Budget planning an uphill climb for town officials
By Tim Ruhnke - Journal Staff Writer
PRESCOTT The town's preliminary budget numbers are
in, and municipal leaders must now deal with the prospect of
increased costs and a smaller base from which to collect taxes.
Prescott council met Monday to get a better handle on the
municipality's financial outlook. What they saw was a reduction
in assessment and the prospect of having fewer tax dollars with
which to operate.
Using last year's taxation data, the town would have a shortfall
of $200,000 because of the lost assessment.
Among the many documents discussed by council was a comparison
of this year's proposed budget areas involving municipal tax
revenues and those incurred in 2000. The comparison shows a net
increase of more than $501,000 over last year's total based on
the 2000 total of $3,377,000.
There are proposed increases in public works, finance and
administration, police and other departments. The town will also
receive less funding this year from the province's fund designed
to offset costs associated with the downloading of services.
Deputy Mayor Jo-Anne Beckstead told The Journal the numbers
are always high at the beginning of the annual budget process.
But the finance committee chairperson conceded this year could
be "...a little tougher."
Complicating matters are the new provincial measures which
limit the extent to which a municipality can impose tax increases
on industrial and commercial sectors. These caps will place an
increased burden on residential properties.
"We have so much on the horizon...And no money to do
it with," Beckstead said at the meeting. "We have to
look at where the room is."
Council members will meet with department heads and other
officials to discuss their respective budget proposals and justify
any increases. Beckstead indicated any tax increase should be
accompanied by an improvement in services; ratepayers want to
see something for their money, she noted.
Councillors did not comment at the meeting on whether they
expect or would support a tax increase.
Although council is many weeks away from finalizing the town's
2001 budget, there are items which must be dealt with in the
interim. One of them is a new Zamboni for the Leo Boivin Community
Centre. The model owned by the town is 25 years old, has logged
more than 9,000 hours of ice time and is at the point where breakdowns
are inevitable and becoming more serious.
Some town officials are concerned the loss of the machine
during the upcoming season would force the closure of the arena
and a significant revenue loss. A new Zamboni would cost $68,000
and may take up to five months to deliver. Beckstead said this
item should be made a priority.
A decision to proceed with the purchase could come at next
Monday's council meeting.
Town Treasurer Laurie Kirkby also noted the need for the town
to acquire new computer software, additional memory and related
items.
Council also discussed Mayor Robert Lawn's goals and action
plan proposal. The plan covers such items as the budget process
and the development of a five-year financial plan for various
municipal services.
Although there was some debate as to how much weight the proposal
should be given by council at this time, members appeared to
accept the plan as a framework or working document.
The next budget meeting is scheduled to take place May 14.
Art show and sale this weekend
MAITLAND Hundreds of works are expected to be on display
this weekend at the 10th annual South Grenville Guild of Fine
Art Show and Sale.
The show is being held at the MERC Hall in Maitland Friday,
May 4 from 7 to 9:30 pm, Saturday, May 5 from 10 am to 5 pm,
and Sunday, May 6 from 11 am to 4 pm.
Works on display will include paintings in oil, watercolour
and acrylic, as well as sculpture and turned wood. Admission
is free, and refreshments will be served.
The South Grenville Guild of Fine Art was formed in 1992,
and has since grown to include 35 members.
Kriska hosts annual driving competition
PRESCOTT Professional truck and school bus drivers from
Eastern Ontario will test their skills at a competition to take
place Saturday, May 5 at the Kriska warehouse.
The 14th annual championships begin at 9 am and run all day
outside the warehouse at 850 Sophia St. Admission is free.
The event is being presented by the Eastern Ontario chapter
of the Transportation Health & Safety Association Council
of Driver Trainers. Drivers will compete against each other and
the clock on a challenging obstacle course.
New and antique trucks will be on display. Several organizations
will also be on hand to make safety presentations.
Net proceeds from the event will go to CHEO and Ontario Guide
Dogs for the Blind.
As a safety measure, through traffic on Kriska's property
east of Sophia will not be permitted during the competition.
Rabies clinics to be held
PRESCOTT The Leeds, Grenville and Lanark Health Unit
will host low-cost rabies vaccination clinics Wednesday, May
9 and Wednesday, May 16 from 2 to 6 pm at the public works garage
at the north end of Sophia Street.
Dog and cat owners are required to have their pets vaccinated.
Special clinics are being held at various locations throughout
the region; shots are administered at reduced fees.
Dogs should be leashed and cats should be in carriers when
being taken to the clinics, according to the health unit.
For more information, call 345-5685.
Soap box derby raring to go
PRESCOTT The annual Kiwanis soap box derby will be held
Monday, May 21, as part of Harbour Days festivities.
Hobby class and "Kit Kars" registration begins at
9 am on the George Street hill. Races start at 10 am.
Kits to build a derby car and more information on the derby
is available by contacting Chris Slater at 925-3404. Trophies
will be awarded as prizes in the various divisions.
Some fire departments feeling heat of grass
fires
By Jeff Lee - Journal Staff Writer
SOUTH GRENVILLE The Edwardsburgh/Cardinal fire department
hasn't been kept busy fighting grass fires like other area departments,
said the Edwardsburgh/Cardinal fire chief.
Jim Purcell said the grass fire activity in his township has
not been out of the ordinary in comparison to surrounding municipalities.
While other departments like the Augusta's seemed to have
been jumping from one grass fire to another this past weekend,
Purcell said Edwardsburgh/Cardinal's most recent grass fire was
a couple a weeks ago, and it was not even that severe.
But the combination of dry conditions and strong winds seemed
ripe for grass fires as the Augusta department responded to seven
fires from Thursday to Sunday.
