CORNWALL Ontario –  You see some interesting stuff on Social Media and I discovered Cornwallite Jon Irvine and his Cornwall Song.    It’s not everyday you see a local song featured, never mind on the Uke!

Sadly Jon is leaving Cornwall; heading off to Halifax apparently; but his Cornwall song will live on digitally for all to enjoy its humour as Jon; like myself, doesn’t hate our fair city.

Mr. Irvine, who cuts down trees as his day job cited a lack of things to do for young people and opportunity as some of the reasons to head on to larger pastures.

Again the issue of youth retention rears its ugly head.   While you can’t compare a city the size of Cornwall to Halifax many young people miss the value of being able to have the quality of life that Cornwall offers while being able to zing over to Ottawa or Montreal to party and adventure.

In the meanwhile enjoy the video and please note that there are certain words used that could offend the sensitive and kiddies.

CORNWALL Ontario - Holy Gilles Latour surprise surprise, Trillium Distribution Cornwall Inc. filed an appeal of Cornwall’s hastily put together by law.

They of course waited until the very last day thus dragging things down and I gather hoping that the waters, or chemicals, would cool?

This will lead to further costs to taxpayers which should bring the focus back to City Hall.

Chiefly the big question that Mayor Kilger and CAO Norm Levac are refusing to answer.

What exactly happened at Economic Development?  We’ve established that Trillium communicated with ED in February and Spring 2013.   Why on earth was this not in their monthly report to Council or communicated to council?  Or was it and omitted?

Did the Mayor & Mr. Levac share it with a few councilors like Waterfront Committee member Glen Grant or former member Denis Thibault who resigned from the committee about the time that the lease was communicated to ED.

And of course that leads to why Mayor Kilger state he knew nothing about the tanks prior yet his first comments were that they wouldn’t stick out of the ground much?

CFN proved that the Mayor was lying as he discussed the tanks at a November 21st Waterfront Committee meeting.

We also know that if the public was aware before construction that steps could have been taken then to block the tanks that at the end of the day would not cost taxpayers at any level as much money.

During this last month things have gone silent.   Chuck Charlebois who somehow was anointed leader of the No Tanks rally did no real follow up and now is issuing notices about all sorts of political issues.

Bottom line.  The people of Cornwall have clearly stated they don’t want these tanks and so far there has been very limited resistance from our elected officials.    If TDC Inc’s appeal is successful what then?

Is it time for another rally?  Or is it simply time for council to force Mayor Kilger, Mr. Levac, and Economic Development to answer the basic questions and be held accountable; especially if we’re stuck with these tanks and the disaster that will hit our roads, infrastructure, and development?

Press release from the City:

City of Cornwall receives appeal to Interim Control Bylaw

The City of Cornwall has received an appeal of the Interim Control Bylaw that City Council adopted to prevent the construction of tanks on lands in the harbour area in Cornwall.

The appeal has been lodged by Trillium Distribution Cornwall Inc. and it was received on Friday, February 7th, the last day for appeals to the bylaw.

“Appeals of this nature are heard by the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) and the City will be forwarding the matter to the OMB,” said Stephen Alexander, General Manager, Planning, Parks and Recreation. “Typically it takes several months for a hearing date to be set for such matters.”

“It is unfortunate that we have an appeal against City Council’s decisive action in passing the Interim Control Bylaw,” said Mayor Bob Kilger. “However, we will defend Council’s action and basis for passing the bylaw.”

The Interim Control Bylaw prevents the use of the land for any use other than open space and is in effect for a period of one year, with a possible one year extension. It is intended to give Council and City staff an opportunity to study and subsequently consider adopting different zoning strategies for the area. The bylaw will remain in effect pending the outcome of the appeal before the OMB.

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Guy St. Jean & his Husband Charlie pay for Council Run at City Hall

CORNWALL Ontario – It was no surprise when Guy St. Jean put in his papers to run for council.   Mr. St. Jean had called me on the phone months before; full of high spirits, talking about the changes he felt he could help with in Cornwall and how much he supported Mark A MacDonald for Mayor.

It was a funny call as those kind of calls are when someone’s been  tippling.

Monday I went down to City Hall and interviewed Mr. St. Jean as I have offered to do and done for almost all of the candidates (or sent our intern)

Mr. St. Jean mentions some interesting issues facing us in the new election.   He’s the second council hopeful to mention re branding Cornwall which while I agree with, the City spends a lot of money already doing.   He talked about the waterfront, but has barely been seen or heard from at any of the rallies even though he and his husband live across the street from the tanks in the Cotton Mill Lofts.  He and his husband Charlie did take No Tanks pins after the interview.

He talks about the permit process for business in Cornwall which is a huge issue.   Why some businesses would have to pay rent for 12-18 months while being tortured by by law officers is not good for business.     The biggest complaint is that instead of being given a list of issues at one time by law officers in Cornwall will niggle them one at a time and sometimes new changes force already repaired work to be redone which infuriates business people watching their bank accounts bleed dry without being open.

However Mr. St Jean’s store, Neo Vintage Furniture which specializes in importing kitchy stuff from India and far off places is located in South Stormont where issues are rarely if ever Cornwallesque.

This morning Mr. St. Jean sent me a quick message.

hi Jamie! Please do not publish my interview done with you last Monday February 10th,2014 as I have no interest in any involvement with you!

