Augusta taxes could rise by almost 10 per cent
By Monica Whitney - Journal Staff Writer
MAYNARD Augusta Township councillors and staff continue
to wrestle with budget figures to reduce the financial impact
on residents.
Following its second budget meeting last Thursday, council
was looking at an increase in 2001 township residential taxes
of 25 per cent. When the county and education portion is factored
in, the bottom line increase to a homeowner is estimated at 9.7
per cent. On a home with an assessment of $100,000, this equates
to an increase of $97 per year for each homeowner, explained
Clerk-treasurer Nigel White.
Budget deliberations are "not as good as we would have
hoped," Reeve George Vail said last week. Council needs
to trim $367,100 from its budget on gross expenditures of approximately
$3,157,000.
The biggest cut to expenditures will come from road projects.
Six roads had been identified as requiring work this year. They
are the Second Concession from Rocky Road to Maitland, Merwin
Lane from the Third Concession to the Second Concession, Algonquin
Road in Charleville west one kilometre, the Sixth Concession
from DeJong Road west to the sand flats and Lords Mills Road.
All the projects are currently under review. Costs of gravel
stabilization work completed on Lords Mills Road in 2000 have
been carried over to the 2001 budget.
Spending on the landfill site has also been reduced by $200,000.
This money earmarked for capping the Maynard landfill was not
spent in 2000, and will be used this year. However, this amount
will be needed again in 2002.
Savings will also come from placing $60,000 instead of a planned
$180,000 in a reserve fund for a new fire truck. Expenses in
the planning and zoning department will increase by an estimated
$30,000 from about $10,000 spent in 2000 as the township undertakes
and completes its outdated official plan. Legal fees incurred
in 2000 totalled $14,737; the township had budgeted $3,000 in
that category for the year. The 2001 figure for legal fees has
been placed at $25,000 as the township deals with legal council
for certification of the union and negotiations for the first
union contract, ongoing personnel issues and work with subdividers
agreements.
White explained the increase is due in part to provincial
reassessment and a decrease in industrial taxes.
"The bottom-line impact to the ratepayers is they have
to bear the cost of downloading the province was able to shed,"
White said. "We have nowhere to push it. We're the bottom
line. We don't download anywhere.
"They're scary numbers," he said. "And we're
not unique - it's across the whole province. They're forcing
the level down, and local councils take the heat for it."
The reduction in industrial assessments will eventually augur
well for the township, White noted. "We're trying to invite
more large industry, and it improves our opportunity for more
economic development to help stimulate the tax base and growth.
People will look at us very favourably."
White also stressed council and township staff both looked
hard at numbers and worked diligently on the budget. "We
looked out for the interests of the people of the township and
tried to mitigate the financial impact," he said.
"We're being very responsible," Vail said. "There's
nothing we can do about some costs. I think it will end up working
out very well. We're all taxpayers ourselves and we're thinking
of the people too."
Some downloaded services, such as the land ambulance, have
also had a benefit, Vail noted. Local municipalities now have
better service, control and input. "It's more of a cost,
but we now have superior service."
Council expects to finalize the budget at its next deliberations
Thursday, June 21 at 5:30 pm.
Time running out on parking meters
By Tim Ruhnke - Journal Staff Writer
PRESCOTT Town council appears ready to approve the
removal of parking meters from downtown, but officials do not
want people who work in that area to think they can start parking
on King Street.
Town officials met last Tuesday with representatives of the
Downtown Business Improvement Area (BIA), the organization that
asked council several months ago to get rid of the meters.
BIA chairperson Ken Durand reiterated the group's position
that free on-street parking is a necessary step that has already
been taken in other communities in the region.
"I think the town needs it," he said. "A lot
of merchants are struggling."
The BIA supports a town proposal to replace meters with two-hour
parking.
The two-hour limit would be enforced, and there are plans
to increase the amount a motorist would be fined for violating
the regulation.
People who work on or near King Street will be encouraged
not to park their vehicles where meters are now located. Durand
does not believe he as an employer has the right to tell his
employees they cannot park there. If they are willing to risk
being ticketed, Durand noted, that is their decision to make.
Council is expected at its June 18 meeting to make a final
decision on the removal of meters.
Town officials have been looking at ways to recoup the tens
of thousands of dollars in revenue the municipality would lose
each year if meters were taken out of service.
The previous council opted to use meter revenue to help fund
an annual capital funding commitment of more than $22,000 to
Brockville General Hospital. This is the second year of the five-year
pledge.
