News

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.”

[…]

“I’ve been in politics a long time and I’ve never had so many thank yous,” said  South Stormont Mayor Bryan McGillis.

Earlier this year, McGillis and the township of South Stormont chose to withhold funds from the Cornwall Community Hospital (CCH). South Stormont was opposed to CCH’s new designation under the  French Services Language Act (FSLA). 

South Stormont had committed to donating $300,000 to the CCH, making $30,000 installments yearly between 2006 and 2015. Council decided to withhold this year’s donation.

On March 9th, McGillis reported that some people are “so surprised as to why we’re doing this. We have created awareness  by withholding funds.”

McGillis said this is an issue involving human rights and equality. This is not, he pointed out, a language issue. It is an equal opportunity issue. “There are people who have been there for years who have been passed over for years. A lot of doctors are saying there’s a problem.”

McGillis said the outpouring of support at the March 3rd protest rally in front of the CCH proves that there “certainly is an issue there.”

“90 per cent of the calls and emails I’ve received have been positive. I know what I’m doing is the right thing. People elected me to work for the people.”

“I’ve shed some light on this issue,” he said, and “the support is overwhelming.”

“I’m hoping that everything works out and it’s a lot more fair for everyone. Let’s all work together.”

On February 16th, South Dundas Mayor Steven Byvelds commented on the situation: “South Stormont acted on what they  thought were concerns to them.  South Dundas has no commitments to the Cornwall Hospital.”

[…]

Helping Hands of Brinston, a seniors group, began meeting in 1974 at the old hall in Brinston. In 2012, almost 40 years later, the group continues to gather, but now meet at Matilda Hall and refer to themselves as the Helping Hands of Matilda.

According to group President Lorne Strader, Helping Hands meets the first Wednesday of every month at Matilda Hall in Dixon’s Corners.

He explained that the original group lobbied for the building of Matilda Hall and raised $20,000 for the cost. The “new” hall opened in 1978, and the group moved in with the agreement that they use the hall one day per month, rent-free.

Strader, a life-long resident of Brinston, often organizes the meeting’s entertainment. Whether the entertainment falls into the category of informative speaker or lively musical performance, Strader takes his task seriously.

On December 6, 2012, for example, the Helping Hands seniors enjoyed the comedic jokes and festive singing of the local OPP Auxiliary’s Coppertones.

At the last meeting on March 7th, the group was treated with a performance by two guitar-playing songsters, Bill Horner and Ralph Jollotta. Strader is hoping to have the fire marshal visit for the next meeting on April 4th. 

Seniors from all over the area, in and outside of South Dundas, meet to chat, share information, catch up on news, have a little lunch, and enjoy some entertainment. 

The 12 o’clock luncheon is a pot luck deal which, according to Strader, “turns out good every time.” Each attendee brings something for the feast and Corrie Byker of Iroquois makes the soup.

In addition to bringing an item for the luncheon, each member drops $2 into a basket along with their name. After the feast, two names are drawn and those two receive their money back.

Things aren’t just all fun and games, however. Members also take care of group “business” at the beginning of the meeting, including the production of cards for local seniors who are ill and unable to attend the gathering.

The business portion of the meeting generally begins around 11:15 a.m. with the singing of Oh Canada. Jean VanGilt of Chesterville performs the duties of secretary.

Following the national anthem, Treasurer Doris Stewart of Iroquois, provides a financial report.

Birthdays, anniversaries, “get well cards” come next, followed by a period of devotion with scripture and prayer.

With the saying of grace before lunch, the business portion of the meeting comes to an end.

At the March 7th meeting, Strader talked about his great aunt Nelda Madeline (Irvine) Willis who passed on January 26th at the age of 103 years old. 

He pointed out that Willis’ mother, Ida Gilson was a sister to his grandfather, Charles Gilson, a blacksmith in Brintson for over 70 years.

Strader’s admiration for his aunt’s zest for life came through loud and clear. Willis, while in her 70s, traveled the world extensively visiting places like  China, Bali, Singapore, Israel, Egypt, Thailand, and more.

In a memoriam honouring Willis, she was quoted saying that “people do have many  highs and lows in their lives. I do not believe I ever took the time to consider if any of the projects would be in a high or low category. I always seemed to be catapulted into the next round. There was sure to be someone or something waiting in the wings.”

Strader’s aunt’s philosophy of life exemplifies what Helping Hands seems to be all about: embracing life in its senior years by enjoying each day,  each moment, each experience, and each person who enters, as it comes.

“For age is opportunity no less than youth itself, though in another dress, and as the evening twilight fades away, the sky is filled with stars, invisible by day,” wrote Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.

Helping Hands of Matilda has 62 paid members. Membership costs just $5 per year. Membership, however, is not a prerequisite for attending meetings. Anyone over the age of 50 is welcome to attend, said Strader, “bring something to eat, put it on the table and you can eat with us.”

[…]

Three local Dundas Country agencies, Linking Hands, the J.W. MacIntosh Seniors Support Centre and the Dundas County Food Bank were all recipients of 2012 grants from the John Stewart Estate Memorial Trust Fund. The money is investment income derived from the 1991 sale of the John Stewart Home in Cornwall. Representative Adele Eyman said the board looked at the “sustainability of each organization, as well as the numbers of people it served” in determining recipients. These Dundas groups “are all good neighbours in their communities,” she added, presenting the checks on Saturday, March 10, at the Seniors Support Centre in Williamsburg. Linking Hands will use its $400 to continue to develop its Lunch and Learn program through the House of Lazarus. The Dundas County Food Bank will use the grant of $1,166 to help “keep stocking our shelves with healthy food,” said Food Bank administrator Donna Quesnel. Janet Levere, executive director of the J.W. MacIntosh Senior Support Centre hopes to use the $400 grant towards subsidizing vital transportation costs. Pictured (l-r) are Nancy Christie of the House of Lazarus, Janet Levere, Adele Eyman, Alvin Runnalls, chair of the Dundas County Food Bank and Donna Quesnel. 

[…]