Al Lunney

Lanark County Council elected Perth Mayor John Fenik to its top political post for 2010 during the inaugural meeting held Tuesday morning in Perth.

“I have an open door policy,” Mr. Fenik said as he thanked councillors for their support. “I will rely on everyone for input and help. I sincerely look forward to working with each and every one of you.”

Mr. Fenik was nominated by Drummond/North Elmsley Reeve Aubrey Churchill and Perth Deputy Mayor John Gemmell. He has served on Perth council for 12 years, entering his fourth year as mayor, and six years on county council. He has served on several county committees. He works for the Upper Canada District School Board, has a Bachelor of Social Work and has worked with children in addition to volunteering with several community organizations

He highlighted a number of priorities for council for the coming year, including finalizing a fire dispatch system, completing the Transportation Master Plan and associated development charges study, deciding on an official plan or integrated community sustainability plan, defining local municipal roles and responsibilities, expanding broadband internet service, undertaking a comprehensive evaluation of some county facilities, introducing a Character Always initiative for council consideration and working closely with the Town of Smiths Falls on areas of mutual concern.

“The agenda is ambitious but as I have come to know all members of county council and staff it is clear to me there is a level of skill, professionalism and experience here that is unsurpassed,” he said. “Working together I know the right decisions will be made, always keeping in mind the remarkable people we serve and this incredible place we call Lanark County.”

Mr. Churchill said he was honoured to nominate Mr. Fenik. “He has the experience needed for warden….He shows great leadership and team qualities, along with compassion and a desire for fairness.” He added Mr. Fenik has “boundless energy and enthusiasm” and handles situations with ease and professionalism. “With this kind of resume the county can be assured of good representation.”

Mr. Gemmell described Mr. Fenik as open and a consensus builder. “Diplomacy is his guiding light when making decisions.”

Tay Valley Reeve Keith Kerr was also nominated for the position by Tay Valley Township Deputy Reeve Susan Freeman and Mr. Dulmage. He has been on county council for the past six years, as well as serving before amalgamation.

Mr. Kerr noted he was recently afforded the time needed to pursue this position. “I enjoy the county and know the people.”

Following addresses by the nominators and candidates, councillors made their choice by secret ballot.

As he relinquished the chain of office, Mr. Dulmage described his year as warden as being an extreme learning curve. “I have been really blessed with the support of council and staff. I don’t think I have worked with a better staff.” One of his key accomplishments, he said, was passing the budget in principle during the fiscal year. “That is what I am most proud of.”

Several special guests attended the meeting, including past wardens, municipal staff, friends, family and supporters of the candidates.

Committee chairpersons were acclaimed at the meeting: Paul Dulmage (Carleton Place) for corporate services; Sharon Mousseau (Beckwith) for community services; Brenda Hurrle (Mississippi Mills) for community development; and Bruce Horlin (Lanark Highlands) for public works.

Mr. Fenik named a striking committee, which appoints members to various committees and boards. Council reconvenes Wednesday at 7 p.m. for its regular meeting.

Posted in County | No Comments »

On behalf of Jeri and myself, I wish all the residents of Mississippi Mills a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

Posted in Personal | No Comments »

Christmas is coming, and with that comes year end and final meetings of 2009. Monday has a meeting at 4:30 p.m. of the Joint Committee on the new sewage treatment plant, followed by a Committee of the Whole meeting at 6 p.m. and the regular Council meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday starts with a Community and Economic Development Committee meeting at 8 a.m. At 11 a.m.,the election of the new Warden takes place in Perth. This is a very interesting procedure and is open to the public. Wednesday starts with a meeting of the Joint County Police Services Board in Lanark Highlands, followed by a regular County Council meeting in Perth at 7 p.m. Thursday, there is a meeting in the morning with the consultants continuing with the design of the new sewage treatment plant. At 6 p.m. on Thursday there is a regular meeting of the Finance and Administration Committee. All in all- a busy week.

