Most retailers say business was down
Christmas shopping season wraps up on strong note
PRESCOTT Retail sales picked up just before Christmas
after a slow start to the holiday season, according to a number
of local merchants.
The Gift Lane reported overall sales seemed to be down compared
to 2001. Although the week before Christmas was busy, it was
not enough to make up for the slow start.
Biba reported a very busy Boxing Day that generated more sales
than on Dec. 26, 2001.
Garry Barkey of Prescott Jewellers said sales were "relatively
flat" through much of Christmas. However, sales were very
strong Dec. 23 and 24. In fact, Barkey credits those two days
with putting overall 2002 Christmas season sales over last year's
total. "It still wasn't what I thought it would be,"
he said.
Barkey also noted the vast majority of customers just prior
to Christmas were men.
Lewis Beach of Beach Home Hardware said sales fell off slightly
after a strong November. The overall 2002 Christmas season will
be close to what took place the previous year, he noted.
Beach said one trend this past holiday season saw people buying
bigger-ticket items for their homes. He also indicated the lack
of snow put a dent in snow blower sales.
Unlike other retailers, Beach said there was no surge just
prior to Christmas Day; sales remained fairly steady throughout
the month.
Other retailers suggested sales may have been affected to
some extent by the absence of snow. "I really think some
people need snow to Christmas shop," one King Street retailer
said.
THIS WEEK
Most offices are closed on first day of 2003
PRESCOTT The offices of The Prescott Journal
and St. Lawrence Printing will be closed Wednesday, Jan. 1 to
observe New Year's Day.
Regular operating hours will resume Thursday, Jan. 2 at 8
am.
Government offices, financial institutions and most retail
outlets will also be closed the first day of 2003.
New Year's Day levees being held today
SOUTH GRENVILLE Levees to mark the beginning of 2003
will be held today (Wednesday) in Prescott and Spencerville.
Fort Wellington Branch 97 will also be hosting a New Year's
Day Levee from 1 to 5 pm at the Prescott Legion on Henry Street.
Music will be provided by Sue Munro and Key Country.
Branch 604 of the Royal Canadian Legion will host a levee
from noon to 2 pm at the Legion Hall in Spencerville.
Refreshments will be served. There will be free admission
at both levees. The public is invited to attend.
Hockey team to hold bottle drive Saturday
SOUTH GRENVILLE Members of the South Grenville atom
B Rangers hockey team will conduct a door-to-door bottle drive
Saturday, Jan. 4 from 9 am to noon in the communities of Maitland,
Prescott, Spencerville and Cardinal.
The Rangers will be wearing their South Grenville jerseys
during the drive. Proceeds will go to the team's trip to the
International Silver Stick Jan. 17-19. Donations in lieu of bottles
would be appreciated.
Seaway cargo traffic decreases in 2002
CORNWALL There was a slight decrease in cargo traffic
passing through the St. Lawrence Seaway in 2002, according to
the seaway's management corporation.
The Montreal/Lake Ontario section of the Great Lakes system
handled more than 29.8 million tonnes of cargo last year, 1.4
per cent less than in 2001. The Welland Canal reported a 2.2-per-cent
decrease in cargo traffic last year. The 2002 shipping season,
the 44th in the history of the seaway, began March 26 and ended
Dec. 26.
An automatic vessel identification system (AIS) is now in
place and will be mandatory for commercial vessels in the new
season. Guy Véronneau, president of the seaway management
corporation, said the AIS "...will contribute greatly to
the safety, security and efficiency of traffic."
The seaway closes each winter to allow for maintenance of
locks and connecting channels. The 2003 navigation season is
scheduled to open March 25.
Augusta Township hires new CAO
MAYNARD The Township of Augusta has hired a new chief
administrative officer.
Sharon Wilkinson, the former clerk-administrator of Montague
Township in Lanark County, begins her duties in Augusta Jan.
2.
"We were very pleased with her resume and we look forward
to her coming to the Township of Augusta," Reeve George
Vail told The Journal Monday.
Wilkinson succeeds Nigel White, who resigned as Augusta CAO
last spring to accept a position with the United Counties of
Leeds and Grenville. Deputy Clerk Linda Robinson has been serving
as acting CAO.
The new CAO worked for the former village of Merrickville
from 1994 to 2001. Wilkinson is a member of the Association of
Municipal Clerks and Treasurers of Ontario.
"I know she will be very positive for us," Vail
said.
MP reflects on 'interesting' year
By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor
SOUTH GRENVILLE Joe Jordan says 2002 was on many levels
the most interesting year of the five he has served as the Liberal
MP for Leeds-Grenville.
"I don't know what I did all year, but it took me all
year to do it," Jordan remarked in a year-end interview
with The Journal.
The MP acknowledged the attention that has been given to party
leadership issues has been a distraction. Prime Minister Jean
Chrétien announced his intention to step down in early
2004.
Although Jordan noted the Liberals "went through some
tough times" in 2002, he added the prime minister has his
focus and is taking the initiative on such issues as the Kyoto
Accord and the role the United Nations should be allowed to play
prior to any military action is taken against Iraq.
"He's been anything but a lame duck," Jordan commented.
"It's like he's had a weight off his shoulders."
Jordan noted Liberal leadership may have been a dominant issue
in Ottawa last year, but health care is the number one issue
in the minds of Canadians. The debate over what to do about the
public health system emerged late in the year with the release
of the Romanow report on the state of Canada's health-care system.
"I like it more (now) than the day it came out," Jordan
said. The MP added Romanow appears to have struck a balance between
the desire for universal health care and the ability to pay for
it.
"The attraction for me is he has depoliticized the health-care
system," Jordan commented.
In noting the issue will be front and centre this February
at the conference of first ministers, Jordan said "Canadians
won't accept compromises and half-measures."
