Architect reviews town hall plans
Prescott council considers parking lot site drawings
By Tim Ruhnke - Journal Editor
PRESCOTT - The architect who designed the proposed town hall/library
building on the downtown parking lot site believes Prescott council
should figure out what it wants before proceeding with the project.
Ralph Vandenberg met with five members of council last Wednesday
night to review drawings he had prepared for the previous council.
The 12,000-square-foot, two-storey structure would occupy most
of the clock tower square area at the corner of King and Centre
streets.
Vandenberg said the proposal as is would cost between $140
and $150 per square foot to build a total of up to $1.8
million. A modified version that removes some of the curves from
the exterior of the building and includes less expensive options
could be built for about $125 per square foot, he added. That
would reduce the cost of the project to about $1.5 million.
The design would enable the town to keep about half of the
parking spaces now available in the lot. Vandenberg noted the
previous council was trying to address concerns from the business
community.
The farmers market would be relocated to Centre Street between
King and Water streets; that section of Centre would be closed
to vehicular traffic when the market is open, the architect said.
Vandenberg recommended council consider taking a "fresh"
approach to the design of the building. Once council sets its
priorities and deals with budgetary factors, the architect noted,
a new design could then be drafted. Some elements of the existing
design could be used, but many changes would be required depending
on the extent of any revisions sought by the town.
For example, Councillor Garry Dewar suggested municipal offices
be located on the ground floor and the library should be upstairs;
the existing design has the library on the ground floor. Vandenberg
explained the switch could be made, although he noted people-oriented
activities such as a library are better suited to the main level.
In response to concerns about how putting a new building in
that location would affect tenants of other buildings that face
the parking lot, Vandenberg told council the town hall is meant
to be an important reflection on the entire community. "You're
selling the town in this building," he remarked.
"You don't want to build a town hall based on a building
over there," Vandenberg said. "I wouldn't put too much
emphasis on it."
Mayor Robert Lawn, who supports renovating the Dibble Street
municipal building, said the parking lot design "...looks
to be like a very nice building."
However, the mayor noted council will have to decide its next
move before any consideration is given to changing the design,
keeping it as is or taking some other approach.
Prescott council voted last month to proceed with the parking
lot project. Council's preferred option had been to renovate
the Dibble Street building; the job was put to tender, but no
contract was awarded. Council opted several months ago to review
its options; more than 20 were considered, the final two of which
were to renovate the Dibble Street building or build new on the
parking lot site.
Vandenberg emphasized the importance of council's decision
and the impact it will have now and in the future.
"It's going to be this council's legacy," Vandenberg
said.
Eight members of the public attended the March 27 meeting.
New Roebuck Community Hall committee tries
to make a difference
ROEBUCK - Community support and interest in the Roebuck Educational
and Recreational Association (RERA) is increasing.
The RERA annual general meeting held March 18 attracted 77
people, and a new board of directors was elected by secret ballot.
Mary Wichmann, elected secretary of the board, said the group
has a number of ideas they hope will bring community involvement
back into the organization and its services.
"It will take a lot of people caring" to get RERA
back on its feet, but the board is confident the organization
can be revived to its former glory days, Wichmann said.
"We're trying to get the community back involved in a
positive way where they feel they're making contributions,"
she said.
Among the first changes was a downsizing of the board from
as many as 14 members who were acclaimed in previous years to
a board of nine who were nominated and elected.
A public meeting held in January indicated strongly the 27-year-old
community hall was in jeopardy due to lack of funds and interest.
It was suggested young people with creative and fresh ideas was
needed to revitalize the centre. The hall is owned by the Township
of Augusta.
The new board consists President Alton Whitehorne, Vice-President
Steve Polite, Treasurer Marlene Neddo, Secretary Mary Wichmann,
and directors Barbara Geggie, Darlene Dillabough, Jean King,
Joe Lawrence and Velma Somerville.
Another change in the organization's structure is the formation
of various committees within the board with the hope of attracting
more community volunteers to join. The committees are budget
and finance, recreation, hall, grounds, fund raising, advertising,
liaison and membership. A director will head each committee,
with members working together, Wichmann explained.
Anyone with interest or expertise in any of the areas and
is willing to help out can contact a board member.
"We are your voice, and it is our intention to try to
accommodate any suggestions or requests you may have," Wichmann
said. "We have a beautiful hall and a lovely park, which
could be utilized to everyone's benefit.
