Augusta council approves budget
Ratepayers face municipal tax increase of 3.47 per cent
By Monica Whitney - Journal Staff Writer
MAYNARD - Householders in Augusta township with a residence
assessed at $100,000 will pay a nickel a day more in municipal
property taxes this year.
Township council adopted the 2002 budget and tax rates at
its Monday night meeting. The 3.47 per cent increase in taxes
reflects only the municipal portion of the bill, and does not
take into account the county or education levy. The county has
approved its budget increase.
Augusta taxes for 2002 are set at $501.23, up from $484.43
last year. This equates to $16.80 per year, $1.40 per month,
32 cents per week or five cents per day extra a homeowner will
need to pay. Taxes are due Sept. 30.
The township has budgeted $3.4 million in expenses for the
year, which includes $667,600 for capital and reserves. The budget
is $75,197 more than what was actually spent in the township
in 2001.
CAO Nigel White noted a reallocation of funds from the roads
budget meant to purchase gravel will be applied to the cost of
a fire truck, allowing the township to order and receive the
truck next year. The move will have a positive impact on homeowners'
insurance rates, he said, since Augusta will be seen to be maintaining
the stardard of its fleet. As well, an adequate level of road
work will still be accomplished, White said.
Capital construction projects for 2002 include 1.8 kilometres
on Merwin Lane from Concession 3 to Concession 2; 1.5 kilometres
on Merwin Lane from Concession 2 to County Road 2; one kilometre
along Weir Road and work at the intersections of Klitbo Road
and South Branch, Rocky Road and Campbell Road and Hillbrook
Road.
Major expenses outlined in the budget include $351,600 for
administration; $1.2 million for public works; $523,000 for waste
disposal; $509,000 for policing and $367,000 for fire protecion.
Total revenue expected to be collected from such areas as
governments grants, fees and service charges is just over $1.2
million, which leaves the township having to come up with more
than $2.1 million from property taxes.
Residential and commercial tax increases proposed
Prescott council expected to vote on budget package at
Monday night meeting
By Tim Ruhnke - Journal Editor
PRESCOTT - Residential property taxes in Prescott will
increase by 3.6 per cent if town council approves a proposed
municipal budget.
Council members held what was likely their final budget meeting
of 2002 Monday night. The town's proposed operating budget calls
for an average increase of $53 for each residential property
and $262 for each commercial property.
The proposal is based on an additional $100,000 in taxation
and the removal of just under $50,000 from reserves to offset
a higher tax increase and balance the budget.
The budget and accompanying tax levies are expected to be
put to a formal vote at next Monday's council meeting.
Overall, the proposed municipal tax hike amounts to about
1.7 per cent. However, council agreed Monday to follow through
with a three-year plan that will see a reduction in industrial
tax rates to meet a provincial threshold. An additional one-third
reduction this year means other sectors such as residential will
have to take on more of the burden of any tax increase.
If approved, the proposed budget would generate an additional
$93,000 from the town's residential and multi-residential property
owners.
Commercial property owners would contribute an additional
$43,725 compared to last year. The town's 13 industrial properties
would see a total decrease of about $54,200.
In terms of the proposed capital budget, renovations to the
Dibble Street municipal building remain in the works as does
the proposed reconstruction of Churchill Road between Edward
and Boundary streets.
The Churchill project and more than $1 million in work associated
with the FAI development in the north end of town will be paid
for through debenture. Other capital items listed in the proposed
budget include Web site development, sewage plant environmental
assessment, a new photocopier system, telephone system and computer
upgrades.
Improvements to the Boundary Street railway crossing are also
being planned as part of the Churchill Road project tendering
process.
Council agreed Monday to include a commitment of $4,000 to
initiate a study that could pave the way for the elimination
of train whistles. The study will determine what measures if
any are necessary to permit the ban on whistles.
Council members also discussed whether to proceed with a review
of Prescott's official plan. Mayor Robert Lawn reiterated his
concerns about the plan he said had not been reviewed in 13 years.
The mayor said the document, which sets out general planning
and land use principles for the municipality, is out of date
and needs to be re-examined.
Some councillors balked at the review and its estimated cost
of $40,000 which Lawn acknowledged was too high.
A compromise calling on council members to read the existing
official plan and discuss the possibility of hiring a consultant
to conduct a review was approved by a vote of 4-3.
Lawn said later in the meeting council's decision not to proceed
with an official plan review was "mind-boggling."