Durand said the BIA would be willing to chip in as much as
$400 for stickers to be placed on unused meters. The stickers
would note free parking is being provided as well as the two-hour
limit.
One proposal that received a favourable response at the meeting
was the creation of permit parking for the back row of the clocktower
municipal lot. Two-hour free parking would be in effect for the
rest of the lot.
The town used to charge for parking in that lot. Free parking
has been in effect since the on-site machine broke down; it has
not been repaired or replaced.
No decision was made on how much the town would charge for
permits; figures ranging from $10 to $20 per month were mentioned.
Market vendors would continue to use the parking lot without
being charged additional fees.
Extended free parking would still be available in the municipal
lot at the municipal dock. It was also noted people who work
downtown and do not have access to private parking could also
park on nearby streets that do not currently have meters in place.
Bottled water supplied to school as a precautionary
measure
By Tim Ruhnke - Journal Staff Writer
Sample indicates elevated level of lead in drinking water
JOHNSTOWN Health and school board officials decided
to take the precautionary route after a sample taken from South
Edwardsburg Public School indicated the presence of an elevated
level of lead in the drinking water.
However, a health unit official reported just before press
time two subsequent samples came up negative for lead.
A notice signed by Principal Patricia Mayer and posted at
the main entrance to the school last week states the switch to
bottled water was made on the advice of the health and safety
officer for the Upper Canada District School Board.
Tests conducted on a recent sample taken from well water obtained
at the school indicated a reading of .017 mg of lead per litre
of water. The provincial drinking water standard is 0.01 mg of
lead per litre, according to Dr. Charles Gardner, local medical
officer of health.
Two water coolers were installed at the school. Signs posted
near the coolers outline their proper use to students. Information
notices were distributed to parents.
Gardner said in an interview last Thursday the health unit
is working with the school and the board. He referred to the
test result as slightly elevated and a marginal increase over
accepted levels.
"People obviously have concerns about the health implications,"
the doctor added.
Prolonged exposure to lead through inhalation or ingestion
could have adverse effects on humans. Young children are more
susceptible to lead contamination, the doctor noted. Symptoms
can range from constipation and abdominal discomfort to behaviourial
changes.
Tougher drinking water guidelines introduced by the province
following last year's Walkerton crisis include more comprehensive
testing for lead and other contaminants. Recent test results
cannot be compared to those of previous years when it comes to
lead, Gardner noted.
Follow-up samples were taken last week. Henry Garcia, the
health unit's director of health protection, said Tuesday both
samples came back negative for lead.
"We've asked them to take another sample," he noted.
Garcia said it is believed the first sample tested may have
involved standing water which had been affected by some type
of lead source.
Dr. Gardner said last week it was premature to indicate the
extent to which there is a problem with drinking water at the
school or at nearby residences. Once more information is available,
the medical officer of health noted, options will be identified
and health implications assessed.
The board will continue to supply drinking water until the
lead content of well water at the school falls within the acceptable
range, according to the notice posted at the school.
Dr. Gardner was unable to confirm whether samples from nearby
wells had also indicated elevated levels of lead.
Anyone seeking information on the subject can call the health
unit at 345-5685.
Family fun at firefighters' convention this
Saturday
SPENCERVILLE Everyone is welcome to attend the events
this Saturday, June 16 in Spencerville when fire departments
stage the Eastern Ontario Firefighters' Association 89th Annual
Firemen's Field Day.
Hosted by the Edwardsburgh/Cardinal Firefighters' Association,
the family fun day at the Spencerville arena will also include
departments from Prescott, Iroquois, Athens, Augusta, Kemptville,
Carleton Place, Beckwith, North Gower, Mississippi Mills and
Northern New York.
The firefighter's races start at 9 am and run until about
3 pm. Events include ladder races, hose coupling, wet races,
a chief/deputy chief race and a bucket brigade.
Children's games sponsored by the Spencerville Optimist Cub
begin at 10 am, and the Shriner Clowns will appear at noon.
The Edwardsburgh Lions Club hamburger stand and festive garden
will be available all day, and Woodland's barbecue chicken and
rib dinner will be served from 3 to 5:30 pm.
A parade featuring the fire departments, Shriners and marching
bands begins at 6:30 pm. An awards presentation and performance
by Norwood/Norfolk Firemen's Marching Band follows the parade.
A dance with the group Running on Empty is to be held at the
Drummond Building and begins at 8:30 pm.