A bewildering flip flop indeed and certainly something to mull as Mr. St. Jean is asking the public for their support to run for council in 2014.    Did his store’s one year party Tuesday night; filled with many of the Cornwall clique influence his decision?   Was he distancing himself because of the news of my charges yesterday that are clearly unproven?

Certainly bizarre behavior which begs the question of Mr. St. Jean’s character as the interview we shot was not random but agreed upon with a set time.  Is Guy a leader or a submissive follower?  Have we not had enough sheep like behavior around our council tables?

Again it’s going to be an interesting election season.  I think that for many after what’s occurred with the Kilger council that it will be critical for voters to realize that we are voting for community leadership and not popularity contest or who’s the nicest person.   Council run a $160M corporation that makes decisions that impact all of us; like raising commercial tax rates by over 3%.

FATAL SNOWMOBILE COLLISION

(South Stormont) – On February 11th, 2014 at approximately 11:30pm, SD&G OPP officers responded to a report of a collision involving a snowmobile on a trail located near Shaver Road and Colonial Drive, South Stormont Township.

Investigation indicates that the snowmobile, carrying two occupants, was northbound on the trail when the driver lost control rounding a curve causing both occupants to be ejected. The male passenger, Daniel ANDRE (21) of South Stormont, struck a tree and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The 22 year old male driver of South Stormont was arrested and is charged with;

- Impaired Operation of a Motor Vehicle Causing Death
- Exceed 80 Milligrams Blood Alcohol Content
- Possession of a Controlled Substance (marihuana)

He was held in custody and appears in Cornwall court this date.

Photo:FACEBOOK

DRIVER IDENTIFIED IN FATAL SNOWMOBILE COLLISION

(South Stormont) – On February 11th, 2014 at approximately 11:30pm, SD&G OPP officers responded to a report of a collision involving a snowmobile on a trail located near (approx 500m) Shaver Road and Colonial Drive, South Stormont Township.

Investigation indicates that the snowmobile, carrying two occupants, was northbound on the trail when the driver lost control rounding a curve causing both occupants to be ejected. The male passenger, Daniel ANDRE (21) of South Stormont, struck a tree and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Cole TATE (22) of South Stormont was arrested and is charged with;

- Impaired Operation of a Motor Vehicle Causing Death
- Exceed 80 Milligrams Blood Alcohol Content
- Possession of a Controlled Substance (marihuana)

He was held in custody and appeared in Cornwall court this date. He was released to re-appear on March 25th, 2014.

With the assistance of Technical Traffic Collision Investigators (TTCI), SD&G OPP officers continue the investigation.

former CAO Derik Brandt

CFN – South Glengarry CAO Derik Brandt and General Manager – Corporate Services  Jeffrey Bush have left the service of the Township.   We are seeking comment and further information but councillor Trevor Bougie confirmed to CFN that both gentlemen were let go by the township via phone.

Speculation is that it may be connected to the water deal recently signed with the  city of Cornwall.

We will update when more information becomes available.

CFN – I always marvel at how we humans communicate?   The concept of Shop at Home is critical and something that always is important to any community; but there are also barometers.

For example should we spend $25 for a book that we can buy online for $5?  If you own a small book store the answer might be yes, but the false economy in that issue is that if the person ordered the book for $5 they’d have $20 to spend going to the local theatre.

The South Stormont Chamber of Commerce is leading the way in the region with a new initiative called Shift 10.    I think it’s utterly ridiculous, and frankly, confusing.   The amount of energy and resources to explain it to the public would far outstrip the benefits.

10% isn’t enough.  The goal should always be to spend 100% locally where the product and service is available.  It’s also funny that those that usually scream the loudest for these initiatives rarely live up to them themselves.   Ask if our own governments do even?    For example is Winterfest here in Cornwall using our world class Sound company or hiring out a firm from Ottawa that may employ the city councilor on the Winterfest committee?

As a consumer there are many reasons to buy locally; freshness, quality, keeping costs down by not having to travel for goods or waiting for delivery of services.    The problem is that many small mom and pop shops lose perspective and realize that while many people want to shop locally they also don’t want to spend double the price or more; and when they walk into a merchant they’d like good service and options.

Is the real core issue though people shopping outside of their community or shopping at big box stores like Wal-Mart?   Again, it’s a free market; but many small businesses simply cannot compete with monster stores with more open hours, more staff, more variety, and yes, lower prices.

Asking people to “Shift 10%” of their spending to me sounds more like asking for charity or guilting people into spending some money locally instead of competing to the point where people want to shop locally more often.

In our area we do have some great merchants with interesting shops and services.    They, like all businesses face competitive pressures.     Instead of confusing the public by sending messages to shift spending perhaps they can instead focus on sharing how great some of our local businesses are and helping those not aware discover them?

The good news is that this group is at least in their humble if misguided way heading in the right direction.    What do you think dear viewers of CFN?  What are your “local” shopping habits?    Do you try and spend more locally and what do you consider local?    You can post your comments below.

As for Ms Primeau; it’s good to see more women getting into politics and we wish her well on her journey of running for council in South Stormont.  It should be interesting to see what else she stands for besides getting the public to shift only 10% of their spending locally…

The first meeting of the Economic Development Officers Working Group for 2014 was held this past week at the North Stormont Municipal Office in Berwick.  Part of this meeting included a passionate introduction to the Shift 10% campaign, lead by champions Kim Stewart, Shift 10% Coordinator, and owner of Stokefire; and Donna Primeau, South Stormont, Chamber of Commerce President and owner of Showcase in the Long Sault Plaza.

