News

The Sixth Council of the Municipality of South Dundas, including South Dundas’ first female mayor, were sworn into office December 2, 2014.

About 50 people, including family, friends, supporters, and elected officials from neighbouring municipalities attended the inauguration ceremony at the South Dundas Municipal Centre in Morrisburg. 

The ceremony started with invocation by Rev. Clarence Witten. Oaths of office was read in turn by each elected official. The Chain of Office was presented to South Dundas mayor Evonne Delegarde by South Dundas clerk Brenda Brunt and then area dignitaries formally offered their congratulations before Delegarde delivered her inaugural address.

“I am humbled by your support and by your confidence. All members of council are very cognizant of the serious responsibility and obligation that is bestowed upon us.” she said. “We are willing to engage our residents in an open and accessible manner and together with staff protect the quality of life and make South Dundas an even better place to live.” 

To her council, Delegarde said that their journey together will be challenging, requiring patience, appreciation and respect for each other. “I encourage each of you to express your own independent points of view. At the end of the day, I am confident that we will operate as a team and make good decisions on behalf of our municipality.”

She spoke of the importance of customer service and open and honest communication, and the need to rebuild and strengthen relationships with various groups and organizations, recognizing their value. 

Delegarde foresees financial challenges, and mentioned the need to do some planning for neglected village streets and sidewalks, and to deal with landfill issues. “The list is long, and we have much to accomplish.”

As part of her inaugural address, she announced that the Mayor’s office on the third floor of the SDMC has been re-named Mayor & Council office.

Each member of council had the opportunity to speak.

Re-elected South Dundas deputy mayor Jim Locke said that the budget will be council’s first challenge, saying that he would work to keep tax increases, at or near the cost of living.

First time councillor Marc St. Pierre said that it was an honour to be elected, and thanked his wife Michelle and daughter Victoria for their encouragement and support.

South Dundas councillor Bill Ewing said, “What we do a council, will be for the benefit of all residents of South Dundas.”

Re-elected councillor Archie Mellan said, “We have accomplished a lot, but there’s still a lot to do.”

The Sixth Council of the Municipality of South Dundas will hold their first full council meeting December 16, 2014.

[…]

About six months ago, Chris McDonough, fire chief for South Dundas Fire and Emergency Services took on the additional role of Fire Coordinator for the United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry.

The role of fire coordinator is largely administrative and at this point, a volunteer position.

As SDG fire coordinator McDonough oversees the Mutal and Auto Aid programs whereby neighbouring departments work together, when needed at incidents or to ensure backup protection is available in case of further emergency.

In case of a large event, McDonough could be called on attend the scene or provide organizational support. Since his appointment, he has not been called on in that capacity.

When the appointment was made by the Ontario Fire Marshal’s office, it was them who approached McDonough to take on the role, as at that point he was the only person qualified.

“It’s important to the county that we have this. It’s a benefit to our community and SDG,” said McDonough. “It’s a program that is beneficial to all.”

Part of the administrative work is an inventory of fire service equipment and personnel across SDG. 

Attending regular mutual aid meetings is also part of the job. Those meetings take place evenings. 

McDonough estimates that the role involves a few hours a week of work on his part, and those hours are not done on South Dundas municipal time.

The alternate SDG fire coordinator is Vic Leroux. Leroux is full time fire chief for South Glengarry. He is former fire chief for the City of Cornwall.

[…]

Although the likelihood of Winchester District Memorial Hospital ever seeing an Ebola patient is low, there are still very prepared.

Since the Ministry of Health sent out the first Ebola alert to hospitals, WDMH went to work right away on developing a kit and process to ensure the safety of its staff and patients.

Those visiting the hospital emergency recently may have already noticed the difference.

Now, all patients walking in to the emergency room must answer a screening question through a closed glass partition.

It is not until after staff confirms that the patient has not travelled to Africa that they open that partition to continue the triage process.

