Jodi Empey is the new Chief of Police in Smiths Falls
Smiths Falls - Laure Weir editorial@pdgmedia.ca
The Town of Smiths Falls has its first female police chief.
Jodi Empey, who has been acting as the Smiths Falls Po-
“My goal is to continue to showcase the benefit of having a local police service with continuous improvements to technology, staffing and training, as examples,” she told this publication the day after her appointment.
lice Service (SFPS) chief since Jan. 1, was officially named to the position on July 4.
This is her anniversary month, as she started with the police service 30 years ago on July 11.
“I look forward to this role. I have a great staff, and I do love this community and working with our community partners who all want the same thing — a safe place to live and work.”
Empey brings a profound understanding of the SFPS’s history, the community’s needs, and the strategic vision of the police service’s board.
Her career is marked by professionalism, leadership, and the cultivation of strong relationships with community partners and residents.
"We are thrilled to have Chief Empey as our first female deputy chief and now as our police chief,” said Mayor Shawn Pankow, the SFPS board chair.
“Her dedication and extensive knowledge are vital for leading the force and adapting to the evolving needs of our community. We look forward to her achievements in this role.”
Pankow also highlighted that Smiths Falls is one of
New Perth Family Health Team to increase access to healthcare in Lanark County
Perth - Laure Weir
editorial@pdgmedia.ca
A ground-breaking family health team is set to increase access to health care for the residents of Perth and surround areas.
The Perth Family Health Team (PFHT) aims to enhance community care by providing improved access to mental health professionals, addiction specialists, and primary care for those without a current provider. The team will offer support services for older adults, occupational therapy, and Indigenous care navigation.
In February 2024, the Ontario government announced a $110 million in-
vestment to add over 400 new primary care providers and 78 new and expanded interprofessional primary care teams across the province. There are currently 185 health teams in the province.
In Perth, this funding means a $3.1 million investment in health care.
“It’s an exciting development,” said Dr. Peter Cunniffe, chair of the newly formed board of directors. “There are steps to be taken … it’s a process. It would be nice to have this up and running immediately, but it will take some time.”
He said the opportunity to provide “more comprehen-
sive care” is key. “It’s going to be a team that we will surround a patient with, rather than a single provider or two.”
Over time, Cunniffe said that in other areas across Ontario “team-based care system leads to better outcomes.”
Spearheaded by a coalition of local healthcare professionals, the PFHT will help bridge the gap in healthcare accessibility.
The team’s goal is to ensure every resident receives the necessary support by collaborating closely with existing agencies to avoid duplication of care and fill critical service gaps, Cunniffe said.
With expanded services
and additional healthcare professionals, the team aims to connect 3,500 patients to a primary care provider.
“This significant investment will connect more people to primary care,” said MPP John Jordan, Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston. “This is a critical step toward improving health care access for patients who are unattached and most vulnerable in our communities.”
Focusing on patient-centred care and community engagement, the PFHT envisions a future where individuals can access quality health care tailored to their unique needs.
Continues on page 2
43 municipalities in Ontario providing municipal police services, allowing tailored law enforcement that meets the town’s specific needs.
Empey said there are challenges to the role, but that’s changing.
“Our population growth, calls for service, and the nature of the calls have increased, but staffing hasn’t,” she said. “With the new Community Safety and Policing Act, I have been working to ensure compliance, updating policies and procedures along with looking after the full operational and administrative role of the service.
“Doing two roles for the service for the past six months has been challenging, as it always has a trickle-down effect on other senior members,” she explained.
“We all have multiple roles in a small service. The Police Services Board will soon advertise for a deputy chief’s position to fill that role of overseeing operations.”
Empey started in Smiths Falls as a rookie in 1994
and worked through the ranks, becoming a staff sergeant in 2018 and deputy chief in 2022.
Empey has participated in the World Police & Fire Games, bringing home numerous medals. She said she wanted to represent her country and the police service with pride and be a positive role model for her children.
Additionally, she has been a strong advocate for women facing abuse, collaborating with organizations such as Lanark County Interval House and Community Support and Lanark County Mental Health to assist these women in navigating available resources and support systems.
“I’m honoured to become the 20th chief, a role with a legacy dating back to 1881.
Having lived and worked in this beautiful town for the past 30 years, I am proud to lead an amazing team,” she said. “I look forward to continuing our positive vision and direction for the community we serve.”
Jodi Empey is the new police chief for the Town of Smiths Falls. She was named to the position by the police services board on July 4. Photo credit: Kathy Botham
Jodi Empey being sworn in. Photo credit: Kathy Botham
Dr. Peter Cunniffe is the chair of the new board of directors for the Perth Family Health Team. Photo credit: Laurie Weir.
Page Two
Letter to the Editor
heartfelt thanks to laurie weir
I would like to convey a special thank you to Laurie Weir for doing such a great job taking pictures and writing several articles for my Red Dress Ceremonies. This year marks the 7th Red Dress Ceremony that I've hosted here in the Smiths Falls area. Laurie was with us all the way every
year, rain or shine, even during the Covid era. We still hung our red dresses for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and Two Spirit (MMIWG). There were only three of us during the 2020 ceremony, but we still remembered, and Laurie was a big part of the ceremony.
Laurie is the most professional and compassionate media person we have ever dealt with. She brings a very empathetic approach to her interactions, and is therefore a great asset to any company or organization.