The firefighters' convention is also a celebration of the
50th anniversary of the Edwardsburgh Fire Department.
THIS WEEK
Highland Fling
ready to roll
PRESCOTT The second annual Highland Fling will take
place Saturday, June 16 at Fort Wellington.
The event features highland bands and dancers. A parade of
bands will leave Centennial Park at about 1:30 pm and arrive
at the fort for the opening ceremony at about 2 pm. The Famous
MacCullough Dancers begin their performance at 1 pm at the fort
field, followed by the bands.
The afternoon will also feature a presentation by an OPP K-9
unit and a grand finale at about 5 pm involving all six bands
and the dancers.
The fling is presented by Tourism Prescott and the fort in
conjunction with several sponsors. Admission to the event is
free; donations will be accepted. Regular admission will apply
to people who wish to tour the fort.
Those attending the fling are reminded to bring their own
lawn chairs and blankets.
In case of rain, the Highland Fling will take place at the
Leo Boivin Community Centre.
Men's breakfast
meeting Saturday
PRESCOTT The Seaway Men's Ecumenical Fellowship club
will meet for breakfast this Saturday, June 16 at 8 am.
Member Jack Stinson will share a variety of works of poet
Wilson MacDonald, as well as a video on fraud and scams. Ladies
are welcome to attend.
The meeting takes place at St. Paul's United Church hall on
George Street.
Free smoke alarms
for seniors available
LEEDS-GRENVILLE Seniors living in Leeds and Grenville
counties can qualify for free smoke alarms from their local fire
departments.
Brian Clifford, district chief of the Edwardsburgh/Cardinal
department, Station 2, said 2,001 smoke alarms have been made
available by the Brockville-based National Fire and Life Safety
Foundation and the local fire chiefs as a millennium project.
Seniors need to contact their local department. The smoke
alarm will be installed free of charge, and is accompanied by
a fire safety information booklet. The alarm is equipped with
a 10-year battery. Clifford said since all smoke alarms should
be replaced after 10 years, there is no need to replace the battery
during the life of the alarm.
He recommends a working smoke alarm be placed on every level
of the home for maximum protection.
Strawberry social
to support church
PRESCOTT St. Paul's United Church is hosting a strawberry
social Sunday, June 24 at noon. Ham, salad and strawberry shortcake
are on the menu.
Tickets are available at the church at George and Dibble streets.
For information, contact 925-1865.
Algonquin subdivision is in the works
ALGONQUIN A residential subdivision has been planned
for the village of Algonquin in Augusta Township.
Residents were introduced to the scheme at a public open house
and information meeting June 6 by the owners of the property,
Knapp's Paving and Landscaping.
Brian Tuthill of Eastern Engineering Group in Brockville explained
the first phase of the plan was originally devised in 1980 to
incorporate 29 half-acre lots. This south section of the plan
was restructured to include 14 one-acre lots. This plan has been
approved, and it is expected building will begin in this area
off Algonquin Road this summer.
The second phase of the development, which could take five
to 10 years to complete, includes 60 one-acre lots, two entrance
roads from County Road 15 (one being just north of Hands Auction
Hall) and dedicated green space. The subdivision wraps around
an existing ball diamond.
The plan will now be forwarded to the United Counties of Leeds
and Grenville with any complaints for possible draft-plan approval.
A rezoning application must be approved by the township at a
later date for the proposal to continue. The homes will be serviced
by privately-owned wells and septic systems.
Tuthill noted a hydrogeological study completed on the area
indicated the land could adequately support subdivision lots
less than an acre in size, with no negative impact on quality
or quantity of water. The engineering firm also completed grading
and drainage plans and road design plans. "We feel quite
comfortable the size of the lots is adequate for the site,"
Tuthill said.
Ray Wheeler, broker of Remax Real Estate who will be marketing
the subdivision and homes along with his partner Janet Eaton,
said the country-style homes will carry price tags in the mid-$160,000
range. Home plans include designs for accents, such as colonial
trim, porches and two-car garages.
The real estate market is right for this type of development,
Wheeler noted, as it follows right on the heels of announcements
in Brockville to inject $80 million into the new correctional
centre and proposals for a major commercial development on Parkedale
Avenue. The subdivision is also a good commuting distance to
large area employers, he said, such as DuPont, SCI and Proctor
and Gamble.
"There is a need for this type of development east of
Brockville," Wheeler said.
Property owner Lloyd Knapp, a native of the Bissletown Road
area in Augusta, said the homes will be built by his own company,
Northwood Builders. "We think it will go over well,"
Knapp said. "Some have concerns, but basically they love
the idea."