In terms of the local economy, Jordan indicated there is a
"post-NAFTA hangover" that is coming at a time when
changes in the high-tech sector have led to closures such as
the SCI plant in Brockville that lead to layoffs and high social
costs. The MP said there is "a little bit of a silver lining"
in terms of recognizing the need for what Jordan calls a community-wide
approach to economic development.
"We have to sort out what our area can provide,"
said Jordan, who added his goal is to enable someone born in
the area to be able to stay here as an adult if he or she chooses.
Jordan pointed out he was impressed by the new stores that
opened this fall in Prescott. The MP said he has also been impressed
by the job being done by Canada Customs and Revenue Agency at
border crossings. Issues that arose at the bridges in the wake
of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States
are being addressed as things start to "normalize,"
according to Jordan.
Jordan's two-and-a-half-year stint as parliamentary secretary
to the prime minister came to an end in December. The MP acknowledged
his selection was interesting given he is a supporter of Liberal
leadership hopeful Paul Martin.
However, Jordan said he was the longest-serving secretary
during Chretien's nine years as prime minister.
"I gained a very great appreciation for the skills of
that man," Jordan said of Jean Chrétien. "I've
never seen anyone equal (on the political level)."
The MP said he gained valuable insight into how decisions
are made; he believes his stint as parliamentary secretary has
made him a better MP. "It was a tremendous experience."
Mayor says Prescott has reason for optimism
By Tim Ruhnke, Journal Editor
PRESCOTT Despite Prescott council's struggles in 2002,
Mayor Robert Lawn insists the town can still reach its great
potential.
Looking back at 2002, Lawn said the departure of Andrew Brown
in November posed a major challenge for the municipality.
"It has been a bit of a struggle without him," the
mayor told The Journal.
A new CAO/clerk has been hired and will start this week.
The decision "to do something" about a permanent
home for municipal staff was an important development in 2002,
according to the mayor. Council decided to proceed with renovations
to the Dibble Street municipal building; a spending cap of $800,000
was established.
Lawn said the absence of a resolution to the town hall issue
has hurt the municipality; other matters were put off in the
process, something Lawn believes was not in the best interests
of the community.
Lawn and his six council colleagues have entered the final
year of their three-year term. The mayor acknowledged council
has not been able to work together as a team and will not likely
do so in 2003. "You deal with it as best you can,"
he said.
The mayor added he is "envious" of the previous
council, which he believes worked as a cohesive unit and did
"an excellent job." Although he noted the first two
year's of this council's term have not worked out the way he
had expected, Lawn remains optimistic council can still make
a difference. The mayor indicated he would be pleased if council
could ensure there is strong and professional civil service in
town that is housed in a modern facility.
The mayor said he will continue to push council for a review
of the town's official plan. He also pointed to the importance
of downtown revitalization, and hopes the "Jump" team's
report expected early this year will serve as a catalyst for
action which could come in the form of a mayor's task force.
I still believe planning is the key to success of any business
venture (including the town)," Lawn stated.
The mayor said he is "excited as hell" about the
Shakespeare festival and the positive things it could bring to
Prescott. He hopes the community will get behind the festival
and recognize its potential.
The mayor also noted the need for additional housing. People
are moving out of Ottawa in search of affordable homes.
Lawn said Prescott has land available, including a 42-lot
subdivision south of Highway 401 currently owned by Ontario Realty
Corporation and industrial land owned by the town. "I am
hoping we might get some movement there," he said.
With the sewage treatment environmental assessment having
been completed and submitted, Lawn is confident the federal and
provincial governments will approve funding for an upgraded facility
which would serve the town as well as portions of the neighbouring
townships.
"I am very hopeful we will get a positive response,"
said Lawn.
The mayor spoke highly of the Prescott Blossoms initiative
and the young people who have among other things been making
improvements to the former CPR lands south of Fort Wellington.
He said if the program does not get renewed this year, it won't
be because of lack of effort on the part of participants.
Allen named to broadband committee
Pilot program to provide development opportunities
By Monica Whitney, Journal Staff Writer
VENTNOR A resident of Edwardsburgh/Cardinal Township
near Spencerville has been appointed to a national selection
committee as part of Industry Canada's initiative to assist rural
and northern communities with access to high-speed Internet.
Vic Allen, formerly chair of Prescott-based Grenville Community
Futures Development Corporation, will serve on the 24-member
committee for the Broadband for Rural and Northern Development
pilot program. The committee will review project proposals and
make recommendations to Industry Minister Allan Rock on which
proposals should receive funding for the development of business
plans for the implementation of the plans.
The $105-million Broadband for Rural and Northern Development
pilot program was launched by Minister Rock and Andy Mitchell,
Secretary of State (Rural Development). The program uses a competitive
process to support the deployment of innovative and sustainable
broadband services to Canadian communities that currently have
no high-speed Internet access. Priority will be given to unserved
First Nation, northern, rural and remote communities.
The goal of the program is to provide economic and social
opportunities for all Canadians.
"Access to affordable broadband is essential to community
building in the 21st Century," said Allen, who is also CEO
of Upper Canada Networks in Kemptville, a non-profit group that
is building a broadband, fixed wireless community network throughout
Leeds and Grenville.
Allen also served on Industry Canada's National Broadband
Task Force in 2001, which studied the digital divide that separates
urban and rural communities, the availability of high-speed Internet
service and its impact on local economies.
The project proposals which Allen will now review as part
of his work on the current committee is the "important first
step" toward the execution of the task force's several recommendations
for connectivity in Canada, he explained. The government has
committed to ensuring high-speed Internet access for all Canadian
communities by 2005.
Applicants submit proposals to support the development of
a business plan. Successful applicants are eligible to receive
up to $30,000 for the purpose.
