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 “I have worked really hard over the last four years to earn this position,” said Evonne Delegarde, who was at the Iroquois Legion when she learned that the people of South Dundas elected her mayor of South Dundas, and the first female mayor of this municipality.

Around 8 p.m., a crowd of about 60, including most of the South Dundas municipal election candidates had gathered at the South Dundas Municipal centre in council chambers to await the results of the 2014 election.

There they waited, and waited, and the crowd dwindled to about a dozen, when the clerk finally read the results at 11:20 p.m.

Archie Mellan, Bill Ewing and Marc St. Pierre were among those who stayed at SDMC to hear the results. Once the results were announced the men who where elected councillor received congratulations from defeated mayor Steven Byvelds and defeated councillor Jim Graham.

St. Pierre, led the polls for the councillor seats with 2104 votes.

“My feeling is one of excitement,” said St. Pierre, and, “I’m a little tired,” he said of the unexpectedly long wait for results.

“The last few weeks have been great, and the next four years will be a good adventure,” said the first time councillor, who lives in Mariatown.  “We do have some issues to deal with, and I’m confident that those elected can deal with them.”

“It’s time for change,” said Bill Ewing. “We should have a good crew here, so let’s get at it.” Ewing lives in Iroquois, and has previously served as a member of South Dundas council when the ward system was still in place. He represented the Iroquois ward. Ewing received 1,813 votes in Monday’s election.

Archie Mellan was re-elected as councillor. “It was a tight race,” he said, looking at numbers between he and fourth place finisher Jim Mills. Mellan received 1,328 votes, only 15 more than Mills. Mellan is from Hulbert.

“It’s looking like I will be back, and I’m looking forward to another challenging and exciting four years,” said Mellan. “I’m sad to see Steven and Jim go,” said Mellan of Byvelds and Graham, both of whom have served two terms on South Dundas council. “They were both extremely hard-working and dedicated individuals. Losing them will be a loss for South Dundas, but the slack will be picked up by our new members.”

At the Iroquois Legion, Delegarde offered congratulations to all those elected and “kudos” to all the candidates.

“I am really pleased with the results,” she said. “Thanks to everyone who supported me.”

Of being elected the first female mayor of South Dundas, she said, “I hadn’t really thought of that, it certainly breaks with tradition, so I thank the people for the confidence they have in me.”

Delegarde is very excited that she will now be part of the SDG Counties council, and she will look to re-elected deputy mayor Jim Locke for his knowledge of counties and issues and procedures to guide her into the new venture.

Leading up to election day, Delegarde said she had a very positive feeling. From the verbal support she had been receiving she felt like she would win. “I didn’t think it would be by that much,” she said. She figured that she would win, expecting a 60:40 split. When the  numbers finally came in, it was a 67:33 split, in her favour. Delegarde received 2,807 votes compared to Byvelds’ 1,388.

“I’m not surprised by the result,” said Jim Locke, who was re-elected to the deputy mayor’s seat with 1,900 voted compared to the 1,344 votes that Del Jones received.

“I thought the mayor’s race would be close. Evonne worked hard at it, and the people have spoken,” said Locke, who lives in Iroquois. “I look forward to working with her and the new council.”

As for his own win Locke said that he didn’t really work hard at campaigning. “I just let it be, and left it up to the people to decide.”

Of the 8,380 electors in South Dundas, 4,265 voted – a 51 per cent voter turnout. That’s down from the last election which saw a 53 per cent turnout, which was down from the 2006 election when 59 per cent exercised their right to vote.

In this election, 2,255 electors chose to vote by internet, 1,053 in person at the South Dundas Municipal Centre in Morrisburg and 957 by phone.

[…]

Elections results for South Dundas and 43 other municipalities in Ontario were delayed on election night, and that delay could change things for the next South Dundas election in four years time.

With the use of technology, results are expected within about an hour of polls closing, but in South Dundas, it took almost 3.5 hours for election results to be delivered by South Dundas’ clerk and returning officer Brenda Brunt to a small crowd only a few candidates their supporters who remained at the South Dundas Municipal Centre in council chambers.

This is the second consecutive election that South Dundas and other municipalities have experienced significant delays and difficulties in getting results delivered on election night.

Although the results were delivered at 11:20 p.m., Brunt still had no explanation for the delay from Scytl, the company hired to handle the process.

Tuesday morning the returning officers of 44 municipalities in Ontario, including all of those in SDG, were working hard to get answers from Scytl Canada about the unexpected delay. 

By noon the returning officers of SDG had received a letter from Brian O’Connor, Scytl general manager, North America.

