Renovations to township hall approved
By Jeff Lee - Journal Staff Writer
SPENCERVILLE The council of Edwardsburgh/Cardinal
accepted a bid Monday night for renovations to the municipal
offices in Spencerville.
In a 5-2 recorded vote, council accepted the Prescott-based
K.E. Construction Ltd.'s bid of $102,900. Councillors Peggy Taylor
and Dan McDonald voted against the resolution. Taylor and McDonald
have been the two dissenting voices on council for locating the
municipal hall of the amalgamated townships in Spencerville.
Taylor had tabled a resolution intended to grind the process
of amalgamation to a crawl, including the council's decision
on where to locate the municipal hall.
Taylor's resolution failed to pass in a recorded 5-2 vote
April 17, when council voted 5-2 in favour of locating the building
in Spencerville.
Council's decision to move forward on the Transition Board
recommendation to have the municipal building located in Spencerville
caused a strong reaction from some residents within the municipality.
At a April 3 council meeting, a 1327-name petition requesting
planned renovations of the Spencerville building be stopped was
presented to council by a group calling themselves the Ratepayers
Association. The association also wanted the municipal building
to be located in the Village of Cardinal. Following the defeat
of Taylor's resolution, former Cardinal Reeve Larry Dishaw said
the Ratepayers Association will continue to fight council's decision,
even exploring a "reverse amalgamation" to break up
the two municipalities.
However, with the acceptance of the contract, the renovation
process moves forward. Included in the bid is $85,000 in office
renovations and $17,900 for a new roof. (Costs do not include
the goods and services tax.)
The renovations involve converting the former Edwardsburgh
Township Fire Hall into the municipal council chambers and ancillary
rooms, including an entrance, records storage room, staff and
committee room, kitchen and washroom.
In addition, alterations to the existing municipal offices
include the construction of two rooms and two storage closets.
Alterations to the existing heating system will include two
"split" air conditioning and hot water heating units,
incorporating the existing the boiler to serve the new council
chambers, and existing offices separately.
Electrical distribution and lighting will be altered using
the existing 200 amp service to accommodate the new facilities.
It is not anticipated, according to the plans, that the electrical
service will be increased in capacity under this contract.
Included in the tender is additional work. The existing flat
roof, which is over two levels will be converted to install a
low pitch hip roof, with pre-finished steel roofing to match
the existing municipal building in colour on two different levels.
Less expensive OPP option chosen
By Tim Ruhnke - Journal Staff Writer
PRESCOTT Town council has opted for the lesser of
two options when it comes to an Ontario Provincial Police contract.
The OPP contract policing proposal submitted to the town last
October outlined two options, the main difference between the
two being the first option included an additional sergeant. Option
one came with an estimated cost of $1,146,000 per year, roughly
the same amount now being spent to operate the municipal police
service. The second option was pegged at $1,045,000.
Council voted January 2 to replace the existing Prescott Police
Service with municipal OPP service. Although the first option
has been favoured as town officials and the OPP went ahead with
preparing a submission to the Ontario Civilian Commission on
Police Services (OCCOPS), the matter had never been voted on
by council. OPP Staff Sergeant Brent Hill met with council Monday
evening to discuss both options prior to the regular council
meeting during which the vote was held.
Voting in favour of the second option were councillors Garry
Dewar, Jim French, Terry McConnell, Nancy McFarland and Seeley
Pillar. Councillor Jo-Anne Beckstead and Mayor Robert Lawn voted
against the motion.
Beckstead led the council debate by arguing the enhanced option
would enable police to provide additional programs and deal more
effectively with problems such as vandalism at a time when the
town is hoping to attract new residents. In noting tax dollars
have to be used to create a safe community, Beckstead said council
"...shouldn't be looking to save money on the backs of our
police force."
But other councillors indicated they could support the less
expensive option.
Councillor McConnell said he got up in the middle of the night
thinking about the options. In noting he would have loved to
go with the first option, McConnell said the town does not have
the money for the "Cadillac" option, and the second
option will still put Prescott further ahead than it is now.
After speaking to Hill Monday, McConnell became comfortable with
his preference.
The councillor said he conducted a poll at his business that
afternoon; the unanimous response was to choose the second option,
McConnell reported.
Councillor Pillar said the good thing about the second option
is the town could move up the level of the other option if needed.
Dewar, the only councillor to speak in favour of the second option
when council discussed the subject at an April 30 budget meeting,
also noted the town could upgrade the police service if it had
to. He said the $100,000 saved could be put to good use in other
areas.
