News

“Completion of the Campbell Street extension is imminent,” reported South Dundas chief administrative officer Stephen McDonald, at the December 16 council meeting.

“We have received our permit. We can now cut down a butternut tree.”

One endangered butternut tree located right in the centre of the Campbell Street extension put a stop to the work taking place to open up land in the Morrisburg business park.

The work was stopped back in 2013, and could not proceed until the Municipality was granted this permit through a lengthy process.

Work will proceed as soon as the contractor is available to complete the project.

[…]

As further details come forward about a proposed manned steam rocket jump across the St. Lawrence River, it becomes less likely that it will take place in South Dundas.

South Dundas economic development officer Nicole Sullivan has been in discussions, not only with the South Dundas Chamber of Commerce but with the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation.

“In order for the Seaway Management Corporation to consider accommodating this event, they will require that the Municipality become project lead and assume all liability and financial responsibility,” she said in a December 16 report to council. Even then there is no guarantee that it would be permitted by the Seaway and Transport Canada.

“We would be on the hook for a lot of money, and we could end up looking like fools,” said councillor Archie Mellan. Council agreed that they were not willing to commit tax dollars to this event.  

However, council then directed staff to continue communications with Mike Hughes, the event proponent and its promoter. 

According to Sullivan, the Morrisburg waterfront park was one of the jump sites being considered in South Dundas.

[…]

South Dundas council approved an application form for the South Branch Community Fund.

The form will be filled out by those seeking funds from the $30,000 per year, 20 year fund which was established by EDP Renewables, as part of the South Branch Wind Farm project.

Eligible projects must be located within the established wind farm boundaries.

Funding decisions will ultimately lie with South Dundas council, as administrator of the fund, with larger contributions needing EDP approval.

Although council approved the application form drafted by their manager of recreation programming, they expressed a desire to form a committee of area residents to help in the decision making process.

“It is a community fund and we want community input,” said South Dundas mayor Evonne Delegarde.

Councillor Archie Mellan suggested that they look to such a committee for a larger scale vision for the area to ensure that these significant funds are put to good use. South Dundas staff will draft terms of reference to seek interest for such a committee.

[…]

Across South Dundas hundreds of traffic signs are out of compliance with the Ontario Traffic manual which sets the standards for sign condition, mounting heights and proper placement at intersections.

This finding and a summary of the work that needs to be done to bring the signs into compliance was reported to South Dundas council at their December 16 meeting by Chris Bazinet, manager of public works.

“Signs are one of the most proactive safety measures we can take,” said South Dundas councillor Archie Mellan, who lives in the Matilda ward where most of the signage deficiencies were found.

To rectify the sign situation, South Dundas council agreed to hiring a contractor, Advantage Data, to install 180 new signs at uncontrolled intersections, at a cost of about $35,000.

The replacement of non compliant signs, 354 of them, will be done over time,  in house by South Dundas staff at a capital cost of about $17,000.

[…]

It didn’t take long for the nearly two year old Ontario Grain Terminal issue to land on the table of the newly elected South Dundas council.

December 16, at the first regular meeting of council, among the first delegations to make presentations to council were the concerned citizens of South Dundas who have long opposed the grain terminal proposed by Norag Commodities for the industrial UTI property of Tom Kaneb, located along Lakeshore Drive. 

Immediately following that presentation was a presentation by those who are in favour of the development. 

Both sides of the issue had different spokespeople making their presentations. 

The concerned citizens presentation was by Linda Nowicki, one time South Dundas resident and former mayor of Wawa, Ontario, who plans to return here as a full time resident.

The Ontario Grain Terminal presentation of support was prepared and delivered by former South Dundas mayor Steven Byvelds of Bycrest Farms, a 1,000 acre cash crop operation and Warren Schneckenburger of Cedar Lodge Farms, a 3,000 acre cash crop farming operation.

The South Dundas council chamber was filled with over 80 residents, about half from area farming operations, with an interest in the issue.

South Dundas mayor Evonne Delegarde read a statement explaining that there would be no questions or discussion on the matter at the table since it has become a legal matter.

Nowicki urged council to officially take a position on the issue. 

“To date, council of the township of South Dundas has been silent on the matter. There has been no public official endorsement of the proposal by way of resolution, debate or a vote at a public meeting of council,” she said. 

She added that the chief building official is not the one who should be deciding which expert opinion is the most valid. “He is not a planning expert and does not have the authority to decide which report carries the most weight. That is up to council.”