Council also agreed to review the possibility of initiating
a community improvement plan. The mayor said he hears talk about
improving main street and the waterfront area on almost a daily
basis. With a plan in place, tax breaks and incentives could
be offered as a way to improve undeveloped properties and deal
with absentee landlords who may be unwilling to make upgrades.
The official plan review and community improvement plan are
to be discussed at an upcoming committee meeting.
Annual Highland Tattoo set for this Saturday
PRESCOTT - More than 100 drummers and pipers will be in the
Fort Town this Saturday for the third annual Prescott Highland
Tattoo.
Fort Wellington will once again play host to several bands
and singers who will bring Scottish and Celtic music traditions
to life. Organizer Mike Boyles is hoping for another big crowd
at this year's fling.
Festivities at the fort field begin at 1 pm with a performance
by the Celtic singing group Boru's Harp.
Meanwhile, band members will gather in Centennial Park early
Saturday afternoon and form a parade which will head east on
King Street at about 1:30 pm and arrive at the fort field at
about 2 pm where they will be greeted by Prescott Mayor Robert
Lawn and Fort Wellington Superintendent Pam Buell. MC Colonel
Red George Macdonell (played by Peter Bevan-Baker) will introduce
the bands.
Scheduled to perform at the fort are the Brockville Pipe Band,
Highland Mist Pipes and Drums, Sons of Scotland and South Glengarry
Highlanders.
The "Mass Bands Tattoo" will take place at about
4:30 pm.
In case of rain, the event will be moved across the street
to the Leo Boivin Community Centre.
Spectators are reminded to bring their own chairs and blankets
to the fort field.
The Rotary Club of Prescott will be selling hot dogs, hamburgers
and drinks at its refreshment booth.
Admission to the Highland Tattoo is free. A collection will
be taken at the event.
The annual tattoo is presented by Tourism Prescott, Fort Wellington,
the Town of Prescott and several other community partners.
THIS WEEK
Jobless rate decreases slightly in May
SOUTH GRENVILLE - The regional unemployment rate fell slightly
last month, according to figures released by Human Resources
Development Canada (HRDC).
The jobless rate for the region that includes the Prescott
area was 8.8 per cent in May. A rate of 8.9 per cent was reported
for April.
The goods-producing and service sectors reported employment
increases last month, a news release stated. Agriculture posted
the biggest jump in goods-producing; more people were employed
in May in accommodation, food services and information, culture
and recreation.
The regional unemployment rate in May 2001 was 6.5 per cent.
All HRDC offices in the Kingston-Pembroke management area
recorded decreases last month in the number of employment insurance
(EI) claimants. The Prescott office reported 917 claimants at
the end of May compared to 1,068 at the end of April a
decrease of 14.1 per cent.
Augusta council offers support to CHEO
MAYNARD - The Township of Augusta has joined a long list of
municipalities offering their support for the pediatric cardiovascular
surgery program at the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario.
Township council approved a motion Monday that calls on the
provincial government to re-evaluate a decision to relocate the
unit to Sick Children's Hospital in Toronto. The Augusta motion
notes "...the discontinuation of the program could endanger
the lives of children in Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec with
special cardiac needs."
Reeve George Vail and Councillor Bill Bucker spoke in favour
of the motion; all five members of council voted in favour of
the resolution.
The government announced recently Dr. Wilbert Keon would be
reviewing the recommendation to move the cardiac unit from Ottawa.
Hospitals in Brockville benefit from bookmarks
SOUTH GRENVILLE Bookmarks to benefit Brockville General
Hospital and St. Vincent de Paul Hospital will be sold this week
in Prescott and Cardinal.
The bookmarks will be available Thursday, June 13 and Friday,
June 14 at TD Canada Trust and the post office in Cardinal. They
will also be on sale June 14 at Village Square Mall. Volunteers
will also be selling bookmarks Friday, June 14 at all three banks
in Prescott as well as the post office, Doyle's, Beach Home Hardware,
Valu-mart, Canadian Tire and Giant Tiger.
Local CHEO Bingo Challenge nets hospital more than $3,300
By Monica Whitney - Journal Staff Writer
JOHNSTOWN - A community effort to support Children's Hospital
of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) has raised $3,325 for children and
staff services at the Ottawa facility.
Sixteen charities and one anonymous donor from Leeds and Grenville
that benefit from Bingo International near Johnstown contributed
to a fundraising challenge spearheaded by Lorne Bender, past
chair of Bingo International Charity Association.