Among the reasons cited by council for choosing the OPP was
a concern that new provincial policing standards would lead to
additional costs for the existing municipal service. Some councillors
indicated earlier this week they are confident the option they
selected will meet those standards and be acceptable to OCCOPS.
Council also agreed Monday to submit to OCCOPS a brief which
proposes the second OPP option as the alternative to the existing
municipal service. OCCOPS will conduct a hearing in Prescott
as part of the process to disband the town's police department
and approve the OPP option. If approved, the transition would
likely occur later this year; however, town officials are unsure
exactly when the switch will be made.
Set sail for Harbour Days in Prescott
PRESCOTT The Harbour Days festival will once again set
sail this Victoria Day weekend in the Fort Town.
The three-day festival begins Saturday, May 19. Harbour Days
is sponsored by Tourism Prescott in conjunction with a number
of companies and businesses in the area.
The farmers market at the clocktower (corner of King and Centre
streets) will be open early Saturday morning.
The Downtown Prescott BIA will present its first sidewalk
sale of the season Saturday. In addition to offering great buys
inside and outside the stores, many merchants will be picking
up the GST and PST on purchases that day.
Sunday kicks off with a Legion breakfast with bacon, eggs,
home fries, toast, juice and coffee, all for one price.
The blessing of the harbour is scheduled to take place at
11:30 following an outdoor Anglican church service.
"Painters in the Park," set for Sunday afternoon
in the marina and lighthouse area, will feature local artists
who will display their works and create new ones. Rain date is
Monday.
The Parr Christie Singers will perform in the afternoon, followed
at 3:30 by a performance by the Brockville Steel Band.
The Prescott Legion will be the scene of a steak and chicken
barbecue with free entertainment.
Monday. May 21 will be Kids' Day at the Kinsmen Outdoor Theatre
and town dock area.
The Prescott Kiwanis Club will present the annual soap box
derby beginning at 9 am. The races will take place on the George
Street hill north of King Street; sign-in is at 9, and the races
begin at 10 am.
A teddy bear picnic will be held later in the morning. The
picnic will include face painting and karaoke.
There will also be free boat rides, pony rides, a petting
zoo and a free lunch. Games will be played from noon until mid-afternoon.
A Barbie doll showing at the outdoor theatre is scheduled
to run early Monday afternoon.
For more information about Harbour Days, call 925-
Tourism Prescott is planning a number of other crowd-pleasing
events for the summer.
The RCMP Musical Ride comes to town Friday, June 1 at 7:30
p.m. The world-famous ride at the Fort Field will be preceded
by the annual Naval Gun Run. The evening of entertainment is
free, and also includes a performance by the Brockville Lions
Steel Band.
The Scottish Highland Fling is set for Saturday, June 16,
and Shakespeare in the Park will be presented Wednesday, July
18.
Victoria Day weekend events mark beginning of summer tourist
season
THIS WEEK
Carnation Campaign for MS set to begin
PRESCOTT The Carnation Campaign for the Multiple Sclerosis
Society of Canada, Leeds-Grenville Chapter, begins this week
with the theme "MS Lives Here."
Bouquets of carnations will be on sale at various locations
in Prescott, Cardinal and Spencerville this Thursday, May 10,
Friday, May 11 and Saturday, May 12.
The local fundraising goal is $6,000 to provide assistance
to more than 20 clients in the area. The chapter serves more
than 135 clients in Leeds and Grenville counties.
The MS Society provides help in purchasing wheelchairs, scooters,
walkers, home equipment and medical supplies, allowing people
to continue to live at home and be independent in their communities.
MS is a potentially disabling disease that attacks the central
nervous system, affecting the control people have over their
bodies.
Legion hosting
craft and bake sale
PRESCOTT The Prescott Royal Canadian Legion is holding
a craft and bake sale this Saturday, May 12 from 10 am to 2 pm
at the Henry Street West branch.
On sale and ready for Mother's Day giving will be crafts,
pies, cakes, preserves, squares, breads and cookies. The Legion
welcomes any donations of crafts or baked goods for the sale.
The event is being sponsored by the Legion's Ways and Means
Committee.
Car seat clinic May 19
PRESCOTT A car seat clinic sponsored by the Leeds, Lanark
and Grenville Health Unit will be held Saturday, May 19 in downtown
Prescott near the clock tower.