"Without the community spirit and support things cannot
change, she added. "However, if we all have the same vision
and goal in mind, together we can make a difference."
Drug sweep at high school leads to trafficking
charge
PRESCOTT - A 17-year-old Prescott male faces a trafficking
charge following a drug sweep that took place last Thursday morning
at South Grenville District High School.
Four members of the Ontario Provincial Police Canine Unit
and a Canada Customs and Revenue Agency Canine Unit joined members
of the Grenville County OPP detachment in conducting the sweep.
A qunatity of marijuana as well as drug paraphernalia was
seized, according to OPP Detective Constable George Duke.
A male student of the school was charged with possession of
a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking. He is
scheduled to make a first appearance in court April 23.
The investigation is ongoing.
Recent snow and rain fails to wash away low
levels
SOUTH GRENVILLE - The snow and rain South Grenville has received
early this spring has not made up for comparatively dry conditions
this winter, according to an official with South Nation Conservation.
Richard Pilon, a water resources engineer, predicts the chances
of serious flooding in the 3,900-square-kilometre South Nation
River watershed are slim this spring.
There was virtually no snow on the ground throughout much
of the watershed as of mid-March, Pilon indicated in a recent
news release. "Even the ditches were bare, which is pretty
unusual," he stated.
As of last week there was only about half the water equivalent
lying on the ground compared to what would be normal for that
time of year, according to Pilon.
"Water levels in the South Nation and its tributaries
are considerably below normal for the time of year, so they should
easily absorb whatever comes from the final melt."
However, he added significant amounts of snowfall followed
by an extremely quick melt, or heavy rains, could change the
situation.
Steady, light showers would be useful to replenish groundwater
supplies, Pilon noted. There are concerns drought conditions
that plagued the region last year could return this year unless
significant amounts of precipitation are received. Water-use
restrictions were in place in many communities, and burning bans
were commonplace.
Even though water levels may be lower than normal for this
time of year, the public is being reminded to use caution near
rivers, creeks and other bodies of water.
"Snow and ice along streambanks can leave a false impression
of stability," Pilon stated.
"One false move, and a child could be in the water which
is very cold right now, making such a predicament even more dangerous."
For more information on South Nation watershed conditions
or flooding, call (613) 930-8306.
THIS WEEK
The time has arrived to spring forward
Daylight Saving Time begins this Sunday at 2 am. Clocks, watches
and other timepieces should be set one hour ahead before going
to sleep that night.
Fire officials encourage the public to use the time change
as a reminder to check batteries in smoke alarms.
Apply for GST credit by filing tax return
SOUTH GRENVILLE - Canadians who do not have to pay taxes may
want to consider filing a tax return in order to be eligible
for the Goods and Services (GST) sales tax credit, according
to Canada Customs and Revenue Agency (CCRA).
Canadian residents who are at least 19 years old must check
the "Yes" box on page one of the return each year in
order to be eligible for the credit, which is meant to help offset
all or part of the GST the applicant would pay over the course
of the year. Applicants may apply before they have turned 19,
but they will have to wait until they turn 19 to receive payments.
CCRA will advise applicants in July as to whether they qualify
for the credit. GST credit information is available on the CCRA
Web site at www.ccra.gc.ca/benefits, or by phone from tax service
offices listed in the blue pages of telephone books.
GST payments based on 2001 tax returns will be issued in July
and October of this year and January and April 2003.
Letter of condolence available to be signed
SOUTH GRENVILLE A letter of condolence to note the death
of the Queen Mother is available to sign at the municipal office
in Prescott.
The widow of King George VI and mother of Her Majesty Queen
Elizabeth II died in her sleep Saturday at the age of 101.
The letter, which is being sent by Prescott Mayor Robert Lawn,
town council and the residents of Prescott, will be at the municipal
office on Edward Street at Churchill Road. The office is open
weekdays from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Augusta firefighters to host pancake supper
NORTH AUGUSTA The Augusta Fire Department will be hosting
a pancake supper this Saturday, April 6 from 4 to 7 pm at the
fire hall in North Augusta.
Councils prepare for smoking debate
Health unit officials will make stops in Prescott, Augusta
and Edwardsburgh/Cardinal
SOUTH GRENVILLE - The debate over the merits of no-smoking
bylaws will soon be taking place at municipal council tables
in South Grenville.
The Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit commissioned
a survey of residents in the tri-county area. A majority of respondents
would support a ban on indoor smoking in public places such as
restaurants, bingo halls and arenas.
However, support for the ban in bars was found to be the lowest
of the locations listed in the survey; just under half of respondents
would favour a ban in bars.
Some municipal councils in the region have already discussed
enacting a no-smoking bylaw. Health unit officials are scheduled
to make a presentation to Prescott council at its 7 pm meeting
tonight at the health centre.
Similar presentations are scheduled to be made April 8 at
Augusta council in Maynard and April 15 at Edwardsburgh/ Cardinal
council in Spencerville.
The merits of a no-smoking bylaw was a topic for discussion
Monday evening at Boomers Sports Bar and Restaurant in downtown
Prescott. Gary Witcher, a former smoker, questions the need for
a municipal bylaw.
Although he favours taking steps to keep young children away
from cigarettes, Witcher believes adults should be given the
choice of whether to smoke, or even go to an establishment that
permits smoking.
Establishing non-smoking areas in bars and restaurants would
be an acceptable approach, according to Witcher.
"Individuals should be allowed to say yes or no,"
he added.
Many respondents to the survey indicated they would continue
to take their business to places that ban smoking.
One of the patrons at Boomers Monday evening said he would
not go to bars that banned smoking, a sentiment that many bar
operators in Ottawa have been expressing in response to that
city's implementation of a smoking ban last year.
Witcher questioned the need for such regulations in small
towns like Prescott. Most smokers are polite and courteous when
dealing with non-smokers in public places, he noted.
"Everyone should step back and look at it," said
Witcher. "It should be a non-issue."
The Prescott and District Chamber of Commerce has opted not
to take a formal position on the issue at this time.
However, some directors have expressed their concerns about
a no-smoking bylaw as infringing on the rights of individuals
and businesses.
The negative effect cigarette smoking has on public health
is reflected in the survey results, according to Dr. Charles
Gardner, the region's medical officer of health.
Most people in the region seem willing to accept restrictions
on smoking in public places based on those results, according
to Gardner.
Pancake Pals get a taste of different foods
during visit to Heckston Store
By Krista Somerville
The fourth meeting of the Healthy Eating Around the Clock
4-H Club was held at a local store and bakery.
On Wednesday, March 27 at 6:45 the Pancake Pals 2 met at the
Heckston Store. The meeting was called to order by President
Stephanie Connell, who then asked Kyle Somerville to start the
4-H pledge.
Secretary Emily Robinson then called everyone's name and they
stated what fruit they had eaten in the last week. Everyone collected
member sheets for their notebooks and recipes for their recipe
boxes.
The members were then divided into two groups. One of the
groups would learn how to judge and place cookies. The senior
members had been asked to bring a plate of eight chocolate chip
cookies to be judged. Kyle and Emily then gave reasons on how
they had placed the cookies. First place went to Alison Coville
and second place to Jeffrey Connell.
Carla Saunders (owner of the store) and Alex Vanzyl (a store
employee) showed the members how to make mini-pizzas. Carla also
explained some differences between a commercial kitchen and our
own.
As the pizzas were cooking the groups discussed the menu for
the Achievement Banquet. The menu was decided on except for two
items the punch and the dessert. Members were asked to
think about this and bring ideas and recipes to the next meeting.
They then attempted to make milkshakes which turned out a
lot better than past meetings, thanks to an actual milkshake
machine. Everyone enjoyed their pizza and milkshakes, along with
a cinnamon bun made earlier by Carla.
The meeting was then adjourned.
Grenville East 4-H Dairy Club conducts first
meeting
By Robert Murray
The first meeting of the Grenville East 4-H Dairy Club was
held March 19 at the farm of Debra and Darryl Brown. The leaders
of the club are Debra and April Brown.
The meeting opened with the reciting of the 4-H pledge. The
election of the executive then took place. The results: President,
Ryan Sloan; Vice-President, Sherry Saunders; Secretary, rotates;
and Press Reporter, Robert Murray.
Club leaders handed out 4-H Health and Safety Agreement pages
and Project Animal Identification forms. The 4-H Safety Agreement
is to be returned at the next meeting.
Club members who don't have their own calf were then allowed
to choose an animal from the herd of the Browns for their club
project.
Club members were told and shown what to look for when choosing
a calf.
The next club meeting will be held April 16 at the Brown farm.
Roll call will be a club name.
