OPP will seek judicial review
Commission's decision not to disband Prescott police will
be challenged
By Tim Ruhnke - Journal Editor
PRESCOTT - A decision not to approve the disbandment of the
Prescott Police Service may be heading to court.
The Ontario Provincial Police announced Monday it would be
applying for a judicial review of a recent decision made by the
Ontario Civilian Commission on Police Services (OCCOPS).
The commission indicated in a Dec. 5 decision it could not
approve abolition of the existing municipal police service based
on what it considered to be unresolved issues. However, OCCOPS
would be prepared to reconsider its decision if certain conditions
were met. Those conditions were to be addressed by Monday, Jan.
14, the commission noted in its written decision.
The town, its police services board and the OPP are proposing
an agreement that would see the Grenville County detachment of
the OPP provide service in the municipality.
One of the conditions noted by OCCOPS would require the OPP
and Prescott Police Constable Darren Davis a former OPP
officer to agree to binding arbitration. The OPP indicated
at the OCCOPS hearing held Sept. 20 in Prescott it was not prepared
to offer employment to Davis; employment was offered to other
constables working for the municipal department.
Staff Sergeant Brent Hill, Grenville County OPP detachment
commander, told The Journal Monday the OPP was not in
a position to comment on any specific response to the OCCOPS
decision and on what grounds provincial police would be challenging
it. Those responses are being formulated primarily by OPP staff
based at headquarters in Orillia, he noted.
Hill said there are unusual circumstances surrounding the
Prescott case, and patience is required as the OPP is feeling
its way through the process.
The OPP reportedly asked OCCOPS to reconsider its position
but declined to do so.
Other conditions listed in the OCCOPS decision called on the
OPP to make unconditional offers of employment to Prescott officers,
and to make clear the process that will be used to hire one of
the civilian workers at the municipal department. Disbandment
of the Prescott Police Service will result in the loss of several
town-based positions, most of which involve police and fire dispatch
service.
Prescott Mayor Robert Lawn said Monday he was not surprised
the OPP decided to seek a judicial review. The mayor expects
the town will establish some form of supportive relationship
with the OPP when it makes its case in court. Although town officials
had not decided to pursue a judicial review, they had not ruled
out the possibility.
Hill said the OPP is "very much interested" in serving
the Town of Prescott, and appreciates the support being offered
by the municipality.
Lawn added he was disappointed the OPP and Davis could not
resolve their differences.
In terms of a timeframe, Lawn said it is unknown how long
it will take to have the OPP's judicial review application processed.
Town council voted last January to pursue an OPP contract.
Most of the groundwork that went into the decision was completed
during the term of the previous council.
The Prescott Police Service continues to provide 24-hour service
to the town.
OPP still interested in serving Prescott
Staff Sergeant Brent Hill
Winter festival time has arrived
Spencerville hosts annual celebration this weekend
SPENCERVILLE - Some bone-chilling cold and plenty of snow
will help warm hearts and hands this coming weekend at the Spencerville
and District Winter Festival.
"We're keeping are fingers crossed we get cold weather,"
said Deb McKinstry, one of 15 volunteer organizers of the annual
winter celebration. Claude Blanchette is chair of the committee.
"We planned as much as we could without knowing what
the weather was going to do," McKinstry said. "It's
the river we're worried about."
Mainly at risk if the mill pond and river do not freeze solid
is the ice drags, in which two snowmobiles at a time compete
in various classes on the river. The event is hosted by the Nation
River Snowmobile Club, and is scheduled for Sunday, Jan. 20 at
11 am. Registration for the event is at the mill from 9 am to
11 am.
Indoor and outdoor fun and excitement for all ages has been
planned for the three days of the festival. Weekend-long activities
include sleighrides near the Drummond Building, skating and a
food booth set up by the Lions Club. "It's a nice community
event to meet up with eachother, even just to sit and have a
coffee with your neighbours," McKinstry said.
Friday
The old-fashioned bonfire and skating party scheduled to take
place at the mill Friday, Jan. 18 beginning at 6 pm will be moved
to the ice pad at the ball field if the river is not safe for
skating. The party includes hot dogs, hot chocolate and entertainment,
and last year attracted a huge crowd.