Members of Prescott police, firefighters, OPP and the health
unit will be on hand to check the proper installation of child
safety seats in vehicles.
Parents are asked to bring along the seat, the installation
instruction booklet and the child who normally uses the seat.
Information will be available at the clinic on buying the
correct seat for the age and stage of development of the child,
and on seat/vehicle compatibility.
Fashion show
at high school
PRESCOTT A fashion show will be held Thursday, May 10
at South Grenville District High School.
The show begins at 7 pm and will feature local students wearing
clothes and outfits supplied by area retailers.
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.
Government counts
on Canadians to complete census forms
SOUTH GRENVILLE Residents of South Grenville are being
asked to count themselves in as part of the 2001 Census.
Statistics Canada representatives are delivering census forms
to every household in the country. The statistical portrait drawn
by census data is used to determine federal transfer payments
and government services.
A short questionnaire will be dropped off at four of every
five households. These forms include seven questions covering
basic information such as age, gender, marital status, mother
tongue and relationship.
A longer form will be given to the remaining 20 per cent of
households. These forms include 52 additional questions on such
topics as language, culture, education and income. Three new
questions deal with the birthplace of parents, language used
at work and religion. This is the first time since 1991 a question
on religion has been asked as part of a census.
It is also noted this year's census defines common-law couples
has been expanded to include two persons of the same sex who
live together as a couple.
Respondents are to mail the completed forms by May 15 in postage-paid
envelopes included with the forms. It is a federal offence not
to return a completed census form. Statistics Canada and its
employees are obliged by law to protect the confidentiality of
personal information provided by respondents.
Anyone who has not received a census package by May 12, or
who has questions about the forms, is asked to call the Census
Help Line at 1-800-591-2001. The service is available from 8
am to 9 pm each day until May 31.
Statistics Canada also uses census data to prepare community
profiles of municipalities, including those in South Grenville.
The profiles list Edwardsburgh and Cardinal separately; they
amalgamated at the beginning of this year.
Of the four municipalities in the area, the Township of Augusta
came out on top in terms of average total income. Edwardsburgh's
average total income came in just over $24,700. The average annual
income in Cardinal in 1996 was $22,757, followed by Prescott
at an estimated $20,400.
Augusta also had the highest percentage of university and
college graduates, followed by Edwardsburgh, Prescott and Cardinal.
All four municipalities were under both the provincial and
national income averages. Ontario's average based on 1996 Census
data was $27,309. The Canadian average was $25,196.
Based on 1996 Census data, women outnumbered men 2,400 to
2,075 in Prescott. Similar findings were reported for Cardinal.
However, there are more men than women in both Augusta and Edwardsburgh.
In addition to different levels of government, general census
data collected from the more than 11 million households in Canada
are used as a decision-making tool by business, industry, associations
and the media, Statistics Canada notes.
Additional forms are also being delivered to farm operators.
The Census of Agriculture includes 184 questions on everything
from land use, crops and livestock to paid farm labour.
Ontario Works office on the move
PRESCOTT The Ontario Works office in Prescott will soon
be on the move.
The office, which is operated by the United Counties of Leeds
and Grenville Social Services Department, has been located upstairs
in the federal building at the corner of Centre and Henry streets.
That location will be closed Friday, May 11 in preparation for
the move.
As of Monday, May 14, the Ontario Works office will be located
at 360 King St. W. The new telephone number will be 925-0001.
To apply for assistance, call 1-888-644-3444. For emergency
service, call 345-4101.
Council supports affordable
medical school tuition
PRESCOTT Town council has voted in favour of supporting
a request calling on the provincial government and universities
to ensure medical education in Ontario is financially accessible
to all qualified students.
The request comes from Medical Students of Ontario, a group
seeking municipal support for its effort to deal with "...unaffordable
medical school tuition and its effect on the current physician
shortage that is affecting communities across Ontario..."
Mayor Robert Lawn noted at the May 7 council meeting astronomical
tuition fees hurt students from rural areas who cannot live at
home while attending medical school. Councillor Nancy McFarland,
who is also a nurse, said any incentive that can be offered to
deal with the shortage of physicians is beneficial.
The town's resolution of support also calls for medical school
tuition to be capped, and student loan programs be adjusted.
Councillors not
required at meetings
PRESCOTT Members of town council are no longer permitted
at certain meetings of the Prescott Firefighters' Association,
but the association's president insists the move is nothing personal.