 

Shift 10% Back to Local is a campaign designed to remind the public about the benefits of supporting their locally owned businesses. Campaign advocate Kim Stewart believes that by actively shifting 10 per cent of shopping to local businesses, the whole community will benefit.  “The advantage is that we are their neighbours, we are the ones who support their son’s and daughter’s minor sports, donate to community fundraisers, and hire youth from the neighbourhood” said Stewart.

 

“The South Stormont Chamber of Commerce (SSCC) has started to develop a 36 month campaign with a primary goal of increasing the profiles of local businesses,” stated Donna Primeau. There is no charge to participate in the program, only the commitment to be an ambassador of the Shift 10% campaign.  SSCC has been presenting across Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry with the hopes that local business owners will support the Shift 10%  campaign.  “You do not have to be a Chamber of Commerce member to participate in the program – we want Shift 10% to become region wide – and in the future be recognizable throughout eastern Ontario,” added Stewart.

 

SDG Economic Development and Communications Officer Terry Besner sees great potential in this grass roots movement.  “By supporting the Shift 10% program both businesses and consumers will benefit. The economic growth will strengthen existing businesses, encourage expansion, and foster entrepreneurial spirit locally,” concluded Besner.

(Comments and opinions of Editorials, Letters to the Editor, and comments from readers are purely their own and don’t necessarily reflect those of the owners of this site, their staff, or sponsors.)

EASTBOUND HIGHWAY 401 TRAFFIC RE-ROUTED DUE TO COLLISIONS

(South Stormont) – SD&G OPP officers are currently at the scene of a motor vehicle collision on Highway 401, South Stormont Township involving several tractor-trailers. There are no reports of any injuries at this time.

Highway 401 eastbound traffic is being re-routed at the Dickinson off-ramp and directed to Emergency Detour Routes (EDR).

Motorists are urged to delay travels if possible. If travel is a must, please exercise caution and be cognizant of emergency personnel tending to scenes!! 

ARMED ROBBERY

Cornwall, ON – Landon Laplante, 27 of Cornwall was arrested on February 13^th, 2014 and charged with three counts of robbery with a weapon. It is alleged that the man was responsible for three robberies that occurred on February 8^th, 9^th and 10^th, 2014 in the city of Cornwall. On all three occurrences the man approached clerks at local businesses and demanded money indicating that he had a gun in his possession. On all three occasions no gun was ever seen by the clerks and police were contacted to investigate. On February 13^th, 2014 members of the Criminal Investigation Department took the man was into custody, charged him accordingly and held him for a bail hearing.

SEXUAL ASSAULT, SEXUAL INTERFERENCE

Cornwall, ON – A 38-year-old Cornwall man was arrested on February 13^th, 2014 and charged with two counts of sexual assault and one count of sexual interference. It is alleged that between February, 2013 and the summer of 2013 the man sexually assaulted his 17-year-old daughter and his 14-year-old daughter. Police were contacted and an investigation ensued. On February 13^th, 2014 the man attended police headquarters to deal with the matter. He was taken into custody, charged accordingly and later released to appear in court on March 20^th, 2014. His name was not released as it might identify the victims in the matter.

Cornwall, ON – A 17-year-old Cornwall youth was arrested on February 13^th, 2014 and charged with breaching his recognizance for not residing at a specified address and for failing to keep the peace. He is also charged with breaching his probation order for not notifying a change of address and failing to keep the peace. It is alleged that the youth had not been seen by his mother in two days and police were contacted to investigate. On February 13^th, 2014 the youth was spotted walking in the area of Walton Street and Alice Street by a member of the Cornwall Community Police. He was taken into custody, charged accordingly and held for a bail hearing. His name was not released as per provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

Cornwall, ON – Brandon Tessier, 27 of Cornwall was arrested on February 11^th, 2014 and charged with breaching his undertaking for having failed to attend for prints. It is alleged that on January 7^th, 2014 the man failed to attend police headquarters for prints as required and as a result an investigation ensued. On February 11^th, 2014 the man attended police headquarters to deal with the matter. He was taken into custody, charged accordingly and held for a bail hearing.

OPP

THEFT

(North Glengarry) – On February 13th, 2014 at approximately 7:15pm, SD&G OPP officers responded to a report of a theft of video games at a business on Main Street in the Town of Alexandria, North Glengarry Township. Further information indicated he was in contravention of conditions imposed from previous incidents.

Cory HELLIKER (27) of North Glengarry was arrested and is charged with;

- Theft Under
- Fail to Comply with Probation Order (2 counts)

He was released to appear in Alexandria court on March 5th, 2014.

DRUGS SEIZED

(South Glengarry) – On February 13th, 2014 at approximately 12:45am, an SD&G OPP officer had the occasion to stop a vehicle on Duncan Street in the Village of Lancaster, South Glengarry Township. The stop resulted in the seizure of a quantity of suspected marihuana from within the vehicle. Further information indicated he was in contravention of conditions from a previous incident.

Andrew ARAB (20) of South Glengarry was arrested and is charged with;

- Possession of a Controlled Substance (under 30grams)
- Fail to Comply with Probation Order (2 counts)

He was released and schedule to appear in Alexandria court on April 2nd, 2014.

CFN – Del Jones announced today that he intends to seek the provincial Liberal nomination for Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry.

