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Update on the waste water treatment plant, spring cleanup and a couple of planned events in the Village

We continue to move forward with the build of the new waste water treatment system (WWTS).  Requests for Proposals (RFP) were posted a couple of weeks ago to select the builder.  Last Monday, as part of the RFP process, a mandatory site visit was held in the Village.  This is a requirement of any company who is considering submitting a proposal.  The submissions are due by Thursday, May 25, 2017.  AECOM will review and analyze the proposals and provide Council with its recommendations.  Council will discuss the proposals and make a decision, likely at its June 5th monthly Council Meeting.

We have had some further discussions with Minister Chiarelli’s staff, but I have no new developments in regard to funding to announce.

Council included in the 2017 budget allocations to patch Bedford St and to have the parking lines painted, including the accessible spots and “No P” markings that indicate private driveways.  The wet spring has delayed both.  I expect some patching to be done this week, however the asphalt companies have indicated to our Engineer that they will begin production on May 18.  Spring production of asphalt will also allow the road to be repaired at Rideau and Church streets.  Line marking will occur soon – hopefully before the end of May and will include the parking lot at the Community Centre/Firehall.  We will be sending out notices to everyone so that all vehicles can be removed from the roads and parking lot for this work to be completed.

In 2016, the estimate to repair Bedford St was $1.5 million.  Mayor and Council are very aware of the condition of the road and continue to look for grant opportunities to get the work done.

Work to prepare the harbour for the opening of the Rideau is on schedule.  Our Harbour Master, Kevin Kardash and CAO Paul Snider are pulling out all the stops for this Sesquicentennial year on the water.  The advice from the Harbour Advisory Committee has been a real benefit to get ready for the season.

Another Sesquicentennial event this May is the “Victorian Tea, celebrating the Mothers of Confederation”.  The Tea is being organized by Mary Anne Bishop on behalf to the Mayor’s Sesquicentennial Task Force.  Mark your calendars for VICTORIA DAY! – YES, the tea is being held on Wednesday, May 24th, from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. at the Lions Club Beach House.  It should be a lot of fun.  Thank you to the churches in the Village for your hard work to make this event a success.  You can call Mary Anne @ 273-8699 for tickets.

The Grand Opening of the path at Lockwood Memorial Park is being held on Saturday, May 27th with a Walk-a-Thon between 2-4:00 p.m.  Come out and enjoy the fun!  Music, lots of vendors and have a visit with neighbours you haven’t seen all winter.  Many thanks to Kim Bonner and Councillor Frank Huth for their imagination and hard work.

All members of the public are invited to attend and hear what Council is discussing and the decisions it makes.  Council meetings are the Monday of the first full week of the month at 7:00 p.m.  Committee of the Whole meetings are the Monday of the third full week at 2:00 p.m.  They are also posted on the Municipal website at http://villageofwestport.ca/your-local-government/council-committee-of-whole-meeting-dates/.

You can contact me anytime with your questions and concerns , through my email rjones@villageofwestport.ca or at home @ 273-9195.

It looks like spring and summer are arriving together this week.  Enjoy the sunshine everyone.

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Le Boat is coming to the Rideau and moving its North American headquarters to Smiths Falls

On April 19,  business owners and interested parties attended a “Mayor’s Breakfast” to learn more about Le Boat and to consider strategies that will help them capitalize on “Le Boaters” when they arrive in 2018.  At the conclusion of the meeting, the Economic Development and Tourism Advisory Committee of Council, chaired by Councillor Gerald Schwinghamer, agreed to be the lead on Le Boat coordination.  I will be hosting another “Mayor’s Breakfast” on June 14th to again bring Westport business owners together to discuss important issues including opportunities for them in 2018 when Le Boat arrives.  The Economic Development and Tourism Advisory Committee has planned an interesting agenda and businesses will receive more information in early June.

The below media release from Leeds & Grenville today is important for two reasons. ALL of the paperwork and agreements have been signed AND the unexpected move by Le Boat to move its North American headquarters from Florida to Smiths Falls.  This is great news!

Here is the media release:

LE BOAT SIGNS LEASE FOR FIRST NORTH AMERICAN BASE IN CANADA

European boating operator moves N.A. headquarters to Smiths Falls, Ontario

TORONTO – May 12, 2017 – Le Boat, Europe’s largest operator of self-drive boating vacations, has officially signed the lease for its first North American base of operations in Smiths Falls, Ontario. Scheduled to open on Ontario’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Rideau Canal in 2018, the European boating company is also moving its North American headquarters from Clearwater, Florida, to the picturesque province.

The $16 million investment in the “Heart of the Rideau Canal” is expected to attract thousands of vacationers of all ages from the U.S., Canada, Germany, France, and many other locations around the world. It will open with a fleet of 16 state-of-the-art Horizon cruisers offering a high level of comfort with large forward staterooms, roomy top-deck areas and, diverse amenities. According to Le Boat’s projections for the next five years, the company will expand this fleet to at least 32 cruises by the end of 2023.

