The regular meeting of North Dundas Council was held on June 9 following the Public Zoning Bylaw Amendment meeting.
A brand-new business promotional project has been launched as of June 9. The Economic Development Department has created signs for businesses that announce that, “Yes, We’re Open for Curbside Pickup” and, “Also Open for In-Store Shopping.” The Economic Development Officer, Stephen Mann, will take pictures of the businesses with the signs. The photos will then be posted on the township’s Facebook page. A new “Community Strong – Shop North Dundas” logo was developed, and is featured on the signs, and will be available in decal form for businesses to post in their storefronts. The logo will also be included as an email footer for staff and Council.
The Virtual Business Expo is featuring videos showcasing local businesses, which will be posted on the township’s Facebook page and YouTube channel. The Expo Planning Committee had hoped to have these videos professionally produced, but a grant application to facilitate this was denied.
The videos will therefore be self-produced by the business, or produced by Stephen Mann. Instructions and guidance will be provided to those who wish to produce their own videos. The community is encouraged to share these videos on social media. The township will hold random draws for prizes for those who like, share, or comment on the videos on social media.
All businesses in North Dundas are eligible to participate in this project, including home-based and direct-sales businesses.
Waste Management
The Waste Management Department reported that its three Leaf and Yardwaste Pickup events on May 3, 10 and 17 in Winchester, Chesterville and other villages were well supported. Each pickup took two employees and four hours of work. One pickup yielded 3.6 metric tonnes of leaf and yard waste, and another 2.6 metric tonnes. Recycle Coach was helpful to let residents know exactly where and when their pickup would be.
Pools
The pools in Chesterville and Winchester will open on June 19. Opening times will be posted on the township’s website and Facebook page. There are seven lifeguards and pool staff this season, rather than the usual thirteen. Because of the uncertainty on the status of recreation programs, staff found employment elsewhere when they could. Re-certification for all lifesaving and first aid courses has been difficult to impossible for the last fifteen months in all areas due to closures, and it is usually the responsibility of the staff as a condition of hire. This year, the township has facilitated re-certification through Cornwall. Due to staffing limitations, the Winchester pool will most likely be open four days a week, and the Chesterville pool for three. Currently the plan is to have free public swims.
Lucky Mart receives grant
The Morewood Lucky Mart on Main Street received a Community Improvement Program (CIP) grant for $1475 to assist with the cost of new signage. The CIP exists to allow for improvement to a business. Unfortunately, the Morewood Lucky Mart, which includes the post office outlet, is not accessible to people with physical disabilities. The CIP can help offset the cost of making a business accessible, in addition to many other improvements.
Other
The cistern pump at the Morewood Fire Hall, which is used to fill the pumper truck and flood the rink, needs to be replaced.
A lot in Silver Creek Estate in Hallville, previously reserved as an open space, and “passive park” was donated to South Nation Conservation (SNC). Trees were planted previously, and the SNC can help better preserve Wylie Creek.
A lot on St John’s Street in Hallville, declared to be surplus to the needs of the municipality, will be sold in accordance with the Sale and Disposition of Lands Policy, and the proceeds will go towards the township’s portion of the future Hallville Community Park.
A new commercial development is going in between the Tim Hortons and the Foodland in
Winchester.
Council discussed other items at the meeting, including the renewal of a 2-year lease for The Old Town Hall by the Dundas County Players. There is a new Patrol Supervisor and Drainage Superintendent. A new 2021 truck was purchased from Myers GMC in Kemptville for $45K.
Dundas Power Limited will be replacing the lights at the Chesterville Ball Diamond for $23K. The lights at the South Mountain tennis courts are being replaced by Devries Electric for $13K, and the masonry at the Morewood Fire Hall will be repaired by Dejong Masonry for $16K.
The next Council Meeting will be Tuesday, June 22 at 7 pm.
The public is always welcome. Meeting package and agendas are always available in a timely fashion prior to the meeting on the township’s website.
Check the website to see if the meeting is online or in person! There will be a public meeting at 6:30 prior to the regular meeting.