Augusta Fire Chief Fred Boisvert is at a loss as to why exactly
there has been so much activity in the township, because last
year he could only recall responding to one grass fire. Boisvert
said that since the recent counties-wide ban on open fires, which
carries a maximum fine of $25,000, took effect, the number of
grass fires seems to have increased.
Friday afternoon both the Augusta and Prescott departments
responded to a grass fire on Maple Avenue, north of Prescott,
just off County Road 18. About 28 firefighters fought the flames.
A strong wind blew the creeping fire southeast, keeping firefighters
busy for more than four hours and burning about 20 acres. Boisvert
said the cause of the fire is unknown.
He said township residents have been pretty good in terms
of not burning bush, despite the busy weekend. However, he admitted,
some residents have not heeded the ban, although information
has been disseminated through various media.
"Some little old lady was having a fire," he said.
"And I pulled up. She must have wondered what I was doing
there."
Boisvert had received a call about a brush burning, but in
this case, it wasn't serious.
Boisvert said if residents are to burn brush, then its better
sooner rather than later. (Under non-ban conditions, residents
are required to call the fire department prior to open burning.)
"They should be burning brush when there's snow on the
ground," he said.
However, Boisvert added, the best way for residents to clean
up the brush on their property is to take it to the landfill
site.
He said what is needed to quell the number of fires is rain.
"We had a sprinkling the other day," he said. "But
the wind just dried it up. I'm hoping for a good rain, one that
wouldn't just dry up. The grass needs it to green up because
underneath there is still a lot of brown (grass)."
Prescott mayor recovering
Blocked artery lands Robert Lawn in hospital
PRESCOTT Mayor Robert Lawn says he is making progress
following a procedure to repair a blocked artery.
Lawn is recovering at home this week following an angiogram
performed last Thursday in Kingston. A procedure was successful
in correcting the mayor's right coronary artery that was 99 per
cent blocked.
"I thought I was probably invincible," the mayor
said Monday. "I learned I am not."
The mayor was admitted to Brockville General Hospital early
last week and transported from the intensive care unit to the
coronary unit at Kingston General Hospital for tests. It was
there doctors confirmed the blocked artery and opted for the
procedure.
Lawn indicated in an April 19 interview he had not been feeling
well for some time and had made a doctor's appointment. Lawn
gave a similar indication to chamber of commerce directors at
a meeting the same day.
Doctors later concluded he suffered a mild heart attack that
day. He continued to work the following day and made a presentation
on volunteers at a men's fellowship meeting a day later.
The next few days in hospital proved to be a trying time,
according to Lawn's wife Sandra.
"You always worry until you really know," she said.
Lawn was able to watch part of the procedure in progress.
He was impressed by the technology that enabled him to see how
the blocked artery was being corrected.
The mayor returned from Kingston the day after the procedure
was performed. Mrs. Lawn said her husband maintained a good attitude.
She described the outpouring of support and best wishes from
friends, colleagues and the community as a whole as "quite
overwhelming" and "absolutely delightful."
Mr. Lawn said Monday he is making progress in terms of both
his physical and emotional recoveries.
Lawn noted he has a follow-up appointment with an internist
in a few weeks. He said he has been led to believe he may not
have to expect a recurrence of the artery blockage.
As for a return to the mayor's chair, Lawn said he expects
to back on the job early next week. He also suggested the possibility
of "sneaking back" to town hall as early as this Friday.
Councillor Jo-Anne Beckstead is deputy mayor and will fill
in for Lawn during his absence.
Pumpkin seeds available now
SPENCERVILLE Entrants in the annual Spencerville Fair
Mammoth Pumpkin Contest can purchase a package of seeds until
Monday, May 7.
This year, the winner in the junior competition (age 12 and
under) will be awarded a prize of $100. Juniors must do the majority
of the work of growing the pumpkin themselves. Top competitors
also receive keeper trophies from the Spencerville Fair Agricultural
Society.
Seeds are available at Nancy Baker Fuels, Dixie and Egan Feeds
and the Home Hardware in Spencerville; from Bill Horner in Brinston,
at the Pittston General Store; Rooney's Feeds in Iroquois; Brockville
Co-op, Rooney's Feeds and the Co-op in Kemptville; Rick's Gas
Bar, South Mountain; Beach Hardware in Prescott and Walter Froom
in Shanly.
For more information on the contest, contact Froom at 658-5237.
Fair board directors Robert Drummond and Sheila Bush attended
the spring meeting of the Ontario Association of Agricultural
Societies at Merrickville April 28. There are 234 fairs each
year within 15 districts in Ontario. Spencerville is in District
1 and is hosting its 146th fair this year, to be held Sept. 6
to 9.
Fashion show at high school
PRESCOTT A fashion show will be held Thursday, May 10
at South Grenville District High School.
The show will feature local students wearing clothes and outfits
supplied by area retailers. The runway walks take off at 7 pm;
refreshments will be available.
The first SGDHS fashion show took place last fall. A portion
of the proceeds from the shows will go to leukemia research.
For more information on tickets or the show call Jenn at 925-4881
or Diana at 657-4743. Tickets will be available at the door.
GCC presents Shakespeare spin-off
MAITLAND Grenville Christian College junior classes
will be presenting Macbeth: A Kid's Cautionary Tale Concerning
Greed, Power and Mayhem and Other Current Events Friday, May
11 and Saturday, May 12.
This is a comic retelling of Shakespeare's Scottish tragedy,
to be held in the school auditorium beginning at 7:30 pm each
day. Tickets are available at the door. For more information,
contact the college at 345-5521.
