Progress continues on Hallville Community Park decisions

by Brandon Mayer

After many residents of the town of Hallville demanded answers following years of waiting for a new proposed park to be built, the decision-making process on the use of the parkland now appears to be moving quickly. Part of a regularly scheduled Council meeting on July 12 involved the discussion of some options for the Hallville park. One major point brought up at that meeting by Director of Recreation and Culture, Meaghan Meerburg, was the fact that the addition of a splash pad seems to be important for the community. However, since it was not part of the original plan, a splash pad would not be covered by the expected grant money, and a new grant application could take as long as six months, though fundraising for a splash pad would also be an option. Mayor Tony Fraser pointed out at the meeting that whether or not the funding is available for a splash pad in the short term, the space for one should be allotted in the planning of the park, in case the funds for one become available in the future.

A public consultation session regarding the park was held by the Township on July 25. Those who attended were provided with a comment card, and extra cards were also available for pick up at Loughlin’s Country Store as well as the Township office. Comment cards were due by July 29, and the Township posted on social media encouraging residents to check back for updates based on the comments received. However, no updates had been posted as of the time of writing.

Earlier this year, on June 21, Hallville resident Mary Cook acted as a representative of herself and fellow residents to bring her concerns to the Mayor and Council. In a document presented to members of Council at the meeting, Mary outlines the core concerns. “The residents of Hallville have been patiently awaiting a promised new community park since 2008,” the document reads. “We have watched other communities in North Dundas receive funding for upgrades, new items, theme parks, and infrastructure over these many years. The [Township] took down our small local park (installed by residents in the early 90s) back in 2018 with no replacement. Our community outdoor rink has been left in disrepair. Our children have had nowhere to play.”

At the meeting, Mary pointed out that Council is aware of the significant population increases in Hallville in recent years. She expressed concern that no plans will go forward in 2022. A petition of 175 signatures, signed by members of households representing a combined total of 218 children, was presented to Council demanding answers. Mary’s report also expresses a safety concern about walking along County Road 1 within the town of Hallville, due to speeding vehicles, increased traffic, deep ditches, a lack of sidewalks, and poor lighting. Ultimately, Mary requested a committed plan of action from Council, including open communication, as well as a request to know how the Township and the United Counties can work together to address safety concerns.

In answering Mary, Mayor Fraser first pointed out that the issues with the outdoor rink can possibly be addressed within the plans for a new park. He also told Mary that he and Deputy Mayor Armstrong have walked County Road

1 in Hallville in past years, and they noticed that the area was in disrepair. He confirmed that the Township has been in touch with the Counties regarding the safety concerns on County Road 1.

Deputy Mayor Armstrong also addressed Mary, telling her that the COVID-19 pandemic slowed down the Hallville park project. Mayor Fraser added that the Township is excited about the park project, and that it will be the largest amount of money the Township has ever spent on a park. He also admitted that communication regarding the project could have been better. “There has been a failure on our end, and I will take ownership on that,” he said. The Mayor made a commitment toward improving communication as the project proceeds.

Get ready to Sip & Savour!

The WDMH Foundation is pleased to announce its next event – Sip, Savour & Support at Smokie Ridge Vineyard in Mountain on Saturday, September 10 beginning at 5 pm.

Join us for a wonderful night of live music, delicious wine and food, local vendors, and great company. The night’s headline entertainer is local band ‘Heirs of the Dog’. This local duo performs an eclectic mix of rock, folk and blues from the 60s, 70s, 80s to more traditional Irish and Celtic music. There will also be door prizes, a raffle, and a silent auction.

“We can’t wait to welcome everyone for this special evening in support of health care close to home!” says Managing Director Kristen Casselman.

Tickets are $35/person, which includes 8 tasting coupons; $55/person, which includes 16 tasting coupons; or a VIP option of $60, which includes 20 coupons and reserved table seating. Additional coupons are also available for purchase (10 coupons for $20). Proceeds from the event will go to the Foundation’s General Equipment Fund to purchase much-needed medical equipment for WDMH that is not funded by the government. Last year, the event raised more than $10,000!

To purchase your tickets or to make a donation, visit https://Sip-Savour-Support2022.eventbrite.ca or call Justine Plummer, Manager of Direct Mail & Events at 613.774.2422 ext. 6172.

Tickets are limited and guests must be 19 years of age or older. All COVID-19 protocols will be in place at the event.

The importance of events and tourism in North Dundas

by Brandon Mayer

North Dundas Chamber of Commerce President, Nanda Wubs Huizenga, has some bold ideas when it comes to aiding local commerce. One such idea is that community events help bring in the kind of tourism and people traffic that supports local businesses of all types.

“We’ve been talking a lot about tourism, because my belief is that it’s not retail that brings people to our community, it’s our events,” said Nanda. The Chamber will be starting a Tourism Committee in October to help facilitate even more community activities. “Any event or group that brings in people… I’m hoping to have a representative and meet twice a year so that we can better coordinate our events in the Township, and better promote and support each other.”

The Chamber will also be creating a tourism web page, appended to the local website ShopNorthDundas.ca, which the Chamber manages.

“Tourism is so key for our community,” said Nanda.

Nanda gave the example of a local event she attended last week – the Bee Amazed fundraising event at Smirlholm Farms in Morewood.

Nanda attended the event with her family, and she enjoyed herself. “He has a good vision for it, and he had some key components there,” Nanda said of the event. “He had a display with live bees, so you can see how they’re building a hive, which was very cool. The atmosphere was very festive!”

The event also featured other things to explore on the farm, including a cabin, and drinks served by a mobile bar company, Thirst Responder. Nanda explained that Thirst Responder makes cocktails, and in the case of the Bee Amazed event, they had three cocktails which were infused with honey. “I tried all three,” Nanda said. “My favourite was Beeknees.” According to Nanda, Smirlholm Farms owner Glenn Smirle had some trouble with the Township when seeking approval for the event, but Thirst Responder stepped in and helped the event go forward.

Bee Amazed was a fundraiser for the Winchester District Memorial Hospital Foundation’s Cancer Care Fund. It wrapped up on August 7, but of course it is just one of dozens of important community events that take place locally yearround. Another prime example is the apple picking that takes place at Mountain Orchards. In talking with the owner of that business, Nanda learned that the event brings in about 200,000 people to the community each year. When such high volumes of people come to North Dundas, it provides benefit to retail shops, restaurants, and other businesses because it allows people to learn what is available in the community.

To learn more about local community events, the websites of the Town- ship of North Dundas and the North Dundas Chamber of Commerce are good places to start. News of upcoming local events is also published in the North Dundas Times.