"Broadband is an important tool that will enable rural
communities to access health care, education and life-long learning
services, as well as a competitive business environment,"
said Secretary of State Mitchell.
The appointments were announced Dec. 17; members come from
every region of Canada and represent a cross-section of professional
backgrounds.
THE YEAR IN REVIEW
2002 YEAR IN REVIEW
January
OPP to challenge commission's decision
PRESCOTT The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) will seek
a judicial review of a recent decision not to approve the disbandment
of the Prescott Police Service. Citing a number of unresolved
matters, the Ontario Civilian Commission on Police Services (OCCOPS)
denied a proposal to have the OPP provide municipal policing
in the town. The commission indicated it would be willing to
reconsider its decision if certain conditions were met by Jan.
14; it was on that date the OPP announced its intention to have
a court review the OCCOPS decision.
GCDC could be heading for North Grenville
PRESCOTT Grenville Community Development Centre (GCDC)
will move its offices from Prescott to North Grenville, GCDC's
board of directors has decided.
The centre, a federally-funded agency that provides economic
development support through a wide range of services, was founded
in Prescott in 1990. A business case supporting the move to Kemptville
will be submitted to Industry Canada for its approval.
Civic leaders in Prescott indicated they plan to fight the
proposed move to a property on Van Buren Street in Kemptville.
Other town hall options being considered
PRESCOTT The options are coming and going in the never-ending
saga of the town's municipal building and public library. Prescott
council agreed to look into the possibility of purchasing the
federal building on Centre Street and relocating the library
to one of its floors. A new but smaller building to house municipal
offices could then be built on town-owned land somewhere in or
near downtown. The government declared the building surplus a
year ago.
However, the federal building option was not pursued after
it was learned the option would not be as cost-effective as first
believed. After yet another debate over the merits of various
proposals, council agreed to dig up plans to build on the parking
lot the preferred option of the previous council.
Local food bank steering committee formed
PRESCOTT There appears to be interest in establishing
a food bank that would serve residents of the Prescott area.
Fifty people attended a public information session Jan. 24 at
St. John's Anglican Church. A steering committee was formed and
is planning to hold a meeting next month. It was suggested Sept.
1 would be the target date for the opening of the food bank.
New family physician arrives in Prescott
PRESCOTT Dr. John Davies has joined the Prescott Family
Medical Association. The young physician is accepting new patients.
His arrival represents another success story for the Leeds and
Grenville Physician Recruitment Task Force.
February
GCDC will not leave Prescott after all
SPENCERVILLE A proposal to relocate the offices of Grenville
Community Development Centre (GCDC) from Prescott to North Grenville
will not proceed.
A motion put to the general membership failed to obtain the
two-thirds majority required for approval. Seven of 14 members
who voted at Edwardsburgh/ Cardinal Township Hall were in favour
of the move being proposed by the GCDC board. Six voted against
the motion; one ballot was declared spoiled.
Movie stars make special appearance
PRESCOTT A pair of four-legged movie stars drew a big
crowd to The Gift Lane in downtown Prescott. Bam Bam and Gloria,
Siberian huskies that appeared in the hit Disney comedy Snow
Dogs, posed for the camera with numerous local youngsters. The
dogs belong to Kortar Kennels of Kemptville.
Cost of digging up dump may exceed $200,000
PRESCOTT The cost of removing material from an old dump
located under a portion of the FAI Development property in the
north end of Prescott could exceed $200,000, according to Town
Engineer Clyde Solomon. Removal of the organic material was completed
in January. The municipality will foot the bill for the excavation.
Canada celebrates Olympic hockey wins
SOUTH GRENVILLE Hockey fans are still buzzing about
Canada's double-gold performance at the Salt Lake City Olympics.
Both Canadian men's and women's hockey teams defeated their American
counterparts to take home the gold. The men's victory Sunday
afternoon prompted flag-waving and horn-honking on King Street
and other locations in South Grenville.
Town hall option list cut in half
PRESCOTT Two sites the hardware store beside the
clock tower lot and the former Daniels' Hotel property
have been dropped from the list of town hall options still being
considered by Prescott council. The two remaining options are
to renovate the Dibble Street municipal building or construct
a new building, the location of which has not been specified.
Retired fire chief receives honourary title
ROEBUCK Retired Augusta fire chief Fred Boisvert has
been honoured by his peers, friends and family at a special gathering
at the community hall. In addition to numerous presentations
and well-wishes, Fred and his wife Mona received a rare honour:
Augusta council has proclaimed them fire chief emeritus and fire
chief companion emeritus respectively.
Cost of digging up dump may exceed $200,000, according to
official
PRESCOTT The cost of removing material from an old dump
located under a portion of the FAI Development property in the
north end of Prescott could exceed $200,000, according to Town
Engineer Clyde Solomon. Removal of the organic material was completed
in January. The municipality will foot the bill for the excavation.
South Grenville joins celebration as Canada wins hockey gold
SOUTH GRENVILLE Hockey fans are still buzzing about
Canada's double-gold performance at the Salt Lake City Olympics.
Both Canadian men's and women's hockey teams defeated their
American counterparts to take home the gold.
The men's victory Sunday afternoon prompted flag-waving and
horn-honking on King Street in Prescott and at other locations
in South Grenville.
Town hall option list cut in half
PRESCOTT Two sites the hardware store beside the
clock tower lot and the former Daniels' Hotel property
have been dropped from the list of town hall options still being
considered by Prescott council.
The two remaining options are to renovate the Dibble Street
municipal building or construct a new building, the location
of which has not been specified.
Retired fire chief receives honourary title from Augusta
council
ROEBUCK Retired Augusta fire chief Fred Boisvert has
been honoured by his peers, friends and family at a special gathering
at the community hall.