Music man Walter Hofmann closes the curtain
on professional career
By Monica Whitney - Journal Staff Writer
PRESCOTT The man who has become synonymous with music
in Prescott over the last 50 years is taking his last bow.
Music master Walter Hofmann is retiring once again, this time
as the driving force behind the Fort Town Concert Association's
classical music series.
Mr. Hofmann had not yet closed the curtain on a 26-year career
as head of the music department at South Grenville District High
School, and he was in charge of the fledgling Prescott Youth
and Music concert performances. This was later to become the
now-popular concert series which showcases classical talent through
Jeunesses Musicales of Canada, a non-profit organization that
brings high-quality musical productions to communities.
In honour of Mr. Hofmann's dedication and service to music
in Prescott, the concert association presented the Walter Hofmann
Award to the winner in the instrumental section at the Lions
Stars of the Festival evening held in Brockville May 1.
Later this month, Mr. Hofmann will receive the Jeunesses Musicales
regional award for outstanding service to the organization and
to music in the community.
Mr. Hofmann, who has always considered music an art form as
well as a science and never to be thought of as a frill in life
or education, conceived the idea of classical concerts in Prescott
in 1982, along with Russell McNeil, then-superintendent of the
Leeds and Grenville Board of Education.
The first concert by the St. Onge Trio of Montreal was held
in the new United Church hall. Being the performances were such
a novelty, the first series of four concerts was well attended,
with more than 100 people attending each show. Attendance waned
over the years, with the association struggling to keep afloat
at times. In the last two to three years, however, interest was
revived and attendance shot up.
Both Mr. Hofmann and his wife Elisabeth were "deeply
involved" in organizing the series in the early years. They
co-ordinated the hall, refreshments, accommodations, selected
the performers, looked after ticket sales and promotions, and
at times Mr. Hofmann wrote critiques.
"It was a wonderful innovation," Mr. Hofmann says
of the concert series. "Before 1982 I had thoughts of organizing
some small classical performances in the evenings. There were
enough people in the area interested. I had a notion it would
go well in the area, and I figured myself participating actively
in performances, though I never did."
Mr. Hofmann, now 78, suffered a stroke five weeks ago, and
he and his wife of almost 55 years feel it's time to give up
their Windmill Road home for something easier to manage. They
plan to relocate to Almonte where they will be near their daughter
Luci Carleton, her husband Neil and their three grandchildren.
Luci is a kindergarten teacher and accomplished pianist who promotes
music with her students and in the community. What may make the
move from Prescott less difficult, they said, is Almonte is "tremendously
progressive in terms of music."
Still, leaving Prescott and its memories will not be easy
for the couple. "We'll miss Prescott. We're leaving behind
a community that was dear to us," Mr. Hofmann said. "We
have so many personal friends."
Mr. Hofmann was forced to leave his native Czechoslovakia
at a time of political turmoil in 1938. He had been pursuing
private music studies in his quest of a career as a professional
musician and had studied music with his grandfather, who was
responsible for the community's three brass bands.
Having received his basic training with the 28-member family
band, Mr. Hofmann was soon part of the British-based wartime
Czech Military Band, which performed more than 500 concerts in
the British Isles and Europe.
The Hofmanns' memories of Prescott began in 1949. Childhood
sweethearts, the young couple moved to Canada where members of
Mrs. Hofmann's family had already emigrated. Mr. Hofmann found
work with the Louis Fischl Glove Company in Prescott, and his
early musical involvement in town started in 1950. He became
bandmaster of the Prescott Citizen's Band, and he recalls performing
concerts in front of the old King Street town hall on Friday
nights. He became music director and leader of the popular Prescott
High School girls marching band in 1951, and also played trumpet
and violin with local dance bands.
In 1955, he was teaching vocal music in Augusta Township elementary
schools. In 1957, Mr. Hofmann was asked to start a music program
at SGDHS, and he took several courses to qualify for his teaching
certificate.
He soon established several bands at the school, including
concert, stage, German, dixieland, beginners and girls marching
bands. Band trips under Mr. Hofmann's direction included excursions
to the Maritimes, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Ottawa, Germany, Virginia,
Pennsylvania and Florida.
When he retired in 1984, Mr. Hofmann had been the longest
serving teaching member at SGDHS.
Through all his successes, Mr. Hofmann credits his wife with
being his main critic and encourager. She used her sewing skills
to make all the bands' uniforms, acted as chaperone on trips,
and kept home and family running smoothly. His own secret, he
said, is being "disciplined and clear in mind."
"My wife made a fantastic contribution," he said,
noting she continues to sew for their home, herself and her grandchildren.
Together, they handmade many of the pieces of furniture in their
home.
Looking back, Mr. Hofmann said they had "a nice, quiet,
harmonious life." These times are being recorded in his
memoirs to leave something for their family. Mr. Hofmann has
been writing for several years, and is now as far as 1960.
The Hofmanns have instilled in their family an appreciation
and love for music. Their three grandchildren in Almonte, Laura,
Jennie and Ian, all have individual talents in singing and in
playing piano and violin. Their daughter Shirley and her husband
Jean-Maurice live in Switzerland, where Shirley plays piano and
euphonium. They have two children, Lena and Carlo. Son Hank is
a statistician with Statistics Canada in Ottawa, where he lives
with his wife, Marian.
Donizetti's Daughter delights audience in
Prescott
CONCERT REVIEW - By Colin Boag
Singers of the Atelier Lyrique de L'Opera de Montreal under
the direction of Bernard Uzan, and accompanied by pianist Claude
Webster, delighted the audience at St Andrew's Church with their
presentation of Donizetti's opera Daughter of the Regiment.