The CHEO Challenge encouraged charities to donate portions
of their earnings from Bingo sessions as part of the hospital's
telethon miracle match, held June 1 and 2.
Bender, who is also chairman of the South Edwardsburgh Recreation
Association, started the challenge with a donation from that
group, which is based in Johnstown.
Bender said he was pleased by the number of charities that
accepted the challenge and contributed.
"It gave an opportunity for charity associations to do
something in common," he said. "I just felt young people
are dear to my heart, and if there is a place to meet their needs,
(CHEO) is the place to go."
Bender, who worked locally for 36 years as a principal and
teacher, said the hospital is close to his heart. He had three
grandchildren who benefitted from CHEO services, and said he
also knows several neighbourhood children and other families
who have needed the hospital in the past.
He noted he has always had good experiences with staff and
treatment at CHEO.
The hospital "made (the patient) feel they were an individual
and such an important person. It's a case of wanting to be able
to do something for the children. Our children and grandchildren
depend on us to be their guardians of their health."
Charities that donated to the challenge are Cardinal Lions
Club, Athens Aero Jr. B Hockey Club, Brockville Tikis Community
Hockey Club, Cardinal and District Resource Centre, Cardinal
Royal Canadian Legion, Edwardsburgh/Cardinal Firefighters Association,
Grenville County 4-H, Nation Masonic Lodge, Prescott Rotary Club,
Royal Canadian Air Force Association, St. James Masonic Lodge,
South Edwardsburgh Recreation Association, South Grenville Parents
Association, Spencerville Mill Foundation, Spencerville Royal
Canadian Legion and TISS Parents Committee.
Norma Lamont, director of special projects for the CHEO Foundation,
said the local donation actually means $6,650 has been given
to the hospital, since the contribution will be matched equally
by a corporate sponsor.
The money will be used for equipment, research, games, books,
toys and upgrading for education of hospital staff, Lamont said.
Day of Caring offers support to local groups
LEEDS AND GRENVILLE - A number of workers from Procter &
Gamble (P&G) operations in Brockville will be in South Grenville
later this month to volunteer their time as part of a United
Way Day of Caring.
Approximately 360 P&G workers will be pitching in Monday,
June 24 in many communities in Leeds and Grenville to help non-profit
groups, schools, municipalities and other organizations. Among
the projects to be done in the Prescott area are a clean-up of
Kelly's Bay and the construction of a new roof for the shelter
at the beach, the painting of the band shell at the marina, the
cleaning of windows at the VON office and the painting of gym
and stage walls at Benson Public School in Cardinal and bleachers
at the community centre in Johnstown.
The rain date for the Day of Caring is Monday, July 8.
P&G will pay the wages of employees while they take part
in the community projects, according to a news release. Agencies
and organizations receiving the support are to supply lunch,
refreshments and materials required to complete the projects.
The United Way of Leeds and Grenville hopes the Day of Caring
will encourage more people to volunteer their time to support
groups in the community.
For more information, contact the local United Way office
in Brockville at 342-8889.
Charity casino gala precedes official opening
GANANOQUE - A gala preview of the Thousand Islands Charity
Casino will take place Thursday, June 20.
A limited number of tickets went on sale yesterday. Proceeds
will be shared equally between the United Way of Leeds-Grenville
and Maple View Lodge in Athens. Charitable receipts will be issued.
Tickets are not available in South Grenville; however, they are
on sale at several convenience stores and other retailers in
Brockville, Gananoque and Kingston.
The official public opening of the charity casino located
on the Gananoque/Leeds and Thousand Islands line near Highway
401, is expected to take place Saturday, June 22 at 11 am.
The site was selected last year; Prescott was one of four
communities in the running for the new facility which is owned
and operated by the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation.
Augusta dog bylaw meeting set for June 27
MAYNARD - A public meeting to discuss Augusta Township's draft
dog bylaw has been scheduled for Thursday, June 27.
The meeting will be held at the Grenville Snowmobile Club
on Charleville Road, beginning at 8 pm. The later start time
would allow more people from the rural farming community to attend,
suggested Deputy Reeve Doug Barton, who is also chairman of the
ad hoc committee which redesigned the bylaw.
A public meeting was first held in the township last November,
and the committee has been studying reforms to the bylaw since
then. The draft deals with the regulation, control, protection
and identification of dogs in the township. It also addresses
nuisance and aggressive dogs, fee and licensing requirements
and the operation of kennels.