“We are seeking an honest and open process whereby the costs/benefits of the grain terminal proposal will be thoroughly analyzed, discussed in public, and decided in accordance with established municipal council responsibilities, planning principles and zoning requirements applicable in Ontario. We appeal to you to recognize the authority that you have as a council and exercise that authority,” concluded Nowicki.

“South Dundas needs economic  development,” said Steven Byvelds who is in favour of the OGT project.

“South Dundas cannot afford to turn down any new development, especially one with the potential this project has. If council stops this project, it will send a signal to other potential developers that South Dundas is not open for business and they will go where they are welcome, like North Dundas and South Stormont.”

Farmers are unified in their support of the $6 million project, having letters of support from the Dundas Federation of Agriculture, Dundas Soil and Crop Improvement Association, District 14 Grain Farmers of Ontario and the Grain Farmers of Ontario. 

The project would open up a new local market for producers across the region as there are presently no significant end users for soybeans or wheat in the vicinity like there are for corn (Ingredion, Greenfield). 

“One ship replaces 625 trucks going further downstream to Montreal or Sorel,” said Schneckenburger, adding that the terminal is a clean land use. They urged council to allow the project to move forward and to issue a building permit.

[…]

Saturday night, December 13, was the busiest night ever in Alight at Night’s 14 year history.

Susan Le Clair, manager, customer service and corporate communications with the St. Lawrence Parks Commission confirmed that they had just over 4,300 people in attendance for Alight at Night at Upper Canada Village.

“We have been really fortunate with great weather — the blanket of snow is beautiful, makes it that much more magical, and I think many families are enjoying both the new Ferris wheel and the new Santa experience – Saint Nick’s Merry Mansion,” said Le Clair. “The Upper Canada Village seamstresses really did an amazing job on Santa’s Victorian garb and Saint Nick’s Merry Mansion is absolutely beautiful!” Santa will be at Saint Nick’s Merry Mansion (Crysler Hall) from Friday, December 19 through till December 23 from 5pm to 9 p.m.  While Alight at Night is open on the 18th, Santa is otherwise engaged.

So far the weather forecast is good for this week so village officials hope that the good weather continues to allow crowds to continue to enjoy Alight at Night and make it part of their families holiday traditions.

[…]

The St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation’s lock team at Iroquois was selected as the recipient of the President’s Safety Award for 2014. 

The award aims to raise awareness of workplace health and safety requirements and encourage, recognize and celebrate work teams who make significant contributions to improve our safety performance at the SLSMC.

“The Iroquois team’s efforts are commendable” said Terence Bowles, President and CEO of The St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation (SLSMC). 

“The team completed 215 safety interventions during the year, out of a total of 1,500 interventions completed within the SLSMC. Team members were responsible for a number of innovations, including devising a mechanism for the deployment of an oil containment boom, and a jib used to bring material down safely in the cable gallery. These innovations underscore the staff’s commitment to reviewing and improving critical tasks. When combined with their consistent efforts to keep their shop and work areas clean, and their widespread participation in safety inspections and interventions, one can understand how the Iroquois team has completed 21 years without a lost time injury.”

Over 227,000 jobs and $35 billion in economic activity are supported by the movement of goods within the Great Lakes-Seaway System.

[…]

United Way/ Centraide of Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry has reached 60 per cent of its $707,070 goal for the 2014 Annual Campaign, but is concerned that the target may not be reached.

“We are always grateful for the generosity of our Community and we hope that spirit of giving and caring will carry us through this year too!” said Danny Aikman, Board President. This sentiment is felt by all of the volunteers on the Board of Directors and Campaign Team, but the organization is realistically looking at the numbers and is concerned it is not on track to reach the Campaign goal by next Friday.

“We are extremely thankful for the money that has been contributed so far”, said Nolan Quinn, 2014 Campaign Chair. “We very much need to reach our goal to ensure we have the best and most significant impact in our community. We fundraise so that our agencies can concentrate on what is important – running programs to help those who need it most. Our volunteers and staff are motivated and moving forward with strategies to close the gap, and we are hoping our Community can help us to reach the end successfully”.

The organization has one week remaining to reach the 2014 target. 16 agencies provide 19 programs, directly impact the lives of thousands of local residents. Proceeds from the yearly campaign stay local and fund programs which assist people throughout SDG.  The organization is not discounting the possibility of extending the Campaign end date in order to achieve its objective. 

“We thank everyone who Believes in Community and chooses to give a gift to those who need it most”, said Lori Greer, Executive Director. “No amount is too small to give. If you would like to empty your change jar and bring it to the office, we will gladly accept it. Every donation helps us to help your neighbours, family and friends in our Community”. 

