News

 

Summer may be coming to an end but the vibrant colours of fall are right around the corner.  

On Saturday and Sunday, September 20 and 21, Upper Canada Village will celebrate the bounty of harvest time with an amazing display of produce, art and artisan made works along with rare heritage breeds of livestock.

The public is invited to enter their fine art, preserves, handwork, vegetables and other items to see how they measure up against Village staff.  

All entries must comply with 1860s guidelines which can be found and downloaded at www.uppercanadavillage.com and must be registered by 9 a.m. on Friday, September 19.  

Visitors will have the opportunity to see a number of rare and unusual heritage breeds of poultry and sheep from Rare Breeds Canada and Upper Canada Village’s own Canadian horses, cows and other livestock will be on display.  

Beautiful Victorian needlework and embroidery, delicious preserves, pickles and baked goods, heritage vegetables, watercolours and oil paintings, honey, cheese as well as articles showcasing early industry will be inside the Fall Fair tent recreating the atmosphere of an 1860’s Agricultural Exhibition.  

Visitors won’t want to miss the Moss Motto, a large picture made from plant materials which has been carefully prepared by Village staff, and is a truly unique feature on display in the Fall Fair Tent.

Exhibits of agricultural and horticultural products, domestic manufactures and ladies’ work will be displayed throughout the day from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and there will be special exhibits highlighting trades and industry in the 1860’s inside the Fall Fair tent.  

A full schedule of performances will keep visitors entertained throughout the day: Music at Cook’s Tavern 11:15 a.m. until noon; Abracadabra Magic by Steve Baker (on stage starting at 11:45 a.m.-2 p.m.-3:45 p.m.); President’s opening remarks and Brass Band performance 1 p.m.; Cattle and Horse Show (2 p.m.); Brass Band performance (Cooks Tavern 2:15 p.m.); Children’s Games (fairgrounds 2:45 p.m.)

The Village Fall Fair “fair” prices for treats: Apples, Village-baked bread, Village cheese, cider, lemonade and fudge will all be available at only 50 cents per serving.  

Children can participate in several 19th century games taking place throughout the weekend.  Ring toss, three-legged races, sack races, wheelbarrow races, and tug-of-war are being organized to provide young visitors with a taste of some good old-fashioned fun and tasty prizes.

Admission:  Adult (13-64 yrs) $18; Senior (65 plus) $16; Youth (6-12) $12; children 5, and under free.  

Upper Canada Village is open from 9:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday until September 21.  The Village’s Fall event, Pumpkinferno will run on select nights from Friday, October 3 through Saturday, November 1. 

[…]

Friday was nomination day for the October 27 municipal election, and on that final day, South Dundas gained three more councillor candidates.

South Dundas voters will now have the opportunity from two mayoral candidates, three deputy mayoral candidates and nine councillor candidates.

The three new councillor candidates gained this week include Mahlon Locke, Marc St. Pierre and Robert Gillard.

“I have never been on council before, so I figured that a councillor seat would  be a good place to start,” said Locke.

“My election platform is that I don’t have a platform,” he said, explaining that he is submitted his name for councillor because he is a concerned citizen.

Locke has contemplated running for council in the past, but work and other commitments had put a damper on the idea at the time. Locke retired from Bell Canada in 2012. 

“I now have more time and energy to put towards things I am interested in, one of them being part of township council, if elected,” he said.

“There are events that have happened in the past that I, and others do not understand. I am hoping that be running for councillor, those answers and others will become readily available and I, in turn, will be able to pass this information on to other people,” said Locke.

“The money has already been spent. I believe we need to digest the debt we now hold and try to operate status quo.”

Locke wants to help others, and he believes being closer to the centre of activity will allow him to do just that.

Marc St. Pierre filed is nomination papers for councillor shortly after Locke.

St. Pierre has been thinking about running for South Dundas council for several years. He seriously contemplated a run in the last municipal election, but decided that then, his young daughter should be his focus. She is now 11, and St. Pierre believes that this time the position is a better fit for him and his family.

“Economic Development, fire services and waterfront planning are a few issues where I have an opinion,” said St. Pierre.  “I think I can offer some expertise,” said St. Pierre, who has experience with land development and municipal infrastructure. “I have also been a firefighter for years, so I can offer some additional viewpoints there,” he said.