“This is a critical time in the history of our province and I believe that I can make a difference”, he said. “I have the experience, skills and ability to get things done that will ensure my success as a representative of SDSG. And most importantly, I am driven to do what’s right, and what’s fair.”

Mr. Jones has a broad range of experience. He is a professional accountant with over twenty years of management experience with some of Canada’s most successful corporations. He is now in his ninth year of a second career as a secondary school teacher with the Upper Canada District School Board. He has also served a four year term as a South Dundas municipal councilor and performed the duties of Treasurer for the Winchester District Memorial Hospital.

“I am a quick study”, said Mr. Jones. “Whether it is understanding the intricacies of the dairy industry, or municipal taxation, I can grasp the issues and drill down to find common sense solutions to difficult problems”, he said. “I think I have been preparing for this challenge all of my life. I want to find creative solutions to the serious problems we face and ensure Ontario fully recovers from the devastation brought on by the 2008 financial crisis. And, I will work tirelessly to return high-paying jobs to Cornwall and SDSG.”

Del has been married to his wife Karen for 32 years. They have a daughter, Michelle, a registered nurse who is currently completing a Masters of Health Science (Bioethics) at the University of Toronto. Their son, David, is also studying at the University of Toronto pursuing a Masters of Divinity.

Mr. Jones may not be alone in seeking the nomination as riding association board members John Earle (Mr Alyssa Blais) and Michelle Allinote are also mentioned to be mulling or jumping into the race.

When asked about the other candidates Mr. Jones replied:

I think it is great to have contest. Much better than being uncontested. We are all striving for the same goals.

If Mr. Jones is successful he’d face off against incumbent PC MPP Jim McDonell and forever dipper hopeful Elaine MacDonald whose scandals within her own council in Cornwall have not deterred her from seeking higher office.

What do you think CFN viewers?   You can post your comments below.

ROBBERY, DISGUISE WITH INTENT

Cornwall, ON – Danielle Vivarais, 21 of Cornwall was arrested on February 14^th, 2014 and charged with robbery and disguise with intent. It is alleged that on February 14^th, 2014 the woman entered a Belmont Street convenience store all the while concealing her face and demanding money. The woman then punched the store owner and removed a quantity of cash from the drawer. The woman then attempted to leave the area, however was detained by the owner and a neighbor until police arrived. Once police were on scene the woman was taken into custody, charged accordingly and held for a bail hearing.

WARRANT

Cornwall, ON – Nikala High, 21 of Cornwall was arrested on February 14^th, 2014 on the strength of a warrant. It is alleged that the woman failed to attend court for an assault charge and a warrant was issued for her arrest. A second warrant was also issued for failing to comply with her probation order. On February 14^th, 2014 the Cornwall Community Police attended the Gatineau Courthouse in Quebec and assumed custody of the woman as she was being held on the strength of Cornwall’s warrants. She was transported to Cornwall and held for a bail hearing.

Cornwall, ON – Matthew Walker, 21 of Cornwall was arrested on February 15^th, 2014 on the strength of a warrant. It is alleged that the man failed to attend court on December 16^th, 2013 for drug related charges and a warrant was issued for his arrest. On February 15^th, 2014 during a traffic stop in the area of McConnell Avenue and Walton Street the man was taken into custody on the strength of the warrant and held for a bail hearing.

BREACH

Cornwall, ON – Michel Leblanc, 45 of Cornwall was arrested on February 14^th, 2014 and charged with breaching his recognizance for failing to notify a change of address and for failing to keep the peace. It is alleged that on February 2^nd, 2014 police attended his last known address to speak with him about an unrelated matter. Police learned that the man had moved and failed to notify the change of address. On February 14^th, 2014 the man was located by police, taken into custody, charged accordingly and held for a bail hearing.

Cornwall, ON – A 16-year-old Cornwall youth was arrested on February 15^th, 2014 on the strength of a probation warrant. It is alleged that the youth breached her probation order for failing to report and failing to reside at a place approved by probation. A warrant was then issued for her arrest. On February 15^th, 2014 the youth was spotted by police walking in the area of Walton Street and McConnell Avenue. The youth was taken into custody on the strength of the warrant and held for a bail hearing. Her name was not released as per provision s of the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

ASSAULT, BREACH

Cornwall, ON – A 28-year-old Cornwall man was arrested on February 15^th, 2014 and charged with two counts assault and breach of two probation orders for failing to keep the peace. It is alleged that on February 15^th, 2014 during an argument with his 19-year-old ex-partner he punched him in the head on two separate occasions. Police were contacted and an investigation ensued. During their investigation police located the man at a Sydney Street address and took him into custody. He was charged accordingly and held for a bail hearing. His name was not released as it might identify the victim in the matter.

ASSAULT

Cornwall, ON – A 16-year-old Cornwall youth was arrested on February 16^th, 2014 and charged with two counts of assault. It is alleged that on February 16^th, 2014 the youth was involved in a verbal argument with her parents when she punched both of them in the head several times. Police were contacted and an investigation ensued. During their investigation they took the youth into custody, charged her accordingly and held her for a bail hearing. Her name was not released as per provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

TPS
The Toronto Police Service would like to make the public aware of an Indecent Act investigation.