“We can now confirm that our quality assurance process detected an inconsistency in the naming of certain election results files.  Upon the detection of an anomaly, Scytl reran the tabulation and conducted a thorough manual audit,” reads the letter.

“While these additional measures required extra time to deliver the elections results, our first priority is to ensure the integrity of the election and deliver results to our clients of unquestionable accuracy.”  

“Scytl sincerely apologizes for the delay in the distribution of the results from yesterday’s municipal election and we thank the municipalities, local candidates, media, and voters for their patience and understanding,” concludes the letter.

With the three hour delay in getting election results delivered to South Dundas from the contractor hired to collect, compile and tabulate the results of the 2014 municipal election, most of the candidates on the eve of the election were eager to support a return to paper ballot voting for the next election. This is the second consecutive election where South Dundas has had to deal with technical difficulties from a service provider on election night, even though after the trouble in the last election, when the system was overwhelmed by last minute voting, a new company with a proven track record was contracted to provide the service.

[…]

Ontario Provincial Police held the East Region Annual Awards Ceremony in Kingston, October 19, and among those receiving the awards was a well known local – Bill Ewing.

Ewing, who lives in Iroquois and operates his business, Bill’s Towing, in South Dundas was the recipient of a Commissioner’s Commendation from the OPP. Also receiving a commendation was towing operator Duncan Cooper of Cornwall Towing.

“This was totally unexpected,” said Ewing. “I was just out there doing what I had to do. But, it is nice to be recognized.”

The commendation stemmed from Ewing’s actions during difficult circumstances, at the scene of a fatal collision along Highway 401 in South Dundas, August 27, 2012. The collision of a van with a tractor trailer and ensuing fire claimed the life of three family members including a two month old infant, the infant’s 22 year old mother and the mother’s 78 year old grandmother. Three other occupants of the van, also members of the Quebec family, were taken to hospital seriously injured.

The commendation was in recognition of Ewing’s outstanding assistance to the OPP at the scene of that collision where the two vehicles had become fused together, requiring Ewing’s expertise to prepare the vehicles for removal. 

Ewing’s expertise comes from 35 years with the Iroquois station of the South Dundas Fire and Emergency Service, where he has received extrication training, and from eight years of owning and operating a towing business.

[…]

Synagri is investing $5 million in a new, state-of-th-art fertilizer pant in Chesterville.

Synagri and North Dundas officials held a press conference last week in Chesterville regarding the project that will see the company hire 10 new employees.

Construction began in late September 2014 in Chesterville, and the new site will be fully operational by the spring 2015.

“An investment of more than $5 million was needed to address the needs of our current and future clients in Eastern Ontario,” said Sylvain Lavoie, general manager of Synagri in a media release.

The new facilities will handle all products sold by Synagri; fertilizers, seed and crop protection products. “Benefiting from the railway system nearby, we will reduce our cost of product manufacturing, storage and transfer to benefit our clients.”

New systems, and increased warehousing space are marquees of this major project. Involved in the agricultural crop inputs for nearly 50 years, Synagri’s team includes 160 full time employees and 400 workers in peak periods across the Synagri network, which includes 30 service outlets in Ontario and Quebec, including one in South Dundas, near Iroquois.

[…]

Agricultural, and ag-related issues dominated the all candidates evening that took place at Matilda Hall October 14, and it was questions about the proposed grain terminal along Lakeshore Drive that dominated questioning at the Iroquois meeting, October 20.

About 200 people attended each of the meetings, where for the second and third times they were able to pose questions to the nine councillor candidates, three deputy mayor candidates and two mayoral candidates seeking election to South Dundas council.

The three all candidates meetings were organized and hosted by the South Dundas Chamber of Commerce.

The first took place in Morrisburg, where seniors issues and municipal spending dominated discussions.

The nine councillor candidates vying for the three available councillor seats at the South Dundas table were first to face questions from the audience at both meetings. Those candidates include Phillip Blancher, Bill Ewing, Bert Geertsma, Robert Gillard, Jim Graham, Mahlon Locke, Archie Mellan, Jim Mills and Marc St. Pierre.

At Matilda, the bulk of discussion with the councillor candidates concerned wind projects and development issues, while the mayor candidates, Steven Byvelds and Evonne Delegarde, and deputy mayor candidates Del Jones, Jim Locke and Carl McIntyre were more focused on the grain terminal proposal.