Bake sale to be held
PRESCOTT - A bake sale sponsored by St. Andrew's Presbyterian
Church women will be held Saturday, June 15 beginning at 9:30
am in front of Flower World on King Street West.
Young entrepeneur wins award for business concept
John Lane is ready to roll with skateboarding business
By David Dickenson - Journal Staff Writer
LEEDS AND GRENVILLE - The Leeds and Grenville Entrepreneurship
Centre gave out awards for a business plan competition Friday
in Brockville council chambers.
South Grenville District High School Grade 9 student John
Lane of Prescott took home third place and a $200 prize in the
competition with his company Diabolic Skateboard Manufacturing.
The local skateboarder who builds his own skateboards claims
the idea stemmed from always breaking skateboards while attempting
to land tricks with his friends.
"Me and my friends are always coming up with ideas while
skating," explained Lane.
"We usually break a lot of skateboards, so I figured
there had to be a way to make them more durable."
"I usually went through a board a week, and my friends
would make theirs last a month, explained Lane.
"I can't even count the number of test boards I went
through before finding the right formula making them."
"I'm extremely proud," explained John's father,
Art Lane. "I knew he had the potential to succeed with whatever
he does, and he researched this and really worked hard at it.
He's learned the value of work and good products."
John Lane also received a summer company award from the Provincial
government's ministry of economic development and trade, which
referred him to the Leeds and Grenville contest.
"With this and the award from the provincial government
John had enough to rent a storefront for the summer," explains
John's mother Nancy.
"He is going to be opening his skateboard store in the
front of Grandma's Restaurant."
John Lane added, "When summer is over and I go back to
school, I can just sell off my product to wholesale outlets and
still keep things going."
"I have some trademark clothing for the store, and I
wand to go to Ottawa to do a skate video to sell too."
The retail price of a professional skateboard is about $95,
but Lane's homemade boards were predicted to run about $65-70
and be on par with the top boards on the market.
"About 40 per cent of the cost of the pro boards is from
the graphics on them," claims Lane.
"A lot don't have the quality, and that's more important
than a graphic. Mine will be both strong and appealing."
The winner of the business plan competition was Craig Reilly
of Brockville with Kasce Snap-Em Socks, used to keep pairs of
socks together in the laundry, and second place went to Andrew
Fielding of Brockville with mobile sales of Canadian memorabilia
with his idea "Canadian Stuff Eh!"
Augusta Township records are accurate: councillor
MAYNARD - Augusta Councillor Jane Fullarton has set the record
straight on township expenses.
"There is no money missing from Augusta Township,"
Fullarton told a gathering at the Monday night council meeting
following a delegation from resident Calvin Lamb regarding budget
concerns. "You can trace where every dime goes."
Lamb questioned comments made by Gill Cyr at a previous meeting
in which that resident claimed there was too much money spent
on wages and money had been misplaced. He also noted a Prescott
Journal story from that meeting in which Cyr was quoted.
Fullarton stressed she needed to put the issue to rest before
it was blown out of proportion. The township has received a clean
bill of health from its auditors, and its financial statements
are accurate and appropriate, she said.
The statements are public documents and can be seen at the
municipal office, Fullarton added.
The figures on wages shown in the budget are not itemized,
but are a compilation of salaries along with benefit expenses.
She said it was a serious statement to be accusing the township
of misplacing money, and its records "are absolutely and
unequivocally" accurate.
Cyr insisted money has been misplaced and told Fullarton:
"Don't try to twist things around."
Cyr approached Fullarton after the meeting had been adjourned,
and a brief shouting match ensued.
Nominations being accepted for Dreamers and
Doers Award
MAYNARD - Augusta Township is looking to honour its most outstanding
community citizen again this year.
Councillor Jane Fullarton, also the township's representative
on the library board, told council Monday night nominations are
now being accepted for the annual Dreamers and Doers Award, sponsored
by the public library board.
The award is presented each October during public library
week.
The recipient should be active in the community in leadership
and volunteer roles, Fullarton said.
"We know we have a lot of hard-working volunteers in
Augusta and we're looking to recognize them."
Fullarton added it is volunteers who make communities valuable
and special places in which to live.
Award nomination forms are available at the public library
in Algonquin and after this week at the Augusta Township office
in Maynard.
The township is also inviting applications to fill two vacant
positions on the Augusta library board.
Letters can be sent to council expressing interest in the
positions, and council can then appoint the new members.
