Vol. 3 No. 3
YOUR INDEPENDENT LOCAL NEWSPAPER - LANARK, NORTH LEEDS & GRENVILLE
Perth Council votes to increase size of the BIA board of directors
Perth - Dianne Pinder-Moss
Town council supported an amendment to the Perth Business Improvement Area (BIA) Procedure Bylaw allowing for the size of the BIA board of directors to increase from nine members to between nine and 12. Approval was also given to the appointments of Janet Page and Jane Farrell to the BIA board. With their addition, the board will now have 10 members. Other board members are Councillor Judy Brown, Chair; Krista Mackler, Vice-Chair; Bobbi Fornwald, Treasurer; Michele Murphy, Director; Stacey Campbell, Director; John McKenty, Director; Kirsten Coughler, Director and Rob Richardson, Director. The current boundaries of the BIA are from Harvey Street to North Street going north and south, and from Wilson Street to Drummond Street proceeding east and west. In addition to these changes, a bylaw was approved to establish a BIA Code of Conduct Policy and the section of the Procedure Bylaw on Associate Membership has also been amended. Under the amendment, businesses outside the geographic area of the BIA that fall within Fos-
ter Street and Isabella Street to the north of the BIA, and within Harvey Street and Craig Street to the south of the BIA and within Wilson Street to the west and Drummond Street to the east will be allowed to become associate members for an annual fee of $300, which will be prorated. An associate member must own a registered business with an HST number. Those who purchase associate memberships will be able to attend all BIA Open House events, the AGM, and receive the organization’s monthly newsletter and member emails. As well, they are able to promote their business through the BIA’s social media, be listed on the organization’s website and participate in ongoing events and promotions in the downtown. “They will enjoy all the benefits of a current BIA
member; the only difference will be that they cannot vote when we elect a board every four years at our AGM,” Kari Clarke, co-ordinator of the Perth BIA, stated in an email. Since has already had several businesses join as associate members. At the COW meeting, Brown spoke of the increased interest in the BIA from businesses outside its geographic boundaries “since its rejuvenation in the past year.” As an example of the increased enthusiasm and engagement within the organization, the BIA is has gained momentum on its Facebook page, moving from 260 to 737 likes in a 12-month period, Clarke reported. All motions and bylaws approved at the COW meeting came before the regular meeting of town council on Feb. 23 for final approval.
Newly appointmented members of the Perth BIA Board of Directors - Jane Farrell and Janet Pagel
smiths falls Smiths Falls announces community donation allocations
perth Don McNaughton - The making of a Three Star General
MARCH 2016
“They accompany me to the office most days“
Laura Lowson with two of her dogs; Izzy is on the left and Ralph is on the right
Lowsons bridge troubled LAWS waters Regional-Sally Smith
Why would Laura and Marty Lowson decide to take over the pound services of the Lanark Animal Welfare Society (LAWS) when it closes its doors to canines later this month? There are many reasons but essentially it’s because they love dogs and feel that there is a need for the service that LAWS currently provides. Earlier this year the LAWS board of directors reached the decision to close the animal shelter’s doors to dogs. The change will go into effect on March 31. Kathy Hoyland, president of the LAWS board, called it a drastic step but admitted that the organization might not be around for any animals unless these steps are
taken. She explains that dogs simply eat more and tend to stay longer than other animals, so they are more expensive to look after. The Lowsons, being LAWS board members, know all these facts but say they are going to “give it a year” with the hope that the LAWS doors will open to dogs again at the end of that time. “We’ve done dogs,” Laura says, smiling. “Looking after them isn’t new to us.” The couple has nine dogs of their own, some of which they adopted from LAWS four years ago when parvovirus hit the pound. And, for the past 15 years they have worked as animal control officers in Montague Township. Their plan is to lease the five kennels and turnout kennels of LAWS
Carleton Place The Carleton Place Home Show returns for a fifth year
and run it with a “pay-asyou-use” concept, Marty explains, adding that it’s reasonable and it’s “not going to break anyone.” They have contacted the municipalities of Carleton Place, Mississippi Mills, Rideau Lakes and the surrounding area with the information about the lease. The Lowsons are donating their labour, with perhaps some cross-over help from the LAWS staff. If dogs brought to the pound are in need immediate care for fleas, ticks, matts or overgrown nails the township or municipality bringing in the dog will pay for that. If the dog doesn’t need immediate care, the Lowsons will absorb the costs. Marty says, “It’s a balancing act.” -Continued page 3
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