Eganville Leader

The Eganville Leader - Wednesday, October 28, 2020

Postal Agreement # 40005333

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www.careiche.ca

119th Year - No. 19

Wednesday, October 28, 2020

Eganville, Ontario

COVID-19 cases increase in county; Opeongo student tests positive

By Debbi Christinck

Staff Writer Pembroke –- The numbers of COVID-19 infections are continuing to gradually increase in the Ottawa Valley with an area resident being hospitalized, outbreaks diagnosed in three long-term-care/retirement homes and students in two schools diagnosed with the infection.

There are currently 92 cases in the area covered by the Renfrew County and District Health Unit (RCDHU).

Of these 11 are in isolation, one is hospitalized, 79 considered resolved and one is deceased. The total number of cases is up from 76 at this time last week.

The health unit confirmed last week a student at Opeongo High School (OHS) has a positive laboratoryconfirmed case of COVID-19. As a result, the RCDHU directed a class of students and a number of staff to go home immediately and self-isolate.

The school remains open to in-person learning and is open to receive students and staff.

On Monday, the health unit confirmed a student at Herman Street Public School in Petawawa has a positive laboratory-confirmed case of COVID-19. All students and staff who have been deemed to be a close contact of the positive case, have been given direction to go home immediately and self-isolate. The school remains open to in-person learning for all other students and staff.

The health unit is working closely with the Renfrew County District School Board to ensure necessary measures continue to be in place to protect all staff, students and the public. RCDHU staff is actively investigating the case and all high-risk contacts will be contacted by RCDHU within 24 hours for further instructions.

Three long-term-care/retirement homes are currently in a declared outbreak state. Marianhill is experiencing its first COVID outbreak since the start of the pandemic last spring. The single current case involves a staff member who has tested positive because of asymptomatic surveillance testing.

As of September 28, all staff and visitors to Marianhill have undergone testing as a precaution to protect everyone associated with the facility and to help reduce spread within the community.

“Thankfully, the staff member has had no high-risk exposure or contact with any Marianhill staff or resident,” CEO Linda Tracey said. “We’ve been so fortunate up until now, but this setback serves to remind us that we can’t let down our guard.”

She added Marianhill staff are working very hard to maintain a safe environment for everyone.

“As a result of this outbreak we’re increasing our cleaning protocols and maintaining heightened processes and protocols relevant to resident visits,” she said. “We’ve informed all our families and will continue to provide timely updates.”

The Grove Nursing Home in Arnprior had a staff member with a

‘detected’ result, which is considered a positive test. This was because of biweekly surveillance testing. The staff member was tested again, and that test came back negative, although the facility was remaining in outbreak status until other staff and residents could be tested.

The third long-term care/retirement home was identified as Groves Park Lodge in Renfrew.

According to information released by the RCDHU at noon on Tuesday, 19 health care workers in total have tested positive but the majority (12) work outside the county and district.

The health unit reports they have conducted 34,781 tests so far. The largest number of reported cases are in Renfrew and area where 44 cases have been reported. This is up from 33 at this time last week.

High Risk Contacts The health unit is reminding the public a high risk contact is a person who has: been in close physical contact (less than 2 metres) with an individual who has tested positive for COVID-19; been in the same room, workspace, area and/or living in the same household with an individual who has tested positive for COVID-19; provided direct care for an individual who has tested positive for COVID-19 without consistent use of appropriate public health precautions or had direct contact with bodily fluids of an individual who has tested positive for COVID-19.

High risk contacts must self-isolate and self-monitor for 14 days. They must not return to work, school or childcare, in-person. As well, they should call the Renfrew County Virtual Triage Assessment Centre (RC VTAC) at 1-844-727-6404 to book an appointment for testing. If the test result is negative, they must continue the 14day isolation because of exposure and because COVID-19 could have been developing (incubating) at the time of the test. If the test result is positive, they must continue to self-isolate and will be contacted by RCDHU. The health unit reminds the public the importance of adhering to public health measures is critical. Everyone must do their part to stay home if they are sick, avoid contact with people who are ill, limit their social activities, practice physical distancing (two metres), wear a mask/face covering when physical distancing cannot be maintained, wash their hands, use the COVID Alert App, and complete the COVID-19 self-assessment tool or COVID-19 school and child care selfassessment tool daily before going to work, school or daycare, to monitor for symptoms and proper guidance.

COVID-19 testing continues across the county. This week there are test stations in Deep River today (Wednesday), Thursday in Laurentian Valley and Horton and Friday in Arnprior and Barry’s Bay. For more information, visit RCDHU’s website at https://www.rcdhu. com/novel-coronaviruscovid-19-2/ or call 613-732-3629 or 1-800-267-1097.

($1.90 plus 10 cents GST)

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Detour lasting longer than expected

A perfect day on the links

Last Friday’s warm weather made it a perfect day to hit the links and Whitetail Golf Club was busy all day long with golfers getting in one of their last games of the season. The thermometer rose to 22 degrees Celcius and that made it a perfect day for shorts and short sleeve tops. See Page B1 for story.

KHR will continue ZOOM meeting

By Terry Fleurie

Staff Writer Killaloe – With the second wave of COVID-19 causing a sharp rise in the numbers of cases in Renfrew County, Killaloe, Hagarty and Richards (KHR) Township council has decided to continue its current policy of holding its council meetings virtually.

During a special meeting of council via ZOOM on October 20th, CAO Sue Sheridan asked council for direction on the future meetings. During the September 22 meeting, councillors indicated they would revisit the idea of returning to the council chamber in November, but the situation with COVID had changed since then.

“At the EOCG (Emergency Operations Control Group) meeting we had

a discussion regarding the future of doing ZOOM meetings or we could do with the Owl, once we get a cord,” she explained. “So I just want to get council’s direction.”

Mayor Janice Tiedje said Mrs. Sheridan had spoken to other townships and they were all going back to not having in-house meetings.

“They’re all going back to ZOOM meetings,” she said. “So Sue and I and the EOCG committee are recommending that we go back until this COVID calms down a little bit and that we follow the other municipalities and continue to do it the way we’re doing it through ZOOM.” She said Councillors Stanley Pecoskie, John Jeffrey and Ted Browne could continue to attend the meet-

ings in the council chambers and she would likely join from her office in the municipal building.

“But we wouldn’t have a regular meeting in-house,” she said.

Council agreed with the suggestion and two future ZOOM meetings were scheduled for November 17 and December 1. They also agreed to hold a meeting on December 15, with the mayor suggesting it could possibly be held in chambers depending on the COVID situation then.

“So we could go face-to-face just so we could wish each other a Merry Christmas,” she remarked.

She added the December 15 meeting would still not be open to the public to attend but it would be shared on You Tube for the public to view.

Eganville – The detour through the village will last a bit longer than anticipated as work on the main bridge project which was slated to be completed at the end of the month now will stretch into the first week of November.

Bonnechere Valley CAO Annette Gilchrist confirmed on Monday the contractor had asked for a one-week extension on the project. The work will now be completed in early November instead of the October 30 deadline earlier established.

Council had heard earlier in the month from BV Works Supervisor Jason Zohr the contractor had hit some unexpected snags in the project which would require extra time. As the bridge was being repaired extra work needed to be done, he explained.

While initially things had been going smoothly in the first weeks, the unexpected delays made the completion date a bit more uncertain at the time.

The contract was awarded in midSeptember to Dalcon Construction Ltd. Of Ottawa. The tender of $652,010 was one of three received.

The project is mostly funded through the province with the Connecting Links funding from the Ministry of Transportation. Having the funding through the Connecting Link allowed the project to move forward with a minimal cost to BV taxpayers of about 10 per cent of the total funding. The remaining 90 per cent is coming from the province. Since the bridge is part of the Highway 60 and Highway 41 network it is also part of a provincial network as much as a municipal one.

Work began on the bridge the third week in September and was anticipated to take six weeks to complete.

For residents of the village and those passing through using the Highway 41 and Highway 60 corridor it has meant a detour on John Street and Mill Street which has created a lot more traffic on those roads than they are accustomed to seeing, as well as sights of larger trucks having some challenges navigating the lower bridge.

Halloween is a go locally.

See Page A 2

The Eganville Leader - Wednesday, October 28, 2020

Postal Agreement # 40005333

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BLR Councillor Trevor Lidtkie: No deer in the headlights Concerns raised over two irregular invoices as well as unexpected tax bill as calls for an independent investigation begin

By Barry Conway

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Palmer Rapids – Trevor Lidtkie sat in his trucking company office of nearly 40 years this past Monday morning. He sat under two 10-point bucks that he said his son shot five minutes apart when Reid was just a young lad hunting with his dad for the very first time. It’s a proud memory for Mr. Lidtkie who likes to describe himself as just another local hillbilly.

But family hunting memories are not what he is about these days. Rather, on Monday morning he was still gripped by two Brudenell, Lyndoch and Raglan (BL R) Township invoices that trouble him to no end and make him wonder if somebody takes him for a deer caught in the headlights.

When he is not running his Palmer Rapids trucking business that he started in 1981, he sits on the Brudenell, Lyndoch and Raglan Township council. He has done so for most years during the past two decades. But there are now things going on that as a councillor he does not like.

It all started with that son, the deer slayer, who this past summer bought a piece of property that fronts the Madawaska River. It was Mr. Lidtkie who happily sold it to his son right next door to his trucking business.

But about three weeks after that transaction closed on July 24th, his son got a curious BLR notice saying several thousand dollars of municipal taxes were still owing on the property transaction just completed.

“Over the years, lawyers don’t seem to make too many mistakes, but everybody’s human,” Mr. Lidtkie said with a chuckle, noting he has used a local lawyer for decades in a wide variety of legal work including property sales.

So, when Mr. Lidtkie’s son got that new BLR tax bill for several thousand dollars, he knew it wasn’t a mistake made by his lawyer. He knew the lawyer had properly arranged to have all municipal taxes paid on Mr. Lidtkie’s behalf the day the sale closed in late July.

Mr. Lidtkie thought there must be some mistake at the BLR office, so he took the bill to the clerk-treasurer, Michelle Mantifel, who had worked for the township for nearly 25 years.

He got no resolution. So, he took that BLR tax bill to his brother-in-law, Rick Clements, a certified professional accountant, who immediately saw what he considered a calculation error. When he approached the township, he fared no better. The clerktreasurer refused to speak with him.

The accountant then became aware of two similar BLR property transactions that had curious irregularities in how BLR seemed to be calculating municipal taxes at the time each of those property sales closed.

Late this summer, Mr. Lidtkie noticed something else, as part of his job on council which has to authorize municipal payments due each month, and that are supposed to be based on appropriate tenders, invoices and supporting documentation such as weigh

BLR Councillor Trevor Lidtkie holds two curious invoices below two ten-point bucks. bills, provided by suppliers who have won tenders or charged BLR for products and services.

Two invoices caught Mr. Lidtkie’s eye, but only after they had been paid and after he had to request them from the clerk treasurer. Both invoices originated with KCK Aggregates Ltd. from nearby Denbigh. Mr. Lidtkie knew and respected its owner, Gordon “Pete” Malcolm, and had no reason to believe Mr. Malcolm’s company had done anything improper.

“In all honesty, in hillbilly terms, like if we’re too stupid, you can’t

blame that man for selling us the moon if we’re willing to buy it! And he’s willing to get paid for it,” said Mr. Lidtkie. “In my opinion, he’s done nothing wrong, but we have; we didn’t do due diligence.”

A July 26th, 2019 BLR invoice for $65,059.75 for a Bruceton Road gravel contract showed no quantity and no unit price. Worse, there was no tender nor any weigh bills attached to the usual package provided to each councillor prior to approving such BLR payments.

Then came a second gravel in-

voice, again from KCK Aggregates Ltd. but much more recent. It was dated August 10th, 2020 and it was for $75,538.24 for a Little Ireland Road project but again there was no unit pricing on the invoice, no weigh bills and no tender.

“All of these invoices were paid,” said Mr. Lidtkie, “and none of these were presented to council, other than on the payments (list), as KCK Aggregates gets paid this amount. But no invoices until I requested them.”

Mr. Lidtkie knew, as did Mr. Clements who had previously been a

BLR councillor, that any invoice over $10,000 legally required a tender. Worse, given Mr. Lidtkie’s own 40-year professional career working in trucking and his knowledge of aggregates and unit pricing, those irregular invoices only raised more red flags. He knew there were less expensive aggregates such as gravel readily available had both projects been tendered.

