Augusta property standards proposal comes under fire
Angry residents express their displeasure with draft bylaw;
council agrees to start again
By Monica Whitney - Journal Staff Writer
AUGUSTA A proposed property standards bylaw for Augusta
Township that many residents claim is intrusive and an attack
on personal freedoms will go back to the drawing board to be
reworked.
Council voted down the new bylaw at its regular Monday night
meeting based on recommendations from the ad-hoc committee established
to design minimum standards for all properties in Augusta, including
residential, commercial and industrial. Councillor Doug Barton,
who also chairs that committee, said the ad-hoc committee would
be disbanded and a new one organized.
The striking of the bylaw came on the heels of a hot-tempered
public meeting last Thursday night at the Grenville Snowmobile
Club near Charleville. About 250 township residents crowded into
the hall for the four-hour meeting, many of them expressing strong
displeasure with many elements of the bylaw.
One resident after another - some shouting and swearing -
stated the bylaw was ridiculous and ill-conceived. Many speakers
were cheered on with foot stomping, hooting and banging on tables.
The proposed plan was an amendment to a property standards
bylaw passed in the township in May 2000 that dealt only with
residential rental properties. That bylaw remains in effect.
Lance Stephenson, who lives west of Roebuck, said the bylaw
was too vague with terms such as "neat," "trimmed"
and "yard" not clearly defined. He noted a rural township
yard could encompass several hundred acres, while a yard in Maitland
could be 50 feet deep.
Some residents said the bylaw should differentiate between
rural and built-up areas.
Many felt the bylaw gave township officials too many sweeping
powers to inspect and control personal properties on the exterior
and interior. One section of the bylaw deals with acceptable
conditions for interior walls and flooring, while another sets
out guidelines for exterior walks and driveways. Penalties for
violating the standards are also listed in the bylaw.
The crowd was not reassured by Barton's statement no township
official would deliberately set out to inspect properties looking
for problems.
"You have all the power of what happens over our lives,"
said Brian Legere of Maynard. "We're not a bunch of backwood
hillbillies who don't know how to read and write. We know what's
going on."
"You've got to use common sense here," Barton said.
"The comments made that a township official can enter your
home (without permission) is absolutely stupid. We do not have
the right to enter anybody's home." The bylaw would be operated
on a complaint basis only, he said.
Resident Duaine McKinley stated the amended bylaw was given
a "Grade 2 workover" with a few words changed. It's
a bad bylaw that needs to be scrapped, he said, adding it would
be almost criminal to try to enforce it. "Stay the heck
out of our personal lives."
"You should look after the things you've got on hand
instead of sticking your nose into people's lives," shouted
one man from the crowd.
"We don't want changes. We don't want amendments,"
said Pam Perrin of Roebuck. "None of this makes any sense."
The bylaw infringes on rights of privacy, security and the
ability of homeowners to decide on such things as house colour
and height of hedges, another member of the crowd stated.
Several residents complained they were not given adequate
notice of bylaw discussions.
However, Barton said only one member of the community came
forward to sit on the ad-hoc committee after advertisements were
placed in two local newspapers. That member, Adrian Wynands,
who is a dairy farmer near North Augusta and who is also the
president of the Grenville Federation of Agriculture, promised
the crowd he would do his best to work on behalf of the township
residents.
Barton chastised the crowd for not coming forward earlier.
"Not one of you had the gumption to ask to sit on the committee."
Several people from the audience then put their names forward
to participate in the new committee to be established.
Barton also noted a property standards bylaw was necessary
so the township would have more control over its own destiny
with rules in place to deal with its own problems. In 1999, he
said, the township paid out $4,000 to other government agencies
in inspection fees to deal with property standards issues within
Augusta boundaries. Problems could be handled on a more personal
basis, he noted, and a standards bylaw would also serve to attract
industry and business to the township. The proposed bylaw was
a proactive step to better the township for all and save taxpayers'
money, Barton said. "We're trying to put the fire out before
it starts with forward planning."
He expressed his concern to the gathering that the people
did not trust the council it had voted into office. "It
would appear to me you people have a big hate on for governments
and for this council in particular. It's unfortunate that if
you people voted us in that you don't at least have the respect
that we'll make the right decision."
Morris Stark resigns from township council
MAYNARD Morris Stark has resigned his position as
deputy reeve of Augusta Township.
The announcement was made at Monday night's regular council
meeting. Reeve George Vail said council accepted the resignation
with regret, noting Stark had officially stepped down for health
and personal reasons. Vail thanked Stark for his year of work
on council and applauded his efforts.
Stark had been chair of the roads and economic development
committees, and co-chair of the planning, recycling and library
committees. He is a former real estate broker.
"I've got a health problem and I've got to get it straightened
around," Stark said when contacted after the meeting. "I
wish council all the best. People don't realize how hard they
work and how many hours they put in. They're a dedicated group."
Councillor Doug Barton will now become deputy reeve. He won
the most number of votes of those running for councillor in last
November's municipal election. However, Barton moves up the ladder
through councillor Jane Fullarton's nomination he accept the
seat. According to the Municipal Act, a reeve or deputy
reeve vacancy must be filled from within the existing council,
and the vacancy is declared at the councillor level. Barton will
be sworn in at the next meeting. Of the current councillors,
Barton obtained 2,055 votes; Jane Fullarton received 1,752; and
Kathleen Thur received 1,454.
Augusta council now has three options to fill the councillor
seat. It can choose to appoint someone who was unsuccessful in
his bid for a seat in the last election; it can appoint someone
following a solicitation of candidates; or it can hold a by-election.