In response to the various questions posed by the audience regarding overall agriculture and its inclusion in South Dundas economic development planning, incumbent councillor Archie Mellan stated that the municipality’s most important role for that sector is to ensure that key infrastructure (roads), drainage and fire/emergency services that farmers may need are in place and that enterprises important to the  agriculture industry be accommodated. “We need to make sure we support agriculture to the best of our ability,” said Mellan.

“The best thing to do is to stay out of the way and let them run their businesses as they see fit,” said Phillip Blancher. “Keep regulation to a minimum.”

“If agriculture has issues, bring them to council and we will work with you,” said Mahlon Locke.

A few questions were asked regarding wind projects. 

“This municipality needs to have a voice, whether it is listened to or not,” said Marc St. Pierre. “We need to have the best interest of our taxpayers in mind, and if they want to fight something, we need to be at the forefront.”

“I agree with Marc,” said Jim Mills. Regarding Green Energy, he added that one municipality can’t fight it on their own, but the municipalities in Ontario need to join together to make changes. “Someone has to start it, let that be South Dundas.”

“We need to listen to the wishes of the residents effected,” added Blancher. “You protest, you argue until you’re blue in the face to fight for what the people want or don’t want.”

“You have to fight the government, even though it’s hard to fight them, when you later have to beg money from them,” said Robert Gillard.

“We need to speak out, if that’s what people want,” said Bill Ewing. 

“You have to take a stand and raise a lot of commotion to stop it,” said Bert Geertsma.

Asked directly if elected, if they would support the implementation of a noise bylaw for the noise from the wind turbines, Blancher said yes. He also added that he would support a bylaw for the  nuisance of glare coming from solar projects.

“We need bylaws that are more stringent on developers, to ensure that people are protected,” said St. Pierre. 

 

 “I have no problem passing a bylaw, but there’s no point, if we can’t enforce it,” said Jim Graham. “If it’s something we can enforce, then by all means.”

“I agree said Bill Ewing. “I would look at it, if it’s feasible.” 

Another topic raised with the councillor candidates was the waterfront plan for Morrisburg.

Blancher, who is a member of the Morrisburg Waterfront Committee, explained that the plan was designed such that small projects can be done bit by bit. “If the opportunity for funding comes along, we have to have a plan if we want to get that money.”

“Scrap the waterfront plan,” said Mills. “We have a beautiful waterfront.” Mills added that it just needs to be left alone, then all that has to be done is grass cutting.

Mellan agreed that the $7 million price tag was shocking, but added that it is important to have this plan, so that should funding come, South Dundas has this project shovel ready.

“If we don’t have the money, nothing will happen, but it is important to have a plan,” said Jim Graham, adding that if requests for projects come forward, the plan is used as guidance.

Before the focus of the Matilda meeting shifted to the Lakeshore Drive grain terminal proposal, the issue of fire master planning was brought up for the first time during these debates.

The mayor and deputy mayor candidates were asked how many full time positions are part of this fire master plan.

“That plan has pages of recommendations, and one of those recommendations is permanent staff,” said Evonne Delegarde. “We need to have a meeting to properly review the plan and look at the recommendations to see what’s in our best interest.”

Steven Byvelds explained that the plan does recommend a lot of hiring at the top end. “I’m not sure we can afford to go down that road,” he said, adding that the plan also recommended a new station for Morrisburg. “We can’t afford to go down that road.”

“There’s a rumour circulating about a full time deputy chief. I can’t see a full time deputy chief in this term of council,” said Jim Locke.

“I am concerned about the direction we are going in,” said Del Jones. He explained that during his 2006-2010 term on council, council was close to hiring a part time chief, for a proposed 30 hours per week and a used Impala car to carry out his duties. The plan was for that part time chief to work through the amalgamation of the three fire departments for two years, with the recommendation of a local full time hire as chief after that two years. “Now we have a full time fire chief, with an assistant, and that worries me,” said Jones.

Towards the end of the Matilda meeting the proposed Lakeshore Drive grain terminal issue was raised, and from then and right through the Iroquois meeting, that issue dominated discussions with some of the same people asking questions about the potential project.

“We want business to come to South Dundas,” said Steven Byvelds. “We are in the economic development game.” He explained that South Dundas has to compete with its neighbouring municipalities to attract business. “I want South Dundas to be as open as possible to business.”

If the grain terminal proposal meets all applicable law, and zoning requirements, a building permit will be issued for the project to go ahead. However, though it is not required, council has asked that before a building permit is issued, that building permit application be brought to the council table for a final debate, if and when the time comes. “The new council will have that one final opportunity for debate,” said Byvelds.

In Iroquois, the issue of staffing levels was brought up, as the deputy mayor candidates were asked to discuss staffing levels as compared to other municipalities.

