Local farmers pitch in
Hay West campaign plans several transfer points throughout
the region
By Matt Wood
Special to The Journal
SOUTH GRENVILLE -- With 87 railroad cars filled with about
6,000 bales of hay already gone, the Hay West campaign is preparing
phase two of its efforts to aid the drought and grasshopper-stricken
farmers of the Western provinces.
And local farmers in the Prescott area are pledging their
help in droves, causing officials to estimate the next shipment
at over 100 cars and between 8-9,000 bales of hay.
"We've had a very generous response from Eastern Canada
and a very generous response from the railway companies,"
said Pierre Brodeur, the co-chair of Hay West. "Things are
overwhelming in general." The organization has received
enough pledges to fill 200 cars if it can be organized.
Adrian Wynands, president of the Grenville Federation of Agriculture,
said the federation is doing a hay drive, phoning all farmers
in the region looking for pledges. From there, transfer points
will be set up to get the hay to Smiths Falls where it will be
loaded on cars and fumigated for the cereal leaf beetle before
it is shipped west. Smiths Falls was determined as easiest to
get to with the most room for short-term storage.
Wynands said there are eight possible transfer points being
looked at, but nothing has been set in stone yet.
From these transfer points, the federation will transport
the hay via trucks in order to keep tractors off the roads as
much as possible.
"We want to minimize the amount the hay is moved back
and forth," said Wynands. He added the Christian Farmers
Federation of Ontario is on board along with some hobby farmers.
He has fielded calls from people with a second cut of hay who
don't need it looking to donate, and even had one person buy
hay and then turn around and donate it. "The response has
been excellent," continued Wynands. He is expecting between
2-3,000 bales from regional farmers.
As part of last week's announcement of $150,000 for Hay West,
the federal government instituted an office in Smiths Falls and
named a co-ordinator, Kathy Willoughby, whose job will be to
determine the logistics of organizing the donations.
Brodeur said they were unsure of when the second phase of
hay would leave.
"It's an ongoing thing. We hope to have it all gone in
the next two to three weeks."
Wynands said volunteers are needed, especially someone with
experience driving a loader-tractor to load and unload hay. To
volunteer or pledge a hay donation, Wynands can be reached at
926-2579. For those wanting to donate seperately, all hay donations
must be registered with HAY WEST at 1-866-429-9378. If hay is
not registered, it will not qualify for fumigation and will not
be accepted.
The first hay to reach the west, as part of the first phase,
went to Wainright, Alberta last Monday (Aug. 5). More than 3,600
farmers entered a lottery to see who would get a 35-40 bale share
of the much-needed forage for their herds.
Military Tattoo delights crowd in Prescott
Hundreds gather at fort to watch re-enactors
By Tim Ruhnke - Journal Editor
PRESCOTT Part of the region's military history came
back to life in impressive style Sunday afternoon.
More than 500 people attended the event presented by Fort
Wellington National Historic Site and Tourism Prescott. More
than 100 period re-enactors from Ontario and Quebec took part
in the two-hour presentation held on the fort field.
Three historic regiments representing the 17th, 18th and 19th
centuries demonstrated marching and musket drills and cannon
firing.
La Companie Franche de la Marine was the first European army
to serve in the Prescott area. It was posted at settlements in
the Maitland, Ogdensburg and Johnstown areas; all three were
captured by the British in 1759. The 78th Highland Regiment,
also known as Fraser's Highlanders, originated in Scotland in
1757 and took part in battles against the French, including the
Plains of Abraham.
Both regiments were revived in the Montreal area in the 1960s
and participated in Prescott's first historic tattoo in 1969.
The Toronto-based Fort York Guard represent the period in
which Fort Wellington was constructed.
The re-enactors performed as the temperature climbed into
the low 30s. Andrew Olmstead, who is working at Fort York this
summer, said he is used to wearing the uniform when it is sunny
and hot. Fellow Guard member Ross Goddard said the breeze off
the St. Lawrence helped make conditions more bearable for the
re-enactors. He noted the fort in Toronto is surrounded by tall
buildings and is much hotter.
Kerry Lenhardt, of Green Lane, Pennsylvania, was among a group
of cruise ship passengers that visited the fort during a stopover
in Prescott. She described the setting as beautiful.
"It's funny to be here and considered to be the enemy,"
Lenhardt remarked in reference to the military history associated
with the fort and the tattoo.
Elizabeth Pilon of Fort Wellington said officials were pleased
with the event and the turnout. Pilon noted it is difficult to
provide an accurate assessment of attendance; people were scattered
around the fort grounds and were coming and going, she said.
There may have been between 600 and 800 on hand to watch the
tattoo, Pilon added.
Mayor Robert Lawn told Prescott council Monday the show was
"extraordinary" and an outstanding event.
Olmstead and Pilon praised event organizers for their hospitality.
"The fort people have been great," the Toronto visitors
said.