Unsuccessful councillor candidates were Bill Buckler, who
captured 1,124 votes, and Wayne Reid, who won 1,060 votes. John
McCrea finished in second place for reeve with 1,323 votes -
just 17 votes fewer than Vail, and Dwain Swerdfiger garnered
just 620 ballots for deputy reeve to Stark's 2,063 votes.
Vail said council would decide in the near future which option
it would choose to fill the vacancy, noting it is an issue that
needs to be addressed quickly.
"Mr. Barton is imminently qualified for that particular
role and I'm looking forward to seeing him in the deputy reeve's
chair," Fullarton said. One of the main jobs of deputy reeve
is overseeing the roads department, Fullarton said, adding Barton
has knowledge and expertise in that area.
Town hall option list trimmed
PRESCOTT Town council has begun the task of whittling
away at its lengthy list of options for what to do about the
municipal building and public library.
Council met behind closed doors Monday night to discuss the
many locations which have been suggested. Council members agreed
during the public portion of their committee-of-the-whole meeting
Monday to adopt a nine-step process aimed at resolving the ongoing
issue.
The process, which was recommended by Clerk/CAO Andrew Brown,
includes reviewing the list of options, selecting two or three
options to study in detail and then choosing one of them.
A public meeting outlining preferences would be held, and
public input would be a factor in council's final decision.
Although the process to find a solution is to be open and
public, discussions involving the potential purchase or lease
of private land holdings and negotiations between the town and
landowners are to take place in closed session.
Councillor Jo-Anne Beckstead, who chairs the town's corporate
services committee, told The Journal Tuesday the list
of options had been reduced Monday from 24 to less than 10. Beckstead
confirmed that renovating the municipal building at 360 Dibble
St. W. remains an option.
Town staff were asked to contact property owners and landlords
to gather additional information with which council can make
a decision.
Beckstead said a timeline has yet to be placed on the process;
municipal staff have many other tasks to perform, she noted.
However, Beckstead said the town hall issue is a priority.
"We need a proper building to do business out of,"
she said.
Councillor Garry Dewar suggested the preferred option "should
be a prominent building in a prominent place at an affordable
price." His suggestion was incorporated into the process
adopted by council.
There was also some discussion on whether it would be better
to lease or purchase property.
Arrest made following attempt to rob gas bar
PRESCOTT One man has been charged in connection with
an attempted robbery last Thursday night at the Mr. Gas outlet
on King Street East.
Prescott police report a lone male wearing a bandana which
partially covered his face entered the gas bar at about 6:45
pm and confronted the male attendant. The attendant was threatened
and a brief altercation took place, according to a statement
issued by Sergeant Bryan Somerville. The assailant left the gas
bar; no money was taken, and no weapon was observed. The attendant
was not injured.
The suspect was described as being 5'6", 130 lbs. He
fled the scene in what was described as a newer black pick-up
truck with a dark-coloured cap.
The Prescott Police Service was assisted by the OPP and the
Eastern Crime Unit. An arrest made on an unrelated matter early
Friday morning by Grenville County OPP officers resulted in the
apprehension of a 19-year-old Lombardy man who was charged with
attempted robbery relating to the incident at Mr. Gas. He is
scheduled to appear in Brockville court Nov. 23.
Town police indicated Friday an arrest warrant would be sought
for a 20-year-old former Prescott man in connection with the
same incident. Additional information was unavailable at press
time.
Anyone with information on the attempted robbery is asked
to contact the Prescott Police Service at 925-4252 or Crime Stoppers
at 1-800-222-8477.
Township council will ask counties to support train whistle
study
MAYNARD Augusta council has decided to make a request
to the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville asking counties
council to reconsider its opposition to conducting a feasibility
study which would determine requirements for halting train whistles
in the township.
The counties council public works committee had earlier unanimously
voted down any action be taken on the whistle issue. Three of
five Augusta crossings are at county roads.
The resolution was passed at Monday night's township council
meeting following a presentation by the Augusta Stop the Train
Whistle Committee. Spokesperson Ken Durand requested council's
support to set the wheels in motion to re-approach the counties.
Durand noted train whistles are a negative factor for economic
development and tourism in the area. The noise pollution has
become a quality of life issue, he said.
The study would point out safety issues that would have to
be addressed at the crossings before whistles were stopped. "The
whole idea of getting a study done is to ask the experts what
their views are. If they think it's safe enough... the rest of
us ought to be able to accept that."
Reeve George Vail questioned the validity of the committee's
survey of 473 residents south of Highway 401 which indicated
441 were in favour of stopping the whistles. The numbers were
too low to be a sound indicator of support, he said.
However, Councillor Jane Fullarton felt it was a relevant
sample and survey, and "the people should carry the day.
"They don't have to listen to it (whistles) in Brockville,
and I think the Maitland and the River View Heights residents
and all those residents along the river deserve the same chance,"
Fullarton said. "Transport Canada will tell us if it's not
safe."
She said the reeve would be in an enviable position to take
the matter back to the united counties for reconsideration.
"I do think it's the height of arrogance for us in Augusta
to think we're the only ones who have liability concerns for
our residents," Fullarton said. "(If other communities)
can all proceed without fears for liability, what makes Augusta
think there's some specific and different concerns here? This
(eliminating whistles) is an idea whose time has come.
"Why live with this if we don't have to, and I think
we should give our people a chance to find out whether this is
possible or not."
Councillor Kathleen Thur voted against the decision to re-approach
counties council, citing safety and liability issues. She believes
whistles are particularly important in rural areas, especially
where crossings cut through farm land.
No consensus at public meeting
Approximately 80 people attended the information meeting the
committee hosted last Tuesday in Maitland. Transport Canada official
Denis Galarneau was on hand to outline the process and answer
questions from the public.