The opera, with less than two hours of music in it, was a
showcase for the lead soprano, Lambroula Maria Pappas, in the
role of Marie. Marie, an apparently poor, battlefield foundling,
adopted by the 21st Grenadiers of France, grows up with the regiment,
falls in love and in a fairytale ending turns out to be a member
of the nobility and ultimately is permitted to marry her hero.
Pappas's portrayal of Marie was superb, her singing effortless
and her body language exquisite, a great asset in a presentation
sung in its original language, French.
Tenor James McLennan, as Tonio, Marie's lover, hit all the
high Cs in the first act but the concentration he required to
do this detracted from his role characterization. In the second
and final act he appeared more at ease and his aria to the Marquise
declaring the depth of his love for Marie was especially moving.
Both Marcia Whitehead, mezzo-soprano, in her role as the Marquise
de Birkenfeld, who finally confesses to be Marie's mother, and
Alexander Dobson, baritone, the fatherly sergeant of the regiment,
were very well cast. With clear powerful voices and a shared
sense of comedy and strong dramatic talent they were excellent
foils for Marie's youthful excesses.
Adding greatly to the appreciation of the evening was the
light-hearted "setting of the stage" and then unobtrusive
piano accompaniment provided by Claude Webster.
This performance was the final presentation in the Fort Town
Concert Associations 2000/2001 season. Their new season gets
underway in October with the Impact Brass Quintet, followed by
internationally acclaimed Stuart Goodyear, piano, the Joe Trio
and closes with Mozart's light-hearted opera, Cosi Fan Tutte.
Town begins process of recruiting Walker House
programmer to be recruited
PRESCOTT Town officials have begun the process of finding
a replacement for the position of Walker House programmer.
Willy Sieling Heuvel is scheduled to retire in October. A
recruiting process to find her successor was given the nod April
23 by the town's community and protective services committee.
The position is to be advertised beginning in June. A shortlist
of applicants will be made and candidates interviewed in August.
A selection team will recommend its choice to council in time
for its first meeting in September. Training is to begin October
1, and the new programmer would start November 1.
The programmer is responsible for delivering various activities
and services to older adults in town. Walker House, located at
the corner of King and Mary streets, is the base of operations.
The programmer reports directly to the Walker House Board
of Management, a volunteer board appointed by town council.
GCDC receives vote of confidence from government
PRESCOTT The business community in Grenville County
will continue to benefit from the services of a local economic
development agency funded by the federal government.
Leeds-Grenville MP Joe Jordan was in Prescott Friday afternoon
to announce an Industry Canada contribution of $580,000 to Grenville
Community Development Centre (GCDC).
The money will assist GCDC in its ongoing effort to provide
loans and venture capital for small- and medium-sized businesses
in Grenville County.
GCDC manages a venture capital portfolio, assists new and
existing businesses and promotes Grenville County. GCDC has created
or maintained more than 800 jobs since its inception in 1990.
A community-based board of directors oversees GCDC operations.
GCDC Chairman Vic Allen said he and other board members find
it rewarding to have the government recognize the local effort
through continued funding commitments. There is a sense of satisfaction
associated with helping to create new jobs and maintain those
which already exist, according to Allen. Hundreds of companies
have benefitted from GCDC's access to funding and the mentoring
staff provide, he noted.
GCDC Vice-Chairman Harold Sheridan said the funding announcement
is a vote of confidence and an endorsement of the work done by
staff and volunteers.
Of the $580,000 federal contribution, $300,000 will be used
for loans and investments, according to GCDC Executive Director
Heather Lawless. The remaining $280,000 will be in the form of
operating funds.
Industry Canada representative Jean-Pierre Spénard
noted the government's net cost of creating jobs through GCDC
is very little.
The announcement does not represent additional money; funding
for the project was allocated in the February 2000 budget and
is built into an existing financial framework, according to an
Industry Canada release.
Jordan pointed out he is a former customer of a community
development centre. He said he knows that starting a small business
can be a risky venture, but GCDC has "a track record of
success" and an understanding of the local economy.
"They've got their finger in just about everything,"
the MP said.
Allen also stressed the need for community development centres
across the region to collaborate.
"In a world economy, scale is important," he said.
A similar federal funding commitment of $500,000 to Brockville-based
1000 Islands Community Development Centre was announced April
18. GCDC is one of 52 community futures development corporations
in Ontario funded by Industry Canada.
The offices of GCDC are located in the Moran-Hooker Building
on Water Street in Prescott.
Town considers measures to deal with cats
PRESCOTT Town officials are considering tougher measures
to deal with cats.
The town received a letter in March from Ron Dalton, a McAuley
Road resident who stated he had a problem with neighbours' cats
urinating under his deck. Dalton wants the town to adopt Brockville's
policy on cats.
The request was discussed April 23 by the town's community
and protective services committee.
Prescott does not at the present time require cats to be licensed.
Although the existing bylaw notes cats are not supposed to be
allowed to roam, there is no enforcement or penalty mechanism
in place. The municipality does not employ a designated bylaw
enforcement officer, although such a move has been suggested
as part of an operational review being undertaken by council.
"I agree it's frustrating, but it's a question of enforcement,"
Councillor Jo-Anne Beckstead said in reference to problems such
as those faced by Dalton and other residents.
The Brockville bylaw requires cats to have identification
in the form of a tag or collar. A bylaw enforcement officer can
capture and take into custody any cat that does not have an ID
tag or that is trespassing any place other than the premises
of the cat's owner. The owner would then have to pay an impound
fee of $15 plus any other expenses or veterinarian fees incurred.