Yours, Flóra
Riley
New Perth Family Health Team to increase access to healthcare in Lanark County
Perth - Laure Weir
editorial@pdgmedia.ca
Continued from page 1
“By leveraging a multidisciplinary approach and fostering community partnerships, the team aims to improve health care access and delivery in Perth and beyond. We are very excited to be able to expand services to our community,” said Suzanne Rintoul, Interim Executive Director of the PFHT. “We are in the early stages of establishing the family health team and I encourage the public to follow along as we start rolling out services in the coming months.”
Rintoul said expanding allied health services will improve patient outcomes.
For example, if a primary care provider sees a patient recovering from a stroke, they will be able to offer access to occupational therapy to regain function and learn new ways to perform
activities of daily living.
“That’s just one of many allied health provider options,” she said.
The PFHT professionals will also partner with the already well-established Perth Enrichment Program (PEP) Seniors Therapeutic Centre to develop a program that supports their mandate to help keep seniors in their own homes as long as possible.
“To assist in decreasing the number of patients without a primary care provider, we are recruiting Nurse Practitioners,” Rintoul said.
They have hired one Nurse Practitioner and are recruiting four more.
“Our first patient was seen on June 3 and our goal is to have more services available by September,” Rintoul said. “We are currently developing processes to address the community health care needs.”
It will be a new way of organizing and delivering
Publisher: Patricia Krotki
pmkrotki@pdgmedia . ca
care that is more connected to patients in their local communities, she added.
Another exciting service officer, Rintoul said, is Indigenous Care Navigation, which will be located at Perth Family Medicine on Drummond Street.
“Indigenous care navigation services will focus on the health and well-being of Indigenous people in spirit, mind, emotion and body. The PFHT will work toward reducing barriers to accessing care by providing navigational support. The Indigenous Care Navigator role will facilitate discussions and provide advocacy for how traditional medicine and healing can be integrated as part of care and provide leadership toward improving knowledge and understanding of Indigenous tradition to PFHT staff and the wider community. If an Indigenous person is admitted to a hospital, the navigator could,
with permission, be a liaison between the staff and that person to help them become aware of those traditions that are important to them and assist in facilitating the traditional ceremonies if the patient chooses,” Rintoul explained.
The health team has also received funding for an addiction specialist.
“The addiction specialist will have access to the occupational therapist, or refer to a social worker – it’s not only about treating an addiction, it’s about supporting sustainable change in an established lifestyle, while connecting to other great programs in the area, like those offered at The Table Community Food Centre and evening peer support groups currently located at the Elliot Street Clinic.”
Rintoul said the support of non-profit agencies in Perth and the area is important.
Family Health Teams
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were first established in Ontario in 2005 to bring together family physicians, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, social workers, dietitians, and other health professionals. These teams expanded access to comprehensive primary health care services across Ontario, with a particular focus on health promotion, disease prevention, and chronic disease management.
Emily Dotzert, Registered Nurse and program manager for the team, said she’s “excited for this opportunity to contribute to the development of health and community programming to meet the identified needs of the community. It is a privilege to both live and work in Perth and I am excited to collaborate with the community of Perth and surrounding area.”
Cunniffe added that The Perth Family Health Team is thrilled to be part of this record investment and is committed to keeping the community informed as implementation progresses.
“It’s a funding model that works – it’s been in the province since 2005 so we’re looking forward to getting programs implemented and looking after the patients in Perth and the surrounding catchment area.”
This health team model may help alleviate some of the pressure on emergency room visits – especially those unattached patients who are seeking prescription refills or preventative care.
For people with underlying health issues who don’t have a primary care provider, having access to the new health care team will be beneficial in getting diagnosed, and having ongoing support.
There are more than 10,000 patients who will be supported by this new family health team.
The five nurse practitioners will service three clinic sites: Elliot Street Clinic at 12 Elliot St., the Perth Medical Clinic at 14 Isabella St., and Perth Family Medicine at 39 Drummond St. who will care for approximately 700 patients.
“There is a hope with the model of care we’re trying to build it will open some additional slots for physicians who could take on some additional patients as well,” Cunniffe said.
Please visit Health Care Connect to get the process of finding a healthcare provider started. Call 1-800-445-1822, or register online. For updates, visit www.perthfht.ca.
Cartoon by Patrick Labelle.
Reporters: Kathy Botham Janelle Labelle Brian Preston Sally Smith Laurie Weir
Editor: Janelle Labelle
Photography: Kathy Botham Laurie Weir Bryson Brown Layout/Design: Tara McNeil
NewsLC
Emily Dotzert, Registered Nurse and program manager, and Suzanne Rintoul, Interim Executive Director, said they are excited to help start the new Perth Family Health Team to service some 10,000 patients in Perth and surrounding areas – about 3,500 who need primary care providers. Photo credit: Laurie Weir.
Smiths Falls struts along with backyard hen pilot project
Smiths Falls - Laure Weir editorial@pdgmedia.ca
After a lengthy debate at the Smiths Falls committee of the whole meeting on Monday, July 8, councillors voted to support a limited pilot project for backyard hens. What that will look like will be up to staff to decipher, and this will return to a future meeting for further discussion.
Councillors Chris McGuire, Jennifer Miller, Peter McKenna, and Mayor Shawn Pankow voted for the pilot project despite staff recommendations against it due to the Avian flu threat and limited bylaw enforce-
ment resources. Coun. Jay Brennan and Dawn Quinn opposed the idea, believing chickens should be confined to rural areas, while Steve Robinson supported the staff's recommendation to take no action at this time.
Fire Chief Rick Chesebrough presented the report, which included an online survey with over 850 respondents. McGuire emphasized the strong support from the community but asked why the project needed to be tied to a zoning bylaw.