South Grenville food bank seeks board of directors
SOUTH GRENVILLE - The co-chair of the South Grenville food
bank steering committee is optimistic the facility will be open
this September.
Rev. John Reynolds said the committee is preparing to take
another important step in laying the foundation for a service
that is not currently available in this area.
The "Food For All" proposal covers Augusta, Edwardsburgh/
Cardinal and Prescott. A steering committee was formed in January
when about 50 people attended a public meeting to assess the
need for a food bank.
The next public meeting is set for Thursday, April 11 at 7:30
pm at the Edwardsburgh/Cardinal municipal hall in Spencerville.
The primary purpose of the meeting is to elect a board of
directors, according to Reynolds. Food bank organizers cannot
file for incorporation without having a board in place.
The steering committee will continue doing the ground work
necessary to establish the food bank. The board would take over
at some point to oversee day-to-day operations.
Having a board of directors will also enable food bank organizers
to apply for charitable status, Reynolds noted.
Board nominations are now open; some have already been received,
according to Reynolds. Nominations from the floor will be accepted
at the April 11 meeting. For more information, contact Rev. Blair
Paterson at 925-2435.
The intent is to have board representation from all three
municipalities served by the food bank.
A draft constitution will also be voted on at the April 11
meeting.
Reynolds said organizers have been receiving "tremendous"
support from individuals and groups.
"We feel we're doing quite well," Reynolds said
of the steering committee's progress to date.
The committee has begun fundraising activities, the first
of which is a quilt draw. Reynolds noted there is a cost to incorporate.
The steering committee is also pursuing grant opportunities.
Reynolds said negotiations involving a property in Prescott
are under way, although he could not disclose further details.
Talk of re-establishing a food bank in the Prescott area began
several months ago as the Prescott Ministerial Association noted
it was running out of money for its food voucher program.
Next public meeting set for April 11 in Spencerville
By Tim Ruhnke - Journal Editor
Cancer Society kicks off annual Daffodil Days
campaign
SOUTH GRENVILLE -The local branch of the Canadian Cancer Society
(CCS) will kick off its annual Daffodil Month with sales of the
flowers later this week in Prescott, Cardinal and Spencerville.
Volunteers from the Cardinal, Augusta, Prescott and Edwardsburgh
(CAPE) branch will be at various locations in the three communities
Thursday, Friday and Saturday to raise money for the fight against
cancer.
CAPE President Mary Macintyre says the branch raised $6,159
through daffodil sales last year and hopes to achieve similar
results with this year's campaign.
A Daffodil Lunch will be held Saturday at St. Paul's United
Church in Prescott from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm. The annual event
raised $590 last year; Macintyre says it usually attracts approximately
100 people.
Canvassers will go door-to-door throughout South Grenville
in April. Between Sept. 2000 and Sept. 2001, CAPE raised $36,365
through residential canvassing, Macintyre says.
The Lanark, Leeds and Grenville unit of the CCS generated
$296,000 in 2001, making it second of 41 units across the province
in terms of net revenue per capita.
The daffodil became a symbol of hope for the CCS in 1954 when
volunteers in Toronto decided to decorate tables at their annual
fundraising teas with the bright yellow flowers. The CCS is the
largest purchaser of daffodils in the world; in Ontario alone,
five million daffodils are sold each year during Daffodil Days.
The society adopted the daffodil as part of its logo in 2000,
symbolizing hope and renewal.
For more information about cancer, the Canadian Cancer Society
or to make a donation, call 1-888-939-3333 or visit the society's
Web site at www.cancer.ca.
Township council beefs up meal allowances
SPENCERVILLE - Meal allowances for Edwardsburgh/ Cardinal
council and staff members were increased at council's meeting
Monday night in Spencerville.
Allowances for council and municipal staff were upped from
$35 per day to $50 per day, an identical rate to North Grenville
employees and less than the $58 Augusta council and staff are
permitted to claim.
"There definitely needs to be some movement," said
Deputy Mayor Marie Thomson. "We go to conventions on our
own time, and it's money out of our pockets."
Eligible expenses for meals had not been changed by the township
since 1998. The initial proposal had been to allow $65 per day
for meals - $15 for breakfast, $15 for lunch and $35 for dinner.
"I think that's too much money," Mayor David Dobbie
said. "When you have to pay $15 for a breakfast, you're
eating in the wrong place."