Town gives skateboard park concept a trial
run
By Tim Ruhnke - Journal Editor
PRESCOTT Town council has endorsed a pilot project that
provides skateboarders a designated area in which they can do
their thing.
A group of young adults met with Community Services Director
Randy Pelehos and Clerk/CAO Andrew Brown last month to discuss
reserving an area for a skateboard park. It was agreed a section
of the clock tower parking lot would be reserved for skateboarding
each night until the end of August, subject to the consent of
council.
The special designation, which began Aug. 2, is in effect
Monday to Saturday from 6 to 9:30 pm and Sunday from 4 to 8 pm.
Nancy Lane, whose son John operates Diabolic Skateboards on
King Street West and approached the town on the subject of a
designated area, said the youngsters are thrilled with the arrangement.
She noted they set up and take down their equipment each day
and clean up any garbage at the site.
"As parents, we prefer to see them in one area,"
Lane said.
Some councillors indicated last week they were unaware of
the arrangement that had been made. Council members also reported
receiving several calls to complain about noise and foul language
coming from the skateboard area.
However, council agreed to allow the pilot project continue
until the end of the month. Mayor Robert Lawn said people understand
there is noise associated with skateboarding. Youngsters can
help by ensuring foul language is not a problem, according to
the mayor.
"If it gets out of hand, we will have to revisit the
subject again," said Lawn, who added he hopes it would not
come to that.
Councillor Jim French called the arrangement "a step
forward," adding it is better than having youngsters skateboarding
on the street.
Skateboarders who were at the clock tower park Monday called
the arrangement "awesome," adding it gives them something
to do downtown. Josh Smith acknowledged there is "a little
bit of pressure" associated with the test run; skateboarders
need to be on their best behaviour, he and the others noted.
Town police have made regular visits to the site to monitor
the situation.
In terms of the possibility of creating a designated skateboard
park, Lane said the facility does not need to be downtown. Councillor
Garry Dewar suggested the north end of Sophia Street near the
public works yard and ball fields might be a good place for skateboarding.
There is a paved road and the site is away from residential areas,
Dewar noted.
The councillor noted he was surprised by the number of youngsters
who were at the clock tower lot one night last week. "They
were behaving themselves," Dewar added.
Lane noted many young people feel disenfranchised and they
are not given consideration by local government. Establishing
a special area for skateboarding is being viewed as one way of
showing youth they do have a place in the community.
"The town belongs to the kids as much as it does to the
adults," Prescott Councillor Terry McConnell said.
Jobless rate decreases
SOUTH GRENVILLE The regional unemployment rate decreased
slightly in July, according to figures released by the Human
Resources Development Canada (HRDC) office in Kingston.
The jobless rate for the region that includes Grenville County
was 7.7 per cent last month. The rate in June of this year was
7.8 per cent. However, the current unemployment rate is much
higher than the five per cent reported in July 2001.
Closer to home, the Prescott HRDC office reported a decrease
of five per cent last month in the number of employment insurance
(EI) claimants. There were 875 active claims at the end of July
compared to 921 at the end of June.
The Prescott office reported 870 active claims at the end
of July 2001.
HRDC notes unemployment rates are not determined through assessment
of EI claimant data.
THIS WEEK
Health unit cancels advisory at town beach
PRESCOTT Swimmers have been given the green light to
return to Kelly's Beach.
Bacteria levels found in water samples taken from the west-end
beach late last week were within acceptable levels, according
to the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit. Three
consecutive weeks of high bacteria levels had prompted the health
unit to advise swimmers not to go into the water. A sign to that
effect was posted at the beach.
All 25 public beaches monitored on a weekly basis by the health
unit were open as of Aug. 9.
High bacteria levels increase the risk of skin irritation,
infections and gastrointestinal illnesses.
The next update on beach conditions is expected this Friday.
Visit the health unit's Web site at www.healthunit.org
Town gives conditional approval to relocate memorial fountain
PRESCOTT Town council has given its conditional approval
of a request to relocate the World War I Memorial Fountain from
Centennial Park to the Legion property on Henry Street.
Royal Canadian Legion Branch 97 is seeking the move to give
the memorial a stronger presence. Council voted Monday to approve
the move as long as four conditions are met. They include agreeing
to a formal lease between the town and the Legion for the fountain,
maintaining adequate liability insurance and relandscaping the
current site to the satisfaction of the town's community services
director. Ownership of the fountain is to remain with the town.
Last year, the Legion relocated the cenotaph from beside the
public library to Fort Wellington.
.
Fair decorating contest deadline approaches
SPENCERVILLE Two new categories have been added to this
year's Spencerville Fair Round Bale Decorating Competition.
Porch and lane decorating are now part of the annual contest
which is in its seventh year. The deadline to register is this
Friday.
Home or business decks or porches can be decorated in a manner
which promotes the fair. Lanes or driveways are to be decorated
in a creative and original manner.
As for the round bale contest, entrants should use at least
one round bale (and a maximum of three high) to create a display
which promotes the fair.