The committee would like to see an end to the practice of
having trains whistle four times as they approach each public
road crossing in the township. If a bylaw to end that practice
were enacted, train engineers could still use whistles in emergency
cases if something were on or near the track ahead.
Galarneau said studies have shown accidents at crossings do
not increase when train whistles are eliminated and guidelines
are followed.
Committee member Brenda Humphry reported the results of a
survey involving households between Highway 401 and the St. Lawrence
River. By a margin of about ten to one, respondents were indicating
their support for at least proceeding with the process of determining
if train whistles could be prohibited in the township.
But it was clear from the start of the meeting not everyone
in the hall supported the initiative. Several speakers voiced
concerns about the survey and the possibility getting rid of
whistles would have a negative effect on safety.
School bus driver Wayne Reid said his own survey of eight
bus drivers show they do not want to have the whistles silenced.
Reid claimed there have been cases in which barriers at crossings
including the one at Maitland did not function properly.
He also noted limited visibility at some crossings makes it difficult
for drivers to see a speeding train coming until it is too late.
It was also noted long trains would soon be going into and
coming out of the Ultramar facility in Maitland.
Despite assurances train whistles would not be cut if the
proper safeguards were not in place, some in the audience maintained
they do not want the township to spend any money to inspect the
crossings and giving any further consideration to prohibiting
whistles.
Peter White, a committee member who chaired the meeting, said
nobody wants the crossings to be less safe. But he insisted there
is a lot of misinformation being circulated and people need to
"get the facts straight" in order to make their own
decisions.
"This is not a rally," White said.
Hearing-care clinic to be held in Prescott
PRESCOTT A hearing health-care clinic will take place
Monday, Nov. 26 at the Victorian Order of Nurses (VON) office
at the Prescott Health Centre, 555 King St. W.
The clinic is being presented by the Brockville, Leeds and
Grenville branch of the VON and the Canadian Hearing Society
as part of an outreach program for seniors. The society's hearing
care counselling program for seniors and other adults provides
information and support to clients, their families and other
caregivers as they go through the process of acquiring information
and services for hearing loss.
The counselling program is funded by the long-term care division
of the Ministry of Health.
Clinics will be held the fourth Monday of each month in Prescott.
To make an appointment, call the VON at 342-3693 or 1-800-465-7646.
The Canadian Hearing Society can be reached at 498-3933.
Rebekahs host fall tea and bazaar
PRESCOTT Get a jump on Christmas shopping at the fall
tea and bazaar Wednesday, Nov. 21 from 11 am to 2 pm at Friendship
Hall, 454 Henry St. W.
The event is being hosted by the Wellington Lodge of the Rebekahs.
In addition to the luncheon, there will be craft and bake
tables as well as draws and raffles. Take-out orders are available.
Leeds and Grenville places in top quarter for workfare placements
Counties exceed provincial target, collect extra $748,500
TORONTO Leeds and Grenville ranks twelfth in Ontario
when it comes to meeting workfare placement targets.
The Ministry of Community and Social Services has announced
how much additional money municipalities, counties and districts
will receive for creating opportunities for people to work for
their welfare cheques as part of the Ontario Works program.
As a reward for exceeding its 2000-2001 target by more than
650 placements, Leeds and Grenville will receive an additional
$748,500 from the province. The area, which includes Augusta,
Edwardsburgh-Cardinal and Prescott, reported 1,095 placements;
its minimum target for the year was 451.
Workfare placements enable welfare recipients to obtain work
experience, learn job skills and improve self-confidence at non-profit
agencies and in the private sector.
The Lennox & Addington and Prince Edward area created
four-and-a-half times its minimum placement target to top the
list of 47 municipalities which deliver the Ontario Works program;
all but four exceeded their targets. The overall provincial workfare
placement target was surpassed by more than 45 per cent, the
ministry reported in a Nov. 9 news release.
The additional funding municipalities receive for exceeding
placement targets must be invested in human services at the local
level, according to the ministry.
Rifle round shatters rear window of vehicle
AUGUSTA Police are reminding hunters to use caution
following an incident last week in which the rear window of a
moving vehicle was shattered by a rifle round.
The Grenville County detachment of the Ontario Provincial
Police is investigating the incident that took place last Wednesday
at about 1:40 pm on the 6th Concession about 0.5 kilometres east
of County Road 15. Police say a deer crossed the road in front
of the vehicle. The driver was able to avoid striking the deer.
It was at that time the window was shattered by the shot.
The driver, a local man, was not injured. No one else was
in the vehicle. Two all-terrain vehicles were observed heading
north into the bush shortly after the incident.
Hunters are being urged by police to use common sense and
follow safety rules.
Constable Jason Butcher is the investigating officer. Anyone
with information on the shooting incident is asked to call the
OPP at 925-4221 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
"Giant" Arts
and Crafts Show ready to go this Saturday at high school
PRESCOTT The 24th annual "Giant" Arts and
Crafts Show will take place this Saturday, Nov. 17 from 10 am
to 4 pm at South Grenville District High School.
The one-day event sponsored by the school's alumni association
is the biggest show of its kind in the area. The entire lower
level of the school is used for the show which features 225 tables
of arts and crafts from presenters based throughout Ontario and
Quebec.
Just about every item imaginable can be purchased at this
show. Everything from household and beauty products to food items
and stuffed animals can be found at the show. There will also
be Christmas crafts galore and handcrafted items for year-round
use. "If you can't find it at this show, chances are you
won't find it anywhere," the show's slogan states.