A teen video dance for students in grades 6 to 8 will take
place at the Drummond Building Friday from 6 to 7:45 pm, and
a dance for students in Grade 9 and up will run from 8 pm to
midnight. The Ontario Provincial Police will face off against
the fire department in a hockey game set for the arena at 6 pm.
Saturday
The pancakes will be hot off the griddle Saturday, Jan. 19
from 9 to 11:30 am at the Drummond Building. This event is a
Girl Guide fundraiser. An Open Mike Talent Show will be at the
same location from 9:30 to 10:30 am. Mid-distance dog sled races
start on the race track at 10 am Saturday, and from 10:30 to
11:30 am at the Drummond Building arena will be Shake-a-Paw dog
training. From 11 am to 4 pm will be a 4V4 hockey tournament
at the outdoor arena.
A scavenger hunt starts at the Drummond Building at 11 am
Saturday, and a taffy pull begins at noon in front of the building.
Everyone is welcome at a card tournament at the Legion beginning
at 1 pm, and the Edwardsburgh Figure Skating Show at the arena
takes place from 1 to 3 pm. The strongman/strongwoman lumberjack
competition is set for 1 pm in front of the grandstand, kids'
snowshoe races start near the grandstand at 1 pm.
Sunday
The atom-level hockey tournament is scheduled for Sunday,
Jan. 20 from 9 am to 4 pm at the arena. Shrine Clowns will join
in the fun at the brunch to be served at the Drummond Building
from 9 am to 1 pm. The Grenville Fish and Game Club is bringing
the fishing games to the Drummond Building from 10 am to 1 pm,
and a fashion show will be at the same location from 11 am to
noon, when a dance demonstration begins.
Bring the family pet (over 35 pounds) to the mutt races near
the grandstand Sunday at 10 am. A kids tug-of-war begins at noon
in front of the grandstand, and the snow angel contest follows
at 1 pm. Snowshoe races and 2X4 races will be near the grandstand
from 1 to 2 pm.
For more information, call 658-2220.
GCDC board votes to move office from Prescott
to North Grenville
By Tim Ruhnke - Journal Editor
PRESCOTT - Grenville Community Development Centre (GCDC) will
relocate its offices from Prescott to North Grenville, GCDC's
board of directors has decided.
The board made the decision at its Jan. 10 meeting. GCDC is
planning to purchase suitable office accommodations, according
to a news release issued Jan. 14. A property in Kemptville is
reportedly being considered as the centre's new home.
GCDC is a federally-funded agency that develops and implements
community-based economic development initiatives. In addition
to promoting the region, GCDC offers support to business and
companies through a number of services.
Sheila Pratt, chairperson of the GCDC board, indicated in
the release "...this move is in the interests of positioning
the GCDC for the future." The move requires the approval
of Industry Canada, the government department that funds community
futures development corporations like GCDC.
Pratt told The Journal Monday GCDC has been researching
sites in both markets Prescott and Kemptville. She acknowledged
the lease at GCDC's offices in the Moran-Hooker Trade Centre
on Water Street is coming up for renewal.
Pratt went on to state she could not release additional details
until Industry Canada has approved GCDC's proposal. The centre
will submit a business case; the process could take a few weeks
or a few months to complete, she noted.
News of the GCDC move came as a surprise to Prescott Mayor
Robert Lawn, who first heard of the decision when contacted by
The Journal Saturday. The mayor said Monday he is "keenly
disappointed" by the decision and the manner in which it
was made; the town was not made aware of the board's plans, he
added.
In noting GCDC had its start in Prescott in 1990 as a local
economic development agency that expanded its mandate to include
northern Grenville County, Lawn pointed out the perceived need
for support in the southern end of the county may be even greater
today given the state of the local economy. North Grenville appears
to be faring better, he added.
Lawn said he intends to approach the board, although town
council had yet to discuss the situation as of Monday. GCDC's
board of directors includes residents of several communities
in the county who represent the private sector, municipalities
and not-for-profit economic development stakeholders.
There has been no indication the proposed move will affect
GCDC's mandate to provide support for economic development initiatives
throughout the county, including the Prescott area.
THIS WEEK
Historical society meets tonight
PRESCOTT - The Grenville County Historical Society will hold
its annual general meeting today, Wednesday, Jan. 16, beginning
at 7 pm.
Reports outlining the previous year's achievements will be
presented, and the executive will be elected to guide activities
for 2002.
