News

Last week United Counties of SDG council wrapped up budget deliberations. The end result: A $23 increase to the SDG portion of the tax bill of a typical residential property.

A typical residential property in SDG is assessed at $186,500 in 2015.

This $23 increase represents only the Counties portion of property tax bills, as South Dundas has yet to deliberate its budget. 

Locally, final tax bills are comprised of  upper tier (SDG) municipal, Lower tier (South Dundas) municipal and Education (Provincial) levies.

SDG department heads have been working on the draft budget document since the fall of 2014.

Counties officials report many positive influences on the budget having finished 2014 in a surplus position. 

Good weather in December kept roads maintenance within budget. 

Changes in the OPP billing model resulted in a $1.3 million decrease in OPP policing costs. 

Strong growth in SDG has resulted in over $600,000 of new assessment and there was also re-assessment growth.

Even with these extra funds at their disposal, counties council agreed to go to the tax base for more money than last year.

Council sees this as an opportunity to work on improving the overall quality of the county roads system.

“I am very pleased with our 2015 budget and how smooth the process went,” said Eric Duncan, SDG warden. “This has produced a budget that allows us to take two steps forward, without having to take one back. We finally have a chance to catch up on some key county road projects.”

Overall, the Counties budget will raise $40,959,216 tax dollars.

The Counties will spend about $12.4 million on road and bridge capital projects in 2015, and increase of almost $2.6 million from 2014.

So far, over a million dollars of that will be roadwork is scheduled  for South Dundas.

“South Dundas will benefit from $468,000 in road work on segments of County Roads 1, 16, 18 and 31 as well as $700,000 for rehabilitation work to the Iroquois CN bridge,” said South Dundas mayor Evonne Delegarde. 

Another $750,000 remains, so far, unallocated in the roads budget. 

Counties council will meet next month to discuss the allocation of those funds. 

[…]

The Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary sees at least 60,000 visitors a year, and The Friends of the Sanctuary, a volunteer group, is working towards renovating the boardwalk and revitalizing the Sanctuary to further increase the popularity of the destination.

Last week, local MP Guy Lauzon was at the Sanctuary to announce $45,000 in funding towards Boardwalk improvements, being undertaken by the St. Lawrence Parks Commission and the Friends group.

“This is just a small step forward, but a big step towards realizing your dream,” Lauzon told the small group of volunteers who gathered for the announcement Friday.

“Our Government is pleased to support the St. Lawrence Park Commission, and specifically the Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sancutary, as part of our efforts to expand and improve recreational and multi-purpose trails across the country.”

This $45,000 funding allocation comes from the $10 million National Trails Coalition Fund.

Pauline Gagnon of the Friends said that the entire project to replace the boardwalks is estimated to cost $400,000 but it is being undertaken piece by piece.

With the Blue Heron boardwalk trail already condemned at the Redwing trail deteriorating quickly, the Friends and the Parks are actively seeking funding partnerships and help for the project.

Planning work on the Redwing trail is already underway. 

The work will see a 550 section of the trail, one of the most heavily used sections, redesigned and reconstructed for better accessibility and increased longevity.

Along with the NTC funding, the St. Lawrence Parks Commission will contribute $69,000 and the Friends of the Sanctuary will provide $6,000 from their ‘Get on Board’ fundraising initiative towards the $120,000 phase one project.

“This Sanctuary is an incredible benefit for the surrounding community, so it’s a positive move to resurrect this jewel,” said Chuck Clavet, president of the Friends.

“The Friends of the Sanctuary’s ‘Get on Board’ initiative really got the ball rolling for this project,” said Lou Seiler, manager, parks and recreation facilities wit the SLPC.

Along with resurrecting the boardwalk infrastructure, the incredibly dedicated board of 14, are working diligently to increase membership numbers from 100 they have now. 

Most of the board members are from the South Stormont area.

The Friends want to build awareness of the natural asset of the Sanctuary and extensive programming it offers. 

Their next moonlight ski and snowshoe event is scheduled for March 7. 

