Council chooses parking lot site
Town hall and library may get new downtown home
By Tim Ruhnke - Journal Editor
PRESCOTT - Thirteen months after deciding to proceed with
renovations to the Dibble Street municipal building, Prescott
council has opted for a different but familiar option.
By a vote of 4-1, council voted Monday night to support a
motion calling for the town to proceed with construction of a
new municipal building and library on the parking lot site by
the clock tower at King and Centre streets. This had been the
preferred option of the previous council.
The resolution approved by council calls on council's committee-of-the-whole
to work with the architect and engineers to finalize design and
layout considerations prior to the calling of tenders.
Councillors Jo-Anne Beckstead, Garry Dewar, Jim French and
Terry McConnell voted in favour of the motion; Mayor Robert Lawn
opposed it. Councillors Nancy McFarland and Seeley Pillar did
not attend the meeting.
Beckstead, who has maintained support for the parking lot
site since being a member of the previous council, said Monday
she knows she does not have the total support of the community.
But in noting she has already said everything she could say in
favour of the parking lot option, Beckstead added it is time
something is done.
Other council members echoed that sentiment. Dewar said the
people of Prescott are very impatient with council, "and
probably rightly so." The councillor indicated he would
like to get more information on the parking lot plans before
making a final decision. McConnell also noted an interest in
getting more information and a willingness to support a reworked
plan.
The previous council had been considering a plan for a two-storey
building that would cost upwards of $1.5 million; however, concerns
the actual cost would be much higher prompted town officials
to review those plans in the hopes of reducing costs.
The town has not actually committed to build on the parking
lot site. The proposal to renovate the Dibble Street municipal
building was put out to tender several months ago, but council
did not award a contract and eventually decided to consider other
options, renovations included.
In maintaining his support for renovating the municipal building,
Mayor Lawn reiterated his belief much of Prescott's charm is
its built heritage. People bemoan the tearing down of the old
town hall 40 years ago, and Lawn fears the Dibble Street property
faces a similar fate. The mayor went on to note constructing
a new building on the parking lot will take away the open vista
of the river, something Lawn believes has been undervalued in
the past.
"We're doing damage to our streetscape," the mayor
said of building on that site.
Lawn maintains renovations could be completed at a pricetag
in the range of $800,000. He also estimates the total cost of
the parking lot project could exceed $3 million after financing
costs are realized over a 20-year period.
After voting to proceed with the parking lot option, council
agreed to advertise for expressions of interest to redevelop
the Dibble Street municipal building property. However, Dewar
noted council would "...take another long look at that building"
if the parking lot proposal proves to be too costly.
Prior to Monday's debate, Prescott resident Gavin Robertson
called on council to proceed with renovating the Dibble Street
building. Robertson, a library board member who indicated he
was stating his own views on the subject, told council it is
time to create a positive mood by restoring the pride that once
existed in Prescott.
In urging council to stick with its earlier decision to renovate,
Robertson noted it was difficult to keep biting his tongue during
the many council meetings he has attended during the past year.
When asked at the end of the meeting whether as a member of
the previous council she feels vindicated by the current position
taken by the town, Beckstead indicated she is pleased the parking
lot option will now be given serious consideration.
Councillor French owns the hardware store adjacent to the
parking lot. The store had been considered an option; during
that time, French declared a conflict of interest and did not
vote or take part in council discussions involving the town hall
siting process. However, the store option was rejected several
weeks ago.
Prescott and Cardinal welcome midget and bantam hockey teams
South Grenville association hosts major tournaments
By Jon Kuiperij, Journal Staff Writer
SOUTH GRENVILLE This weekend marks the climax of the
minor hockey season in South Grenville as major tournaments take
place in Prescott and Cardinal.
Thousands of fans are expected to pack the Leo Boivin Community
Centre and Cardinal & District Community Centre to watch
the annual midget and bantam "AA/AAA" tournaments,
featuring teams from across Ontario as well as the United States.
