Les éditions André Paquette

Catégorie : Tribune-Express (Hawkesbury)

  • Debate begins on 2023 budget plan for UCPR

    Debate begins on 2023 budget plan for UCPR

    The eight mayors of the new United Counties of Prescott-Russell council (UCPR) meet November 30 for a special session with administration for discussions on the first draft of the 2023 budget. Chief Administrator Stéphane Parisien (CAO) told council that administration, with advice from all departments, tried to provide « something balanced with numbers that are reasonable » for the initial budget report.

    Parisien also noted that council should take advantage of its review of the 2023 preliminary to help focus on both its priorities for Prescott-Russell during 2023 and also during the following three years of its mandate as UCPR council.

    Budget highlights

    The draft budget report noted that operating costs for the UCPR, including normal services, programs, salaries, and other expenses, are projected at $177,274,700. Part of that cost is covered through senior government support funds for some programs and services and the provincial government’s annual grant to municipalities.

    The proposed capital works portion of the 2023 budget is $61,575,500. Various grants, reserve funds, loans, and other sources of funds would cover $49,229,200 of that projected budget for roadwork and other capital projects. That leaves about $12.3 million left that will covered through part of the UCPR’s municipal property tax levy.

    The projected municipal tax levy for 2023 is $55,303,800. About 70 per cent, or $38.9 million, will go towards the operations budget, with 23 per cent, or $12.7 million, for the capital budget, and the remaining seven per cent, or $3.65 million, going towards maintaining various funding reserves for future needs and emergency expenditures.

    Finance Director Valérie Parisien proposed a three-per-cent tax increase for the municipal levy. For residential property owners, that works out to $13 more for every $100,000 assessed value of their property. For the average homeowner, with a house and land valued at $276,984, that means a $35 increase to the UCPR portion of the property tax.

    Priorities

    UCPR staff highlighted several priority items included in the 2023 budget. CAO Parisien noted that since the pandemic many UCPR staff work from home and also make greater use of their mobile phones to stay in contact with the main office, other staff, and other contacts as part of UCPR business. With the increase on cyberattacks on all levels of government, on businesses, and on average citizens, the 2023 budget includes $90,000 for upgrading the UCPR’s own cybersecurity setup.

    « Cybersecurity has become the word of the day as far as all IT requirements are concerned, » CAO Parisien said. « We have to spend more and more money on making sure we’re not hacked.

    UCPR Public Works Director Jérémie Bouchard noted that the capital works portion of the budget includes $18.4 million towards roadwork, storm sewer improvements, traffic signal installations, and other improvements. That includes $5.78 million for upgrading the Bélanger Bridge on County Road 8, which he described as « a fairly large bridge renovation » that must be done in 2023 before inflation can affect the cost of materials and contracts.

    Following presentation of the preliminary budget report, the eight mayors discussed a suggestion from Russell Township Mayor Pierre Leroux for creation of a new community aid fund that could help support small community projects in any of the eight UCPR member municipalities that contribute to « quality of life ». Creation of the fund would require either a further increase in the UCPR tax rate for the municipal levy or else reducing some other expenses for next year’s operations or capital works budgets.

    Approval of the final budget won’t take place until January. UCPR staff will make revisions to the preliminary budget draft, based on comments and suggestions from council, and present the second draft of the 2023 budget during the December 7 session of UCPR council.

  • East Hawkesbury council faces budget challenge

    East Hawkesbury council faces budget challenge

    « It is going to be a challenge, » said Luc Lalonde, chief administrator for the township, after finishing his presentation of the preliminary report on the draft budget during a special council session November 28.

    Lalonde’s report noted that some sources of revenue for the township are less than in previous years while inflation has affected the projected cost for some municipal expenses. Rising costs for gravel and other paving materials will affect how much roadwork can be included in the 2023 capital projects plan. The cost for heating and lighting of municipal facilities is also expected to increase over the next year.