Chesebrough noted that establishing a pilot project would require thorough research on implemen-
tation, costs, coop sizes, bird numbers, yard sizes, inspections, and handling loose hens. He estimated a zoning amendment application fee at $2,000, additional bylaw staff, and a vehicle for enforcement at $80,000 to $100,000.
“There is going to be a significant cost to the town to try this program out,” the chief said.
McGuire argued against over-regulation, suggesting enforcement should be complaint-based rather than requiring annual registration and dedicated enforcement units. He believed the project was held to a double standard
compared to other bylaw issues in town and stressed the importance of enhancing food security through backyard chickens.
“Why make someone come to the town hall and register their chickens ev-
Smiths Falls - Laure Weir editorial@pdgmedia.ca
A combined police effort ended peacefully in Smiths Falls after one man was taken into custody following a brief standoff. No injuries were reported.
June 26, 2024, shortly after 6 a.m. Smiths Falls Police Service (SFPS) responded to a disturbance at a residence on William St E. that closed businesses for several hours and required assistance from the Ontario Provincial Police.
SFPS said when attempting to take a male suspect into custody, he refused to exit the residence and claimed to have a firearm. No one else was inside the home at the time.
In response, police cordoned off a large area to ensure public safety and sought assistance from the Eastern Region OPP Emergency Response Unit.
Smiths Falls Police and OPP Eastern Region Crisis Negotiators peacefully resolved the situation.
The 32-year-old male from Smiths Falls eventu-
ally exited the residence without incident and was taken into custody. A shotgun was seized, and no one sustained any injuries, the police reported.
The male faces charges related to domestic mischief and several firearms offences.
People were asked to avoid the area and those who were in the vicinity were asked to remain indoors to allow police to focus on the incident.
Tiffanie Pommerville was on her way to work –on William Street – when police started to put up barricades.
“My curiosity got the best of me and I was standing on the sidewalk outside my place of work when the officers were telling people to get off the streets because they would be in the line of fire,” she shared with Hometown News.
“A few moments later, you can hear the police telling someone to come out of the house slowly and walk towards them. After that, I didn’t feel safe and
ery year and have a special chicken enforcement unit go out in a special town vehicle marked for chicken patrol to go out and count the chickens, measure the yard,” McGuire said. “Base it on complaints. If there is a complaint, go out and see what the problem is and try and rectify it.”
Council supported a resolution to support the pilot project for backyard hens in a recorded vote of 4-2 (Stevenson was absent).
Police barricade ends peacefully in Smiths Falls
decided to return home.”
KEEPING THE COMMUNITY SAFE
When it comes to keeping the community safe, that’s the primary role of the Smiths Falls Police Service.
When contacted by this publication following the incident, Chief Jodi Empey said there were no extra costs associated with the incident.
“I know that the ERT (Emergency Response Team) that we requested was in the area for training, so the response was quick,” Empey said. “I heard from some businesses that were very understanding and appreciative of the notice before opening in the morning. Public safety is our priority in these situations and thankfully, it didn’t last too long.”
Empey said they notified as many business owners on William Street East as they could before they opened and posted on their Facebook page about the incident taking place.
“If businesses were to open at 9 a.m. they would have been affected until
approximately 10:30,” she said. “We had to increase the perimeter when the mobile command station was set up on Beckwith Street and to keep the public at a safe distance as they were getting too close. The area was contained until we attended with the signed warrant to enter the premises and when the individual exited the residence.”
When asked if mental health services were available to the male they took into custody, Empey said she couldn’t comment on that.
“I can say that in every major incident and minor ones as well (as they work with us or the OPP every day), we do engage our MCRT team for support,” she said.
MCRT is the Mobile Crisis Response Team with an experienced mental health professional – a registered nurse and social worker.
“We also had two crisis negotiators on the scene — Sgt. King from our service — and an OPP negotiator (who) worked collaboratively to talk the individual into coming out peacefully,” Empey said.
Photo credits: Submitted [Sweet Scoops].
Smiths Falls council agreed at the July 8 meeting to move forward on a plan for a pilot project for backyard hens. There is more work for staff to be done before council gives final approval. Photo credit: Submitted.
community
Local hospice initiative takes flight in Perth-Smiths Falls
Regional - Sally Smith editorial@pdgmedia.ca
It doesn’t take a lot to get a good idea off the ground.
Anne Janssen knows this.
Talk to her about the inthe-works Hospice Hub for the Perth-Smiths Falls area and she’ll tell you why it’s good. The community is one of the oldest [in age] in all of Ontario, she’ll say, and people are moving here to retire, as well, she says, but not spoken — to die.
So the idea is not just good — it’s critical.
“We’re all getting closer to D-Day,” she adds a bit flippantly, but she knows the intimacy of death well; she cared for her sister Akka as she died.
And while good, the idea has to be solid — with good planning, good groundwork and, of course, money to get it off the ground.
So far at least two major donors, plus the Masonic Lodge, and Perth’s 2025 Polar Bear Plunge have contributed to give the Hospice a great beginning.
Bill Gibbons is one of those donors, Alfred Von Mirbach another, while the Masonic Lodge has contributed $10,000.
Gibbons is a quiet, reserved man; he doesn’t like the spotlight, prefers anonymity. His donation is $25,000.
Asked why he gave, he says briefly “It’s a good cause.”
If pushed a bit, he adds “…local people are doing lots of work to get the hospice up and running and they need money to do it.”
“I happen to have some.”
Prod him a bit more: “I’m going to die sometime… hard to believe,” he says with a slight grin. “When you’re young you don’t believe it, but with the problems with the medical system now, hospice care is desperately needed.”
