News

 

Looking for a way to experience arts, culture, and fun with your family this summer? 

The SD&G County Library is pleased to offer new Museum Passes to Ottawa museums, including the Museum of Civilization, Canadian War Museum, Canada Science and Technology Museum, Canada Aviation and Space Museum, and Canada Agriculture Museum.

Building relationships with community organizations is part of the SD&G County Library’s strategic plan, introduced last year. 

These new Museum Passes add to the Library’s collection, which already includes passes to the Ottawa Museum Network. 

“Museum Passes are free to check out, and can be borrowed just like a book from the Library. Each pass is valid for a family of 5 to go to the Museum”, said Erika Heesen, Communications and Marketing Librarian. 

“One of the Library’s goals is to engage the community with unique services and programs, and partnership with these museums also creates the opportunity for future presentations by Museum Curators at the Library. We’re looking forward to expanding these partnerships to other local museums in the future, including the Museum of Nature”. 

If you’d like to borrow a Museum Pass, please go to your local branch of the SD&G County Library. More information can also be found by going to www.sdglibrary.ca and clicking on “What Your Library Offers”.

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Mosquitoes in the area have tested positive for the West Nile virus. 

Although there have been no human cases reported in our region, there have been cases in the province.

“The Eastern Ontario Health Unit has been actively monitoring mosquitoes for West Nile virus” says Dr. Paul Roumeliotis, Medical Officer of Health. 

“This finding shows that West Nile virus remains a concern in our area, even towards the end of the summer.”

The Eastern Ontario Health Unit would like to remind residents to take precautions against the virus and therefore against mosquitoes by taking the following steps:

Use federally registered personal insect repellents, such as those containing DEET. Use a light coating on exposed skin. Follow label instructions for proper application.

Wear light-coloured clothing, long sleeves, pants and socks when outside.

Avoid being outside at dusk and dawn, as mosquitoes are the most active at that time.

Ensure that all containers in or around the yard like tires, pool covers, saucers for flowerpots, wading pools and children’s toys are regularly emptied of standing water.

Ensure that screens, windows and doors are fully sealed to prevent mosquitoes from entering the house.

For more information, visit the Eastern Ontario Health Unit’s website at www.eohu.ca and click on the Community Health section, or call 613-933-1375 or 1 800 267-7120 and ask for Health Line.

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Ontario Power Generation (OPG) is urging people to exercise extreme care around Ontario waterways this Labour Day long weekend, particularly on rivers and lakes near hydroelectric stations and dams. 

For many people, the Labour Day weekend is the final opportunity of the season to enjoy a boat ride or swim.  This year, cold, wet weather in much of the province has resulted in water levels and flows that are higher than average in many waterways. While it is wise to use extra caution in the water under such conditions, it is especially important at any time of the year when near hydroelectric dams and stations. Water conditions may appear to be safe, but, as the new OPG television ad says, “The Danger is Real” near a hydro station, no matter what it seems. OPG is urging people to stay clear and stay safe of hydroelectric facilities at all times of the year.

Most hydroelectric facilities are remotely controlled by operators located many kilometres away. They may open dams and start and stop generators many times throughout the day. This causes numerous and rapid changes in the water levels and flows. These changing conditions produce powerful gushes of water that create strong undertows. While the water may look calm on the surface, down below, it is extremely turbulent and very dangerous.

The Ontario Provincial Police and Ontario Power Generation have partnered to bring a new public service announcement (PSA) to warn people of the dangers near hydroelectric dams and stations.  Visit www.opg.com/watersafety to watch, “The Danger is Real”, and to see other unique online resources that will help you and your family stay safe this fall and all year long.

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With the last of the summer long weekends only days away, the Ontario Provincial Police are giving advance notice that they will be honing in on distracted drivers as part of the heightened enforcement they have planned over the Labor Day weekend.     

With kids heading back to school next week, distracted driving is of particular concern to the OPP as distraction-related collision fatalities in OPP jurisdiction continue to surpass impaired driving-related deaths this year.  According to the OPP, everyone travelling on roads and highways should be equally concerned about this alarming trend.