In addition to numerous presentations and well-wishes, Fred
and his wife Mona received a rare honour: Augusta council has
proclaimed them fire chief emeritus and fire chief companion
emeritus respectively.
March
Richard Pound speaks at chamber banquet
PRESCOTT Former International Olympic Committee vice-president
Richard Pound emphasizes the value of sports at the community
level during a speech at the Prescott and District Chamber of
Commerce banquet. In its annual awards presentation, the Chamber
of Commerce named St. Lawrence Printing (publisher of The Prescott
Journal) the Corporate Service Award winner, Norm Fortier the
Community Service Award recipient and Kaitlynn Dodge and Mackenzie
Eaton co-winners of the Connie Dickey Memorial Youth Award winner.
NHL celebrities appear at charity game
PRESCOTT Former National Hockey League players Eddie
Shack and Dave "Tiger" Williams were in town to take
part in a Battle of the Badges charity game in which the firefighters
defeated the local police team.
OPP report decrease in number of break-ins
PRESCOTT Fewer break-ins were reported in Grenville
County in 2001, according to a year-end report released by the
local detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police. One hundred
nine break and enters were investigated by the OPP last year
compared to 187 in 2000.
Fire chief saluted for 30 years of service to town
PRESCOTT Members of the Prescott Fire Department surprise
Chief Bill Lawrence with a tribute to his 30 years of service
as a firefighter, 15 of which have been as fire chief.
Prescott Mayor Robert Lawn says the department would not be
the organization it is without Lawrence's leadership.
Hockey tournaments score big with fans in Prescott, Cardinal
SOUTH GRENVILLE The 30th annual Midget AA/AAA Tournament
in Prescott and fourth annual Bantam AA/AAA tournament in Cardinal
give residents of South Grenville an opportunity to see some
great hockey as 32 teams and their supporters from throughout
Ontario and a number of American states converge on the area.
Teams from St. Louis and Pittsburgh took home the championship
trophies at this year's tournaments.
OPSEU strike affects provincial services
SOUTH GRENVILLE A strike by members of the Ontario Public
Service Employees' Union who work for the provincial government
is affecting a number of local services.
The vehicle licence bureau in Prescott is closed for the duration
of the strike. The land registry office in Prescott has reduced
its operating hours. Many other services that do not have offices
in South Grenville are affected by the province-wide strike.
Town hall may be built in parking lot after all
PRESCOTT In a reversal of sorts, Prescott council has
agreed to consider the clock tower parking lot as the site for
a new municipal office building and public library.
The option that the previous council had selected but did
not act on had been rejected by the current council in favour
of renovating the Dibble Street municipal building.
However, the renovation option was put on hold last summer
and other options have been pursued.
Council is to finalize design and layout considerations before
putting the project out to tender.
Local Chamber butts out on smoking debate
PRESCOTT Directors of the Prescott and District Chamber
of Commerce have decided to take a neutral stance on the issue
of whether municipalities should enact bylaws to ban smoking
in all indoor public places.
Although some directors indicated they support a smoking ban,
others noted the decision should be left in the hands of business
owners.
April
Architect says council should decide first
PRESCOTT The architect who designed plans for a new
municipal building on the clock tower parking lot site has met
with Prescott council. Ralph Vandenberg tells council it could
cost about $1.5 million to proceed with a modified version of
his plans for municipal offices and the public library. However,
the existing plans would have to be reviewed; Vandenberg advises
council it should decide what it wants to do about the town hall
issue before proceeding with any new plans.
Proponents of smoking ban to speak to councils
SOUTH GRENVILLE Municipal councils will soon be visited
by health unit officials who are seeking bylaws to ban smoking
in indoor public places. A survey conducted on behalf of the
district health unit concludes a majority of respondents would
favour such a bylaw. The results of the survey also suggest bars
and restaurants would not be hurt by a smoking ban, according
to health officials.
Local company wins Global Trader Award
JOHNSTOWN Measurements International Inc. has won the
Partnership Award of Merit at the Eastern Ontario Global Trader
Awards for its exporting achievements. President Duane Brown
says the award is meaningful for the company's employees. Global
Trader Awards are presented by the Ontario government to successful
small- and medium-sized exporters.
Bingo hall opposes ban
JOHNSTOWN The president of Bingo International says
the business would be put at risk if a municipal bylaw to ban
smoking in public places is approved. Brian Nolan says smokers
represent the majority of customers, and bingo halls in Ottawa
have been devastated by the smoking ban implemented in that city.
Local charities also stand to lose if business drops in response
to a bylaw.
Fort Wellington named top attraction in Ontario
PRESCOTT Fort Wellington National Historic Site has
been selected top Ontario attraction in its category in an Attractions
Canada competition. Fort Wellington has been named top attraction
of national or international interest. The Parks Canada facility
will go up against other provincial and territorial winners in
the national competition set for the end of May in Edmonton.
Townships take part in sewage plant study
SOUTH GRENVILLE All three municipalities in the area
are taking part in an environmental assessment study of Prescott's
sewage treatment facility. Plans to replace or refurbish the
existing facility will also include an extension of service to
portions of Edwardsburgh/Cardinal and Augusta townships near
Prescott. The town has applied for federal and provincial infrastructure
funding to cover about two-thirds of construction costs estimated
at more than $15 million.
Rick Bowie retires as town police chief
PRESCOTT There has been a change in command at the Prescott
Police Service. Chief Rick Bowie will retire at the end of the
month. The Police Services Board has selected Sergeant Bryan
Somerville to become acting police chief in place of Bowie, who
has served as chief since 1990. A proposal to disband the municipal
service in favour of a contract with the OPP remains in limbo.