So he sent Janssen a cheque.
Alfred Von Mirbach is just as introspective…but talks more. He’s leaving the remainder of his estate, whatever it will be… “a substantive
amount”… to the Hospice.
He, like Gibbons, has done the initial palliative training; another session starts in January. He thinks back to the time his parents died when he had “no training and no skills” and just “stumbled through it.
“We so need this,” he says now, remembering that time. “A hospital environment is not where anyone wants to be…”
The Hike for Hospice in June raised $80,000, Von Mirbach says in awe, and the forthcoming 2025 Polar Bear Plunge has dedicated its take to the Hospice.
The eventual goal is a home, or a Hospice building, but Hospice volunteers will start late summer “hopefully,” Von Mirbach says, going into the community, pairing with a dying individual “not as a caregiver,” he adds, “strictly as a companion, maybe three hours a week…maybe twice a week with the goal to sit and listen, hold hands, do small projects…”
For the family, it’s relief; perhaps they’ve heard those family stories many times. The hospice volunteer comes in, has time to “sit, listen to the stories, annotate photos, play Rummy, record voice memos…
“For me, that’s good,” Von Mirbach says.
“This is just such a vital need in the community. It’s an honour and a privilege. It’s unfolding fast with thousands of people reaching in right away not knowing anything about it, hoping word gets out and people find ways to support it — through activities, or coming to sessions on grieving, or deciding to get more involved.
“We’re all getting there. We’re under-serviced at home. There’s a better place than the hospital during the palliative process.”
Back to Janssen. She’s the behind-the-scenes Energizer Bunny getting the Hospice off and flying. Lots of events have coalesced just
at the right time, she says, to give the Hospice a good solid beginning.
This is her hope. She knows there are people who could — right now — be recipients of care but the foundations for the project have to be solid, volunteers trained and willing and with a vision for what’s to come in place.
The first cohort has been trained — some in bereavement, some in home support — with another to start in the new year.
Janssen recalls events during Covid when families were cautioned, or even prevented, from seeing each other even though older members were dying. “It was complete idiocy,” she says a bit acerbically. “There was so much grief…”
So this is the plan.
“For those who can’t die at home, don’t want to die at home, who don’t have a community or a family who can look after them, there are four beds allocated — they will have a hospice residence.”
And this is where all the fundraising comes in — the push is to build or find a residence…and to keep going.
“It’s a huge on-going cost,” Janssen says, “ — software, materials, salary, core money…because as soon as the aging population is el-
derly, more care is required.
“Some deaths are easier,” she shrugs a bit, but folks who have Hospice care, care in community…have better deaths.
She goes into a bit of detail about a might-be Hospice building. “It doesn’t have to be fancy and incredible…but there are a lot of standards.
“There has to be enough room for nurses to gather and rest, the air circulation has to be good, each full-sized room has to have a shower, there has to be a place for the family to stay, a kitchen.”
“We can put on additions if need be…there are many options, we’re creative,” she grins. One thing for sure, though: “Every dollar must be well spent and thought through…it takes time.”
Even before that though, a day-hospice is in the thinking — in a church meeting room perhaps for people to come and enjoy a homecooked meal, to chat, for Reiki, to get away, read a book.
Right now the annual budget is $250,000 to keep all programs going; if and when it becomes a hospice residence it’ll be $500,000 — it doubles.
“It seems ambitious,” Janssen says, “but it’s attainable.”
Look for Hospice Hub information kiosks at the
Stewart Park Festival in mid-July in Perth; read Hope for the Best and Plan for the Rest by Dr. Sammy Winemaker and Dr. Hsien Seow. There’s a forthcoming Palliative Care Education
Day (November 28) with those two doctors (stay tuned), and don’t forget the 2025 Polar Bear Plunge. Just “never doubt what a small group can do,” Janssen grins.
Local woman risks speeding ticket to deliver injured bird to rescue centre
Regional - Sally Smith editorial@pdgmedia.ca
When I called, he didn’t come. Unusual for him as he’s food activated and it was ‘that’ time.
I called again. Still no dog… so I went to the back screen door and called for a third time.
There he was in the back left corner of our lawn nosing around a ball of fluff — a moving ball of fluff.
I slammed out the door, pulled him away from the fluff and saw a small round bird. It wasn’t moving much but a bright little eye peeked at me back over its right shoulder.
I hauled Blue inside, grabbed a small red hand towel from the back cupboard and went outside again; very gently I covered the bird with the towel, picked her up and went to the garage to find a small box to put her in.
She wasn’t hurt as much as I imagined because she escaped from the box, flew, or threw herself off my gardening table and headed for a small patch of grass. I gently picked her up again and saw one of her claws was curled under at the ‘wrist’.
It was a quiet Sunday afternoon, my fella was off do-
ing theatre work, so I put the box in the car on the passenger seat (after taping it shut), left the perpetrator of the incident at home (much to his dismay) and headed out to the Ottawa Valley Wild Bird Care Centre on Cedarview Road in Nepean.
I’d been there once or twice before, vaguely remembered where it was but as I got closer realized once again why I didn’t live in, or near, Ottawa — traffic, fast traffic.
Occasionally the little bird pecked at the top of the box but she was really a good passenger, mostly quiet.
The Wild Bird Care Centre is not very well marked, no big sign, no flashing lights saying Here-I-Am… so I drove right by. I could still hear her peeping every now and then, and her impatience
made me drive even faster.
When I eventually reached the end of the road and could go no further, I had to find a place to turn around — not easy.
Finally I spotted a turning place, did the turn and headed back. There it was sideby-each with a car shop.