Each entry must clearly include the words "Spencerville
Fair" and advertise the dates of the current fair year.
Prizes will be awarded. To register, contact Paula Carmichael
at 658-5258.
Border security remains heightened
Increased vigilance remains in place on land, water
By Matt Wood
Special to The Journal
PRESCOTT -- Travelling to the U.S. used to be a simple matter:
a flash of a driver's licence and answers to a few standard questions
would suffice. But since the tragic events of last fall, customs
officials in both Canada and the U.S. are scrutinizing those
crossing the world's longest undefended border more closely --
and more often.
Janet Rapaport, a public affairs officer for U.S. Customs
Service -- New York-New Jersey, said since Sept. 11, all 301
entry ports to the U.S. have been on high alert - level 1. This
is the highest state of alert which results in more intensive
searches and questioning.
She said staffing levels have increased to cope with the higher
security, but could not provide specific numbers for security
reasons.
Rapaport also mentioned an exchange program that is part of
the Canada-United States Accord on our Shared Border that sees
customs officials from Canada pre-screening cargo on ships destined
for Canada in Newark, N.J. and Seattle, Wash. Likewise, U.S.
officials are in Halifax, Montreal and Vancouver checking ships
travelling to the U.S.
"This co-operative effort improves the efficiency of
cargo moving back and forth," detailed Rapaport.
The traveller faces similarly stringent inquiries upon returning
to Canada. Sue Primeau, a communications manager at Canada Customs
and Revenue Agency for the St. Lawrence corridor, said there
were 241 enforcement actions (the seizure of prohibited goods
and undeclared goods) at the Ogdensburg-Prescott International
Bridge between January and August of this year. That is a seven
per cent rise from the same time period last year, just prior
to 9/11.
"Since Sept. 11 there's been increased vigilance at all
border crossings," Primeau explained.
Some of the prohibited and undeclared items seized include
weapons, ammunition, pepper spray, tobacco and alcohol.
"It's a mixture of things," said Primeau. "There's
no one area where one has increased dramatically. We're just
finding more of everything."
She added customs officials are asking more questions, increasing
the number of examinations and requiring more forms of identification.
Canada Customs and Revenue also ensured crossing points were
staffed appropriately to handle the increased security and to
avoid long line-ups. Approximately 9,500 people came across the
bridge during the August long weekend, which was consistent with
last year. However, unlike last year, the ratio of U.S. visitors
to returning Canadians was slightly higher.
Canadian officials are also asking travellers to have two
pieces of photo identification and to have them ready before
approaching the booth, a change from last year at this time.
"We're finding people are very co-operative," noted
Primeau. "They're more prepared when they get there to expedite
the process."
There has also been increased security levels for those entering
the country by boat. The CANPASS program allows boaters, who
have enrolled and been security cleared, the option of calling
up to four hours prior to their arrival and obtaining clearance
to enter Canada.
They may then land at any government-approved dock or marina.
This program is available only to citizens and permanent residents
of Canada and the United States.
There have been increased security checks and verifications
by customs officials during this boating season and an increased
customs presence at docks and marinas in general.
Staff Sergeant Don Webb from the RCMP detachment in Kingston
said it would be fair to say patrols along the river have been
stepped up as well and that security along the river has been
increased and will stay that way for now.
Elderly man seriously injured in crash
MAYNARD - A serious motor vehicle collision on County Road
26 Thursday morning left an elderly Prescott man with serious
injuries.
According to Ontario Provincial Police the collision occurred
Thursday at 6:55 am when a Buick Century driven by a 76 year
old man was westbound on the road followed by a dump truck.
The Century was travelling at a slow rate of speed, according
to witnesses of the accident. The dump truck attempted to pass
the slow-moving car when the vehicle made a left turn into a
private drive. The dump truck struck the Century on the driver's
side demolishing the car and causing $5,000 in damage to the
truck.
The elderly male was taken by ambulance to Brockville General
Hospital with serious injuries, before later being transported
by Kingston General Hospital. As of press time, the Prescott
man was in critical but stable condition with various internal
injuries. At the request of the next of kin his name will not
be released.
The driver of the dump truck was uninjured.
County Road 26 was closed from County Road 18 to Merwin Lane
Thursday until 12:30 pm.
OPP news releases did not identify the driver of the truck.
Road conditions at the time were good and the weather was
clear and sunny.
Alcohol is not being considered as a factor in the collision.
A technical traffic collision investigator was called in to
assist Constable Brent Price with the investigation.
Sunday concert features
big band
PRESCOTT The Carm Aubé Big Band will perform
at the Kinsmen Outdoor Theatre this Sunday, Aug. 18 at 6:30 pm.
This will be the second-last Sunday evening concert of the
season on Prescott's waterfront. Admission is free; donations
are appreciated.
In case of rain, the concert will be held inside the Leo Boivin
Community Centre.