    Right now the preliminary budget report projects a revenue total for the municipality at about $4.5 million compared to a possible expenses total of about $4.8 million. That leaves a deficit of almost $340,000 that council and administration have to deal with to try and achieve a balanced budget.

    Provincial regulations do not allow either municipalities or school districts to have budget deficits. Council members had a brief discussion about the possibility of a small tax increase combined with finding cost-savings on some municipal expenses.

    Further discussion on how to balance the 2023 budget will be part of the December 12 council session.

  • Cougars take three of four points

    Cougars take three of four points

    “I’m a little disappointed” said Head Coach Franky Dopelhammer. “We would have liked to have all four points, but three isn’t bad.”

    Dopelhammer was pleased with his team’s Saturday night win away in Almonte, but was unhappy with his team’s home performance on Sunday night.

    North Dundas scored their overtime winner on a powerplay after Cougars took a penalty which Dopelhammer deemed intentional from his player.

    “Our biggest issue was our lack of discipline” said Dopelhammer.

  • New budget process begins for East Hawkesbury

    New budget process begins for East Hawkesbury

    « I am hoping to have it done by the end of this year, » said Mayor Robert Kirby, during a phone interview Sunday.

    Township council has a budget discussion meeting scheduled for November 28, 6:30 p.m. at the municipal office in St-Eugène.

    Mayor Kirby declined to speculate on what next year’s tax rate might be. He wants to have a full discussion with council on the subject.

    He did note that one item that must be covered in next year’s budget plan is the remaining cost for storm drainage work done in the township earlier this year. A senior government grant covered some of the expense and the municipality must pay the remainder of the cost.

  • UCDSB elects new chair and vice chair

    UCDSB elects new chair and vice chair

    The vote was cast during the organizational meeting on November 16, after the trustees were sworn in for the 2022 to 2026 term.

    This will be McAllister’s fourth consecutive year as Chair, and his fifth overall.

    “I’m excited to serve as Chair for the Board, especially with so many new faces at the table,” he said. “I’m proud and humbled that my fellow trustees have bestowed their confidence in me once again.”

    Parisien is new to the position of Vice-Chair and is on her second term as trustee. She was first elected in 2018 and acts as a mentor to the student trustees. She has also sat on various committees including chairing the Trustee Innovation Awards committee.

    “I look forward to the next four years and I’m excited to sit as Vice-Chair this year,” said Parisien. “I think we are going to be doing some wonderful things for education and look forward to what we will be bringing to the table.”

  • CDSBEO welcomes new board of trustees

    CDSBEO welcomes new board of trustees

    The position of chair has been filled by Sue Wilson, trustee for Prescott-Russell, who was elected to the position after serving as vice-chair since 2020. Her old seat is taken by Karen McAllister, Trustee for Dundas and Stormont, who was elected to vice-chair after 16 years of serving as a CDSBEO trustee.

    “I am humbled to be elected as Board Chair, and I would like to thank this Board of Trustees for the opportunity to serve in this role,” said Wilson. “We have an amazing team at CDSBEO, and we all come to the table with our shared purpose to serve the betterment of the students in our care. I would also like to thank my family, who has supported me throughout this journey for the past 23 years. It is always a pleasure to witness the wonderful things happening in our schools and the ongoing successes of our students. It is a sincere compliment to our school staff, as well as administration, for the exceptional work that they do.”

    The board also welcomed three new trustees for the 2022-2026 term: Christopher Cummings is the trustee for the City of Brockville, Town of Smiths Falls, and Leeds County; Donna Nielsen and Karen Torrie-Racine are the two trustees on the board for the City of Cornwall and Glengarry County.

    Cummings served on the Smiths Falls town council for three terms starting in 2006, and he also served as library trustee and board chair for the Smiths Falls Public Library, a member of the Smiths Falls Police Board, and he continues to serve as vice-chair of Rideau Community Health Services.