Contributions to the 2014 Annual Campaign can be made online at unitedwaysdg.com, by mail or in person at 405 Fourth Street West, P.O. Box 441, Cornwall K6H 5T2, and also by calling 613-932-2051 to donate by credit card. Donations of $25 or more enters you into a draw for a $3,000 gift certificate for Algonquin Travel, supported by Bell.

The United Way of Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry is governed by a local Board of Directors, who, with United Way staff and volunteers help to raise funds that assist 16 agencies (19 programs) throughout Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry. 

Its is to improve lives by working together with priorities focused on moving people from poverty to possibility, healthy people, strong communities and all that kids can be. For more information on United Way/Centraide SD&G, or to donate, visit unitedwaysdg.com. 

[…]

The Stormont-Dundas-Glengarry 2015 International Plowing Match & Rural Expo (IPM) has issued a call to local artists to submit original artwork for the IPM Official Poster Art Contest.  The contest is open to all residents of Stormont, Dundas, Glengarry, City of Cornwall and Akwesasne. 

The artwork must showcase the rural lifestyle of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry and incorporate the SDG 2015 IPM tagline “Link to the past…Look to the future”.  “We have been receiving lots of positive feedback from our members” states Bruce Davis, Executive Director at Your Arts Council Cornwall & the Counties.   

“The contest will be an excellent way for all local artists to showcase their work and illustrate the great community we live in”, said Shauna Baggs, Contest Coordinator. “The 2015 IPM is expected to draw over 75,000 people to Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry.  The whole event will be filled with opportunity – for local businesses, attractions and now artists.  This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to showcase what SDG is made of!”

One Grand Prize winner will receive a cash prize of $1,500.  All of the artwork will be displayed in a silent auction during the week of the plowing match from September 22-26, 2015. 

Contest Information:

• Must be a resident of Stormont, Dundas, Glengarry, City of Cornwall or Akwesasne

• Artwork can be painted, pencil, pastel or photography

• Size: Vertical 18 x 24 canvas

• All artwork must capture the rural lifestyle of SDG (emphasis on plowing)

• Tagline for the S-D-G 2015 IPM is “Link to the past….Look to the future”

• Entry form must be submitted by email by January 17, 2015 by 12:00 midnight

• Final submission of original artwork to be dropped off January 31, 2015 at the IPM office in Finch, 9A John Street  between 9:00 am and 1:00 pm, along with a $25 entry fee.

• Full contest details at www.plowingmatch.org

The 2015 SDG International Plowing Match and Rural Expo will be held in September.

[…]

For the first time ever, Winchester District Memorial Hospital will have four obstetricians, and that fourth obstetrician will be part of the St. Lawrence Medical Clinic group.

“That really reflects the growth in our maternal care program,” said Cholly Boland, WDMH CEO, when he announced that Dr. Roger Perron will join the hospital full time in the new year.

Dr. Perron says he has found the best kept secret in Ontario in discovering Winchester District Memorial Hospital and the surrounding region. 

Dr. Perron is WDMH’s newest specialist in obstetrics and gynecology. 

He will deliver babies and perform general gynecological surgery with a specialty in minimally-invasive procedures. He will practice at the St. Lawrence Medical Clinics in Morrisburg, Iroquois and Ingleside.

“I came to Winchester Hospital to provide summer coverage and my wife and I fell in love with the area,” he says. “We didn’t even know it existed.” He has equal praise for the hospital. “It’s the best kept secret around. The people here are great. And the operating rooms are magnificent. Any tertiary care centre would be happy to have them.”

With 25 years of experience, Dr. Perron says he knew early on that obstetrics was his passion. “It’s one area of medicine where people actually want to see you,” he smiles. “And if I’m going to be up in the middle of the night, I might as well deliver a baby and make everyone happy.”

When not delivering babies or performing surgery, Dr. Perron says he loves to hike, canoe, fish or do anything outdoors. “We seem to never spend any time in the house,” he laughs.

Because all of WDMHs other OBGYNs are focused in the north of the hospital’s catchment area, it was natural for Dr. Perron to come to the south, to the SLMC. He will be living in Morrisburg, which he very much looks forward to. He was looking for a retirement lifestyle, although he intends to fully practise medicine for about 10 years and then to assist for about six more. He takes referrals as he does not have a primary care practice.

Dr. Perron comes here from Guelph. He is the first OBGYN to join the St. Lawrence Medical Clinic team since Dr. Gerry Rosenquist, one of the SLMC founders.

Perron grew up in northern Ontario. He did his undergraduate schooling at Lakehead, Masters and PhD at University of Guelph, and med. school and residency at McMaster. He has three children and two grandchildren.

[…]