It is reported that:

- on Monday, February 10, 2014, in the morning hours, a man exposed himself to a 17-year-old girl

- on Tuesday, February 11, 2014, in the evening hours, the same man exposed himself to a 55-year-old woman

- on Thursday, February 13, 2014, in the morning hours, the same man exposed himself to a 23-year-old woman

- all three occurred in the Thorncliffe Park area and, each time, the man smiled at the females

The man is described as brown, late 20s-early 30s, approximately 5’7″, with a medium-heavy build, dark eyes, and possibly an overbite. He was wearing a dark-coloured winter coat, beige/tan pants, dark-coloured boots, and black gloves.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-5300, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637), or Leave A Tip on Facebook. Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes, Google Play or Blackberry App World.

FRAUD UNDER $5000, POSSESSION OF PROPERTY OBTAINED BY CRIME

Cornwall, ON – Shawnna Chartrand, 21 of Cornwall was arrested on February 12^th, 2014 and charged with possession of property obtained by crime and two counts of fraud under $5000. It is alleged that in the month of January, 2014 the woman used a banking card that did not belong to her to deposit empty envelopes into an account. The woman then withdrew money from the account. Police were contacted and an investigation ensued. On February 12^th, 2014 the woman was located at a Sixth Street West address, taken into custody and charged accordingly. She was later released to appear in court on March 20^th, 2014.

THEFT UNDER

Cornwall, ON – A 20-year-old Cornwall woman was arrested on February 12^th, 2014 and charged with two counts of theft under $5000. It is alleged that on February 12^th, 2014 the woman took two rings and a necklace from one of her friend’s residence. Police were contacted and an investigation ensued. On February 12^th, 2014 the woman was located by police, taken into custody and during the arrest police learned that she was also responsible for the theft of money from her brother’s account. She was charged accordingly and later released to appear in court on March 20^th, 2014. Her name was not released as it would identify the victims in the matter.

CFN -I’ve always been a coward. For years I’ve kept hidden inside my head a numbered list of things I’ve always wanted to try but never found the nerve to do.

In my defense, I also have a list in my head of all the things I’ve wanted to try that I actually have done – perm my hair, go to Europe, quit my job to be a writer. With the exception of the curly hair experiment, these are all big dreams, serious accomplishments. It’s the little things I have trouble with.

See, I’m that curious brand of human being, little understood and much maligned, called the “introvert.” Perfectly stable and coherent one on one, as soon as I’m in a group of more than three, I clam up.

Fear born from my introversion, namely my unease in groups, has kept me from some of my goals. But it’s never good to be governed by fear. Often, it is irrational and the reward of pushing past it well worth the temporary discomfort.

Yes, folks, I’ve recently learned a lesson.

I met a local artist last month, a very nice man whose specialties include both photography and stained glass art. As luck would have it, taking an art class is on that neat little list I keep, and he was offering classes in stained glass. Some wild instinct came over me and I signed up without thinking.

I arrived in his studio a week later, a small room tucked away in an old building, feeling rather awkward – I was the only student. The picture of two adults spending three hours on a Friday afternoon designing and creating stained glass art together was an odd one. But as we bent over some clean sheets of paper, pencils in hand, and together devised an abstract design of a bird, the weirdness melted away.

As he taught me how to cut the glass – glowing sheets of bright yellow and orange and deep purple – and carefully break away the shapes, I relaxed into the comforting rhythm. I was thoroughly enjoying the experience of creating something, and happy that I pushed past my fear to give the class a try.

Gradually, our pencil lines were filled in with cut and smoothed glass and our bird came to life. I chose a bird because it represents freedom – not very imaginative, but very appropriate.

Letting go of fears is freedom. Reservations, hesitations and second-guessing all prevent us from living, experiencing and trying new things. Chances must be taken in life. Without risking our comfort, we’re just stagnant and bored.

But dreams don’t have to be big and dramatic. Dreams can be small things, achieved one step at a time: Losing weight, getting the dog you’ve always wanted, writing a short story, asking someone out on a date, auditioning for the local theater company.

Small dreams are within reach and when achieved, are just as rewarding as the big ones. There isn’t just reward in the experience. There is reward is learning what you are capable of, in finding a new friend, in opening your narrow view of life to include something fresh and exciting.

Maybe you haven’t headlined a blockbuster movie, written a bestseller or climbed Mount Everest, but any completed goal creates the same swelling of pride. And the knowledge that something scared you, and you decided not to care and go for it anyway, is something to be proud of.

JH Mae is a feature journalist and short fiction writer based in rural northern New York.

She worked for five years at a local newspaper, followed by three years as a secretary.

She recently left the office life to pursue a full-time writing career and now works in her pajamas.

To learn more about here you can visit her website by clicking HERE   http://jhmae.com/

Councillors and Mayor,

A recent post on a local news site suggested that something like $600,000 dollars was spent by the city for food stuffs and food provision.

I found a 2013 budget document from the City of Cornwall that roughly confirms that information.

Please be kind enough to provide some itemization and explanation for this amount… certainly; the providers, the partakers, and a description of the food and related services (and perhaps the neediness which prompted the expenditure).

Are we talking 10 thousand $60 dollar meals? …I’m very curious given that that budget allotted just $10,000 dollars to the AGAPE Centre (ie. the Community food bank, soup kitchen etc.) an organization serving the desperately “in need”.

I look forward to a timely response.

Yours,

Jim Marshall

1984 Cornwall Avenue

Cornwall, ON

CORNWALL Ontario – The Chemical tanks on the former Kaneb Oil tank site issue is  heating up  again.   Some of the questions I get in conversation is what I would have done if I had been mayor or on council in regards to the tanks as much of the issue is in the hands of the Federal government?