The historical society is a volunteer organization dedicated
to the research and preservation of Grenville County history.
The meeting will take place at the society headquarters at
Crane House, 439 Edward St. Everyone is welcome to attend, and
refreshments will be served.
Chamber of Commerce to host AGM Thursday
JOHNSTOWN The annual general meeting of the Prescott
and District Chamber of Commerce will take place this Thursday,
Jan. 17 at noon at the Bridgeview Restaurant on County Road 2.
The meeting will include the presentation of reports and the
election of officers for 2002. All members and prospective members
of the chamber are welcome to attend.
The annual awards banquet will be held in March.
Cameron to appear on Regional Contact
CRYSTAL ROCK A local artist will be featured this weekend
on a popular Ottawa-based television program.
A profile of Thelma Cameron is scheduled to appear on Regional
Contact this Saturday, Jan. 19 at 6:30 pm on CJOH-TV. Cameron
has captured most of Prescott's historical buildings on canvas.
Roebuck community centre to be discussed
ROEBUCK The volunteer board of directors of the Roebuck
Education and Recreation Association is looking to the community
for help in planning the future direction its community centre.
Residents of the Roebuck area are encouraged to attend a public
meeting to be held Monday, Jan. 21 at 7:30 pm at the centre.
The board is looking for input and suggestions to generate more
revenue.
Hall rentals - the association's main source of revenue -
have dropped, causing financial constraints. The centre offers
meeting facilities, a baseball diamond, playground equipment
and outdoor canteen and washroom facilities.
Friendship Hall to host roast beef dinner
PRESCOTT A roast beef dinner will be held Saturday,
Jan. 19 at the Friendship Hall, 454 Henry St. W.
Dinner will be served at 4:30 and 6 pm. Take-out orders will
be available.
Call 925-4784, 925-4957 or 925-2076 for tickets. The dinner
is presented by the Friendship Hall Association.
Resident criticizes senior township staff at meeting
By Monica Whitney - Journal Staff Writer
MAYNARD Two Augusta municipal employees were criticized
by a township resident at Monday night's council meeting.
Gail Stephenson questionned the actions of Roads Superintendent
Keith Couture and CAO Nigel White to an extent that caused Reeve
George Vail to bang his gavel several times to obtain order.
"You had better sit down and organize this man,"
Stephenson said, referring to Couture, who she claimed could
not adequately manage the roads department. Stephenson had been
complaining about poorly maintained roads within the township
this winter, and in particular Charleville Road.
She also accused Couture of lying and improperly plowing roads
at inappropriate times. Stephenson said both she and the roads
superintendent had received complaints on the condition of the
roads from a bus driver and a busing company - something she
said was denied by Couture when she confronted him.
Stephenson claimed Couture and White were the ones running
the township, and not the council.
Deputy Reeve Doug Barton said he appreciates the people who
come to council meetings to voice their concerns; however, he
noted he also likes to hear suggestions to problems which may
help the council make good decisions.
"If you want to change a negative to a positive, you
should get rid of these two men," Stephenson said, referring
to Couture and White. "They are causing the problem. Have
them stop spending unnecessary taxpayers' money. We should take
up a petition to get you guys out. Plain and simple.
"As far as I'm concerned, you are a disgrace to the township,
all of you," Stephenson said.
Vail responded by saying the two employees are doing the job
they were hired to do. He noted a larger percentage of the Augusta
population than the few who complain at meetings believe the
council and its employees are doing proper jobs.
The roads superintendent was not present at the meeting; Vail
said Couture was ill and not able to attend.
Barton said the township has 155 miles of roads to maintain
with four trucks, and he likes the roads kept as clear as possible.
"Everyone's road can't always be first," he said. "We
are doing the best we can with what we have available,"
said Barton.
Stephenson raised a number of other issues, including her
difficulty in being able to contact Couture with road complaints.
Augusta reeve outlines goals and challenges
MAYNARD - Augusta Township Reeve George Vail reviewed council's
goals and concerns for 2002 in his opening remarks at the first
meeting of the year Monday.
Council will be looking at new residential and light commercial
properties to increase its tax base. The residential tax base
has increased in importance in the township, Vail said. Even
though the township has the privilege of having some large industries
within its borders, those taxes cannot be increased, he explained.
Hydro One as of May 31 will no longer be maintaining street
lights, and the township needs to look for other service providers,
which could be time-consuming for the township, Vail said.