Better Prices Available Mr. Lidtkie also knew the council had approved budgets for both projects; but that wasn’t the issue. The real problem was that the invoices themselves were not based on any tender he was aware of, nor could he, in good conscience, approve such an invoice without the accompanying weigh bills, especially as there was no unit pricing to calculate if the pricing was fair or competitive. It would appear, according to Mr. Lidtkie, that better pricing had been available through Bonnechere Excavating Inc. (BEI) in Barry’s Bay and Levesque Brothers in Bancroft, both of which he had worked with previously.

“I do understand the aggregate business fairly well,” he said. “In any event, those products were able to be purchased closer and cheaper, but they weren’t tendered! I own trucks, belly-dumps, whatever; and I buy a lot of materials from BEI. And when you do a quote or sell stuff by the tonne, normally there’s weigh bills.

Every product you would get from J & P Levesque or BEI goes across a weigh scale; when you’re buying stuff at that price, you weigh it! You don’t take a guesstimate.”

“We paid $15.75 a tonne for gravel for these two projects, three times actually, and that gravel, a man off the street could have gone to BEI in Barry’s Bay, a very respectable company, and bought that gravel for $13 a tonne; or they could have gone to Levesque Brothers in Bancroft and bought that gravel for $13 a tonne as well; and both companies given the amount of tonnes we supposedly bought, they would have given us an extra five per cent discount on top of that lower price.”

All through his professional career, trucking everything from logs to gravel, Mr. Lidtkie says he never saw invoices like the two he held in his hand.

“All my life, I drew to pulp mills, whatever; every god-damned load of wood or materials you went over the scales and you got a weigh bill!”

So, by the regular BLR Township council meeting on Wednesday, October 7th, Mr. Clements showed up and raised those two troubling issues – how BLR calculates municipal tax at the time of a BLR property sale; and what was going on with its tendering and invoice control -- and that had been noted earlier in the summer by Mr. Lidtkie.

Mr. Lidtkie thought a professional accountant such as Mr. Clements might better explain the accounting irregularities to the council than he could, so he deferred to his brother-

in-law, Mr. Clements, to bring the council up to speed on the two issues.

That October 7th meeting turned out to be so contentious that the approved agenda was only half completed and so the meeting was adjourned after four hours. But, ironically, following that meeting, some good news: Mr. Lidtkie’s son got a full rebate on $2,000+ that he had been forced to pay BLR township three weeks after purchasing his father’s property.

The bad news: Mr. Lidtkie himself then got a new, unexpected BLR tax adjustment for his trucking business property indicating that, no, his BLR taxes that he thought had already been paid for the year, now required an additional $3,095.94 owing.

The following week, on Wednesday, October 14th, council reconvened to finish their agenda from the previous week, but more fireworks and fingerpointing ensued with little resolution of the two outstanding issues raised

by Mr. Clements. In fact, during that second meeting, it was discovered that some more questionable invoices had already been paid prior to council approving them.

Within days of that fractious October 14th meeting, the BLR ClerkTreasurer, Michelle Mantifel, abruptly resigned, saying she had accepted a new job with nearby North Algona Wilberforce Township and that she needed a change.

Mayor Wants Investigation Meanwhile, BLR Mayor Sheldon Keller said he wanted a thorough investigation but didn’t expect the two issues raised by Mr. Clements would be resolved completely at the next council meeting, though he did not suspect fraud.

So, this week Mr. Lidtkie sits in his trucking office in Palmer Rapids, awaiting next Wednesday’s regular BLR council meeting. He’s still got a firm grip on those two curious invoices totalling more than $140,000.

Certainly no hillbilly, he’s enough of a politician to know ‘the buck stops on his desk,’ but like U.S. President Harry Truman who coined that phrase, Mr. Lidtkie just wants somebody to explain how things like this happens and what has to be done to set everything right.

“I will be calling for an investigaton,” he said finally, speaking of the next BLR council meeting. “I will be calling for that, but definitely not an internal investigation; it has got to be an outside entity, whether it be OPP (Ontario Provincial Police) or a hired professional.”

He said he expects the auditors who check BLR Township books at the end of each fiscal year will look closely at the situation, but he feels strongly the situation has to be addressed immediately and by outside forensic accountants with no connection to the township.

Meanwhile, this self-proclaimed hillbilly has those two 10-point bucks to admire in his office and half a mind to maybe go out himself someday soon and stare down a deer or two.

COVID forces changes to Remembrance Day ceremonies

By Terry Fleurie

Staff Writer Eganville – November 11th is the day set aside to remember and honour veterans and others who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the various conflicts.

Sadly, these solemn and important events have also been impacted by the COVID pandemic, forcing the alteration, or in some cases, cancellation of the annual ceremonies.

In Eganville, where the ceremony is traditionally held at Branch 353 of the Royal Canadian Legion, this year’s service will be held outside in front of the gun and the Cenotaph.

Past president and poppy chairman Claude Jeannotte said the majority of wreaths will be laid in advance for the Bereaved Mothers and the Governments of Canada and Ontario and for fallen comrades.

“A list of those donating wreaths in memory of a relative or their business will be read during the ceremony and the wreaths will all be laid in advance,” he explained. “We have been advised by Dominion Command that there will be no military attending our ceremony and providing a marching contingent through Eganville.

“Our Legion Padre, Rev. Susan Clifford, will be leading the prayers and Bible readings,” he added. “The flags will be at half mast and they will be raised following the Reveille sounded

by Stephan Grasmuck.”

Mr. Jeannotte noted while the traditional custom at Branch 353 has been to serve lunch following the ceremony, this too is cancelled.

“Because of the COVID-19 pandemic and public health regulations it is necessary to limit attendance to 100 people, therefore we invite the public to view the virtual ceremony that Mayor Jennifer Murphy has offered to broadcast on the Township of Bonnechere Valley You Tube page,” he stated. “Masks, contact information and social distancing will be strictly enforced to ensure everyone is safe during the ceremony”.

At Pikwakanagan First Nation at Golden Lake, the traditional ceremony at the cenotaph at the cultural grounds is being replaced by a virtual ceremony this year.

Naomi Sarazin, curator of the Omamiwinini Pimadjwonin – Algonquin Way Cultural Centre, confirmed the service will be done

virtually and not in-person.

“We’ve done some pre-recording and we’re going to post it on our Facebook page,” she said. “We’re going to be inviting our members, if they would like, to come lay a poppy.

“We’re going to be engaging children, if they want to paint on a rock.

They can do that and then drop it off at the memorial,” she added. “But there’s nothing in terms of ceremonial events down there.”

Ms. Sarazin said she, Chief Wendy Jocko, who is a military veteran herself, council, and some youth from the community are recording the videos that will be posted before 11 a.m.

November 11.

“Then our two minutes of silence can fall at 11 o’clock,” she noted.

She said despite being forced to alter how they deliver the ceremony due to COVID, it was important to see it continue in some format.

“We’re trying to do the best that we can right now,” she remarked.

She explained the video will somewhat follow the usual format of the ceremony with the reading of In Flander’s Fields, the Act of Remembrance, etc.

“We’ve engaged community members and some youth as well to participate in that.”

In Killaloe, Community Development Officer Chris Neff said the ceremony at the cenotpah at the municipal hall is proceeding but on a much smaller scale and without the usual large military presence or attendance of students from the two

elementary schools.

“We’ll be holding a small ceremony here and I’m inviting council to attend,” he said. “I’ve gotten word from the military that they will try to send two soldiers out, if they are allowed, depending on the circumstances.

“Then we’ll have a veteran there, so it will be very small and going about the same time as the Remembrance

Radio.”

To replace the traditional ceremony, CHCR radio (102.9 FM and 104.5 FM/ www,chcr.org) is hosting Remembrance Radio from 10 a.m. until 12 noon that day, The annual Bromley Remembrance Day service held at the cenotaph at St. Michael’s School in Douglas has been cancelled.

By Debbi Christinck

ing a movie. In Eganville the pumpkin event planned by the township was cancelled, but the Bonnechere Union Public Library took it on and the mayor said as far as trick or treating was concerned, people need to be vigilant.

In speaking with area teachers, she said it is clear the children are taking COVID-19 distancing seriously and have learned the new way of interacting with others.

“These kids are adapting,” the mayor said. “They can trick or treat in a safe manner as long as homeowners find a safe way to hand out candy.”

Area residents are being creative

about how to allow Halloween to happen safely, she added. Some residents are packing up the candy with a date on it, so parents can feel more comfortable, she said.

Mayor Murphy said even if council was thinking about it, it is not their jurisdiction to govern Halloween.

“We don’t have the authority to shut down Halloween,” she said.

The province is looking at the hot spots in Ontario and asking people to be extra vigilant, she added. Because of this, things could change.

“Keep your eye on the news,” she said. “We want the little ones to be safe.”

Halloween a go in BV Township

Staff Writer Eganville – Halloween is a go in Bonnechere Valley Township.

“We are not shutting down Halloween,” Mayor Jennifer Murphy said during a ZOOM meting of council last Tuesday afternoon. “We are asking people to follow best practices.

Maintain social distancing.”

With the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a great deal of interest in the future of Halloween. In nearby Ottawa, the chief medical officer of health has advised people not go trick or treating but find other ways of celebrating like dressing up and watch-

The Eganville Leader - Wednesday, October 28, 2020

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BV in running for Canada’s Best Restroom

By Debbi Christinck

Staff Writer Eganville – Bonnechere Valley has a lot of things to boast about, but one which may bring a smile to the face of residents and passers-by may be the distinction for having the best restroom in Canada.

Tourists travelling through the village this summer have taken the time to send the township emails commenting on how clean the washrooms at McRae Park and the Eganville Tourist Information Centre are, so the township is capitalizing on this and entering a contest to see if the recognition can be nation-wide.

“They were stopping and telling us we have the cleanest washrooms

Pembroke residents win $1 million Roger Locke of Pembroke told Ontario Lottery officials he was still absolutely speechless when he arrived in Toronto recently to claim a Guaranteed $1 million Prize in the October 7 LOTTO 6/49 draw. He also matched three out of six numbers in another draw on the same ticket to win $10, bringing his total winnings to $1,000,010. The 55-year-old said he is a usual player, but mostly Sports games. “I was at the store and used the Ticket Checker. When I saw a million dollars, I said a couple expletives because I was so surprised,” he laughed. He have any plans for his windfall just yet. “I’ll invest some and figure out my next steps once reality hits me,” he said. “This win hasn’t sunk in yet.”

KHR council rejects offer to sell Hoch farm privately Killaloe – On the night when they passed a by-law to enter into an agreement to demolish the Hoch farmhouse, Killaloe, Hagarty and Richards (KHR) Township rejected a request from a taxpayer in the municipality who expressed interest in purchasing the property.

During the correspondence portion of council’s special meeting last Tuesday evening, they addressed an email from Michael Petrunik, who had two requests of council.

While his first request asked council to reconsider the removal of the outside water source at the Information Centre earlier this year, the second focused on the Hoch farmhouse. The farmhouse is slated for demolition after an engineering report deemed it unsafe and too expensive to fix.

“Additionally, I read that the only local Designated Heritage Site is being dismantled,” his email stated. “Would I be permitted to purchase Hoch Farm from the town in order to preserve it?”

Ironically, perhaps, earlier in the meeting, council passed a by-law authorizing an agreement between Priestley Demolition, the Ontario firm conducting the demolition, and Salvage II Entertainment Inc., the production company that is documenting the project.

“Council would not consider selling public land,” Mayor Janice Tiedje noted when discussing the issue. “That would be public land at Hoch Park.

“We appreciate his comments, but we are proceeding with what is happening to Hoch Park,” she added. “It is public land and we’re not prepared to entertain the notion of selling it.”

Council unanimously supported the mayor’s comments.

Concerning the water supply, Mr. Petrunik had stated when he moved to the township in 2018, he was fully reliant on the “town’s public access water” located behind the Killaloe Information Centre.

“I used this for my first year, as I started my work towards preserving the historic mill in Old Killaloe.”

Mr. Petrunik went on to state he believed the water source had been removed under direction of the Public Health Agency of Canada. He further stated he had reviewed their policy and could not find anything “related to turning off public water access points.

