Port Dalhousie's Community News Magazine
Volume 14  Issue 2, APRIL 2010 #150 (Updated August 24/10)

 
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Complete
Dalhousie Peer
Digital Edition

PEER PUBLISHERS IN RETIREMENT
(posted August 24/10)

PROUD Self-Destructs
(posted July 28/10)

PROUD's 599 members
by Radcon White
(posted July 28/10)

OFFICIAL PLAN
(posted July 13/10)

BILL CORFIELD
RE-VISITS PORT
(posted June 13)

OLIVER CAT'S PENTHOUSE VIEW
(posted June 12/10)

SNEAKY GARCIA
by Radcon White
(posted June 8/10))

OUR COVER

MacARTHUR SCHOOL BELL - Is this the one?

RADCON WHITE on PORT
posted May 20/10)

RAD'S RANT

OMB DECISION
on Port Place

CODE OF CONDUCT UPDATES

THE WELLAND CANALS ADVOCATE Promoting the Old Welland Canals Corridor as a National Historic site

 

Council Approves Jaycee Park Connection

(posted August 24/10)

City Council approved the staff recommendation for a hybrid connection linking Jaycee Park to Rennie Park via a combined bridge and floating dock. Debate was minimal, focusing on unknown costs and uncertainty of approvals by federal agencies. Councillor Williamson’s motion passed seemingly unanimously. But what was that preamble all about? He stated that city council had no involvement in the inclusion of the project within the federally funded grant which would pay for 90% of the project because the application was made by “citizens.”

Indeed the mover behind obtaining the 1.9million dollar grant, that would also see the inner range lighthouse repainted and Dalhousie House restored, was the chair of citizens group Niagara Citizens for Smart Development (NCSD). Williamson then added that if it had come before council he wouldn’t have considered it a priority expenditure.

So what is the reasoning behind Williamson moving to approve a project that he doesn’t consider a priority? Let’s keep in mind that it was made clear by MP Rick Dykstra that approval of the funding application was very much influenced by the private investment known as Port Place (“the tower” in local vernacular) a proposal that Williamson vehemently and actively opposed. NCSD was on the opposite side of the debate in support of Port Place.

So what Williamson is doing is setting himself up to be seen as a proponent for a very popular initiative, that being the Jaycee Park connection which was first suggested by the St. Catharines Jaycees themselves twenty years ago and has been a topic of discussion ever since. By stating that he considers it a non-priority, he implies that NCSD (and Port Place by association) has cost the city $200,000 rather than saving the city $1.7 million.

So there you have it. “Me good for supporting a popular project; tower supporters bad for costing city money.” I’m sure the nuance was missed by all except those who have been studying Williamson’s posturing for the past two terms on council. With campaigning about to begin you will soon begin to see him rise to speak in council on every issue to get as much camera time as he can. What voters should understand is that Williamson, as a Port Dalhousie ward councillor, has consistently voted to block progress in the commercial district in Port Dalhousie in contradiction to the city’s and the region’s policy for increased tourism and commercial activity for the area.

As one Port Dalhousie businessman once said, “I don’t know why they keep voting him in?” Perhaps it’s time we all looked a bit closer at what our councillors actually stand for and if their actions are a benefit or a detriment to our lifestyles.

AIM HIGH, DREAM BIG (April 2010)

by David Serafino

WHERE WE’VE BEEN
During our years of publication, we have had the privilege to report on the events affecting change in our small but effervescent community. At first it was easy and that made it fun. In 1997 we entered a period of unified enthusiasm while the harbour area and rowing course were being upgraded for the 1999 World Rowing Championships. Shortly thereafter, the commercial core became known as one of the most populated drinking spots in southern Ontario. We defended the music and the right to assemble but denounced the late night rowdyism and vandalism that came with it.

(read whole story)

 From The Editor

THIS IS NOT OUR LAST GOODBYE (April 2010)

by David Serafino

It was fine design that brought circumstances together for our last issue. (Don’t interpret “last” literally, we’ll be back after a short hiatus.) The alignment of the planets came together in the form of our 150th issue and my copy editor/wife’s retirement (yes, Lana).

We would like to end our 13-year run on a high note, and for Dalhousie Peer at inception and beyond, the goal has been to aim high and dream big. And also to entertain. Sometimes we’re funny. And sometimes only to some.

(read whole story)

   
FEATURED THIS ISSUE

Centre Stage - Theatre in Port's 2010 Season Pg 7

Port Historical - Tudy McIntosh on 'The Camps' pg 8

Body Whys - Childhood Obesity Pg 10

Burined Treasure - Patience & Persistence Pg 12

Simba's Corner - Puppy Development
Pg 14

Money Matters - Budget Enhancements to RDSPs Pg 15

Fishing Currents - Fishing Buddies Pg 17

Rad's Rant - Contractors Beware Pg 18


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