During March break, March 16-21 daily activities are planned at the visitor centre.

The Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary offers more than eight kilometers of self-guided nature trails were visitors can get up close to nature seeing countless species of birds, wildlife and natural habitat. 

Access to the trails is free. 

Skis and snowshoes are available to rent at the visitor centre which is open from noon until 4 p.m. weekends. 

Small donations to the Friends organization are often requested from those participating in various programs.

[…]

Lunch and a backstage tour of the Upper Canada Playhouse was on the menu for this month’s Linking Hands Lunch and Learn program. 

Linking Hands is a project of the The House of Lazarus Community Outreach Mission. 

Although its mission is to give a voice to people living in poverty in the communities of Dundas County by raising awareness, and offering networking, empowering and supporting opportunities, Linking Hands welcomes all residents of Dundas County to join in their activities. 

Community Lunch and Learn is an opportunity to socialize and enjoy a free lunch while learning about various topics of interest.

This month, two dozen people were at the Upper Canada Playhouse, which opened its doors for the luncheon. Lorne Pardy, a former actor and director with the Great Canadian Theatre Company spoke about acting.

“This is a rare opportunity where my past and present are intersecting,” said Pardy, while centre-stage at the playhouse. 

Pardy is now the coordinator for Linking Hands Dundas County. For the first time in about five years, he also acted performing a moving dramatic piece for the audience assembled for the luncheon.

Following Perrin’s performance, Upper Canada Playhouse director Donnie Bowes took guests on a tour backstage of the playhouse were they saw the ‘green room’ dressing rooms, prop room and workshop were all of the sets are built on site. 

Participants enjoyed the backstage tour, seeing the modest facility behind the scenes of this area’s popular attraction.

“This is a great opportunity for anyone to get out, socialize while enjoying a new experience,” said Pardy. 

“We are really pleased to be able to offer this program,” said Janet Carkner,  executive administrative manager with the House of Lazarus. 

She said that the program offers a free social opportunity for those who may be feeling isolated, which so often happens in a rural setting. 

They will arrange transportation and child care for those who may need it at each of their Lunch and Learn sessions.

They hope to grow their club, and at each meeting ask those attending to come back to the next one, and if possible, to bring a friend.

Nancy Christie with the Lunch an Learn program was pleased with Friday’s event. 

“We had such a great opportunity here,” she said. “Everyone who comes to Lunch and Learn, always learns something.” 

Since Linking Hands is a Dundas County initiative, events alternate between North and South Dundas. 

The next Lunch and Learn will be at a Chesterville area sugar bush. The next South Dundas event will be in May when mental health will be the focus. 

[…]

Effective Friday, February 13, 2015, South Dundas councillor Bill Ewing resigned from South Dundas Fire and Emergency Services.

Ewing was assistant deputy chief at SDFES Station 1-4, the Iroquois fire station.

Ewing has been an Iroquois firefighter since January 1980. 

“I became a firefighter because I wanted to help the community,” Ewing told The Leader.

Now, being a South Dundas councillor, Ewing’s community service role is in a different capacity, and it is his council role that moved him to make the difficult decision to resign from the fire service, a job that was extremely important to him.

After attending a recent council seminar and seeking the opinions of three different lawyers, Ewing determined that as a firefighter, “I could not speak to any fire service issues without being in conflict.”

In order to avoid any complications, and to ensure that his voice and expertise in the fire service would still be able to benefit the community, he chose to resign from the fire service.

“People voted for me to represent them, so it’s important to have my voice part of the discussions. With my years of service I have a lot of knowledge in all aspects of the fire service,” said Ewing who worked his way up through the ranks to become assistant deputy chief.

Although Ewing was a member of the fire service, when he served on council before, at that time he was not advised that being a firefighter put him in a conflict when making council decisions.

“It was never perceived as a conflict in the past, but perceptions have changed since then,” said Ewing.

Also, the last time Ewing served on council, South Dundas did not have a full time fire chief, this time it does.

With South Dundas having recently updated their fire master plan, and considering changes to the fire station in Morrisburg, Ewing says, “There will be a number of issues, going forward, that I feel I need to speak to.”