“Please know you have my full support in doing what is necessary to quickly restore access to this vital resource that I and surely others rely on,” he stated.

Mayor Tiedje suggested council direct staff to respond to Mr. Petrunik and tell him the water issue has been addressed several times and council remains firm on its decision to have it removed.

“We thank him for his concerns, but we’ve moved on that,” she stated.

Council also supported that recommendation.

they have seen in a public restroom,” Community Development Officer Dana Jennings said during a committee meeting of council last Tuesday afternoon.

She said CAO Annette Gilchrist had heard of the Canada’s Best Restroom contest and so the township decided to enter. The contest is run by Cintas and applications are now closed for the year.

“We submitted an application, and we could get $2,500 in cleaning surface products. There is no hurt in trying,” Ms. Jennings said. “It is not every day you get really positive feedback.”

“Especially about washrooms,” Mayor Jennifer Murphy quipped.

The mayor said Mike McIntee who cleans the washrooms, and the maintenance staff need to receive credit for their hard work.

“If we are getting noticed for cleanliness that is fantastic,” Councillor Tim Schison said. “The little things like that is what makes the community returnable.”

Having clean washrooms makes this a great stop for travellers, he said.

“You know in the future they will stop again,” he said.

Ms. Jennings said she thought it was a fun good news item, but the credit needs to go to staff for keeping the washrooms in such good condition.

“It is a lot of effort on behalf of our cleaning staff,” she said.

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KHR Township and Lions partnering on Christmas in the Park parade

By Terry Fleurie

Staff Writer Killaloe – Although the COVID-19 pandemic has forced the cancellation or rescheduling of many events this year, Santa Claus will still be making his annual visit to Killaloe, albeit in a slightly different manner than previous years.

Killaloe, Hagarty and Richards (KHR) Township is partnering with the Killaloe Lions Club to host the first-ever walk-thru Christmas in the Park parade on Saturday, December 12 in Station Park.

The concept for the walk-thru parade was proposed to council by Community Development Officer Chris Neff September 25 and he was given unanimous approval to pursue the idea.

Last Tuesday night during a special meeting of council, Mr. Neff advised council the Killaloe Lions Club, the usual sponsors of the parade, were totally on board with the idea.

“It was well received and I think they were really happy to have something they could develop,” he told the Leader last Thursday.

“They’ve taken it full swing and they’re organizing a lot of it now, which is really great.

“They’re going to be taking on a lot of the float organization and general parade stuff,” he added.

“And I’ll be doing the sign-up because we’re going to be sending out the tickets in Naturally spirited (the municipal newsletter).

I believe the Friendship Club is also going to help out, so it will be a real community effort.”

Because the Lions Club has been the longtime organizers of the parade, Mr. Neff said he is extremely grateful for their support in this new venture.

“They’ve been a great partner to have,” he remarked.

Mr. Neff’s proposal was to limit the parade solely to residents of KHR and each family would receive one ticket, good for five people, in the November newsletter.

“This way the event will stay extremely local,” he noted then. “No one outside our municipality will be able to attend, because it will only be sent to people in our municipality.”

He added that in extenuating circumstances where the families are larger than five people, special accommodations will be made.

Instead of having a “normal” parade where people line the streets to view the passing floats, the walk-thru parade will feature stationary floats/displays throughout Station Park. Visitors to the parade will be given specific times to arrive and upon arrival will be divided into two separate staging areas that would hold a maximum of 25 people, prior to their walk-thru. The parade participants will be set up at various locations throughout the park and each group would then be allocated 10 minutes to proceed through the park to

view the floats/displays.

“There will be lines on the ground for spacing and directional arrows to direct traffic and all participants will be asked to wear masks,” he told council initially.

He also noted all visitors would provide contact information should there be any incidents.

In addition, the 2020 version of the parade will be the first one essentially held in the evening hours as it is scheduled from 4 to 7 p.m.

“Everything will be lit up and we’re hoping to have Christmas lights on the covered bridge,” he said. “The Lions picked the time of 4 to 7 because it was kind of a happy medium for people wanting to come to see the lights and also for people who didn’t want the kids to be out too late.

“This will be the first, nighttime, kind-of hybrid theme, but it’s the year to do something different,” he added.

Mr. Neff confirmed Santa Claus will be in attendance, and while children won’t be able to have the same close contact with him this year, there will be an opportunity to take pictures from a distance. In addition, candy bags will be distributed to children at the end of the walk-thru.

“We’re doing everything we can to keep the whole thing COVID safe and fun for everyone and as normal as can be in these times,” he stressed.

Community Street Crime Unit make arrest Pembroke -- The Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU) of the Upper Ottawa Valley (UOV) Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) arrested an individual last Tuesday in connection with a break-in at a downtown business the previous day.

Jonathan Wayne Burgess, 42, of Pembroke, has been charged with break, enter a place - commit indicatable offence, possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000, failure to comply with and undertaking and failing to comply with a probation

order.

The accused was held for a bail hearing and remained in custody until the next court appearance which was scheduled for yesterday (Tuesday).

A quantity of cash, cell phones and tablets were stolen.

Enjoying a nice day in McRae Park Wayne Sell of Eganville took advantage of the warm sunshine on Friday to do some reading at McRae Lookout Park which is one of his favourite places to visit.

The park, located on the site of the former United Co-operatives of Ontario mill and retail outlet on the north shore of the Bonnechere River, was developed over the last three years by the Eganville and Area Community Development Group as a tribute to the McRae family. J.S.L. McRae buiit a grist mill on the property in 1892 and thus the park recognizes the McRae family for this and other industries established in Eganville in the late 1800s.

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The Eganville Leader - Wednesday, October 28, 2020

Postal Agreement # 40005333

Page A5

County home sales and average price set new records Pembroke -- Residential sales activity recorded in Renfrew County totaled 198 units in September, representing an increase of 48.9 per cent from September 2019. This was also a new sales record for the month of September.

On a year-to-date basis, home sales totalled a record 1,666 units, a gain of 10.2 per cent from the same period in 2019, over the first nine months of the year.

The average price of homes sold in

Lisa McCann holds her winning Catch the Ace ticket.

Pembroke woman wins $5,000 in Bay Catch the Ace draw

Barry’s Bay -- A former staff member at Valley Manor Nursing Home was the winner in Week 39 of the Catch the Ace lottery sponsored by the St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation last Thursday.

Lisa McCann of Pembroke worked at the manor as a dietician for more than 10 years. Her father purchased her winning ticket at the Cottage Cup in Golden Lake and picked number 15, which revealed the Five of Hearts.

Although she didn’t find the elusive Ace of Spades, Lisa still took home $5,089 in the draw. She plans on using the money on practical items like new tires for her car and maybe even splurge a little, too.

The weekly prize for Week #40 is estimated at $4,864 but if the Ace of Spades is found, the total winnings will be about $146,498. All proceeds support Valley Manor Redevelopment. Tickets can be purchased at Round Lake Centre, AJ’s Convenience, Killaloe Hardware, Wilno Building Supply, Ramona’s Hair Salon, Charlie D’s, Barry’s Bay Esso, Lorraine’s Pharmasave, Barry’s Bay MacEwen, CO Country Market, and The Cottage Cup, Conway’s Pharmacy, Eganville Shell and Village Discount & Variety.

Cindy Buckley of Renfrew won last Thursday’s Renfrew Victoria Hospital Foundation draw and took home $4,531. She chose envelope number 7 which revealed the Nine of Hearts. Cindy bought her ticket at MacKenzie Motors in Renfrew. The progressive pot to start week 10 is $50,328. The amount raised by the foundation for the Emergency Department so far is $83,880.

September 2020 was a record $330,768, higher by 34.5 per cent from September 2019, and setting a new record for the third consecutive month.

The more comprehensive year-to-date average price was $302,813, rising by 15.5 per cent from the first nine months of 2019.

There were 217 new residential listings in September 2020. This was up 16.7 per cent on a year-over-year basis.

A combination of strong demand and

low inventory has created an imbalance, driving the market firmly into seller’s territory.

Active residential listings numbered 302 units at the end of September; this was a substantial decline of 51.8 per cent from the end of September 2019.

Overall inventory is hovering at the lowest level in more than 30 years.

The dollar value of all home sales in September 2020 was $65.5 million, more than double the levels from a

year earlier, surging, 100.2 per cent from the same month in 2019. This was also a new record for the month of September.

Sales of all property types numbered 239 units in September 2020; this was a large increase of 49.4 per cent from September 2019. The total value of all properties sold was $72.8 million, more than double the levels from a year earlier, climbing 108.4 per cent from September 2019.

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A walk in the (Shaw) woods

Jessica Schwan of Eganville was accompanied by her dog, Leroy, for her walk at Shaw Woods on Friday.

Shaw Woods is a gorgeous nature preserve located north of Eganville near Lake Dore. Stretching over 200 hectares and managed by the Shaw Woods Outdoor Education Centre, it has a 13-kilometre network of self-guided walking trails that meander through woods and wetlands, over boardwalks, beside water, and up to a lookout. It’s a great place to spend some time with nature at its best.

Fairboard hosting Drive-by Fish Fry in Renfrew on Friday

Renfrew -- The Renfrew Agricultural Society is holding a Drive-By Fish Fry on Friday from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Renfrew Fairgrounds.

Mundell’s Surf & Turf from Kingston will be preparing the fish and fries and fair board directors will be preparing the homemade coleslaw and homemade desserts. The cost of the meal is $15 cash.

People are asked to enter the grounds at Gate #4 (behind the barns) and proceed up the track to the Armouries. Directors and friends will deliver the meals to the vehicles.

Patrons are asked to remain in their vehicles.

Tickets are on sale at the Armouries, are available from directors or by calling 613-432-5331. People with pre-paid tickets can proceed to the front door of the Armouries where their meal will be given out to them.

This fish fry is a fundraiser for the Renfrew Fair.

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The Eganville Leader - Wednesday, October 28, 2020

Postal Agreement # 40005333

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Greig Gillie of Cobden let his hair grow after his third bout with cancer. Last week, Joey Dupuis of The Shampoo Room in Pembroke cut it and the braid has been sent to Toronto to use in the making of wigs.

Three time cancer survivor donates hair to Canadian Cancer Society

By Connie Tabbert

Local Initiative Journalism Reporter Cobden – Third time’s a charm – or that’s what Greig Gillie is hoping in his battle with cancer.

Since July 2013, the 71-year-old Cobden man has battled melanoma cancer three times – 2013, 2015 and 2017. As his way of giving back to the cancer society, he recently donated about 20 inches of hair to the Canadian Cancer Society to make wigs for those who have lost hair due to the disease.

Mr. Gillie retired from Hydro One in May 2013 as a utility forester. In July he had a biopsy done on a “small reddish mark on my right shoulder,” he recalled. “It was Stage 3 melanoma.”

The following month, he had it surgically removed at the cancer centre in Kingston. Following various tests, he thought all should be well.

Two years later, he noticed swelling on the right side of his neck.

“The melanoma had metastasized into my lymph nodes…from the right ear to the front of my throat,” he said.

When the lymph nodes were removed, again in the Kingston cancer centre, he went through 30 days of radiation and was hopeful all the cancer cells had been removed.

In the summer of 2017, Mr. Gillie found a pea-sized lump on his right arm pit. As a cancer patient, he had been advised to watch his body and check for anything unusual.

“I called my oncologist and in two weeks I was scheduled for surgery,” he said.

By the time of his surgery, it had grown to the size of a small orange.

“I had extensive surgery,” Mr. Gillie recalled. “They took out 32 lymph nodes and the tumour. I now have a hole under my right arm.”

He’s hopeful of now being healed.

“Metastatic melanoma is a nasty type of cancer,” he said.

Following the third surgery, he underwent 52 weeks of immunotherapy, which is similar to chemotherapy in that chemicals are injected into his body.

“It has the same side effects, weight

and hair loss and nausea,” he said.

“Immunotherapy stimulates your own immune system to battle the cancer.”

He had four weeks of intravenous therapy, which was three hours every day, followed by 48 weeks of injections his wife Kathy gave him three times a week at home.

“I lost 40 pounds and a considerable amount of my hair,” Mr. Gillie recalled. “It was a rough time for 52 weeks of my life,” Mr. Gillie recalled.