Heritage day camp brings Fort Wellington history
to life
PRESCOTT - The popular Heritage Day Camp for children age
seven to 13 will be offered again this summer at Fort Wellington
National Historic Site.
Participants dressed in period costumes enlist to travel back
in time to 1846 when the Fort was occupied by the Royal Canadian
Rifle Regiment and their families. As part of the experience,
children will have the opportunity to learn about Fort Wellington
and Canadian history while taking part in activities such as
cooking outdoors, making crafts and playing sports from that
period.
Two sessions will be offered: July 22 to July 26, and July
29 to Aug. 2.
The camps run Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Space
is limited; there is a registration fee.
For more information or the register, contact Elizabeth LeBlanc
or Leslie MacPherson between 10 am and 5 pm at 925-2896.
EQA offers a helping hand for greater accessibility
Organization promotes barrier-free environment
By Monica Whitney - Journal Staff Writer
BROCKVILLE - There is good news for local businesses and organizations
that wish to provide barrier-free access and services for customers.
Education for Quality Accessibility Canada (EQA) is a Brockville-based
non-profit organization that provides information, education,
assessments, inspection and consulting services to any group
or business across Canada interested in making their premises
accessible to physically disabled people.
Since about one-fifth, or 18 per cent of the population is
disabled at some point in their lives, businesses have plenty
of motivation to provide things like handicapped parking, doors
that swing open properly, level entrances, ramps, handrails,
washrooms large enough to manoeuvre a scooter or wheelchair,
and lower counters, explained Robert Greene, the project co-ordinator
for EQA.
An establishment that does not provide accessibility risks
losing the business of the physically disabled person, and also
that of the accompanying people, Greene said.
EQA has no authority to impose regulations or guidelines for
accessibility on businesses, but seeks to work with clients to
teach them what true accessibility needs are, and how to get
the best value for their money when constructing or renovating
to provide premises that are barrier free.
The first week of June was Canadian National Access Awareness
Week, and EQA will be celebrating its 10th anniversary this October.
John McClintock, chairman of the 12-person board of directors,
founded EQA with a group of disabled friends who decided there
were too many barriers in this area, and they needed to do something
about it.
The Brockville office is the Canadian headquarters, and its
services are provided free-of-charge nationwide. An 11-minute
video produced in Brockville with local actors is available,
and EQA will also hold speaking engagements.
EQA offers a star reward system for establishments that provide
accessibility services. Three-star accreditation means a person
can get in the premises with a wheelchair or scooter, and it
offers barrier-free washroom facilities.
A proper washroom is essential, Greene explained, since "bladder
control is very important for a handicapped person."
In addition to those services, having designated parking,
a phone located at a lower height so a person in a wheelchair
can reach it, or lower counters would quality for four stars.
The highest accreditation - five stars - means the premises
have an electric door opener as well.
EQA provides a bright, blue and white door decal indicating
the number of stars for buildings that are approved accessible.
The sites - such as restaurants, pharmacies and hotels - are
also listed in an accessibility guide distributed throughout
the region to places such as hospitals, tourist areas and nursing
homes, so people know which places they can access easily.
Greene noted Prescott is weak in terms of handicapped accessibility.
TD Canada Trust and the Royal Canadian Legion each rate five
stars, and St. Paul's United Church has been approved for four
stars. Bingo International east of Prescott also rates five stars.
From Gananoque to Upper Canada Village, 140 sites are listed
as having at least three stars; one-third have five stars.
When Green first started as EQA's only paid employee just
over a year ago, only 38 sites had been identified as being accessible.
A manual of guidelines - such as how to layout a washroom
or how high to install a doorknob - is given free to anyone interested
in renovating for accessibility.
"Which way a door swings can really hinder a person,
and they can get trapped in double doors," Greene said.
"Pulling or turning a knob can be an effort."
The Ontario Building Code does cover some accessibility
requirements, but it is not complete, Greene said.
The Ontario Disability Act, passed within the last
year, sets out requirements for accessibility in public buildings
and businesses, but the act "has no teeth in it," and
applies no pressure for owners to make sites handicapped accessible,
Greene explained.
EQA has been involved to a large degree in the renovations
at Brockville General Hospital, and McClintock has been asked
for his comments regarding accessibility at the parliamentary
library. It has also had requests for information from Thunder
Bay, Cornwall, Carleton Place and other cities.
The office, located at the Brockville Commercial Centre on
King Street East, is nearing the end of its two-year $45,000
Trillium grant, and is now looking for new funding sources.