One of the objections to the development comes from Geoff
and Pauline Hearns, who live at 5551 County Road 15. In a letter
to township council, the United Counties planner and the district
health unit, the Hearns state they are "very concerned about
any negative change on the sustainable groundwater in and around
our property."
The couple believe the quality and quantity of fresh drinking
water available through the current groundwater supply taken
from their well will be negatively impacted.
Last week's meeting was the first opportunity people had to
publicly voice its concerns or support for the project.
Carrie Hands, whose property is surrounded on three sides
by the development, expressed concern for the size of homes to
be built on the lots. She felt lots of the proposed size deserve
a home of at least 1,500 square feet to keep the area attractive,
with compatibility in size and appearance.
Others at the meeting were concerned about adequate and attractive
street lighting. "I'm not opposed to it," said long-time
Algonquin resident and Augusta landowner Keith Matthie. "I
think it's a good idea. Now if we can just get somebody to build
a restaurant in Algonquin."
Knapp suggested "$160,000 should put up a fairly decent
home with some brick on the front."
However, he noted "we will go with the demand and try
to make it better as we go along. We could argue all day long
about what size of house we're going to put up, but we'll go
with the market."
Library grant decision is not expected soon
PRESCOTT It will be late August before the town finds
out if it will receive a grant to renovate the public library,
Mayor Robert Lawn reported to council Monday.
The status of the SuperBuild application has been cited by
some council members as an important factor in any decision to
proceed with renovations to the Dibble Street municipal building.
Lawn said the office of MPP Bob Runciman called SuperBuild recently
to see how soon the town could expect a decision on the funding
request.
The mayor noted the provincial infrastructure program has
been "inundated" with requests.
Lawn also reported the company that submitted the lowest of
five bids on the town hall renovation project has agreed to extend
its bid for an additional 30 days. Guy Saumure and Sons of Smiths
Falls submitted a total bid of $1.368 million; however, the portion
that covers the basic renovation project excluding major library
renovations and landscaping work is about $879,000 plus GST.
Some members of council have indicated they would prefer renovations
in the range of the original estimate of $750,000. The project
tender closed May 29, and the bids received are good for 30 days.
Bids on the library project ranged from $125,000 to $300,000.
Town officials are scheduled to meet with Eastern Engineering
representatives June 25 to review renovation plans. Lawn said
samples of the materials to be used will be made available at
the meeting.
The proposed renovations include windows which are more expensive
but are more in keeping with the style of the 1930 building.
Lawn said a less expensive type of window would be equally good
at keeping out the cold.
Eastern Engineering's most recent estimate of what it would
cost to renovate the library exceeds the highest of the five
bids received.
Augusta bylaw limits
smoking in municipal facilities
MAYNARD Augusta Township employees now have designated
smoking areas.
Council passed a bylaw Monday to regulate smoking in municipal
workplaces. Smoking will only be allowed at fire stations in
Maitland and North Augusta.
Smoking will not be allowed in any other municipally-operated
buildings or municipal vehicles. Signs indicating "No Smoking"
areas will be clearly posted in areas where smoking is prohibited.
The bylaw was effective Monday.
Train whistles will remain in Augusta
By Monica Whitney - Journal Staff Writer
AUGUSTA - Train whistles will not be silenced at three of
five railway crossings in Augusta Township, the United Counties
of Leeds and Grenville public works department has decided.
Augusta Reeve George Vail said the counties council public
works committee met June 6, and voted unanimously in favour of
keeping the whistles.
The Augusta crossings under county jurisdiction are located
at Blue Church Road, Nitrochem and County Road 15 at Maitland.
Crossings under township control are at Merwin Lane and South
Campbell Road, and the fate of those two remain undecided.
Vail had brought the matter to the counties in response to
pressure from various residents of the township. Residents Brenda
Humphrey and Peter White had appeared before counties council
to request the counties petition Transport Canada to eliminate
train whistling.
"I feel a responsible decision was made and I backed
it personally," Vail said, noting he has previously spoken
against stopping the whistles. "It's a matter of conscience
and safety," he said. " I personally feel train whistles
are there for a reason. I could not feel right if they were eliminated
and something did happen." Four out of five Augusta councillors
feel the same way, Vail said.
The resolution passed by the county notes it will not request
the elimination of train whistles in any township of Leeds and
Grenville, and is not specific to Augusta. Safety, liability
and cost were cited as the reasons for not halting the whistles.