“We are extremely thrilled to have officially signed the lease in Canada for our first ever North American base of operations,” said Cheryl Brown, Managing Director at Le Boat. “We have received very positive feedback from our European and U.S. customers with most them saying they would travel to Ontario for a boating holiday. With our extensive marketing initiatives and strategic partnerships, we expect to see growing global demands over the next few years for this new uniquely Canadian experience.”

Anticipated to contribute millions of dollars to the local economy through tourism, job growth, and supply chain support, Le Boat’s presence in the community is welcomed.

“I am pleased that Le Boat will operate their first ever North American operation right here in Ontario,” said Eleanor McMahon, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. “This new tourism experience will showcase the breathtaking beauty of the Rideau Canal to visitors from around the world, while also boosting the local economy and supporting job creation in eastern Ontario.”

Le Boat has worked closely with the Province of Ontario, Parks Canada and with the towns of Smiths Falls and Perth, along with the Leeds Grenville communities of Leeds and the Thousand Islands, Merrickville-Wolford, North Grenville, Rideau Lakes and Westport to create an exciting new boating holiday experience on the Rideau Canal.

Bookings will begin on May 15, 2017, with the boating season officially launching in May 2018 and running through October every year.

About Le Boat
Le Boat is the leading self-drive boating rental company, with more than 40 years of experience in the industry, operating its own fleet of 900 self-drive cruisers from a network of over 37 different departure bases across eight European countries. Renters can sleep on board in 5-Star comfort and style, saving substantially on hotel costs. All boats feature fully equipped kitchens, comfortable furnishings, showers and bathrooms, and warm air heating. They also feature air-conditioning, depending on the model.  No experience or boating license is necessary. Instructions and an orientation are provided to first-time renters, ensuring they get the most out of their boating vacation. Unlike conventional cruises that follow a pre-planned itinerary, Le Boat provides guests with suggested itineraries but allows them to visit the towns and attractions that most interest them on a particular route.  For more information, call toll-free at 1-800-734-5491 or visit www.leboat.com.

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The 1000 Islands and Rideau Canal Garden Trail 2017 is open

I was at the opening of the 1000 Islands and Rideau Canal Garden Trail at Fulford Place in Brockville this morning.  This is a wonderful garden trail that features 14 breath taking gardens.  Only thing missing????  A Westport garden on the trail!  Here is the link:  www.gardentrail.1000islandsandrideaucanal.comwww.gardentrail.1000islandsandrideaucanal.com

BROCKVILLE – The 1000 Islands and Rideau Canal Garden Trail is entering its third year and adds Fulford Place National Historic Site to its line-up. The Garden Trail links private and public gardens and garden centre displays throughout Leeds Grenville.  This year, Fulford Place National Historic Site and its Olmsted Gardens have officially become part of trail.

Originally designed by renowned landscape architect Frederick Olmsted, the Italianate-style gardens include an elaborate triton fountain and statuary with stone walls and gates surrounding the 20,000 square-foot mansion. Self-guided tour pamphlets will be available at the visitor entrance during hours of operation. Olmstead’s fame is connected to the design of Central Park in New York City. Restoration of the Fulford gardens was one of the Ontario Heritage Trust’s most exciting heritage garden conservancy projects.

The launch highlighted the 1000 Islands and Rideau Canal Garden Trail as the only trail in the country to be honoured with the ‘Canada 150 Garden Experience’ Designation. Awarded in March from the Canadian Garden Council in collaboration with the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association, it recognized the trail’s garden experience as an activity of choice for garden lovers from near and far. “The designation speaks to the calibre of the trail and quality of the gardens,” says Robin Jones, Warden of the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville.

The Leeds Grenville Economic Development Office launched the trail in 2015 with 9 gardens that has now grown to 14 unique gardens with added experiences including native butterflies, honeybees and birds, a monarch butterfly Way Station, fountains, ponds, contemporary art exhibits, statuary and so much more.

1000 Islands Rideau Canal Garden Trail Launch DC.jpg

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Village Clean up day May 13 – cancelled

Good Morning

Despite the sunshine today, the forecast continues to show rain from Friday evening through the week-end.  The ground is still saturated in most areas of the village – particularly the island.  We have decided to cancel the clean up day on Saturday.  There is a fair bit of planning the last couple of days before the event, so a decision needed to be made today.
The positive side of things is the street cleaners did an amazing job this year – and the streets look fabulous.
Thank you for your yearly support and hopefully we can meet on the street with rakes and garbage bags next year.
We are considering a volunteer day later this year to sand and paint the fire hydrants.  Stay tuned …..
Robin

Committed to community. Dedicated to progress.