Although St. Pierre works in Kanata, he plans to continue to live in South Dundas, long-term. “I like living in South Dundas. It’s a good place to live. “I think there’s always room for community improvement,” said St. Pierre, who wants to be part of those improvements.

St. Pierre believes that for a newcomer to municipal politics, being elected councillor is the right place to start. “I really think there’s a learning curve,” he said, adding that while he is learning about being a councillor, he can at the same time bring something to the decision-making process.

The final name added to the list of candidates was Robert (Rowdy) Gillard, one that is not new to the local political scene.

Gillard is a 30 year, plus, veteran of municipal council, having served in every position including councillor, deputy mayor and mayor.

He sees councillor as the best fit for him in this election.

“By being at the table, I can help those out there that need help,” said Gillard. “I think I can contribute.”

Gillard would like to find a way to pursue affordable housing opportunities. “The average person can’t afford things, the way it is now,” he said.

Gillard, who had some health issues, says he is now feeling very well, and he looks forward to getting back into municipal politics.

“Councillor is a great place to do that. It’s the position where you have the most time to listen to the concerns of local people,” said Gillard. “I like when people feel like they can come to you with their issues.”

Gillard will have a limited number of election signs, instead opting to donate those funds to local charities.

Incumbent mayor Steven Byvelds and councillor Evonne Delegarde are facing off for the top spot. The deputy mayors race is a three man race between incumbent Jim Locke, former councillor Del Jones and political newcomer Carl Matthews-McIntyre. The list of nine councillor candidates vying for the three available councillor seats includes Phillip Blancher, Bill Ewing, Bert Geertsma, Robert Gillard, Jim Graham, Mahlon Locke, Archie Mellan, Jim Mills and Marc St. Pierre.

Voters in South Dundas will have the opportunity to vote by phone or internet. A paper ballot polling station will also be available.

[…]

South Dundas Fire and Emergency Services’  Marine Rescue Unit was deployed to a submerged vehicle at 10:45 p.m., September 10, near Loyalist Park along Lakeshore Drive.

First on scene was Fire Chief Chris McDonough, who deployed the marine unit immediately, as he was unsure if there was anyone inside the car. It turned out there was not.

Also on scene was Bill’s Towing.

The six firefighters in the rescue boat, and six firefighters on shore were able to attach a rescue line to the vehicle and tether it to the tow truck at the scene to keep the car in place until a heavier tow truck arrived from Cornwall Towing to actually lift the vehicle out of the water.

“The strong winds and heavy current made maneuvering very difficult,” said McDonough. “They did a great job securing the car.”

SDFES remained on scene until 3 a.m. helping with the recovery effort.

The car recovered was a 2005 Cadillac sedan, dark blue in colour.

According to police, the Cadillac was travelling along Lakeshore Drive when it went out of control and collided with the guardrail just east of Loyalist Park, and a private dock.

When police arrived, the driver of the vehicle was not at the scene.

September 11, a 21 year old South Dundas man was identified as the driver of the car. 

Police are reporting that the driver is safe and was not injured in the collision. September 16, the investigation was still ongoing.

Police have not yet laid any charges. According to OPP media relations officer, the name of the man involved will not be released unless charges are laid.

[…]

Carl Matthews-McIntyre making first run at council

McIntyre filed his nomination papers for the deputy mayor’s seat the morning of September 4.

“I don’t want to live in a community where the only choice for our young people is to move away or work at minimum wage menial position,” said McIntyre. He says youth jobs, the need for affordable housing and doctor shortages are among the issues that have not been addressed by this council. McIntyre says this council is not representative of this community and that they have continually refused to listen concerns from the business community.

McIntyre moved to this area 11 years ago from Toronto. There, he was a maintenance manager for Metro and the City of Toronto. “There I had a staff of over 150 and controlled a multi-million dollar budget,” said McIntyre. He retired from that position in 2003, and in 2007 came here and opened his first business in Morrisburg, Basket Case.

Since opening that business he has been actively involved with the Morrisburg Business Improvement Area and South Dundas Chamber of Commerce. He is presently on leave from his position of South Dundas Chamber of Commerce president.

“I have always striven to build partnerships with community groups, council, businesses, and anyone who is interested in promoting the community.” 

 

He led the Chamber of Commerce in saving Antiquefest and the Tubie Festival.

Former councillor Del Jones strives to return as deputy mayor

[…]

Following an in house review of council remuneration, council approved a small pay increase for South Dundas’ elected officials.