Talks will continue between Augusta and Prescott with regards
to a town sewage treatment plant that could at some time service
parts of the township. Vail explained the catchment area of Augusta
that could possibly benefit from sewage and water services in
the future are bordered on the west of Prescott at Riverview
Heights; north to County Road 26; east to the border of Augusta
and Edwardsburgh/Cardinal; and then south back to Prescott.
"Because you may have to use this service some day, you
might as well be in on the talks from the start," Vail said.
Other items coming up for council include interviews for hiring
a planner/building official, and next Monday's meeting regarding
the future of the Roebuck community hall. "I'm concerned
as a resident; I'm concerned as a person who uses this and I'm
also concerned as a council person, because as you all know this
building and property does belong to the township, so the status
of what's going on there becomes very important," Vail said.
The reeve said the municipality will also be looking at an
alternative to the use of road salt should Environment Canada
declare its use a toxic substance.
Educators upset by government policy requiring
criminal background checks
By Jon Kuiperij - Journal Staff Writer
SOUTH GRENVILLE Last week's announcement that criminal
background checks for all school board employees in Ontario will
begin this year has been met with frustration and concern from
local educators.
"We still have not seen any policy that indicates how
the information will be used, or how the checks will be carried
out," says Carson Kilpatrick, a careers and mathematics
teacher at South Grenville District High School. "Many teachers
feel left in the dark."
Ontario Education Minister Janet Ecker announced Jan. 7 that
school boards must collect a Canadian Police Information Centre
computer check from all their employees and from service providers
which come into direct contact with students on a regular basis.
"It is important that we take all steps to create safer
learning environments for our students," Ecker said in a
release. "The vast majority of teachers and other school
employees have earned the respect and trust of students and parents;
still, we must ensure that no student is at risk of harm. Mandatory
criminal background checks will help us to better protect our
young people."
The new regulation requires boards to collect a criminal record
background check on their current employees by the end of July
2003 and from all new employees hired after March 31 of this
year before they can start their employment.
"I am very supportive of this new regulation," says
Leeds-Grenville MPP Bob Runciman. "It's a good initiative,
to enhance the safety of students, and that's what we're all
interested in."
However, Greg McGillis, District 26 President of the Ontario
Secondary Schools Teachers' Federation, says the checks will
be a waste of valuable police time.
"We offered an alternative that was less cost and less
demanding to teachers, but the government was not willing to
listen," McGillis says. "We would have given a list
of teachers in each board to be cross-referenced with a police
list of sex offenders."
"(This is) nothing more than an expensive fishing trip
for police that will divert valuable resources from real crime
prevention."
Teachers will have to pay for the record checks, McGillis
adds.
"I don't think teachers are afraid of it, it's just another
thing (we have to deal with)," Kilpatrick says.
Teachers were also upset by a recent suggestion by Ontario
Finance Minister and PC leadership candidate Jim Flaherty that
education become an essential service, removing their right to
strike.
"We can no longer allow the future of our children to
be jeopardized by disruptions in their education due to strikes,"
Flaherty said. "Parents want certainty. They want to know
that their children are getting the best education possible,
and they want to know that their children will have the benefit
of a full school year."
Teachers argue removing their right to strike would hinder
their ability to communicate education issues to the public.
"What would replace our ability to convey problems that
exist in education to parents and students?" Kilpatrick
asks. "By removing a form of protest, how do we get the
information out?"
McGillis says the proposal would only worsen the relationship
between teachers and the government, "if that's possible."
"Our (concerns) have not always been about money,"
he says. "We're concerned with educational quality. Take
the ability to strike away and you take a level of accountability
out of the system, a way to inform the public about fundamental
issues."
Runciman also admits he is not in full support of the proposal.
"I think it's a burr under the (teachers') saddle that
doesn't have to be put there right now," he says. "From
the government side, we can't dictate. We need to take a more
moderate tone, to give all these recent changes we've made the
opportunity to work in a less confrontational environment."
"Many teachers feel left in the dark."
Carson Kilpatrick
Cash box taken from residence
PRESCOTT - The Prescott Police Service investigated 53 incidents
and three motor vehicle accidents between Jan. 7 and Jan. 13.
A cash box containing a substantial amount of money was stolen
from a residence in the Victor Road area. Town police began their
investigation Jan. 7.