If meals for the day exceed $50, council and municipal staff
are required to provide receipts and obtain the mayor's approval.
Mileage expenses remained the same at 35 cents per kilometre.
Augusta employees receive 33 cents per kilometre, while North
Grenville council and staff receive 42 cents per kilometre outside
township boundaries.
Fashion show set for library
ALGONQUIN - A fashion show will be held tonight (Wednesday,
April 3) at 7:30 at the Augusta Public Library on County Road
15 in Algonquin.
Tickets are available at the door. The show is being presented
by the Friends of the Library.
For more information, call Ida at 926-1139.
Special funding for ambulance
LEEDS AND GRENVILLE - Ambulance service in the United Counties
of Leeds and Grenville will receive provincial funding for upgrading,
MPP Bob Runciman announced last week.
A collaborative effort involving the Ministry of Health and
Long-Term Care and SuperBuild will produce special funding of
$270,000. The money will be used to purchase 13 new defibrillators
and help cover the cost of replacing two ambulances, according
to county CAO Steve Fournier.
Runciman stated in a news release the funding will assist
the counties' effort to provide top-notch service to residents.
"We have excellent, dedicated staff providing ambulance
service in Leeds-Grenville and it's important they have the best
tools possible to carry out their duties," he said.
High school sponsors Chernobyl student
SOUTH GRENVILLE GIANTS
By Laura Parrott
South Grenville is a busy place as the spring sports season
begins. The badminton team will be competing in two tournaments
this week alone. Today there is one in Brockville, and Friday
the students of both the senior and junior teams will be heading
to Gananoque to compete.
This is by far not the only team getting ready though. Girls
soccer as well as boys' and girls' track and field and rugby
are also currently going on at South Grenville.
Both rugby teams are training very hard, but they are still
missing some essential items they need in order to make a fully
functioning team. There are around 50 students playing rugby
this year, but the teams still need coaching as well as financial
help. Anybody who would like to contribute in either of these
ways is asked to call Ted Southin at the high school.
Don't forget to buy blue spruce trees to help support South
Grenville's football teams. Next year there will hopefully be
both junior and senior boys' football unlike last fall in which
there was only a junior team. However, these teams are in jeopardy
due to a serious lack of equipment and finances. Anybody willing
to help out in either respect is asked to call Mr. Southin at
the school.
Over the past few months the staff and students at South Grenville
have been working hard to raise funds in order to sponsor a student
in Chernobyl. We have successfully raised a great portion of
our total, although we are still a little short of our goal.
The money that is raised goes to a student in Chernobyl who will
be 16 years old. At this age orphaned students are forced to
leave their schools and try to live by their own means.
If they want to continue schooling for the two years it would
take them to graduate, it costs $500 Canadian. Since most of
these children cannot afford this they are forced onto the streets.
The suicide rate among these students is sickening. That is why
South Grenville has decided to sponsor a student for the two
years it will take them to graduate. We are looking for community
support to help us get the remainder of our funds. If you would
like to donate please contact Martha Saddler at the high school.
Regional science fair
takes place this Saturday
BROCKVILLE - Students at schools in South Grenville are getting
ready to put their science and technology knowledge to the test.
The 2002 Rideau-St. Lawrence Science Fair will be held this
Saturday, April 6 from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm at the 1000 Islands
Mall in Brockville. Students will compete at the junior, intermediate
and senior levels.
Awards will be presented at 4:30 pm at the SCI auditorium;
the highlight will be the announcement of the Best of Fair winner
and the names of students who will advance to the Canada-Wide
Science Fair to be held May 12 to May 19 in Saskatoon.
The Rideau St. Lawrence event is one of 28 regional fairs
taking place in Ontario.
OPP NEWS
Motorists must make room for bikes
SOUTH GRENVILLE - The Ontario Provincial Police would like
to remind cyclists and motorists that bicycles have the right
to a lane on a roadway. Cyclists must follow and respect the
rules of the road and other drivers, not unlike motorists. Please
keep this in mind while travelling this spring.
Wheel comes off, truck does not stop
SOUTH GRENVILLE - A tractor trailer loaded with 45,000 kilograms
of wood products lost a wheel while southbound on Highway 416
March 27 at about 5:55 pm. No one was injured in the incident.
Members of the Ontario Provincial Police East Region RIDE
unit stopped the truck about 25 minutes later on Highway 401
near Blue Church Road; the driver had continued driving after
the loss of the wheel.
