St. Edward Church Choir and St. Columbanus Church (Elgin) have just released a new Christmas CD, O Come Let Us Adore Him. I am enjoying listening to the beautiful voices and wonderful harmonies sung to many treasured Christmas songs and some I haven’t heard in years. Well done to all involved and a shout out to Fr. Louis Di Rocco for his inspiration and love of music.
Category Archives: Uncategorized
New 4-Way Stop at intersection of Bedford and Main
The safety for pedestrians and motorists has been improved as the additional stop signs were put up on Main at Bedford today. The Council of Westport passed a resolution earlier this year requesting the Council of the United counties of Leeds and Grenville to review earlier requests for a 4-way stop at this intersection.
For both pedestrians and motorists, the line of sight for traffic coming south bound on Main St from the west side of the intersection is minimal most days. This change to a 4-way stop will improve public safety.
Thanks to Councillor Schwinghamer for keeping this issue on the front burner.
Christmas Magic Begins in Westport
Tonight’s “Hop and Shop” was a wonderful event. Despite the rain, the Village was “hopping” as people were “shopping”. Lots of stores stayed open and the business owners I spoke to said it was a positive event for them. It takes lots of people to make something like this happen, but a huge shout out to Cynthia Pringle and Martha Kudrinko. Great leadership, ladies.
The Judges from the Westport Arts Council were out tonight, spending time in front of 18 businesses that had entered the “Windows of Distinction” competition. Yes, there is a winner – but you will have to wait until tomorrow when the announcement is made during the parade.
The excitement for tomorrow’s Santa Claus Parade, hosted by the Westport Lions Club, continues to build. The weather looks sunny and it should be a perfect day to join in or watch the parade. Many volunteers have spent time getting floats ready, practicing with their music and getting their costumes made. Come and join in the fun. It all begins at 2:00 p.m.
When the parade is over, the choirs from the Westport churches will be moving throughout the downtown singing Christmas Carols. Please sing along. The day’s Christmas fun finishes at 5:00 p.m. at the Museum, with the lighting of the Christmas Tree. Town Hall Councillors will be serving hot apple cider across the street from the museum.
Let there be no doubt, the Christmas spirit is alive and well in our Village.
Syrian Refugee UPDATE from Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing
November 27, 2015
Dear Heads of Council
I’m aware that many municipal leaders have questions about their possible involvement in helping to resettle Syrian refugees.
While many details remain to be worked out by the federal government, the overall plan is taking shape nicely. Let me share with you a few of the things we know so far.
- We expect that the first wave of refugees coming to Canada will number about 10,000 by year end.
- Of these the majority will be privately sponsored. These refugees will be settled and cared for by their sponsors.
- A much smaller number will be government assisted. These refugees will be assisted by federally-funded Refugee Assistance Program agencies located in six urban centres: Toronto (serving the Greater Toronto Area including Peel, York and Durham Regions), Ottawa, London, Windsor, Hamilton and Kitchener- Waterloo. These communities account for about 90% of immigrant and refugee landings to Ontario.
- We expect the government assisted refugees will be located primarily in those urban centres, to make it as easy as possible to provide them with services.
- An additional 15,000 refugees are expected to come to Canada by the end of February 2016.
- Ontario played a leadership role early on, with an additional $8.5-million in funding to help sponsors and settlement organizations. We continue to play a leadership role in helping to coordinate these efforts. Federal, provincial and municipal representatives are hard at work on pinning down more details and engaging directly with the municipalities likely to be most affected.
I’ve spoken with a number of mayors in the last few days and been overwhelmed by the outpouring of generosity. Everyone is eager to help. This is a proud moment for our province and our country.
- The federal government has established a website, Welcome Refugees [http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/refugees/welcome/index.asp] for up-to-date information. Ontario has also established a Syrian Refugee page [www.ontario.ca/syrianrefugees] with information on how people can help.
- Our province has also established a central co-ordinating function here led by Joan Andrew, a very able former deputy minister of Citizenship and Immigration. You can reach her at 416-325 4764 or joan.andrew@ontario.ca.
I’m very proud of the way our province is stepping up to show hospitality, and I’m grateful to all of you for your many efforts. As plans continue to evolve, I’ll do my best to keep you informed. And I or Joan will be happy to receive your suggestions and offers of resources as we go forward.
Kindest personal regards,
Ted McMeekin Minister
United Counties of Leeds and Grenville Looking at Policing Options
At the October Village of Westport Council Meeting, it passed a motion for Mayor Robin Jones to bring Council’s concerns over the high cost of OPP policing to the attention of the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville Council and to encourage discussion on a regional policing model. Below are the highlights of this discussion at the regular United Counties of Leeds and Grenville Council Meeting held on Thursday, November 19. I will continue to keep you updated as the discussions continue at Counties Council.
Committee looking at policing options: The Counties Committee of the Whole is examining policing options following a motion from the Village of Westport and a Counties staff summary of 2016 policing costs in Leeds and Grenville.
Robin Jones, Mayor of Westport, said it was not a discussion about the quality of police work, but instead about the increase in policing costs from 2014 to 2016. Ms. Jones said the time to act is now to examine policing options, including a regional force suggested in 2014. Ms. Jones does not believe a response from the government is expected anytime soon regarding a review of the Police Act.
Roger Haley, Mayor of Front of Yonge Township, said his municipality does not mind paying its fair share, however, to move to the new costing formula so quickly is unmanageable and unaffordable for his municipality. He said he fully supports looking at regional policing. Councillor Doug Malanka, Mayor of Augusta Township, concurred, stating it is time to think about what would be best for local communities, and not wait for legislation.
Joe Baptista, Mayor of Leeds and the Thousand Islands, said the change to the Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund (OMPF) funding makes it increasingly difficult to accommodate the increases. Ron Holman, Mayor of Rideau Lakes, is concerned about changes to the funding model, especially the data provided by the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) which identifies seasonal properties and trailer park homes. He said he preferred a slower process to see what changes the province may consider and what services may be transferred to municipalities.
Councillor Jim Pickard, Mayor of Elizabethtown/Kitley, said studies have already been done and suggested the Committee have time to review those studies prior to moving forward.
Counties Chief Administrative Officer, Andy Brown said there were several issues being discussed; who delivers, funding model, and how policing is conducted. He said staff will gather previous studies for the Committee to review and then draft a strategy so that the message can be sent to the province.
Robin, The Mayor 
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