Admission desks will be set up at the school's north and south
entrances. Children under 12 will be admitted free of charge
if accompanied by a parent. Anyone with baby buggies is asked
to check them at the north gate because the hallways are often
too narrow for the carts to pass through given the hundreds of
spectators expected.
Local merchants are offering free shuttle bus service between
the clock tower and the school. Park in the downtown core and
hop a bus to the show. Many downtown merchants will be hosting
open houses and having sales Saturday.
One hundred per cent of proceeds from the Giant Arts and Crafts
Show will go directly to the high school for ongoing projects
and programs.
New bylaw is not meant
to take a bite out of conscientious dog owners
By Monica Whitney - Journal Staff Writer
MAYNARD Changes to a dog control bylaw in Augusta Township
are meant to provide guidelines for the minority of residents
who may not be following the rules, and not a way to sponge money
from those who treat their dogs properly.
Councillor Doug Barton, who is also chairman of a recently-formed
ad hoc committee studying reforms to the dog bylaw, made the
comments at a public meeting Nov. 7. He also noted the township
has no intent to fast-track the bylaw or penalize law-abiding
dog owners.
First and second readings were given to the proposed bylaw
at an Oct. 22 council meeting. The bylaw deals with the regulation,
control, protection and identification of dogs in the township.
Council members and ad-hoc committee members sought public opinion
at last week's special meeting so the bylaw could be further
fine-tuned.
Other committee members are dog kennel owners Judy Fisher
and Susan O'Reilly and dog trainer Lois Irvine.
The draft bylaw expands and updates the existing municipal
rules for dog control and penalties for non-compliance, explained
township bylaw enforcement officer Greg Trizisky. It also updates
fee and licensing requirements, addresses the operation of kennels
and defines nuisance and aggressive dogs.
Under the proposed bylaw, a yearly individual dog licence
would cost $15, increased from the current $10. It now costs
the township $12 to issue each tag, a system in which municipal
tax dollars subsidize the control of dogs, Barton said. "I
don't think that's fair for people who don't own dogs or have
no interest in dogs, therefore we have raised the fees."
As well, the fees "do not cover the cost of taking care
of bad dogs in the township," Barton said.
"It's unfortunate that the few people who don't care
for their animals let them run loose, and then we have to have
an animal control officer. Those people cost us all more money."
It is proposed the cost of a kennel licence fee will correspond
to the number of dogs it contains and the type of kennel - hobby,
purebred or commercial.
About 35 township residents, some of whom are kennel owners,
attended the Nov. 7 meeting, many with individual questions on
how they would be specifically impacted by the new bylaw.
Many cited concerns they would be targeted by vengeful or
spiteful neighbours complaining about their barking dogs. Ed
Nikitin, who owns 14 Siberian huskies, noted coyotes often antagonize
his dogs to bark at night.
"How can I possibly stop a pack of huskies from howling
at night?" He asked at the meeting. "How do I deal
with that?"
Nikitin and several other residents were assured the township
would use common sense, deal with any complaints rationally and
investigate each case on its own merits. The bylaw would not
be used to steam-roll through cases, and frivolous complaints
would be taken into account.
The new bylaw would also serve to better protect residents
from habitual nuisance dogs that may terrorize a neighbourhood
or that may chase vehicles, children or bicycle riders.
In reworking the draft bylaw, the committee will also take
into account other situations. For example, Ruby Stevens and
Lorna Easterbrook operate short-term animal shelters for dogs
that stay varying lengths of time.
Barton also asked residents to remember the township is no
longer strictly rural. "We have to cover the built-up areas
too, and we have to set a bylaw in place that will cover all
scenarios. We can't write a bylaw for every instance. We have
to use common sense... and have faith in the animal control officers.
"They (the officers) are not out to rip anybody off,
but there are a few (residents) who don't go along with good
common sense, and unfortunately that's what we have to contend
with. This is about trying to protect the good people against
the people who don't really care," Barton explained.
"We're not out to catch your dog; we're not out to say
you can't have a dog. We have to set up bylaws to control the
few when the majority of the people work together to try to solve
problems," Barton said.
Barton suggested another public meeting may be held, possibly
in the new year, after the proposed bylaw is redrafted.
United Way campaign continues to make progress
in Leeds and Grenville
LEEDS AND GRENVILLE The local United Way campaign had
reached 57 per cent of its 2001 fundraising goal as of last Friday.
The campaign had collected $368,500. The target for this year's
drive is $650,000.
Several United Way agencies will be hosting a homemade stew
lunch next Wednesday, Nov. 21 from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm at Wall
Street United Church in Brockville. All proceeds will go to the
Leeds and Grenville campaign.
The United Way of Leeds and Grenville funds 26 agencies. The
United Way office is located at 42 George St., Brockville; the
number to call is 342-8889.
Gospel gathering set for Maitland
this Sunday
MAITLAND A gospel gathering will take place Sunday,
Nov. 18 at 7:30 pm at St. James Anglican Church in Maitland.
Tom Wilson and Border Bluegrass will perform at the concert
as part of an evening of great music and Christian fellowship.
Admission can be paid at the door; refreshments will be served
in the church hall following the concert.
Photographer achieves success
PRESCOTT A local photographer has become a member of
an elite group.
Christine Endicott has achieved Licentiate Professional Photographer
of Ontario (LPPO) status.
Endicott has worked as a professional portrait and wedding
photographer for several years; her business is called Portraits
by Christine Endicott.
In order to qualify for LPPO status, Endicott submitted for
judging 10 portraits of brides and grooms, families, couples
and dancers. Some of those portraits were created using studio
lights on location; other were taken outdoors using natural light.
The judges were five master photographers from Toronto and Ottawa.