A fine would also be imposed if the owner is convicted of an
offence under the city's bylaw.
The committee agreed to review the town's existing animal
control bylaw, including cat-related provisions.
Province agrees to
fund portion of drinking water studies
BROCKVILLE The Township of Edwardsburgh-Cardinal is
one of five municipalities in Leeds-Grenville to receive funding
for drinking water studies, local MPP Bob Runciman announced
Monday.
The township will receive $2,410.20 from the Ontario Small
Town and Rural Development Infrastructure Initiative (OSTAR)
to cover a portion of the engineering study required as part
of the province's Drinking Water Protection Regulation.
The cost of the township's approved study is $5,356, according
to a news release issued by Runciman's office.
"Safe drinking water is our priority," the Progressive
Conservative MPP stated in the release. "Funding through
OSTAR will help to ensure that municipalities can meet the province's
tough new water standards."
Funding is also being provided to North Grenville, Merrickville-Wolford,
Westport and Leeds and the Thousand Islands, the Leeds-Grenville
MPP reported.
GCDC hires new business development officer
PRESCOTT Mike O'Keefe hopes up-and-coming businesses
will be able to bank on his experience.
The new business development officer at the Grenville Community
Development Centre (GCDC) started work last week. O'Keefe succeeds
John Doherty, who left GCDC to become executive director of the
Valley Heartland Community Development Corporation in Smiths
Falls.
O'Keefe grew up in the Almonte area and spent more than 20
years in the banking profession including a three-year
stint as manager of the Bank of Montreal in Prescott before
taking early retirement last November. The long-time Brockville-area
resident has been a GCDC director and investment committee member
and is familiar with the organization and the people who work
there.
"We have a very, very good staff and board," he
said.
O'Keefe said his predecessor put solid business practices
in place. As a business development officer for GCDC, O'Keefe
oversees a portfolio of existing clients and develops relationships
with new ones. "We work very closely with the client...
We don't just shove facts and figures at them," O'Keefe
said.
As is the case with a loans officer, things like solid planning,
credit history and debt servicing are important considerations
O'Keefe stresses when dealing with clients hoping to open a business
or expand an existing operation. Developing a bankable idea and
helping it through those difficult early days is something with
which O'Keefe has a great deal of experience from his banking
days.
Promoting Grenville county is another aspect of O'Keefe's
job at GCDC.
He acknowledged there are those people who are down on the
local economy and less than optimistic about the outlook for
South Grenville. But he also noted one has to have a positive
outlook to be successful in a job like his.
"I'd dearly love to see that kind of negative energy
take a 180-degree turn," O'Keefe stated.
Barely one week into the new job, O'Keefe had already made
two trips to Kemptville and several new contacts. He is looking
forward to helping businesses get off the ground and build a
solid future.
O'Keefe's wife Marian teaches a Grade 2/3 class in Brockville.
They have two sons: Ryan, a banker in Kitchener-Waterloo, and
Ian, who has returned to school and is studying e-business at
Seneca College in Toronto.
GCDC is a federally-funded program overseen by a volunteer
board of directors.
Municipal hall to open at temporary location
PRESCOTT The town's administrative offices will open
in their new and temporary home by the middle of next week.
To make way for proposed renovations to the Dibble Street
municipal building, the offices will be housed in the former
bank building at the corner of Edward Street and Churchill Road.
The main move is to begin Monday; offices of the town's clerk,
treasurer and engineer will be closed that day and possibly Tuesday.
Town CAO/Clerk Andrew Brown suggests people wait until Wednesday
before going to the new location.
The office phone number (925-2812) and mailing address (Box
160) will not change as a result of the move.
The May 7 council meeting will be held as scheduled in the
Dibble Street chamber. Future council and committee meetings
will be held at the new location.
The town has leased the building for six months and can extend
the lease on a month-by-month basis. Proposed renovations to
the Dibble Street building are to be completed this fall.The
public library will remain open at its present location.
Councillor would have voted to retain municipal police
PRESCOTT A town councillor says he would have voted
to stick with the Prescott Police Service if he had known council
was leaning toward the more expensive of two Ontario Provincial
Police options.
The OPP costing proposal submitted last October and endorsed
by council in early January included two options. The main difference
between them is an additional sergeant; the first option with
that extra position was pegged at $1,146,000 per year, while
the second option carried an estimated cost to the town of $1,045,000.
Councillor Garry Dewar voiced his concerns about the more
expensive option during a municipal budget meeting Monday night.
To prepare for a hearing to enable the change in municipal policing
to proceed, council was asked whether there would be a need to
debate which option would be selected.
Dewar led what became a lively debate by saying he assumed
council would go with the less expensive option. The councillor
said the decision to go with OPP was about saving money, adding
he was surprised others on council prefer the more expensive
option.
"If I had known I would have stayed with our own police
force," Dewar said. "We have a good police force."
The councillor went on to suggest sticking with the existing
municipal service would have saved money, especially if police
dispatch service were to be contracted out. Other councillors
told Dewar maintaining the status quo would have cost the municipality
a lot of money because of new provincial standards and the prospect
of higher staffing costs and renovations to the police department's
facilities. They also pointed out the cost of the municipal service
this year would be comparable to what the more expensive OPP
option would cost.
Dewar questionned the value of adding an additional sergeant's
position to the OPP contingent. He said town police have been
getting along fine with 11 officers, and taxpayers are not going
to accept paying for an extra sergeant.
"I'd rather leave a person off and have them tell us
we need him," Dewar said.
Councillor Terry McConnell said he became convinced about
the first option following a lengthy conversation with Staff
Sergeant Brent Hill. McConnell noted some councillors were not
in on the initial OPP presentation late last year. McConnell
and Deputy Mayor Jo-Anne Beckstead indicated they support having
Hill appear before the entire council.
