South Dundas Council Meeting Updates

Here are the highlights from the South Dundas Council meeting held September 4, 2024.

Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary

Staff representing the Canadian Cost Guard Auxiliary provided Council with a delegation regarding their mission which is to provide a permanent search and rescue service to cover marine requirements in Canada and prevent the loss of life and injury. The main objectives are to reduce the number/severity of incidents, promote marine safety, support the Canadian Coast Guard, provide a humanitarian standard, maintain the highest professional standards and promote dedication/pride of membership. There is currently 937 members and 104 vessels.

The Canadian Joint Rescue Centers receive an average of 5000 call for assistance from navigators in a typical year from coast to coast, and approximately 16% are distress calls. The volunteers of the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary provide assistance in about 30% of all calls coast to coast.

Iroquois has been identified as an area of need for Search and Rescue. The Canadian Cost Guard Auxiliary has been working in collaboration with the Canadian Coat Guard, to implement a unit which will be known as the Iroquois Marine Search and Rescue (IMSAR). The Canadian Coast Guard has provided a Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB), to act as said unit. IMSAR will cover from Long Sault to Prescott.

Council has approved moorage to the IMSAR for their 28ft 733 RHIB at the Galop Canal Marina at no cost.

“I think one of the key pieces, is safety awareness. Having a community with a waterfront, water safety is very important,” noted Mayor Broad.

CIP Recipients

The Community Improvement Plan (CIP) offers business and commercial owners or renters the opportunity to access funding through the form of grants and loans to improve their commercial buildings.  

An interest free loan up to a maximum of $20,000 repayable over 5 years is available to assist commercial property owners to improve their building in accordance with the Commercial Improvement program. Works must be completed within one year of the approved agreement unless an extension of a defined period (not to exceed 3 months) is approved by the Municipality. A onetime ‘Façade Improvement Grant’ of 50% to a maximum of $4,000 is available to assist property owners or tenants or assignees (under the provisions of Section 5.5 Eligibility) to improve the façade. Applicable design fees and building permit fees are eligible costs. Grant applicants shall consider the entire façade of the building. A onetime ‘Signage and Awning’ matching grant of 50% up to a maximum of $1,000 is available to assist property owners or tenants or assignees (under the provisions of Section 5.5 Eligibility) to improve or install appropriate signage or awnings on an existing commercial building.

The Community Improvement Plan Review Committee met on August 26, 2024, to review the applications. Council has approved the following applications, based on the recommendations of the CIP Committee.

1. H&I Country Supply $2,500 Façade Improvement / Signage, Awning Grant
   1. 4129 County Road 16, Brinston

Total Project Cost: $7,788.00
Project Summary: Update exterior by replacing aging/degrading tin, addition of an ice guard above doors for safety, and installation of flashing to prevent deterioration.

• Morrisburg Plumbing & Heating Ltd. $1,000 Signage/Awning Grant
  • 161 Main Street, Morrisburg

Total Project Cost: $2,468.00

Project Summary: Replace existing storefront sign/casing and convert the signage lighting to LED. The sign will be redesigned in a more accessible font.

• Morrisburg Golf Club $20,000 Improvement Loan
  • 15 Laurier Dr, Morrisburg, ON

Total project cost: $168,000.

Project Summary: Replace crumbling grounds building with a new 80’ x 24’ metal clad, wood frame structure. This would allow all equipment to be stored under one roof allowing for safe and secure storage.

Staff Appointments

Council has passed Bylaw No. 2024-61, to appoint Kaileigh Helmer as a lottery issuer for the Municipality of South Dundas. South Dundas provides lottery licencing services on behalf of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario in accordance with the Alcohol and Gaming Regulation and Public Protection Act, 1996. Lottery licences are required for events such as 50/50 draws, raffles, bingos and break-open tickets.

Additionally, Council has passed Bylaw No. 2024-62, to delegate authority to Kaileigh Helmer and Amanda Alexander to provide marriage solemnization services. In accordance with By-law No. 2010-76, the Clerk may perform Civil Marriage services for the Municipality and can delegate that authority to others via registration with the Province. In keeping with the formality of the Marriage Act, and to provide this on-going service to clients throughout the Municipality and Province, Council has approved this recommendation.