The 30th annual midget tournament, to be held in Prescott,
kicks off tomorrow afternoon with three exhibition games. The
hometown South Grenville midget "B" Rangers will play
the London Junior Knights at 5:30 pm; St. Louis will face London
at 7 and Ajax/Pickering takes on St. Louis at 8:30. Competitive
play begins Friday at 7:30 am and runs until late Sunday afternoon.
Teams from Kitchener, Buffalo, Washington, Northern Massachusetts,
Welland, Toronto, Richmond Hill, Oakville, York-Simcoe, Kanata
and Central Ontario have been confirmed for the competition.
Meanwhile, 15 kilometres down County Road 2, the fourth annual
bantam tournament begins in Cardinal Friday at 8 am, wrapping
up late Sunday afternoon as well.
The South Grenville bantam "B" Rangers will participate
as will squads from Binghamton, Buffalo, Markham, Bonnie Castle,
Gloucester, Rideau St. Lawrence, Rochester, Pittsburgh, Richmond
Hill, Mississauga, Smiths Falls, Toronto and Cumberland.
Many prominent National Hockey League players have competed
in the midget tournament over the years, including Eric Lindros
of the New York Rangers, Brendan Shanahan of the Detroit Red
Wings, Doug Gilmour of the Montreal Canadiens, Adam Graves of
the San Jose Sharks and Ron Tugnutt of the Columbus Blue Jackets.
The yearly tournaments are the highlight of the South Grenville
Minor Hockey Association (SGMHA) season. Not only do they provide
a showcase for young hockey talent, but they also serve as a
major fundraiser for the SGMHA.
Association President Tracy Swan expects the weekend to raise
between $16,000 and $20,000, to be used for all teams from the
initiation to midget levels.
Many volunteers have pulled together to make this weekend
of hockey action a reality, from timekeeping to running the hospitality
rooms to working the door to billeting out-of-town players.
See this week's sports section for more preview coverage of
the tournaments.
OPSEU strike has effect on some local services
SOUTH GRENVILLE - Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU)
picket lines aren't visible in South Grenville but that doesn't
mean the strike isn't affecting local services.
As a result of the strike, the Driver & Vehicle Licensing
Office in Prescott has been shut down completely since it is
no longer run privately. Licensing offices remain open in Brockville,
Morrisburg and Kemptville - the Brockville office is only offering
limited hours on weekdays.
The Land Registry Office in Prescott is also offering limited
hours, open 1 to 4 pm Monday to Friday.
Although municipal workers in Augusta Township are members
of OPSEU, they are not affected by the strike.
"Most services are 1-800 numbers because the government
has shut a lot of things down," says Roger Haley, staff
representative of OPSEU's Brockville regional office.
"It's difficult to see a visual impact but if you look
behind the scenes, people see these are things they need on a
regular basis."
Haley says birth certificates, marriage licenses and drivers'
tests will not be available during the strike.
"I'd suggest for people to phone (Leeds-Grenville MPP)
Bob Runciman and tell him to get back to the bargaining table,"
Haley says.
"As soon as we can reach a contract, we'll get back to
work."
THIS WEEK
Call centre company to host job fair
BROCKVILLE - A call centre company is planning to hold a job
fair in Brockville this Friday and Saturday, according to Leeds-Grenville
MPP Bob Runciman.
NuComm International, which has operations in St. Catharines,
Welland, Sault Ste. Marie and Owen Sound, is planning to hire
400 employees. Runciman stated in a news release issued Tuesday
he is hopeful the company will establish a call centre in Brockville.
"I'm encouraging everyone interested in a job to have
their resumes ready," the MPP stated. "These will be
good jobs with a company that has a solid track record."
The job fair is to take place at the Royal Brock Hotel. Further
details were unavailable at press time.
Runciman, Ontario's minister of economic development and trade,
noted his ministry has been working with NuComm for more than
a year. He met with company officials three weeks ago.