Earthquake gives region early-morning jolt
SOUTH GRENVILLE An earthquake measuring 5.1 on the Richter
scale awoke many area residents Saturday, April 20 at abut 6:50
am. No local damage or injuries were reported. The epicentre
of the quake was near Plattsburgh, New York.
May
Trail expansion plans announced in Prescott
PRESCOTT Expansion plans for the Millennium Pathway
area have been announced by Parks Canada.
The open-space area near Fort Wellington in the east end of
town will be home to an extended walking trail system as well
as an arboretum, shrubs, gardens and signs noting the history
of the site.
Prescott Legion marks 75th anniversary
PRESCOTT Fort Wellington Branch 97 of the Royal Canadian
Legion celebrates the 75th anniversary of its charter. Although
the local branch dates back to 1920, the formal charter was granted
May 2, 1927.
Youth Day cross carried through Prescott area
SOUTH GRENVILLE The World Youth Day Cross was carried
through the Prescott area on its way to Toronto for the world-wide
celebration in July that will include an appearance by Pope John
Paul II.
Many local Catholic school students took part in the march
through Prescott.
Local schools do not appear on chopping list
BROCKVILLE Public elementary schools in South Grenville
have been spared from the list of schools to be reviewed by the
Upper Canada District School Board.
Several smaller schools in Leeds County and North Grenville
will be among the facilities to be part of the review process.
Central Public School celebrates 50 years
PRESCOTT Central Public School celebrates its 50th anniversary
with an open house. The new school, which opened in Jan. 1952,
was built beside the former Prescott Public School.
Augusta begins search for new administrator
MAYNARD Nigel White has resigned as CAO and clerk-treasurer
of Augusta Township.
White, who has served as CAO since early 2001, has accepted
the position of director of corporate services and treasurer
of the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville.
Augusta Reeve George Vail said White had done a great job
during difficult times at the township.
There was a chill in air at Harbour Days
PRESCOTT Below-normal temperatures may have put a chill
on this year's Harbour Days, but organize Mike Boyles said the
Victoria Day weekend festival was still a success.
It was estimated 1,000 youngsters flocked to the waterfront
area for the annual kids' day activities May 19.
Town hall renovations capped at $800,000
PRESCOTT The plan to renovate the Dibble Street municipal
building is back on track. Prescott council has voted 5-2 in
favour of capping the project at $800,000. The option to renovate
the former high school that had served as town hall for almost
40 years and remains home to the public library had been shelved
by council last year. Other options such as constructing a new
building on the clock tower parking lot site and purchasing and
renovating the store adjacent to the lot have been considered
and rejected in recent months.
June
Local heritage exposed at Doors Open
SOUTH GRENVILLE A dozen historic properties in the area
were on display June 1 and 2 as part of Doors Open Ontario, a
program that promotes public awareness of heritage buildings
in the community.
Graham Cudlipp, a member of the Doors Open committee in the
Brockville-Thousand Islands region, said the program will help
make the Prescott area a tourist destination.
There are plans to hold a second edition of Doors Open next
spring.
David Dargie appointed GCC headmaster
MAITLAND Former South Grenville District High School
principal David Dargie has been named headmaster of Grenville
Christian College. Dargie, who succeeds interim headmaster Ken
MacNeil who will retire later this month, has been working at
State University of New York at Potsdam.
Augusta property taxes are on the rise
MAYNARD The average residential ratepayer in Augusta
Township will pay an extra nickel a day in municipal taxes this
year.
The 2002 budget approved by township council calls for an
increase of just under 3.5 per cent.
Residential ratepayers face increase in Prescott
PRESCOTT Residential taxes in Prescott will increase
by 3.6 per cent this year, based on the 2002 budget approved
by town council. The operating budget includes expenditures totalling
$6.3 million. The proposed capital budget calls for $1.1 million
for road work, infrastructure and other items associated with
the commercial development on Prescott Centre Drive.
Highland Tattoo makes its mark indoors
PRESCOTT Rain forced this year's Highland Tattoo to
be moved inside to the Leo Boivin Community Centre June 15. Hundreds
of people made the move to the arena to watch and listen to pipe
and marching bands perform at the third annual fling.
Prime minister visits Spencerville area
VENTNOR Prime Minister Jean Chrétien travelled
to the Kamenz farm on Ventnor Road to make a major agriculture
funding announcement. The prime minister spent a few minutes
with the Kamenz family in their home during the visit. This marks
the first time Chrétien has made a formal appearance in
South Grenville since his visit to the high school six days before
the Nov. 2000 federal election.
Augusta superintendent Keith Couture resigns
MAYNARD Augusta Roads Superintendent Keith Couture has
tendered his resignation. Couture, who was hired by the township
in the fall of 2000, has left to take a job with the City of
Peterborough. Reeve George Vail said the roads department was
"top notch" under Couture's guidance.
Churchill Road project gets green light
PRESCOTT The long-awaited reconstruction of a portion
of Churchill Road will proceed later this summer, according to
town officials. The rebuilding of the road between Edward Street
and Massie Drive had initially been planned for 2001. Improvements
to the Boundary Street railway crossing are also to be completed
as part of the Churchill project.
July
Town launches Prescott.ca
PRESCOTT The town has launched a new Web site (Prescott.ca)
that is an amalgamation and updating of several Prescott-related
sites.
Waterfront trail receives official name
PRESCOTT The waterfront pathway in the east end of town
has a new name.
"Prescott's Heritage River Trail" was selected as
part of a "name the trail" contest sponsored by Fort
Wellington. The name is a combination of three contest entries
submitted by Yvette Blue, Robert Strader and Myrna Hart. The
three winners took part in a sugar maple planting ceremony July
1 in a portion of the trail area which will be home to an arboretum.