A 37-year-old Victoriaville, Quebec man was charged with careless
driving and towing a defective trailer. He is scheduled to appear
in court May 7.
Police investigate three more break-ins
SOUTH GRENVILLE -Grenville County OPP are investigating three
break and enters that occurred last week. Two took place in the
Johnstown area; the other occurred in Augusta Township. Among
the items taken were electronics and satellite equipment. The
average value of the stolen goods per household was $5,000. Anyone
with information is asked to contact Constable Barr at the detachment
in Prescott (925-4221).
SCHOOL SCENE
ST. MARK CATHOLIC SCHOOL - Welcome to next year's Junior Kindergarten
students who enjoyed an hour of orientation today at St. Mark
School.
Our playground committee meets this Friday to finalize plans
about improvements to our back playground. Watch for exciting
changes in the east yard at St. Mark.
Our Grade 2 candidates will celebrate first reconciliation
this Monday, April 8 at 7 pm at St. Mark's Church.
Hot lunch this week is pizza and next week is chicken chunks.
Our Star Strategy this week is "Super See Through"
and next will be "Five Star Rule."
High school sponsors Chernobyl student
SOUTH GRENVILLE GIANTS
By Laura Parrott
South Grenville is a busy place as the spring sports season
begins. The badminton team will be competing in two tournaments
this week alone. Today there is one in Brockville, and Friday
the students of both the senior and junior teams will be heading
to Gananoque to compete.
This is by far not the only team getting ready though. Girls
soccer as well as boys' and girls' track and field and rugby
are also currently going on at South Grenville.
Both rugby teams are training very hard, but they are still
missing some essential items they need in order to make a fully
functioning team. There are around 50 students playing rugby
this year, but the teams still need coaching as well as financial
help. Anybody who would like to contribute in either of these
ways is asked to call Ted Southin at the high school.
Don't forget to buy blue spruce trees to help support South
Grenville's football teams. Next year there will hopefully be
both junior and senior boys' football unlike last fall in which
there was only a junior team. However, these teams are in jeopardy
due to a serious lack of equipment and finances. Anybody willing
to help out in either respect is asked to call Mr. Southin at
the school.
Over the past few months the staff and students at South Grenville
have been working hard to raise funds in order to sponsor a student
in Chernobyl. We have successfully raised a great portion of
our total, although we are still a little short of our goal.
The money that is raised goes to a student in Chernobyl who will
be 16 years old. At this age orphaned students are forced to
leave their schools and try to live by their own means.
If they want to continue schooling for the two years it would
take them to graduate, it costs $500 Canadian. Since most of
these children cannot afford this they are forced onto the streets.
The suicide rate among these students is sickening. That is why
South Grenville has decided to sponsor a student for the two
years it will take them to graduate. We are looking for community
support to help us get the remainder of our funds. If you would
like to donate please contact Martha Saddler at the high school.
Regional science fair
takes place this Saturday
BROCKVILLE - Students at schools in South Grenville are getting
ready to put their science and technology knowledge to the test.
The 2002 Rideau-St. Lawrence Science Fair will be held this
Saturday, April 6 from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm at the 1000 Islands
Mall in Brockville. Students will compete at the junior, intermediate
and senior levels.
Awards will be presented at 4:30 pm at the SCI auditorium;
the highlight will be the announcement of the Best of Fair winner
and the names of students who will advance to the Canada-Wide
Science Fair to be held May 12 to May 19 in Saskatoon.
The Rideau St. Lawrence event is one of 28 regional fairs
taking place in Ontario.
OPP NEWS
Motorists must make room for bikes
SOUTH GRENVILLE - The Ontario Provincial Police would like
to remind cyclists and motorists that bicycles have the right
to a lane on a roadway. Cyclists must follow and respect the
rules of the road and other drivers, not unlike motorists. Please
keep this in mind while travelling this spring.
Wheel comes off, truck does not stop
SOUTH GRENVILLE - A tractor trailer loaded with 45,000 kilograms
of wood products lost a wheel while southbound on Highway 416
March 27 at about 5:55 pm. No one was injured in the incident.
Members of the Ontario Provincial Police East Region RIDE
unit stopped the truck about 25 minutes later on Highway 401
near Blue Church Road; the driver had continued driving after
the loss of the wheel.
A 37-year-old Victoriaville, Quebec man was charged with careless
driving and towing a defective trailer. He is scheduled to appear
in court May 7.
