News

News Release – October 18, 2011

CORNWALL – 363 residents in the five Eastern Counties are among the patients who will be receiving registered letters following the investigation into a private Ottawa-area medical clinic. 

During the investigation, it was discovered that the clinic did not always follow some infection prevention and cleaning protocols. As a precaution, letters are being sent to approximately 6,800 patients who underwent endoscopic procedures at the clinic between April 2002 and June 2011. 

The clinic, operated by Dr. Christiane Farazli, is located at 1081 Carling Avenue, Suite 606.         Dr. Farazli has worked with Ottawa Public Health (OPH) during the investigation and has co-signed the letter to her patients. The Eastern Ontario Health Unit has been in regular contact with OPH concerning the matter.

“Even though the risk of getting an infection is very low, patients who receive a letter should contact their physician to discuss testing,” states Dr. Paul Roumeliotis, Medical Officer of Health at the Eastern Ontario Health Unit.

In fact, the risks of associated infections are believed to be less than 1 in 1 million for Hepatitis B, less than 1 in 50 million for Hepatitis C, and less than 1 in 3 billion for HIV. 

The letters include information for patients who would like to be tested. These are free blood tests and patients will need to go to a laboratory to have blood taken. If a patient would like to be tested they have several options which are outlined in the letter. 

Ottawa Public Health has established a dedicated information line for residents who have questions related to this issue. Any person who underwent endoscopy in the facility during the time period mentioned and who has not received a letter by Tuesday, October 25th should contact Ottawa Public Health.

The OPH dedicated information line’s number is 613-580-2888. 

The phone line will be available between 8:30 a.m. and 9:30 p.m. (Monday to Friday) and from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (Saturday and Sunday). 

For additional information, please visit www.ottawa.ca/health. 

The information line was open until midnight on Tuesday, October 18 and Wednesday, October 19. 

Patients are being advised not to go to a hospital emergency department for blood testing. Hospitals will re-direct patients seeking blood tests for this issue to call OPH. 

[…]

 Are you one of the many people who drive Laurier Drive to County Road 2 on a daily basis?

On October 13th, Hugh Garlough, Manager of Public Works for South Dundas, gave the Leader an update on where things stand with the patch of road at the north end of Laurier in between Beavers Dental and Ultramar.

The piece in question, which is approximately the length of one car, has been quite bad for a good length of time with its pot holes and uneven pavement.

According to Garlough, “the counties own all intersections along any county road and any culvert that crosses an entrance to (a non-county) road.”

This means that the fate of Laurier Drive lies “in the hands of the counties.” Garlough was told that the United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry would be doing an investigation before getting back to him on the road’s future.

The Leader followed up with County Engineer Ben De Haan the same day.

De Haan said he had “been out on site” but couldn’t say much about the state of the road as it was “covered in stone dust.” Ironically, the Township of South Dundas has been spreading stone dust in an attempt to make the road drivable.

He also said he “did look at the culvert (and there was) no significant issue with the culvert.”

In terms of the road itself, De Haan did admit there was “pretty deficient asphalt; deterioration of the asphalt.”

As for repairs or replacements? The outlook doesn’t seem likely. “We (Counties) don’t have it on our plan for this year.”

He did, however, say that the Counties are required to keep the road at a minimum code and, “if (there’s) patching to be done, we’ll (Counties) look after that.”

When questioned about the possibility of the road being put on next year’s budget agenda, De Haan didn’t seem optimistic.

He ventured that “it will be looked at (but that it’s) subject to approval.” 

Upon hearing this news, South Dundas Mayor Steven Byvelds had this to say: “Things are being looked into. Stay tuned.”

[…]

Over the past few days, SD&G OPP has received two reports of suspected scams.

The incident consists of a female entering a local store and speaking with the employee at the cash register. After a short time three to four more people come into the store and start asking the employee questions about the merchandise that is for sale.

When the employee is distracted a member of the group goes behind the counter or into a storage area looking for cash or valuables.

SD&G OPP want to remind merchants to be aware of this possible scam and to not to be distracted. If more than one person starts to engage in questions advise them to speak one at a time and be firm as to where they are allowed to go in the store.