Chamber seeks items
for big garage sale
PRESCOTT Members of the Prescott and District Chamber
of Commerce are being asked to take part in the community garage
sale to be held Saturday, Aug. 24 to coincide with the annual
1000 Islands Poker Run.
The "Trash to Treasures" fundraiser will take place
from 8 am to 3 pm in the clock tower parking lot. A committee
of the chamber is asking members to donate items in good working
condition. Items can be dropped off Friday, Aug. 23 from 9:30
am to 5 pm at the Royal Bank. Large items should be dropped off
Saturday morning from 7 to 8 am.
The chamber is also seeking volunteers to work at the garage
sale in two-hour shifts. For more information about donating
items or volunteering, call Keeley Moure at 345-3905.
Tea time returns
PRESCOTT Forwarders' Museum will host an afternoon tea
this Saturday, Aug. 17 from noon to 4 pm.
Coffee, tea, iced tea, lemonade and snacks will be served
for a nominal fee.
Nunavut teens
say they enjoyed their five-week stay in Prescott area
By Tim Ruhnke -Journal Editor
PRESCOTT Ola Pootoogoo and Billy Inukshuk enjoyed their
time in the Prescott area even if it was a bit hotter than
they had expected.
The young adults from Nunavut spent several weeks in the Prescott
area as part of the Nunavut Youth Abroad Program. Nunavut is
the eastern portion of the Northwest Territories that became
a territory of its own three years ago.
Program participants arrived in Ottawa in June and stayed
together north of the capital before travelling to their host
communities for five weeks of work placements.
Pootoogoo hails from Cape Dorset; Inukshuk lives in Chesterfield
Inlet.
Louise Irving, the placement supervisor who with her family
played host to the pair from Nunavut, said the experience was
"an eye-opener." In noting most residents of southern
Canada know very little about the north, Irving said the visit
gave her and others in the area a better understanding of the
lifestyle. "This was their opportunity to teach us what
it is really like to live in the north," she said.
Her daughter Hannah spent three months in Europe as part of
an exchange program. With the two Northern visitors, there were
five teenagers in the house; Irving said the family talked about
hosting the pair from Nunavut and decided it would be worthwhile.
Program participants are not paid; they receive a stipend
of $40 per week. Although they are volunteering, they are required
to treat placements as if they were paid jobs.
In addition to pitching in at the harbour in Prescott, Inukshuk
chopped wood and did fencing new experiences for someone
who lives above the tundra line.
Pootoogoo worked at the Spencerville branch of the Edwardsburgh/Cardinal
library; one of her tasks there was to read to children. She
also did some gardening at the harbour. Both visitors volunteered
at the "Shadows of the Fort" program presented each
Thursday night at Fort Wellington.
In a presentation to fort staff last Wednesday, the two students
from Nunavut described their home communities and what life is
like in the north.
A can of pop costs $2.50 in Cape Dorset, according to Pootoogoo;
a pack of cigarettes goes for $12.
Pootoogoo, who in addition to her studies works as a waitress
at a restaurant, said teenagers in her area have "pretty
much" the same interests as young adults in Eastern Ontario.
People in her community like to go fishing and berry picking.
Inukshuk enjoys snowmobiling, any type of physical sport and
hunting; wolf hunting is his favourite.
When asked what he would remember most about his time in Eastern
Ontario, Inukshuk referred to the heat. But both visitors said
they liked being in the Prescott area.
"Thank you for being so nice to me," Pootoogoo said.
Pootoogoo is interested in becoming a photographer or designer.
She has hopes of attending Trent University in Peterborough.
Inukshuk is planning to attend Carleton University in Ottawa.
Irving noted the visit brought home the differences between
the cultures and the value of taking the strengths from each
culture and applying them to the other.
"North and south have to work together to find solutions,"
Irving said.
Augusta hires new roads superintendent
MAYNARD - Augusta Township has hired Fred Leonard as its new
roads superintendent.
Leonard, a Prescott native, worked for seven-and-a half-years
for the Ministry of Transport: Air Services Construction branch
where he helped build and design runways and other airport facilities.
"My years with the ministry will help out, as it's those
types of people who are telling municipal governments how things
need to be done," explained Leonard.
"I'll be able to do surveying and other things the municipality
would like to do on their own," he added.
Leonard is a graduate of Eastern Engineering Technologies
and Carleton University's Engineering program.
He was introduced to the public at the Augusta Township council
meeting Monday.
"We are sure Mr. Leonard's expertise will be an asset
to the township," said Councillor Jane Fullarton.
"We welcome him and look forward to working with him."
Former roads superintendent Keith Couture resigned in June
to accept a job with the City of Peterborough.
Public can minimize West Nile virus risk by
reducing exposure to mosquitoes
SOUTH GRENVILLE Health officials in Eastern Ontario
are calling on local residents to take precautions but not to
panic in response to the arrival of the West Nile virus.
The Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit reported
last Wednesday a dead crow found near Carleton Place July 26
was presumed positive for the virus. Further testing confirmed
the presence of the virus. A dead crow found in Ottawa also tested
positive for the virus; however, there have been no cases reported
in the Prescott area.