Police investigate three more break-ins
SOUTH GRENVILLE -Grenville County OPP are investigating three
break and enters that occurred last week. Two took place in the
Johnstown area; the other occurred in Augusta Township. Among
the items taken were electronics and satellite equipment. The
average value of the stolen goods per household was $5,000. Anyone
with information is asked to contact Constable Barr at the detachment
in Prescott (925-4221).
SCHOOL SCENE
ST. MARK CATHOLIC SCHOOL - Welcome to next year's Junior Kindergarten
students who enjoyed an hour of orientation today at St. Mark
School.
Our playground committee meets this Friday to finalize plans
about improvements to our back playground. Watch for exciting
changes in the east yard at St. Mark.
Our Grade 2 candidates will celebrate first reconciliation
this Monday, April 8 at 7 pm at St. Mark's Church.
Hot lunch this week is pizza and next week is chicken chunks.
Our Star Strategy this week is "Super See Through"
and next will be "Five Star Rule."
Runciman continues to back Fantasia project
By Monica Whitney - Journal Staff Writer
BROCKVILLE - Bringing prosperity and economic growth to this
area is a primary goal for Leeds-Grenville MPP Bob Runciman,
the minister of economic and development and trade told about
85 business leaders gathered March 22 at the Brockville Country
Club.
Also on the Political Update agenda were MP Joe Jordan, who
was unable to attend and provided a videotaped speech for the
gathering, and Brockville Mayor Ben TeKamp.
This was the first in a series of business and political updates
being organized by the Brockville and District Chamber of Commerce.
The session was sponsored by St. Lawrence Printing of Prescott.
Runciman said he is a strong supporter of the multi-million-dollar
theme park Fantasia, and debunked claims he is putting obstacles
in the path of the project that would bring thousands jobs to
the region.
Runciman assured the group his government is doing everything
legally possible to support Fantasia and move it ahead. There
are very clear rules about where he can tread, Runciman noted,
adding he is strictly prohibited from any intervention or inquiry
into the deliberations of the Ontario Racing Commission.
The commission is an independent regulator that is responsible
for overseeing the horse racing industry and ensuring its integrity.
Fantasia developer Anton Stephens is seeking gaming and racing
licences to operate a standardbred racetrack and slot machines.
"Fantasia will have to get through this process according
to the rules and on the merits of their application," Runciman
stressed. "It can't and won't be done through some form
of political manipulation. If and when the proposal receives
the green light from the racing commission, then it moves into
the political arena - the need for slots." Runciman said
he will have a voice in that process.
The government recently voted to extend a moratorium on new
slots in Ontario that was to expire at the end of March, Runciman
said. However, an exception has been added to allow for consideration
of additional slots in projects that are of provincial or regional
significance - projects that will create jobs, attract tourists
and provide a lasting impact on the region.
The specific exception was brought forward by Runciman's office
and should allow for consideration of the Fantasia application,
he said. "I say should because I suspect that any proposal
that purports to be of regional significance will have to provide
commitments for the complete development proposal, not just a
racetrack and slots.
"If Fantasia can do that they'll have no stronger advocate
in their corner than your local MPP."
Runciman noted the entire Fantasia application was filed with
the commission in early March and is now under consideration.
A study completed through Price Waterhouse on the slot machine
capacity in Eastern Ontario produced positive results, he said.
It is expected the application process will take between three
and five months.
The plan to build a $232-million dynamic tourism and entertainment
complex on land straddling Brockville and Elizabethtown-Kitley
Township that would employ thousands of people was announced
last November.
File returns electronically
SOUTH GRENVILLE - Filing tax returns electronically saves
time, according to Canada Customs and Revenue Agency (CCRA).
A paper income tax return can take up to six weeks to process.
It takes CCRA about two weeks to process electronic returns.
Individuals can file their 2001 tax returns over the Internet
by using the NETFILE service. For more information, visit www.netfile.gc.ca.
The EFILE system enables approved service providers to electronically
send returns to CCRA.
The agency uses security measures such as encryption and firewalls
to ensure confidentiality of person information noted in tax
returns.
"No matter which option you choose, the privacy of your
data is very important to the CCRA," the agency states in
a news release.
Tax returns can also be submitted by push-button phone using
TELEFILE.
For more information about electronic and automated return
filing, visit the CCRA Web site at www.ccra.gc.ca.
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