Regional jobless rate rises to eight per cent
KINGSTON - The regional unemployment rate rose sharply last
month, according to figures released by Human Resources Development
Canada (HRDC).
The jobless rate in the region that includes South Grenville
was eight per cent in February, an increase from January's rate
of 7.3 per cent.
A news release from HRDC states there was a decrease last
month in employment in the goods-producing sector, including
a seasonal reduction in agriculture. Employment levels also decreased
in accommodation, food services, health care and social assistance
sectors.
The regional unemployment rate in Feb. 2001 was 7.4 per cent.
HRDC also reported increases in employment insurance (EI)
claimants. The Prescott HRDC office had 1,263 active claims at
the end of February, a 5.4-per-cent increase over the January
total of 1,198.
The unemployment rate is not determined through assessment
of EI claimant data, according to HRDC.
First annual fundraiser for VON to be held
PRESCOTT - The first annual VON fundraiser will take place
this Friday, March 22 from 11 am to 2 pm at the Royal Canadian
Legion Branch 97, 141 Henry St. W.
Lunch will feature chicken à la king and biscuits,
and will be served by the hospitality class at South Grenville
District High School.
Homemade desserts will also be served; baked goods will be
available for sale.
Tickets are being sold at Doyle's on King Street West and
from the VON; call 925-3731.
Proceeds will go to Victorian Order of Nurses programs.
Lennox putting
LCBO career on ice
By Jon Kuiperij - Journal Staff Writer
PRESCOTT - Al Lennox expects his last day at the Prescott
LCBO will be a difficult one.
"It will be (tough); you can't deny the emotional part
of it," says Lennox, who will retire March 30 after nearly
36 years on the job. "You get attached to the job, and to
the people."
The 56-year-old Prescott resident began working at the LCBO
in 1966, leaving his job as parts manager at Canadian Tire.
"It was less money at the time, but I liked the job security
and long-term potential with the LCBO," he says.
Lennox "worked his way up" to become manager of
the store, a position he has held for the past 24 years. During
his tenure with the Liquor Control Board of Ontario, Lennox says
he has seen many changes in the industry.
"Technology," he says. "It changes daily, more
so in the past five to seven years. Actually, I thought I would
have the most trouble when we started using computers (ten years
ago), but I didn't. I know a lot of people were afraid of damaging
the machines."
Lennox also recalls the days of counter service, when customers
would fill out slips and bring them to a cashier who would bring
out the requested product.
"The format of self-serve (introduced) in 1988 made the
customers feel more comfortable," he says. "The store
put a larger emphasis on customer service, and it freed up our
time for customers."
Lennox says wine sales have definitely increased over the
years, particularly red wine. Imported beers and single malt
scotches have also become more popular, he says.
Now Lennox will turn his attention toward his hobby of woodworking.
"It's something I enjoy," he says. "I started
with crafts and now I do some furniture, with all kinds of wood.
I'm not sure I want to register it as a business - it's a hobby,
and if it were a business it might not be as enjoyable anymore.
He also hopes to do some traveling with his wife, Judy, and
to spend more time with his grandchildren.
"I've been very fortunate to have a job like this in
the past years, and I've made a good living," Lennox says.
"Every job has a downfall, but the people have been the
most important. They give your day a boost."
Prescott-area company among finalists in regional
Global Traders awards
JOHNSTOWN - A local company is among the nominees for the
2002 Eastern Ontario Global Traders awards.
Measurements International Ltd. is one of four companies based
in Leeds and Grenville nominated for the company award in the
eastern region.
The awards recognizing outstanding achievements of small and
medium-sized companies are presented by Ontario Exports Inc.,
the provincial government's lead trade agency.
The Eastern Ontario ceremony will take place April 4 in Brockville.
The day-long program will be split between the Royal Brock Hotel
and Brockville Arts Centre.
Measurements International, which is located on Pirelli Drive,
designs and builds temperature calibration instruments. The company
has been in partnership for more than six years with ISOTECH,
a British firm and world-leading manufacturer of temperature
products.