If the patient is at risk of having come into contact with Ebola, the Ebola process takes effect. It involves the donning of protective gear, the patient being taken to a specific area of the hospital, public health being notified and the hospital following the directives of infectious disease specialists, which are at the Ottawa Hospital and CHEO.

Should a patient with Ebola risk arrive by ambulance, WDMH staff would do all they could to help the patient without leaving the ambulance, and that patient would be taken to one of the city infectious disease sites for treatment.

WDMH has all the equipment it needs to deal with an Ebola situation, and staff have been trained in the process, and the especially important donning and doffing process, which the demonstrated to area media last week.

“Even though the likelihood of seeing Ebola here is low, the risk is still scary,” said Laura Landry, the nurse leading the demonstration. “After all the training with the equipment, I actually feel quite safe, if this situation ever arises.”

[…]

Upper Canada Village will light up with over one million lights for its 14th annual Alight at Night festival on Friday, December 5, 2014. The Alight at Night festival at Upper Canada Village is one of Ontario’s premiere winter events where the heritage site is transformed into a magical winter wonderland that you can explore by foot, horse-drawn wagon or by romantic carriage ride. The festival will be open on select nights from Friday, December 5 through Saturday, January 3, 2015 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.  Complete festival details, dates and times can be found atwww.AlightatNight.ca or by calling the Customer Service Unit at 613-543-4328 or 800-437-2233.  Upper Canada Village continues to innovate with expanded laser lighting effects, a new Ferris wheel, and a transformed Crysler Hall into Saint Nick’s Merry Mansion.  

Visitors will have the chance to get a stunning view of Alight at Night from fifty feet high in a new Ferris wheel set in the Village fairgrounds.  Rides on the Ferris wheel will be included with admission and will be on a first come, first served basis for the duration of the festival, weather permitting.  Saint Nick’s Merry Mansion will greet visitors with a brand new Sound & Light Show with three new Santa themed songs including “Here Comes Santa Claus”, “Run Rudolph Run” and “The Man with the Bag”.  Inside, a Victorian Saint Nick dressed in a luxurious red suit with rich brocade will be available to hear your Christmas wishes until Tuesday, December 23, 2014; a great photo opportunity for the whole family! Saint Nick’s Merry Mansion is sponsored by Leon’s.  

Streamlined pricing provides affordable family fun with one price for all activities including entry to the festival, horse-drawn wagon rides, a ride on the Toy Train and Ferris wheel and a visit with Santa.  Adults (13 yrs +) $13; Senior’s (65 yrs +) and Youth (6-12 yrs) $10; Children 5 yrs and under FREE.  Pricing is plus HST.  

“We attribute much of the success of Upper Canada Village’s Alight at Night to our constant innovation.  Almost every year we add something new, make improvements to existing elements and just try to improve the overall experience for our visitors.  For many, a visit to Alight at Night is part of their family holiday tradition” said Geoff Waycik, Manager, Upper Canada Village.  “We look to holiday traditions for inspiration.  A great example of this is how we have transformed the visit with a new Santa experience.  This year Saint Nick’s Merry Mansion will leave families wondering if they just visited the ‘real’ Santa Claus …” 

Special Needs Night on Tuesday, December 9, 2014 will be an evening where groups of people with special needs can ride in the comfort of their own vehicle to view the Village adorned in lights.  Only “special needs” vans or parabuses are allowed.  Coaches and school buses cannot be accommodated due to their size. For safety, Upper Canada Village will provide a trained and licensed staff person familiar with the Village roadways in the dark, to lead these vehicles through the site.  Reservations are required.  

A Fun & Lunch with Santa event will be held at the Harvest Barn restaurant starting at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 13.   Saint Nick will be available to meet families and hear everyone’s special wishes.  Enjoy a hot sandwich combo (drink and fries plus hot turkey sandwich for adults/hot dog for children) and decorate gingerbread men.  The Village Store will be open for shopping following lunch.  Fun & Lunch with Santa also includes evening admission to Alight at Night. Reservations are required.  Adult (13-64 yrs) $37.50, Senior (64 yrs+) $34.50, Youth (6-12 yrs) $27.50 and Children (5 yrs & under) $7.00.  Prices are plus HST.