While that is true there is still the HUGE issue of timeline that Mayor Kilger and the city are refusing to answer, and sadly this council is afraid or simply too addled to bring into open council?

In December 2013 the mayor and just about all our community leadership acted in mock surprise and rage about these tanks on the waterfront.   A rally took place led by Chuck Charlebois and The Chamber of Commerce.   The Chamber decided to not send CFN, the largest newspaper in the city, their press release which is an odd way to try and get as many people as possible to the event.

About 60 people showed up; mostly either connected to City Hall, the Chamber, or the usual politicos around Cornwall; mostly retired folk.   The actual public was not really represented and very little information was available via other media.

CFN broke the news via an email from Transport Canada that the City knew as early as February 2013.     At that point the question became who at City Hall knew and why was this information buried?  What the heck exactly happened?  At a meeting at the Civic Complex that about 150 people showed up; this time more of the public, the message was quite clear, NO TANKS.

Likewise our MP, Guy Lauzon stated he knew nothing of the project until it went public.  He himself did not condemn the tanks nor has he really done anything since.    When his name was attached to public meetings with the guilty parties he clearly was not representing his constituents which isn’t really all that surprising.

Council’s response was some rumbling about not wanting tanks, but no comments or questions in open council.   While insiders have shared that it was in fact discussed in closed camera that really does the public no good.  After all how can the public come to an educated opinion if they are kept in the dark by City Hall and the media?   And surely it’s a councilors first job to represent the people that elected him and the only way for that information to be discussed is either via open council or bringing to the media.

Mayor Kilger himself has yet to condemn the tanks although he has made rumbles about working for the will of council.

The facts are clear though that his government knew about the tanks in February 2013, knew of the plans in Spring of 2013, said nothing officially until December when the Mayor was caught lying about his knowledge as he had shared about them after a waterfront committee meeting on November 21st, 2013; and in the months since there has been no firm leadership regarding the tanks other than a very limp by-law that has now been challenged and most likely will cost taxpayers a bag of money once its kicked out by the courts giving Trillium Distribution Cornwall Inc. the green light to finish construction.

Politics is a funny game.   Watch a TV show like House of Cards where there is not a single redeemable character; not a one, except maybe for Cashew the Guinea Pig.

The Federal government watches any situation.  What they saw in Cornwall was a petty divided community leadership that led to almost no political blow back from the population.

I in fact called for a march from MP Lauzon’s office to City Hall, a few blocks.    Chuck Charlebois actually emailed media to make sure they knew that he was not not part of the event thus sabotaging it.  In spite of that about 100 people showed up including some of our neighbours form Akwesasne.    Where I emailed the media with a release on the Tuesday stating that I would wear my activist hat for this rally and not write about it in CFN they stood down.    The Seaway News and Standard Freeholder showed up the day of the event, but only to trash it with the Seaway News printing that only 30 showed up and with their reporter not interviewing  the organizer, myself.      Chuck Charlebois showed up and I allowed him to walk in the lead and issue a speech at City Hall.  This is called blowing and sucking; compared to the more popular sucking and blowing.

Again, the  reflection to the Feds showed weakness of our community and created no real pressure on them.     It’s the exact opposite of what you’d want if you truly wanted to serve the public who clearly didn’t want the tanks.  If 1,000 people showed up a total different response from them.

If our mayor and council showed leadership and had informed the public before the tanks were constructed in a clear and honest fashion would they be in the ground now?  I think not.

Should Economic Development and possibly any elected officials that knew about the tanks be held responsible?   Well if I were as outraged as some of council stated that they were I sure as heck would have asked the right questions to the mayor in open council.  To date none of them has.

Now we are seeing some of the newbies who will be running for council making noise about the tanks.    People like Guy St. Jean who was not present at the rally and for example has not signed our petition simply asking the government to stop the tanks.    Late to the party?  Political opportunist?   The man lives across the street from the tanks in the Cotton Mill Condos for goodness sake!  Where was he all this time?

Honestly the public has not shown any real opposition to these tanks.   For a city of over 45,000 to muster less than 1,000 signatures shows the bad guys that time will heal all noise.

The end result most likely will be trucks running up and down McConnell or Montreal Road, and eventually a much larger bill for our infrastructure.

Leadership is critical in crisis like these.  Lack of leadership never gets results unless of course in this case the goal was simply for the mayor and council to get the tanks through for some old friends in an election year?

And without strong community leadership and awareness to combat such a scenario you end up with a divided waterfront and chem tanks next to a little league ball park.

But then again that ball park itself has a dirty history with fill from it sent to Big Ben without proper permission from the Ministry of the Environment as alleged in documents in possession of CFN.

The only way to change a culture and build a community is to have change.   Like they say;

You get the government you deserve.

CFN – Once again we have a spending scandal occupying the attention of Canadians. This time however, it doesn’t involve our esteemed senators but two former generals, Andrew Leslie who is presently a senior Liberal advisor and Daniel Menard who retired in disgrace from the armed forces. Leslie claimed $72,000 for moving expenses and Menard claimed $40,000.

Both the Senate scandal and this latest one have one thing in common; they involve amounts of money and expenses that everyone can understand. Virtually every adult has had to pay for moving expenses at one time or another and when the dollar amount exceeds the yearly income of many Canadians, they notice.