Endicott said she was surprised and thrilled to achieve the
special status on her first attempt. In addition to studying
portrait photography with the Professional Photographers of America
in Atlanta, she has received support and guidance from Master
Photographer Robin Spencer of Nepean.
As a professional photographer working in a small town, Endicott
does "a little bit of everything." Her portrait clients
include wedding couples, local families, figure skaters, sports
teams and other groups.
The satisfaction that comes from creating something people
will cherish for generations is "a special feeling,"
according to Endicott.
"You're with people at the happiest moments of their
lives," she said.
"It is a really rewarding profession."
Endicott also does commercial photography. She worked for
more than a decade as a journalist and is a former editor of
The Leeds and Grenville Business News and The Prescott
Journal.
Endicott's portfolio can be viewed at Frametastic in downtown
Prescott.
A portrait of her eldest daughter, Kelly Anne, is on display
in November at the Brockville Arts Centre as part of a juried
exhibit.
Christmas greetings drive continues
Chantal Christensen's campaign to make the holiday season
a bit brighter for military personnel overseas continues to gather
steam.
The Johnstown resident is still receiving cards from across
Canada. Christensen will also have an entry in the Light Up the
Night Parade Nov. 23 in Prescott. She said she will collect cards
along the parade route. She will be joined by 30 soldiers based
in Brockville.
For more information on the ongoing campaign ("Let Them
Know We Care"), call 925-2074.
St. Andrew's to host
bazaar and lunch
PRESCOTT A Christmas bazaar and lunch will take place
Saturday, Nov. 24 from 10:30 am to 1 pm at St. Andrew's Presbyterian
Church on Dibble Street West.
In addition to crafts and seasonal decorations, home baking
will be on sale at the bazaar. Lunch will be served beginning
at 11 am. Lunch tickets will be sold at the door.
Downtown break-ins
featured by local Crime Stoppers
PRESCOTT The Kingston/ Thousand Islands unit of Crime
Stoppers and the Prescott Police Service are seeking the public's
assistance in solving a string of break-ins and thefts from businesses
in downtown Prescott.
During the early-morning hours of Oct. 15, four businesses
on King Street West were entered boldly; storefront glass doors
were smashed. In addition to the damaged doors, property was
stolen; an estimate of total losses is unavailable.
Police and victims would like to know the identity of those
who took part in the break-ins and are sure someone has information
that would help solve these crimes.
Anyone with information about these "smash and grabs"
or any criminal activity is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Callers do not have to give their names, and their information
could make them eligible for cash rewards. Crime Stoppers does
not subscribe to call display or any other form of caller identification.
OPP NEWS
Break-in at home interrupted
AUGUSTA A break and enter at a MacIntosh Road residence
was interrupted last Friday morning at about 11:20 am. Grenville
County OPP say a family member and a friend of the owner of the
residence blocked in the vehicle used by the alleged culprits
and called police immediately.
James Mason, 19, of Lombardy, was arrested at the scene. A
second male suspect fled on foot.OPP from Grenville and Leeds
counties and an OPP canine unit conducted a thorough search of
the area. The suspect was described as having dark hair with
blond tips. He was wearing jeans and a light blue toque.
Police are asking anyone with information on this incident
to call the OPP detachment in Prescott (925-4221) or Crime Stoppers
at 1-800-22-8477. Constable Cindy Bisson is the investigating
officer.
Four charges laid following assault complaint
EDWARDSBURGH Police were called to a County Road 21
residence Nov. 5 at 5:25 pm to investigate an assault complaint.
A 16-year-old male was charged with assault, failing to comply
with a disposition, breach of an undertaking and uttering threats.
The 15-year-old received minor injuries, according to police.
Constable Rick Foley is the investigating officer.
Police make early-morning bust at grain elevator
JOHNSTOWN Two 23-year-old men from Prescott were charged
with possession of a controlled substance after Grenville County
OPP officers checked a vehicle parked at the grain elevator just
before 1 am Nov. 1. Janos Balogh and Jason Gaudet are to appear
Dec. 7 in Brockville court. Constable Marty McConnell is the
investigating officer.
Damage occurs at baseball facility
NORTH AUGUSTA Police are seeking the public's assistance
in connection with incidents at the baseball complex in North
Augusta. Grenville County OPP officers are investigating reports
of vandalism and mischief which took place overnight on the last
two weekends in October.
Constable Jason Butcher is the investigating officer; he can
be reached at the detachment in Prescott at 925-4221. The toll-free
number for Crime Stoppers is 1-800-222-8477.
Annual Spirit of Giving campaign begins
By Jon Kuiperij - Journal Staff Writer
PRESCOTT One of the first signs of Christmas was on
display last week in Prescott, and will be in neighbouring communities
in the upcoming days.
The South Grenville District High School Spirit of Giving
Club started its door-to-door canvassing for non-perishable food
items in Prescott last Tuesday and Thursday and early results
are very positive.
"We've got almost ten shelves of food after two drives,"
says club co-president Cristal Beattie. "I didn't anticipate
this at all; it's been a really good response in Prescott. We're
well on our way."
Beattie says club members also received financial donations
during their canvassing in Prescott.
Canvassers will be in Johnstown and Maynard tomorrow (Thursday),
in Spencerville Nov. 20 and in Cardinal Nov. 22 in the first
phase of the annual Spirit of Giving program, started by former
South Grenville District High School teacher Bernie Currier in
the mid-1980s.
Elisa Franklin, the other co-president of the Spirit of Giving
Club, says there are approximately 45 members in the club this
year. The club held an assembly last week at the school to officially
kick-start the drive.