Romantic Pommier Carriage rides are an ideal way to have a private tour of the lights and make engagements, anniversaries, or other events extra-special!  The Pommier Carriage ride is $80.00 (tax & administration fee extra) which includes admission for two, half hour romantic tour of the lights, gourmet departing gift (includes Village made bread, cheese, sparkling cider and a 20% off discount for Pommier Jewellers in Cornwall).  Carriage rides are very popular and book up quickly.  Reservations are required 

Get in the spirit of the season and join in for carol singing in Christ Church. Different performers will be on site each night along with select nights featuring guest choirs. Visit the website for performers, dates and times.

And of course, no visit would be complete without holiday treats and festive dining.  Follow the tantalizing smell of fresh bread and cinnamon rolls baking in the wood-fired oven at the Bakery.   You can find the fresh baked cinnamon buns and bread for purchase at the Village Store. Cinnamon Buns are also available for purchase in Cook’s Tavern or at the Snack Shack next to the Bakery.

You can also relax over a heartier meal, full service dining at Willard’s Hotel or at the Upper Canada Golf Course restaurant (just across the road) or cafeteria style service at the Harvest Barn.  Traditional turkey dinners with all the fixings along with many other menu options will be available.  Groups are welcome and reservations recommended.  To make reservations at Willard’s Hotel or the Harvest Barn call B & A Foods at 613-543-0660.  To make reservations at the Upper Canada Golf Course restaurant call Stephanie at 613-543-2035.

Alight at Night has been named one of Ontario’s Top 100 Events three times by Festivals & Events Ontario.  Advance ticket purchase, particularly during the holidays, is strongly recommended to speed entry into the festival and reduce time waiting in line.  Purchase tickets online at www.AlightatNight.ca.  

For more information or to make reservations for Special Needs night, Fun & Lunch with Santa or for the Pommier Carriage, call the Customer Service team at 1-800-437-2233 or locally 613-543-4328 to make a reservation.

Major event sponsors of Alight at Night include Celebrate Ontario and Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Corporation.

[…]

South Dundas municipal officials have been taking a hard look at the Morrisburg Plaza, and know that it is definitely in need of a rehabilitation.

As owners of the canopy, sidewalks and roadways, upkeep of that infrastructure is the responsibility of the municipality.

Paint, general repairs, and replacement of damaged wood are some of the most pressing issues, when it comes to the appearance of the aging plaza.

In 2012, council set aside funds for some rehabilitation of the plaza, but not enough to get the work done, or even started.

“In 2012, the price to get the priority work done was $120,000,” said South Dundas chief administrative officer Steve McDonald, at a recent orientation session for council-elect. “Just to give you an idea, the Iroquois plaza project was $1.1 million, and we have $100,000 set aside.”

South Dundas manager of planning and enforcement Donald Lewis said, “What’s needed is not just aesthetics. There are other issues as well, and they are significant.” 

The Iroquois Plaza project was funded through a one time grant from the Province of Ontario called the Municipal Infrastructure Investment Initiative.

Manager of public works Chris Bazinet then spoke about the difficulties that arise with the potential excavation of a 12 foot deep sewer line that runs along a section of the Morrisburg mall.

Bazinet, informed the group that the sewer work done at the plaza earlier this fall, when a large area behind a portion of the plaza was dug up for days,  represents only about 30 per cent of the sewer work that needs to be done in the Morrisburg plaza.

He added that they have just completed a three month investigation of the area sewers, and that the deterioration of certain underground infrastructure is starting to present a service issue.

Morrisburg Plaza fund allocations will definitely be part of budget discussions which will take place in the new year.

