It was a great day for a celebration! The South Dundas (Morrisburg) Riverfront Committee hosted a ribbon cutting to recognize recent improvements to the waterfront. From left: former Mayor Steven Byvelds, Coun. Danielle Ward, Mayor Jason Broad, Michael Burton, former waterfront committee chair, Trish Morrow, current waterfront committee chair, Coun. Tom Smyth, MP Eric Duncan. Tinkess Photo

SOUTH DUNDAS – The South Dundas Waterfront in Morrisburg was the site of a ribbon cutting on Sun., June 11, recognizing recent improvements made along the Morrisburg waterfront walking pathway.

In attendance were committee members, local dignitaries and numerous residents who were taking advantage of warm, sunny weather as well as hot dogs and cold drinks provided by the Morrisburg Lions. South Dundas Mayor Jason Broad acted as emcee.

A bit of history: In 2022, improvements were made by Green Infrastructure Partners, formerly Coco Paving, to the existing walking trail, including the removal, replacement and widening of existing pathways. The project cost $207,655 over two years, supported by $144,787 from the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP), COVID funding and a $10,000 donation from the Docksyde. Eric Duncan, MP for Stormont, Dundas, and South Glengarry acknowledged the contribution of the federal government but gave credit to those who he felt really deserved it. “We are so lucky,” said Duncan. “There’re things we can do in elected office, if it’s council, as MP, or Nolan Quinn as our MPP, there’s only so much government can do. These projects would not happen, all the in-kind hours and fundraising that goes in to make them actually get done and bring all the partners together. We couldn’t do it without volunteers, so thank you everybody for stepping up. We have a beautiful little gem here, adding to an already beautiful waterfront. Thank you.”

Work was also completed in 2023 by J&M Contracting Corp. on an accessible viewing platform on the east side of the path toward the Morrisburg beach. The Municipality of South Dundas budgeted $32,000 for the project in 2022 and the Morrisburg Lions donated $15,360. Previous committee chairperson, Michael Burton, and members Bert Marcellus and Keith Robinson spearheaded the project.

Former waterfront committee chair Michael Burton took a moment to explain the circular stone patio that displayed the four points of the compass.

“This is the centre of the old town,” said Burton. “That’s why we were so important to having this be here. We were lost. We were sunk. We were forgotten in many people’s mind. One day, there’s going to be big, beautiful trees, benches. And we all come down here and sit and relax and remember that this was once not only Morrisburg, but it was also lived on by the First Nations of our community. And this is a beautiful spot to sit and just remember where you came from and who you are.”

The Morrisburg Lions Club were a major contributor to the waterfront improvements, and Linda Robinson took a moment to explain how two Junior Lions members (Called Leo’s) were being remembered. Two blue and yellow benches were installed on the new accessible lookout in memory of Leo Hannah Warren and Leo Amber Venema.

“The Docksyde funded the benches that are over on the lookout now,” said Robinson. “The yellow and blue benches in their names to remember all the times they came together to help us with barbecues and whatever else we needed; they were great volunteers. They grew and developed as being part of the Leo as well, like we could really see their growth as part of the community members. So, you know, we’re very glad to be able to dedicate these benches to them.”

“We are so thrilled with the upgrades made to the Morrisburg waterfront pathway and the installation of a new viewing platform,” said Mayor Broad. “We want to thank everyone who was involved in the projects. Your work has supported beautification and accessibility in South Dundas.”