On May 21, 2024, the Council of the United Counties of Stormont, Dundas, and Glengarry(SDG) held their monthly meeting. This included a Council presentation by Sarah McDonald and Ewen MacDonald regarding the 2024 AORS Municipal Public Works Trade Show. There was also an SDG Rural Education Committee Update from the Committee Chair and North Glengarry Councillor Jeff Manley. Here are some key highlights from the meeting:
Highway 401 Power Dam Drive Interchange Replacement
Brad Hewton, Manager of Transportation Design Services at Morrison Hershfield, presented anoverview of the Highway 401 Power Dam Drive interchange project. The existing bridge, built in 1967 and in fair condition, is nearing the end of its service life. The project aims to replace the bridge, improve roadway geometrics, and plan for future interchange needs. The Ministry of Transportation’s ongoing review highlights the bridge’s importance to the provincial highway network. A Single Diamond Interchange is recommended for the project. The construction,expected to last approximately 2 to 2.5 years, will involve closures (and detours) for Highway 401 and Power Dam Drive.
240th Anniversary of SDG Proclaimed
The Council proclaimed June 6-9, 2024, “The 240th Anniversary of SDG.” The proclamationsupports the SDG Historical Society’s upcoming commemorative event in Lamoureaux Park, celebrating the region’s rich history with a blend of past and present attractions. Council allocated $12,000 from the 2024 budget to support this historical event.
2024 Culvert Lining Contract Awarded
Council accepted a tender from Aqua Drain Sewer Services Inc. for culvert lining, totaling $524,800.18 plus HST. The contract covers eighteen pipes at various locations within SDG Counties, with liners expected to have a 50-year service life. This initiative, part of the annual budget, prioritizes maintenance over costly replacements.
Pre-Purchase of Box Culverts Approved
Council approved the tender from Omni Precast for two precast concrete structures at a total cost of $404,650.85 plus HST. These culverts will replace the Wert Municipal Drain Culvert in 2024 and the Crooks-McLeod Culvert in 2025. Pre-purchasing ensures timely delivery and a way to avoid contractor overheads. The project is within the budget allocations set for 2024.
Library Operations and Community Engagement
Library Services reported a successful April with 121 programs across 15 branches, attracting 1,373 attendees. Highlights included National Canadian Film Day and participation in Cornwall’s Youth Engagement Fair. Branch renovations improved accessibility, and the Alexandria Branch piloted a ‘Little Free Personal Care Library.’ Technical services processed 622 new items, and the website saw 10.2k unique users. Also, staff underwent TypeCoach training to enhance communication.
County Road 22 Maintenance Plan
Council received key information about ongoing maintenance for County Road 22, which was delayed due to setbacks in the reconstruction design. Staff recommended localized spotrepairs using hot mix asphalt to address severe deficiencies, estimated at $70,000. This approach ensures compliance with safety standards and cost efficiency while preparations for a full reconstruction continue.
2024 SDG Reads Event Announced
The 2024 SDG Reads event will feature author Craig Shreve and his novel The African Samurai.The program, which encourages community-wide reading, culminates in an author event at North Stormont Place on October 7, 2024. The library has expanded its collection to include multiple formats of the featured book and related titles, with a VIP experience and silent auction planned to support the initiative.
