Today is Evonne Delegarde's last official day as Mayor of South Dundas, and she would like to share with you her final wrap-up speech, as presented on November 6th, 2018 at the final Council Meeting of this term.
Four years ago, Council was divided and today we may still stand divided; however, together we have achieved many accomplishments that we can stand proud of. We began this term of Council faced with many challenges. The staff were unhappy, relationships were broken, neglected buildings, and throw in the unfamiliar territory of the first female mayor. I knew I had my work cut out for me. You play the hand you are dealt and it was nearly two years before things started to turn into a more positive and forward motion; and together with a lame duck council, four years is a very short period of time especially when an organization is rebuilding with new employees and still carrying out the day-to-day activities. Today, I am proud to say many goals were achieved and background work completed for the future of South Dundas.
Staff have diligently worked on increasing communication through various social media outlets and expansion of the 360 guide. A new updated and expanded website with more detailed information and options was launched.
Relationships have been rebuilt and mended with various groups; our MP & MPP’s offices; the Counties, neighbouring municipalities, the School Board, the Clinic, the Chamber, and many other groups and organizations. For the past couple of years, the MP’s office leases space in the municipal building every Monday afternoon in order to provide a private setting to meet with constituents on federal issues and matters such as passports.
The School Board’s proposed closures was a trying time. The PAR process brought our community together and South Dundas was successful in keeping our three public schools open. The commitment from community members; from the school family; from staff, in particular Rob Hunter and Shannon Geraghty, and from Council was instrumental in the positive result. School Board reps and I had planned to meet this Fall regarding the continued sharing of relevant information. The next Council must keep the dialogue going in order to avoid a repeat of our experience of the PAR process.
Council took on the challenge of obtaining an inventory of all municipally owned properties and buildings. Something that had not been done for years by previous Councils but is beneficial information for future planning, budgets and as part of the asset management plan which is a necessity for every municipality in order to be eligible for provincial funding.
The Municipality researched, reviewed and assessed fifty municipally owned properties as to the who, what, where, when and why. This resulted in the sale of the former municipal building in Williamsburg (which is in the planning stages for residential development); the Iroquois public works garage; several building lots; and various small parcels to adjacent landowners. There was no intention of selling parkland; only to find out particulars of any covenants and to put to rest speculation for any proposed and wishful development.
Asset conditioning reports were carried out on buildings with attached Class D estimates totalling $3 million in needed repairs and renovations. Hard decisions had to be made whether to invest in any building or to demolish and replace if warranted. Once you start on the path of renovation you cannot turn back. The municipal building is an example of how costs escalate quickly; and the continued investment that is needed in renovations that were not originally done or omitted. The Dundela rink building was replaced with a functional trailer for use during the short outdoor skating season; a new equipment storage garage at the Matilda works depot; renovations and additions to the Iroquois beach house; and major renovations to the Morrisburg Arena and the Iroquois Civic Centre. The asset conditioning report was very instrumental in obtaining over $300,000 in funding for the Arena.
We could not possibly tackle all the buildings; but have completed the background research and the next Council will be faced with decisions. Plans are in motion and $350,000 is available to replace the 40-year old Iroquois campground building next spring. A more suitable agreement from the original proposal has been worked out with a local resident who is making a very large investment towards this project. The naming of the building should reflect the generosity.
Another building neglected for years is the Forward House which avoided demolition and is currently on hold at the request of the Friends of the Forward House group pending their solution for a proposed use of the building and supported by financial investment. I am very pleased to hear that my suggestion back in the spring to the Friends group has led them to recently amalgamating with the South Dundas Historical Society.
The Carman House. Three years ago the tenants approached me about their concerns regarding the apartment and I recommended that as a landlord-tenant relationship they should submit a list of deficiencies. Wow, was that a mistake. The tenants expected me to protect and represent them in their wishes and demands; however, I declared a conflict of interest as I was related to the tenant. I was never involved in any decisions or part of any discussions up until the actual spending of the $35,000 which had been approved by Council. Information surfaced that no lease existed and that insurance, taxes, heat, hydro, etc. were included in the monthly rent payment. I have always been supportive of the Carman House Museum having worked there as a summer student; and sincerely hope the next Council does not lose the historical existence and essence of our one and only museum and does the right thing.
This Council has had four years of clean financial audits; budgets were held to acceptable increases; and reserves are in good shape. Debt was increased by $1 million from $7 to $8 million to finance the Campbell Street industrial road which began last term and was completed this term. As mandated by the provincial government asset management plans will be instrumental in future budgets and funding applications. The next council can rest easy as building, properties, sidewalks and fleet plans have been completed; bridge reports are available biannually; and the roads needs assessment is in the planning stages awaiting approval of a funding application. (Funding was recently approved in the amount of $50,000 for the Roads Needs Study and Asset Management Software.)
The landfill supervisor rejoined the private work force and followed by the lame duck status no decision has been made on the landfill sites; however, background work has been completed and a consultant’s proposal is ready for the new Council. Reserve funds have a current balance of over $600,000. The Iroquois and Morrisburg towers need replacement and following several unsuccessful funding applications and meetings with the provincial government; we are currently awaiting results of a recent application for the Morrisburg water tower only. This will be a very costly but necessary expense for the users of the system.