If any merchant experiences this type of incident please take note of the description of the criminals and what type of vehicle they are using and call your local police detachment.

[…]

Seaway Valley Crime Stoppers had its 50/50 winning ticket picked on October 15th at Jim Mustard’s Variety store in Iroquois. Jim Mustard has been a supporter of the program since its inception in 1992. The winning ticket for the 50/50 was sold at the Williamstown fair this past August; the winner was Denis Tousignant of Greenfield, North Glengarry Township ($1550.00).  The winning ticket was pulled by Nelson Zandbergen in front of Mustard’s Variety store. 

[…]

What do you think about when you hear Ladies Night Out?

Community Living Dundas County (CLDC) held their third annual Ladies Night Out Fundraiser on October 13 at Matilda Hall in Dixon’s Corners complete with entertainment, shopping, prizes, refreshments and friendly conversation.

The event began at 6 p.m. with a variety of vendors showcasing their products and services. Their displays were arranged on the walls surrounding the twenty tables set up beautifully for guests.

Matilda Hall had a full house that night with at least 200 guests. 

On entering the hall, ladies were greeted with the sound of Claude Plamondon playing guitar and singing his songs.

Staff from the South Mountain branch of Scotiabank welcomed guests at the door. The bank also volunteered to match whatever proceeds were raised from the entrace fees.

At the entrance of the hall, Amber Rothwell welcomed guests by handing out free reusable CLDC logo bags.

Some of the food for the “ladies tea” was donated by Giant Tiger in Morrisburg, Riley’s Valumart in Morrisburg, Mike Dean’s Superstore in Winchester, and Andy’s Foodland in Winchester.

CLDC Executive Director Debbie Boardman reported, that CLDC “received cash donations and items for the silent auction from numerous businesses and organizations in South Dundas and North Dundas.”

The vendors in attendance “were extremely generous with donations for the door prizes.”

Two of the vendors provided the main entertainment of the evening by way of a fashion show.

Annette Quesnel from Juli Fashion Essentials in Morrisburg  along with  Amy Baker’s Jockey Person to Person from Winchester organized and presented some lovely fashions for the audience.

Quesnel’s volunteer models consisted of Chelsea Bosman, Leeanne Stata, Stephanie Barkley, Mary Roderick, Theresa Robillard, and Florence Oglestone.

Baker’s modelling volunteers were, in order of first appearance, Tracey Porteous, Joanne McCaslin, Wendy Hyndman, Julie McDonald, and Doris Baker. Tracey worked double duty filling in for an absent Juli model.

In addition to the many door prizes, there were also three draws. The first place prize was donated by Aura Escapes with a “girls get-away” package for four people in Cornwall including accommodations and meals. Elaine Whitteker was the winner.

The second place prize consisted of a spa bundle from Lakeshore Massage Therapy. The winner was Jeannie Fox-Dibble.

Agnes van Dodewaard won the third place prize of a Stokefire Gift Certificate.

After the fashion show and prizes, but before the finish of the silent auction, three board members rose to speak: Terry Boyd, Eunice Eldridge, and Marja Smellink.

Boyd began saying “we’re here tonight to share with you why CLDC is so important in so many ways.”

“We (Boyd, Eldridge, and Smellink) are all mothers of a child that has a disability. It’s only when you have a loved one with a disability in your family that you realize how important it is to have an agency like CDLC in your area.”

“They have made a difference for our families and so many others.”

As for CLDC, their website states: “CLDC supports the inclusion of people with an intellectual disability to the same extent that all people are included.”

“The thrust of current services and supports is to shift away from costly services that isolate family and friends, and towards services that include people in their community.”

“All people with an intellectual disability are entitled to be a part of Dundas County – to live, work, be educated and enjoy all that this community offers its citizens.”

The proceeds from the CLDC’s Ladies Night Out Fundraiser will go toward three projects, according to Boardman, first being transportation as there is an accessibility issue “due to lack of public transit and accessible vehicles.”

Another project includes repairs and updates to the Snoezelin Room, which is “open to anyone requiring an environment in which all of our senses may be stimulated.”

The third project earmarked for the fundraiser proceeds is a “new funding initiative, the George Davidson Family Resource Fund.”