When he started feeling better, Mrs. Gillie suggested he grow his hair and donate it to the cancer society to make wigs.

And that’s what happened on Wednesday, October 22 – one day before his 7lst birthday.

Joey Dupuis of The Shampoo Room in Pembroke combed the long, grey/ black hair of Mr. Gillie, put it into a braided ponytail and cut it off.

On his 71st birthday, the following day Mr. Gillie sent the braid on its way to the Princess Margaret Hospital.

Heading home from Sunday services These two buggies from the Mennonite community were spotted on Stone Road early Sunday afternoon, likely headed home after attending church in Douglas that morning. Local roads were busy with all types of traffic in the nice weather over the weekend.

The Eganville Leader - Wednesday, October 28, 2020

Postal Agreement # 40005333

The solution to COVID-19 starts Two young boys from the Mennonite community near Douglas make their way home from school last Friday as the wind from a tandem truck blows leaves crazily about on the Fourth Chute Road

Will lobby province to continue RCVTAC

By Debbi Christinck

Staff Writer Eganville – Area residents are being asked to lobby for the future of the Renfrew County Virtual Triage Assessment Centre (RCVTAC) and thus guarantee continuing provincial funding for this health resource.

“Our idea is to lobby the provincial government to keep it and roll it out as a non ‘bricks and mortar’ model for the entire province of Ontario,” Bonnechere Valley Mayor Jennifer Murphy explained to her council last Tuesday afternoon.

The county is asking all residents who have had an experience with RCVTAC and recognize the importance to lobby the provincial government for sustained funding to keep the virtual assessment centre operation. They are asking

residents to send letters of support to Premier Doug Ford, Health Minister Christine Elliott and Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke MPP John Yakabuski.

The RCVTAC was introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic to give residents access with a primary care physician and reduce the number of people accessing help at area emergency departments in hospitals.

“Renfrew County is looking for letters from anyone with an experience with RCVTAC,” Mayor Murphy appealed. “It has served thousands of people.”

There is hope the province will fund this as an ongoing resource for the many county residents who do not have a primary care physician.

“This is a provincially funded model at this time and we are recognizing the

importance of it,” she told council.

Speaking over ZOOM at the meeting of council, she said it was important for area residents to take the time to support continued funding of RCVTAC. Previously municipalities had been asked to send a letter of support for continued funding.

The importance of ongoing funding to keep the virtual tirage and assessment centre functioning has been highlighted by Renfrew County Warden Debbie Robinson. She noted there are 24,000 residents who don’t have family physicians and with upcoming retirements by more doctors, that number could reach as high as 30,000.

County residents who do not have a primary care provider or cannot access their primary care provider you can RC VTAC at 1-844-727-6404.

with keeping your distance.

• Wear a face covering.

• Keep 2m apart from anyone outside of your household.

• Limit your close contact to your household only.

• Wash your hands often.

The night sky in downtown Eganville was lit up with red flashing lights when the Eganville Station of the Bonnechere Valley Township Fire Department responded to an alarm call Tuesday night, October 20. Fortuntaely, it was a false alarm.

Stopping the spread starts with you.

Visit ontario.ca/coronavirus to learn more Paid for by the Government of Ontario

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The Eganville Leader - Wednesday, October 28, 2020

The Eganville Leader

COVID Grinch O

n the eve of All Hallows Eve some of us are wondering if the COVID-19 Grinch is going to steal Christmas as well as depriving youngsters of their bags of candy and loot they are accustomed to accumulating on October 31.

When COVID-19 hit we were at the cusp of March Break in the county and winter was just melting away in lumpy big piles of snow. Full of optimism, we were confident a bit of hand sanitizer, staycations, mask wearing and not going to grandma’s for Easter dinner would take care of this nasty virus. Fast forward a good six months and many Canadians did not enjoy their traditional Thanksgiving gatherings with the family, now the kids are worried they won’t get candy from the friendly lady down the street and municipalities are formulating new ways of doing Santa Claus parades. It ain’t pretty.

COVID-fatigue is hitting hard and as special occasion after special occasion is hijacked, and we don’t even want to talk about the brides who had their day postponed or dramatically downsized this year, there is a dim realization 2020 is going to be the year we will all want to forget. Each of us has a family tradition, holiday tradition or special event which we really look forward to and make us smile, but COVID is decimating them all. No big family gatherings, no fun Canada Day activities, no church suppers, no fairs, the list goes on and on. Sporting events are cancelled or curtailed, school is now the home school version for a lot of kids and as the fall moves into winter COVID cases are increasing in the Valley.

Our area has not been hard hit by COVID. We have been fortunate and blessed. We have 92 diagnosed cases since mid-March. Right now, there are 12 active cases in the Valley.

According to Public Health Ontario, our rate per 100,000 is 88.4. Compare this to Toronto where the rate is 820.3 per 100,000 and over 25,000 cases diagnosed. In nearby Ottawa, the rate is 632 per 100,000. Only a few districts in the province have lower rates than Renfrew County, with North Bay, Hastings/Prince Edward County and Algoma at the bottom of the list. The Ontario rates are also substantially lower than world hotspots like the United States, India, Brazil, Spain, the UK, Russia, and other countries.

It is a serious illness, and we are tip-toeing through the reality of COVID trying to do our best to ensure we reach the end of this pandemic as unscathed as possible. However, with winter approaching and the temperatures dipping down enough in the Valley we saw snow on the windshields on Monday, we know the season of all seasonal flus, colds and coughs is upon us, as we prepare for the long, cold winter months. How will COVID factor into all this when many of the events families count on to pass the winter are cancelled and the prospect of a southern vacation to an island sunny spot are unrealistic since a 14-day mandatory quarantine would ensue upon return to Canada dims any enjoyment of escape? This is the year we will be in the Valley and we want to be able to enjoy the seasons and festivities as best as we can.

When Thanksgiving was approaching, politicians and health officials urged Canadians to forgo big family gatherings so we “could at least have Christmas” but the prospect of Christmas is also dimming as some of the events which we look forward to will take a vastly different appearance this year. Both Killaloe and Pembroke have announced their intentions to hold different versions of the Santa Claus parade.

While they deserve kudos for trying – extremely hard – to do something, it won’t be the same. Hopefully, Killaloe will also re-think their ill-conceived notion of having an “only us” Christmas event when we could all use a little cheer. Their walk-through parade is only open to township residents, so if you are a neighbour in Bonnechere Valley, North Algona Wilberforce, Brudenell, Lyndoch and Raglan and wanted to do something with the kids, you are out of luck. How that will help bring people into the village for shopping and recreation purposes is beyond us. It is true they are trying to be COVID friendly, but maybe focusing on families who want to attend and offering them the opportunity to sign up might be a little less Grinchy.

Some hockey rinks are not opening this winter in the Valley and the minor hockey families are going through serious withdrawal. Winter will be long if this week is any indication and there does not seem to be much to smile about. Let’s find some creative ways to enjoy winter safely, inclusively and in a COVID friendly manner. As both Mayor Jennifer Murphy and Acting Medical Officer of Health Dr. Robert Cushman told us Halloween is not cancelled in the county, so have fun. Be spooky. Be safe and let’s all work together to make sure the COVID-Grinch doesn’t steal Christmas.

Postal Agreement # 40005333

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Founded in 1902 Published by The Eganville Leader Publishing Ltd. at 150 John Street, Eganville, Ontario Gerald Tracey, Publisher

Editorial Page

Letter The search for meaning and happiness Unity builds T he disruption of COVID-19 has given us opportunity to think about what genuinely gives meaning to our lives. We enter the winter months with restrictions which limit our usual activities, leaving many of us bereft of what we felt brought ‘happiness’ to our lives.

Facebook provides an endless source of soul-searching about the importance of creating new routines to replace our lost social time with friends and families. Recently an article asked whether it was more important to have “a meaningful life or a happy life.” Unless we are, by nature, philosophically inclined, most of us don’t give much thought to these sort of questions, until a pandemic comes along to disrupt our habits and our dearly held routines.

What sustains us when we can’t fill our days with our normal busy activities? It’s a question that we will all have to ask ourselves as we get older or as illness or poor health sets restrictions on our lifestyle. How do we individually define our lives as meaningful or happy? Are they the same thing?

If we define ‘happy’ as enjoyment or fun or a good time, we are at the mercy of circumstances. Our youthful happiness came from the rip-roaring anticipation of Friday or Saturday night dances and parties, the sense that everything good in life lay ahead of us. We settled down a bit once children, houses and jobs took precedence, but we still often live from event to event. The bits in between are the dull stuff where the calendar

squares sit empty. COVID-19 has created a lot of empty calendar squares.

A lot of dull stuff.

On the other hand, slowing down has given us the opportunity to assess just what does create lasting happiness.

Many people have discovered that the underlying meaning in their lives comes from ‘caring and sharing’. The source of the great pandemic-driven urge to bake bread and renovate the bathroom originates with the urge to take care of loved ones during the stressful uncertainty. We may realize that our mundane trips to the mall meant more than just ‘shopping’.

They held underlying meaning. We scoured the shelves at stores for items which we subconsciously believed would create stronger family bonds, bring joy, success and popularity to our children, make us healthier,

stronger and better people.

Human beings are designed to want, seek, search and crave more than we have at the moment. Our DNA and our physical evolution tells us, like chipmunks gathering seeds, that the more we have, the safer we are. This survival-oriented part of us revels in growing a garden, in building a bigger house, in putting a supply of groceries in the freezer… All these activities give a sense of achievement and a sense of purpose which provides meaning and, in turn, brings happiness. What truly makes us fully human is the capacity to extend those caring activities beyond our own personal friend and family circles.

Reaching out to others in the larger community through volunteering time, resources and skills provides meaning to both the giver and the receiver. It’s a double blessing!

Any toddler with a white wall and a crayon can demonstrate that creativity also brings happiness. From macaroni necklaces to the joy of cutting pictures out of the catalogue, using our little bottles of ‘mucilage’ to glue things over the writing in an old school ‘scribbler’ or on the pages of the Family Herald. Now it’s called ‘scrapbooking’ and it’s an expensive commercial industry. The underlying satisfaction of creating a book of memories is the same meaningful experience.

As we begin the autumnal slide toward what will certainly be an unusual Christmas, let’s hope that we can create safe meaningful traditions -- and thereby happiness -- in our own unique ways.

When did NSF cheques become legal?

T

he United States of America was once the most highly respected country in the free world. The word Free was tremendously important because it signified a democracy instead of a dictatorship.

If we compare our peaceful Canada and the U.S. under Obama with China, North Korea, Russia under Josef Stalin and Germany under Adolph Hitler I don’t think we would have any problem choosing where we would make our home.

In Canada politics is still all about people. Sadly in the U.S. politics is now all about the president. In both countries money is still what makes our world go around.

In Canada parliament decides how that money is to be spent, meaning all the opposition parties have a say in that decision, and together they determine where the need is greatest.

In the U.S. congress approves the billions but the president only approves the cheques requested by his rich friends and Republican Governors.

In a just world many of these huge cheques should have been stamped NSF because they were really not approved by Congress. If my bank loaned me $50,000 to buy a bush and I spent it on a brand new Cadillac there would be a red flag attached to my account, and legal proceedings undertaken by them to seize my Cadillac.

Before that happened, I might have experienced real mixed emotions, watching Mr. Trump driving over a high cliff in my new car.

Dictators love to be surrounded by

stooges who proclaim the virtues of the dictator. Where there are no virtues they have to pretend that they are, or they lose their job and have to starve until November when the tyrant gets booted out. In the U.S. right now stooges have to be pitied because they are judged by the company they keep. They have learned the hard way that the wrong kind of leader can disgrace a whole nation. By the use of the word beautiful in his soft purring voice, Mr. Trump must think he is capturing the hearts of voters.

However, when he is describing testing that didn’t exist and more dead Americans than the total population of Renfrew County, the word just does not ring a bell. At age of 90 plus I can remember only too well the tragic years from 1939 to 1945

when an estimated 6 million human lives were taken in a war that was supposed to end all wars. Then the years from 1945 to 1976, the reign of Chairman Mao in China that took an estimated 65 million innocent lives.

Both tragedies were caused by ruthless power-hungry men who wanted to control the world.