“Most people would not get into a vehicle with an impaired driver and they are at as much risk in the presence of a distracted driver as an impaired driver,” says Chief Superintendent Don Bell, Commander of the OPP Highway Safety Division.  “If drivers do not have the good sense to stop this dangerous behaviour on their own, I encourage passengers to take responsibility for their own safety by speaking up.  If you are a passenger in a vehicle and the driver is not completely focused on driving, is talking on a cell phone or even worse – texting, remind them that they are endangering your life and that you want them to stop,” added Bell.

“So far this year, 47 of the 177 people killed in motor vehicle collisions in OPP jurisdiction involved distracted driving, compared to 32 impaired driving-related collision deaths,” said Deputy Commissioner Larry Beechey, Provincial Commander of Traffic Safety and Operational Support.  “Our statistics make it clear beyond a doubt that road users need to pay greater attention to this problem and get on board with our efforts to stop it rather than wait for a devastating tragedy to occur,” added Beechey. 

Speeding and other aggressive driving behaviour, impaired driving and seat belt compliance will also be on the OPP’s radar over the long weekend.  Boaters and off-road vehicle (ORV) users should also be prepared to see a strong OPP presence on waterways and trails, with ORV fatalities up 80 per cent and marine fatalities up more than 15 per cent this year.

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Correction: The August 14 issue of the Leader incorrectly identified Joe Groeneveld as the Dixon's Corners youth director. He is in fact the Williamsburg youth pastor. Dan Ponsen is the Dixon's youth director. We apologize for the error.

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Local members and supporters of the Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry Federal Liberal Association enjoyed an afternoon of family entertainment at the Lost Villages Museum on Saturday, August 17th.  

“The weather was perfect; it was a great day for Liberals”, said Del Jones, President. 

The only challenge for the association was feeding the large crowd. 

Organizers had planned on an attendance of 150-200 but the caterers estimated that close to 400 were served.  

“We were a little overwhelmed by the numbers and realized early that we were going to have to shop for more food. That was a problem that we did not mind having.” said Jones.

 Liberals had the opportunity to hear encouraging words from Ottawa-Vanier MP, Mauril Bélanger, former Kingston and the Islands MP and long-serving Speaker of the House, Peter Milliken as well as former SDSG MPP, Jim Brownell.

Belanger reinforced the importance of Liberal supporters getting involved as volunteers and making regular financial contributions. He pointed out that between April and June more Canadians donated to the Liberal Party than any other party, but the Conservative Party raised almost twice as much. 

Jones challenged local Liberals to get involved as volunteers and sign up for the Victory Fund. “There is a 75 percent tax credit for contributions on donations of $10/month which means it only costs donors $2.50/month – less than ten cents per day to support the Liberal Party.  

“Justin Trudeau has strong support across Canada but it will take hard work and financial support in every riding to restore a progressive Liberal government in Ottawa,” he said.

The barbecue was free to members, supporters and their friends. 

Anyone interested in becoming a member, or donating to the Liberal Party should go to the Liberal Party website www.liberal.ca or contact Del Jones at del_jones@sympatico.ca.

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Public input is key to a new 10-year housing plan, now in the works. 

Community members will have a chance to help shape a new vision for housing in the City of Cornwall and the United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry for the next decade and beyond.

The City of Cornwall’s Social Housing Division is in the midst of creating a new 10-year Housing Plan for Cornwall and SDG that will focus on the entire spectrum of housing, from homelessness to affordable home ownership. 

The plan will include an assessment of current and future housing needs as well as targets and objectives to meet those needs.

“This is a high-level strategic plan,” said Debora Daigle, Manager, Social and Housing Services. “It will identify needs and respond to local challenges with innovative community-based solutions.”

Public consultation is a key element in the process, and officials are reaching out to the public and community stakeholders to provide input during the preparation of the plan. 

Residents and interested stakeholders are invited to share their thoughts through a short online survey that is available on the City website (www.Cornwall.ca). The survey will be available until the end of August.

“The survey will help us identify gaps in service and priorities to improve access to quality and affordable housing,” said Daigle. “We’re hoping to get input from a wide cross-section of the community, including members of the public, community agencies, planners, developers, builders and housing providers.”

As the Consolidated Municipal Service Manager for Cornwall and SDG, the City of Cornwall has a mandate to develop a plan covering the entire region.

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On Sunday, August 11th, my wife Frances and I had the pleasure of hosting our 9th Annual Constituency Picnic. Thanks to a wonderful staff and some great volunteers, the event went off without a hitch. After being so well received by the many constituents throughout SDSG it is very gratifying for Frances and I to return the favour and welcome people to our home. 