Councillor Jane Fullarton indicated at a township council
meeting Monday night one petitioner was not satisfied with the
decision and planned to pursue the matter.
Township asks pool owners for compliance
MAYNARD Augusta Township council is reminding pool owners
to comply with the municipality's bylaw that governs swimming
pools and enclosures.
Councillor Doug Barton, also chair of the planning committee,
commented to council Monday night that in view of the recent
drowning tragedy in the township just west of Prescott, people
need to be aware of safety requirements.
"It's not that we want to go out and try and penalize
if they don't have the proper fencing," Barton said at the
council meeting.
"But definitely, if anyone does have a pool, or if their
neighbour has a pool, just remind them to make sure that the
gates and the hinges are working properly."
When questioned after the meeting if the bylaw carried any
fines for non-compliance, Barton said the bylaw's "intent
is to get people thinking about safety."
The bylaw enacted in June 1983 governs the erection and maintenance
of fences and gates around privately-owned outdoor swimming pools
to restrict access.
Any body of water contained by artificial means with a depth
of more than 34 centimetres (12 inches) of water is covered by
the bylaw.
The pool owner must erect and maintain an adequate enclosure
surrounding the entire swimming pool area and sufficient to make
the water not readily accessible to small children.
Enclosures and gates must be a minimum of 1.2 metres (four
feet) high, measured 50 millimetres (two inches) from the ground.
The enclosure cannot have rails or other horizontal or diagonal
bracing or attachments on the outside that would facilitate climbing.
Gates must be of construction and height equivalent to that
required for the fence, be supported on substantial hinges and
be self-closing and equipped with a self-latching device placed
at the top and on the inside of the gate.
Anyone who contravenes any of the provisions of the bylaw
is liable to a fine of not more than $300.
Copies of the bylaw detailing all requirements are available
at the township office in Maynard.
Town council agrees to hire community services
director
PRESCOTT The town has begun to advertise a new full-time
managerial job.
The position of community services director is being created
to lighten the workload of the town's CAO/clerk. The creation
of a new position was one of the recommendations of an operational
review conducted by the town several months ago.
Council agreed Monday to begin advertising the job. The community
services director will oversee the town's recreational and cultural
facilities such as the community centre, marina, library, parks
and museum.
Council has yet to approve a formal job description or salary
range. The lowest-paying position on a list of salary ranges
for recreational service directors in other towns and townships
in the region starts at just under $30,800. A draft job description
has also been given to council.
Among the proposed qualifications for the new community services
director is a degree or diploma in recreation or a related field.
The deadline for applications is July 3. Town officials hope
the successful candidate will be on the job by late summer.
Counties deny request
to reduce speed limit
MAYNARD An Augusta Township request to the United Counties
of Leeds and Grenville to lower the speed limit on a stretch
of County Road 26 near Maynard has been stopped short.
Council had passed a resolution at its May meeting to ask
the counties to consider a speed zone extension east and west
of the village from 80 to 60 kilometres per hour.
Reeve George Vail reported to council Monday the counties
denied the request, noting the counties would prefer a blanket
policy of speed reductions that would cover all areas of Leeds
and Grenville of similar size to Augusta.
From the county engineer's point of view, county roads are
meant to move traffic, Vail reported.
Council had made the request in response to the More Than
Just Babysitting child-care centre located in the area and a
recommendation from the Grenville OPP the speed limit be lowered
to 60 kilometres west of the village, and extended westerly by
.8 kilometres to the intersection of Blue Church Road.
Now, in an effort to make the road safer and to reduce speed,
the township will erect "Watch For Children" signs
on County Road 26 east of Blue Church Road and west of Merwin
Lane.
Hospital tag day a
success
PRESCOTT The annual tag day in support of Brockville
General Hospital and St. Vincent de Paul hospitals held last
week in Prescott raised $1,177.35. Tags sold in Cardinal raised
$542.10.
The money will help purchase new equipment for the hospitals.
The donations are divided equally between the two.
Local donation drive to send student
on leadership course
PRESCOTT A local businessman is helping a high school
student raise money to attend a three-week summer leadership
seminar out West.
Prescott Canadian Tire owner Dominique Pressault has set up
donation boxes in his Prescott store as part of an ongoing effort
to raise money to help fund Grade 10 South Grenville District
High School student Jaimie Smylie's trip to the Pearson Youth
Leadership seminar in Victoria, British Columbia, from July 29
to August 23.
