Tag Archives: Mayor Robin Jones

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HAPPY CANADA DAY “EVE”

Happy Sesquicentennial!  It is hard to believe that July 1st, 2017 has arrived and we can mark 150 years of Confederation.  Strong, Proud and Free is the theme for the Sesquicentennial – and I know you will agree with me that phrase describes living in Westport and area.

Lots to do over the next couple of days.  The Green Street Challenge kicks off the celebrations today (Friday) at 10:00 on Fetch Murphy Way (road leading to the harbour).  The Harbour Advisory Committee to Council is literally rolling out the red carpet – well it is actually green grass – on Fetch Murphy Way to encourage play with our youth and children.  Opening ceremonies are at 11:00, BBQ available from the Westport Fire Fighters and the fun goes until 4:00 p.m.

Tomorrow morning the OPP are coming to town to provide lessons on bike safety.  We will meet at the Community Centre parking lot at 10:30.  I understand that a special guest might attend to help you and your kids check that the bike itself is safe.  If you want to decorate the bike for the parade at the end of the bike safety, there will be time before it concludes at noon.  Rain or Shine – we will move into the arena if we need to.

The Parade will form up at 12:30 at St Ed’s parking lot.  The Senior of the Year will be announced before we start the parade at 1:00 p.m.  The Parade will be led by the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 543, Colour Party and take the same route as in other years – Bedford to Church to Spring.  The Legion will have treats for the children at the conclusion of the parade and the Westport Fire Department will have some surprises planned as well.

And then it is off to Rideau Vista Public School and all of the activities that Cathy and Guy Davison have planned there.  Music, games, heritage displays, food – what else does a Canada Day need?  Right!  Fireworks tomorrow night at 10:00.

Happy Canada Day everyone.  Strong Proud and Free..  Proud to be Canadian!

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Update on Waste Water Treatment System (WWTS)

I have been waiting until all of the loose ends were tied up before providing an update on the replacement of the WWTS.  Although staff are still finalizing a couple of issues, it is my expectation that the contract for the new system will be awarded during the July Council mtg on Tuesday, July 4th @ 7:00 p.m.  I will wait until that time to fill in the details, however wanted to assure everyone that the build is moving forward this summer.

Now … if the rain would just stop!

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Heritage Day in the Village HIT THE MARK!

Simply outstanding.  Others words people used to describe Heritage Day in the Village yesterday were: authentic, extensive, fun, educational, friendly – great day.

Thank you Heritage Committee Board Members: Jacky Brady, Jane Murphy, Margot Rothwell, Pam Stuffles, Heather Huth, Wendy Laviolette, Don Goodfellow and Brian Judge and all of the other volunteers who turned the arena into a delightful history lesson of the Village of Westport and surrounding area and the park into an interesting collection of vendors.

There was lots going on throughout the day.  The Westport Arts Council did the “big reveal” of 6 Muskoka chairs that local artists have painted with beautiful Canadian themes.  The chairs are being hosted at 6 different businesses in the Village until August 19 (MUSICWestport).  The Lions Club had their amazing crew of BBQ’ers doing some of their finest cooking, George Reynolds and his band and Marty Crapper and his roving band kept music in the air.  Lots of people took the opportunity to dress in 1867 clothes which really gave a “heritage” feel to the day.

It is events like this, where we work together – volunteers & businesses, that give us a deep sense of pride in our Home Town.  Yes, Home Town Pride!

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Congratulations to FOTA for an outstanding fundraiser

Last night, NHLers Rick Smith, Chris Phillips, Doug Jarvis, Fred O’Donnell, Ron Tugnutt and Rob Murphy joined a large crowd at the Cove, in support of raising money for the arena.  They spent time talking to those who attended the event and signing autographs.  Right here!  In our Village!

Rick Smith, a former Bruins player, has truly become a Friend of the Arena.  He has helped the Village and FOTA out in many ways and was the lead organizer for getting the NHLers here last night.  Thank you Rick!

Once again, hats off to the backbone of our community – the volunteers.  FOTA’s Mark Herlehy, Bob Scott, Marty Hawkins and Councillor Frank Huth stay focussed on   improving the quality and experience of everyone who uses the arena.

And, for anyone with a hammer and paint brush, you can join the work bee’s at the arena this summer.  They meet every Tuesday night from 6:00 – 10:00 for the next 8 weeks.  All hands on deck!

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LABOUR REFORMS AND MINIMUM WAGE HIKE – HAVE YOUR SAY!

MPPs SEEKING INPUT ON LABOUR REFORMS, INCLUDING MINIMUM WAGE HIKE

(BROCKVILLE) – Leeds-Grenville MPP Steve Clark is encouraging area businesses with concerns about proposed changes to Ontario’s labour laws, including increasing Ontario’s minimum hourly wage to $15, to present at upcoming committee hearings.

Clark said the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs will hold two weeks of public hearings next month on Bill 148, the Fair Workplaces, Better Jobs Act, 2017.

“I’ve heard from businesses of all sizes in every corner of the riding who are concerned about how this legislation will impact their operations,” said Clark. “It’s important that they appear before the committee and speak directly to MPPs at this point in the legislative process before Bill 148 is debated in the Legislature for the first time this fall.”

Week one of the committee hearings will take place in Thunder Bay, North Bay, Ottawa, Kingston and Windsor-Essex during the week of July 10-14. Week two has hearings scheduled in London, Kitchener-Waterloo, Niagara, Hamilton and Toronto between July 17 and 21.

Details for the time and location of the hearings are yet to be announced, but Clark stressed it’s important to register to appear as a presenter now. Presenters can arrange to appear via teleconference.

The deadline to request a presentation during the first week, which includes hearings in Ottawa and Kingston, is 10 a.m. on Tuesday, July 4 and the deadline for week two is 10 a.m. on Monday, July 10.

To register, contact Eric Rennie, clerk of the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs by telephone at: 416-325-3506, fax: 416-325-3505, TTY: 416-325-3538 or email: erennie@ola.org.