Renovation plans remain on hold
Council rejects proposal to proceed with upgrades to municipal
building
By Tim Ruhnke - Journal Editor
PRESCOTT Town council has put the brakes on moving ahead
with plans to renovate the Dibble Street municipal building.
In a recorded vote, five of seven council members rejected
a motion to accept the lowest bidder on the renovation project
and a budget amount of $825,000. A majority of council went on
to approve a motion calling on the town to "...stop all
procedures and actions and spending on town hall until council
has an opportunity to review and discuss all costs, data and
available options."
The budget amount listed in the first motion is based on efforts
to lower the price of the project. Guy Saumure and Sons had submitted
a bid of nearly $1.3 million for renovations to the municipal
building and library. However, the amount was reduced significantly
when library and landscaping work was cut and other modifications
were made to the project.
The $825,000 would be for the municipal building "...and
only minimal work on the library to ensure it meets codes and
new windows," the motion stated. Council would then decide
on renovations to the library once it receives word on its application
for government funding under the SuperBuild program.
But it became clear early on in Monday's debate that most
councillors were unwilling to adopt the motion. Councillors Jo-Anne
Beckstead, Garry Dewar, Jim French, Terry McConnell and Seeley
Pillar voted against the motion. Councillor Nancy McFarland and
Mayor Robert Lawn voted in favour.
Dewar, a strong proponent of renovating the building earlier
this year, said he does not believe the option is dead. However,
he noted that public opinion has shifted and almost everyone
who has voiced an opinion on the subject in recent weeks does
not want the town to proceed.
Dewar also reiterated his belief a new tender is needed because
so much has been cut or changed from the initial proposal.
Dewar and McConnell were among those who prefer to hear the
outcome of the SuperBuild application before committing to renovations.
McConnell said it would not be right to proceed with one portion
of the building without knowing what would be done with the other.
If the town were to proceed and find out it would not receive
government funding for library upgrades, McConnell noted, the
town would be "in a kind of a mess money wise." There
are a lot of things council knows now that it did not know earlier
in its term when the renovation option was adopted, he added.
The councillor said town officials have time to consider some
other viable alternatives. The temporary office space on Edward
Street is working out and some people are wondering if it could
become a longer-term solution, according to McConnell.
Pillar, who put forward the motion to put further consideration
of the project on hold, maintains he is against spending taxpayers'
money on the 70-year-old municipal building.
McFarland said she was assured the existing building is in
good shape. It would be important to Prescott to proceed; the
town would be "going backwards" if it did not get on
with it, she added. "The people of Prescott need leadership
from council" and not foot-dragging, McFarland said.
As for the mayor, he began his remarks by saying he was bitterly
disappointed but not surprised by what had emerged as a mostly
negative response to the motion. Lawn said he had heard nothing
that night to prevent the town from proceeding with renovations.
The "excuses" and "good points" being
raised represented challenges council could meet, he asserted.
By voting against the motion council is once again ignoring the
problem of the building and the library.
Prior to the debate, council members took a few minutes to
read a report by town CAO/Clerk Andrew Brown, who was on vacation
but had submitted a report earlier that day. In noting he strongly
recommends proceeding with the project, Brown stated staff morale
is very low due in part to the ongoing municipal building debate.
The town's reputation is on the line when it comes to future
dealings with contractors, and the temporary office space "...is
not suitable for anything otherwise."
Brown also indicated in the report the town's application
for SuperBuild funding "becomes null and void" if the
town decides not to renovate the existing building and opt for
alternate accommodations.
The previous council voted to build a new town hall on the
site of the municipal parking lot at King and Centre streets.
Beckstead, the lone member of that council and the current one,
said council should not have rushed into voting in February to
renovate the Dibble Street building. Council is revisiting the
decision after spending more money on consultants, according
to Beckstead. Although she does not favour the option to renovate,
Beckstead insisted it would be better for council to make a decision
and carry on rather than put the whole project in limbo.
The municipality has spent approximately $160,000 on the town
hall issue since early 2000, according to Treasurer Laurie Kirkby.
Town awards contract for construction
of road to north-end development
PRESCOTT The town has awarded a contract to build an
access road to the FAI commercial development site.