[…]

Starting January 1, 2012, businesses were required to be in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disability Act (AODA). Enacted in 2005, the AODA provides standards for accessibility in all areas of daily life.

Accessibility standards identify, remove and prevent barriers for people with disabilities in the areas such as Customer Service, Information and Communications, Employment, and Public Spaces. All businesses with one or more employees must meet a variety of mandatory requirements.

“Consideration of accessibility is not an option for a business. These days it’s a basic business practice.” explains Constance Exley, CEO of Accessibility Ontario. “We have an aging population and the numbers of Ontarians with a disability is increasing.”

Exley is one of two keynote speakers who will present at the 1st Annual South Dundas Business Summit, taking place on Thursday, February 26, at the McIntosh Country Inn in Morrisburg.

In its inaugural year, the South Dundas Business Summit will present a unique opportunity to hear expert speakers who will provide advice on accessibility for businesses. 

“The South Dundas Business Summit will provide business owners with a clear understanding of what they need to do to comply with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act,” explains South Dundas Economic Development Officer Nicole Sullivan.

“Businesses need to be proactive in their response to these changes in order to stay relevant to their customer base and to keep their competitive edge,” added Exley. “Accessibility does not need to be expensive or complicated, and there are many things you can do that are low cost or no cost.”

Exley’s workshop will specifically outline how accessibility can build profit, increase a customer base and facilitate employee engagement.

The AODA standards not only apply in the physical workspace, but also the web. 

Bernard Charlebois, Principal Consultant at Boumstrategies and Professor at La Cite Collegial, will speak on making websites and other e-business tools accessible to people with disabilities and the aging population.

The Business Summit is being hosted by the Morrisburg Downtown Business Improvement Association, the Municipality of South Dundas, the South Dundas Chamber of Commerce, and the Cornwall Business Enterprise Centre. 

It is presented by the Ontario BIA Association, with support from the Eastern Ontario Training Board and the Government of Ontario. 

To register or to make accommodations in order to attend, please contact: Nicole Sullivan, Economic Development Officer 613-543-2673 or nsullivan@southdundas.com

[…]

 

 WDMH’s cancer care navigator program supports patients and their families throughout their cancer journey. A new free workshop series is focusing on how to live well with cancer. 

On Tuesday, February 24, WDMH will be hosting “Living Well with Cancer: Self-Care and Coping” – an education session presented by Kimberly Janssen, WDMH’s Social Worker. During the session, Kimberly will discuss the unique needs of cancer patients and provide coping skills and strategies. Family and friends will also learn how to provide support while taking care of themselves. 

“This is important for people with cancer as often the disease can take over one’s life,” explains Kimberly. “The goal is to remember that while cancer can be life-altering, it doesn’t need to be all-consuming. We want to encourage people to live well with cancer and not let cancer define them.” 

“It’s all part of our effort to support our patients and their families,” adds Linda Johnson, WDMH’s Cancer Care Navigator. “We want to help patients be the healthiest they can be during their cancer journey.” 

The session is on Tuesday, February 24 at 2:00 in the hospital boardroom (Room C1-401). For more information, or to sign up to attend, please call Linda Johnson at 613-774-2422 ext. 6798 or email nursenavigator@wdmh.on.ca 

[…]

 The Ontario Ministry of Transportation has named Kingston’s Cruickshank Construction Limited its Paver of the Year for 2014.

The award, handed out at the Ontario Road Builders’ Association’s (ORBA) annual conference, recognizes excellence in workmanship on a hot-mix paving project completed in 2014. 

The Ministry of Transportation (MTO) names one winner and three finalists each year and judges candidates on criteria including smoothness, night paving, completion, workmanship, and mix quality.

MTO chose Cruickshank on the strength of its work on the Napanee stretch of Highway 401, a multi-year project that was completed in the fall of 2014.

“We are extremely proud of all the people whose efforts went into the winning of this award,” said CEO Steve Cruickshank. “It was a great day for Cruickshank Construction.”