There is bad news and there is also good news. The bad is that China has never recovered from the Mao reign of terror. The fortunate Chinese are the ones who emigrated to North America and we are really fortunate they have come. The good news is that Germany has fully recovered from the sad years of Adolph Hitler and is now governed by one of the most admired and respected world leaders of the 21st century.

Meanwhile, our American cousins are being led by an admirer of Mao, Hitler and Putin. His bullheaded refusal to take advice from the knowledgeable people in the Centre for Disease Control is now confirming there are over 220,000 deaths in the U.S. and rising rapidly. In the name of all that is sacred, what is more important, the saving of thousands of human lives or the re-election of an insane leader?

In November 2016, 88 per cent of Americans voted for change. The Clinton name had been tarnished, so Hilary lost. Trump didn’t win, she lost. In 2020, 99 per cent will vote to undo the change that was done in 2016. This time Joe Biden will win by a landslide. Trump will lose in a mud slide.

health society Dear Editor: Snowflakes are falling as I write.

We’re so blessed here to be able to witness nature so close to us, either out a window, or in our daily movements on earth.

Last week, the Toronto Police released a statement saying they regret that “mistakes were made” during the G20 Summit in June, 2010. They further said that “there were times when matters were not addressed in the way they should have been and many hundreds of members of the public were detained or arrested when they should not have been and were held in detention in conditions that were unacceptable.”

It took 10 years for a class action lawsuit to be settled, with a $16.5 million payment to those 1,100 women and men who were illegally arrested.

Ten years of court proceedings, for which taxpayers also have to pay.

At the time, the mass media made the peaceful protesters out to be villainous thugs. It was a summit to plan how to make more profit for the wealthy and Canada showed these other “leaders” that they could control protesters.

The peaceful protesters were actually protesting that issues like poverty, globalization and climate change were not being addressed, and that representatives of the public were not welcome to add input to the summit.

Meanwhile, multi-national corporations were invited to the G20 summit.

The best outcome for the public at large is that the police have now committed to “changing how protests are policed in the future,” including police training to respect charter rights and to not boxing in people in certain areas of the city (aka “kettling”).

Those wrongfully arrested will have their police records expunged.

COVID is proving to be a divider of humans. A great many people believe the words of the “experts”, while others simply do not believe or trust those selected “experts”.

At a time when we need greater harmony and unity, charter rights are not being respected, with fear about health trumping rights and freedoms that our ancestors fought for.

This reminds me of Pasteur’s germ theory from the 19th century. Pasteur, a self promoter, had a contemporary strong scientific opposition in Antoine Béchamp and Claude Bernard. A division in scientists developed, with Pasteur’s theory taking precedence in publicity and later being promoted by the profit-oriented pharmaceutical industry.

Essentially, while Pasteur said the body is sterile, Béchamps’ “Microzymian Theory” (aka “Terrain theory”) stated that microbes exist naturally in the body. While Germ Theory stated that disease can “strike” anybody, Béchamps said disease is built by unhealthy conditions. And while Pasteur said that to prevent disease we have to “build defences”, Béchamps and Bernard said that to prevent disease we have to create health.

It’s not hard to notice the divide in those beliefs, nor to notice how Pasteur’s germ theory has taken hold of popular beliefs about health.

Since Pasteur’s death in 1895, new scientific studies have proven errors in the germ theory: namely, the body is not sterile, as bacteria and viruses have been found and identified in healthy people. Similarly, while Pasteur said that a particular microbe causes a corresponding disease, the same bacteria and viruses that have been associated with a certain disease have also been found in healthy people, where they apparently play a benevolent role.

This is similar to organic farming compared with conventional chemical farming. Organic farming actively works to build healthy soil to prevent disease and bugs, while chemical farming depends on purchased poisons to kill bacteria and bugs, and ultimately makes the soil sterile.

The divide remains; we must unite to build a healthy society.

Robbie Anderman, Killaloe

The Eganville Leader - Wednesday, October 28, 2020

Postal Agreement # 40005333

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100 Years Ago - October 29, 1920 District News The Rudd planing mills and timber piles at Arnprior were destroyed by fire in the early hours of Sunday morning. The loss is estimated at $15,000. ****** Mr. P.H. Lackie of Allumette Island has received notification that he was again the winner of the prize for the best kept farm on Allumette Island, being awarded 741 points out of a possible 1,000. The judging was done by Mr. C.H. Hodge of Shawville, representative of Macdonald College. There were about 20 entries in the competition and this is the second time Mr. Lackie has won the honour, the judging being done every three years. Mr. Lackie’s farm home is an attractive one, with very comfortable, well-kept house and neat surroundings, including the outbuildings while he also keeps superior stock, and farming intelligently, live comfortably and has been very successful. ****** The Pembroke Hospital Drive for $200,000 Dr. C.E. Wilson, organizer of the big campaign to raise $200,000 for Pembroke General Hospital, was in Eganville on Monday morning and meeting a score or more of citizens in the Council Chamber laid his preliminary plans. He addressed the meeting and in convincing language told of the noble, charitable work of the hospital since its early establishment down to the present day. An appeal for funds was now necessary and urgent if the hospital was to “carry on.” Dr. Wilson was sanguine the response would be a favourable one.

Committees and sub-committees have been appointed for Eganville and district and after a campaign of education, the canvassers will seek subscriptions. ******

Predicting Bright Future For Calabogie Residents of Calabogie have always had faith in the future of a village that possesses so many natural advantages and these hopes have been revived by this recent activity in the real estate business.

A gentleman from Renfrew, who beyond all question is in a position to know, in conversation with one of the residents who has sold his house here, told him that he was making a mistake, because in the near future there would be 2,000 or more men employed in this village.

About 25 years ago a woodsman working in this vicinity found on the banks of Leckie Creek, a tributary of the Madawaska, rock which bore traces of gold. Naturally, he refused to give the location of his find and as he drowned while driving timber on the river soon afterward he carried his secret to the beyond. The place has at last been discovered it is believed, and specimens secured.

Owen Enright, who has spent many years in the Cobalt mining district, has been brought here to look over the ground and to examine the specimens of gold-bearing rock. He says, it is reported in the village, that the precious metal exists in the rock in as high percentage as any found at Porcupine and that formation of soil and rock in the vicinity at the location is the same as that in other places where gold has been mined in paying quantities. The supposed mine is located in a wild, unsurveyed region and it would be necessary to have it surveyed, at considerable cost, before a title could be searched for any claim. ****** Local News Mr. E.A. Lisk is having erected on the premises which he occupies for his business a new bake shop and oven which will be modern in every respect. ******

A detective last week discovered a local fur dealer with contraband goods in his possession. A charge was laid before Police Magistrate Matheson, and the offender pleading guilty was fined $200 and costs. ****** Mr. Locke, Inspector of Division Courts, was in Eganville on official business on Wednesday. Mr. Russell Gourlay succeeds Mr. J. Channonhouse as Clerk of the 5th division court which holds its sittings at Eganville. ****** Mr. Stapleton Addresses Teacher’s Convention Renfrew Mercury: President L.J. Stapleton of the Eganville Continuation School (Public) who enjoys the reputation of being one of the most progressive and successful teachers in this district, delivered his address as the head of the South Renfrew Teacher’s Institute at the annual convention last Thursday morning soon after the meeting was organized. The 150 present, and the students now attending Renfrew Model School, received new inspiration for their work after listening to the president’s remarks. He asked his fellow teachers to look back so that they might learn from the experiences of the past. He dwelt upon the necessity of discipline in the handling children, who are torn from their homes by provincial regulations and forced to attend school.

Why should the state control education, asked the speaker, who then went on to say that this course was essential for the state’s own sake. The higher the standard of education the better the citizenship. Education is too great and important a factor in the formation of the national character to leave it in the control of any one less than the state. The children must not be left to themselves as they are not capable of deciding what is good for them.

Douglas Mr. and Mrs. Allan Neville, in a letter received from the war department dated October 16th, were informed that their son, Lance-Cpl. Wilburn Neville, had been mentioned in despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service. The King’s certificate in connection with this award was to be forwarded in due time. The congratulations of many friends will be given in person as Lance-Cpl. Neville arrived from overseas this week and is expected here on Tuesday. ****** Cormac Bazaar Attracts Many Patrons Opening night at St. Ann’s bazaar, Cormac, saw the hall taxed beyond capacity by the many who sought admission. Neighbouring centres and the wide district were represented. Enjoyment was found at the card tables and the zest derived from the game of bingo. The ladies of the parish served a chicken dinner and the hundreds who dined were very complimentary in expression in referring to the menu and service.

Eganville visitors on opening night carried off a number of valuable prizes, Kenwood blankets being favourite with them. ****** Two Renfrew Boys Were Prisoners of Japanese Renfrew, Oct. 20 – Japanese prisoners of war in Hong Kong from Christmas, 1941, until September 7, 1945, Cpl. Raymond Hebert and Rifleman Michael Joseph Kane returned to Renfrew by train at an early hour Friday. They were met

by a large gathering of relatives and friends.

Cpl. Hebert is a son of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Hebert, Bonnechere Street. Rifleman Kane’s parents are Mr. and Mrs. M.J. Kane, Barr Street.

Both said they were delighted to be home and spoke in highest praise of the treatment accorded to them since their release from the Japanese. ****** Waito Blind Man Found Dead Pembroke, Oct. 18 – The body of Fred Nagora, age 83, blind resident of Waito Station section, was found lying in the centre of the road in the vicinity of Waito Station, about midnight Wednesday.

Mr. Nagora, though legally blind, was able to get around totally by himself, but when he failed to return to the home of Sam Nagora, where he was staying, late Wednesday evening, a search party set out to look for him and came across his body shortly afterwards.

Dr. J.C. Bradley, Pembroke Coroner, was called to the scene and pronounced that death was due to natural causes. No inquest will be held.

Mr. Nagora was born in Germany and came to Canada many years ago. ****** Chalk River Plant Will Help In Cancer Fight Montreal, Oct. 18 – The government plant at Chalk River, built as part of the development of the atomic bomb, will be producing radioactive elements for the fight against cancer and a number of other human ills, Dr. Leo Yaffe, said in a

speech here tonight before the Young Men’s Canadian Club.

Dr. Yaffe, a native of Winnipeg and graduate of the universities of Manitoba and McGill, is one of the National Research Council’s scientists stationed at the Chalk River plant west of Pembroke.

He said not only would these curative materials be produced at Chalk River in abundance but at negligible cost. These elements could do much the same work as radium but at much less expense in the treatment of cancer.

Describing the work which will be done at Chalk River, Dr. Yaffe explained the process whereby fission results from placing uranium rods in “heavy” water which is produced in British Columbia. The structure where the fission takes place is called a “pile” and enormous quantities of rays similar to X-rays are given off. Men work behind several feet of concrete which protects them because the concrete absorbs the rays and becomes a source of neutrons and atomic energy.

Dr. Yaffe said it would be possible to obtain from the “pile” materials which will have the same therapeutic value as radium at so low cost that no cancer patient would have to forego such treatment. Materials produced from the “pile” might help in discovering the cause of cancer. ****** Killaloe The many friends of Dr. F.W. Eggert are glad to know that he is recovering from a serious illness.

He has been a patient in Pembroke General Hospital.

75 Years Ago - October 26, 1945

Reader shares his unusual experience Dear Editor: Reading the heartfelt story that Terry Fleuire wrote on the funeral of Paula Bashford the week of October 21 where the Pilatzke family observed an intervention as the “Old Rugged Cross” was being played by Erin Searson when a cross on the altar unexpectedly turned and faced the casket … observed by Mrs. Pilatzke and others ... was, I believe, an intervention as I also experienced in 2015.

My father had passed away on a Monday morning in July and we had his funeral. I had promised the Town of Petawawa I would play music on the float that would carry council in a parade Saturday morning celebrat-

ing the town’s 150th anniversary. I would be positioned at the back of a long float.

We left, did the parade circuit and upon returning to the Civic Centre the councillors and mayor got off. I was still on the float with my guitar on my shoulder when the driver let out the clutch to move ahead to the staging area, not noticing I was at the back of the float. The jerk sent be tumbling through the air and landing six feet down to the pavement on my back.

There were shouts and screams and paramedics came running to me. They asked if I could move. I said, of course, and stood up. My guitar was not marked, my tee shirt was not marked

and I went with them to be examined.