Since the beginning of May, donations left by customers have
raised about $200 towards her $2,500 tuition, and the donation
boxes will remain at the store until Smylie leaves July 27.
Cash donations are being excepted as well as Canadian Tire
money, which the store converts into Canadian currency. The Prescott
Canadian Tire store has also paid her return air fare to the
seminar.
An additional $700 has been raised by the Lyn Masonic Lodge,
the Optimist Club and Kriska Transport.
The Pearson seminar on Youth Leadership brings together youth
from around the world in a format that will allow discussion
on issues important to them.
Smylie said this global perspective is one reason why she
wants to attend. Smylie added she also hopes learn how to better
to express her opinion through improved communication skills.
Pressault said by helping teenagers like Smylie it is really
an investment in the future.
Smylie has sent a number of letters to area businesses, clubs
and organizations asking for money in return for any work she
could offer them. When she returns, Smylie will be giving presentations
to those who made donations.
If anyone is interested in contacting Smylie, call 925-5815.
Prescott gives Shakespeare a pass this summer
PRESCOTT The curtain will not be rising on Shakespeare
in the Park this year.
A combination of bad timing and rising costs led local officials
to call off the event, according to Mike Boyles of Tourism Prescott.
"We may still run it next year," Boyles said.
The annual event sees one of William Shakespeare's works presented
on the field at Fort Wellington. An estimated 600 people attended
last year's Repercussion Theatre performance of A Comedy of Errors
held on a Friday night in early July.
The production company wanted to come to Prescott on a Sunday
this July, something Boyles said would have been a problem because
there were already activities planned at the fort as well as
a concert at the amphitheatre.
Boyles also noted the appearance fee proposed by the company
was much higher than last year. "We found it was just too
expensive," he added.
Tourism Prescott, in conjunction with various sponsors and
partners, will present the Highland Fling Tattoo Saturday; other
events planned for later this summer include the annual poker
run and a classic car show.
"We've got a lot of things coming up," Boyles said.
Events which have already taken place this spring are Harbour
Days and the RCMP Musical Ride and Naval Gun Run.
The decision to put Shakespeare in the Park on hold will enable
Tourism Prescott to put more effort into next year's Highland
Fling, according to Boyles.
Jazz artist Ranee Lee
performs at St. John's tomorrow
PRESCOTT The multi-talented Montreal jazz artist, singer,
actress and writer Ranee Lee will headline the 9th annual Jazz
at St. John's festival tomorrow, Thursday, June 14.
Entitled "Ranee Lee and Friends," the evening of
entertainment also features trumpeter Ron DiLauro, who has been
on the Quebec jazz scene for 20 years. Lee's surprise guest is
clarinetist Phil Nimmon who has been inspiring jazz fans for
half a century.
Opening the evening will be a brand new group, the Montreal
Fusion String Quartet. These musicians will be joined by Andre
Leroux on tenor sax, Jimmy Doxas on drums, Jean Pierre on bass
and Richard Ring will play guitar. Richard Ring is Lee's husband
and brother of St. John's rector Rev. Gerry Ring, and was instrumental
in bringing jazz to the historic Prescott Anglican church. The
jazz festival started as a way to raise money to repair the church's
150-year-old slate roof.
Tickets for the show are available at the door or by calling
925-2748. The show starts at 8 pm in St. John's at the corner
of James and Centre streets. Proceeds go toward the church restoration
fund.
4-H family day set
for June 24
GRENVILLE The first Grenville 4-H Family Fun Day is
being planned for Sunday, June 24, at the ballpark in Eastons
Corners, east of Jasper.
All Grenville 2000-2001 members, leaders, sponsors and their
families are invited to join in the festivities from 11 am to
3:30 pm.
The day will involve club demonstrations from various livestock
and life-skills clubs. A potluck meal will follow at about 12:30
pm. A tug-of-war competition between clubs and games, including
a county-wide unsupported circle will take place. A members and
adults three-pitch baseball game will begin at 2 pm. Group cheers
expressing enthusiasm for the 4-H program will also be designed
by members.
The Grenville Senior Member Organizational Committee has been
planning and fundraising for the fun day since the beginning
of the year. For more information, contact committee acting president
Crystal Throop at 658-5391.
Time has come to make budget choices: council
PRESCOTT Some town officials have concluded they are
doing a lot of talking but not making enough decisions when it
comes to the municipality's 2001 budget.
Members of council continued budget deliberations Monday.
