Review-Mirror

By Margaret Brand The Review-Mirror At Jones Falls lock sta- tion you're once again going to be hearing the sounds of a blacksmith this summer and visit the defensible lockmaster's house overlooking the site. Live interpreters are returning to the lock sta- tion for visitors to tour Sweeney House, the defensible lockmaster's house overlooking the sta- tion and the blacksmith shop. Sweeney House offers a glimpse of life in the 19th century for a lock- master, who could have work to do in the middle of the night if boats were going through. Much is known about life there through a diary Peter Sweeney wrote over the years of 1839 to 1850. He served there up to his retirement in 1872 and was the first lockmaster at the site. Parks Canada Black- smith/Interpreter Don MacKay returned to Jones Falls' Sweeney House to exhibition status and 'home' to the blacksmith shop in April to prepare the shop for visitors next month. He has been mak- ing samples of work to make and sell. The shop had lain empty after a four-year closure beginning in 2013 Thursday, April 27, 2017 Serving North Leeds and area since 1893 Vol. 126, No. 16 $1 incl. tax Canada Post Contract No. 40021501 Parks Canada blacksmith Don MacKay has begun work for live interpretation to take place at Jones Falls this summer. The blacksmith shop as well as Sweeney House will have interpretation during this year's navigation season. 75 units from 6'x6' to 12'x36' Easy year round access right in Westport 75 units from 6'x6' to 12'x36' Easy year round access right in Westport 75 units from 6'x6' to 12'x36' Easy year round access right in Westport 75 units from 6'x6' to 12'x36' Easy year round access right in Westport Soho's Self Storage Soho's Self Storage Soho's Self Storage Soho's Self Storage Soho's Self Storage 75 units from 6'x6' to 12'x36' Easy year round access right in Westport 43 Bedford St., Westport 613-273-8848 soho@rideau.net •Continued on back page Sounds of the blacksmith return to Jones Falls Mirror The Review By Margaret Brand The Review-Mirror The investigation into the accumulation of a $1.18 million deficit by Rideau Lakes Township between 2008 and 2014 put primary responsibility for the error on the town- ship's treasurer and the former auditor. At Monday's council meeting ombudsman Nigel Bellechamber, hired by the township to look into the matter, reviewed documents, meeting recordings and interviews with staff and council members. The London, Ontario lawyer, who has an exten- sive background in munic- ipal finance and adminis- tration, reported to council on the issue, which has dogged council since it was discovered in 2015. Deficits accumulated by overspending in previ- ous years were not put for- ward to the following years until over a six year period as the total rose to $1.18 million. "When a deficit arises it's not because funds are missing or improperly spent. What it does mean in layman's terms is that it has spent more than it has raised," said Bellecham- ber. Over the years the township's cash position deteriorated but went unnoticed. The deficit was relayed to the township's council in a report by the munici- pality's new auditors, in June 2015 and was retired in the 2016 budget, in part by using the municipali- ty's reserves. While Bellechamber put 80 per cent of the blame on the treasurer and the auditor he also laid responsibility on the for- mer CAO, and the Mayor and council who he described as part of the multi-barrier system of financial oversight. Part of the confusion laid in municipal reporting standards changing to full accrual accounting in 2009. The Ombudsman found there was a fundamental misunderstanding of the new accounting proce- dures by the former audi- tor on how they impacted annual surpluses and deficits. "While the treasurer deferred to the auditor on key issues and when he did not get the information or support that he needed from him, he did not push back or assertively recom- mend his replacement to council," reported Bel- lechamber. The township's former CAO was also given some responsibility for the situa- tion by the ombudsman who observed that his 'professional antennae' should have been vibrat- ing. "He should have observed that there was a problem with late and fre- quently corrected financial statements, a deteriorating cash balance and the audi- tor's lack of attendance and response when invited by council," he said. Brent Burns, the town- ship auditor, was replaced by Howard Allan when the province pointed out he had let his license lapse. The township, Westport and some other municipal- ities had to have some years re-audited as a result. Bellechamber also became aware that council members' knowledge of financial matters was lack- ing. "This was confirmed for me both in interviews with each member and in listening to misguided council discussion by the current council on finan- cial matters on audio filed of meetings," he wrote. The ombudsman acknowledged the town- ship had made some strides in correcting its financial management problems with the appoint- ment of a new treasurer with professional account- ing designations and the appointment of a new auditing firm. The township has taken legal action to recover the YOUR TRUSTED BUILDING SUPPLY PARTNER rlbc@rideau.net Ombudsman gives failing grade to Rideau Lake's financial oversight Rideau Lakes Building Centre Second Locatioon Opening Soon! at 33 Railway St. in Lansdowne 30" Gas Range •Effortless™ Convection •Continuous Corner to Corner Grates •Effortless™ Temperature Probe •Low Simmer Burner Regular 1699.95 Model #FGGF3058RF $ 1399 95 Continuing a 30 year tradition serving North Leeds - Delivery & Set Up Available SPRING STAINLESS SAVINGS 30" Range •Fits-More™ Cook Top with Spacewise® Expandable Elements •Effortless™ Convection •Keep Warm Drawer •Effortless™ Temperature Probe Regular 1699.95 Model #CGEF3059RF $ 1299 95 Duncan ' s APPLIANCE SALES & SERVICE Call 359-5660 53 Main St., Elgin •Continued on page 3 Salute to Volunteers Page 8-9

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