Council voted Monday to award the job to Cornwall Gravel,
the firm that submitted the lowest of five bids. The bids ranged
from a low of $353,000 to a high of $459,000.
The road, to be known as Prescott Centre Drive, will extend
from Edward Street at the eastbound entrance to Highway 401 to
the development site east of the Ontario Provincial Police detachment.
A large grocery store and retail outlet are planned for the site,
as are other smaller commercial buildings.
Councillor Garry Dewar noted the first step will be to provide
a gravel road to the site. The road will be finished later on
as the development takes shape, he noted.
"We are not spending all the money right away,"
the councillor said.
Traffic lights will eventually be placed at the Edward Street
intersection.
The town is in the process of acquiring Ministry of Transportation
approvals for the new intersection and road access. Council agreed
Monday to proceed with purchasing ministry-owned land on which
the municipal roadway will be built.
Construction is expected to begin later this summer.
Insurance company
supports local firefighting efforts
By Monica Whitney - Journal Staff Writer
SPENCERVILLE The Augusta Township Fire Department
has received a grant of $14,000 from Grenville Mutual Insurance
Company to purchase life-saving auto extrication equipment.
The money is part of the company's inaugural community support
program that awarded $140,000 to eight fire departments and organizations
in Eastern Ontario that focus on the safety and protection of
life and property.
Friday afternoon's ceremony at the Grenville Mutual head office
near Spencerville marked the completion of the two-year initiative
to development a plan of recognition for those who risk their
lives for others.
President and Chairman of the insurance company board, Michael
Daley, noted the community support program will help to enhance
the vital work and service of the organizations. The money will
be used fund fire prevention and education materials, purchase
equipment to maintain operations, such as defibrillators and
the Jaws of Life, or assist in fire department building upgrades
and additions.
"I have never seen such a passion for delivering fire
services as there is right here in this part of the province,"
said ceremony guest, Ontario Fire Marshal Bernard Moyle. The
outstanding and unique program developed by the insurance company
also demonstrates community support for its volunteer fire departments,
Moyle said.
The fire marshal reported 59 children under the age of 16
have died in fires in Ontario since 1998, so it is noteworthy
part of the company's money will be used to help educate children
and families about fire safety.
"It's going to save lives and it's going to make a difference,"
Moyle said. "It will give fire departments the tools they
need to do that."
"(Firefighters) do all these wonderful things for their
community, and this support is going to make a difference in
your capacity to deliver those services better; to be better
equipped; more knowledgeable and have a more knowledgeable community.
"Grenville Insurance has stepped up to the plate and
hit a home run for fire safety," Moyle said. "They're
making a difference in people's lives."
MPP Bob Runciman, who attended the event, extended his congratulations
to Grenville Mutual for its significant recognition and acknowledgement
of rural fire services.
The award recipients were required to submit to the company
detailed proposals and applications outlining plans for educational
and safety programs, life-saving equipment or needed expenses
to existing facilities.
Art Pullan of the Brockville-based National Fire and Life
Safety Foundation said that organization's $35,000 grant will
be used to supply fire prevention materials to all Leeds-Grenville
fire departments.
Other groups that benefitted from the program were the Township
of Athens Fire Department, rural Ottawa fire services, Iroquois
Fire Department, Clarence-Rockland Fire Services in Bourget,
Ont., Mississippi Mills Fire Department and the Nation Municipality
in Limoges, Ont.
Grenville Mutual was founded in 1892 when a group formed their
own local mutual insurance company, underwriting only fire and
lightning coverage.
THIS WEEK
Eastbound lanes of 401 to be repaired
BROCKVILLE Sections of Highway 401 between Maitland
and Cornwall will be repaired later this summer.
The Ministry of Transportation will tender a contract for
routing and crack sealing on eastbound lanes between Maitland
Road and Highway 401, as well as between Upper Canada Road and
the east end of Cornwall. The government intend to announce the
successful bidder later this month, according to a July 11 news
release issued by Leeds-Grenville MPP Bob Runciman.