The picnic has become a bit of a tradition for us. We have been feeding our guests the same menu, providing the same entertainment and everyone seems to enjoy themselves year after year. We even have bouncy castles for the kids. 

Speaking of entertainment, Lucien “Smokey” Leger and his family have been our entertainment since our first event in 2005. 87 year old Smokey, his sons Alan and Brian, along with son-in-law Rick, keep everyone tapping their toes and sometimes even singing along to the many “old favourites” they play. I feel truly fortunate that our Constituency Picnic is the only “gig” these very professional and accomplished musicians play at all year. They have already been booked for next year’s special 10th Anniversary Picnic.

Certainly one of the highlights of the afternoon is when Frances sang a few numbers. 

As some of you know, Frances has a beautiful voice and she is always a fan favourite when she sings her traditional three numbers. 

Many of our guests are most complimentary of the beautiful flower gardens Frances works so hard at preparing for our special event. 

I do cut the grass, however this year I didn’t get the weeding done, although I don’t think anyone noticed.

In all sincerity this day is very special to me. It is very humbling to welcome all the great friends we have made over the past years to a very simple happy family event. 

Our BBQ gives all of us a chance to catch up with each other, see old friends, and just be grateful for the wonderful country we live in. For me it is a wonderful reminder of just how fortunate I am to be blessed with being the Member of Parliament for Stormont, Dundas & South Glengarry.

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“Phenomenal,” was how Susan Le Clair, manager of customer service and corporate communications, described the first Food Lovers Field Days event that took place, at Upper Canada Village, August 17 and 18.

“We exceeded expectations,” said Le Clair, who reported that almost 6,000 people attended over the two days.

Saturday, those who organized the event were already talking about next year’s event. 

“We have already been talking about how we can make it even bigger and better,” said Le Clair, who is sure they will be able to make some improvements for next year, now that they have a year’s experience under their belts.

While the food lovers who attended were pleased to learn so much about what is available in their own backyards, so too were the 30 vendors who participated.

By Sunday afternoon, some of the vendors started to run out of product, indicating that their expectations were also exceeded.

Because Upper Canada Village appeals to such a large demographic, the vendors gained exposure to a larger demographic that they may not get at a regular food show, explained Le Clair. “The vendors were very happy,” she said.

The venue has room for even more vendors next year.

Le Clair acknowledged that they were lucky to get such perfect weather, and hopes that will happen again for next year’s event.

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Outhouse racing. Yes, outhouses.

Outhouse racing is one of the new events coming to this year’s Harvest Festival, taking place September 21, in Williamsburg.

David Lapier of the Williamsburg Harvest Festival Committee, explains that outhouse races involve contestants building an outhouse, on casters, for a street race.

“We wanted to get the word our as soon as possible so people can get to work on building their outhouses,” said Lapier, who looks forward to the new, unique event. “It’s something that we haven’t seen here before.”

The outhouses will be pushed by a team in a foot race. Each team will consist of two pushers and one rider, all aged 15 and up. 

Complete rules and regulations are available at the Williamsburg Garage.

Outhouses will also be judged in the best decorated outhouse competition. Judging on general appeal, appearance, use of the fall theme and creativity, a winner will be selected.

For those more interested in the front yard, there will be a new bench and porch decorating contest, of course with a harvest theme. 

“We thought we’d try something different this year,” said Lapier.

Also, new this year is a sporting activity in J.C. Whitteker Park, led by Ben Mcpherson, South Dundas recreation program coordinator, in promotion of the South Dundas Sport Lending Library.

Lapier said that the Scouts, who traditionally organize Bessie Bingo, are planning to try something similar, but a little different this year. “The Scouts always do a good job at Harvestfest. They are always really creative with what they organize.” This year the Scouts will be doing a pumpkin catapult bingo.

Other new exhibits coming to this year’s Harvest Festival include the Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Pop Up Library and a beautiful display by the Grenville Fish and Game Club.

“Along with these new activities, all of the other regular activities will be back again this year,” said Lapier. Most importantly, Lapier encourages those interested in the outhouse races to pick up the rules and regulations and get busy designing and building their own outhouse. 

All Harvest Festival activities and events are free.

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