MORRISBURG – There was only one delegation at the regularly scheduled meeting of South Dundas Council on May 14. Christian Mueller, a South Dundas youth who suffers from Huntington’s Disease, provided Council with an overview of the disease itself, and how it has affected both his life, and his family members. Christian has volunteered to raise awareness, raised funds, and participated in clinical trials.

Mueller requested that Council designate May, as Huntington’s Disease Awareness Month in South Dundas, a request that Council happily approved.

“I’m thankful you were able to come tonight, and share your story,” said Mayor Jason Broad, adding that he would be supporting a motion to declare May as Huntington’s Disease Awareness month later in the meeting.

“I think everyone who has Huntington’s disease is very lucky to have you advocating for them, especially the youth,” added Councillor Danielle Ward. “I am very proud that you are here today to raise awareness, and you’ve taught me a lot of things I didn’t know, so thank you.”

The remaining members of Council in turn also committed their support to Mueller’s request and agreed to a minor alteration to the agenda which would allow him to hear the resolution without having to sit through the remainder of the meeting. The resolution was as follows:

Let it be resolved that the municipality of South Dundas Council recognize May as Huntington’s Disease Awareness Month, whereas Huntington’s disease is a fatal genetic disorder that causes progressive breakdown of nerve cells, brain deterioration, and a person’s physical and mental abilities during the prime working years and whereas there is currently no effective treatment or cure to Huntington’s disease, but the dedicated work of researchers, medical professionals, and the advocacy of organizations continue to bring hope for breakthrough therapies and whereas the Huntington Societies of Canada is the premier nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of everyone affected by Huntington’s disease through community service, education, advocacy and research.

Therefore, let it be resolved that the South Dundas Council hereby recognize May as Huntington’s disease awareness month in South Dundas. The council encourages all residents to learn about Huntington’s disease and support the individuals and families affected by this condition and the South Dundas Council is calling upon public officials, educators, health care professionals, and all residents South Dundas to observe the month, appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.

“Moved by Deputy Mayor St Pierre, seconded by Council Ward, all in favour? Carried, there you go Christian it’s officially Huntington’s Disease Awareness Month in South Dundas for the month of May,” said Mayor Broad.

Several other action requests were presented and approved later in the meeting.

Tenders awarded

Council awarded tender TS25-02 for the sidewalk replacement and repair to Avion Construction Group Inc. in the amount of $42,680 plus HST.

They also approved the purchase of a Fire Forestry Truck through Front Line Emergency Vehicles Inc., for a total cost of $139,800 plus applicable tax.

Support for Morrisburg Cenotaph Project

At the March 19 Council meeting, the Morrisburg Cenotaph Committee presented a delegation request to the Municipality which detailed their proposed Veterans Walkway Project. This project will be located along the Morrisburg Waterfront and includes the removal, refurbishment and relocation of six veteran tributes which exist within the community. The project also includes the installation of new cenotaph and tribute bases, construction of pathways, new lighting, landscaping, benches and the installation of flagpoles. The project would ideally be completed next summer, subject to a successful funding and fundraising campaign.

Council has officially approved the Morrisburg Veterans Walkway Project and conceptual design and committed to including a maximum $25,000 commitment in its 2026 budget towards electrification and lighting. Additionally, Council has directed staff to collaborate with the Committee to facilitate the project banking and charitable tax receipts through the Municipality and have committed to act as the lead applicant on the funding application to Veterans Affairs Canada’s Community War Memorial program.

Support for Protected Pedestrian Crossings on County Road 2

Council has declared their support for the installation of two protected crossings on County Road 2 in Iroquois, specifically at the intersection of Rooney Drive and County Road 2 and Miller Street and County Road 2.

With the residential development north of SDG 2 and Iroquois Plaza improvements, this is an opportune time to ensure that there are protected pedestrian crossings at key locations; namely, at the intersection of SDG 2 and Elizabeth Drive (to connect the residential area north of SDG 2 to the school/ east side of the plaza), and at the intersection of SDG 2 and Miller Street (to connect the commercial and residential areas both north and south of the plaza).

Development Charges Study and Public Information Session

CAO Ben de Haan provided Council with an update on the Development Charges Study and Public Information Session. The updates included:

  • The Development Charges Background study, has been made available on South Dundas’ website – https://www.southdundas.com/developmentcharges
  • On May 20, staff have scheduled a stakeholder meeting to give local developers the opportunity to meet with Watson and Associates and the Municipal Team.
  • The official public meeting per the Development Charges Act is scheduled for 6:00 pm on May 20. The meeting will include a formal presentation by Watson and Associates.
  • A Committee of the Whole discussion will take place on June 23, 205 to allow Council the opportunity to consider comments received and ensure they are satisfied with moving forward based on the proposed by-law and implementation plan.

Staff remain committed to have the final by-law prepared for Council’s consideration at the July meeting. “I’m looking forward to the public meeting…I’m interested to see the stakeholders’ piece and learn more,” said Mayor Broad.

The meeting can be viewed in its entirety on the South Dundas Council You Tube channel, while the agenda and supporting documents can be viewed on the southdundas.com website.

Council’s next regularly scheduled meeting will be on May 28, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.