"Keeping Highway 401 in good repair is a wise investment
of tax dollars and has long-term benefits for motorists,"
Runciman stated. "The work will ensure the long-term reliability
of the highway and a higher level of safety for area drivers
as well as summer visitors."
Mill hosts fishing derby
SPENCERVILLE The Spencerville Mill will host its fourth
annual fishing derby and picnic this Saturday, July 21 from 8
am until noon.
Fifty youngsters took part in last year's derby. Prizes will
be awarded again this year.
Canoe rentals will be available; children must be accompanied
by an adult.
For more information, call the mill at 658-5885.
Big band to be featured at next concert
PRESCOTT The Carm Aubé Big Band will perform
Sunday, July 22 at 7 pm at the Kinsmen outdoor theatre on the
waterfront.
This will be the fourth in a series of Sunday concerts being
held at the amphitheatre in July and August. Admission is free,
but donations will be accepted.
In case of rain, the concert will be held at the Leo Boivin
Community Centre.
Summer fun at the Prescott library
PRESCOTT Children will have a chance to try out some
detective work, or just enjoy some summer reading, at the Prescott
Public Library during school holidays.
This year's summer reading program is Summer Sleuth, and library
staff are hoping older children will read mystery stories.
The program involves reading 10 books throughout the summer,
and then telling staff a little about each story. Readers then
receive a sticker for each book read. Children will also receive
a poster, activity booklet, sticker and colouring page for a
colouring contest. After five books have been read, they will
be given a prize. Another prize and a certificate will be awarded
after 10 books have been read.
On Thursday afternoons beginning August 9, Sue Torrance will
be doing craft activities. The programs run from 2:30 to 4 pm
for children age four to 12. Pre-register at the library, or
by phoning 925-4340.
Historical society summer student modernizes
the past with technology
By Monica Whitney - Journal Staff Writer
PRESCOTT Some travellers searching for their family
roots have made Prescott's Grenville County Historical Society
(GCHS) a destination. And the society's summer student tries
to ensure everyone leaves richer in knowledge about their backgrounds.
Scott Murray is working this summer at the organization that
strives to protect and conserve Grenville County history.
Located at historic Crane House at Edward and Dibble streets,
the archival resource centre houses an extensive collection of
research material on individuals, families, houses, buildings,
organizations, military and historical events.
GCHS attracts a number of visitors each summer from distant
locations, including British Colombia, Alberta, Massachusetts,
Pennsylvania and New York. Murray noted many of the researchers
descended from United Empire Loyalists and are hunting for clues
into their early family beginnings. Often, Murray is able to
steer them to a location that can provide even more information
on ancestors, such as a cemetery plot or a will at the registry
office.
Murray started his summer term at the society in mid-May,
and has since developed a Website for the organization. The site
at web.ripnet.com\~gchs explains the history of Grenville County
and the society, information available to researchers and upcoming
society events.
GCHS index cards are now catalogued on a computer data base
for easier public access. Researchers can navigate their way
through a comprehensive collection of Grenville County birth,
marriage and death records, both church and civil; microfilm
copies of Prescott and Brockville newspapers; genealogies; church,
cemetery and census records; township papers; microfilms; microfiche
and books.
Many artifacts connected to Grenville County are also available,
including deeds, documents, photographs, scrapbooks, slides,
video tapes, maps and historical accounts.
The historical society also maintains files on several hundred
family names with information collected by genealogists, family
researchers and volunteers.
GCHS has recently received the scrapbooks of Goldie Connell,
who died this year and was long considered the dean of Augusta
Township history.
In September, Murray will be returning to Carleton University,
where he is majoring in history. He is taking a minor in anthropology
and archeological studies, and hopes to become a history teacher
or museum curator.
Murray grew up surrounded by history, he said, a descendant
of Loyalists who settled on a parcel of land on what is now County
Road 26 north of Maitland. His Scotland ancestors moved to this
area from Massachusetts in 1784. The family still resides on
that original land grant.
Murray's work allows the organization to keep its doors open
Monday to Friday from 10 am to 4 pm during July and August. The
remainder of the year, volunteers staff GCHS Tuesdays from 10
am to 4 pm.
Information requests can be handled by phone at 925-0489 or
by e-mail at gchs@recorder.ca. There is a nominal fee for services.
