Review-Mirror

Westport water and sewer ratepayers may get a break from monthly increases this year if coun- cil follows a recommenda- tion by staff to delay a decision on further increases. The completion of the new wastewater treatment system is anticipated to bring savings to opera- tions, with a projected sav- ings in utilities of almost 75 per cent as well as a reduction in the need for engineering consulting services. The in-house adminis- tration and operation of the system by new public works employees is also anticipated to bring sav- ings. The Ontario Clean Water Agency's contracted services were discontin- ued with Dec. 21. While their services are over contact with the agency's administration is not. The village is disput- ing a $32,000 bill for non- contracted services which they received a week before their service ended and public works took charge. The amount is included in the budget in case the dispute doesn't fall in the village's favor, said trea- surer Anne-Marie Koiner. She has recommended there be no increase in the rate for capital works and no increase for amortiza- tion until the wastewater treatment plant is complet- ed. The current 2018 pro- jections include a $21,000 shortfall. Residents currently pay about $170 per month, one of the highest rates in the country, up from $46 per month a decade ago. By Margaret Brand The Review-Mirror The Township of Rideau Lakes has hired Steve Fournier as their new part-time fire chief after the departure of Jay DeBernardi earlier this month. Fournier retired from the Perth Fire Depart- ment in 2016 after 12 years as chief and will be working for the village three days a week from the township's adminis- trative offices in Chantry. He brings a wealth of experience to the job as a buildings supervisor with the Town of Perth and as a volunteer fire fighter who moved up the ranks. Becoming a volunteer fire fighter became an ambition in his 30s after firefighters came to the rescue of his own proper- ty when there was an accidental grass fire. "It was a way of giv- ing back to the communi- ty. I thought it might be interesting," said Fournier whose fire ser- vice has spanned three decades. On Monday night he had his first meeting with area chiefs, part of a process of inventorying the department's 100 per- sonnel as well as material resources. "We have a depart- ment of four stations. We need a plan as a whole department to build on the strengths that are already there. We are going back to look at the organization, to keep the strengths and manage it to make a better unit," he said. A challenge of rural fire department is train- ing, which has been com- pounded in Ontario with a new standard of the National Fire Protection Association which the province has regulated. "We'll get a plan together. I like a chal- lenge. We have to get those 100 people on the same page," said Fournier. The Wynne govern- ment's policies continue to make it harder for local small businesses and man- ufacturers to have the suc- cess they need to create new jobs. That's the message Leeds-Grenville MPP Steve Clark and Ontario PC Labour Critic MPP John Yakabuski (Renfrew- N i p i s s i n g - P e m b r o k e ) heard last week at the Northern Cables plant in Brockville and a meeting in Westport with Mayor Robin Jones, local grocer Neil Kudrinko and Sea- mus Cowan of The Cove. "We heard loud and clear from small business- es and industries here in Leeds-Grenville that they are suffering as a result of soaring hydro rates, grow- ing red tape and rushed changes to labour poli- cies," said Clark. "These are the people who create jobs and bring investment to our commu- nities. It's time they had a government that listened to their concerns, rather than telling them to go out of business if they don't like what's happening." "What job creators told us today echoed their warnings during Bill 148 committee hearings across Ontario," said Yakabuski. "But unfortunately this government wasn't listen- ing then and they aren't interested in what the peo- ple whose businesses are the backbone of our econ- omy are saying today." Clark's tour of Leeds- Grenville with MPP Yak- abuski came one day after the Ontario Chamber of Commerce released its annual Ontario Economic report, which revealed only 23 per cent of busi- nesses are confident in Ontario's economy. The confidence index is less than half of what it was in 2012. "The Chamber's report shows the terrible price Ontarians are paying due to the mismanagement, waste and scandal we've seen under the Liberals," said Clark, who noted the No. 1 factor – cited by a full 75 per cent of respon- dents – in why businesses lack confidence in Ontario is the economic policies of the Wynne government. The Review-Mirror February 15, 2018 – 3 Westport grocer Neil Kudrinko, left, details the cost of recent labour policy changes by the Wynne government on his business during a tour Thursday with Leeds- Grenville MPP Steve Clark, Ontario PC Labour Critic MPP John Yakabuski and West- port Mayor Robin Jones. Policies hurting small business: MPs Clark and Yakabuski visit Westport Westport water and sewer rates may stay at $170 per month for 2018 Upper Rideau Branch 542 10099 Cty. Rd. 10, Westport 613-273-3615 1952 2017 UPPER RIDEAU #542 We are the Guardians of REMEMBRANCE Follow us on Facebook for the latest on Legion 542 events 16th Annual Mixed Doubles Bill Scott Memorial Dart Tournament Saturday, Feb. 24th, 12 noon sharp. $20 per team includes supper. To register, drop by the branch or email bonnie73.bh@gmail.com. Proceeds to Camp Merrywood. You do not have to be an expert to play just come out and enjoy the fun and food. Cribbage Wednesdays, 10 am Darts moved to Saturday for February 17, 12:45 p.m. Diva Sale Sat., April 21 If you have gently used jewelry, purses, footwear and clothing, contact Trish Fransen at 613-401-3537 Lounge hours Tues. 4-7•Wed 4-7•Thurs 4-7•Fri 3-7•Sat 2-6 Celebrate your special occasion with us... Weddings, receptions, anniversaries and parties. Full catering, kitchen & bar available with plenty of parking and full handicap accessibility. Call Juanita at 613-273-8455 for your tour of our facilities and to make your personalized arrangements. Bingo 7 p.m. BONANZA $1250 • JACKPOT PROGRESSIVE TOONIE POT • All 55#s or less MONDAY Lyndhurst Gun & Militaria Show at the Lyndhurst Legion Sunday, Feb. 25 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Halfway between Kingston & Smiths Falls Take Hwy 15 to Cty. Rd. 33 - Follow 33 to the Legion Admission $5.00 Ladies & accompanied children under 16 FREE BUY/SELL/TRADE For information 613-928-2382 siderisjp@sympatico.ca Retired Perth chief Fournier takes over Rideau Lakes Fire and Rescue Family Day Breakfast Monday, Feb. 19, 8:30-11:30 am Proceeds to the Legion generator Adults, $10. Children 12 and under $5. Steve Fournier was hired this month as the new interim fire chief this week and will be working three days a week. He's the retired Perth Fire Chief, is a resident of the Portland area and is a municipal councillor in Drum- mond North Elmsley.

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