Although all services are free, many organizations that have
benefitted from services have made donations, Greene said.
Six members on EQA's board are handicapped. One member, Marianne
MacDonald of Cardinal, who suffers from multiple sclerosis and
uses a scooter for greater mobility, is angered by not having
the freedom to go where she wants. She prefers not to patronize
businesses that are not accessible to her scooter.
"It's just not fair that you can't go and do what you
want because somebody put a three-inch curb in front of you."
Doors are one of the hardest things for her to manoeuvre,
and counts on others' kindness and help. But that's not always
the case. She's had people slam doors in her face, and often
finds people don't care.
"We've got to go outside our own little box and get out
and help people, because it's just not fair. I think it's sad;
a lot of people don't know what people with disabilities go through.
If you don't live it; you don't know it. We've got to be flexible
and help everybody."
Without organizations like EQA, people with disabilities would
not have a say, MacDonald noted.
Other EQA board members from South Grenville are Charlie Bowers
and Shirley Robinson.
"If you don't live it, you don't know it."
Marianne MacDonald
Police lay assault charges after early-morning
fight
PRESCOTT - Two men face charges after Prescott police officers
broke up a fight early Sunday morning.
Police were called to a disturbance on Dibble Street East
at VanKoughnet Street at about 3:12 am. Officers observed a fight
in progress; two men were assaulting a 27-year-old man, according
to a police news release. The victim received facial injuries
and required medical attention. Arrested and charged with assault
causing bodily harm were Jason Ford of Prescott and Christopher
Rogers-Brown of Smiths Falls. The news release did not identify
the victim. The two suspects are scheduled to appear in court
July 5.
In all, town police investigated 74 general incidents between
June 2 and June 9.
Police remind the public to lock their vehicles and store
any items of value in the trunk where they cannot be seen. On
June 5, police investigated two cases of theft involving parked
vehicles. A small amount of cash was taken from an unlocked vehicle
parked at a St. Lawrence Street residence. Numerous CDs and a
pair of sunglasses were taken from a vehicle at a Jessup Street
residence; those items were valued at $800.
Town police also investigated the theft of a two-person tent
from the back yard of an Edward Street residence. The tent is
valued at $60.
The Prescott Police Service has received several complaints
about youths running through gardens and vandalizing them. Parents
are being asked to speak to their children about this type of
behaviour.
Anyone with information on these or any other offences is
asked to contact the Prescott Police Service at 925-4252 or Crime
Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Motorcycle rider raises $4,000
OTTAWA - Prescott resident Bob Garand was among the 800-plus
bikers who helped raise $160,000 in pledges for prostate cancer
May 25 at the Motorcycle Ride for Dad.
Garand raised just over $4,000 from local businesses and friends,
placing twelfth among ride participants. "It was just a
great day all around," commented Garand. "It raised
a lot of money and it was really fun talking with all the other
bikers."
The 324-km poker run ride began in Orleans and went through
Pakenham, Calabogie and Perth before finishing at the Lone Star
Ranch in Ottawa. The parade of motorcycles was 11 km long, with
two bikes in each row.
Trail name contest ends next week
PRESCOTT - Many creative suggestions have already been received
to rename Prescott's waterfront trail in front of Fort Wellington.
The "Name the Waterfront Trail Contest" organized
by Parks Canada will accept name suggestions until next Thursday,
June 20. As of Monday afternoon, 14 entries had been received.
It is hoped an appropriate name will be suggested in keeping
with the historic location and landscape, explained Area Superintendent
Pam Buell.
The existing trail was constructed in the fall of 2000 and
has been known as the millennium pathway. The contest is part
of Parks Canada's ambitious plan to add features to the trail
to make it more pleasing and educational. Native plant gardens,
a historic arboretum, interpretive signage, benches and identifier
signs are the priority in the next phase of the project.
The winner of the trail contest will be the first to plant
a commemorative tree in the historic arboretum. Signs with the
winning name will be placed at the beginning and end of the trial.
The contest winner will be announced July 1 during Canada Day
celebrations at Fort Wellington.
Entries for the contest are to be sent to Fort Wellington
National Historic Site of Canada, P.O. Box 479, Prescott, Ont.,
KOE ITO. A name, address and phone number must be included with
the submissions.
Local Scouts receive highest award
By Richard Bennett, Group Committee Chair
Scouts Canada - 1st Algonquin Group
Scouter Bryan Rennie, Scout Dane Perrin, Scout Jonathan Bennett
and Scouter Greg McGinnis of 1st Algonquin Scouts were present
at Christ Church Cathedral in Ottawa Saturday, June 1 for the
presentation of the highest award available to youth in the Scouts
program - the Chief Scout's Award.