Visitors can also conduct their own research.
The local historical society was founded in 1891, and was
reorganized in 1959.
The archival resource centre has been located at 439 Edward
St. since 1995. Annual and life memberships are available.
Celebrate Parks Day this Saturday
PRESCOTT Canada's Parks Day will be celebrated this
Saturday, July 21 at Fort Wellington and Battle of the Windmill
national historic sites.
To mark the occasion, a number of special activities and demonstrations
will be offered from 11 am to 4 pm. Musket demonstrations will
take place throughout the day at both sites. Laundry, sewing
and uniform presentations will be included in the period demonstrations
offered at the fort. Visiting blacksmith Don McKay will perform
his trade in period costume.
An enhanced walking tour along Prescott's Millennium Pathway
will begin at the fort at 1 pm. The tour captures the theme of
Parks Day by "Taking a Hike" from Fort Wellington along
the historic waterfront toward the mill site east of Prescott.
Those who complete the walk will receive free admission to both
national historic sites.
Events are subject to change in the event of bad weather.
For more information, call Scott Kelso or Jacqueline Schoemaker
at the fort at 925-2896.
Canada's Parks Day was established in 1990 by the Federal
Provincial Parks Council; Canadians are encouraged on that day
to celebrate the unique natural and cultural heritage by visiting
historic sites such as Fort Wellington and Battle of the Windmill
to experience Prescott and area's local historical significance.
There are 275 Parks Day events planned at sites all across
Canada.
Township council has second thoughts about
supporting e-government proposal
By Jeff Lee - Journal Staff Writer
SPENCERVILLE Edwardsburgh/Cardinal council withdrew
its support of a proposal to link area municipalities electronically
to each other.
Council received a letter from Upper Canada Networks (UCNet)
about a multi-million dollar project proposed by the agency,
which would link municipal governments electronically throughout
Leeds-Grenville.
As part of the system, if approved, an Internet portal would
be created, allowing ratepayers to conduct a degree of municipal
business online. A geographic information system would also be
created which maps all the properties in the area.
Council supported the counties-wide application to the Connect
Ontario program July 3 but rescinded the resolution Monday night
after it learned more details of the proposal and the costs associated
with the system.
The counties government would be asked to pay $600,000 over
two years, with municipalities kicking in an addition $700,000
in "membership" fees. An application to the Connect
Ontario program would offset the costs of the project.
Mayor Dave Dobbie said the proposal wasn't too popular with
the heads of council when UCNet representatives made a presentation
at counties government in earlier this month.
Dobbie said the cost of the system came as something of a
surprise as more was learned about the proposal.
"All lower tiers [of government] are already trying to
keep tax rates down," said Dobbie, adding that municipal
portions could be around $70,000.
Dobbie said the cost associated with the system didn't "come
as a surprise once all the ducks fell in line."
He said the apprehension stems not only from the initial costs
but also what the costs could be down the road.
"Look, a lot of things get out of control and mushroom,"
he said.
Dobbie said when Edwardsburgh/Cardinal gave its support, he
was under the impression the connectivity would be extended to
businesses throughout eastern Ontario, not just to municipalities.
Dobbie cited the municipality's current connectivity as meeting
its needs. He said municipal staff already have the Internet
and e-mail at their finger tips. The UCNet proposal, he added,
differs from the connectivity in South Dundas since it would
only link municipal governments.
The deadline to apply for Connect Ontario funding is the end
of the month.
However, the counties also have another deadline in November
deadline if no decision is reached before month's end.
Light poles and fixtures to be painted
PRESCOTT A bit of colour will soon be added to three
sets of traffic light poles and fixtures in the downtown area.
At its meeting Monday night, council authorized Engineer Clyde
Solomon to have the poles and fixtures painted. The work will
be done at the intersections of King and Edward, King and Centre,
and King and George streets.
The estimated cost of painting is $4,500.
Car rally will support trip to mission in
Jamaica
Churches in Spencerville and Roebuck to participate in
July 29 event
SPENCERVILLE The Spencerville/Roebuck United Churches
will be hosting a car rally Sunday, July 29 in support of the
upcoming Jamaica mission trip of Donna Frank, Brenda Crowder
and Ian Bain.