They were in disbelief. They asked what I thought? I said it was like I was grabbed in three stages and laid to the ground as I fell, unexplained. The next morning I had been booked to play at Heritage Manor retirement home for an open house BBQ. Upon arriving I was greeted by a resident who said he had something for me. Last night, he said, I don’t know why but I went to the craft room and made you an angel which he gave me. I’m glad you were not hurt, he said, and walked away. To this day I still know something Divine had occurred.

Gillan Rutz, Petawawa

50 Years Ago - October 28, 1970 Renfrew Gets $2 Million Industry It was announced recently that construction will begin almost immediately on a $2 million industrial plant in Renfrew which will provide 70 to 95 jobs in the first year of operation.

Within three years it is anticipated that 250 jobs will be furnished by the new plant, Renfrew Tool (1970) Ltd. Made possible by a $750,00 grant from the federal government it will manufacture valves and do specialized custom work and expects to export products to the U.S. and, possibly, to Russia. ****** Official Opening of Sebastopol Section of Opeongo Road Paul Yakabuski, MPP, South Renfrew, cut the red silk ceremonial ribbon and pronounced the Sebastopol section of the Opeongo Road of-

ficially open at 4 p.m. on a dreary, drizzly October 21 .

In spite of the inclement weather, 30 invited guests and interested people were on hand for the occasion. While the Opeongo Road is a tradition in this area since it was built, in part, in 1850 to give early settlers access to remote sections of the Valley, it was rather a winding, narrow lane -- scenic but not practical in the light of today’s traffic load. The road has been widened, some of the curves eliminated and a new road bed installed for 9.6 miles from Highway 512 at Foymount east to Grattan Township.

Following the formal opening, Mr. Yakabuski led a car tour along the new road to Eganville and on to Gold Crest Lodge, Golden Lake, where a reception and dinner was held to celebrate the occasion.

Today’s tourists will cruise along a wide, smooth road to see the pioneer

log buildings for which the Opeongo is known – there are more of them than there are on any other road.

They will travel with ease over a route where long caravans once crawled, laden with provisions for the shanties in the backwoods. At first, the road was passable only in winter but early construction workers persevered – opening a few more miles each year until, in 1858, wagons could travel at 24 miles a day. By the end of that year some 200 families, more than two-thirds Irish, had settled along the road. Thus was the way opened from Renfrew into the Mt. St. Patrick area and on, almost to Barry’s Bay. The pioneers were enticed into a life of hardships by 100 acres of free land but the sturdiest of them turned them into happy homes and communities.

In addition to its role in bringing settlers to Canada, the Opeongo was a great boon to the lumber industry.

25 Years Ago - October 31, 1995 County Council Votes 57-23 To Accept Low Offer On Manor Renfrew County council voted last week to sell the Bonnechere Manor to Mack Wilson of Wilson Investments for $101,000, despite higher offers on the building and 10 acres of land.

Before council voted they heard a last-minute proposal from Jean Lepine, a Renfrew resident who wanted to turn the manor into an inexpensive retirement home.

Ms. Lepine’s offer to buy the building for $295,000 with the county holding a mortgage for 58 months at zero per cent came by fax at 5:30 Thursday evening. ****** Manor Will Be Torn Down T h e n ew ow n e r o f t h e o l d Bonnechere Manor and property, Mack Wilson, plans on having the building torn down and erecting single family dwelling units.

Mr. Wilson, owner of Wilson Investments, said he has had engineers inspect the building who have determined it cannot be saved. ****** Wilberforce Township May Get Stuck With Landfill Site The large orange blobs mapping 26 candidate landfill sites have been reduced to 15 “slightly smaller blue blobs” – the majority of which can still be found in Wilberforce Township.

A joint meeting of the Pembroke and Area Waste Management (PAWM) Board and the Public Liaison Board

last Tuesday night revealed to a crowd of about 70, mostly Wilberforce residents, that 13 of the 15 long list sites fell within their township.

The townships of Alice and Fraser and Westmeath are marked with one candidate site each.

But no matter which township members of the audience were from, one sentiment seemed to be prevalent in voicing their displeasure to the board – forget the landfill and start looking at other waste management alternatives. ****** Bridge May Be Closed For Two Weeks Eganville’s main bridge, which has been closed to vehicle traffic since October 16, could remain closed for another two weeks.

Dan Patrick of the Pembroke engineering firm, Janota Patrick, said Monday his firm was awaiting the results of a deck conditions survey.

The survey will determine what repairs are necessary to the bridge.

When work began on the bridge two weeks ago, the contract called for removing the asphalt top, waterproofing the concrete deck and repaving the surface. But when the asphalt was removed concerns were raised over the condition of the concrete and it was decided to proceed with a survey. ****** Canadians, Quebecers celebrate No Win at Fred’s Chapeau Hotel The mood was more than joyous and Meilleur’s Hotel in Chapeau, Quebec

as the No side squeezed by the Yes side to victory in the referendum for a sovereign Quebec last week.

And the relief flowed through the room as patrons in the bar hugged, cried and sang O Canada together after Quebec decided to stay a part of Canada in a very close vote. The final result: 50.6 per cent for the No side against 49.4 per cent for the Yes side.

But while the No side came out on top after a crucial week in Canadian history when it appeared the country was heading for a break-up, one thing that is clearly evident is that the federal government faces a major challenge in the months and years ahead to come up with a new deal for Quebec while keeping Canada’s other nine provinces and two territories satisfied as well.

Voter turnout in Monday’s referendum, the second in 15 years, soared about 90 per cent. ****** First Nation Teen Dies In Tragic Car Crash The Golden Lake First Nation is mourning the loss of a young man who died tragically Thursday evening.

Patrick Cooke, 19, was killed when his Dodge Aries failed to negotiate a curve on Highway 41 near the intersection of County Road 30 at Lake Dore. The car rolled into the ditch, struck and embankment and flipped over.

The son of Barb Cooke and Jim Kavanaugh, Patrick had graduated from Opeongo High School in June.

The Eganville Leader - Wednesday, October 28, 2020

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Township has no plans to sell generation station: council

By Debbi Christinck

Staff Writer Eganville – The future of the Eganville Generation Corporation (EGC) is secure as the board overwhelmingly rejected any notion of selling off the power plant, following a damaging report to Bonnechere Valley (BV) showing the corporation was only making a profit of around $29,000 or $30,000 annually.

“We will exceed my budgeted amount of $410,000 in revenue this year,” EGC Manager Jack Roesner told the board during his operational review last Tuesday. “I don’t see how they (Municipal Government Wayfinders) can corelate $410,000 to $30,000. Know what I mean?”

The amount he was referring to was from an operational review recently received by BV which suggested areas for improved efficiency. One of the areas of contention was a suggestion to review the EGC plant which the consultants noted was only making a profit of around $30,000 and whose financial benefit could be questioned. Just how the Municipal Government Wayfinders consulting group reached the figure of $29,000 or $30,000 in profits has sparked more than a tad bit of interest in the community, and although the board members denied this was an accurate picture of the profits, they also had to deal with some requests by undisclosed individuals to actually look at the financials to see for themselves. The first order of business for the meeting, chaired by EGC Chair Tim Schison was to deal with a request for the financials for EGC by at least two individuals. The board of EGC is made up of the council of Bonnechere Valley minus Councillor Roesner who works as the manager of EGC, so the meeting is streamed on the township YouTube channel as have been all meetings of both council and EGC since the COVID-19 pandemic hit.

Coun. Schison said the requests were made to EGC for five years of financial statements and the board then received independent legal advice to not disclose the financials. CAO Annette Gilchrist explained it was strongly suggested not to disclose the financials since the energy market is highly competitive and this could give an unfair advantage to someone.

Mayor Jennifer Murphy said when the request was first received, she was willing to hand over the financials, noting EGC has nothing to hide, but was more hesitant following legal advice. She pointed out if they were handed over, there was a stipulation suggested they come with a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) which would mean the individuals could not discuss the financials with anyone, even each other.

Councillor Brent Patrick said he has signed several NDAs in his work and has no problem releasing the information.

“EGC is a different entity because of the framework of it,” he said.

“I’m surprised at the information returned from the lawyer,” Councillor Merv Buckwald said. “It is a corporation of a corporation. We have nothing to hide.”

He has sat on the EGC board the longest, since he was on the board before the board was comprised of only members of council. He said it is important to have an accurate picture of EGC. “Our profits are going back into the municipality,” he said.

Coun. Schison asked if the financials are released with an NDA is it necessary to put a cap on how many people receive it.

“Do they have to fit certain requirements to access it?”

An important message

The electronic sign at Opeongo High School carried an important message for students and staff after the Renfrew County District Health Unit announced Friday that a student at the local high school had tested positive for COVID-19. The release stated a class of students and a number of staff were directed to return home and self-isolate. The RCDHU said the school would remain open for in-person learning and would welcome staff and students on Monday.

A view of the Eganville Generation Corporation plant and dam from a vantage point in Centennial Park on the south side of the Bonnechere River. A recent operational review of BV Township by an independent group recommended possibly selling the EGC, but that isn’t about to happen, the EGC board agrees. he asked. “We are all aware public transparency is key.”

Mayor Murphy said if 25 people request it and sign the NDA, they need to be aware they cannot discuss it with the others. Admitting the financials can be quite convoluted, she said it is important to look at them clearly recognizing the loans and payments among other things.

Mrs. Gilchrist said having a stipulation on why people want the financials is important. If they are simply curious and a member of the community, that is allowed, but if they have a vested interest in the energy sector and are even contemplating making a purchase offer, that is another factor entirely.

Mr. Roesner said people have been interested in purchasing the EGC after hearing about the recommendation from the consultants.

“I’ve been approached by two different people interested in purchasing the plant,” he said.

Coun. Patrick said it was important to disclose the financials and he was in favour of more openness.

“Open it up,” he said. “EGC has been the talk of the town. It is important to be as transparent as possible with this asset.”

The board agreed requests for financials would be reviewed on a case by case basis and the financials released with an NDA. Misconceptions On Profits Mayor Murphy said it was important to discuss the misconception created by the Wayfinders report.

“It indicated there was only a $30,000 profit in the corporation,” she said. “That is not accurate.”

There are several factors which need to be considered when looking at the profit, she said. For one, EGC pays a high rate of interest to the township for loans the township

has taken out on EGC’s behalf.

“It puts us in an excellent debt servicing category,” she said. “EGC also pays us an administration fee they are not realizing.”

EGC also contributes greatly to the water and sewer system each year, and this is factored in as part of the profit expenditure, she explained. Because of these factors the true financial benefit to the municipality is much greater, she said.

“With these financials you need to understand the intricacies of the payback to the municipality,” she said.

As far as the issue of salaries, she said pay equity and the pay equity review created the issue. The pay equity review was triggered by a complaint by library staff.

“I think we need to be very cognizant the manager of EGC was never on the pay equity grid until five years ago,” she said.

When the province reviewed the pay equity grid, they said the EGC manager needed to be on the grid, she said.

“Their hourly wage increased quite substantially,” she added.

Mayor Murphy said the board should look at the total picture at an upcoming meeting including the revenues for the last eight years, the payments for the last five years, the interest payments, the administration fees and the contributions to the water and sewer system to have an accurate picture of the financial stability of EGC. “We need an EGC meeting with the numbers,” she said.

“So, we can say to the public this is not an asset we are giving away.”

Coun. Buckwald said he did not understand where the $29,000 profit figure came from.

“We paid $22,000 in income tax one year,” he said.

“Everything was going fine until the stone fairy showed up and destroyed our generators.”

No Intention to Sell Coun. Buckwald said he did not want to criticize past board members or the past refurbishing of the plant, but work needed to be done recently and this has come at a cost. He stressed selling the plant was not an option.

“Any council that would sell it does not know what they are selling,” he said. “It is a head pond for Eganville Water and Sewer.”

While originally the plant was brought in for hydro in the village, now it has the function of subsidizing the water and sewer system in the village, he said. The system is always under strain financially because of the small number of users and high costs, as well as many studies and requirements mandated by the province. As well, EGC is making a profit now, he said.

“When I first became involved in EGC, we were getting like 4.5 cents a kilowatt hour,” he said. “Barely able to keep the doors open. It was not until we signed this agreement with Hydro One with 9 and 13 cents where it really became profitable. It was bad news in the beginning.”