Increased remuneration for every member of council was approved at the September 2 regular South Dundas council meeting.

A review of council remuneration is something that should be done at least once per term of council, according to South Dundas clerk Brenda Brunt.

After a staff review of area council remuneration levels, they provided a number of options, that were slightly higher than what was approved by council.

In the end, council decided that the mayor will be paid $24,000, the deputy mayor $15,000 and councillors $12,000.

Presently base honorarium is $21,178 for the mayor, $14,783 for deputy mayor and $11,615 for councillors.

The base honorarium includes 24 regular council meetings. Pay for committee meetings is $75 per meeting. Mileage and conference rates follow those set by the United Counties of SDG.

Conference allowances will increase from $1,200 to $1,400 for a four day conference, to help offset the increased cost of hotels and parking.

Even with the increased honourium, South Dundas council members are the second lowest paid in SDG.

[…]

A Taiwanese man’s dream to cycle around the world has taken him many places, including here to South Dundas.

Forty-three year old Jason Tang was welcomed by James Chan to his Lakeshore Drive home just outside of Morrisburg.

Chan knew of Tang’s journey that has taken him to Australia and New Zealand, through the Taiwanese Association of Canada. “He’s from Taiwan like myself,” said Chan. 

When Chan learned that Tang was cycling in this area, he welcomed him to stay.

Tang overnighted here August 31, setting off to continue his journey across Canada, September 1. 

It took one hour for Tang to make it from Morrisburg to Upper Canada Village, where he stopped for a photo op.

Tang started the Canadian leg of his journey earlier this year in Vancouver, and hopes to get to Halifax as soon as possible. From there, he plans to travel to Boston and then on to Mexico.

Chan explained that Tang, is cycling completely alone, with no support vehicles. “On his bike he carries about 60 kilos of luggage, and he only weighs about 70 kilos himself.”

Chan was amazed at the luggage that included everything he needs to set up camp, cook and perform the necessary maintenance on his bicycle.

“He has such determination and dedication to follow his dreams,” said Chan. 

Tang also travels with his erhu; a two-stringed bowed musical instrument, somewhat like a fiddle, often busking along the way to pay for his next meal. 

[…]

He’s an easy man to talk to.

Despite being forced to stand outside his car, struggling to keep decent local cell phone reception, despite having just pulled into town after a long drive down from Port Dover, Norm Foster handled yet another interview with grace, and with the trademark sense of humour for which he is known.

Foster, one of Canada’s most produced and most beloved playwrights, is in Morrisburg to star in Upper Canada Playhouse’s fourth summer production, On A First Name Basis, opening September 4 and running until the 28th of September.

Foster also wrote the play.

“Actually, I find it easier to act in my own plays than in someone else’s. I know the material well, and I can certainly interpret my character the way the ‘author’ sees him,” Foster laughed. “But I will say that I set high standards for myself as an actor because I want the show to be the best it can be for the audience.”

On A First Name Basis is a ‘two-hander’, staged with a cast of only two. Foster’s character, David Kilbride, is a very successful, well-to-do author – and a rather less successful human being. 

“It’s not so much that (David) means to be a jerk,” Foster explained. “The reality is that he has no social skills whatsoever. He speaks his mind without any regard to anyone else’s feelings.”

Enter Lucy Hopperstaad, Kilbride’s housekeeper of two decades, performed by noted actress of stage and television, Patricia Vanstone. Her Lucy has been with this man for more than 20 years, Yet, in the course of an evening, it becomes very clear that David knows absolutely nothing about the woman who has, for all intents and purposes, been closer to him than any other human being. 

“I’ve know Patricia since 1984, when she played in my Melville Boys,” Foster said. “We have done a lot of projects together over the years. When I asked Patricia to  take on the role of Lucy, it was because I thought she was perfect to play the wise-cracking, clever maid. Lucy has to show David that he can’t say the things he says, act the way he does. She helps him work on being a ‘human being’.”

As in all Foster plays, there is witty, hilarious, unexpected dialogue in On A First Name Basis. But, as is also a characteristic of Foster’s work, there are “tender moments” between these two very unique individuals as well. 

Foster is acclaimed for his ability to create ‘people’ on the stage that audiences understand.

“My characters are based on people I know, real, everyday people. Audiences may know someone like them, may even see themselves up there,” Foster explained. “I have a certain comfort level writing about those people because I feel that I understand them.”