I took box with bird into the centre, rang the bell and waited for someone to come and take a look; a young woman came down the stairs to meet me, unstuck the box, took the bird out and put her in a clear box, asked me to fill out a form, gave me a Case ID number (06-044) and said it would be about four days before there would be any news.
So I headed back home — much slower.
It was four days later when I heard. Her injuries
had been so severe — head, fracture to left shoulder and collarbone, deep punctures to spine so she couldn’t use her left leg — and so they had to humanely euthanize her. “The extent of serious damage was beyond the medical ability to repair and the Starling would not be able to heal well enough to survive in the wild.”
I was pretty bummed out. But they gave me a pat on the back: “We are comforted in knowing that you, a caring rescuer, took the time to bring us the bird.”
I was bummed out again only two days later when I got an $80 ticket in the mail for speeding along Cedarview Road heading to the Wild Bird Care Centre.
I guess the little girl was worth it; I’d do it again.
Bill Gibbons stands by The Fork in the Road near his home. Photo credit: Sally Smith.
Alfred Von Mirbach. Photo credit: Sally Smith.
Baby starling. Photo credit: Submitted.
community
Maggie's Maid: more than just a manure cart
Regional - Sally Smith editorial@pdgmedia.ca
I used Maggie’s Maid yesterday.
I remember mother trundling along the trails in the middle of Fairclough Island dragging the ‘maid’ behind her. She filled it with sticks and downed branches, any treasure she found along the paths.
The ‘maid’ was a manure cart, twin handles, two large inflatable bicycle wheels, easy to drag; it could go anywhere.
My brother Ian watched
mother one early morning (before the maid) wandering through the dappled sun streaming through the old oak trees picking up sticks; that summer he’d worked for Uncle Ben, remembered the manure cart in the barn and got one for mother.
His brother and sisters scoffed, twitted him a bit. And there was a real tussle getting it into the tin boat and across to the island; getting it out even more of a struggle — but the four of us kids managed. Ian took her out to the
back shed, found the bicycle pump, filled the tires and she was good to go.
Mother said later her first impressions weren’t great — lurchy, browngray in colour, an unfamiliar noise as it rolled across the bumpy ground — but when she pulled it (and it followed her willingly like a hungry old dog on a leash), she was hooked.
She carried everything in it — groceries, clean clothes, garden stuff, twigs and branches…
As her grandchildren came along, she’d put one or two of them in the cart and pull them around, too.
Now the maid is sitting in my back garden, tilted up against the fence; sometimes her wheels turn noiselessly and ghostly when there’s a wind blowing. In winter, she’s tipped on her front end beside the garden shed. The dog often spends time under the cavity sniffing around, barking, sniffing again — skunks maybe, small animals, cats. Her working time is over for this spring/summer; I’ll need her in the fall again. I see her as I look around the corner of the shed and instantly vivid pictures come back of mother trailing Maggie through the dappled sunlight in the middle of the island.
Perth's Halton Street Affordable Housing project backed by County
Perth - STAFF editorial@pdgmedia.ca
In a significant boost to affordable housing efforts in Perth, Lanark County pledged $2.5 million toward the construction of a 15-unit building at 63 Halton St. in Perth.
The funding was approved unanimously at the June 26 community services regular meeting of county council. It’s part of a $4.3 million project spearheaded by Carebridge Community Support, the Community Housing Initiative Perth (CHIP), and the Saumure Group.
The proposed building will include 11 one-bedroom units, and four two-bedroom units, with rents set below average market rates. A one-bedroom unit will rent
for $720, while a two-bedroom unit will be $895. The county’s contribution will cover $167,000 per unit, with occupancy expected by early 2026, pending approvals.
CHIP initiated the project in 2022 to address the affordable housing needs of over 300 Perth residents on the county’s waiting list. CHIP
co-chair Reverend Ken Davis praised the collaborative effort. “It’s exciting to see Lanark County, the Town of Perth, and volunteers moving together to support this project. Increasing affordable housing units is our single greatest priority.”
Carebridge Community Support, which will own and operate the building, has extensive experience in affordable housing, managing 221 units across Lanark County. Emily
Hollington, Lanark County’s director of social services, confirmed that the $2.5 million county funding would be provided as a 40-year forgivable loan. Additionally, Carebridge will receive an annual operating grant to cover the county portion of property taxes and rent supplements for seven units. The remaining project costs will be covered by a mortgage, grants from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), an equity investment from Carebridge, and $300,000 in local fundraising led by CHIP. While Perth council approved the land for the project, some neighbouring property owners have raised concerns. A meeting is planned for fall to help address their concerns.
County
Maggie’s great-great granddaughters Leah and Sky lolling in the ‘maid’. Photo credit: Sally Smith.
Lanark
has approved $2.5 million to support an affordable housing project at 63 Halton St. in Perth. Image: Google Earth
lifestyle
Stewart Park Festival celebrating 33 years in Perth July 19 - 21
Perth - Laurie Weir
editorial@pdgmedia.ca
Who doesn’t love music in the park?
The Stewart Park Festival kicks off its 33rd year of vibrant Canadian and international music and community this month with an impressive lineup that will entertain music lovers of all ages and genres from July 19 to 21.
The annual three-day, by-donation weekend festival is filled with music, delicious food, and unique vendors in the heart of downtown Perth, creating a lively atmosphere for all attendees.
The event starts Friday at 5 p.m. with the Kingmakers kicking off the festival.
Headliners this year include Kathleen Edwards, the Skydiggers and Dave Francey.