The agreement was for 20 years, Mr. Roesner explained.

There are five years left in the agreement and the plant receives an average of 12.2 cents across the board for the electricity produced.

“Some years we made over half a million dollars,” he added.

There was substantial work done to the plant in recent years, Mr. Roesner said, adding he gave all the information to the Wayfinders consultants.

Coun. Buckwald said the money from EGC into the water and sewer system is needed.

“No one would want to turn it over to private,” he said.

Coun. Schison agreed.

“No one at this table is saying anything about selling the place,” he said.

Coun. Patrick said the EGC both subsidizes the water and sewer system and contributes to the township, so it plays an important role.

“It sounds like none of us want to sell it,” the mayor agreed.

“Hearing it was making $30,000 a year, I’m sure there are vultures circling,” she noted.

She added it would have been an exceedingly difficult time for Mr. Roesner following the release of the report.

“Much like the library, I’m sure Jack was stunned to find he would not have a job,” she said.

Plant Update In his operational review and plant update, Mr. Roesner said there was a substantial amount of work done on the plant this year and more is to be completed by the end of the year. Outstanding work will be done in November and December and the board will come for a tour when it is completed. Some of the delays in completing the work deal with border closures due to COVID-19 and items coming from the USA. As well, work on the plant was made more challenging this year because of the higher than expected water levels. Coun. Schison said this should be investigated, since RPG was aware the work was being done in Eganville.

Mr. Roesner said so far, the plant has generated about $310,000 in sales of electricity and he expects more than $38,000 to be produced in October.

“These are the numbers people need to see,” the mayor said. “We need to think of this as a business.”

The Eganville Leader - Wednesday, October 28, 2020

Postal Agreement # 40005333

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Staff at the Killaloe District Public Library were joined by past and current board members, members of KHR council, staff, and representatives from Zuracon Construction for the grand opening of the expanded library.

KDPL hosts ribbon-cutting to celebrate expansion

By Terry Fleurie

Staff Writer Killaloe – “What a beautiful occasion and long overdue.”

That was the comment Killaloe, Hagarty and Richards (KHR) Township Mayor Janice Tiedje made to describe the renovation and expansion of the Killaloe and District Public Library (KDPL) which was celebrated last Thursday with an official ribboncutting ceremony.

Mayor Tiedje, KDPL librarian/ CEO Nicole Zummach and board Chair, Glenn Allen, officiated at the ceremony which celebrated the recent completion of the project and recognized and honoured everyone involved for their roles in the process.

“What a beautiful asset for the municipality,” she remarked. “And there’s so many people to thank.

“The volunteers for this project are numerous, and sometimes they’re in the background and you don’t see them, but they need to be recognized,” she added. “So if you’re out there and you had anything to do with this project, I want to thank you on behalf of the residents of KHR.” She credited the current council for approving the project and giving the board and everyone the support required to proceed to seek the funding and work towards expanding the facility.

“So council, thank you for your vision in allowing them to move forward,” she said.

She acknowledged Mr. Allen and the other board members, noting they worked tirelessly and were very cooperative to make the project happen.

“Nobody out there knows the kind of hours those volunteers put in,” she stated. “Everybody comes in and uses

the library and says what a wonderful, beautiful asset.

“But they don’t know the kind of work that has gone into making sure that it is what it is,” she added. “So Glenn to you and your board, I want to thank you very much for your vision and your direction.”

Mayor Tiedje turned her attention to former Board Member and chair of the Friends of the KDPL, Cathy Lyons, who was instrumental in writing the successful grant proposal for the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) that resulted in a $150,000 grant for the project.

“I talked with her many times and boy, she knows how to shift those numbers and she did an absolutely wonderful job of convincing the people that deal with the money that we needed this addition.

“So Cathy, to you and your team, thank you so much.”

She thanked Ms. Zummach and Assistant Librarian Cheryl Keetch for their long service and commitment to the facility.

“What would we be without you?

The library would be nothing without those two ladies running it,” she said.

“Day-to-day, they made sure the colours were right, that the tables were right, and everything that we walk in and we all take for granted, it didn’t just happen.

“There’s people that made sure it happened, so to you and your volunteers, thank you very much for all that you did to make this.”

She acknowledged the KHR staff involved, including Asset Manager Dale Thompson, who also worked tirelessly to help the library ensure everything was done properly as far as the municipality was concerned.

“Dale, for all your time and energy, thank you very much for making this such a positive place and a beautiful asset to the township of KHR,” she remarked.

She thanked Councillors Ted Browne and Brian Pecoskie for their work on the board, adding new Community Development Co-ordinator Chris Neff is always working on partnerships with the library.

“I think there are lots of positive vibes between the municipality and the library looking into the future,” she stated.

She recognized the representatives from Zuracon Construction of Barry’s Bay, the contractors, saying they did a great job.

“I’m so proud to be the mayor of this municipality and I’m proud of this addition. I walked in about two weeks ago and went, ‘Wow’.

“We’ve got this beautiful touch and it’s all you in this crowd that put that touch into making this library so special,” she added. “Congratulations and thank you everyone.”

Board Chair Stresses Importance of Libraries Mr. Allen, the current board chair and longtime advocate of the library, noted he has had a library card since he was five years old and considers it the most important card he possesses.

“Anywhere that I’ve ever lived, it was pretty much the first thing I ever did, was go and get another library card. And it’s kind of the most treasured piece of identification I’ve got in my wallet.

“It doesn’t do me any good down at the bank machine or liquor store, but it sure makes it wonderful to be able to come here and enjoy,” he added.

Self-described as a bit of a “book-

thank all of you very much for believing in little dreams and big dreams.”

After the formalities, Ms. Zummach said after joining the staff in May 2010 she became familiar with how things worked and identified the needs in the community and what more the library could possibly be doing to address those needs.

“It really was evident to me that we needed more space and at that time, I went to Lee LaFont, the board chair, and he was right on board with that and that’s how things got started.”

She noted at one point the board and municipality were trying to fundraise to erect a totally new building, but that did not get off the ground in a big way.

“But we never let go of the dream and I always knew we needed more and I wasn’t going to give up on that.

Other people obviously agreed with me and, as they mentioned outside,

and for all the kids to come.”

She said the finished product has come together in a more beautiful way than she ever envisioned, saying it is greater than the drawings could convey. Unfortunately, with COVID, they have not been able to realize everything they wanted of the expanded space at present, explaining they now have a dedicated programming area.

“So when the situation allows, we have an area where people can play games, do crafts and activities, meet as a group or just gather. And the space is convertible so we can have author readings or other speakers come in.

“We can do that now in our own space. We couldn’t do that before,” she added.

The space has also allowed for a nice display of local historic materials too, which she hopes to grow.

The expansion is approximately

Taking part in the socially distanced opening were, from left, librarian/CEO Nicole Zummach, board chair Glenn Allen, Mayor Janice Tiedje, Cathy Lyons, who wrote Trillium Fund application, and assistant librarian, Cheryl Keetch.

Assistant Librarian, Cheryl Keetch, left, and Librarian/CEO Nicole Zummach are seen in the newly-expanded children’s area at the KDPL.

Cathy Lyons, left, who wrote the OTF grant application for the KDPL expansion, and Glenn Allen, chair of the board, check out some of the materials in the newly-expanded location.

pusher”, Mr. Allen explained a book entitled, “The Library Book,” which featured the Los Angeles Public Library, showed, not surprisingly, some differences between the LA facility and the KDPL. He noted the LA library has about 70 branch libraries, and he got thinking that’s what is needed in KHR. “One in Round Lake, I could see something in Wilno, Old Killaloe, and maybe even we could work a deal to have something down at the fire hall in Brudenell,” he said. “And some of the LA libraries are open 24-7 and I thought to myself, wouldn’t it be wonderful to be able to come here at 3 in the morning in February and get a book, maybe about ice fishing or Caribbean holidays.”

Mr. Allen said here are also similarities between the LA library and any other library with the KDPL. “It is the sincere dedication to learning, education and community,” he stated. “There’s no where else, the churches maybe, to be able to go somewhere and learn something, ask questions, find something that you didn’t know, or just be part of the community, and know that you’re welcome to come there any day when they’re open.”

He said the resources available at the library are amazing and easily accessible.

Mr. Allen introduced the current and past members of the board – Sharon Cybulski, Laurieann Norris, Councillors Pecoskie and Browne, Mayor Tiedje, Bil Smith, Megan Hazelton, Michelle Bozak, Donna Mallette, Lee LaFont and Bruce Burnett -- and acknowledged them for their service and dedication over the years.

Dream Come True Ms. Zummach added her gratitude.

“I’ve been here for 10 years and I’ve worked with four fantastic board chairs, and they’re all here and from the get-go, all of you believed in the dream of a bigger library and got behind it and fought for it.”

She said everyone worked as a team, getting the municipality on board and securing the necessary funding, to get the project done.

“It’s a real dream come true for me, to see this success and have this for the community, so I just wanted to

Cathy Lyons was instrumental in putting this grant together, but also raising the profile of the library over the years with things like the Killaloe Kid’s Bookfest, and other ways we’ve been involved in the community in a bigger way in more recent years.”

A native of the community, she believes she got her first library card in 1978 when the library first opened.

“I remember being at the fire hall as a little kid, just loving it, the access to all those books and the joy of learning, reading and discovering new things. And a lot of it started at that library back in those days and it never left me all the way through my schooling and everything.

“So it’s really amazing for me to be back in this community to be the librarian and do something I love,” she added. “And now, to have this great new space for the community

1,100 square feet. The cost of the project was about $250,000. The OTF grant covered $150,000, $50,000 came from the municipality, $25,000 from the KDPL, and $25,000 in inkind donations.

“We’ve referred to the fact that Cathy was doing our grant writing, which was of course for a Trillium grant, and Trillium really did come through and granted us the maximum amount they could for this kind of capital project, which was $150,000.

If it wasn’t for them, and then the municipality coming on board, we just couldn’t do this.

“Both the municipality, and obviously Trillium, were instrumental,” she added.

The library is open regular hours from Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m to 4 p.m. and 11 a.m to 8 p.m. on Thursday.

KDPL employee Cheyenne Stewart, left, and librarian/CEO Nicole Zummach are shown at the new circulation desk in the expanded library.

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A banner year for golf!

One of the best years in Whitetail’s history coming to an end

By Terry Fleurie

Ron Groskleg of Lake Dore was one of many golfers who enjoyed a round on the links at Whitetail Golf Course last Friday when the temperature hit 22 degrees Celcius. Whitetail, which opened in 2002, enjoyed its best year in business.

Staff Writer Eganville – Members of the ownership group at one of the premier golfing destinations in Eastern Ontario are celebrating the end of the 2020 golfing season describing it as “the best ever” in its 18-year history.

Derek MacDonald and his parents, Jack and Lorraine, co-owners of Whitetail Golf Club, said despite the initial uncertainty as to how the COVID-19 pandemic might affect their season, it turned out to be incredibly positive for them.

Derek, the Director of Golf Operations, explained there was a great deal of uncertainty going into the season because of the pandemic, not knowing when or if they could open, and what protocols would need to be implemented to open safely.

“We definitely didn’t know how it was going to start,” he said. “We were nervous in May, especially the unknown.”

He said they were watching the news with Premier Doug Ford every day to see if they were going to announce golf courses could open.

“Then he put golf courses into Phase 1. The day it was announced, which was Wednesday, May 13th, we had three people here answering phones and it never stopped for eight hours straight.

“We had three lines ringing off the hook from the time he made the announcement,” he added. “And we were booked solid then for the whole week after that, which I’ve never seen before.

And the phones never stopped until now (Monday).”

Traditionally, the course would open between mid-April and May 1st. It opened for the 2020 season on May 16th. He added the week prior to the announcement of Phase 1 re-opening, Premier Ford had suggested golf courses start to prepare to open, but with no definite date mentioned.

“He said golf courses get ready, but we didn’t know what that meant. Was it a month from now, tomorrow?”

At the time they had no staff hired because they did not know what to expect, so he and his parents were maintaining the course and fielding all calls.

“I kind of heard through the grapevine he was going to announce something on the Wednesday, so we brought some staff members in then. We all sat around watching the news, and as soon

as he announced it, the first phone call came in.”