Boardman reported: “This fund was created in the memory of George Davidson, a founding pioneer of the community living movement in Dundas County. As a long-standing member of the Board of Directors of our Association, George was an advocate for families as well as his own daughter, Susan. In his memory, his wife Barb has graciously donated money to set up the George Davidson Family Resource Fund.”

“The objective is to provide opportunities for training, resource materials, and communication supports.”

As for the Ladies Night Out event, Smellink had this to say during her speech: “Each and every one of you have been a part of making tonight a success.”

She thanked everyone for coming, saying “I’m grateful to live in a very compassionate and generous region.”

Amount raised was unknown at press time.

[…]

SD&G – Over the Thanksgiving weekend, members of the HSD (Highway Safety Division) as well as SD&G OPP officers took part in a traffic initiative involving the use of the airplane on Highways 138 and 401. 

HSD Sgt. Paul Sabourin stated that “some drivers were surprised when they were stopped and issued a Provincial Offence Notice for speeding; once they were advised to look skyward they realized that they had been observed by the airplane.” 

The long weekend initiative resulted in the following charges: 3 Radar Warning Devices; 11 Stunt Driving; and 148 Speeding. 

SD&G OPP would like to remind the motoring public to time manage and respect all the rules of the road when travelling on our  highways.  

[…]

News Release – October 11, 2011

NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE– The Harper Government today launched the commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812. 

This War helped establish our path toward becoming an independent and free country, united under the Crown with a respect for linguistic and ethnic diversity.

“The heroic efforts of those who fought for our country in the War of 1812 tell the story of the Canada we know today: an independent and free country with a constitutional monarchy and its own distinct parliamentary system,” said James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages. 

“The 200th anniversary of the War of 1812 is an opportunity for all of us to take pride in our history, and we look forward to taking part in the events and activities that will mark this important anniversary for Canada.”

Over the next four years, the Government will invest to increase Canadians’ awareness of this defining moment in our history. 

This will include support for: a pan-Canadian educational campaign focused on the importance of the War of 1812 to Canada’s history; support for up to 100 historical re-enactments, commemorations, and local events; a permanent 1812 memorial located in the National Capital Region; interactive tours, six exhibits, and improvements to three national historic sites across the country; investments in infrastructure at key 1812 battle sites, such as Fort Mississauga and Fort York, Ontario; celebrating and honouring the links that many of our current militia regiments in Ontario, Quebec, and Atlantic Canada have to the War of 1812. 

October 2012, will also be designated as a month of commemoration of the heroes and key battles of the War of 1812.

“Had the War of 1812 ended differently, the Canada we know today would not exist. The war laid the foundation for Confederation and the cornerstones of our political institutions,” said Rob Nicholson, P.C., Q.C., Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada. 

Details on planned activities will be made available on the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812 website at www.1812.gc.ca.

[…]

For those with something to say, South Dundas council members were all ears on October 17th.

Mayor Steven Byvelds, along with Deputy Mayor Jim Locke opened the “round table” discussion to the public at 7 p.m. in Matilda Hall. Also in attendance were Councillors Evonne Delegarde, Jim Graham, Archie Mellan, and Clerk Brenda Brunt.

In addition to council, 27 members of the South Dundas public showed up to voice their concerns, make requests, or simply say thank you for a job well done. Members of the public also had the opportunity to talk with council members one-on-one before and after the two hour meeting.

Byvelds began the meeting saying, “This is something I thought would be a good idea (for) the public to bring ideas, discuss concerns – it’s a better opportunity (to be heard) than coming to a council meeting.”

“I can’t promise that everything will be acted on, but (we) will listen.”

Union Gas 

The first issue of the night came from a resident of Iroquois who requested council’s help in convincing Union Gas to bring natural gas to his home and to the homes of his neighbours. 

Jim Graham volunteered to look into it and help out in whatever way possible. 

Taxpayers Funding Alcohol

The next issue raised at the meeting took account with the council holding a retirement party paid for by taxpayers that included an open bar. 

Byvelds responded: “We did have one recently – a dinner with an open bar at the Legion. (It) cost less than $1,000.”