A presentation by Staff Sgt. Hill is expected prior to next
Monday's council meeting.
North-end commercial land could soon be developed
PRESCOTT A major development in the north end of Prescott
has cleared another hurdle, but the final green light has yet
to be given.
Town council voted April 17 to agree to enter into a site
plan agreement for a commercial development to be built on more
than 20 acres south of Highway 401 and east of the Ontario Provincial
Police detachment.
The owner of the 22-acre property is FAI Canada Development
Corporation.
Councillor Garry Dewar, chairman of the planning and development
committee, said negotiations between the town and the developer
are underway. Dewar added the subject was first discussed by
the previous council during its term of office.
The municipality will provide water and sanitary sewer service
to the property, as well as road access. Dewar said at last week's
council meeting the first phase of servicing would cost approximately
$250,000, with the developer paying a yet-to-be-determined portion
of that amount.
Proceeding with the proposed development would also necessitate
the need for traffic signals to be installed at the intersection
of Edward Street, the existing eastbound ramp to Highway 401
and the road leading to the development. A Ministry of Transportation
official notes in a Feb. 28 letter the ministry has reviewed
a traffic impact analysis report submitted by the town and agrees
signals would be needed.
Dewar said Edward Street and the existing driveway to the
OPP detachment would be modified to accommodate the new access
road. Dewar noted at a budget meeting Monday construction of
the road could begin in mid-June.
Calls to FAI had not been returned as of press time. The sign
posted at the site promotes the property as a factory outlet
centre.
Dewar said council is not in a position to indicate the names
of prospective tenants. It will be up to them to state their
intentions, he noted.
"I assume they will come to town and announce,"
the councillor said.
Volunteering and social interactions critical
to successful aging, mayor says
PRESCOTT Seniors will age better and live longer if
they volunteer their time to community activities, Prescott Mayor
Robert Lawn told about 35 people at a gathering April 21.
Lawn was speaking about the role of volunteers in the community
at the monthly breakfast meeting of the Seaway Men's Ecumenical
Fellowship group at St. Paul's United Church.
Volunteering is critical to longevity and successful aging,
he said. Robust, strong aging is dependant on the close ties
with other people. "We do not outgrow our need for other
people," he said. "Social interactions protect us from
stressful life events."
Social support networks, such as volunteering, will help people
feel cared for, loved and esteemed, Lawn noted. Strong social
bonds and friendships are needed to survive. "Loneliness
breeds illness and death."
This is a challenging time for communities, Lawn said, with
a number of volunteer organizations requiring assistance. He
made particular note of Prescott Youth for Life, various library
friends groups, and the organizers of the summer Prescott concerts
at the amphitheatre.
However, "All is not well in volunteer land," he
said. "There is a need for vibrant volunteers in the community."
There needs to be more communication between service groups to
increase efficiency, he said, and volunteers need to be properly
recognized.
Volunteers also need to be asked for their help, he said.
"If you know someone who has time and energy, approach them.
Some of them are just waiting for the invitation. People we rub
shoulders with would volunteer if asked."
An encouraging sign is more people are now volunteering than
any other time in history, Lawn said, with the number of volunteers
in the 15-to-24 age group having doubled since 1988.
Other "heartwarming statistics" show the number
of volunteers is equal to 578,000 full-time jobs across Canada.
It is important for young people to know volunteering will
enhance job possibilities, and will get their skills and attitudes
in front of people who have jobs to offer, Lawn said. Children
are also more likely to become volunteers if they see mom and
dad helping out, he said.
The men's fellowship group gather for its next breakfast business
meeting Saturday, May 12 at St. Paul's United Church at 8 am.
Fundraising continues despite MERC setback
MAITLAND NEWS - Jane Fullarton
Moira Taylor, president of the Maitland Education and Recreation
Committee (MERC), received word from the Trillium Foundation
that MERC's application for funding has been declined. MERC plans
to build an addition to the MERC Hall that would include a new
kitchen, washrooms and storage area all on the same level as
the auditorium.
This is MERC's second attempt to get a Trillium grant. Last
year Taylor sent in the first application which was declined
because a formal lease agreement between the township and the
MERC board was not included in the application. MERC was encouraged
to try again once their paperwork was all in order.
This second application was refused because Trillium is now
saying it will not fund additional square footage. They will
only provide money to refurbish existing space. Taylor expressed
great disappointment at this latest setback, but stresses there
is an opportunity to try again.
Toni Price, co-treasurer of MERC, says the MERC board has
committed $10,000 to the project and promises another $10,000
as a contingency fund in case there are cost overruns.
The board has raised another $4,000 mainly through corporate
donations. MERC fundraising efforts continue with Yuk Yuk's coming
to the MERC Hall on Saturday, May 12. Doors open at 7:30 pm with
comedy starting at 9 pm. Tickets are available from any MERC
board member or by calling Moira Taylor at 348-3140.
The May seniors' luncheon will be held at the MERC Hall May
9 at noon. The menu features cabbage rolls, mashed potatoes,
green salad and cheese cake for dessert. Call VON Home Support
at 342-3693 to confirm your attendance.
Property too hot to touch, Crime Stoppers warns
KINGSTON Crime Stoppers and police services in the area
would like to remind the public about the old adage, "if
it looks too good to be true, it probably is."
Many people are burned each year by purchasing a piece of
equipment or vehicle before checking the source. Reports of break-ins
at homes and businesses appear in newspapers on a regular basis.
Millions of dollars worth of products are stolen from stores.