Town police also investigated an incident that occurred Jan.
7 at a gas station on Edward Street. A motorist obtained gasoline
and drove away without paying for it.
A dark blue 1994 Chrysler Dynasty was stolen from the area
near St. Mark's Church Jan. 12. The vehicle was located that
evening at the Leo Boivin Community Centre. The car, which was
not damaged, was held for forensic examination.
Town police charged a 22-year-old Prescott man with driving
a motor vehicle without a licence and failing to report an accident.
On Jan. 11, Prescott police received a report of property damage
to a residence in the James Street area. A vehicle had left the
roadway and struck a wooden gate and fence; the driver left the
scene without stopping, according to police. Damage to the property
is estimated at $2,000.
Anyone with information about these or any other criminal
activity in Prescott is asked to contact municipal police at
925-4252 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
GCC to present Oklahoma!
MAITLAND Grenville Christian College's production of
Oklahoma! will take to the stage at the Brockville Arts
Centre (BAC) Friday, Jan. 25 and Saturday, Jan. 26.
This Rodgers and Hammerstein classic musical will mark the
teamwork of GCC students and adults. Leading the cast will be
Seanna Kennedy, Vaughn Chauvin, Patrick Twaddle, Allison Hess
and Laura-Lynne Conley.
Curtain time both nights is 7:30. The arts centre is located
at 235 King St. W.
For more information, call the BAC box office at 342-7122
or 1-877-342-7122.
Federal building being considered as library site
New municipal building included as Prescott council studies
fourth option
By Tim Ruhnke - Journal Editor
PRESCOTT - Town council is now considering a fourth option
in its attempt to resolve the ongoing saga of the municipal building
and library.
Council has given the green light to look into the possibility
of using the federal building on Centre Street as a location
for Prescott's public library, and building a new facility at
a different location to house municipal offices.
Council discussed a report prepared by Town CAO/Clerk Andrew
Brown, who said he has been approached in recent weeks by members
of the public and some councillors who have indicated an interest
in having the federal building considered.
The federal building, which is home to the post office and
Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC), is up for sale at
an asking price of $390,000. Brown told council at a committee-of-the-whole
meeting Monday there is enough space on the second floor of the
building to accommodate the library.
Revenues from leases with Canada Post and HRDC total more
than $84,000 per year. Public Works Canada has negotiated a five-year
lease with Canada Post and has a tentative lease with HRDC, Brown
noted in a written report. He indicated the rent could cover
the capital cost of purchasing the building within five years.
With the library taken care of, a new but smaller municipal
building could be built on town-owned land in the downtown area.
Eastern Engineering estimated the cost of a new 6,000-square-foot
building would be approximately $800,000. A list of town-owned
sites includes the marina area, parking lot, hotel lands and
the Centennial Park area.
Brown said the figures in his report are preliminary. However,
some members of council were responsive to the premise outlined
in the report.
Councillor Garry Dewar said he would like to consider the
federal building option. He believes council rejected the idea
last year without having enough information with which to work.
"It fulfils the library's needs and lets us build a really
nice town hall," Dewar said.
As for the three options already being considered by the town,
the councillor indicated he would not be comfortable with proceeding
with renovations to the municipal building at 360 Dibble St.
W. He went on to state he is not entirely comfortable with the
proposal to move town offices and the library to a renovated
grocery and hardware store. Dewar said he believes the Daniels'
Hotel property is not big enough to allow for a suitable town
hall, prompting an argument with Councillor Seeley Pillar who
insists the property can accommodate municipal offices and the
library.
Councillor Terry McConnell concurred with Dewar, who said
he would rather spend the time now to consider the federal building
as an option than make a decision with the three options already
on the table. McConnell, who reiterated his belief the hardware
store option offers a good location at the right price, said
the federal building appears at a glance to be comparable in
terms of total cost.
The councillor went on to state "we all have to move
a little bit," suggesting members of council who are not
willing to consider options other than the one they support are
holding up the process.
Mayor Robert Lawn rejected McConnell's assertion. The mayor
pointed out council had reduced the list of options to three
and appeared to be close to making a decision. He said his frustration
is based on council continuously moving backwards on the town
hall issue.
Lawn indicated there are other factors to consider with respect
to locating the library in the federal building. In noting the
need for a breakdown of library users, including how many children
use the facility, the mayor said the building is near a busy
intersection. Parking is also an issue, according to Lawn.