Dane and Jonathan were part of a group of 84 Scouts and one
Venturer from the Voyageur Region to receive their respective
section's highest award, Chief Scout's and Queen Venturer. All
youth were accompanied by their scouters, family and friends,
who had been there to encourage and help them through the long
process of completing all the requirements leading up to these
awards.
After a photograph of the whole group of recipients, they
paraded into the cathedral. The recipients were welcomed by the
Regional President, John Udd, and the Regional Commissioner,
Marilyn Johnson. The national anthem was sung, and invocation
was given by Canon Fairlie of Christ Church Cathedral. The guest
speaker was Ms. Diane Stuemer, who with her family, spent four
years sailing around the world. Her message to the youth was
- fulfill your dreams. After the presentation of awards to the
recipients, a reception was held in the cathedral hall.
Congratulations to all the youth who completed the requirements
for these prestigious awards, and their leaders and families
for supporting them. They have demonstrated perseverance and
dedication and have acquired skills that will be of help to them
as they become the leaders of tomorrow.
Crime Stoppers hopes to generate some tips
EDWARDSBURGH - Crime Stoppers Kingston/1000 Islands and the
Grenville County detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police
are seeking the public's assistance in solving a break-in and
theft that occurred at a Hurley Road residence in the Township
of Edwardsburgh/ Cardinal.
The victim noticed May 10 someone had entered a shed and stolen
a Coleman generator. The serial number from the unit is on file
with police.
Anyone with information about this theft is asked to call
Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Callers do not have to identify themselves, and the information
they provide could make them eligible for cash rewards.
The local Crime Stoppers program does not subscribe to call
display or any other form of caller identification.
Central hosts yard and bake sale June 22
PRESCOTT -The Central Public School Parent Committee is hosting
a yard and bake sale Saturday, June 22 from 8:30 am to 1 pm at
the school on Jessup Street in Prescott.
Kids clothes, movies, home items, cribs and baked treats will
be among the many items available at the sale.
Hot dogs and drinks will be sold from 11 am to 1 pm.
Table rentals are available; all proceeds will go to student
activities.
For more information, call Tracey Faber-Hoogwerf at 925-0520
or Danielle Eaton at 925-3744.
Increased physical activity offers many benefits to youngsters:
district health unit
LEEDS AND GRENVILLE The district health unit is encouraging
youngsters to ensure physical activity is part of their daily
routine.
Youngsters should add an extra 30 minutes of physical activity
to their day, according to Canada's Physical Activity Guide for
Children and Youth. Active children have less anxiety and are
better at problem-solving than inactive children, the health
unit notes in a news release. Sports help kids improve skills
and co-ordination, are fun and provide time to be with friends.
Four tips recommended by Sport Manitoba for supporting children's
involvement in sports are as follows:
* Encourage the child to participate Children should
never be pressured, intimidated or bribed into it. Let youngsters
explore opportunities and make their own choices. Children are
less likely to drop out of a sport, and they can learn a lot
in the process.
* Enjoy the child's participation Resolve to enjoy the
sport as much as you can. Learn some basic rules, skills and
strategies; this understanding will help support the child's
performance.
* Support the child emotionally Children need to know
their parents are there for them. Sport is a great place to learn
more about emotions fear, anger, guilt, surprise, sadness,
happiness and enthusiasm and how to manage them.
* Deal with winning, losing and playing the game How
they played the game should be most important. By avoiding competitive-based
questions about a performance, parents can show their support
by helping children evaluate their participation by asking how
things went, what could be improved and whether they had fun
playing the game.
"Parents need to provide and support opportunities for
their children to be active every day," the release states.
Call your municipal recreation department for details of minor
sports programs offered in your community.
For more information about the value of physical activity,
call the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit's Health
Action Line at 1-800-660-5853.
OPP NEWS
Police charge man for making false abduction claim
EDWARDSBURGH - An investigation of a reported abduction led
police to charge the alleged victim with public mischief. The
male complainant advised OPP June 7 he had been hitchhiking on
Highway 401 eastbound when he was picked up by two men. The vehicle
reportedly exited the highway, turned around and headed westbound
in the opposite direction. The complainant reported the men did
not respond to his requests to let him go, according to a police
news release. The complainant reportedly called police after
escaping from his abductors at Angelo's Restaurant (Exit 721).