Even thieves can only use so many stereos and computers.
Thieves sell such items at rock-bottom prices to "unsuspecting"
purchasers. The purchaser, when caught in possession of these
items, may be on the hook for criminal charges of possession
of stolen property.
You could lose the property and receive a criminal record.
Is it worth the risk?
If you suspect something may be stolen, check it out with
the police before you buy it. If you don't, the next call to
the police or Crime Stoppers may be about you.
Anyone with information about stolen property can call Crime
Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Callers do not have to identify themselves, and they may be
eligible for cash rewards. Crime Stoppers does not subscribe
to caller identification.
Town hall tenants to
be consulted before decision is made
PRESCOTT Members of council will discuss the issue of
town hall tenants at an upcoming meeting, but a date had yet
to be set as of earlier this week.
Prescott council agreed last week to conduct a committee-of-the-whole
meeting to discuss other uses of the soon-to-be renovated municipal
building on Dibble Street West. Although not considered an official
council meeting, committee-of-the-whole involves all council
members and is open to the public.
Councillor Jo-Anne Beckstead said last week the town is "not
that far ahead" in terms of finalizing its plans for the
renovated municipal building. However, she noted there is a need
to have the meeting soon.
"I do believe groups deserve an answer one way or another,"
said Beckstead, who chairs the finance and corporate services
committee.
The local air cadet squadron uses much of the third floor
of town hall for classes and training. Prescott Youth for Life
had been using part of the ground floor as a drop-in centre before
temporarily relocating to King Street because of heating problems
at the municipal building. The chamber of commerce and at least
one other party has expressed an interest in using a portion
of the renovated facility.
User groups will be invited to participate in the upcoming
discussion, town officials indicated last week.
The town hall tenant issue was to have been discussed at a
finance committee meeting earlier this month. Beckstead apologized
for what she described as an oversight which led to the subject
being overlooked at the committee meeting.
To make way for proposed renovations, municipal offices will
be relocated from town hall to the former bank building on Edward
Street beginning May 7.
Safety, bullying will
be featured
SOUTH GRENVILLE The Ontario Provincial Police will be
talking safety at a number of upcoming events in the area.
Members of the Grenville County detachment will be demonstrating
a "roll-over" vehicle at Kriska Safety Days this Saturday,
May 5.
Officers will be conducting bicycle rodeos at schools in the
area this month. Road safety for bikes, scooters, skateboards
and roller blades will be covered at the rodeos.The "OPPIES"
puppet show will be presented Friday, May 11 at Maitland Public
School and Friday, May 18 at Algonquin Public School. Show times
at each school is 9 am.
The show will demonstrate how to handle bullying in the school
yard and how not to be a bully. Parents are welcome.
Squadron returns with trophies
AIR CADET
NEWS
By Judith MacLean
Cadets from 661 Lt. W.F. Sharpe Squadron competed in the annual
exertion competition in Kingston April 22 and 22. Competing against
13 other teams from across Eastern Ontario, the team from Prescott
performed exceptionally again this year. The team earned trophies
for first place in borden ball as well as the top small squadron
award.
The busy schedule continues in May on the 1st with regular
training and on the 5th with Cadets Caring for Canada, which
this year will involve moving the squadron out of its long-time
home in the municipal building.
Training continues on the 6th with a day of orienteering;
sports at SGDHS will be held on the 8th. The annual parent/cadet
pot luck dinner will be held on the 15th at the Legion. The 22nd
will again be regular training at the high school. The monthly
band practice will be held on the 24th, but at this time the
location has yet to be determined.
The 26th will be another day of orienteering followed on the
27th by a day of gliding at the Brockville airport. We end our
monthly activities with regular training on the 29th at SGDHS.
Don't forget we meet every Tuesday evening from 6 to 9 in
Gym C at the high school for youth ages 12-18. Come see what
we're all about.
Management board meeting to be held this Thursday
WALKER HOUSE NEWS - By Willy Sieling Heuvel
A board of management meeting is scheduled for tomorrow, May
3, starting at 10 am. Any concerns or what have you, bring it
to the attention of the board.
Next week (Thursday, May 10) the senior games are having their
bridge games at Walker House starting at 10 am. Would anyone
donate some sandwiches and/or cookies and squares, please? Just
give me a call by Tuesday so I know what to prepare. Thanks!
As you can see, we are serving the lunch.
Card game winners last week were: Monday bridge 1st,
Findlay Hill; 2nd, Isabel Locke; Ted Crosbie won the door prize.
Tuesday cribbage high hand, Jeannine Marion and Hilda Hutton;
high score, Louie Bocsy; 2nd, Eleanor Gilligan; 3rd, Jean Annable.
Thursday evening euchre 1st, Alice Crowder; 2nd, Pat McPhee;
3rd, Eleanor Gilligan and Jean Annable; Bea Hemsley won the door
prize.
SCHOOL SCENE
BOUNDARY STREET PUBLIC SCHOOL On Thursday, May 3, the
Canadian Half Pints basketball team from Picton will be here
in the afternoon to entertain students in the gym. Grade 7 students
will also be getting Hepatitis B shots Thursday.
On May 4, the hot lunch is corn dogs. On Tuesday, May 8, there
is a parent council meeting at 7 pm.
CENTRAL PUBLIC SCHOOL The Canadian Half Pints basketball
team will do a presentation on bullying here Thursday, May 3.
The hot lunch this week is chicken nuggets. Thursday, May
10 is a busy day at the school with Central's Jump Rope for Heart
event and Oliver the Fiddler preforming for the Grade 4 students.
The Grade 3 and 6 students will be involved this week in provincial
testing.