Posted in Council | No Comments »

The Olympic torch arrival in Almonte today was spectacular.  Hundreds of people lined the streets and the procession of Olympic vehicles, combined with the runners, was a once in a lifetime experience. Special thanks to all who made the day such a success- the Lions’ Club, the CERV volunteers, the Fire Department and Nicole Guthrie and staff from the Recreation and Culture Department.

Posted in Celebrations & Festivals, Mississippi Mills | No Comments »

Today, I received an email from Canada Post enclosing a media release that they sent out today.

Statement from Canada Post

December 11, 2009

“In the last few days there has been a great deal of discussion regarding a decision by Canada Post to replace the local postmistress in Pakenham with a bilingual employee based on our understanding of the Official Languages Act. 

The issue in Pakenham and other small communities in the National Capital Region (NCR) is that “community need” for services in both official languages is determined by somebody other than those who live in the community or those who work hard every day to serve them.    

Therefore, Canada Post will maintain the status quo in Pakenham in order to review the situation.  Most importantly, we will be seeking clarification from the Office of Official Languages on the application of the act in small communities within the NCR.  As a result, the current postmistress in Pakenham will continue in her position.  We will be talking to her today to explain the situation and will continue to keep her apprised of our progress. 

 We remain committed to the principle of serving people in both official languages where demand exists, and as required by federal regulation.”

 Jon Hamilton, General Manager

Communications Delivery, Canada Post

Posted in Mississippi Mills, National Capital Region, Pakenham | 1 Comment »

Today, the provincial government announced that 19 new Family Health Teams have been approved, including one at Almonte General Hospital. This is wonderful news for our community and should help to ensure that all residents have more access to continuing excellent health care.

For more information on the Family Health Teams please visit: http://www.news.ontario.ca/mohltc/en/2009/12/new-family-health-teams-on-the-way.html

Posted in Mississippi Mills | No Comments »

I just got a call from Gordon O’Connor’s office.  Jeanne Barr will keep her job at Pakenham Post Office. Sanity prevails.

Posted in Mississippi Mills, National Capital Region, Pakenham | 5 Comments »

The following letter was sent to The Ottawa Citizen last night expressing my opinions on the current situation.

RE: Postmistress who knows no French loses job in all-English Pakenham by Tom Spears, Dec. 8, 2009
& Canada Post, Return this decision to sender by Kelly Egan ,Dec 9, 2009

When Bad Things Happen to Good Ideas

Policies are often based on good ideas, but seldom do the creators of the ideas concern themselves with the implementation of those good ideas. The decision to remove Jeanne Barr from her position as postmistress of Pakenham Post Office because she is not bilingual is an example of a good idea gone bad.

First of all, let me say that I believe in the basic principles of bilingualism. I believe that a Canadian has the right to government services in his/her language. But what qualifies a person to be bilingual? When I call a federal government department, I often speak with a “bilingual” person whose English is fractured. The nuances of the English language are often lost in these conversations regarding serious situations such as health, income tax, pensions, etc. Regardless, I accept this as I still believe that both our official languages should be available where numbers are warranted.

However, the implementation of bilingualism should be very different in the capital city than in a small virtually unilingual community. Of the 400 residents in Pakenham Village, I cannot imagine a single person who could not be served effectively by Jeannie Barr. She is known, well-liked and well-respected by the local community.

This latest move by Canada Post to relieve Ms Barr of her job has brought forth a multitude of negative reactions which only divide Canadians. I have heard more negative rhetoric in the last few days than I’ve heard in years. When a policy becomes more important than the people being served, it is time to change the policy. Pakenham is a closely-knit community in which people help people. I know this first-hand as my wife and I both grew up there.

I am proud to serve as the Mayor of Mississippi Mills, which includes Pakenham. Most of our residents are oblivious to the fact that we are in the National Capital Region and as a consequence fall under this bilingualism policy which ironically does not apply to our much larger neighbours in Arnprior and Carleton Place. Our Council will be seriously reviewing what, if any, the advantages are of belonging to the National Capital Region and investigating if there are other “zingers” waiting for us.

Al Lunney, Mayor, Town of Mississippi Mills

Posted in Almonte, Mississippi Mills, National Capital Region, Pakenham | 2 Comments »