Although it is becoming clear how much of a tax rate increase
would be needed to match last year's revenues, council has yet
to sign off on how much money it is willing to spend this year
and how much of a tax increase it is prepared to approve.
"We need to decide which projects we want to do,"
said Councillor Jo-Anne Beckstead, who chairs the finance and
corporate services committee.
Council and staff have been going over numerous scenarios
involving tax ratios and rates for different assessment groups.
As is the case throughout Ontario, residential property owners
in Prescott will face a greater taxation burden this year compared
to commercial and industrial sectors.
However, the final budget figures and tax rates have yet to
be determined.
Mayor Robert Lawn said council has to cut down on the number
of things it wants staff to do. It is getting late in the budget
process and the pressure to complete it is growing, he said.
Council will conduct another budget meeting next Monday.
A budget bylaw is not expected to be ready for council's consideration
during its regular meeting that same night; a special meeting
might be held later this month to present the final budget.
Car hits two pedestrians, two cars
PRESCOTT A Brockville man faces several charges following
separate incidents May 29 on Edward Street.
Two pedestrians were struck by a southbound car at about noon
at the crosswalk in front of South Grenville District High School,
according to a Prescott Police Service news release.
The vehicle then proceeded to strike a northbound and a southbound
vehicle a short time later on the Edward Street overpass.
The pedestrians were treated for minor injuries. No one in
the two vehicles struck on the overpass was injured; damage to
vehicles was light, police indicated.
With the assistance of the Brockville Police Service, a 67-year-old
man was arrested and charged with dangerous driving, two counts
of failing to remain at the scene of an accident and numerous
other traffic offences.
He is scheduled to appear June 29 in Brockville court. The
investigating officer is Prescott Police Constable Darren Davis.
Loaded handgun found in vehicle at bridge
JOHNSTOWN A 31-year-old Florida man was charged after
Canada Customs inspectors found a loaded handgun during a vehicle
stop at the bridge. OPP Constable Brad Wilhelm was called to
assist in the investigation.
The Florida man was charged with possession of a prohibited
weapon. He was released on a recognizance and is to appear in
provincial court Aug. 10.
MERC Hall expansion plans set to proceed
MAITLAND NEWS - Jane Fullarton
The Maitland Education and Recreation Committee has decided
to proceed with its expansion plans for the MERC Hall despite
being turned down recently for a Trillium Foundation grant.
The renovation and expansion plan was originally designed
to add a main floor kitchen, washrooms and storage room and to
renovate the old kitchen into a meeting room.
The Trillium Foundation turned down MERC'S funding request
saying it will only fund improvements to existing space, not
fund new square footage.
The MERC Board has decided to break the project down into
stages and to proceed on that basis. The board has already submitted
a funding application to the SuperBuild Fund along with recreation
groups from Algonquin, North Augusta, Maynard, Domville and Roebuck
to build main floor washrooms that are accessible from the outside.
The groups are waiting to hear from SuperBuild about the status
of that application. The MERC Board has decided to proceed with
building an addition for storage to house items such as the tables
and chairs and the toys for playgroup. So far $35,600 has been
raised towards the project.
The MERC Board has sent a request for $5,000 in funding to
Augusta Township council. That request will be considered during
budget deliberations. Depending on the success of its current
fundraising drive, the board hopes to break ground later this
summer.
The last teen dance of the season will be held June 22 at
the MERC Hall from 7:30 to 10:30 pm. Students from grades 5 to
8 are welcome to attend. Volunteers are still needed for this
event. If you can help, call Moira Taylor at 348-3140.
The Augusta Friends of the Library will have its last meeting
of the season June 21 at Augusta Public Library at 7 pm. Barbara
Healy, chairperson of the Brockville Friends of the Library,
will be a special guest.
The group hopes to brainstorm and share ideas. New members
and guests are always welcome. The Augusta Friends of the Library
has recently purchased furnishings for the new computers at the
library and paid for the electrical work that was needed to install
them.
Future plans include a fall mum sale.
Children's Aid annual meeting
PRESCOTT The Children's Aid Society of Brockville and
the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville (Family and Children's
Services) will hold an annual meeting in Prescott tomorrow, Thursday,
June 14
The meeting begins at 7 pm at the Prescott Golf Club, and
features Jeanette Lewis, executive director of the Ontario Association
of children's aid societies. The society is a United Way member
agency.