This is not to say that either general did anything wrong when they submitted their claim for reimbursement. As retired General and Trudeau advisor Andrew Leslie explained, he played by the rules. Yes he did and the rules that are in place allowed him to claim the expenses from his last move. As far as I know, there is no distance stipulation covered by those rules. The same rules applied for General Menard; although asking taxpayers to pay for a move from Canada to the United Arab Emirates after being court-martialed does make them shake their heads.

Like a lot of the Senate rules governing allowable expense claims, the military move policy does need a review, perhaps something as simple as a cap on the maximum allowable claim. Let us not forget though that while these two cases highlight the moves of two very senior former officers, the vast majority of these “last moves” involve the rank and file, the backbone of our armed forces. Let’s not punish them to make an example of two senior officers, one of whom happens to be a Liberal advisor and potential Liberal candidate.

A lot of the online discussion has focused on the political attacks that have come in on Andrew Leslie and the appropriateness of those attacks. Welcome to politics 101. Once you enter the political arena the gloves come off and you become a legitimate political target. What you say, what you have done and yes what you claimed can easily make you a target. Just ask Senators Duffy and Wallin, it doesn’t matter who you were or what you have contributed over the years. Everyone is fair game in the political world.

There are many examples of outstanding citizens who have chosen to enter federal politics from a variety of backgrounds and no party spared them from attacks. Claude Wagner (a former judge), Robert Stanfield (a former premier), Lester Pearson (a distinguished diplomat) and Paul Martin (a distinguished businessman) all had outstanding backgrounds of service to their province or country. More recently we have seen the attacks from the Liberals and NDP on Chuck Strahl, one of the most decent and highly respected individuals to serve any government. Yet their years of distinguished service didn’t spare any of them from political scrutiny and attack, nor will Leslie be spared this time.

There is an expression that “perception is reality in politics” and in the case of the two generals the perception is that their moving expenses are excessive. Fair criticism or not, these expenses don’t look good to the average voter and with politics being the rough sport that it is it’s no surprise that the general’s expense claims have been put under the microscope and become part of the political debate as we run up to the next election. Welcome to Politics 101.

Keith Beardsley is a senior strategist for True North Public Affairs in Ottawa, as well as a blogger and political analyst. He can often be found running or cycling on his favorite bike trails. To sponsor this column please  email jamie@cornwallfreenews.com!

CORNWALL Ontario –  The City of Cornwall has responded to construction starting again on the old Kaneb Oil Tank property by Trillium Distribution Cornwall Inc. today as well as that company’s appeal of its bylaw designed to stop construction on the waterfront.

CFN has learned that concrete was scheduled to start pouring on the site at 11 AM Thursday morning.

The City has posted a stop work order, but the question is it all smoke as no legal entity has publicly stated if the municipality or even Province has jurisdiction of Crown land.

Here is the city’s release:

The City of Cornwall has issued orders to comply and stop work orders today at the storage tanks site in the harbour area to prevent further work from proceeding and to have the owner and contractor comply with the Interim Control Bylaw passed by City Council on December 9th, 2013. 

The orders to comply and stop work orders were issued by Chris Rogers, Chief Building Official and Bylaw Supervisor, after activity resumed on the site. 

The effect of the Interim Control Bylaw is to prevent the use of the land for any use other than open space and is in effect for a period of one year, with a possible one year extension. It is intended to give Council and City staff an opportunity to study and subsequently consider adopting different zoning strategies for the area. 

Trillium Distribution Cornwall Inc. has launched an appeal of the Interim Control Bylaw to the Ontario Municipal Board. A hearing date for that matter has yet to be scheduled. 
In a separate matter, on Friday, February 14th, Trillium Distribution Cornwall Inc. filed an application in Ontario Superior Court. The application seeks an order to quash the Interim Control Bylaw on the grounds that the City does not have jurisdiction over federally-owned lands. In effect, the action launched by the applicant suggests that the Federal Government has sole jurisdiction over development on the lands. 

The City intends to defend the Interim Control Bylaw at the Ontario Municipal Board as well as the court action launched by Trillium Distribution Cornwall Inc. 

The big question this morning is whether crews at the TDC Inc. site will respect a city order which may not be valid and how much this charade is going to cost taxpayers and whether council will ever hold the mayor and Economic Development responsible for this utter black mark on our development plan for the city?

Chuck Charlebois, for some strange reason sent a protest letter to our MP Guy Lauzon.  MP Lauzon who stated originally that he knew nothing about the tanks has been all but silence in regards to removing the tanks to date.   Mr. Charlebois previously sabotaged a rally against the tanks.

We are reposting our online petition asking for the tanks to be stopped.   It’s interesting if you take a moment to see how few community leaders have signed it, especially as it’s such a basic question.

What do you think dear CFN viewers.  You can post your comments below.

PERSONATION, OBSTRUCT POLICE, BREACH

Cornwall, ON – Shawna Mitchell, 35 of Cornwall was arrested on February 18^th, 2014 and charged with obstruct police, personation and breach of undertaking for failing to keep the peace. It is alleged that on February 18^th, 2014 during a traffic stop in the area of Bedford Street and Seventh Street the woman falsely identified herself as another woman to police. She was taken into custody, charged accordingly and later released to appear in court on March 20^th, 2014. She was also charged for driving while suspended under the Highway Traffic Act.

THREATS

Cornwall, ON – Jason Benoit, 35 of Richmond, ON was arrested on February 18^th, 2014 and charged with threats to life. It is alleged that on February 14^th, 2014 the man threatened to shoot and kill a 20-year-old Cornwall man during a phone call. Police were contacted and an investigation ensued. On February 18^th, 2014 the man attended police headquarters to deal with the matter. He was taken into custody, charged accordingly and held for a bail hearing.

