Review-Mirror

Attendance at Lower Beverley Lake's Celebrate the Season event wound up last Saturday with attendance unprecedented in its 11-year history. Organizers were thrilled to even have a photo of the park on Glob- al's national news Friday night. Thirty-seven wagon loads of visitors rode to the park from the fair grounds and many more walked the park from the boat launch to see the 90,000 plus lights. Many visitors, during their trip to Delta, also vis- ited the Old Stone Mill where guide Anna Green- horn noted many people mentioned they had come because they had seen the lights on the Global news. "The Mill was busy with three tour guides and one person manning the office and store. That did not begin to handle all the visitors," said Greenhorn. The implementation of an admission charge in 2016 helps Lower Bever- ley Lake Park absorb some of the expense of the event, which costs $30,000 to stage. "It hasn't changed the event in anything you would see. It's helping to defray the cost of the event which was normally absorbed by the park's operational budget," said Lower Beverley Lake Park Manager William Morris. The event has provided eight weeks of additional employment for park staff with two people spending four weeks each putting up the displays. On Monday staff began the process of taking down the lights for another year. The park, owned by the Township of Rideau Lakes and operated by a manage- ment board, has been get- ting a $7500 grant from the municipality for the festival. "As part of our eco- nomic development efforts, that investment has been and continues to be a great investment in the future of Delta," said Mayor Ron Holman. He sees, with the larger number of visitors, there are opportunities for addi- tions to the event includ- ing craft and food vendors. "We've come a long way but we have a long way to go," said Holman. Next week community partners in the event will be meeting to discuss this year's event and how it could be improved, including the flow of traf- fic and parking around the old town hall and the entrance to the park. The Celebrate the Sea- son event is just one of three community-wide events highlighting the vil- lage each year including the maple festival in April and harvest festival in the autumn. 2 – December 21, 2017 The Review-Mirror Santa came for a visit at the community Christmas party last Friday evening in Port- land where a potluck was followed by Santa and carols. Final Celebrate the Season Saturday sets attendance record A couple of letters to council with general com- plaints about the state of some properties in New- boro will put a property standards discussion on council's agenda in the new year. Newboro Ward coun- cilor Cathy Monck has been the recipient of many complaints about yards in Newboro. "It's a contentious issue. It's not fair to peo- ple that like to have a nice home and look after it. For people that want to sell their place, it's driving down the prices. People can't rent apartments because they don't want to live next door to a mess. "Something has got to be done here," she said. The current process requires that a complaint be submitted in writing along with the identity of the complainant. After the initial contact with the township, the initiator of the complaint is left out of the process. "Instead of waiting for a letter of complaint, what is preventing the Town- ship of Rideau Lakes from taking the initiative to intervene as did the Town- ship of Leeds and the Thousand Islands?" ques- tioned Newboro resident Alan Fleming in a letter to council. Another letter sent by new Newboro resident John Welsh questioned if a property standards bylaw even exists after seeing some village properties. Mayor Ron Holman suggested a gentle approach was in order in dealing with the issue. "You are dealing with a very, very sensitive issue here. I think if councilors have problems in your wards it might be worth- while to do a promotion. I'd hate to use a hard ham- mer. I think we should review what our processes are," said the mayor. Staff will be returning to council with a report on the current property stan- dards enforcement process next year. Rideau Lakes to debate whether to take a hard or soft approach to property standards complaints & COUNTRY LIVING CENTRE 1535 Cty. Rd. 42, Forfar 613-272-2545 Snow Brushes & Scrapers and Shovels For Your Car. Snow Sleigh Scoops, Roof Rakes, Sidewalk Shovels, Ice Chippers, etc. Gifts & Stocking Stuffers for the entire family! Huge Selection of Styles and Sizes at great prices •Socks, Hats, Toques, Balaclavas, Mitts & Gloves •Flashlights, Utility & Jack Knives •Batteries, Lighters, BBQ Lighters •Hand & Toe Warmers (Hotspot) •Screwdrivers, Drill and Wrench Sets •For your Pets: Collars, Harnesses, Leads, Dog Treats, Toys and Bones Sale endS Saturday, december 23 don't miSS out! AMBIANCE Hardwood Pellets Reg. $ 5.99 Great Price • Volume Discounts Delivery Available

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