SCHOOL SCENE
ALGONQUIN PUBLIC SCHOOL On Tuesday, June 12, grades
1 to 3 students will be going to North Edwardsburgh Public School
to compete in a track and field meet. On Thursday, June 14, there
will a Grade 1 publishing party from 1:30 to 2:30 pm. The books
written by students will be on display. There will also be a
Scholastic Book Fair held throughout the day and into the evening.
On Monday, June 18, the Kindergarten students will be trekking
to the Mac Johnson Conservation Area. On Wednesday, June 20,
a Grade 5 graduation luncheon will be held at noon.
BOUNDARY STREET PUBLIC SCHOOL The French Immersion car
wash was a great success, bringing in more than $300 for the
students. On Friday, June 15, the kindergarten classes travel
to Upper Canada Village for the day, and Grades 1 to 3 will visit
the science and technology museum in Ottawa. The hot lunch for
Friday is hamburgers. The students will also be enjoying subs
as a special treat Wednesday, June 20. All money raised will
go towards the Special Olympics. There will also be a Fun Day
at the school.
CENTENNIAL '67 NORTH EDWARDSBURGH PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Congratulations to our team for their excellent participation
at the track and field championship meet Saturday at Thousand
Islands Secondary School (TISS). On Tuesday, June 12, an invitational
track meet was hosted by North Edwardsburgh Public School with
six schools participating, and an invitational ball tournament
was held at Centennial '67 with 13 teams participating. On Thursday,
June 14, our peewee team will compete at TISS.
CENTRAL PUBLIC SCHOOL The "Trombone Man" was
here Monday, June 11 to entertain the primary students. A graduation
dance for all Grade 8 students will be held at South Grenville
District High School Thursday, June 14. Many of our students
qualified for the championship track and field meet Saturday,
June 9 held at Thousand Islands Secondary School in Brockville.
Our peewee students participated in a track and field meet Tuesday,
June 12 in Spencerville.
ST. MARK CATHOLIC SCHOOL The school concert last Thursday
was a grand success, and our "buy one get one free"
book sale was very well subscribed. Friday's bake sale netted
another $700 towards our play structure. Dr. James of "Trombones,
Hoses and Associates" provided all classes with a wonderful
performance Monday, June 11. We enjoyed many trombone solos but
also experienced music from a garden hose, conch shell and didjeridoo.
The Fort Town Music Association brought this concert to the children.
On Thursday, June 14, students will be treated to a performance
of "Charolette's Web" sponsored by the St. Mark School
Council.
Junior Kindergarten 'A' year-end is June 15, and Junior Kindergarten
'B' year-end is June 19.
All students will receive a safety presentation by DuPont
Monday, June 18, and Grade 3 students will cap off their pioneer
unit with a trip to Upper Canada Village Tuesday, June 19.
Orientation at St. Joseph Catholic School will take place
Tuesday, June 19 in the evening. This is for Grade 3 students
and their parents. Kindergarten play days are Wednesday, June
20 and Thursday, June 21. The hot lunch this week is hamburgers,
and next week it is chicken.
Our star reading strategy, which begins Monday, June 18, is
"Nudge." We will continue to practise "You read
then I read" until that time.
SOUTH EDWARDSBURG PUBLIC SCHOOL Wednesday, June 13 will
be the last hot lunch this school year.
Students will also be taking part in fun day, and at 4 pm
a school improvement committee meeting will be held. On Thursday,
June 14, a Grade 8 dance will be held at South Grenville District
High School. On Friday, June 15, a year-end assembly will be
held.
On Tuesday, June 19, Grade 7 and 8 students will be enjoying
the day at Laronde in Montreal, and Wednesday, June 20, Grade
3 and 4 students will be going to the Coliseum.
On Thursday, June 21, Kindergarten students will be having
an outdoor picnic.
Historic Prescott home sold
PRESCOTT The historically significant property at 763
King St. W. was sold by pre-bid auction last week for $456,500,
reported Manson Slik, vice president of the real estate division
of Gordon's auction firm.
The 7,000-square-foot waterfront home was built in 1905 by
the prominent J.P. Wiser of the Prescott Wiser distillery. The
Wiser home was purchased by an Ottawa resident; the closing date
for the sale is July 27.
Four written bids had been submitted to purchase the home,
and the top three were selected for auction, Slik said.
The preregistration process allows bidders to be prequalified
and forces only serious bids, he noted, adding homes in this
price range usually attract between two and six bids.
Gordon's commission is 10 per cent paid by the buyer, Slik
said.
The selling price was in line with the company's expectations,
he noted.
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