THEFT UNDER $5000, BREACH

Cornwall, ON – Jonathan Duruchie , 40 of Cornwall was arrested on February 18^th, 2014 and charged with theft under $5000 and breach of undertaking for failing to keep the peace. It is alleged that on February 14^th, 2014 the man entered a local convenience store, selected several items then left the store making no attempts to pay for them. On February 18^th, 2014 police were contacted and an investigation ensued. During their investigation the man was spotted by police walking in the area of Water Street and Race Street, he was taken into custody and charged accordingly. The man was transported to police headquarters and held for a bail hearing.

BREACH

Cornwall, ON – Matthieu Boudrias, 24 of Cornwall was arrested on February 19^th, 2014 and charged with five counts of breach of undertaking. It is alleged that on February 19^th, 2014 during a traffic stop in the area of Bedford Street and Fourth Street the man was taken into custody for outstanding breach charges. On this date the man who was a passenger in the vehicle was also accompanied by someone known to have a criminal record despite being on conditions not to associate with such a person. He was charged accordingly and later released to appear in court on March 25^th, 2014.

WARRANT, DRUGS

Cornwall, ON – Marc Hurtubise, 41of Cornwall was arrested on February 17^th, 2014 on the strength of a warrant and also charged with possession of a controlled substance. It is alleged that during a traffic stop in the area of Montreal Road and McConnell Avenue on February 17^th, 2014 it was learned that the man a passenger in the vehicle was wanted by the RCMP and a warrant had been issued for his arrest. The man was taken into custody on the strength of the warrant and charged accordingly as he was found to be in possession of a small quantity of marihuana. The man was later turned over to a member of the Joint Task Force in order to deal with the warrant.

The City of Cornwall has a bylaw, that (in short), prohibits the use of excessive noise at all times in quiet zones, and all other zones from roughly 7PM (or 9PM, and even 11PM) until 7AM.

The last three nights there have been constant snow removal teams working outside in my neighborhood, removing snow. While I can appreciate the work that they do – 1AM is NOT the time to be doing this. The clanking, pounding, scraping, beeping, and clashing noises are loud enough to come through the windows (while shut) and still be perfectly distinguishable in my bedroom (which is at the back of the house – whereas the work is out in the front). I work two jobs, and I rely on sleep to not only be able to efficiently operate throughout the day, but to keep my sanity.

I feel that these removal crews, with these front loaders, BobCats, and dump trucks (while simply just doing their jobs), are causing more residents than myself a lack of sleep and unneeded frustration. Why can’t these teams work during the day?

CORNWALL Ontario – Humility can be a great lesson.   What we are learning today as Transport Canada and the Federal government allowed Trillium Distribution Cornwall Inc. to pour concrete and finish their Chemical tanks on our waterfront is that when you don’t work together you lose.

In this case our community loses.   It’s a very very clear picture.   You have city management at Economic Development either not sharing crucial info with council in a timely fashion or they did share and it was hushed up.

When it did go public petty politics ruled the day with Chamber of Commerce not issuing its press release to the largest, most read newspaper in the city because of past petty politics with their utterly incompetent director and board members.

When we started our online petition did the community pull together?  Nope, instead three others were started.

Did the Mayor, MP, MPP and other leaders condemn the tanks loudly and clearly?  Nope.

When there was a rally did the community pull together and walk two blocks to send a clear message?   Nope.  In fact the event was sabotaged by the very man whose name has been synonymous with it, Chuck Charlebois who made a point of saying that he was not going by issuing a press release to area media even though he showed up and led the march on the day of the event.

It’s been suggested the only reason there was a delay was because of Akwesasne.  According to an unreliable media source, the seaway news, Mayor Kilger has thrown Akwesasne under the bus and stated that because the Grand Chief pulled their review process down to facilitate talks about the City acquiring land that the tank construction could start again.   Akwesasne has not issued a statement although this scribbler has zero doubts that the only reason construction stopped was because of Akwesasne thus further indicting the weakness and inability of Mayor Kilger to have any impact as a leader.

This is not to point fingers.   The exercise here is to show a snapshot of what the “powers that be” saw while this was going down, and it was a weak and petty community divided that offered no real strength or opposition.

When I suggested to some that we get a group together and bring in legal ammo and get an injunction people lost their legs.

I knew our City Hall would not protect Cornwall in this case based on their cover up of the facts and Mayor Kilger’s first comments; that the tanks wouldn’t stick out of the ground much.   How do you say you  knew nothing and come up with that gem?

This morning one of the council hopefuls has called for a peaceful rally in front of the site for one hour.    I think it’s called “A Wake” in other places.   Most of those that attend are the real reason why the concrete is setting.

Our choice is to learn from our mistakes and grow or to keep repeating them.   As for me?  I will keep defending my community as best I can.  It’s part of why I will be at City Hall today at 2 PM and be having a press conference where  I will be making two statements regarding my own, and our fair city’s future.

It’s sad that so many here in Cornwall hide from the truth rather than face it; that so many live in fear and lies instead of as our police chief Dan Parkinson likes to say; the Sunshine.

Today is an opportunity for change and for the people of Cornwall to start to work together for that change.   If given that chance I think I can help, and if we truly want a better Cornwall it’s within our grasp come November.

See you at City Hall