Two companies in the Brockville area and one in Kemptville
are also up for the regional award, as are firms operating in
Ottawa, Kingston, Belleville and Peterborough.
The local nominees were named in a news release issued Friday
by Leeds-Grenville MPP and Economic Development and Trade Minister
Bob Runciman.
"They (the companies) deserve our applause for taking
risks, for creating new jobs, and helping to sustain the economic
lifeblood of communities throughout Ontario," Runciman stated
in the release.
Eligible businesses must export to at least one country and
have export sales of at least 15 per cent of total sales. Nominations
are evaluated by regional judging panels representing business,
education and economic development.
Three other regional awards ceremonies will be held this spring
in Guelph, Niagara Falls and North Bay. Winners at the regional
level will compete for provincial awards May 15 in Toronto.
There are also a number of public- and private-sector sponsors
associated with the awards.
Two-act opera by Mozart coming to Prescott
PRESCOTT - A timeless tale of love and mistaken identity is
coming to town.
Members of Atelier lyrique L'Opéra de Montréal
will perform Mozart's Così fan tutte, a two-act
opera, Tuesday, April 2 at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church,
corner of Centre and Dibble streets. The opera marks the fourth
event of the Fort Town Concert Association's 2001-2002 season.
The opera company enables young Canadian singers to receive
professional operatic training while acquiring solid practical
experience. Accompanied by pianist and presenter Claude Webster,
the group will use scenery and period costumes designed by L'Opéra
de Montréal.
Così fan tutte was first performed in Vienna
in 1790, a year before Mozart's death.
The Fort Town association works in conjunction with Jeunesses
Musicales of Canada, an organization that brings live arts performances
to communities across the country.
The April 2 concert is free for those who purchase a subscription
for next season's concert series.
For more information on tickets or the association, call 925-5050
or 925-3200.The upcoming concert is sponsored by the Colonel's
Inn, Prescott.
Census data indicate
local population on the decline
SOUTH GRENVILLE - Fewer people resided in South Grenville
last year compared to five years earlier, according to census
figures released last week.
The area's population at the time of the May 2001 census was
conducted totalled 18,537. Census figures from 1996 indicate
the population of South Grenville was 18,821.
The total population of Township of Augusta remained virtually
unchanged. There were 7,635 residents in 2001 compared to 7,626
in 1996; this represents an increase of 0.1 per cent.
The Township of Edwardsburgh/Cardinal had a population of
6,674 based on 2001 census returns. The combined populations
of the former township of Edwardsburgh and village of Cardinal
was 6,715 in 1996.
Prescott's population decrease was one of the largest in the
region in terms of percentage. The Fort Town had 4,480 residents
based on the 1996 census; the population in 2001 had dropped
to 4,228, a decrease of 5.6 per cent.
Prescott had 2,009 dwellings at the time of the 2001 census.
There were 2,851 dwellings in Augusta and 2,799 in Edwardsburgh/Cardinal.
Information on income and other social and economic characteristics
of the three municipalities in South Grenville is not listed
on the Statistics Canada Web site (www.statcan.ca). The site
offers general information on each province, territory, city,
town, township and native reserve in Canada.
Census data are used by governments, businesses and associations
to design and assess programs and services, including health
care, transportation, fire and police protection and employment
and training. A limited amount of information is available free
of charge.
The population of Canada as of last May was just under 31,082,000.
There are still more females than males living in this country,
although the margin is relatively small.
New Conservative leader to be selected Saturday
BROCKVILLE - Members of the Ontario Progressive Conservative
party will vote for a new leader this weekend.
It is expected more than 1,000 members of the Leeds-Grenville
riding association will be eligible to vote this Saturday.
Voting takes place at Thousand Islands Secondary School on
Parkedale Avenue beginning at 8 am; polls for the first ballot
close at 11 am.
Five candidates are seeking the provincial Conservative leadership:
Health and Long-Term Care Minister Tony Clement, former finance
minister and deputy premier Ernie Eves, Finance Minister Jim
Flaherty, Labour Minister Chris Stockwell and Environment Minister
Elizabeth Witmer.