This follows recent reports of the virus causing several deaths
in Louisiana. A number of West Nile-related fatalities have occurred
in the eastern United States during the past two years.
As of last week, there had been no reports in Ontario of humans
having the virus.
West Nile virus is spread to humans through the bite of infected
mosquitoes that get the virus from infected birds. Crows, blue
jays and other members of a family of bird species have been
found to be highly susceptible to the virus.
Health officials insist the risk of contracting serious illness
from the virus is very low. The elderly tend to be more susceptible
to West Nile. The virus often causes mild illness.
As of last week, nearly two-thirds of health units in Ontario
reported at least one case of a crow being infected with the
virus.
The health unit recommends a number of measures aimed at reducing
the risk of being bitten by mosquitoes. In addition to wearing
light-coloured clothing to cover exposed skin, bug repellents
containing DEET should be used by humans except babies under
six months of age. Window and door screens should be in good
condition; mosquito activity is higher from dusk to dawn.
Property owners are being asked to reduce mosquito-breeding
areas by draining standing or stagnant water and keeping eavestroughs
clear.
Many jurisdictions in North America have conducted spraying
programs to kill mosquitoes and slow the spread of the virus.
Anyone who sees a dead crow is asked to call the health unit
at 345-5685. The public is advised not to personally submit dead
crows to the health unit.
Information on the West Nile virus is available from the health
unit's Web site (www.healthunit.org).
Student employment
centre closes for season this Friday
PRESCOTT The student employment centre in Prescott closes
for the season this Friday.
The Human Resources Development Canada office above the post
office on Centre Street helps students and employers alike. Summer
Employment Officer Amelia Mayer said 246 jobs had been handled
at the Prescott office as of Monday. The number of positions
handled locally was about 50 less than at the same time last
year.
Most of the positions now being posted at the employment centre
are odd jobs, according to Mayer. Even after the student centre
closes at the end of this week, any remaining jobs will continue
to be posted on the HRDC job bank.
In addition to job postings, the summer employment office
offers counselling in such areas as job searches, resume writing
and interview techniques.
For more information, visit the office or call 925-2508.
The student resource offices are part of the federal government's
Youth Employment Strategy.
Shakespeare company
to perform at fort
PRESCOTT -- There will be an opportunity to see one of William
Shakespeare's most famous works performed live at Fort Wellington
this Friday, Aug. 16 and Saturday, Aug. 17.
The St. Lawrence Shakespeare Company, a new theatre company
devoted to performing Shakespeare's plays and other classical
works, will open its first season with Romeo and Juliet.
"Romeo and Juliet has been performed around the
world and people never seem to grow bored with it," said
the company's founder and director, Deborah Smith. "Our
version offers audiences a simpler look at the play, while still
promising the stage fights, historical dancing and physicality
which captivates."
The shows are on Friday at 7 pm and Saturday at 2 pm and 7
pm on the field by the entrance to Fort Wellington.
There are 12 actors in the ensemble, each with the opportunity
to change characters as required to fill the roles of dancers,
actors and musicians.
The actors have been rehearsing full-time for about a month.
Most of them are from Ottawa but there are a few from Montreal,
Halifax and Edmonton.
"I am thrilled to be directing this first production
and excited about the Company and its future," added Smith.
Next summer the company will start its summer tour with Henry
the Eighth and Smith is hoping to see more of Prescott and its
amphitheatre.
"I'm trying to find a home ground (for the company) and
Prescott is at the top of our list," she said. "It's
so beautiful there."
The company performed the play in Winchester (Aug. 9-10) and
will perform in Brockville (Aug. 23-24) and Upper Canada Village
(Aug. 30-Sept.1).
All remaining shows will be performed outdoors for an admission
of "pay what you can." Organizers suggest bringing
a lawn chair or blanket and arriving early for the best spots.
Romeo and Juliet to be staged this Friday and Saturday
Entrepreneur pins hopes on own business
PRESCOTT -- Marie Comeau was tired of working full-time in
the summer and being laid-off in the winter.
Since she has been sewing for more than 30 years, she felt
that might be an option for a home-based small business.
The Self-Employment Benefits program, a Human Resources Development
Canada initiative offered in this region by Grenville Community
Futures Development Corporation, provided Comeau the opportunity
to develop a business plan and to develop her enterprise.
"If you have an idea, they help you put it into a plan,"
she said. "By the end, I realized just how much I didn't
know."
She opened her business, Marie's Sew It Seams, in Prescott
this May and has already had good response.
Alterations and repairs are some of the services in which
she has experience.
"I have three kids -- you do a lot of it."
She also sells such diverse products as dog accessories, crafts
and home decorations.
Comeau offers regular hemming as well as invisible hemming,
which allows a hem without the stitching showing on the visible
part of the material.
And with the fall approaching, Comeau will sew on crests and
patches for people in activities like cadets, guides or karate.