Where do his ideas for plays come from?

“A lot of times a piece of music will put me in the mood to write. I may even be in the middle of writing one play when another play idea springs out at me. On very rare occasions, people may make suggestions to me that intrigue me, and I may develop a play from those conversations. And,” he added laughing, “those people get absolutely no credit whatever for the finished play!”

Foster often speaks his lines aloud as he writes them. 

“I want a natural flow of words  in my dialogues. Basically, I like to make an audience feel as though they are eaves-dropping on a conversation between two people. This is particularly true with On A First Name Basis, where audiences share two hours, in real time, of the exchanges between David and Lucy.”

Norm Foster also staged the premiere of The Ladies Foursome this summer at Upper Canada Playhouse, where it proved to be  an enormous success.

“I like the Playhouse,” Foster said, “It’s great to have the big crowds, and to have audiences which appreciate theatre. Donnie (Bowes) is also an old friend, and I enjoy bringing a show to him.The Playhouse is simply a great place to work.”

On A First Name Basis is directed by David Nairn, “who is the only director Patricia and I have had since we began touring this production three years ago,” Foster said. The set for the show has been designed by the Playhouse’s John Thompson, to adapt the blocking to the wider stage area at the Playhouse.

Audiences can look forward to a wonderful production as Upper Canada Playhouse welcomes Norm Foster and Patricia Vanstone, starring in Foster’s On A First Name Basis running from September 4-28. Contact the Playhouse at 1-613-543-3713.

[…]

September 2, the upcoming South Dundas municipal election gained another candidate when Phillip Blancher filed nomination papers announcing his intention to seek election as South Dundas councillor.

“I want to make a difference, and improve things in South Dundas,” said Blancher, who has been considering seeking election for quite some time.

Blancher moved to South Dundas just over nine years ago. 

“Over those nine years, I haven’t always agreed with council decisions, and how things have been handled,” said Blancher. 

As a father with a young family, and the owner of a small business that specializes in communications and web development, Blancher believes he would bring a different perspective, a younger perspective to the South Dundas council table.

“I am younger than those who currently sit on council, and having a young family, I think I see things a little differently than they do,” said Blancher, explaining that because council decisions affect everyone in South Dundas, it would be nice to bring the perspective of someone with a young family into that process.

Blancher was raised primarily in the Gananoque area, and was educated in journalism at Sheridan College.

“As much experience as I have, I have no direct experience sitting around a municipal council table,” said Blancher, who hopes to get elected as councillor and gain that experience. “Also, no matter who you are at the table, you only have one vote.”

Blancher’s community involvement includes being president of the South Dundas Soccer Association and Seaway Kickers. He is vice president of the South Dundas Historical Society and served on the Morrisburg Waterfront Implementation Committee.

His platform is available on his website phillipblancher.ca, and includes getting back to basics, good customer service, putting South Dundas first and a focus on economic development.

The nomination deadline for the upcoming municipal election is September 12. So far Steven Byvelds and Evonne Delegarde are the only two candidates for mayor. With the withdrawal of Leslie Disheau, Jim Locke is now unopposed for the deputy mayor’s chair. The three council seats are being contested by Phillip Blancher, Bill Ewing, Bert Geertsma, Jim Graham and Archie Mellan. The list of candidates is not finalized until after the nomination deadline.

[…]

A promising new candidate to South Dundas’ political scene, has abruptly withdrawn from the upcoming municipal election.

Leslie Disheau, who filed her nomination papers for the position of South Dundas deputy mayor back in May, had shown great ambition, announcing in the fall of 2013 that she had her sights set on a seat at the South Dundas council table.

Friday, August 29, just before 9 a.m., Disheau withdrew that nomination. 

In a phone call to Disheau on Friday, she would only say it was for personal reasons. 

She later issued a statement.

“It has been a very difficult decision for me to make. I know this decision will disappoint some people. I am sorry, however my personal issue requires my full attention,” she wrote. “Thank you to each and everyone who took the time to speak with me and voice your concerns and issues. Thank you to those who have offered support and help with the campaign.” 

“I am blessed to live in South Dundas, ‘We are in this together’ and I do have hope that our community can and will rise to the challenges we are all facing. 

Disheau’s withdrawal leaves incumbent deputy mayor Jim Locke as the only candidate for that position. Nomination deadline day is September 12.

[…]