It was suggested by Carl McIntyre “that this policy should be reviewed” as he did not think it appropriate for taxpayers to be paying for council’s alcohol.

Volunteers in South Dundas

The  huge topic of concern for many that night was the status of volunteers in South Dundas. This topic was raised several times covering the expanse of insurance, money, paperwork, and more.

It was suggested by John Gleed that “something has to be done to improve the whole process in dealing with volunteers.”

He was not alone in this as several other members of the public rose to speak on the same issue. 

He went on to say that “rather than helping, in a lot of cases roadblocks are being set up.” In this he was referring to the new policy guidelines as well as the abundance of paperwork involved in applications.

In terms of insurance, he said that “the truth of the matter is – the policy of downloading is incredibly negative to any activity that is going on. Staff can tell you it’s a myth, but it’s not.”

David Lapier raised issue with the fact that the insurance for the Williamsburg Harvest Festival, which normally doesn’t ask for monetary help from the township, had gone up more than $500 from last year’s price.

Several other dedicated members of the public were concerned with having their names on the insurance policies for these volunteer-run events. 

People inquired as to council’s decision making process in relation to grant applications. They asked about the total amount in the budget and what portion was actually used for volunteer community events.

In the end, Byvelds said that council had “heard it loud and clear.” He acknowledged that people would like council to “make the process as simple as we can make it (and that council) find some funding for it.”

Byvelds and fellow council members also made it clear that they do appreciate the time, hard work, and passion put into these events by dedicated volunteers. Graham said, “nobody wants to deter volunteers in any shape or form because we can’t do it.” Mellan pointed out, “I think council appreciates the value of our volunteers (and our) community groups.”

“We will do what we can. If it (policy) has to be tweaked down the road, it’s tweakable.”

Boat Launch Fees

Roger Coulter raised issue with the fees charged at the launch ramp. He pointed out that the many other township recreational services like the beach, the park or the outdoor rink require no fees whatsoever.

“We have a lot of boaters in this township and it bothers them that they  have to pay a launch fee as well,” he said.

There’s “a double launch in Cardinal (that) doesn’t cost a cent. Many (areas) don’t have cost for ramps,” he reported.

Byvelds said that the launch fees “generate a pot of money to (be) put back into infrastructure (like the) deck in Morrisburg.” 

Grass Needs Cutting

An Iroquois resident raised issue with the lack of grooming being done on vacant lots. He requested that council mow the lawns of buildings they’re responsible for on a more regular basis. He also suggested that council deal with people who are not caring for their lawns properly.

Another Iroquois resident also brought the issue of overgrown ditches to council’s attention. Most notably, the ditch on Carmen Road heading toward the Lockes.

Parlow Road River Access

A Morrisburg resident was upset by a sign displayed on a property next to a water access point at the base of Parlow Road. The sign infers that the road and access point is private when, in fact, it is not.

Mayor Byvelds said that he was familiar with the property and the water access point in question and would look into the matter. He verified that it is public property.

Tourism in South Dundas

Hanne Rycroft from the Basket Case Cafe in Morrisburg  wanted “some insurance that we’re getting a better tourist bureau.”

She pointed out that the bureau is often closed and, when it’s not closed it is often run by someone not trained or not concerned with tourism.

Rycroft also inquired about several tourism brochures that mentioned South Dundas. The one in question had two South Dundas businesses and Rycroft wanted to know what the process was for deciding who made it into the brochure.

Candace Menges of River Rat Treasures in Iroquois agreed that the state of tourism in South Dundas needs some assistance from council.

She brought attention to the lack of communication between the economic development officer and the actual businesses in South Dundas. 

Hosaic Creek Beavers

Robert Byvelds, a dairy farmer East of Williamsburg, requested an update on the status of Hosaic Creek.

The Hosaic Creek Committe, along with the South Nation Conservation (SNC), released a report in 2010 calling for a solution to the overpopulation of beavers.

The dams built in the Creek are causing drainage issues for local farms and farmers.

Trevor Tolley pointed out that this is a natural drainage system that has been cut off by the beaver population. He said that while “SNC is staffed with people who are experts on a variety of aspects of Hosaic Creek,” the one thing they aren’t experts on is agriculture and “human beings” in this area.