From the Stewart Park Festival Facebook page: “We're thrilled to have Kathleen as one of our festival headliners! From Ottawa, Kathleen has been captivating audiences with her unique blend of alt-country, folk, and heartland rock & roll since her debut in 2002 with ‘Failer.’ Her soulful sound and storytelling have earned her over half a dozen Juno nominations and Top 40 success across North America. Get ready to experience Kathleen Edwards live, and look out for more Stewart Park
Festival artist features!”
When reached for comment about the festival, Edwards said she’s “very excited” to be playing at the SPF “after all these years.”
“I consider Perth to be my other hometown since my parents bought a farm here in 2007, just off Harper Road,” she said. “I have spent many seasons in the area, and I especially love Stewart Park on a hot day, so my dog can have a quick swim.
“I am a fan of Fieldhouse Bakery, Foodsmiths, and expect to be in the area for years to come. In fact, I wrote ‘Who Rescued Who’ from my last album after putting my beloved Golden Retriever's ashes to rest under a catalpa tree on their farm. We have a mulberry tree that, at this time of year, is a bird-watchers paradise.”
Edwards said she’s thrilled to be playing a show locally, “and I hope I can inspire Lake 88.1 (My FM) to start playing my music!”
Edwards remains a fan of "ripping guitar riffs and good songs," and she's combining both into a follow-up album that showcases her legacy as well as her evolution. She maintains a presence on the road, too, playing her own gigs one minute and sharing shows with her heroes — including Willie Nelson, John Fogerty, and
Bob Dylan — the next.
"The things I've gone through might make someone else quit…but quitting doesn't quite do it for me," she says. "I can't help but want to write great songs, connect with people, and see what's ahead. I don't love looking behind, even though it's one of the ways we can see what we've done, so I'm looking forward."
From co-writes with Maren Morris to critically-acclaimed solo records like Back to Me, Asking for Flowers, Voyageur, and Total Freedom, Edwards has become a leader of the Americana community, even as her ever-evolving music reaches beyond the format's boundaries.
RedFox, Ian Tamblyn and Hadrian’s Wall are also on tap Friday night on the main stage in the park.
Saturday’s entertainment starts at 1 p.m. with the Academy for Musical Theatre. Allysann Mei is on at 2 p.m., followed by the Tony D Band at 3 p.m., Lynn Miles at 4 p.m. Keith Glass Band at 5 p.m., David Francey at 6 p.m. the Skydiggers at 7 p.m. and Kathleen Edwards at 8 p.m. Festival organizers say they are happy to have David Francey as one of this year’s headliners as well.
A Scottish-born Canadian carpenter-turned-songwriter, David is celebrated for
Henderson, Sharp represent Canada at Olympic Games in Paris this summer
Smiths Falls - Laurie Weir
editorial@pdgmedia.ca
Brooke Henderson has qualified for her third Olympic Games at the age of 26. Henderson and Alena Sharp qualified for Team Canada based on their Official World Golf Rankings after the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship on June 23. Henderson ranked 14th, and Sharp 292nd. Both will compete in their third Olympics at Paris 2024, having previously participated in Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020.
Henderson is a 13-time LPGA Tour winner, including two majors, tied for seventh in Rio and 29th in Tokyo. She’s currently fifth in the Race to the CME Globe Rankings. Sharp, 43, from Hamilton, is a seasoned LPGA Tour player. She earned a bronze at the Santiago 2023 Pan Am Games and has shown strong form on the Epson Tour.
“Representing Canada is the highest honor,” Sharp told Golf Canada. Henderson added, "Wear-
his authentic folk music that captures the essence of the working person. With 13 albums and four Juno Awards, his heartfelt songs and storytelling have made him one of Canada’s most esteemed folk poets and singers.
The Skydiggers are another big name this year. Known for their captivating blend of roots, country, rock, jazz, folk, and even Latin influences, The Skydiggers have been creating music that tells compelling stories for over three decades. With 15 studio albums, founding members Josh Finlayson and Andy Maize continue to evolve their sound while staying true to their roots.
Sunday fun starts at noon with Magoo for Kids, followed hourly by Boreal, Royal Pickles and The Commuters.
For more information, visit the Stewart Park Festival online or call the Perth BIA: 613-267-3311 ext. 2240. Keep up to date with the acts on their Facebook page.
North Leeds U18 girls’ soccer team to play in Gothia Cup in Sweden
Regional - Laurie Weir editorial@pdgmedia.ca
The opportunity to play soccer in Sweden doesn’t come too often, but when it does, an entire community comes together. The girls’ U18 North Leeds soccer team is in Sweden to play in the Gothia Cup.
ing the maple leaf in Paris is exciting.” She will be joined by her sister and caddy, Brittany Henderson.
Two countries will have three representatives at Le Golf National. For the United States, Nelly Korda, Lilia Vu, and Rose Zhang will compete, while Jin Young Ko, Amy Yang, and Hyo Joo Kim represent the Republic of Korea. Yang secured her spot with a thrilling win at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, her first major title, clinching the final qualifying event.
More than 20 athletes are set to make their Olympic debuts, including Sweden's Maja Stark and Linn Grant. Nearly 20 players, including four men and 15 women, will be participating in their third consecutive Games. Among them are two-time medalist Lydia Ko of New Zealand, Henderson, and Australia’s Minjee Lee.
The Olympic Games kick off Friday, July 26 and wrap up on Sunday, Aug. 11. This year's Olympic tournament will be played at Le Golf National at Guyancourt near Paris. The men compete from Aug. 1-4 and the women from Aug. 7-10.
Scott Halladay, head coach, has led this team for two years and decided this would be a fantastic group to take to this tournament.