The municipality is fortunate to have entered into an agreement with Swank Construction for the Dutch Meadows Subdivision. This investment will benefit the community in many ways by addressing the need for condos, single-family units and semis, increasing the municipal tax base, offsetting the costs for water and sewer users, shopping locally, supporting local businesses and the service industry, clubs, organizations, schools, and our community as a whole. A great future project. This Council has also approved the site plan for the proposed gas station, convenience store and Tim Horton’s in Iroquois and is now awaiting the owner’s building plans.
We cannot forget about the new 401 signs; the Community Improvement and Regional Incentives Programs which provide loans and grants for improvements to commercial establishments; improvements to many rural roads and the paving of village streets for the first time in many years; South Branch bridge; rejuvenating the Upper Canada Region brand with South Stormont; improvements to many parks, dock, beaches and waterfronts; and the Morrisburg plaza and canopy rehabilitation. Upcoming is the municipal building parking lot, the Ottawa Street sidewalk project and the next phase of the Highway #2 pedestrian and streetscaping plans in Morrisburg.
It has been a rewarding and learning experience sitting at the Counties Council table; and as chair of the Library Board. Staff from the Counties and the six municipalities meet regularly with their counterparts and share best practices; and a very cohesive relationship exists amongst this group. The ownership of Upper Canada Road was uploaded with no cost to South Dundas as we turned over the St. Lawrence Parks Commission contribution. Carman Road South, Ottawa Street and Lakeshore Drive were downloaded. The Counties completed and financed road work on Carman Road South and Lakeshore Drive. A financial commitment was also secured for the next 10 years towards identified culverts on Lakeshore Drive as well as a commitment to replace a culvert within the next couple of years. We survived the much hated and now loved Iroquois roundabout; and I am looking forward to the plans for the Morrisburg roundabout.
This does not happen very often; but South Dundas was recognized for three very special awards during this term. Federally, the Economic Developers Association of Canada special award for Sustainability acknowledging the Upper Canada Region Adventure Map produced in partnership with South Stormont. Provincially, the Economic Development Council of Ontario (EDCO) award in the Public-Private Partnership (population 10,000-50,000) category for the Student Technology Partnership between the Municipality, Ross Video and the Upper Canada District School Board. And lastly, the Consulting Engineers of Ontario (CEO) Award of Excellence was presented to Robinson Consultants Inc. for the design of the Iroquois roundabout.
Lastly, my personal highlight is the establishment of our Dundas County Archives. The support and contributions from both North and South Dundas councils, the hard work by the committee, and the dedication by the archivist have made this possible. The public support for the Archives has been overwhelming as evidenced by the dedication ceremony this past Sunday. This is only the beginning of great things to come from the Archives; and one of my plans is to volunteer at our new location.
To the next Council….I wish you the best as you continue to build and move forward on the foundations that have been created and achieved this term. Difficult decisions are ahead of you but that is normal with any term of Council. You have been left in good shape, with good reserves and several projects in the works that have already been financed by this term.
To the Staff…..It is never easy when you are targets and under the constant scrutiny of the media and the public; however, I sincerely thank you for your professionalism. I apologize for sending emails to you in the wee hours of the morning. I believe being mayor is a 24/7 position but when I started getting answers back I knew I had carried that too far. You have been respectful to me and I will miss all of you and the departmental staff. Your dedication and contribution to South Dundas always has and always will shine through.
To the current Council….best wishes for wherever your journeys take you. Together we have had a very busy, productive and at times an entertaining four years and no one can take away any of our accomplishments and achievements. We have undertaken and dealt with many issues that have been festering for years and years.
Very seldom do I focus on myself; however from mid 2009 to this day, I am proud to say I have remained open and honest and dedicated 110% to all corners of South Dundas. As a positive and upbeat person, it saddens me that there has been so much negative focus when there is so much to be proud of in our municipality. Special thanks to the South Dundas In Box and the Morrisburg News for their professional journalism throughout. I have enjoyed and attempted to attend the many, many events, open houses, anniversaries, birthdays, celebrations, grand openings, meetings, etc. throughout the municipality during my time as councillor and mayor.
I have had a great run and am proud to be South Dundas’ first female mayor. I do not leave with any regrets as I was in a win-win situation; serving South Dundas for another four years or retirement. I haven’t figured out in which order; but I am looking forward to increasing my volunteer hours, travelling, a little bit of “me” time and spending time with my soon to be retired spouse; who keeps telling me he is the happiest man in Ontario since October 22nd. I appreciate all the continued love, support, encouragement and comments from my family, friends, residents, political colleagues, and the wonderful community of South Dundas. From the bottom of my heart thank you for this amazing experience.
Evonne Delegarde
An Inaugural Council Meeting will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, December 1st, 2018 in Council Chambers on the 3rd floor of the South Dundas Municipal Centre.
All are welcome to attend.
The South Dundas Municipal Centre is located at 34 Ottawa Street in Morrisburg.