The winner will succeed Premier Mike Harris, who announced
later last year he would be stepping down as premier and party
leader.
Saturday's leadership vote will be open to Conservative party
members who have paid their $10 registration fee. A news release
issued by Leeds-Grenville MPP Bob Runciman notes members will
require one piece of photo identification or two pieces of other
identification in order to receive their ballots.
The successful candidate will receive at least 50 per cent
plus one of votes cast. If a second ballot is required, voting
is to commence following the announcement of the first ballot
results. The second voting period is to last one hour. The same
process will be followed if a third vote is required.
For more information about the leadership vote, contact the
riding association headquarters at 342-1763.
Utility bills reflect changes in electricity
market
Rideau St. Lawrence Utilities increases certain rates
By Jon Kuiperij - Journal Staff Writer
SOUTH GRENVILLE - Changes in Ontario's electricity market
have been reflected in the recent utility bills of Prescott and
Cardinal residents.
Items such as monthly service charges and distribution charges
have appeared on Rideau St. Lawrence Utilities Inc. bills since
the new year, and Rideau St. Lawrence CEO John Walsh says customers
will notice even more changes in the upcoming months.
"It's confusing now, but it will be even more confusing
May 1," Walsh says.
"The new energy charges will be further unbundled; they're
all included today in the cost of power, but they will be unbundled
down to the energy costs themselves."
Beginning in May, consumers will see items such as debt retirement
and rural rate assistance charges on their bills. These costs
are currently bundled into the energy charges that appear on
Rideau St. Lawrence bills, Walsh says, but must now be listed
separately because of the deregulation of hydro in Ontario.
The monthly service charge that now appears on bills goes
toward operating overhead and administration of the utilities,
Walsh says, while the distribution charge is used for maintenance
of the distribution system.
Beginning this month, these charges will see a rate increase
of approximately three per cent ($3.30 on a monthly residential
bill).
The monthly cost for rental of water tanks has also increased
- 40 gallon tanks now cost $5 while 60 gallon tanks are $5.75.
However, the retroactive rate increase that was on bills in
January and February will no longer be in effect.
"When Rideau St. Lawrence Utilities was formed, there
was a deadline to get in an application for a rate increase retroactive
to March 1, 2001," Walsh explains. "It was approved
Dec. 21, 2001, so the retroactive rate increase was to recover
lost revenue going back to March 1, 2001."
Also, the late payment charge has been lowered to 1.5 per
cent from 5 per cent.
"All utilities, under direction of the Ontario Energy
Board, have dropped late payment charges to 1.5 per cent, similar
to other commercial businesses," Walsh says.
Senior citizens will now be required to pay their bills by
the due date, instead of being allowed until the end of the month
to make their payments.
"With the opening of the electricity market, we were
no longer able to offer this," says Walsh. "Everything
needs to go to a single date (for administration purposes). We
kept it as long as we could."
Walsh adds water and sewer charges will not appear on the
Rideau St. Lawrence bills of Prescott residents once the town
takes over water distribution later this year.
Audio equipment taken from vehicle and residence
PRESCOTT - Officers with the Prescott Police Service investigated
54 general incidents and two motor vehicle accidents between
March 11 and March 17.
Town police investigated a theft from a vehicle parked behind
a King Street-area business March 13. Taken from the vehicle
was a Hitachi AM/FM stereo cassette player valued at $200.
Also on March 13, police investigated a theft from a garden
shed at a residence in the Churchill Road area. A tap and die
set in a moulded plastic case with an unknown value was taken.
Prescott police investigated a break and enter March 16 at
a residence in the area of Wood Street East. A Curtis AM/FM cassette
recorder valued at $200 was taken, as was a Panasonic VCR valued
at $250.