It's a significant commitment, costing about $80,000 for the 12-person roster, coaching staff, and about a dozen parents. They've been fundraising for over a year.
"They're a great bunch of girls," Halladay said. When asked what makes this group special, he replied, "Everything. They get along well. Their attitudes, their desire, and efforts;
you couldn't ask for a better group of girls."
What’s even more special is the opportunity to carry the Canadian flag during opening ceremonies. "Our team was chosen to represent Canada and march into the stadium," Halladay said. "Our flag bearer is Keva McCreary. My two captains, Kieran Hanna and Gemma Caron, will go on stage and take the oath. This is really cool and is in front of 50,000 people. It will be insane!"
There will be 32 teams in the U18 division. The Gothia Cup, held annually in Gothenburg, Sweden, is one of the world's largest and most celebrated international youth soccer tournaments. Established in 1975, it attracts teams from over 80 countries, featuring thousands of young athletes. The tournament spans one week in July and includes
matches played in a group stage format, followed by elimination rounds.
Hanna, mother of Kieran, expressed her excitement. "I'm really excited for this group of girls," she said. "It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I'm proud of the team for all of their efforts, not only in sport but in fundraising as well. The community support has been incredible. I hope the girls have learned the value of contributing to their communities."
Halladay has coached high school and club soccer for 25 years and has been to Sweden once before, in 2010. "It was probably a trip of a lifetime for some of the girls back in 2010," he said. "Today, girls still talk about it when I see them."
Visit HometownNews.ca to read the full version of this story. Follow the team on their Facebook page.
Kathleen Edwards will perform on Saturday evening during the Stewart Park Festival. She's slated to go on stage at 8 p.m. July 20. Photo credit: Submitted [Kathleen Edwards Website].
Brooke Henderson and Alena Sharp have qualified for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. Photo credit: Submitted.
The U18 North Leeds soccer team is preparing for the trip to Sweden this month to take part in the Gothia Cup.
Photo credit: Angie Hanna.
Inaugural golf tournament nets $11,800 for Lanark County Interval House
Regional - Laurie Weir editorial@pdgmedia.ca
It was the perfect day on the picturesque links.
Organizers of the inaugural golf tournament hosted by the Lanark County Interval House and Community Support (LCIHCS) on May 31 were grinning from ear to ear on June 24 as the final tabulation showed $11,800 raised by 30 teams and 120 golfers.
“This will support our programs,” said Jennifer Greaves, Business & Finance Director for LCIHCS. “It will provide linens for our beds, fill our pantries, and buy arts and craft supplies for the kids.”
Cathie McOrmond, Resource Development Coordinator, and Kelly Currie,
Property Coordinator, jointly planned and led the day.
“It was really successful,” McOrmond said. “We have never hosted a golf tournament before. It was a good vibe and a beautiful day. We had some very good feedback.”
The 18-hole tournament, played at the Mississippi Golf Club, offered swag bags with golf tees (the pegs, not the shirts), golf towels, and ball caps, all with the LCIHCS logo, as well as snacks, water, sunscreen and bug spray, thanks to Giant Tiger and Shoppers Drug Mart of Carleton Place.
There were raffles and door prizes, and a 50/50 draw, with the winner — Rod Currie — donating
$200 back to the agency.
“Everyone went home with something,” McOrmond said. “We couldn’t have done it without our 10 generous sponsors, with Jara Sweeping as our title sponsor this year.”
Golfers enjoyed the course – a championship layout on the Mississippi River in Appleton — and a barbecue lunch.
Following the tournament, participants were encouraged to mingle at the club house. Board members Cara Gibbons and Kristine von Bloedau shared some insight about the agency and their own personal journeys.
McOrmond said the event wrapped up about
6 p.m. with plans for the second annual golf tournament already in the books. Save the date: June 6, 2025 – same place, same time.
COMING EVENTS
LCIHCS has some big events coming up over the next few months including their AGM on Sept. 23; Take Back the Night on Sept. 12 in Carleton Place starting at 6:30 p.m. at Town Hall, and the always popular and sold-out Violet Femmes on Nov. 10, at 5:30 p.m. at the Almonte Civitan. Tickets are limited.
“Last year we sold out Violet Femmes in one week,” McOrmond said. “Tickets will be on sale the first week of September.”
Food & Drink
The Travelling Sommelier
Column by Brian Preston | The Travelling Sommelier
Well it finally happened. The Ontario government is keeping an election promise to widen the availability of certain alcoholic beverages to various retail stores across the province. The expected response from LCBO workers and their Union because of the effects that this will have on their jobs and the sales volumes through the provincial monopoly of LCBO is understandable. What do you think about this situation? Let me know by email and if there is sufficient response, I will add your comments (pro and con)
in an upcoming column. I think it is important to let Ontarians be heard too.
I followed the Alberta de-regulation of provincially controlled sales years ago. To date it has been a general success with greater convenient accessibility, hours of service and range of product availability. There has been a greater range of prices due to competition and while some liquor products are marginally more expensive than here in Ontario, there are great deals to be had in stores such as Costco. While the LCBO remains closed, Beer Store loca-
tions are open and wines are available at the two retail store chains allowed in Ontario: The Wine Shop and the Wine Rack, usually located in conjunction with certain grocery store locations. The Wine Shop, by Andrew Peller, carries Trius Winery, Peller Estates, Wayne Gretzky Estates and Thirty Bench products. The Wine Rack, by Jackson-Triggs, carries Jackson-Triggs, Inniskillin, Sandbanks, BASK and Bodacious. They also carry a range of ciders and spritzers. And don’t forget Magnotta wines and
beers available in Kingston off Division street at Hwy 401, very good products at reasonable prices. How can these 3 companies exist outside of the LCBO monopoly, you might ask. Well, the short story is that they all carried licenses before Ontario changed the rules giving LCBO total monopoly over retail sales across Ontario, and thus were ‘grandfathered’ and excluded from the then new legislation. In fact, LCBO took Magnotta to court and years later Magnotta won getting a multi-million dollar settlement: Good for David over Goliath!