Cruickshank General Manager Roger Coulas accepted the award at ORBA’s annual conference on February 10th in Toronto.

[…]

Making every day special for residents is the goal of every staff member, but the Activity Team at Dundas Manor is taking that promise one step further. They have introduced the ‘Dream Come True’ program, setting a ‘person-centred goal’ for each resident.

“Dreams Come True can be big or small but they are always meaningful to the resident,” explains Jennifer Hill, Activity Programs and Services Director. “For example, they may want to spend an afternoon making chili sauce from an old family recipe. Maybe they want to skype with faraway family or go people watching downtown. One resident wanted to go to a greenhouse to pick out spring flowers for planting and another wanted to visit her former farm to see her farmhouse.”

Dundas Manor resident Bob Bennett took a trip to his old friend Eldon Lindsay’s farm with Activity Assistant Kerri Seabrook. 

Bob’s friendship with Eldon goes back to his equipment salesman days. He commented on how enjoyable the trip was and how much he appreciated the day out. “Bob’s natural GPS kicked in when we hit those old country roads,” adds Kerri. “Touring the modern dairy farm operation and visiting with an old friend makes for a perfect day.”

Bertha Christie loves to shop! So the activity team found a place not too far from Winchester that offers great deals – the House of Lazarus. Bertha enjoyed a morning of shopping followed by lunch at Loughlin’s for a visit with the locals. “It was a wonderful day. I had never been there before,” notes Bertha.

“Each resident is part of the process and is encouraged to dream a little,” adds Jennifer, who has worked at Dundas Manor for 20 years. “We sit down and talk about what we can accomplish together. And then we work to make it happen.”

[…]

Nation Valley ATV Club is proud to announce that its third annual Telus ATV Ride for Dad will be held on March 7, 2015. 

The 2015 goal is to raise $50,000 for the Prostate Cancer Fight Foundation, with the proceeds being used for prostate cancer research and awareness in the Ottawa area.

This year’s rally is presented by the Ottawa Senators Alumni, and celebrity ride captains include former Ottawa Senators John Barrett and Amanda Kingsland from Country 101.1.

Many riders have already pre-registered for the event with the final attendance expected to be between 100 and 200.

The ride begins at the Mountain Township Agricultural Hall (2967 Lough Road, South Mountain). Registration is from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Departure at 10 a.m.

Riders are able to register and pledges can be made online at www.RideforDad.ca.

Many small businesses supporting the event have donated items for an online Facebook auction leading up to the rally. The address for the auction is https://www.facebook.com/AgoraWinchester. All of the proceeds of this auction will be donated to the Ride for Dad event on March 7th.

[…]

 

Two Seaway District High School students, both professed animal lovers, are stepping up to the plate, a plate stacked high with cupcakes to be exact, to help bring awareness to animals in need and raise much needed funding for the OSPCA. Sophia Currier, left, and Kendra Buter have gotten together to join the OSPCA on their National Cupcake Day and raise funds for the Cornwall Branch. For students at Seaway, it will be as simple as buying a cupcake(s) for $1 this coming Monday, February 23. Kendra, whose family includes two horses and their Golden Retriever “Daisy”, and Sophia, whose pets include the family dog Tuffy (who is a OSPCA Rescue) and three cats, say they have met with overwhelming support. “We are making cupcakes and have asked others to make some too,” says Kendra who has career plans to become a vet technician. “Originally we were hoping for 100 cupcakes, but now it is looking like more.” Sophia is delighted that Monday’s event will be attended by an OSPCA representative from the Cornwall Branch and there is the possibility the representative will attend with an animal available for adoption. “This is our effort to help out the animals,” says Sophia. “My mom actually found the National Cupcake Day event, and I think it is a great.” While the Seaway students are supporting the effort with every $1 cupcake purchased outside the cafeteria this Monday, February 23, the community can also donate to the OSPCA’s National Cupcake Day Fundraiser by going to the National Cupcake Day-Ontario SPCA website and donating to the Seaway Spartans team.

[…]