“It’s time we look at imposing a special tax rate on the downtown sections,” said South Dundas deputy mayor Jim Locke.

That too will be a discussion for budget time. 

[…]

“The building looks great,” said Erika Heesen, communications and marketing librarian for the SDG County Library following a final site inspection at the renovated building that will be home to the new Williamsburg branch.

“We’re looking forward to moving into our new space and taking the time to get everything set up for our patrons,” Heesen told The Leader.

The library will be moving in throughout December and early January.

The plan is for the branch to open to the public in mid-January.

The new Williamsburg branch will be a full service and accessible neighbourhood branch, with computers, internet access, programs, and collections for adults, teens and children. “We’re also working on a full suite of programs to offer the public when the library re-opens in January,” said Heesen.

Firm opening dates are not yet available, but when they do re-open the hours will be the same as at the old branch; Tuesdays-Thursdays 4-8 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

[…]

Discarded smoking materials are the likely cause of the fire that destroyed this Levere Road hunting camp building in South Dundas. South Dundas Fire and Emergency Services attend the scene to extinguish the blaze around 2 p.m. November 28. 

[…]

December 2, members of South Dundas council were sworn into office at the South Dundas Municipal Centre in Morrisburg. South Dundas's first female mayor was sworn in along with re-elected deputy mayor Jim Locke, returning councillor Bill Ewing, re-elected councillor Archie Mellan and newly elected councillor Marc St. Pierre.

[…]

 Shoppers at Something Old Something  New in Iroquois, have been dropping coins in a donation jar kept near the cash checkout by Thrift Store owner Laurie Turriff….and now that money will be used to help grant a wish to a child living in Eastern Ontario with a life-threatening medical condition.

Thursday, November 20, Turriff turned over a cheque for $800 to Make-A-Wish, Eastern Ontario Canada’s Mike Wlotzki, Director, Fund Development. 

Something Old Something New customers contributed $400 to the jar and this was matched by Turriff.

“That is a lot of wrapping coin,” said Wlotzki as he accepted the cheque. “That is beautiful.”

Turriff explains that the ‘donation jar’ is always in its place in her shop located in the Iroquois Shopping Plaza. 

“When I get up to $300 to $400, I match it and make the donation. When that is done, it starts over, and I find the next organization that helps kids with cancer. This is all thanks to my customers. Already we have raised $20 for the next donation.”

The Make-A-Wish Eastern Ontario area stretches from Ottawa to Cornwall, west to Belleville and north to Peterborough said Wlotzki.

“We are very proud to say we have granted 66 wishes in 2014,” said Wlotzki.

With 60 wishes completed in 2013, and the goal for 2014 set at 65, Make-A-Wish Eastern Ontario has reason to be proud. 

Chief Executive Officer for Eastern Ontario, Tanya Desjardins points out in a Make-A-Wish publication that, “these wishes are not possible without the support through donations, sponsorship and awareness. From travel wishes to Disney and London, to room make overs and “man fan caves”, to meeting Sidney Crosby and One Direction and to hot tubs and computers…the list of creative unique and special wishes keeps on growing. This year is a historical one as we granted our 500th wish to a 15-year-old boy….” 

 Make-A-Wish Eastern Ontario does not solicit wishes. All children who receive their wishes are referred by family, friends, medical personnel or social workers. Any child with a life-threatening medical condition, from three years to not yet 18, may be referred.

Once the family is aware of the referral, Make-A-Wish, verifies the child’s medical condition with his/her doctor.

The fun begins with the child making three wishes which can be…. “I wish to be, I wish to have, I wish to meet, or I wish to go…..

Once this is accomplished Make-A-Wish goes to work on making a wish come true.

“If there is anyone who thinks there may be a child, they can go to our website to the “refer a child” section,” says Wlotzki. “We are always looking for a Wish Child.”

“It’s a lot of work, but it is very magical.”

[…]