On top of the drive for non-perishable food items, students
at the school are organizing a 50/50 draw. Tickets will be sold
until Dec. 10, and the draw will be held Dec. 21 at a school
assembly. A pair of Ottawa Senators tickets is on the line as
well as half the money raised.
The other half will go towards the Kinsmen Club's efforts
in packaging donated food and ordering items to accommodate needs
of families that register for the program.
Mike Baril, a member of the Kinsmen Club, said registration
has been tentatively set for Nov. 27, although a location had
not been decided as of last week.
"We always used to have it in town hall," he said.
"However, we can't do it there this year so we're trying
to find a spot readily accessible for everybody."
More than 270 baskets of food were handed out last year, and
Baril is hoping for a similar number this year.
Barrels and jars were put out in local stores and banks by
the Kinsmen Club Sunday.
The South Grenville Spirit of Giving Club is also working
on its float for the Light Up the Night Parade to be held Nov.
23 in Prescott.
Two historic stone houses in Prescott sold
at auction
By Jon Kuiperij - Journal Staff Writer
PRESCOTT The two new owners of historic stone houses
in Prescott say the buildings will remain the same - at least
for the time being.
Prescott resident Heather MacKay-Kelso bought the property
at 389 Edward Street for $137,500 at a public auction conducted
by Gordon's last week. The house, thought to have been built
in 1835, was the boyhood home of Sir Richard Scott, a former
lawyer, Ottawa mayor, Senate member and Liberal leader.
"(For now) I will leave the property exactly as it is,"
says MacKay-Kelso, who is self-employed.
"We may eventually renovate it."
The building currently houses Chris Slater's House of Flowers,
which was also sold at the auction, on the main floor, and an
apartment upstairs. MacKay-Kelso says she was interested in "the
whole package (the house and the flower shop) but things happen."
Ottawa businessman Chi Ho purchased the house across the street
at 392 Edward for $165,000. Also built in 1835, the house was
used to billet soldiers in the Rebellion of 1838. It was the
birthplace of Bruce Hutchison, the first winner of the award
for Distinguished Journalism in the Commonwealth and a recipient
of The Order of Canada.
Ho seems uncertain at this point about plans for his new property,
which was formerly home to Chris Slater's Funeral Home.
"I'm not sure what to do with the house," says Ho,
who purchased the property because he likes Prescott's location
and accessibility to major highways. "I may rent it out
to commercial renters, I might eventually convert it to a retirement
home, or I may eventually live there myself."
The 34-year-old says he does not have much opinion on any
historic signifigance the house may have.
Lisa Smith of Maitland, who bought the flower shop, is very
excited about her new acquisition.
"I'm thrilled about the opportunity to be in Prescott
as a business person," says Smith, who officially takes
over the business Dec. 7.
"Heather and I worked something out (to stay at 389 Edward).
It is nice to see an old business stay in Prescott."
The flower shop has operated for more than 45 years. Smith,
currently a legal secretary for Tom Glock's in Prescott, declined
to reveal financial details of the transaction.
- with files from Monica Whitney
School boards place below provincial average
in test results for grades 3, 6
SOUTH GRENVILLE Both local school boards continued to
be below provincial averages in the annual Education Quality
and Accountability Office (EQAO) Grade 3 and 6 assessments, written
in May and released last week.
The Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) had 12 per
cent fewer Grade 3 students meet the provincial standard (an
A or B grade) for mathematics than the provincial average, while
the Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario (CDSBEO)
trailed by eight per cent.
At the Grade 6 level, the UCDSB scored nine per cent lower
in reading and writing and 10 per cent lower in mathematics than
the provincial average. The CDSBEO was seven per cent lower in
reading, six per cent lower in writing and eight per cent lower
in mathematics.
The UCDSB maintained or decreased its average of Grade 3 students
meeting the provincial standard in reading, writing and mathematics
from last year's numbers. However, the UCDSB increased from last
year its average of Grade 6 students meeting provincial standards
by five per cent in reading and four per cent in writing and
mathematics.
"Frankly, we expected better results," said UCDSB
Director of Education Gino Giannandrea in a media release. "However,
for these results to have any merit whatsoever, we need to analyze
them to determine where opportunities exist for improvement."
UCDSB chair Joan Hodge hopes individual school results will
be available to the public by the end of November. The EQAO's
deadline for release of individual school results is Dec. 12.
The CDSBEO saw significant increases from 2000 results in
its assessments. Grade 3 students scored four per cent higher
in reading, three per cent in writing and seven per cent in mathematics.
Grade 6 students showed even stronger improvement, with eight
per cent more meeting the provincial standard in reading, and
ten per cent meeting the standard in both writing and mathematics.
"We are proud of the steady improvement our students
are making," CDSBEO Director of Education Greg McNally said
in a release.
"Although we are not quite there yet (meeting provincial
averages), we continue to make steady progress."
Overall, the Ministry of Education reported several substantial
increases from 1999 numbers. The number of English-language Grade
3 students achieving the provincial standard in mathematics has
risen to 61 per cent this year from 43 per cent two years ago.
Meanwhile, English-language Grade 6 students improved seven
per cent in reading, five per cent in writing and eight per cent
in mathematics over the two-year span.
Town responds to concerns
about noise associated with north-end development
PRESCOTT Members of town council have turned down a
request to extend the hours listed in the municipality's noise
bylaw.
The bylaw makes it an offence to create noises likely to disturb
town inhabitants between the hours of 9:30 pm and 7 am. In a
letter to council, Peter Schulz requests the bylaw be amended;
the beginning of the time period should be 7 pm, according to
Schulz. He indicates in his letter other communities in Ontario
have made similar amendments.
