Deal in Principal Reached with VIA Rail Over Recreational Pathway - Good Morning from Rockland #7

In this week's episode of "Good Morning from Rockland" the weekly breakfast show by TVC22 host Thomas Stockting provides a news round up including: 

CITY SET 2022 TAX RATE

After a week of deliberations amongst the council, the municipal tax rate in Clarence-Rockland has been set at 2.95%. 
The original figure was 4.09% and Councilors struggled to find a common ground. Having already agreed to fund all the capital projects by the city there was only one place left to cut - the reserves.

With some members of council seeking a figure as low as 2.09% and others content to go as high as 3.5% finding a common ground wasn’t easy as they debated for well over an hour - made all the more complicated by the absence of Councilor Simard, meaning there was no tie-breaking vote. 

After many conversations and failed propositions, councilors settled on cutting the $50,000 contributions towards the reserve funds for equipment, fleets and economic development, as well as reducing the building reserve fund by 50%. 
Thanks to these cuts, council was able to keep the tax rate below 3% and although no Councilor was overtly pleased with the outcome, as they say a deal well negotiated leaves all parties unhappy. 

VIA RAIL

An agreement, in principle, has been reached between the Prescott--Russell Recreational Trail Corporation and VIA Rail - with the Corporation set to acquire the Trail’s infrastructure for a yet UNDISCLOSED FEE and negotiations continue between the two parties. 

Announced by the United Counties earlier this week, VIA Rail’s Chief Operating Officer said : They are proud to support this popular local recreational spot, turning a piece of railway heritage into a “thriving green space” with “invaluable environmental and social benefits.” 

Use of the railway in our region ended in 1986 and was turned into a recreational pathway 20 years later, spanning 72-km across Prescott-Russell.
To hear more about the importance of the the pathway to the residents of the area you can watch our show “In Your Ward” where we meet up with Councilor for Bourget, Mme Diane Choiniere.

TREATIES WEEK

From November 1st to November 7th, the province of Ontario observed Treaties Recognition Week, an annual event designed to educate Ontarians and honour the importance that the treaties have on our history as a nation - which will hopefully lend to a better understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities across Canada.

TVC22 reporter Bruce de la Cruz was able to speak to Archie Martin, a member of the Metis and Mi'Kmaq nation, who explained what this week means to him and why it is so important as a first step for reconciliation. 

YMCA 

As the popular song suggests, it seems that everybody does “love to go to the Y.M.C.A.”. Since its re-opening, the Clarence-Rockland Ymca has seen a return to form as members have been able to come back to this community hub .
This past week, TVC22 Reporter Bruce de la Cruz spoke with Tracey Ware, General Manager of the Y, to ask how the re-opening has been going, and what plans they have for the brighter looking future. 

HOCKEY ARENA ENTRANCE TO CLOSE  

Last week we reported that finally, Industrial Road is once more open to traffic after more than a year. However, if you thought that this was good news for the entrance to the arena you will have to think again as it is set to be closed permanently. 
To compensate for this, the intersection of De l’étang Street and Arena Road are set to be developed in order to have a T-Section, but Council wasn't too keen to increase the traffic in that area.

COVID UPDATE

Taking a look at the local COVID-19 situation in our region, Cases are starting to creep up as the colder weather sets in, with common colds and the flu both set to cause issues, sharing similar symptoms as the COVID-19 virus.
 
At the time of recording there were currently 9 number of active cases in the United Counties of Precott Russell, of which 3 were in the City of Clarence-Rockland.
The rolling average is now at 8.8, up from 3.3 last week. Although these numbers aren’t cause for concern the upward trend is something to keep an eye on.
 
The Eastern Ontario Health Unit recently published a press release, reminding residents that although they share similar symptoms, the COVID-19 vaccine will not prevent you from contracting the annual influenza, known commonly as the “seasonal flu”, encouraging people to go out and get their flu shots too. 

REMEMBRANCE DAY 

November 11th, 2021 marked 103 years since the end of World War 1. Remembrance day marks a solemn time for us to remember and honour our veterans, and more importantly, those who gave their lives for the freedoms we enjoy today. 

TVC22 Reporter Bruce de la Cruz was able to speak with Clarence-Rockland Legion Padre Robert Merrit, about the difficulties of planning a remembrance day ceremony this year, explaining why we need a legion branch here in Clarence-Rockland, and reminding us how important it is that we remember.