Marie's Sew It Seams can be found at 568 King St. W. or by
phone at 925-2771.
Town officials seek ways to cut cost of renovating
municipal building
By Tim Ruhnke - Journal Editor
PRESCOTT Town officials are reviewing plans to renovate
the Dibble Street municipal building in an effort to address
concerns about the cost of the project.
Members of Prescott council discussed details of the proposed
renovation project at a committee meeting held Aug. 6.
In a motion approved this spring, council agreed to spend
up to $800,000 on the project. D.C. Snelling Ltd. has been hired
to manage the construction project.
The renovation plan being considered would see improvements
and modifications focused on the second floor of the building
on which administrative offices and the council chamber are located.
The ground floor and the third floor as well as the public library
would see little in the way of upgrades other than basic improvements
being made to the interior and exterior of the building. An elevator
will be installed.
Renovation plans prepared by Eastern Engineering and paid
for by the municipality are being reviewed as part of an effort
to keep the cost of the project within the amount agreed to by
council.
Councillor Seeley Pillar said he does not care what is done
as long as the finished product is "a nice building"
that comes in under the $800,000 cap set by council.
Mayor Robert Lawn agreed with the need for a cap. However,
he noted there is also a need to "build something that is
going to last one or two generations.
"I would not like to see us do it on the cheap,"
the mayor said.
Among the many options discussed by town officials included
the types of materials to be used and the extent to which the
roof would be repaired. The number of offices and public washrooms
on the second floor also received the attention of council.
"People aren't coming to town hall to go to the washroom
anyway," McConnell remarked.
Council, which approved a bylaw Monday to enter into an agreement
with D.C. Snelling for a contract fee of $17,500, will be meeting
with the construction manager Aug. 26.
Although the construction manager is expected to provide advice
and expertise with respect to demolition, construction and other
matters related to renovation, council will make the final decision
when it comes to awarding contracts.
It was also noted last week the town had offered Grenville
Community Futures Development Corporation (GCFDC) an opportunity
to relocate its office to the Dibble Street municipal building.
The offer was made at the beginning of the year when GCFDC officials
were considering moving the office from its present location
in Prescott to North Grenville.
The subject was raised Monday night during a GCFDC presentation
to town council. GCFDC Executive Director Heather Lawless noted
the corporation's board decided to put the matter on the back
burner; she noted a new board was elected in June at an AGM,
and an office space search committee may be re-established in
September.
GCFDC has a three-year lease in the Moran Hooker Trade Centre
on Water Street.
Library board makes noise in effort to draw
attention to community facility
PRESCOTT The Prescott Public Library Board has made
it clear to town council it should not ignore the board as plans
to renovate the Dibble Street municipal building proceed.
In a presentation to council Monday night, library board chairperson
Karen Paterson and board member Evelyn Dales asked town officials
about the status of the project and to what extent the library
is being included.
Renovation plans for the building, which houses the library
and until last year the town's administrative offices, focus
on the second floor on which offices are located. Extensive renovations
to the library are not being planned as part of this phase of
the project; the town did not receive a government grant to offset
library renovation costs estimated in the range of $400,000.
The current renovation project has a cap of $800,000.
Paterson said someone at the town should be seeking grant
opportunities. Council should also consider improved access and
automation at the public library which has become a community
centre for many people, according to Paterson and Dales.
A fairly heated exchange between Dales and Councillor Garry
Dewar, who insisted the board has never been an after-thought
in the view of any member of the current council.
Dewar said the proposed renovations will be of great benefit
to the library in terms of the new heating, electrical and other
interior and exterior work to be done at the site.
But Dales, a former town councillor, countered by saying council's
past actions speak louder than words. She added it is very short-sighted
to proceed with work on one portion of the building without considering
the work needed to be done in the rest of the building.
Dales concluded by stating the library board is a small but
"mighty" group of four or five people who will be heard
from as the renovation project progresses.
"I promise you we will keep coming," Dales said.
For his part, Mayor Robert Lawn said council will be in a
better position to answer the board's questions after an upcoming
meeting with the construction manager.
"The library has never been an after-thought to me,"
he said.
The mayor indicated earlier this year he would be willing
to serve as chair of a library fundraising committee after his
term of office has ended.
"I promise you we will keep coming."
Evelyn Dales
Delays at level crossings cause concern
MAYNARD - Concern about emergency vehicles being held up by
trains stopped at level crossings was a hot topic at Augusta
Township council Monday.
Glen Kirkland a firefighter with the Augusta Fire Department
worries the extended blockages of railway crossings by freight
trains could pose a threat for emergency vehicles trying to respond
to calls.
"I've waited at crossings within the township for periods
up to 45 minutes," explained Kirkland. "The time waiting
for the trains to pass through could seriously affect any response
time for not only fires, but other emergencies as well."
Reeve George Vail stated that over the years while a councillor
he has reported the extended blockages to CN and they stated
that it shouldn't be occurring.