The letter was discussed Monday at a meeting of the town's
protective services committee. It was noted construction at the
Prescott Centre development and adjacent property in the north
end of town is affecting nearby residents.
Councillor Garry Dewar said it is unfortunate people in that
neighbourhood have to put up with noise, but he added town officials
"fought like crazy" to get the development up and running.
Changing the bylaw would impact the entire town, he added.
"I am not going to change the bylaw on the strength of
one letter," Dewar said.
Councillor Jo-Anne Beckstead acknowledged residents of the
Kingston Crescent area may be affected by nearby construction.
However, she added that is the nature of development. Beckstead
hopes people will be able to put up with "a little bit of
pain" as part of the development process.
Concerns about the project and how it is affecting the adjacent
residential area were raised by Betty Jane Howitt at the Nov.
5 meeting of town council. Howitt noted the removal of trees
to the east of the development site has led to an increase in
traffic noise from Highway 401
She also voiced concerns about the appearance of that property
and how it could have a negative effect on property values in
the Wellington Woods area. Howitt asked town officials to find
out more about the project and keep residents informed.
Town officials have indicated there are plans to create a
berm south of the 401 to reduce traffic noise in the nearby residential
area.
SGDHS Grade 9, 10 and 11 students recognized for achievements
The following awards were presented to Grade 9, 10 and 11
South Grenville District High School students at a special assembly
Nov. 5. Parents and special guests of the students were invited
to attend.
Grade 9 subject proficiency awards (2000-2001)
Danielle Adams, Math
Nabila Aslam, English
Christopher Baker, Learning Strategies, Math
Rosemarie Barton, Geography
Matthew Birtch, Phys Ed
Shannon Campbell, Art, Geography
Stephanie Connell, Drama
Misty Cort-Stuart, Science
Greg Henry, Science
Scott Irving, English, Music, Science, Math, Grade 10 French,
Integrated Technologies
Eric Lawless, Drama
Dustin Ruigrok, Geography
Shannon Thornhill, English
Alexandra Ward, Phys Ed
Bobbie Jo Wylie, French
Grade 10 subject proficiency awards (2000-2001)
Nicole Aimer, Math
Jesse Coville, Computer Engineering Technology
Pamela Forget, Learning Strategies
Jennifer Fraser, Music
Katie Graham, Intro. to Information Technology in Business,
Career/Civics
Sara Hayes, Introduction to Business
Erin Heibein, Hospitality
B. J. Bailey, Math
Mark Jenkins, History, English, Phys Ed, Science
Christina Latham, Hospitality, Communication Technology
Justin McDougall, Math, Construction Technology
Jenna Merritt, Art
Daryl Millar, English
Tara Murray, Music
Phillip Plume, Math
Julie Putman, History, English, Math
Joshua Rutter, English, Learning Strategies, Math
Ashley Selleck, History
Jaime Smylie, Drama
Beverly VanRyswyk, Computer and Information Science
Andrew Villeneuve, Manufacturing Techology, Transportation
Technology
Amanda Watt, History, Math, Phys Ed, Science
Grade 11 subject proficiency awards
Michelle Arthurs, English
Heather Black, English Tutor
Danielle Bosley, Art, French
Shawn Bradford, Biology
Megan Clifford, Hospitality
Kyle Davy, Phys Ed
Melanie Duguay, Data Processing Concepts
Amanda Frisk, English
Christina Harper, English Tutor
Mike Harris, Design Woodworking, Math
Samantha Jandron, Travel & Tourism, English Tutor
Raquel Johnston, Personal Life Management
Matt Kinghorn, English, Chemistry
Kim Levere, Accounting, English, Computer Science & Technology
Chemistry, Math, French, Multi Media Techniques
Kevin Perrin, Math
Jordan Pietrus, Design Technology
Cole Roberts, Personal Fitness
Elizabeth Saucier, Math, Grade 10 Individual, Family, &
Social Living
Jason Steinburg, Design Woodworking, Manufacturing Technology
Quentin Sztuka, Building Construction
Crystal Throop, Biology, English, Cultural Studies
Melissa Toll, Reading Tutor, Marketing, Data Processing Concepts
Paul Villeneuve, Data Processing Concepts, Transportation
Technology
Honour Students 2000-2001
Grade 9 (80 per cent average)
Semester 1: Christopher Baker, Becky Crowder, Jennifer Kalyn,
Oliver Last, Catherine Maclean, Ali Murray, Pamela Seeley, Eric
Spero, Nikki Stewart
Semester 2: Shannon Bush, Julie Cameron, Tricia Clarke, Misty
Cort-Stuart, Alison Coville, Ryan Delaney, Nikolaus Hermens,
Thomas Jackson, Chelsea Knapp, Ashley Langlois, Allan Robertson,
Mindy Watson
Semester 1 and 2: Danielle Adams, Jessica Arcand, Rosemarie
Barton, Jonathan Bennett, Matthew Birtch, Melany Boyd, Shannon
Campbell, Stephanie Connell, Ryan Davy, Erin Durant, Kristy Farrell,
Blake Gobeil, Richard Harding, Scott Irving, Megan Johnson, Miranda
Kenney, Matthew Levere, Amanda Mathieu, Sarah Matthie, Shannon
Thornhill, David Wallace, Alexandra Ward, Bobbie Jo Wylie
Honour Students 2000-2001
Grade 10 (80 per cent average)
Semester 1: Nicole Aimer, Katie Beatty, Jamie Clarke, Hollie
Coville, Lori Hall, Erin Heibein, Ian Johnson, Daryl Millar,
Ian Porteous, Krista Somerville, Robert Sutton
Semester 2: Nabila Aslam, Candice Clarke, Jesse Coville, Stephanie
Knapp, Chelsea Lawrence, Tara Murray, Ashley Richards, Andrew
Villeneuve
Semester 1 and 2: Amy Butcher, Sarah Comeau, Eric Delorme,