The police investigation revealed the complainant fabricated
the report; police discovered he had missed court in Cornwall
for a second time. Charged with public mischief is Bill Banks,
34, of South Glengarry; he is scheduled to appear in court July
12.
Tools taken during overnight break and enters
EDWARDSBURGH/CARDINAL Grenville County OPP responded
June 7 to three break and enters police suspect were related.
Each incident occurred overnight at residences just west of Cardinal.
Hand and power tools were removed from out-buildings; in one
case nothing was stolen, but items were moved to the front lawn.
Constables T. Johnston and S. Runciman are investigating. Anyone
with information is asked to call the detachment in Prescott
(925-4221).
Suspect faces multiple charges in connection with thefts
EDWARDSBURGH - An Edwardsburgh-Cardinal man faces numerous
charges in connection with a number of break and enters. On June
6 at about 5:45 pm, OPP responded to a break and enter that had
just occurred on Ventnor Road. Upon arriving in the area, police
located a man on a bicycle. Police found him to be in possession
of stolen property. Carl Thompson, 42, was charged with five
counts of break and enter and five counts of possession of property
obtained by crime. The break and enters had occurred in the two
days prior to the arrest. A majority of the property, including
hand tools, was returned to the owners. The total value of the
stolen property is less than $5,000. Thompson is scheduled to
appear in court July 12.
Two-car collision on Highway 401 leads to careless driving
charge
AUGUSTA - One person sustained serious injuries in a two-car
collision that occurred last Thursday morning on Highway 401
just east of Blue Church Road. An eastbound Acura Integra driven
by Deborah Migras, 28, of Toronto was attempting to pass a transport
that was reportedly losing sand-like debris from its rear end
when the driver noticed a Ford Focus in her blind spot. The driver
tried to correct her actions but caught the south shoulder, re-entered
the passing lane and struck the Focus driven by Julie Marshall,
28, of Brockville. The Focus rolled over and came to rest on
the south side of the eastbound lanes; the Acura came to rest
in the median. Marshall was transported by ambulance to Brockville
General Hospital. Migras was charged with careless driving, OPP
reported in a news release.
Township soccer field triggers complaint
MAYNARD - A new soccer field in North Augusta is already causing
quite a stir in the township.
In a letter to council, Paul Solomatenko expressed his concern
regarding the location of the nets and the potential for damage
to his home from stray soccer balls.
The field is open for anyone to use for any activity, including
golfing, and can not be under the supervision of soccer league
representatives at all times, he said.
Solomatenko gave notice to the township he would seek compensation
for any damage to his property as a result of activity at the
field. He also noted he was not satisfied with responses from
the North Augusta recreation association or Councillor Kathleen
Thur, who is chairman of the recreation and ball committee.
Thur said the association had done everything possible to
prevent damage, adding she had suggested neighbouring homeowners
contact police if problems arise.
Reeve George Vail added he is also concerned about the nets
and the fact they do not go right to the ground. "I believe
very strongly we're going to get into a liability situation here"
if a ball hit a vehicle, he said. "It may not have happened
yet, but all it has to do is happen once and we're in for a paint
job."
The reeve told Thur she would be responsible for monitoring
the situation.
SCHOOL SCENE
CENTENNIAL '67/NORTH EDWARDSBURGH PUBLIC SCHOOL: On Monday,
several students from grades 5 to 8 attended the Wings enrichment
conference.
On June 11, Centennial '67 hosted its annual popular ball
tournament.
Today is bus orientation day at NEPS for students new to Kindergarten
in the fall.
Grade 3 students will open their store Friday, giving all
primary students an opportunity to purchase treasures at yard
sale prices.
Centennial '67 students are enjoying their new tetherballs
and outdoor volleyball.
CENTRAL PUBLIC SCHOOL: Several junior and senior students
attended a conference called "Wings" Monday, June 10.
Rooms 7 and 9 will travel by coach to Toronto Friday for their
year-end trip.
The track and field championships were held Friday, June 7.
Congratulations to all our athletes who qualified.
Studio C dancers performed for the primary classes Friday,
June 7.
Afternoon music
BROCKVILLE - The local branch of the VON will celebrate Seniors
Month hosting "An Afternoon of Music & Nostalgia"
Monday, June 17 from 2 to 4 pm at St. John Bosco Parish Centre
on Windsor Drive in Brockville. For more information, call the
VON at 342-3693 or 1-800-465-7646.
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