At their meeting on Sept. 5, South Dundas Council approved allowing the Iroquois Marine Search and Rescue (IMSAR) to dock their boat for the remainder of the season at the Iroquois Galop Canal Marina at no cost. It was undetermined at the time whether docking would be along the wall or at one of the floating docks. The group is part of the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary. Tinkess Photo

MORRISBURG – At their regularly scheduled meeting on Sept. 4, 2024, South Dundas Council learned about the capability of the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary, approved several Community Improvement Program (CIP) applications, and approved two (2) staff appointments.

John Bridge and Jim Coolen, as representatives of the Canadian Coast 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.

Council learned the Canadian Joint Rescue Centers receive an average of 5,000 calls for assistance from navigators in a typical year from coast to coast, and approximately 16 per cent are distress calls. The volunteers of the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary provide assistance in about 30 per cent of all calls coast to coast.

Iroquois was identified as an area of need of search and rescue, as there was no coverage from west of Cornwall to the Gananoque area. The Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary has been working in collaboration with the Canadian Coast 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), for use of IMSAR as they will cover the area between Long Sault and Prescott.

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

Since the group is still awaiting the arrival of their boat, what the municipality could provide them at the moment was limited, but David Janzen, Director of Parks, Recreation and Facilities prepared a report with several options, but recommended Council approve option two, which would see the boat be able to be docked for the remainder of the season at the Iroquois Galop Canal Marina at no cost.

“In front of you today is just a little report outlining that just for this year what we’re looking for today is this approval of when their boat arrives this year, they can put it in at the marina for the rest of the search and rescue season as it’s already been discussed today,” said Janzen.

Councillor Danielle Ward expressed her support for option two. “Thanks Mayor I think I’m comfortable with option two. I don’t see it as a grant and donation, to be frank because if we’re going to fund it, I think it’s going to be a continuous operations so wherever that falls will let the staff decide but I don’t see it as a grant and donation. I know Councillor Smith mentioned it, but I see it as a service cost but that’s up for discussion, so I’d prefer option to this year just let it fall at no cost.”

Councillor Tom Smith asked Director Janzen how full the marina is at the present time.

“I believe it to be our last wall space,” said Janzen. “We have no wall space left with power so they’re getting a little bit of the remnants right now, and the wall is usually sitting at about 80 to 90 per cent.

“And then the floating docks, I know that they have been back and forth whether they want on the wall or the floating docks. I know this report’s written (for the) wall and they’re still waiting for the boat to really finalize some of their decisions, but the floating docks are sitting at about 50-60 per cent.”

The motion to accept report PF 2024-12 to provide IMSAR with mooring at the Gallop Canal Marina at no cost for the remainder of the 2024 season was moved by Councillor Ward, seconded by Deputy Mayor Marc St. Pierre, and all were in favour.

Community Improvement Plan

Tia Fraser-Dupuis, the acting Economic Development & Communications Officer presented Council with a report on the Community Improvement Plan.

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 (1) year of the approved agreement unless an extension of a defined period (not to exceed 3 months) is approved by the Municipality.

A onetime ‘Facade Improvement Grant’ of 50 per cent 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 facade. Applicable design fees and building permit fees are eligible costs. Grant applicants shall consider the entire facade of the building.

A onetime ‘Signage and Awning’ matching grant of 50 per cent 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. The following applications have been approved by Council, based on the recommendations of the CIP Committee.

H&I Country Supply $2,500 Façade Improvement / Signage, Awning Grant
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.

Regarding the grants, the CIP committee did meet to review all the applications, and these are the two grants the committee is recommending to approve,” said Fraser-Dupuis. “There was $10,000 budgeted for the grants and this would only use $3,500, so we are looking to do a second intake which would open Fri. the 6th (of Sept.) and close Oct. 18th.”

Regarding loans under the program, Council was advised that there was one loan outstanding, and it was to be discharged later this fall.

Council also announced several staff appointments during the meeting.

Bylaw No. 2024-61 was passed, appointing 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.

Council also passed Bylaw No. 2024-62, to authorize 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.

The next regular Council meeting is scheduled for Sept. 25, 2024, at 6:00 p.m.