Byvelds said, “You want drainage there; I don’t know if it’ll ever get to a point where you have drainage there.”

He did say that the issue hadn’t been discussed in a while and that he would look into it further.

Sewage Treatment Plan

An Iroquois resident asked for an update on the Sewage Treatment Plan.

She was told that a tender would be going out shortly.

Councillor Evonne Delegarde reported, “everything is still on schedule” for a March 2014 completion date.

Snow Removal

John Devries wanted to talk about snow removal. He asked if it were possible for the service to begin “a little earlier in the morning for school buses and the milk truck.”

Councillor Archie Mellan said that “it will be looked at.”

Garbage Removal

The question of large item garbage removal was also raised, specifically freezers and fridges.

There is no pick up for these items, but there are drop off places available.

The resident in question was concerned with the lack of “user friendly” scheduling. There is a drop off in Iroquois between 8 a.m. and Noon on Fridays, but many people work during those four hours. 

Council agreed to look into the situation. 

It was pointed out, at this time, that electronics could be taken to the North Dundas Fire Department or to the House of Lazarus in Winchester.

Bylaw Inspector

Inquiry was made as to whether or not South Dundas had indeed hired a bylaw inspector. It was noted that many people park illegally in the Morrisburg Plaza parking lot, but nothing appears to be done about it.

Council confirmed that there is a bylaw officer, but that much of his time is consumed by “big stuff.”

Locke pointed out that “most bylaws are enforced by complaint.”

Old High School

David Lapier wanted to know “how (council was) going to set a limit on cost” in terms of “moving council to the high school in Morrisburg.”  More to the point, he wanted to know what the cost would be for taxpayers.

Byvelds outlined the necessity of moving council from Williamsburg to Morrisburg saying “there’s not enough room; (there are) air quality issues; it really doesn’t suit; (and,) in 1998 it was a temporary move, a political move.”

“There’s no way to make that work. I would like to have the entire staff under one roof.” He pointed out that the bylaw officer’s “office” is in the middle of the hall while the fire chief is working in “a building that  we’ve condemned.”

In terms of finances, Byvelds believes that the high school is “still going to be the best option in the end.” 

He pointed out that it won’t “happen overnight (as it’s) a long-term process.” Right now there are “fairly reasonable rates” available for getting this done.

He suggested that people check out the Prescott Municipal Office if they wanted to get an idea of what things might be like when finished.

Outdoor Rink

When asked if there would be an outdoor rink this winter, Byvelds said, “we’re working on it. It’s a necessity.”

Surplus Buildings

Inquiries as to the status of surplus buildings rendered the following response from Byvelds: they’re “still on our radar.”

He informed the group that Delegarde had recently asked for a tour of the buildings because some  of the council members hadn’t yet seen them. 

He also said that council was concerned with making balanced decisions about what to do with the surplus buildings in each community.

Thanks for a Great Job

In addition to complaints and requests, the public also wanted to say thank you, acknowledging the work of council. 

Carl McIntyre: “I think this council has done a great job. I’ve agreed with every decision you’ve made. I’m only here to talk about what hasn’t been done” yet.

Roger Coulter wanted to thank council for the bike and walking paths in Iroquois.

[…]

Laura-Lee Cholette, assistant superintendant at the Upper Canada Golf Course, is someone who gives a ‘hoot’.

In May of this year, following a big windstorm, Laura-Lee spotted what she thought was a chunk of paper near the trees north of the par three third green. On closer inspection, the chunk of paper turned out to be a baby bird, later identified as a Great Horned Owl.

So began Laura-Lee’s rescue,  which included the Owl’s turn over to the Wild Bird Centre in Ottawa, its summer spent growing up at the Owl Foundation near Niagara Falls and its subsequent release back home on Sunday, October 9 at the Upper Canada Bird Sanctuary.

“They estimated it was only two weeks old when I found it and explained to me that at that age it wasn’t at the branch stage yet,” says Laura-Lee. (The branch stage, about six weeks old, is when the young owl is old enough to sit on a branch and wait for its parents to bring food.)

Initially, Laura-Lee left the unidentified bird, but after finishing work and returning home, she couldn’t get if off her mind.