With no clear consensus emerging from council, the mayor directed
Brown to proceed with researching the federal building option.
Councillor Jim French, owner of the hardware store, declared
a conflict of interest at the beginning of Monday's debate. French
left his seat at the council table and sat in the audience for
the duration of the debate.
Regional jobless rate rises
KINGSTON Several sectors reported employment decreases
in December, according to figures released by Human Resources
Development Canada (HRDC).
The unemployment rate for the region that includes South Grenville
stood at 6.3 per cent last month. The jobless rate in November
was six per cent.
Among the sectors to report a decrease in employment were
professional, technical and scientific services, information,
culture and recreation, and public administration. Employment
rose in management and administration, HRDC reported in a news
release.
The regional unemployment rate in Dec. 2000 was 4.6 per cent.
All HRDC offices in the Kingston-Pembroke management area
recorded increases last month in the number of people receiving
Employment Insurance (EI) benefits. The Prescott office reported
1,047 EI claimants at the end of December, an increase of 7.4
per cent over the November figure of 975. Prescott's increase
was the smallest of 10 centres in the management area; the average
increase was just under 19 per cent.
HRDC notes unemployment rates are not determined by EI claimant
data.
Local food bank to be discussed
PRESCOTT The possibility of re-establishing a food bank
in Prescott will be discussed at a meeting to take place Thursday,
Jan. 24 at 7:30 pm at St. John's Anglican Church.
The meeting is being hosted by the Prescott Ministerial Association.
The focus of the meeting will be to assess the needs of the community
and to form a committee to get a food bank off the ground. In
the absence of a food bank, the association has been operating
a food voucher program. However, the program is running out of
money.
For more information about the meeting, call Reverend Blair
Paterson at 925-2795.
Giant bonfire is in the works
PRESCOTT The Frost Festival has acquired 100 Christmas
trees for a giant bonfire to take place Sunday, Feb. 17 at 7
pm on the final night of the town's annual celebration of winter.
This will be a family affair; everyone is invited to the waterfront
to watch the fire and sing songs. Hot chocolate will be provided.
The leftover trees have been provided by Dominique Pressault,
owner of the Canadian Tire store in Prescott.
Meditation achieves personal growth: instructor
MAITLAND NEWS
Jane Fullarton
The winter session of meditation classes started in the Maitland
Public School library Tuesday, Jan. 15 from 6:45 to 8:30 pm.
This is a weekly class taught by instructor Dianne Brown of Maitland.
Brown has been practising meditation for 12 years and has been
teaching a class in Maitland for the last five years.
Brown says she teaches what she has learned. The meditation
group is called ISUL which stands for the Institute for the Study
of Universal Life force. The type of meditation is called Kundalini,
a word for energy, which comes out of East Indian tradition and
has been practised for 5,000 years. Brown says her classes are
a non-secular study and practice aimed at putting participants
in touch with the seven energy centres in their bodies and how
to use them to function effectively in their everyday lives.
Brown describes her classes as interactive, with a free flow
of questions and answers.
The form of meditation practised and taught by Brown is less
structured and rigid than some other forms. It does not require
any particular pose; no lotus position seated on the floor and
no chanting. Participants are encouraged to be comfortable, and
most choose to sit on a chair. Brown teaches the tools to still
the mind, allowing the participant to become quiet and peaceful
internally, and thus able to meditate.
Brown says the ultimate goal of meditation is self awareness,
and that self awareness is the first step to making changes in
our lives, and achieving personal growth. Brown says one of the
benefits of meditation is how restful it is to the body. "It
feels like you've had a nap. It is both calming and energizing."
Brown says for her, meditation is a way of life. "In
12 years I've never gotten bored. I can't imagine not doing it."
As well as teaching her weekly class, she attends a class in
Kingston every second week and attends four, two-day workshops
annually to learn more. Brown tries to meditate every day for
an hour and says for her it is as vital as exercise.
Brown stresses meditation is not for everyone. "We all
must choose our own path, but many people will be enriched by
meditating."
For more information about her class call Dianne Brown at
348-3165.
Wellness workshops postponed
KINGSTON Children's wellness workshops scheduled for
Brockville and three other communities in the region have been
postponed, the Southeastern Ontario District Health Council has
announced.