Departure for the car rally is between 12:30 and 2 pm, following
Sunday service in Spencerville.
Hot dogs and drinks will be available prior to departure.
There is an entry fee. The event will conclude at the Roebuck
church with prizes and a pig roast supper from 4:30 to 7 pm.
The mission team from the Spencerville and Roebuck area will
be going to Montego Bay, Jamaica in October to build a church
and to work with orphans at the Blossom Garden Children's Home.
The group is hoping to raise $5,000 to cover the cost of the
trip and for supplies for the orphanage.
The trip is being facilitated through Mission Discovery, based
in Goodlettsville, Tennessee.
Each year, the organization co-ordinates trips to the poorest
parts of Mexico and the Caribbean to build homes, churches and
to work in orphanages. Its mission is "to serve Jesus Christ
by mobilizing the church to meet the physical and spiritual needs
of the world's poor."
For more information on the car rally and supper, contact
Vicki at 925-3321 or Cathie at 658-5423.
MAITLAND NEWS
Soccer program success is great news for all participants
Jane Fullarton
The Maitland Soccer Program is wrapping up another successful
season with two weeks remaining in this summer session. The program
has had 180 children age three to 13 on 13 teams. The enrollment
is up again this year from 160 participants last year.
The children participating are from Maitland and surrounding
areas including Algonquin, Maynard, North Augusta and New Dublin.
Soccer is a sport that is growing in popularity with kids in
Canada.
John Wilson, one of the co-ordinators of the program, says
the soccer program has many advantages. It is excellent value
for parents. The registration fee includes twelve sessions, a
team T-shirt, a medallion for each participant and a barbecue
on the last day. All of the games are held on the six fields
in Maitland on Saturday mornings from 9 am to 10 am, eliminating
complicated scheduling and travel, and the sport is an excellent
workout.
Wilson also mentions the soccer program offers opportunities
for students to complete their community service hours. Volunteering
for two years as a coach earns the students 40 hours of community
service necessary to earn their secondary school diploma. Wilson
says the adult organizers use the students interested first and
the adults fill in around them.
This year six students volunteered to coach, including Alex
MacMillan, Sarah Wilson, Brad Pettem, Jenna Avery, Teagen Kirby
and Robbie Fullarton. Rounding out the coaching volunteers are
John Wilson, Al Sprague, Peter Neave, Mark Robertson, Kevin Reimer,
Mary Reimer, Kevin Beattie, Dave Beattie, Andre Malovic, Allan
Brown and Jerry Moran.
The soccer program also employs students as referees and in
the canteen. This year's student referees are Mike Avery, Kirk
Donovan, Brandon Duffy, Graham Young, Joanna Avery, Peter Lyon
and Nathaniel Hayes. Each of the teams has a corporate sponsor.
Wilson says profits from the canteen will be used to pay for
lawn mowing of the fields. The last day of soccer is July 28.
After the games are finished there will be presentations and
a family barbecue to wrap up the season.
Local Relay for Life event places fourth in
Ontario
LOMBARDY More than $225,000 was raised in the second
annual Relay for Life hosted by the Lanark, Leeds and Grenville
Unit of the Canadian Cancer Society.
Ninety-six teams consisting of a total of 1,145 people took
part in the event held June 22-23 at the Lombardy Fairgrounds.
"Bringing together hundreds of rural people from the
three counties to honour survivors of cancer and those who have
lost the fight, as well as to raise money for the support of
cancer research, was just a far-out idea two years ago,"
stated Betty Bates, co-chair of the event.
"Thanks to the tremendous co-operation of a strong steering
committee and the hundreds of other volunteers, this event became
a reality."
Approximately $3.4 million was collected at 25 Relay for Life
events in Ontario; Lanark, Leeds and Grenville placed fourth
in terms of funds raised.
"Due to the overwhelming support of our business communities
and the generosity of our citizens, we have raised funds comparable
to cities like Toronto and Ottawa. Well done, neighbours,"
Bates stated.
Christmas in July arrives next week
PRESCOTT The festive season will be arriving a bit early
this year.