Roebuck volunteers make a difference
ROEBUCK Volunteers have pitched in to help install new
playground equipment made possible by a $25,000 grant from the
Ontario Trillium Foundation. The new equipment replaces an older
wooden structure and enhances the facility that includes the
hall and ball diamond. Leeds-Grenville MPP Bob Runciman noted
the community spirit shown in Roebuck is not seen often enough.
Prescott Blossoms receives federal funding
PRESCOTT Leeds-Grenville MP Joe Jordan has announced
$147,000 in Human Resources Development Funding for Prescott
Blossoms, a community initiative that will enable trail expansion
at Fort Wellington and other improvements to outdoor areas in
the town. The 26-week program includes the hiring of 12 people
between the ages of 15 and 30 as part of the federal Youth at
Risk Project. Participants will gain valuable work experience
and job skills while making Prescott a more attractive community.
Company hired to oversee town hall project
PRESCOTT D.C. Snelling has been hired by Prescott council
to serve as construction manager of the proposed town hall renovation
project. However, a final design for the Dibble Street municipal
building has yet to be selected.
Pros and cons of smoking ban discussed
PRESCOTT The merits of a municipal no-smoking bylaw
were debated at a meeting of the Prescott and District Chamber
of Commerce. Bingo International President Brian Nolan and Medical
Officer of Health, Dr. Charles Gardner, disagreed on the negative
effect a smoking ban would have on businesses such as bingo halls.
The chamber's board of directors maintains its neutral stance
on the subject.
World Youth Day overwhelms local participants
SOUTH GRENVILLE Several local residents have returned
from World Youth Day activities held in Toronto. People from
around the world gathered for a week-long celebration that featured
an appearance by Pope John Paul II. Local participants indicate
it is hard to put into words the profound effect the celebration
had on them.
July
Firm hired to oversee town hall project
PRESCOTT D.C. Snelling has been hired by Prescott council
to serve as construction manager of the proposed town hall renovation
project. However, a final design for the Dibble Street municipal
building has yet to be selected.
Smoking ban discussed
PRESCOTT The merits of a municipal no-smoking bylaw
were debated at a meeting of the Prescott and District Chamber
of Commerce. Bingo International President Brian Nolan and Medical
Officer of Health, Dr. Charles Gardner, disagreed on the negative
effect a smoking ban would have on businesses such as bingo halls.
The chamber's board of directors maintains its neutral stance
on the subject.
World Youth Day an overwhelming experience
SOUTH GRENVILLE Several local residents have returned
from World Youth Day activities held in Toronto. People from
around the world gathered for a week-long celebration that featured
an appearance by Pope John Paul II. Local participants indicate
it is hard to put into words the profound effect the celebration
had on them.
August
Belgians say thank you to Canadian veterans
PRESCOTT A group of Belgians taking part in a "Thank
You Canada" tour visited Prescott Aug. 1 to express appreciation
for the role Canadian soldiers played in liberating Belgium from
German occupation in the Second World War.
The group, which is travelling through Eastern Ontario and
Quebec in a convoy of vehicles used in the war effort in the
1940s, met local veterans and other residents of the Prescott
area during a stop at the cenotaph at Fort Wellington.
Education centre fire was a case of arson
DOMVILLE Arson is suspected in a fire that destroyed
the South Grenville Environmental Centre on Barton Road. The
building had already been gutted when a Grenville Land Stewardship
Council member arrived July 30 to open the outdoor education
centre for a scheduled children's camp. Plans are being considered
to rebuild the centre, a joint effort involving the council,
South Grenville District High School and other community partners.
Special military tattoo a sure-fire success
PRESCOTT Hundreds of people braved the heat to watch
a military tattoo performed at Fort Wellington. More than 100
period re-enactors took part in the event, which included regiments
from Ontario and Quebec.
Skateboarders given trial run in parking lot
PRESCOTT Town council has endorsed a pilot project that
enables skateboarders to use a portion of the clock tower parking
lot in the evening. Although happy to be given the chance to
use a designated area of the lot, skateboarding enthusiasts are
hoping council will consider establishing a permanent skateboard
park in Prescott.
Virus found in dead crow near Spencerville
SPENCERVILLE The district health unit reports a dead
crow found near Spencerville July 30 was infected with West Nile
virus. The virus, which humans can get from bites by infected
mosquitoes, can in rare cases result in serious illness and even
death. Health officials advise the public the risk is extremely
low; however, steps should be taken to minimize the chances of
being bitten by mosquitoes.
Job fair attracts more than 500 applicants
PRESCOTT More than 500 people attend a two-day job fair
to fill positions at the new Canadian Tire outlet being built
in the north end of Prescott. The new store is expected to open
at the end of October.
River poker run is still a draw
PRESCOTT The annual 1000 Islands Poker Run drew scores
of people to Prescott's waterfront Aug. 24. Many of the participants
in the event made their way into Prescott harbour to give spectators
a closer look at the high-speed performance boats before they
made their way back upstream to Gananoque.
September
South Nation watershed drought is declared
SOUTH GRENVILLE An official drought has been declared
in the South Nation River watershed, an area that includes northern
portions of Augusta and Edwardsburgh/Cardinal townships. South
Nation Conservation indicates surface water flows are well below
normal and are similar to drought conditions experienced the
previous summer. Lawn watering, car washing and other non-essential
water uses are being discouraged.
South Grenville-area food bank opens
PRESCOTT The Food For All food bank is now open to the
public. The community resoruce centre located on Henry Street
provides non-perishable food items and household products to
residents of Prescott, Augusta and Edwardsburgh/Cardinal.
Anniversary of terrorist attacks marked
SOUTH GRENVILLE The first anniversary of the Sept. 11
terrorist attacks on the United States is being marked in a number
of ways. Firefighters and school children are among those who
will take part in a memorial service at the Augusta fire station
in Maitland. A candlelight vigil will be held across the river
in Ogdensburg.