The Ford government has also just released an interactive map showing all retail locations in Ontario where you can still get alcoholic beverages: https://www.ontario.ca/page/where-buy-alcoholic-beverages: This is the perfect op-
portunity to plan a daytrip to Prince Edward County ( PEC) to wine and dine in the vineyards, do tastings along the wine route, and don’t forget to stop and get some Black River Cheese (I tried their Maple Cheddar recently and it is very good – try it with a New World Pinot Noir). Here is a handy map to plan your wine tasting route: https://southeasternontario.ca/wp-content/ uploads/2012/07/PEC_ Wine_Tour_Map_2012_ low.pdf. Or let someone else do the driving and take a wine route tour: https:// pecwinetours.com/.
Whatever your preferences, this is a good time of year to enjoy a short road trip and take in the bounty of Eastern Ontario. Give yourself lots of time to make unplanned stops at places of interest along the way and truly discover ‘your own backyard’. Don’t forget to write me an email on your thoughts about the LCBO strike and how you think alcoholic beverages should be sold across Ontario and what role the Ontario government should play in the regulation and licensing of alcohol. brianpreston@hotmail.com Cheers!
Cathie McOrmond (left) and Jennifer Greaves share the results of the Lanark County Interval House and Community Support on May 31, raising $11,800 for their inaugural golf tournament at the Mississippi Golf Club. Photo credit: Laurie Weir.
Photo credit: Submitted.
culture
Jill Heinerth and the discovery of Shackleton’s ship 'Quest'
Carleton Place - Brian Preston editorial@pdgmedia.ca
Jill Heinerth, International Scuba Diving Hall of Famer, cave diver, author, scientist, broadcaster, and the Royal Canadian Geographical Society’s first Explorer-in-Residence. I first wrote in this paper about Jill in 2019 when she and her partner moved back to Canada settling near Carleton Place. Since then, she has been on numerous other adventures in such places as the Arctic. She was in Ottawa last summer when James Cameron was there with the submersible ‘Deepsea Challenger’ in which he descended to the world’s deepest ocean bottom.
This year, Jill has recently returned from being a member of the search team looking for Sir Ernest Shackleton’s ship ‘Quest’ which sank off the Labrador coast. His 192122 Antarctic expedition on ‘Quest,’ his third voyage to Antarctica, was his last as he died in 1922 of a heart attack on South Georgia Island. The Quest continued back to Britain and under different ownership was used for such purposes as a sealing vessel. On 5 May 1962, while on a seal-hunting expedition, ‘Quest’ was holed by crushing ice and sank. All the crew survived. She was located on 9 June 2024 at
the bottom of the Labrador Sea, less than half a kilometre off Labrador's north coast by a wreck hunting team led by the Royal Canadian Geographical Society on the search vessel ‘LeeWay Odyssey,’ an oceanographic research vessel out of Nova Scotia. She was found in 390m of water, sitting almost upright, and appearing to be broadly intact save for a broken main mast. The team included shipwreck hunter David Mearns and lead researcher geographer Antoine Normandin. The explorer's granddaughter Hon. Alexandra Shackleton was co-patron of the expedition along with Chief Mi'sel Joe of Miawpukek First Nation, Jill Heinerth, and several others. Jill told about problems with equipment which meant that they had to return to port for repairs and then get back ‘on station’ as quickly as possible because they only had a few days left to search and find her. Their detailed research about last known location and reports by others paid off as they found her on the 6th track of 17 planned tracks. Using side-scan sonar and watching imagery of the bottom as the search ship, guided by GPS, sailed in grid tracks back and forth over the target area of ocean, a procedure some-
times referred to as ‘mowing the lawn’. This was an incredible feat given that only a few days remained from when they actually were able to actively search for the ‘Quest.’
Jill said, “The original sinking was reported by a number of ships, but using older navigational techniques. Our team member Antoine Normandin did some heavy research and modeling by looking at the techniques, weather, and ocean currents to determine over 10,000 possible scenarios, then aggregated his data to create a search grid. The ship was found roughly 2.5 km from her last reported position.”
I sent to Scotland to purchase a recent but rare book of the Quest’s final Antarctic expedition which was advertised as follows: “The Quest Chronicle. The story of the Shackleton-Rowett Expedition'' by Jan Chojecki. It was one of only 500 copies individually numbered and signed by Chojecki. When I watched the TV news coverage of the ship’s discovery and saw a copy of this book on the bridge by the wheel, Jill told me that Jan was on board and so was Shackleton’s grand-daughter as co-patron of the expedition as mentioned above. What a coincidence.
The next step will be for a return to the wreck site to
conduct a full underwater survey, so I am sure that in future more stories about “Quest’ will be made available to us. In the meantime, Jill is off on another adventure or speaking engagement. Unfortunately, because of Hurricane Beryl, she was unable to make a speaking engagement in Curacao in South Eastern Caribbean as all flights and airlines were in turmoil. You need a GPS tracker to know where she is at any given moment –flying the skies, diving the seas and caves, or giving public presentations!
Shackleton’s Antarctic expedition ship ‘Quest’. Photo credit: Submitted.