The Prescott Journal is presenting "Christmas
in July," an event that promises to bring holiday spirit
to the Fort Town's summer.
The fun will begin next Wednesday, July 25 and continue through
the weekend. Christmas decorations will be going up at a number
of locations throughout the town, including the Prescott Farmers
Market next Thursday and Saturday. Holiday music and live entertainment
is also in the works.
In keeping with the seasonal theme, elves will be handing
out free candy to the kids later next week. There might even
be a surprise visit by the jolly old man himself.
A chicken wing eating contest will be held at Boomer's Thursday,
July 26 at 8 pm. Participants must represent a business and are
required to register at the restaurant by Monday, July 23.
A frozen T-shirt contest will take place Saturday, July 28
at 11 am at the clock tower. The Prescott BIA has already challenged
Tourism Prescott to compete.
See next week's paper for more details on Christmas in July.
To get your business or company involved or for more information,
call The Journal at 925-4265.
Painters sought by United Way
BROCKVILLE Businesses in South Grenville are being invited
to take part in the first annual Day of Caring presented by the
United Way of Leeds and Grenville.
Teams of workers are being asked to donate five hours of their
time Saturday, Sept. 29 to "Paint the Town." Numerous
non-profit agencies are looking forward to having their office
space or program room spruced up with a fresh coat of paint.
Anyone interested in participating is asked to call (613)
342-8889.
Grenville 4-H plowing club prepares for upcoming
events
Submitted by Crystal Throop
The first regular meeting of the 2001 Grenville 4-H Plowing
Club took place on Wednesday, June 27 at the farm of Brian and
Barb Maitland, RR3 Jasper.
The 17 members present discussed club requirements, including
participation in the Antique Wheels in Motion Show & Demonstration
Days plowing school Aug. 18, the Achievement Day program Sept.
28 at the site of the Grenville County Plowing Match, and a poster
or project on a specific topic.
An addition to the club this year is the requirement second-year
members and up are required to complete their own adjustments
during competition.
Upon the completion of club elections, Jeremy Wilson was declared
president. Sherry Saunders was named vice-president; Sarah Greenough
was declared secretary, and Crystal Throop was declared press
reporter and youth leader.
After many suggestions had been made, the members chose "Sodbusters"
as the club's name. Entry forms were offered to the seven members
who have already qualified to compete this fall at the International
Plowing Match in Navan.
To qualify, one must receive a minimum of 110 points out of
a possible 200 at any plowing match in 2000.
The next regular meeting will take place July 29 at the Maitlands'
farm. Members will be given a turn at competitive plowing; this
will count as a double meeting.
Anyone who has an interest in plowing and would like to become
a member can contact the Maitlands at (613) 283-0916. You do
not need to own a tractor or plow, or live on a farm, to become
a member.
Friends of Edwardsburgh library to host yard
sale in Spencerville
SPENCERVILLE The Friends of the Edwardsburgh Public
Library will be hosting a yard sale Saturday, July 28 from 8
am to 2 pm at the Spencerville Fair Grounds exhibit building.
Coffee and muffins will be available.
To donate items for sale or for more information, call Jan
at 658-3016, Nancy at 658-2126 or Margo at 658-3463.
Hospitals will receive more funding
BROCKVILLE Hospitals in Brockville and Kemptville will
receive increased funding from the provincial government, according
to a news release issued by Leeds-Grenville MPP Bob Runciman.
Permanent base funding announced July 13 is aimed at putting
hospitals in a more solid financial position for the 2001/2002
fiscal year.
Funding for Brockville General Hospital is set at just over
$28,580,000, an increase of 4.5 per cent over the previous fiscal
year. Just under $5.1 in approved funding will go to St. Vincent
de Paul Hospital; this represents an increase of 6.2 per cent.
Funding for Kemptville District Hospital is set at more than
$5,862,000, an increase of 4.4 per cent over the previous year.
"This funding will help to ensure that residents in Leeds-Grenville
continue to have access to quality hospital services," Runciman
stated.
Health and Long-Term Care Minister Tony Clement was quoted
in the release as stating, "We want to make sure that every
hospital has the means to provide the level of services that
Ontarians trust and depend on."
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