Anyone with information on these or other offences in town
is asked to contact the Prescott Police Service at 925-4252 or
Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Cancer society breakfast launches annual campaign
JOHNSTOWN - The Cardinal, Augusta, Prescott and Edwardsburgh
(CAPE) branch of the Canadian Cancer Society will hold its 12th
annual breakfast Thursday, March 28 to kick off its 2002 fundraising
campaign.
Everyone is invited to attend the event at the Bridgeview
Restaurant in Johnstown from 7:30 to 8:30 am; it is not a requirement
to be a cancer society volunteer to attend. There is a charge
for the breakfast.
Donations to the cancer society by various local service groups
and businesses will be made at the breakfast.
Daffodil sales to support the society begin April 4, 5 and
6 at various locations in Prescott, Cardinal and Spencerville.
The annual Daffodil Tea will take place Saturday, April 6
from 11:30 am to 2 pm at St. Paul's United Church in Prescott.
4-H club learns
about food and nutrition
Submitted by Krista Somerville
On Wednesday, March 13, Pancake Pals 2 met at the Roebuck
Hall. The meeting started at approximately 10:30 am with club
President Stephanie Connell calling the meeting to order. She
asked Kyle Somerville to begin the pledge followed by Secretary
Emily Robinson calling out the members' names.
As they answered with "present," they told everyone
the recipe they had brought to share with everyone. The members
had been asked to bring their favourite recipe copied out 23
times so each member could put it in their recipe boxes. Doing
this, members have a good start on easy recipes that they will
be able to keep and use forever.
The leaders asked everyone to line up in order of age (another
game that took some figuring out) and then divided us into three
different groups. During the day each group would visit different
stations that had been set up.
The first group would go to the kitchen and cook with leader
Pamela Somerville, the second group would go to table setting
and manners with leader Darlene Dillabough, and the third group
would learn about nutrition and foods to eat as well as foods
not to eat with leader Debbie Connell.
The three groups would rotate so that everyone would have
a chance to do every station.
At around 1:30 pm we stopped for lunch, and what a variety
of food we had. The food we ate is what the different groups
had been making all day. There was caesar salad, nachos and dip,
stuffed pitas, harvest soup and apple cider.
After lunch the members went outside for some fresh air. As
everyone came back inside they were asked to do some dishes (the
worst part). Everyone worked on their recipe books and notebooks.
Debbie Connell handed out four tickets to each member for
our achievement banquet April 14. The banquet is our achievement
program, with the members preparing and serving the food and
entertaining their guests. Everyone was asked to sell them before
the next meeting.
We finished the meeting with some members making some very,
very lumpy milkshakes but they still tasted okay. We also had
some angel food cake with a raspberry sauce that hadn't been
quite ready for lunch.
The next meeting will take place Wednesday, March 27 at 6:45
pm at the Heckston General Store. Everyone will be making their
own personalized pizza cinnamon buns and we'll try milkshakes
again.
The club appreciates the use of the Roebuck Hall for its meetings
and for its upcoming banquet.
United Way annual meeting set for March 26
LEEDS AND GRENVILLE - The annual general meeting of the United
Way of Leeds and Grenville will be held this Tuesday, March 26
at 8 pm at the Brockville Public Library on George Street.
Items on the agenda include campaign update and overview,
audited statement distribution, committee reports and the distribution
of 2003 budget packages. All receipted United Way donors from
the 2001 campaign are considered to be voting delegates.
For more information, call 342-8889.
Germination on
the agenda at garden club
ALGONQUIN - The Friendly Garden Club welcomes Kristl Waleak
of Gardens North to its next meeting this Wednesday, March 20
at 7 pm at the Algonquin Library.
Waleak, who produces perennial seeds, will speak about germination.
There is an admission fee. Refreshments will be provided.
Friends of Augusta Library host fashion show
this Thursday
ALGONQUIN - A fashion show will be held this Thursday, March
21 at 7:30 pm at the Augusta Public Library.
There is an admission fee; there will be prizes and draws.
All are welcome to attend.
The fashion show is being presented by the Friends of the
Library group.
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