    Nielsen has 35 years of education experience as a teacher, SERT, and principal. She is an active member of St. Peter’s Parish in Cornwall where she acts as Parish Council President/Chair, is a member of the Catholic Women’s League, and participates as Eucharistic Minister, Children’s Liturgy, Hospitality Ministry and Baptism Preparation.

    Torrie-Racine joins the CDSBEO board after holding many positions at the provincial level with the Multiple Sclerosis Society and serving 33 years as a volunteer with the Multiple Sclerosis Society Cornwall and District Chapter until 2018.

    « Both Chair Wilson and Vice-Chair McAllister have demonstrated their enduring commitment to Catholic education, and we look forward to their continued service in their new roles,” said Director of Education Laurie Corrigan.

  • SNC lobbies against Bill 23

    SNC lobbies against Bill 23

    The South Nation Conservation Authority (SNC) has released a statement regarding Bill 23, a series of proposed legislative changes tabled by the Ontario government. The changes would greatly impact conservation authorities (CAs) across the province by imposing exemptions to permits, removing criteria from permit decisions, freezing fees, and requiring CAs to identify conservation land that is suitable for development. The policy changes would also prevent agreements that allow CAs to review planning applications on behalf of partner municipalities.

    Without these agreements, each municipality currently partnered with a CA would need to employ its own hydrologist, biologist, and engineers to meet environmental requirements for development. In its statement, the SNC noted that conservation authorities already work with the government to balance the needs of the environment with sustainable development that expands the economy, and that consolidating those responsibilities within the SNC saves both time and money.

    “Our Conservation Authority works as our municipality’s environmental partner,” said Mario Zanth, mayor of the City of Clarence-Rockland. “CA staff have rolled out the red carpet to help provide timely development approvals to projects in environmentally significant areas. After the Ottawa River floods of 2017 and 2019, people understand the value and impact of the services they provide.”

    “We have a long-standing and positive working relationship with SNC and we appreciate their feedback and expertise in helping us make good planning decisions,” said Pierre Leroux, mayor of Russell Township. “The CA is a valued partner in providing valuable services to our community.”

    Bill 23 would also result in the shrinkage of Provincially Significant Wetlands (PSWs), which minimize the risk of drought, reduce flooding, and help control erosion.

    The SNC released another press release on November 18, providing a list of all the Conservation Authorities that have voiced opposition to Bill 23 and how it would hamstring their efforts to protect the environment.

    “Municipalities should retain their choice of who they enter into agreement with to complete environmental reviews in a timely and cost-effective way,” said Alison McDonald, SNC managing director of development approvals.

  • Cougars lose second in a row

    Cougars lose second in a row

    “We had our chances but we weren’t opportunistic.” said Head Coach Franky Dopelhammer. “The score doesn’t reflect how the game was played.”

    Dopelhammer noted that some key players could not attend Sunday’s game, forcing other players to step up. He hopes to pick up the pace in the next few weeks as the Cougars will be facing lower standing teams.

    “We have a favorable schedule to start a winning streak,” he said. “Those games are very important.”

    The Cougars’ home game on Saturday was postponed due to bad weather. In such cases, away teams decide if they are willing to travel or not. Games in CCJHL and EOJHL were also cancelled on Saturday night.

  • Champlain Township wants tiny homes

    Champlain Township wants tiny homes

    “What we want is a small community within a community.” said Mayor Normand Riopel. “We could help young families and elderly people. It’s big enough for a young couple who want to start owning and might not be able to afford 400 to 500 thousand dollars for a house.”

    Mayor Riopel noted that tiny houses are also advantageous for seniors, who otherwise may have trouble taking care of a two-story family home. Tiny homes, unlike trailer parks, are fixed houses with foundations. They are also built with higher quality material and are made to be spacious and compact.

    Champlain Township is at the start of the planning phase of this project. The township has not yet found a contractor to invest in the township and build a subdivision of tiny homes. The township would also require bylaw changes to allow smaller buildings, under 425 square feet, to be built in the township.