Rotary gives Prescott Blossoms a big boost
PRESCOTT The Prescott Blossoms will receive a major
financial boost from the Rotary Club of Prescott in conjunction
with the municipality. Town council has agreed to give the club
a loan of $20,000 to be given to the Blossoms initiative. The
club will pay the town $5,000 a year for four years. A committee
is to be formed to oversee distribution of the money, which represents
half of the project's fundraising target.
Pumpkin sets record at Spencerville Fair
SPENCERVILLE A record-setting pumpkin was one of the
highlights of the 147th edition of the Spencerville Fair. Jeff
Patry of Spencerville shattered a six-year-old record by growing
a 923-pound pumpkin. Lisa Weststrate was crowned 2002 Fair Ambassador.
Collin Reynolds and Cara Bauder were selected Little Sir and
Little Miss respectively.
Maitland Terminal officially opens
MAITLAND Ultramar officials were on hand to mark the
official opening of the redeveloped Maitland Terminal. The two-year,
$25-million project has produced a state-of-the-art facility
that takes deliveries of finished products such as diesel fuel,
gasoline and heating oil for subsequent distribution to customers.
Youth groups seek space in Prescott town hall
PRESCOTT The local Air Cadet squadron and Prescott Youth
Centre want to know if there is a place for them in a renovated
town hall. The two groups have asked town council to consider
allowing them to return to the Dibble Street municipal building.
Council acknowledged there are no current plans to include the
groups in the building's future plans. However, Councillor Terry
McConnell said council would consider the request.
October
Cardinal water plant to be upgraded
SPENCERVILLE Cardinal's water treatment plant will receive
upgrades totalling more than $1.1 million. The federal and provincial
governments will contribute more than $750,000 through the Canada-Ontario
Infrastructure Program.
First suspected human case of virus appears
BROCKVILLE The first suspected human case of West Nile
virus in the region is being investigated by the Leeds, Grenville
and Lanark District Health Unit. A Brockville man who is not
seriously ill may have been infected in the United States, according
to the health unit. The vast majority of humans infected by the
virus do not get sick. However, more than 100 people in the United
States have died from the virus in 2002.
Township wants action taken on fishers
MAYNARD Augusta council wants the Ministry of Natural
Resources to do something about what some township residents
say is a growing problem with fishers. Concerns about an increase
in the fisher population and how the wild animals may be preying
on pets were discussed by council at its Oct. 15 meeting.
Doctors call for councils to pass smoking bylaw
CARDINAL Doctors at a medical practice that has a clinic
in Cardinal are calling on municipal councils to enact bylaws
to prohibit smoking in public places. Dr. Andy Thomas said the
mounting evidence of the health risks associated with second-hand
smoke should lead councils to take action. As of October, no
municipality in South Grenville had approved such a bylaw.
Town hall renovations would cost $1.1 million
PRESCOTT Cuts are being made to town hall renovation
plans. Prescott council was told the cost of renovating the Dibble
Street municipal building would be in the range of $1.1 million
based on estimates submitted by companies bidding on various
aspects of the project.
November
Town hall renovations will proceed: council
PRESCOTT It may have been a long time coming, but Prescott
council has agreed to a revised plan to renovate the Dibble Street
municipal building. Council agreed in an in-camera session Nov.
4 to proceed, according to Mayor Robert Lawn. The mayor expects
renovations to the building will be completed in the spring of
2003.
Prescott CAO takes job in South Dundas
PRESCOTT Andrew Brown has resigned as Prescott's CAO/clerk
to become the new CAO of South Dundas Township. Brown, 43, has
worked for the town since 1990. Prescott Mayor Robert Lawn said
Brown has been a tireless worker who has been involved in a number
of community projects. The mayor added Brown will be missed.
The search for a successor is now under way; Lawn hopes a new
CAO will be chosen by the end of the year.
New Canadian Tire, grocery store now open
PRESCOTT Two big new additions to the town's retail
sector are now open. The new Canadian Tire store and O'Reilly's
Your Independent Grocer located on Prescott Centre Drive just
south of Highway 401 replace the former Canadian Tire and Valu-mart
stores at the corner of Edward Street and Churchill Road. More
than 200 people are employed at the new stores.
Local high school salutes the Class of 2002
PRESCOTT Lorna Thain is the recipient of the 2001-2002
Principal's Award at South Grenville District High School. Thain
received the award at the school's commencement ceremony Nov.
2. Fellow graduate Kelly Pringle received the Governor General's
Academic Medal for achieving the highest academic standing in
South Grenville's Class of 2002.
Edward Street changes are a concern
PRESCOTT Changes the Ministry of Transportation made
to Edward Street in the north end of town are causing concerns
among officials at the town and South Grenville District High
School. The loss of one of two southbound lanes north of the
main entrance to the school is one of the problems cited. Principal
Brenda Ramsay told council the crosswalk at Victor Road is more
unsafe than ever. Council agrees to look into the situation.
Shakespeare festival calls Prescott home
PRESCOTT The St. Lawrence Shakespeare Company will make
Prescott its home for a month-long summer festival. The amphitheatre
on Prescott's waterfront will be home to the annual festival,
according to Artistic Director Deborah Smith. The Tempest
will be performed four times a week beginning June 26.
Light Up the Night shines
PRESCOTT Showers and cold winds did little to dampen
spirits at the 2002 edition of Light Up the Night. Prescott's
annual night-time Santa Claus parade and stage show attracted
an estimated 10,000 people. The steady rain that fell throughout
the afternoon was replaced by a few flurries by the time the
parade left the high school parking lot. The Prescott Fire Department
has been presenting Christmas parades for almost 50 years; the
Fort Town Boosters have been involved with the stage show and
night-timer version of the parade since the mid-90s.