Councillor Jim French told his council colleagues Monday night
he was advised in a letter signed by Fire Chief Bill Lawrence
and Association President Brent Norton he is no longer welcome
at meetings of the association's membership. The councillor said
he and fellow councillors Seeley Pillar and Nancy McFarland were
kept out of a recent association meeting, adding he was told
at that time about the decision.
Norton told The Journal after the council meeting French
was given the letter because he is the chairman of the committee.
The association president explained fire department officials
and council now meet on a quarterly basis. Councillors do not
have to attend meetings of the membership to hear from the association,
Norton said.
In the absence of the quarterly meetings, he added, there
have been occasions in which council members have attended association
meetings.
Any council member is welcome to attend monthly get-togethers
of the association's officers as well as practices conducted
the third Tuesday of each month, according to Norton. He added
the letter was not aimed specifically at French and was not intended
to be taken personally.
As for French, he said in an interview after the meeting the
town's volunteer firefighters do "an excellent job."
He noted he would like to be co-operative and work with the firefighters.
However, he also said at the council meeting the association's
decision may have something to do with things that took place
while French served on a previous council. The councillor apologized
to his colleagues for being put in such a situation.
In other business involving the fire department, town council
voted Monday in favour of proposed terms of reference for a fire
master plan to be completed. The review of municipal fire services
will be overseen by a steering committee consisting of councillors
McFarland and Pillar, Mayor Lawn, Fire Chief Lawrence or his
designate and Town CAO/Clerk Andrew Brown.
The first meeting is set for later this month; a report is
to be submitted by Dec. 1.
Mayor praises efforts of staff at hospitals
PRESCOTT Robert Lawn returned to the helm at town council
Monday, less than two weeks after doctors unblocked his right
coronary artery.
The mayor chaired the regular council meeting and took a few
moments to comment on his recent situation and the care he received.
"I've been on a bit of a reduced schedule," Lawn
remarked.
The mayor had not been feeling well for some time prior to
being admitted to hospital more than two weeks ago. He reportedly
experienced a mild cardiac episode a few days before entering
hospital.
The mayor said he took time to "check out" Brockville
General Hospital and Kingston General Hospital, the facility
in which his artery was corrected.
"They treat people very well," he said of the two
hospitals.
"The degree of care... was quite overwhelming to me."
Lawn noted he found the skill of the people and the equipment
used to diagnose and treat his condition to be "quite mind-boggling."
The mayor said he was told by his doctor to stay off the job
for a couple of weeks. Although he may attend a budget meeting
next week, Lawn indicated he plans to follow the advice.
Councillor Jo-Anne Beckstead is serving as deputy mayor.
The mayor also commended staff for the extra time they put
in getting ready for the move earlier this week to temporary
office space at the former Bank of Montreal building at the corner
of Edward and Churchill. The new location is to open for business
today; plans to renovate the Dibble Street municipal building
necessitated the move.
"We cannot shut down for more than one day," the
mayor commented. "The phone rings incessantly."
Monday marked the last meeting of council in that second floor
location. Council chambers will be relocated to a different section
of that floor as part of renovations.
Zamboni will
be ordered immediately, town council decides
PRESCOTT The town's 2001 budget has yet to be finalized,
but council has approved the purchase of a new Zamboni and much-needed
computer-related items.
Council voted Monday to spend more than $68,000 for a Zamboni
to be used at the Leo Boivin Community Centre. An additional
$21,175 will be spent to obtain computer software and hardware
for use by the town's administration department.
The Zamboni that has been used by the town for 25 years has
exceeded expectations but is now getting "fairly old and
decrepit," Councillor Jim French said. Fearing the loss
of the old unit during the upcoming season and the subsequent
loss of arena revenue that would result, council agreed to order
a new unit now so it would hopefully be available by September.
Delivery might take up to four months.
French, who chairs the community and protective services committee,
noted the purchase will be covered by reserve funds set aside
by the previous council, a move the current council appreciates.
The town will also purchase software needed to handle water
billings and accounts receivable. Councillor and finance committee
chair Jo-Anne Beckstead noted staff have also been dealing with
other computer glitches; the timing to obtain new equipment is
good now that the town is taking over water accounts from the
former PUC, the finance committee chair added.
The computer-related purchases will be accounted for in the
2001 municipal budget.
Students employment
centre opens for another season
PRESCOTT The summer job season has begun, and students
and employers are once again being encouraged to use the services
of the student employment centre in Prescott.
The centre is located within the Human Resources Development
Canada (HRDC) offices at the corner of Centre and Henry streets.