  • The happiest millionare lives in Vankleek Hill

    The happiest millionare lives in Vankleek Hill

    The Vankleek Hill senior has spent almost her entire life giving to others, whether it involves money, time, or even one of her own kidneys.

    Page was the eldest of 11 children in her family, and she helped raise her younger siblings in addition to her own chores and other activities. As an adult, when her sister needed a kidney transplant, Vera was there to help give her sister a new start on life.

    Now the 83-year-old mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother is ready to keep on giving thanks to a $60 million windfall she got with her winning Lotto Max ticket in the November 1 draw. Her family will be the first to benefit from her newfound wealth.

    Almost missed the jackpot

    Page has been a regular lottery player for four decades but she almost missed her chance at getting her winning ticket. She told OLG officials that her usual practice is to buy her lotto tickets during her weekly outings to the grocery store.

    « When the staff at my retirement home rescheduled our weekly trip, I got on my motorized scooter and went to the store myself, » she stated. « As I was checking out, I remembered to buy my Lotto Max and my 649, both with the Encore (numbers). When I got home, I tucked the tickets under my computer until the draw. »

    When news reports announced that the $60 million ticket was sold in the Prescott-Russell region, Page checked her own ticket. Even as she confirmed that all seven of the numbers on her ticket matched, she still could not believe it herself, and she also had difficulty getting in touch with her family and convincing them that she had won.

    « It was close to 9 p.m. when I called my son, Trevor, but he didn’t answer his phone, » she stated, laughing. « Then I called my daughter-in-law, and she didn’t answer either. I finally got a hold of my other daughter-in-law, but she didn’t believe me and told me to go to sleep. »

    Next she tried telling some of her friends at the retirement home about her big win. But they were all still in bed and half-asleep. She herself was up most of the night with excitement and thinking about this life-changing moment for her.

    Sharing the excitement

    The next morning Page’s son, Trevor, returned her call. When he understood what had happened, he raced to her apartment.

    « I told him that we have to go to Foodland where I bought the ticket to validate it, and make sure I wasn’t seeing things, » she stated. « We were in such a rush that I put on a pair of pants over my nightgown, threw on a jacket, and went to the store half-dressed. When I gave my ticket to the clerk, the bells and whistles went off and the clerk yelled that i had won BIG. »

    Page noted that her anxiousness vanished at the news but now her son was excited.

    « I felt very calm for some reason, » she stated. « I’ve been trying to keep my family members calm and grounded ever since learning of this news. They are extremely happy for me. »

    Her son told OLG officials that his mother has worked hard all of her life, and given back so much to her family, and that he is thrilled that she won her prize at a time when she can enjoy it.

    « She helped raise all her siblings, » he stated. « She raised our family while working as a personal support worker. In 1983, when her younger sister fell ill and needed a kidney transplant, my mom found out she was a match and didnt’ hesitate to donate one of her kidneys that saved her sister’s life. She is so deserving of this good fortune. »

    The bucket list

    Now Vera Page has the happy task of deciding what to do with her new wealth.

    « I want to purchase a piece of land along the Ottawa River and build a new double-family house for myself and my son’s family, » she stated. « I have always wanted to experience an Alaskan cruise, and am planning for that trip. The winters in Eastern Ontario are cold, so I would like to spend them in a warmer climate. But the summers are wonderful, so I want to get a big boat that many people can sleep on and tour the Ottawa River. Most importantly, I will share my winnings with my family. I want to take care of their futures. »

    But before she starts working on her « bucket list » the first thing Page plans to do is just for her.

    « I getting new hearing aids, » she stated, adding that she also plans to keep playing the lotto for fun.

    The OLG held a winner’s celebration for Vera Page at its Toronto office and recorded a video interview with her. To see the video click on the following link. The link will remain active, with no password needed, for a 30-day period.

     

    Winner’s Celebration Video:

     https://f.io/XazaGlBp