She contacted the Wild Bird Centre in Ottawa and was instructed to return it to the tree and wait for three hours to see if the parents would return.

So back she went, a ladder was located, and she set the baby bird back up on a branch. After three hours, the parents had not showed up, and she returned home.

“The next day it was on the ground again.”

“It could stand up with no problem and its claws were huge. It even hissed at me.”

Fearing it was unlikely the baby would survive, Laura packed it up and took it to the Wild Bird Centre.

“It was neat,” she says. “They actually got four at the time, because of the wind storm.”

It was there that the baby bird was identified as a Great Horned Owl.

From the Wild Bird Centre, the baby was sent to The Owl Foundation, an owl rehabilitation centre located at Vineland Station in the Niagara Peninsula, where it was raised to the age it could survive on its own.

“They had a foster mom who took in six babies,” says Laura-Lee. 

When release time came, Laura-Lee was contacted. Also being returned to the area was a Screech Owl that had been found in Cooper’s Marsh in August. Preferred releases are done within a reasonable distance from where the owls are originally found.

“I was supposed to pick her up in Napanee, but luckily Patty Summers from the Wild Bird Centre in Ottawa was in Guelph and she was able to drive them here.”

Laura-Lee says she was totally impressed with the beautiful bird that was returned to her.

“Her wing span was three feet, and she was probably 1.5 feet tall. She was gorgeous.”

The Screech Owl, (later released at the Marsh) was “very tiny. It was the size of my guy’s head.”

In front of family and friends, Laura-Lee released the Horned Owl at the Bird Sanctuary. 

Per instructions, the box was opened near trees “so she could look for a perching option. The last I saw of her, she was flying off over the trees.”

“They explained to me that if there is room she will stay, but if there is already a pair around she will move on. I actually wanted to take her home. She was beautiful.”

Describing her feelings as happy “because it is now free” and sad “because it is alone”, Laura-Lee says the rescue was a “wonderful experience”. She says she has certainly learned a lot about owls.

The Great Horned Owl is the most widely distributed true owl in the Americas. It can have a wingspan of 40-60 inches and the females are larger than the males. They have large ear tufts,  reddish brown or grey faces, and their irises are yellow. 

All mated Great Horned Owls are permanent residents of their territories. After hatching, they move onto tree branches at about six weeks and fly about one week later. They stay with their parents for several months.

As for Laura-Lee, she will now be listening for ho-ho-hoo, hoo, hoo, the call of a Great Horned Owl, and wondering if it is her rescued baby.

[…]

Living on the St. Lawrence River, have you ever looked across the water at your neighbours in the United States and wondered, “Are we really that different?”

A press release from Ontario Senator Bob Runciman’s office announced that he has formed a cross-border group with New York State Senators Patty Ritchie and Joseph Griffo.

“This initiative will help open new lines of communication and create a chance to explore new opportunities that can benefit both New York and Canada,” Senator Ritchie said.

The group’s formation came in response to a recent incident in local waters where an American fisherman was arrested for “straying” into Canadian waters.

“The incident reminded Senator Ritchie and I how interdependent the two countries are along the border and how important it is to have a regular dialogue to discuss matters of mutual concern,” Senator Runciman said.

Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry MP Guy Lauzon has joined Runciman’s group alongside Leeds-Grenville MP Gord Brown, Leeds-Grenville MPP Steve Clark, and Kingston and the Islands MP Ted Hsu. These members, however, were not present for the founding meeting on October 7.

The Leader was able to speak with Lauzon late last week. He told the Leader that “Runciman is taking the lead.”

While he admitted that his “information is somewhat limited” at this point, he did offer the following information: “I’m on the committee. What we’re trying to do is foster better relations between the two border countries and ridings.”

Lauzon referenced the incident with the fisherman as the catalyst to the formation of the cross-border group saying: “We just think if we can open up better communication with both countries at both levels we can eradicate this problem.”

“Northern New York and Eastern Ontario share not just a common border, but face the same challenges and opportunities. It makes economic sense to look for joint solutions,” Runciman said. “And the people in border communities are not just neighbours, but we’re good friends, too. I see this group as a way to reinforce that message.”

[…]