Summer Employment Officer Sarah Hough has returned for her second
year at the Prescott office.
There are more than 330 HRDC offices for students in Canada.
In addition to listing jobs and helping students deal with the
process of landing a job, centres also assist employers.
In the case of Prescott, the centre does not screen or interview
applicants on behalf of employers; its facilities can be made
available for employers wanting to conduct interviews. The centre
can also collect resumes and applications on behalf of an employer.
Hough also visits employers and tells them about the services
the centre has to offer. She said the centre received nothing
but positive comments and feedback last year, adding she finds
students usually want to work and do a good job.
Students are encouraged to register at the centre. Hough reported
12 students had already visited the office by mid-afternoon on
her first day of the season, even though the opening had yet
to be widely publicized. The number had reached about 45 by the
end of the week.
Hough provides one-on-one counselling; plans are also in the
works to host a seminar in which students will receive information
on how to go about finding a job.
In addition to dealing with secondary and post-secondary students,
the centre offers an "odd jobs program" for younger
students. Hough said a 13 or 14 year old who is willing to do
yard work and other odd jobs can sign up. Homeowners are also
encouraged to participate by hiring the youngsters; youngsters
benefit by taking responsibility and gaining valuable work experience
they can list on a resume, Hough noted.
Five homeowners called the centre during its first three days
of operation, she reported.
As for older students, HRDC's Summer Career Placements program
offers wage subsidies to employers who create career-related
summer jobs. A student business loans program is also in place.
Even though the federal and provincial governments are spending
money on student employment, Hough noted it is up to the students
to take some initiative and find summer jobs.
"I am just there to help them along the way," she
said.
Students can search the job bank on the Internet at jb/gc.hrdc-drfc.gc.ca.
An automated tele-voice message system listing local jobs can
be reached by calling 498-3097. The Prescott centre can be reached
at 925-2508.
Katherine Lundvall is the summer employment officer at the
King Street West centre in downtown Brockville. Employment counsellor
Danielle Voyer works at the employment and education centre located
on Strowger Boulevard at the corner of Central Avenue in Brockville.
Dream Auction to help Big Sisters
BROCKVILLE The Big Sisters Association of Leeds and
Grenville's eighth annual Dream Auction will be held Saturday,
May 12 from 10 am to 4 pm at the 1000 Islands Mall in Brockville.
There is also a huge silent auction.
The event will be televised live on Cogeco Community Television,
and bidders can phone in their bids during the auction hours.
On-line bidding is available at www.cybertap.com/~bigsisters.
Big Sisters is a non-profit organization that teaches young
girls they can be strong, capable and creative. It promotes the
personal development of girls ages six to 16 who will benefit
from the friendship of a positive, female mentor.
For more information on the auction or Big Sisters, call the
office at 345-3295.
Callers make
program a success
Isn't it nice to see for a change criminals looking over their
shoulders, unsure of who is friend or foe? This is one of the
positive outcomes of an active Crime Stoppers program. There
are others.
Contrary to what some believe, the "Crime of the Week"
featured in the media is just one crime for which "tipsters"
qualify for a reward. Anyone who provides information on any
crime may be eligible to receive reward money.
Crime Stoppers welcomes and indeed needs "tips"
from all segments of society. This is not an adults-only program;
school-aged tipsters can and do call and help solve crimes in
their communities. Why? For the same reason adults call: disgust
with crime, anonymity and cash rewards. High school students
hear and see things parents may never realize. Crime Stoppers
provides an opportunity for callers to share what they know with
police services without having to disclose their identity to
anyone.Anyone who knows about a crime already committed or one
that is about to be is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Crime Stoppers is not a police resource; it is a community resource.
Public being
asked to note suspicious activity
SOUTH GRENVILLE In the wake of recent break, enter and
theft incidents, Grenville County OPP officers are seeking the
public's assistance in reporting suspicious activity.
By obtaining an accurate description of a vehicle (including
colour, make and model as well as a licence plate number) and
a description of the occupant or occupants of a vehicle (including
hair and skin colour and other details such as whether the person
was wearing a ball cap), the public can offer valuable assistance
to police.
An OPP news release notes callers to Crime Stoppers can remain
anonymous, and the information given is not released to the public.
Callers are eligible for cash rewards if their information leads
to an arrest or a crime being prevented.
Crime Stoppers can be reached toll-free at 1-800-222-TIPS
(8477). The number for the Grenville County OPP detachment in
Prescott is 925-4221.
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