Jennifer Fraser, Amanda Godwin, Katie Graham, Sara Hayes, Travis
Irvine, Hannah Irving, Mark Jenkins, Christina Latham, Kelly
Longtin, Cindy Marshall, Justin McDougall, Jenna Merritt, Veronica
Parsons, Jordan Pietrus, Ian Porteous, Julie Putman, Joshua Rutter,
Cara Simpson, Jaimie Smylie, Kelly St. John, Amanda Watt, Ashley
Weir
Honour Students 2000-2001
Grade 11 (80 per cent average)
Semester 1: Michelle Arthurs, Anisa Aubin, Amanda Beaulieu,
Heather Black, Shawn Bradford, Joe Chaput, Mark Coville, Samantha
Jandron, Holly Lethbridge, Alex MacInnis, Cassie Magee, Laura
Parrott, Autumn Senneker, Quentin Sztuka, Melissa Toll, Jesse
Valkenier
Semester 2: Megan Clifford, Raquel Johnston, Emma Ladouceur,
Jennifer Murray, Elizabeth Saucier, Amanda Smith, Jason Steinburg
Semester 1 and 2: Stephanie Beach, Danielle Bosley, Kelly
Chapeskie, Dustin Drury, Melanie Duguay, Abby Farrell, Christina
Harper, Erika Howard, Brooke Hunter, Megan Irving, Matt Kinghorn,
Kate Lasalle, Kim Levere, Lindsey Liezert, David Mackinnon, Pasha
Marcynuk, Katie Marshall, Kathy Millar, Cole Roberts, Tyler Stephenson,
Lorna Thain, Crystal Throop, Paul Villeneuve, Lisa Weststrate
WALKER HOUSE NEWS
By Marnie Lippiatt
We are pleased to announce a new social group will be meeting
Tuesday mornings at 10 o'clock. Come and spend a friendly hour
visiting over tea and coffee. If you need a ride, please call
Walker House at 925-5300. We hope to see new folks as well as
regular members Tuesday, Nov. 20.
We are sorry to report Wednesday night bridge has been cancelled
because of poor turnouts. Bea Hemsley and Eleanor Gilligan were
a big help with this group in the past.
Come and visit us at our booth at the high school this Saturday
and see the beautiful quilt we are raffling.
Our dinner will be held Nov. 24. Call by Nov. 21 for reservations.
We'll be serving beef with all the trimmings.
Card game winners last week were: Monday bridge 1st,
Harry Nesbitt; 2nd, Andy Britnell; Caroline Paul won the door
prize. Tuesday cribbage high hand, Helen Barr; high score,
Hilda Hutton; 2nd, Eleanor Gilligan and Louie Bocsy; 3rd, Pat
McPhee. Wednesday evening bridge 1st, Ruth Britnell; 2nd,
Charlie Steiner; draw, Bea Hemsley. Thursday euchre 1st,
Myrtle Shahan; 2nd, Jeannine Marion and Bea Hemsley; 3rd, Marie
Shahan; Hilda Hutton won the door prize.
Township recycling
depots require proper attention
MAITLAND NEWS
Jane Fullarton
The Augusta Township Friends of the Library will be hosting
a fall craft and bake sale Saturday, Nov. 17 from 9 am to 4 pm.
There will be a large assortment of crafts, a bake table, coffee
and raffles. All proceeds are for the Augusta Township Library.
Augusta Township council has received complaints about the
condition of the recycling depots on Cedar Street and at the
MERC Hall. Residents complain the depots are unsightly with cardboard
and garbage being left at the base of the bins and plastic bags
blowing around the area. Everyday one bag of kitchen garbage
is left at the site on Cedar Street which has to be handled separately
by staff and has the potential for attracting rodents.
Township staff is trying to combat the problem by installing
more and larger bins at both sites and installing new signs specifying
what should be put into each bin, but education on proper use
of the site is needed to eliminate misuse. The recycle bins at
these locations are emptied once each Monday, Thursday and Friday
and twice daily on Tuesday and Saturday. Greg Trizisky, manager
of Augusta landfill operations, reminds residents, "If it
doesn't fit in a bin, it doesn't belong at the depot. It should
be brought to the landfill transfer station."
Trizisky explains the depots are for the convenience of residents
with recyclables generated by normal weekly use, however, the
depots are not meant to handle boxes and packing used when people
move. This large amount of material can only be accommodated
at the landfill transfer station. Long weekends are also a problem
with no pickup on the holiday. Residents are reminded that if
the bins are full, recyclables should not be left around the
bins, they must be taken back home for disposal the next day
or taken to the landfill during regular hours of operation.
Hazardous wastes such as fluorescent tubes, paint cans and
aerosol cans are also not to be disposed of at the recycling
depots. These can only be disposed of at the landfill site. There
are eight types of recyclable plastic containers. Each container
has a triangle with a number inside, on the label. Augusta Township
is only equipped to handle plastic containers labeled one or
two. All other plastic should be disposed of with the regular
household garbage.
Only glass jars and bottles can be recycled. Window glass
and dishes, whether glass or porcelain, are not recyclable. Clear
glass can be recycled separately but it must be perfectly clear.
If the glass has even a slight tint it must be recycled with
the coloured glass.
Residents are reminded the recycling depots are in residential
areas and respect for that fact is essential to prevent these
sites from becoming an eyesore. The recycling depot at Riverview
Heights had to be closed last year because people continually
left garbage at the site and a problem with rats developed.
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