Salvation Army thrift store window smashed early Christmas
morning
PRESCOTT A smashed window on King Street West was reported
to police early Christmas morning.
The window was at the front of the Salvation Army thrift store.
Damage is estimated at $600. Constable Mike Ostrander is the
investigating officer.
In all, municipal police officers investigated 64 general
incidents between Dec. 22 and Dec. 29.
On Dec. 27, police received a report four rims and tires were
stolen from a vehicle parked in the Prescott Towing compound
on Florence Street. The stolen items are valued at $200. Constable
Darren Davis is the investigating officer.
Police also received a report from Doyle's Dec. 27 that someone
tried to break into the clearance centre the night before on
Centre Street. Pry marks were found around the door lock; however,
the premises were not entered. Constable Ostrander is the investigating
officer.
On Dec. 23, town police received a report from a Duke Street
resident who indicated someone had thrown a rock at his apartment
window, cracking the window pane. An estimate of damage was unavailable.
Constable Mike Lapensée is investigating. Charges are
expected; the investigation continues.
Also Dec. 23, a Prince Street resident reported someone had
thrown a one-litre bottle of oil against a window at his residence.
The window screen was damaged, and oil splattered on the side
of the residence.
During the Christmas reporting period, town police checked
just under 1,300 vehicles at several RIDE checks conducted in
Prescott. Two 12-hour licence suspensions and 20 warnings for
minor Highway Traffic Act offences were issued
Anyone with information on these or other occurrences in town
is asked to contact the Prescott Police Service at 925-4252 or
Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
GCC officials pleased with test results
MAITLAND Test results involving students in grades 3,
6 and 9 show Grenville Christian College is above the provincial
average in all areas.
The annual reading, writing and mathematics tests are conducted
by Ontario's Education Quality Accountability Office (EQAO).
To meet the provincial standard, a score of 70 per cent or
higher is required.
In Grade 3 testing conducted in the 2001-02 academic year,
92 per cent of GCC students met or exceeded the provincial standard
in writing. Seventy-five per cent met of exceeded the standard
in reading, and 56 per cent did the same in mathematics.
Eighty-nine per cent of Grade 6 GCC students met or exceeded
the provincial standard in reading last year. Scores of 77 and
83 were achieved in writing and mathematics respectively.
Grade 9 students at GCC met or exceeded the standard in mathematics,
the only subject to which provincial testing applies in that
grade.
"I believe these tests are an indication of the quality
of education we provide at the school and that our students are
strong in all areas," GCC Headmaster David Dargie stated
in a news release.
Unlike public and Catholic schools in South Grenville, GCC
is an independent school that is not required to take part in
EQAO testing.
"The test scores give us an ability as educators to modify
and adjust educational programming wherever weaknesses are identified,"
Dargie stated.
In response to the 2001-02 test results, GCC is reassessing
its Grade 3 math program.
Geri Kamenz elected OFA vice-president
VENTNOR Local farmer Geri Kamenz has been elected vice-president
of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture. This marks the first
time in more than 30 years a farmer from Grenville County will
hold such a senior position with the federation.
Dave Dobbie to serve as counties warden
SPENCERVILLE Edwardsburgh/Cardinal Mayor Dave Dobbie
will serve as warden of the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville.
Dobbie, who served as reeve of the former Edwardsburgh township
prior to amalgamation in 2000, will head counties council in
2003.
Ministry unaware of concerns about street
PRESCOTT The Ministry of Transportation will investigate
formal expressions of concern about recent changes to Edward
Street in the north end of town, according to a ministry official.
Prescott council and officials at the high school have voiced
their concerns about lane changes in the vicinity of the Prescott
Centre Drive intersection. However, the ministry indicated it
had yet to receive formal complaints.
Prescott council hires new CAO/clerk
PRESCOTT The Town of Prescott has hired former Goulbourn
clerk Robert Haller to be the municipality's CAO/clerk. Haller's
hiring takes effect Jan. 1. Town Treasurer Laurie Kirkby, who
has been serving as acting CAO/clerk, has been promoted to the
new position of deputy CAO and treasurer. Kirkby and Haller were
the final two candidates of the more than 20 individuals who
applied for the position of chief administrative officer.
Volunteers spread some Christmas cheer
PRESCOTT Two community initiatives have made the Christmas
season a little brighter for hundreds of South Grenville residents.
The Spirit of Giving Campaign distributed Christmas baskets containing
food, household items and toys. The annual drive is co-ordinated
by the Kinsmen Club of Prescott in conjunction with a student
committee based at South Grenville District High School. The
second annual Soup for the Soul community Christmas dinner served
hundreds of meals Dec. 22 at St. Mark's Parish Centre. The dinner
was organized by Grade 11 students Kaitlynn Dodge and Mackenzie
Eaton.
OPP NEWS
RIDE check leads to impaired charge
SOUTH GRENVILLE - OPP officers participated in another week
of Christmas RIDE programs throughout the county.
There were 2,062 vehicles checked at various locations, resulting
in four 12-hour suspensions, one person being charged with impaired
driving and receiving a 90-day administrative license suspension.
In addition to the officers of the Grenville County OPP, Central
RIDE unit officers were in the area to assist.
OPP investigating Christmas light theft
CARDINAL - Officers responded to two separate incidents of
theft in the village of Cardinal over the weekend. In both instances
the complainants had their Christmas lights stolen off their
property. Constable Duke is the investigating officer.
Anyone else with similar incidents is asked to please report
to the detachment in Prescott (925-4221).
Cardinal Sea Cadets to hold bottle drive
CARDINAL - The Cardinal Sea Cadets will be holding a bottle
drive in Cardinal and area Saturday, Jan. 4. Empties can also
be dropped off at the Cardinal and District Resource Centre Sunday
morning.
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