Tuesday April 23,” he said. “In the middle of an emergency, when you get an operator that doesn’t know where Cardinal, Ontario is, does it occur to you that you have reached American 911? No. You are too busy doing CPR.”

“When Canadian 911 got the message, they were excellent and efficient … but it was that horrible gap between sending three calls out, and Canadian emergency services receiving the calls. This is a major concern.”

Hamilton implores everyone to take action and do something to raise awareness of this issue so that something will be done to fix this serious problem.

“Let the powers be know you want the safety net you are paying for,” said Hamilton, who encourages constituents of Leeds and Grenville and Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry to contact their MPPs, Steve Clark and Jim McDonell. He also suggests phoning your movbile phone provider to let them know, no matter what, a 911 call made in Canada must reach Canada.”

Jacqueline Michelis, Bell spokesperson, confirmed that wireless calls are routed through the nearest cell site with the strongest signal. 

“On the border, Canadian calls will occasionally be picked up by a U.S. cell site (and vice versa) but it is a rare situation, and all wireless carriers on both sides of the border configure their sites to reduce this possibility,” she said.

However, this possibility can increase when calls are made from the river.

According to the Bell spokesperson, Public Safety Awareness Points handle all 911 calls.

“Border municipalities can establish agreements with nearby U.S.-based PSAPs to transfer 911 calls if this situation occurs,” she said.

“This is a serious issue,” said Michael Jiggins, executive assistant to MPP Steve Clark. 

“We are now working with industry experts to see if there is something we can do to resolve the problem. Mr. Clark recognizes this concern and is taking it very seriously,” he added. 

According to Jiggins, Clark has been in contact with Jim McDonell’s office regarding upcoming meetings where they plan to get together with experts who know how to come up with a solution.

[…]

 

Michael Harvey, co-founder of the Back to Church movement and author of “Unlocking the Growth”, says essentially, “the heart of the “Back to Church Sunday” movement is to get a movement of invitation going. I’m interested in inviting, which is different than bringing.”  He adds that, “It’s okay for people to say yes or no. The problem is, we aren’t hearing enough invitations.”

Harvey’s “Unlocking the Growth” seminar offers ideas for increasing the number of people at church. It is designed to inspire church leaders and lay people to help their church grow and at the heart of the growth movement are invitations to families and friends to come to church.

“It’s so easy to drift away from church these days,” says Harvey. “One day becomes two days and two days becomes two weeks.” He says that after while it has been so long that people find it awkward to return.

“That is why invitation is so vital.”

According to Harvey, research shows that the number one reason people don’t offer invitations is that they fear the answer will be no.

The Back to Church movement began in 2004, and early results were amazing.

Harvey, who on Friday was in his second week of a three week tour which started in Western Canada with stops in Vancouver Island, Edmonton and Winnipeg, then Toronto, prior to coming to Williamsburg, said of the smaller venue “I’m always delighted to visit places like this.”

He explains that the results of the movement are tracked by having churches register. Last September, he says 14,000 churches in 17 countries took part and 200,000 people accepted invitations.

“You can do the math and it’s only about 14 people per church, but it’s a start. We’ve almost convinced ourselves that people aren’t into church, but it’s not true. The welcome to get them past the threshold has got to be invitational.”

In 2004, Harvey gave up a demanding job in London, England to teach church leaders to see new possibilities within their churches. Since then he has spoken to thousands of church leaders and has challenged churches of all sizes to double their congregation in a day.

In addition to the hosting Lutheran pastors, a number of South Dundas clergy accepted the ‘invitation’ to attend Friday’s seminar along with the general public. 

The Seaway cluster of pastors who invited Harvey to speak at Williamsburg included Pastor Norine Gullons of the South Dundas Evangelical Lutheran Parish of South Dundas, Rev. Jo Barkley-Probst of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Riverside Heights, Rev. Bruce Thompson of the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Brockville, Rev. Robert C. Wiesner of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Belleville and Rev. Steve Hoffard of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Kingston.

[…]