Category Archives: Uncategorized

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Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund (OCIF) grants announced Friday, July 8

Good news from Queen’s Park was received on Friday in relation to potential funding for the waste water treatment plant.  The long awaited announcement arrived stating that applications for OCIF grants for 2017/18 could be submitted.  Closing date for applications is 5 p.m on October 21, 2016.  Decisions are made and municipalities notified in early February 2017.

The Village received a grant from OCIF in 2015/16 and this was the same grant fund that turned us down in 2016/17.  I am optimistic that, after reviewing the criteria for this year’s (17/18) grant, Westport’s application should be accepted.

 

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Volunteers – we have the best!

This week, I was at an event with other politicians from Eastern Ontario municipalities and one of them said “You have the best volunteers in Westport”.  You know it,  I know it and it seems that people for hundreds of km around know it.

Our Village’s bench strength comes from those individuals who give freely of their time for the good of the community. We have flowers and banners beautifying our streets, we are raising  much needed funds for the arena, our arts council is bringing more than 20 events to the ‘port each year, minor sports coaches providing strong role models for our youth and children, a service club who knows the meaning of “service”and a Royal Canadian Legion who places the Vets and serving members of the Armed Forces first.  There are many others who do important work – each and every day.bike repair kit at Info Centre

What about the community member who wanted to support the many cyclists who travel through the Village and donated a professional bike repair kit, which is now mounted on the outside wall of the Information Centre?

What about the many volunteers who came together to help the village host Rideau Thunder this week-end?  A wonderful event, despite the weather, that brought people with different interests to town. This group of volunteers were helping get the registration packages and voting ballots for the Show’n’Shine ready on Thursday night.

The criteria used by researchers to determine what makes a municipality a “best place to live” yields consistent results study after study.  Community.  In a great community, people engage with that community.  They get out and LIVE with their neighbours, business owners and visitors to build a strong sense of community for the greater good.  Well – Welcome to Westport – a great community!

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Canada Day 2016

Happy 149th Birthday Canada! There are so many wonderful events happening to celebrate Canada Day tomorrow.  For me the highlights are, among others, the 3:00 p.m. parade, my favourite band playing at the Cove and of course, the spectacular fireworks at dusk.  Weather will be h – h – h – hot, hazy and humid, so please dress accordingly.

Planning for the Sesquicentennial 150th Birthday for Canada is well under way in the Village for 2017.  It will be a bash!

July 1st is also a change for by-law enforcement in the Village.  During the month of June, our by-law enforcement officer spent time talking to people and educating them about different by-laws.  We also moved forward during June with the Township of Rideau Lakes to contract with the Rideau Lakes Fire Department for Open Air Burning enforcement.

Jenna Barr will be monitoring by-law infractions and Chief Jay Debernardi will be enforcing the Open Air Burning by-law.   For concerns about open air burning, you can contact the Chief at (613) 498-1261 Ext 2504. Here is the link to our by-law on Open Air Burning.     http://villageofwestport.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/by-law-09-01-to-prescribe-the-conditions-under-which-fires-may-be-set-in-open-air1.pdf

Jenna can be contacted through Town Hall at 273-2191 (weekdays) or through her cell phone 613 483 2260.  If she is off duty, messages can be left for her at Town Hall or on her cell phone.  Jenna is not a police officer and for police, fire or medical  emergencies, call 9-1-1.  Other police related matters should go through the regular OPP number – 1-888-310-1122.
Have a great summer everyone.  See you in the ‘Port!!

 

 

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Sesquicentennial Planning continues

The second meeting of the Mayor’s Task Force to plan events to celebrate the Sesquicentennial in 2017 is taking place on Wednesday, June 29 from 4:00- 5:45 at the Lion’s Beach Club House.  We had a great first meeting a month ago that resulted in brainstorming events for each month in 2017.

We are looking for people to help us plan and, in addition to those who are already involved, have opportunities for restaurant owners, church congregations , museum, Chamber of Commerce and members of the general public.

If you have a little time this Wednesday afternoon, come and join the planning for the biggest birthday party this century!  Canada is turning 150 in 2017.

And just so that you (who are old enough) can think back to 1967, here is the song that we all sang.

CA-NA-DA
(One little two little three Canadians)
We love thee
(Now we are twenty million)
CA-NA-DA
(Four little five little six little Provinces)
Proud and free
(Now we are ten and the Territories sea to sea)
(Chorus):
North south east west
There’ll be happy times,
Church Bells will ring, ring, ring
It’s the hundredth anniversary of
Confederation
Ev’rybody sing together!
((Repeat second chorus)
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Morris Charby RIP

Suddenly at his residence on Saturday June 25, 2016. Morris Charby of Westport in his 75th year. Dear husband of Frances. Beloved father of Wendy (Grant), Cindy and Scott. Fondly remembered by grandchildren Jamie, Brooke and Dylan. Brother of Frank, Pauline (Jim), Jack (Joyce), Dan (Sue) and Darlene (Mike). Step Son of Martha Charby. As for Morris wishes there will be no visitation or service. Donation to the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated by the family.

Morris was an amazing gentleman, who would give the shirt off his back to someone who needed it.  He will be greatly missed by Town Hall and in the Village.  Frances and the family are in our thoughts and prayers.