MAITLAND PUBLIC SCHOOL Thank you to all the budding
farmers who took home our recently hatched chicks. We know they
will be well cared for.
Parents are reminded to please take home their child's cross-country
ski equipment. It is being removed this week to the outside storage
shed, and we will not be responsible for it over the summer.
OPP officer Cindy McDonald from the Prescott detachment has
arranged for our students to participate in a safety rodeo. Any
student who has a bike, scooter, inline skates or skateboards
are encouraged to bring the gear (or have them brought) to the
MERC parking lot Thursday, May 3 from 12:45 to 2:45 pm.
Students who do not participate in the rodeo can still benefit
from this program as they will hear about safety rules and see
inspections in progress.
ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC SCHOOL Confirmation went really
well for the Grade 6 students.
The Grade 8 students had their graduation pictures taken last
Friday. Track and field is now going on for Grade 5 to 8 students.
Cameron Verstegen won the chess tournament; Katie Allard won
the checkers tournament. Congratulations!
May 3 is pizza day, and May 8 is chicken nuggets day. A parent
council meeting will also be held May 8.
ST. MARK CATHOLIC SCHOOL May has arrived, and with it,
hopefully lots of sunshine, flowers and enjoyment of the outdoors.
Catholic Education Week begins Sunday, May 6 with the celebration
of first communion at the Sacred Heart Parish in Cardinal. Monday
will feature a mass at St. Mark's Church for students and staff.
On Tuesday, May 8 phase two of our greening project will take
place with the planting of shrubs in our Peace Garden.
On Wednesday, our Grade 2 students will hold a first communion
retreat. Our hot lunch this week is hamburgers and next week
is chicken.
OPP NEWS
ATV taken from driveway
EDWARDSBURGH A 1999 Yamaha 600 Grizzly ATV was removed
from a trailer on a County Road 44 driveway. Police were called
to investigate the theft April 27. Anyone with information is
asked to contact Constable Chuck Doran at Grenville County OPP
or call Crime Stoppers.
Generator stolen from education centre
AUGUSTA A Honda generator and a variety of power tools
were taken from the Outdoor Education Centre located on Barton
Road and managed by South Grenville District High School. The
break, enter and theft occurred sometime between April 16-26,
according to Grenville County OPP. Anyone with information on
this case is asked to contact Constable Tyler Boutilier at the
detachment (925-4221) or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.
Generator stolen from residence
EDWARDSBURGH OPP are investigating the April 26 theft
of a Coleman "Powermate" generator from a Pitt Road
residence. The unit's serial number is 77071226; the generator
was encased in a homemade steel frame on wheels.
A dark blue pickup with white cap was observed in the area
earlier in the day.
The investigating officer is Constable Elaine Barr, who can
be reached at the Grenville County detachment in Prescott.
Local trucker involved in accident
RENFREW A truck driver from Prescott was not hurt in
a two-vehicle collision near Renfrew the morning of April 24.
A Renfrew woman sustained serious injuries when the car she
was driving on Highway 17 veered onto the north shoulder, veered
back onto the roadway and struck a tractor-trailer driven by
Raymond Fraser. The car then rolled over after entering the north
ditch, according to Renfrew OPP.
Assault charge laid
CARDINAL A woman was arrested and charged with assault
after OPP responded to a complaint April 18 at a Meadowlands
Drive residence.
Gay Rust, 38, is to appear May 25 in Brockville court. The
victim, Sally Kavanagh, sustained minor injuries.
Police reported the incident started as a dispute between
the victim and the accused's teenage daughters. Constable Mike
Mulkins of Grenville County OPP is the investigating officer.
Portable generator stolen from garage
AUGUSTA A portable generator was stolen from the garage
of a County Road 15 residence. OPP received the call April 20;
someone reportedly entered the garage and removed the unit which
is housed in a black frame. the Coleman generator is green and
the serial number is 76920610. Also taken was a Briggs &
Straton motor serial number 19G412
Call Constable Mulkins the OPP detachment in Prescott or Crime
Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Thief makes off with riding mower
AUGUSTA Police were also called to a County Road 15
residence April 23. A Cub Cadet riding lawn mower with deck and
snow blower attached was taken from a garage.
Anyone with information about this break, enter and theft
is asked to call Senior Constable Larry Kemp of the North Grenville
detachment (258-3441) or Crime Stoppers.
Man stopped at border
JOHNSTOWN An Edwardsburgh township man was charged with
breach of recognizance after being detained by customs officers
at the Port of Prescott bridge authority. OPP were called in
to assist at about 11:15 pm April 19.
Mark Steward, 31, was arrested and charged with four counts
of the same charge. Constable George Duke is the investigating
officer.
Erratic driving leads to charges
EDWARDSBURGH Two sets of impaired driving-related charges
were laid by OPP officers April 20 and April 22.
In the first case, local officers were advised by the Perth
Communications Centre a tractor-trailer was travelling westbound
on Highway 401 near Highway 416 in an erratic manner. The rig
was pulled over at the Edward Street off ramp. Howard Meigs,
52, of Pointe-des-Cascades, Quebec was charged.
The second case involved a westbound vehicle pulled over by
police who were conducting routine patrol on County Road 2 near
Blair Road. Charged was Gerald Lafrance, 44, of Edwardsburgh
township. Both drivers were given a 90-day administrative driver's
licence suspension.
Spring dance
SPENCERVILLE A spring dance will be held Saturday, May
5 in the Drummond Building.
The show starts at 9 pm and will feature the band "The
Posse." A midnight lunch will be served. The dance is being
presented by the Spencerville Agricultural Society.
For ticket information call 658-2778 or 658-2437.
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