Council is considering sending a letter to CN about the blockages
and getting the municipal solicitor to write one if the incidents
continue.
Deadline to enter expanded
Spencerville Fair decorating competition is this week
SPENCERVILLE Two new categories have been added to this
year's Spencerville Fair Round Bale Decorating Competition.
Porch and lane decorating are now part of the annual contest
which is in its seventh year. The deadline to register is this
Friday.
Home or business decks or porches can be decorated in a manner
which promotes the fair. Lanes or driveways are to be decorated
in a creative and original manner.
As for the round bale contest, entrants should use at least
one round bale (and a maximum of three high) to create a display
which promotes the fair.
Entries must be visible to people who drive or walk past the
display.
Each entry must clearly include the words "Spencerville
Fair" and advertise the dates of the current fair year.
Prizes will be awarded to the top three entries in each category.
To register, contact Paula Carmichael at 658-5258.
Enter to become an
ambassador
SPENCERVILLE Applications for the 2002 Spencerville
Fair Ambassador Pageant are now being accepted.
The competition is open to young men and women in Grenville
County who are between the ages of 17 and 23. Competitors will
be judged on their interview, community involvement, question
response, poise and personality.
Contestants do not need to live on a farm, nor do they need
to know a lot about agriculture.
The successful contestant will be eager and willing to learn
about his or her community and share enthusiasm for the fair
with others.
The winner will represent the Spencerville Agricultural Society
for the duration of the fair and at community events throughout
the year.
For more information on the annual pageant or to obtain an
application, call Paula Carmichael at 658-5258.
The deadline for entries is Aug. 31 at noon.
The pageant will take place Friday, Sept. 13.
Learn about traditional farming methods at annual Harvest
Days celebration
ROEBUCK - History will be in action this weekend on County
Road 18 south of Roebuck as Antique Wheels in Motion presents
the annual Harvest Days celebration.
The events take place Saturday, Aug. 17 and Sunday, Aug. 18
from 10 am until 4 pm with a taste of the past.
Many antique tractors, cars, tools and engines will be on
display on the grounds, with demonstrations being held throughout
the day, including reaping, binding and threshing of wheat and
grinding grains into meal.
Members of the Grenville County 4-H Sodbusters will be demonstrating
plowing and anyone that can bring a tractor and plow will be
able to join in and learn proper methods.
Local crafters will be on hand selling their creations as
well as a canteen which will feature homemade pies.
Sunday morning features the Old Time Farmer's Breakfast from
8 until 10 am.
The celebration of Harvest Days continues after the weekend
as the Grenville County Federation of Agriculture and the Antique
Wheels in Motion will be sending all the grain crop to the World
Foodbank to help feed the hungry world-wide.
Council accepts big hike in insurance premium
PRESCOTT The Town of Prescott is the latest municipality
to feel the sting of higher insurance premiums.
Council voted Monday to renew its property and liability insurance
with Frank Cowan Company Limited for one year at a cost of $63,983
plus applicable taxes. The difference between 2001 and 2002 is
$21,771, an increase of 34 per cent.
Councillor Jim French, chair of the town's finance committee,
said "everyone" is being hit by higher premiums. The
terrorist attacks on the United States last Sept. 11 and the
Walkerton water disaster have been cited as factors in recent
rate hikes imposed on municipalities.
"Though significant, this is in line or lower than what
many other municipalities faced," stated a staff memo to
council members.
Come and dance at the
harbour
PRESCOTT A modern square and round dancing demonstration
will take place this evening (Wednesday, Aug. 14) from 7 to 8
pm at Sandra S. Lawn Harbour.
The Harbour Lites Square and Round Dancers will be on hand
at Prescott's waterfront to show the basic steps. Members of
the public are invited to join in and try a dance or two themselves.
The demonstration will be rescheduled if it rains.
Jobs available at call
centre
BROCKVILLE There are still positions to be filled at
the new call centre in Brockville, NuComm International announced
last week.
In a news release issued Thursday, the company noted it is
accepting resumes. Demand for the new call centre exceeded NuComm's
expectations, the release stated.
Customer care, technical support and sales positions are to
be filled. Telephone sales representatives are required to generate
outgoing calls and/or respond to incoming calls.
The starting wage is $10 per hour plus benefits.
Additional information can be found on the NuComm Web site:
www.nucomm.net.
The call centre is located in the SCI plant on Strowger Boulevard.
SCI is closing its facility this fall.
Revised dog bylaw approved
in Augusta
MAYNARD - Augusta Township council passed a new bylaw Monday
regarding regulation, protection and identification of dogs within
the township.
The new bylaw came after the previous one had no specification
of kennel operations.
The bylaw was brought to a public meeting last fall and another
this summer.
The new bylaw calls for no more than four dogs at any one
time on any property without a kennel license being obtained.
Council approved the bylaw after fine tuning of the wording
and concerns addressed at the public meetings were put into effect.
