FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 6, 2026
Here are the highlights from the South Dundas Council meeting held August 5, 2026.
For more information, contact Tia Orendi, Community Development and Communications Coordinator at torendi@southdundas.com
Façade Improvement Grant for Harbers Flame Centre & Masonry
Council of the Municipality of South Dundas has approved a Façade Improvement Grant of $4,000 for Harbers Flame Centre & Masonry, located at 12214 County Road 5 in Williamsburg, as part of the 2026 Community Improvement Plan (CIP) Intake #2.
The grant will support the business's relocation and façade improvements, helping revitalize the commercial property and enhance the visual appeal of the Williamsburg streetscape.
Council approved a $10,000 CIP budget for 2026. With $2,734.50 allocated during the first intake, this latest approval leaves $3,265.50 remaining for future applications this year.
Mental Health and Addictions Services Coming to Iroquois Hub
Council has approved a 12-month agreement allowing Cornwall Community Hospital's Community Addictions and Mental Health Services (CAMHS) to use space at the Iroquois Hub, 5 College Street, bringing local access to mental health and addictions support for South Dundas residents.
CAMHS, based in Cornwall, has long served South Dundas residents who face transportation and financial barriers travelling for care. Clinicians will use the space on an as-needed basis, with a regular schedule to be established as demand grows. The space is provided in-kind, consistent with other community partnerships at the Hub.
The Iroquois Hub already houses Beyond 21 and the Cornwall Youth Wellness Hub as part of the Municipality's goal to build a centralized community health and wellness centre.
Council Supports New Gazebo at Dunbar Recreation Centre
Council has given approval in principle for the Dunbar Recreation Committee to construct a gazebo at the Dunbar Recreation Centre and Park, fully funded by the Committee at no cost to the Municipality.
The 11-by-20-foot gazebo will provide shaded, covered seating over the park's existing picnic tables, giving visitors, families, and community groups shelter from sun and light rain. The addition will also benefit the BGC of Cornwall/SDG Summer Camp, hosted at Dunbar Hall for the past two years, along with the many weekend family and private events held at the facility.
Approval is conditional on the Committee's contractor carrying appropriate insurance, and the completed structure meeting all building code, permit, and inspection requirements. Once built, the gazebo will become a municipal asset, with future maintenance costs covered by the Municipality.
South Dundas to Apply for Federal Funding to Support Morrisburg Plaza Revitalization
Council has approved an application to the federal Build Communities Strong Fund (BCSF) – Local Impact Stream, seeking up to $1,000,000 to support the Morrisburg Plaza Revitalization Project.
The BCSF, delivered by the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), supports municipalities and non-profits undertaking capital projects that build, expand, or modernize community infrastructure. The program prioritizes projects that enhance public spaces, strengthen local economies, and improve accessibility.
As a key commercial and civic hub for South Dundas, the Morrisburg Plaza is well-suited to the program's objectives. Planned upgrades to the plaza's outdoor infrastructure, accessibility, and gathering spaces are intended to support local business, encourage foot traffic, and modernize the downtown core.
The Municipality's existing financial commitment to the already-approved plaza project will satisfy the grant's required local matching contribution. Council has also confirmed the Municipality will cover any project costs not funded by the grant, up to $1,000,000, as required under the federal application criteria.
If successful, the funding would reduce the municipal debt and reserve draw needed to complete the project, allowing federal dollars to offset costs otherwise borne by local taxpayers.
Level of Service Policy for Iroquois and Morrisburg Plazas
Council has adopted By-law No. 2026-62, formalizing Policy No. 10-4, which documents the Municipality's existing level of service for the Iroquois and Morrisburg Plazas.
The policy outlines the maintenance and operational services the Municipality provides across the plazas, including parking lots, roads, sidewalks, canopies, greenspaces, and pylon signs, broken down by season. It reflects services already being delivered and does not represent a change to current operations or budget.
Having a formal policy in place gives Council and staff a clear reference to respond to questions about plaza upkeep and ensures any future changes to service levels go through Council approval.
Sale and Disposition of Municipal Land Policy Updates
Council has adopted By-law No. 2026-63, repealing and replacing Policy No. 1-10, Sale and Disposition of Land, with a streamlined version to improve the process for both Council and the public.
The policy governs how the Municipality sells or disposes of surplus land, including vacant parcels and road allowances, ensuring the process remains consistent, transparent, and fair. It sets out requirements for public notice, appraisals, and Council approval before any sale is finalized.
The update reflects lessons learned from working with the previous policy and does not change the fundamental requirements around transparency and fair market value
South Dundas Appoints Members to Joint Compliance Audit Committee
Council has adopted By-law No. 2026-65, establishing the Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Joint Compliance Audit Committee and appointing its members for the 2026–2030 municipal term.
The Committee is a statutory body required under the Municipal Elections Act, 1996, to review applications from electors who believe a candidate or registered third party has contravened campaign finance rules, and to consider related reports from municipal Clerks. It serves all six lower-tier municipalities in the United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry: North Stormont, South Stormont, North Dundas, South Dundas, North Glengarry, and South Glengarry.
Historic Iroquois Locks Mural to Be Restored at Original Gateway Location
Council has approved up to $20,000 from the Municipality's Mural Reserve to restore and reinstall the historic "Iroquois Locks" mural at its original location at the corner of Carman Road and Hedley Street.
The mural, which previously stood as a landmark at this key gateway into Iroquois, was identified as a priority for restoration following a review of the Municipality's public art inventory by the Tourism and Economic Development Committee. The Committee recognized the mural's historical significance and its visual impact at one of the community's main entry points.
The restoration project builds on years of volunteer work by local resident Mr. Gleed, who has donated his time and expertise to photograph, digitally edit, and preserve historic mural imagery through his online St. Lawrence Piks Mural Index. Staff worked with Mr. Gleed to create a digital rendering and restoration plan for the mural, which the Committee subsequently endorsed.
Unlike the original mural, which was painted directly onto wood, the reinstalled artwork will be produced using approximately 12 high-durability Alumicor panels featuring high-resolution printed reproductions of the historic imagery. The completed mural will measure 12 feet high by 36 feet long. A new support structure, including helical pile foundations and treated wood framing, will also be installed to ensure long-term stability.
Staff are hopeful the project can be completed this fall, subject to contractor and material availability, with a fallback timeline of 2027 if needed.
The project is fully funded through the Mural Reserve, with no impact to the general tax levy or other municipal reserves.
Upcoming Regular Council Meetings
- September 2, 2026
- September 16, 2026
- October 7, 2026
- November 2, 2026