The workshops were to have taken place this month; however,
they have been postponed until sometime after the end of March.
The health council has completed community consultations for
the Children's Wellness and Sustainable Communities initiatives.
Results of those consultations are expected to be available
in March on the health council's Web site (www.seo-dhc.org).
For more information, call 1-888-595-4532.
SCHOOL SCENE
CENTENNIAL '67/NORTH EDWARDSBURGH PUBLIC SCHOOLS This
is Celebrate Literacy Week in our schools. Students in all grades
will participate in a wide range of reading, writing and oral
presentation activities using the theme of inclusion.
Junior students will be skating at the local arena during
gym classes. The second of our Early Literacy sessions for parents
will be held at NEPS Thursday, Jan. 17 at 6:15 pm.
CENTRAL PUBLIC SCHOOL Students in grades 6, 7 and 8
will go curling Friday afternoon. The primary classes will go
skating Friday from 1:30-2:30 pm.
Hot lunch this week is burgers.
ST. MARK CATHOLIC SCHOOL Our Star Strategy "Look
at the Marks" will finish this week, and next week will
be "Sliders." Don't forget our photo board that features
students with their display of stars!
Skating will begin next Friday, Jan. 25.
Hot lunch this week is hamburgers; next week is pizza.
Insurance costs double for township and port
By Jon Kuiperij - Journal Staff Writer
SPENCERVILLE - This year's combined insurance premiums for
the municipality of Edwardsburgh/Cardinal and the Port of Prescott
are more than double the rates of 2001.
The municipality will pay $143,000 this year for coverage
with MuniPro, compared to $45,000 a year ago. The Port of Prescott's
insurance went up from approximately $100,000 in 2001 to $155,000
this year.
"All liability insurance rates raised substantially this
year," says Edwardsburgh/Cardinal clerk/treasurer Russell
Trivett, who attributes much of the increases to last year's
events of Sept. 11.
Trivett notes an undetermined portion of the municipal insurance
is coverage on the Port of Prescott, which will be paid for by
the port.
Unlike last year, the municipality and the port are covered
by the same insurance company.t year.
"(Marsh Canada Limited) wasn't able to guarantee coverage
in time for the renewable date of Dec. 31 (2001)," Trivett
says, "because of uncertainty in the re-insurance market.
That market is in quite a bit of turmoil."
Trivett expects to know how much coverage of the port is included
in the municipal rate by the end of the week. However, he says
even without the port's coverage, the municipal insurance increased
substantially this year.
"It could affect the 2002 tax rate, but so many factors
go into calculating that tax rate," he says. "At this
time I can't really tell what impact there will be."
The increase in insurance for the Port of Prescott will not
affect taxpayers in the municipality, he adds.
"The Port of Prescott is a self-sufficient, separate,
self-contained unit," Trivett says. "There will be
no direct impact on taxation in the municipality (from increased
port expenses)."
Stamp club meets tonight
CARDINAL The Junior Stamp Club will meet at the Edwardsburgh/Cardinal
Public Library, Cardinal Branch, this evening, Wednesday, Jan
16 at 7 pm. New members are welcome to join to learn more about
trading and collecting postage stamps.
Friendship program seeks volunteers
BROCKVILLE The Ontario March of Dimes (OMOD) is seeking
volunteers for its befriending program.
The program is designed to enhance the quality of life for
adults with physical disabilities by matching them with volunteers
who have similar interests. Visits are scheduled and the process
of becoming acquainted and developing new friendships begins.
Volunteers are being sought in the OMOD's east region which
includes Leeds and Grenville. For more information on the befriending
program, contact the OMOD at (613) 342-1935, extension 28, or
1-888-252-9008. The Web site address for the March of Dimes is
www.dimes.on.ca
Spencerville Fair receives grant from Augusta
MAYNARD The Spencerville Fair Board will receive its
annual grant of $600 from the Township of Augusta.
Council approved the request from fair board member Tim Hemsley
at its Monday night meeting. "A lot of the fairs are going
down, but ours is still one of the best fairs in Ontario, and
last year we had very good crowds," Hemsley said at the
meeting. "So I think we're doing very well, and we're looking
forward to another successful year."
Reeve George Vail noted the event is a very worthwhile fair.
The 147th annual Spencerville Fair will be held again this
year in September. Augusta contributed the same amount last year.
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