South Dundas buys in to apple documentary

WILLIAMSBURG – “It’s not too often we get an opportunity like this,” said South Dundas councillor Del Jones, concerning the Ontario Visual Heritage project proposal to create a documentary on this history of the McIntosh apple.

Councillor Jones, South Dundas mayor Robert ‘Rowdy’ Gillard and South Dundas economic development officer Linda Wilson attended the Feb.., 11 meeting which introduced the project to the community. Jones reported back to the other members of South Dundas council at the Feb., 16 regular council meeting.

“I see this as an opportunity to celebrate the history of Dundela and the McIntosh apple, with a professional documentary. The wide spread interest will bring attention to the township of South Dundas,” said Jones.

He explained that a contribution of $10,000 to the $125,000 project would give the municipality title benefits and a share of the revenue generated from sales of the DVD and Blu Ray discs sold.

“I think this is something we want to be associated with,” said Jones. “I would hope we would take the lead, before someone else does.”

“I think we should do everything we can to support this,” said South Dundas councillor Evonne Delegarde.

Councillor Jim Graham agreed, “The McIntosh apple is an icon for this area.”

South Dundas treasurer Shannon Garaghty confirmed that the $10,000 contribution fit with the coming budget, likely within the marketing/advertising component of the economic development department.

“If the money is available within the framework of the budget I support it,” said South Dundas deputy mayor Steven Byvelds.

Council agreed that they will contribute $10,000 to the documentary project.