Former Leaf great to appear at MPP event
BROCKVILLE Legendary Toronto Maple Leaf defenceman Bobby
Baun and Ottawa's famous singing cop, Lyndon Slewidge, have been
added to the guest list for this Saturday's "Afternoon in
the Islands" fundraiser for Leeds-Grenville MPP Bob Runciman.
The annual event will be held at the Glen House Resort on
the 1000 Islands Parkway. At least six provincial cabinet ministers
are scheduled to attend the get-together which enables residents
of the riding to meet informally with the ministers and other
special guests.
In addition to a lobster tail/beef buffet, entertainment will
be provided by the Cuban band Quinteto Dela Tova, the Nepean
Panharmonic Steelband and Heinz Schmuck. The reception begins
at 3 pm; dinner will be served at 5 and 7 pm.
For ticket information, call Des DesRochers at 925-5530 (home)
or 342-1763 (office).
Learn about traditional farming methods at annual Harvest
Days celebration
ROEBUCK - History will be in action this weekend on County
Road 18 south of Roebuck as Antique Wheels in Motion presents
the annual Harvest Days celebration.
The events take place Saturday, Aug. 17 and Sunday, Aug. 18
from 10 am until 4 pm with a taste of the past.
Many antique tractors, cars, tools and engines will be on
display on the grounds, with demonstrations being held throughout
the day, including reaping, binding and threshing of wheat and
grinding grains into meal.
Members of the Grenville County 4-H Sodbusters will be demonstrating
plowing and anyone that can bring a tractor and plow will be
able to join in and learn proper methods.
Local crafters will be on hand selling their creations as
well as a canteen which will feature homemade pies.
Sunday morning features the Old Time Farmer's Breakfast from
8 until 10 am.
The celebration of Harvest Days continues after the weekend
as the Grenville County Federation of Agriculture and the Antique
Wheels in Motion will be sending all the grain crop to the World
Foodbank to help feed the hungry world-wide.
Council accepts big hike in insurance premium
PRESCOTT The Town of Prescott is the latest municipality
to feel the sting of higher insurance premiums.
Council voted Monday to renew its property and liability insurance
with Frank Cowan Company Limited for one year at a cost of $63,983
plus applicable taxes. The difference between 2001 and 2002 is
$21,771, an increase of 34 per cent.
Councillor Jim French, chair of the town's finance committee,
said "everyone" is being hit by higher premiums. The
terrorist attacks on the United States last Sept. 11 and the
Walkerton water disaster have been cited as factors in recent
rate hikes imposed on municipalities.
"Though significant, this is in line or lower than what
many other municipalities faced," stated a staff memo to
council members.
Come and dance at the
harbour
PRESCOTT A modern square and round dancing demonstration
will take place this evening (Wednesday, Aug. 14) from 7 to 8
pm at Sandra S. Lawn Harbour.
The Harbour Lites Square and Round Dancers will be on hand
at Prescott's waterfront to show the basic steps. Members of
the public are invited to join in and try a dance or two themselves.
The demonstration will be rescheduled if it rains.
Jobs available at call
centre
BROCKVILLE There are still positions to be filled at
the new call centre in Brockville, NuComm International announced
last week.
In a news release issued Thursday, the company noted it is
accepting resumes. Demand for the new call centre exceeded NuComm's
expectations, the release stated.
Customer care, technical support and sales positions are to
be filled. Telephone sales representatives are required to generate
outgoing calls and/or respond to incoming calls.
The starting wage is $10 per hour plus benefits.
Additional information can be found on the NuComm Web site:
www.nucomm.net.
The call centre is located in the SCI plant on Strowger Boulevard.
SCI is closing its facility this fall.
Revised dog bylaw approved
in Augusta
MAYNARD - Augusta Township council passed a new bylaw Monday
regarding regulation, protection and identification of dogs within
the township.
The new bylaw came after the previous one had no specification
of kennel operations.
The bylaw was brought to a public meeting last fall and another
this summer.
The new bylaw calls for no more than four dogs at any one
time on any property without a kennel license being obtained.
Council approved the bylaw after fine tuning of the wording
and concerns addressed at the public meetings were put into effect.
Former Leaf great to appear at MPP event
BROCKVILLE Legendary Toronto Maple Leaf defenceman Bobby
Baun and Ottawa's famous singing cop, Lyndon Slewidge, have been
added to the guest list for this Saturday's "Afternoon in
the Islands" fundraiser for Leeds-Grenville MPP Bob Runciman.
The annual event will be held at the Glen House Resort on
the 1000 Islands Parkway. At least six provincial cabinet ministers
are scheduled to attend the get-together which enables residents
of the riding to meet informally with the ministers and other
special guests.
In addition to a lobster tail/beef buffet, entertainment will
be provided by the Cuban band Quinteto Dela Tova, the Nepean
Panharmonic Steelband and Heinz Schmuck. The reception begins
at 3 pm; dinner will be served at 5 and 7 pm.
For ticket information, call Des DesRochers at 925-5530 (home)
or 342-1763 (office).
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