According to Jim Locke, South Dundas’ administrative costs are the same as other SDG municipalities. “We’ve added to planning and enforcement to handle the $90 million worth of permits, and we don’t give the best service,” said Locke. He spoke of the successes of the fire chief and recreation programming director.

“We are spending more than we should,” said Del Jones, who said that the only way that the taxpayers benefit from an expanded tax base, is if the municipality doesn’t spend all that new assessment money.

“I am more concerned about the unproductive employees we have at the senior level,” said Carl McIntyre.

Evonne Delegarde said that with retirements and resignations, positions need to be reviewed.

 

Steven Byvelds spoke of the increased staffing that has been a result of the municipality taking on water and sewer services in-house, and that has been the main reason people are seeing ‘more white trucks’ on the roads’. He said that if people want more services, it takes more employees to deliver those services. “We are well-staffed at the present time,” he said. “Now we are comfortable.”

[…]

 

South Dundas welcomed a new business to town when dignitaries, family and friends joined Kelly Keeler and Andy Major at the grand opening of Almost Paradise, at 147 Main Street, Morrisburg, October 18.

Almost Paradise is a tanning salon and boutique, as well as an outlet for Sears. “We know there is risk involved in opening a business,” said owner Kelly Keeler, “but we went with it. We wanted to do something new. We hope the community will like what we have to offer and will support us.”

MP Guy Lauzon, the mayor of South Dundas, Steven Byvelds, acting chair of the SD Chamber of Commerce, Donnie Bowes, County Warden, Eric Duncan and South Dundas council members Evonne Delegarde, Jim Locke, Jim Graham and Archie Mellan, were all on hand to offer personal congratulations and words of support to the new business owners. 

“We are always looking for economic growth in our region,” said MP Lauzon. “Small businesses like this one are the backbone of our economy.”

“Thank you for choosing South Dundas for your business,” said Eric Duncan, whose words were echoed by mayor Byvelds when he thanked Keeler and Major for their hard work and enthusiasm and “making sure this corner of South Dundas stays active.”

Almost Paradise was newly renovated by Keeler, Major and friends and family. The boutique welcomes the public to drop in.

[…]

 

“Welcome to South Dundas, and thank you for your decision to come to South Dundas,” said South Dundas mayor, Steven Byvelds. “A business like yours keeps our community growing and working.”

Along with MP Guy Lauzon, County Warden Eric Duncan, members of the council, Evonne Delegarde, Archie Mellan, Jim Locke and Jim Graham, as well as acting chair of the South Dundas Chamber of Commerce, Donnie Bowes, the mayor was on hand October 18, to offer congratulations. 

Lauzon, Duncan, Bowes, and the councillors each had words of encouragement for the new business and joined in the official ribbon cutting to open Morrisburg Physiotherapy at 147 Main Street in Morrisburg.

With 18 years of experience as a physiotherapist,  therapist Suzanne Johnston feels there is a real need for such treatments to be offered locally, and has opened this clinic based on a lot of community interest and research. 

She thanked the Chamber, dignitaries, and the council for their support, as she joins the local business network. She also expressed gratitude for the great efforts made by her family and friends in preparing for opening day.

Following the ribbon cutting, Johnston and her family invited the public to come and see the new Morrisburg facilities.

[…]

It only took about 30 minutes from doors opening, to the parking lot of the Matilda Hall being full, as area residents came out in force October 16, for the first Dundas County 50+ Wellness Day.

The J.W MacIntosh Seniors Support Centre, Carefor Nor-Dun Seniors’ Support Centre, Municipality of South Dundas, MP Guy Lauzon and MPP Jim McDonell joined forces to organize and host the event.

Free admission and a free lunch, sponsored by MP Lauzon and MPP McDonell, were part of the attraction to the event, that provided a day filled with presentations, and exhibits showing all kinds of relevant services that are readily available in this community.

“We had a similar event last year, in Williamsburg, and we needed a bigger venue,” said Janet Levere of the J.W. MacIntosh Seniors Support Centre in Williamsburg. 

At the same time the MP and MPP were looking to host a Wellness Day, so the organizations all joined forces to make it happen.

Over 30 exhibits and nine topics were made available for the event.

“A lot of people are not aware of all of the services that are available, so we worked to put this day together, that serves as a one stop shop for information,” said North Dundas mayor Eric Duncan, who served on the committee.
“It’s really part of our jobs as pubic servants,” said Duncan.

The lunch was paid for by the MP and MPP, and catered by the local United Church, Iroquois-Matilda charge.

[…]