“He announced it at 1 o’clock and the first call came in at 1:01,” his father, Jack added.

“It never stopped until 9 o’clock that night.”

Mr. MacDonald said they received a list of protocols which were “pretty vague” and focused on the social distancing aspect. However, the National Golf Course Owner’s Association sent out a list of suggestions which they presented to the government covering golf carts, flag sticks, the ball washers, rakes in the sand traps, washrooms and more.

“So we followed all that,” he said.

They decided to keep the clubhouse closed and opened windows for checkin and snacks/beverages. The pro shop remained closed at the start and the power carts were restricted to use by households. However, due to demand, there was a shortage of carts, so they installed the recommended shields between driver and passenger to allow people to share the carts. He said the carts required constant sanitation after each use. They re-opened the clubhouse after about a month.

Public Excited Mr. MacDonald said when they opened it was amazing to see how happy the public was to be able to finally get out of the lockdown and do something.

“They were just so excited to be doing something,” he recalled. “They couldn’t believe that something was open.

“They didn’t care that the clubhouse wasn’t open, they followed every single rule,” he added. “They were very compliant with the regulations. No one touched the pins all year, no one complained about no rakes in the bunkers, no one complained about the ball washers not being out there.”

The course still offered club and pull cart rentals and the driving range was open, with the balls washed and sanitized after each pick-up.

Many customers were people he had never seen before.

“I asked where they were from and a big majority were Ottawa and Toronto.

They were all coming out of the city.

“We had a lot of return visits; our course is starting to speak for itself. Not every course was extremely busy, but this course actually has a big reputation, being ranked Number 2 in Canada (by

Golf Advisor) in 2018.

“That certainly helped grow the clientelle here,” he added.

Mr. MacDonald said the pandemic created a lot of interest in the sport among younger golfers, in their 20s and 30s.

“There were a lot of young golfers that picked up the game, which is excellent for the future. And a lot of people came back to the game.”

He said a lot of older players in their 50s and 60s who gave it up 10 years ago returned to the game.

Mr. MacDonald said the sale of golf clubs at Whitetail was the best ever in 2020 and they could not get enough product to meet the demand. The sale of golf balls also saw a noticeable jump with the increased play.

Fewer Special Events The number of tournaments were reduced from other years and the ones they did hold were done with tee times rather than the traditional shotgun starts.

“So they teed off at 10 or 11 until 3 and then they’d come in and eat and go home. There was no big social caterings, no prize presentations, etc. We did everything on the outside patio.”

The popular junior golf camp was cancelled this year, but Mr. MacDonald said he was busy giving one-on-one lessons.

“Our green fees were the highest we’ve ever seen,” he said of the season.

“Losing a lot of events is obviously a big part of our revenue, but memberships were up.

“A lot of younger people joined because it was a sport they had never played before and they really liked it.”

Jack MacDonald said the course was extremely busy last Friday with people trying to get one last game in before the season ended and as temperatures rose to 22 C. He said the course will likely remain closed for the remainder of this week, but could re-open on the weekend if the weather turns nice again.

He said the season normally ends around October 31st.

“It was definitely one of our better years,” Lorraine MacDonald noted.

“And at first we didn’t even know if we were going to open and keep the bills paid.”

She commended all the staff for being totally on-board with the protocols and doing their very best to ensure the safety of their customers.

while use is down, staff is still required due to the extra requirements needed during COVID. He suggested possibly an outdoor water tap could be installed at the Beachburg fairgrounds so the ball diamond could be flooded once again, but that’s not township property. He noted in the past community partners have operated the outdoor rink, which was created in the ball diamond, which is owned by the Beachburg Agricultural Society.

Reeve Cathy Regier agreed with Mr. Durocher about the outdoor rink.

She further stated that even with Cobden’s rink open now, COVID regulations can change and it could be a facility that has to be maintained but can’t be used.

Councillor Chris Olmstead said his heart certainly agreed with Councillor Mckay.

“Beachburg is probably our most vibrant arena,” he said. “It’s a social hub, more than Westmeath is, more than Cobden is, I would say.

“The issue is, we can’t use those facilities as we have in the past.”

Coun. Olmstead recalled between 80 and 100 people enjoying public skating, however, that can’t happen with COVID.

“It’s too bad we couldn’t rotate the use from Cobden, to Beachburg to Westmeath, but that’s just not logical,” he said. “No one is in favour of paying exhorbitant fees to try and use these facilities. Everybody’s hurting right now.

“It’s a tough, tough call we’re faced with,” Coun. Olmstead said.

Councillor Charlene Jackson was a bit harsher in her words to Coun. Mackay.

“I do not like Coun. Mackay’s comments,” she said. “It’s a decision we are forced to make. We are not closing them for good. We are facing a pandemic.”

She also questioned what other purposes the arenas could be used for, such as storage or things for residents to enjoy.

“I’d like to keep them opened to do something else without the ice,” Coun.

Jackson said. “Give the ratepayers something to do to draw them away from thinking about the pandemic.

“Hopefully, the pandemic will be behind us by next year.”

Mayor Mike Moore said while storage is an option, care would have to be taken that the storage items not be heavy enough to break the pipes beneath the cement.

Coun. Mackay said he will approach

the fair board and see if members would be in favour of an outdoor rink at the ball diamond.

Councillor Neil Nicholson suggested instead of putting coolant in the lines for ice, could hot water be placed in the lines to keep the floor warm.

He also liked the idea of an outdoor rink.

“I’m concerned about our kids remaining healthy and active,” he said.

“The onus is on us to offer a recreational program that is COVID safe.”

Coun. Nicholson said he wasn’t prepared to lose money on something where the demand can’t even be demonstrated.

He suggested winter events such as snowshoeing or cross-country skiing, even if someone has to be hired, to provide the events.

“I think we have a responsibility to offer something else,” Coun. Nicholson said.

Chief Administrative Officer Robert Tremblay said staff will see if there are partners for outdoor rinks while Mr. Durocher believes it is possible to heat the floors.

“I’ll talk with the mechanic to see how much heat there would be.”

Arenas in Beachburg and Westmeath won’t open for season

By Connie Tabbert Local Initiative Journalism Reporter Cobden – Beachburg and Westmeath arenas will not be operational for the winter season, even though one Whitewater Region council member disagrees with the decision.

Township Treasurer Sean Crozier explained to council during its virtual council meeting October 21 it would be a loss of thousands of dollars if those arenas were to open.

Each of the arenas can service 40 hours of prime time ice rental each week, which is down from 55 hours due to precautions needed to be taken in order to ensure health protocols being followed to keep everyone safe, Mr. Crozier said.

Previously, he explained, there was no gap in time between ice times.

However, there is now a scheduled 30-minute break between each ice use to clean and disinfect the facilities.

Following communications with user groups, as of November 1, the demand is for 66 hours of prime-time ice, Mr. Crozier said. One rink can service 40 hours, which leaves 26 hours with no ice time. If that time were to be split between Beachburg and Westmeath,

it would be 13 hours of prime time in each, he noted.

This year there are only 50 per cent of previous years’ user group agreements, Mr. Crozier said, adding the total hours of lost ice time due to cancellation is 1,408 hours. Last season, the two arenas had a combined total of almost 1,600 hours of ice time used.

Mr. Crozier said it was determined to prioritize prime time usage with the Muskrat Minor Hockey Association, followed by all other minor sports and then adult leagues.

“The goal is to have ice operations in all arenas in 2021,” he said.

He stressed there’s a possibility of a loss of $50,000 by year’s end if another arena is opened.

“Given the situation of the year with COVID, a lower demand for ice times, writing off revenue and other COVID operating pressures, this is for two months of the year,” Mr. Crozier said.

If Beachburg and Westmeath were to open, it would be a $12,000 a month loss in the 2021 budget to start with, he said. By deciding now not to open the arenas, the upcoming budget deliberations will be that much easier, he added.

Councillor Dave Mackay opposed

keeping the Beachburg Arena closed.

“I can’t see closing Beachburg rink.

It’s very dangerous,” he said. “Everybody’s going to say, you kept Cobden open, you know the story. I can’t support it.

“I just think people are going to start wanting their rink…even if they can just go in with masks on,” he added.

Coun. Mackay wants the township to provide recreation for residents.

“We want these kids a little more active,” he said.

However, other council members did not support him.

Councillor Daryl McLaughlin questioned where the money was going to come from to operate the arena.

However, he questioned if there were other things the two arenas could be used for, or if there could be an outdoor rink established, like there has been in the past.

“Let’s go back to the old times,” he said. “I can remember when there was only one covered rink in Whitewater Region. There is not enough use in the arenas to justify three arenas.”

When questioned about current staffing just for Cobden, Parks and Recreation Manager Jordan Durocher said

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Pembroke and Laurentian Valley bring a new twist to celebrating Halloween safely Pembroke -- The Township of Laurentian Valley (LV) and The City of Pembroke collaborated on a Spooky Movie Night at the Skylight Drive-In on Saturday, October 17th.

Both municipalities wanted to offer safe, spirited programming for the local community, especially with the uncertainty around Halloween festivities this year. Collaborating on a free evening at the Skylight Drive-In was the perfect option and the overall success and response

exceeded expectatios.

Over 120 carloads filled with enthusiastic families flooded the Drive-In for a back-to-back showing of Corpse Bride and Beetlejuice.

Attendees came dressed up in their Halloween costumes and brought carved pumpkins to display for the pumpkin carving contest.

The first 400 guests were given a small bag of popcorn thanks to sponsorships from Bennett Electric and Roseburg Pembroke MDF and

trick-or-treat bags were assembled and distributed to each child under the age of 18 during the first feature film.

Thanks to Chahna Fai & Church Street Flowers, Precision Textiles, Warrior Gear, Town & Country Men’s Shop, Pembroke Fitness Centre, Bob’s Music Plus, Joe’s Family Pizzeria, Das Studio, Planet Fitness, Custom Draperies & Blinds, and the Ottawa Valley Waste Recovery Centre for donat-

ing to these bags.

During the first feature, Pembroke Deputy Mayor Ron Gervais and LV Mayor Steve Bennett judged the pumpkin carving contest. Pumpkins were displayed with a batteryoperated light by their parking poll and the glowing pumpkins added a spooky Halloween effect.

Thank you to Joe’s Family Pizzeria, Blair Jones Law Office, the Best Western, the Skylight Drive-In and Chahna Fai and Church Street

Flowers for donating to the winners prize pack.

“It was great to be able to offer families safe, spooky Halloween fun and was great to see kids dressed up in their Halloween costumes and all of the creative pumpkin carvings, Pembroke Rec Programmer Sarah Frederick said. “Thanks to all of our awesome sponsors who helped make this event possible, to the Skylight Drive-In for allowing us to host, and a big thank you to all the

families who made donations to the St. Joseph’s Food Bank.”

Navada Sargent, Recreation Co-ordinator for LV said she was glad the township and the city collaborated to offer a Halloween family fun event for the communities to enjoy.

“We couldn’t have asked for a better evening and the turnout was fantastic,” she said.

Donations were collected for St. Joseph Food Bank and collectively $824.85 was raised.

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Renfrew County residents asked to lobby for continued RCVTAC

By Debbi Christinck

Staff Writer Eganville – Area residents are being asked to lobby for the future of the Renfrew County Virtual Triage Assessment Centre (RCVTAC) and thus guarantee continuing provincial funding for this health resource.

“Our idea is to lobby the provincial government to keep it and roll it out as a non ‘bricks and mortar’ model

for the entire province of Ontario,” Bonnechere Valley Mayor Jennifer Murphy explained to her council last Tuesday afternoon.

The county is asking all residents who have had an experience with RCVTAC and recognize the importance to lobby the provincial government for sustained funding to keep the virtual assessment centre operation.

They are asking residents to send let-

ters of support to Premier Doug Ford, Health Minister Christine Elliott and Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke MPP John Yakabuski. The RCVTAC was introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic to give residents access with a primary care physician and reduce the number of people accessing help at area emergency departments in hospitals.

“Renfrew County is looking for

letters from anyone with an experience with RCVTAC,” Mayor Murphy appealed. “It has served thousands of people.”

There is hope the province will fund this as an ongoing resource for the many county residents who do not have a primary care physician.

“This is a provincially funded model at this time and we are recognizing the importance of it,” she told council.

Speaking over ZOOM at the meeting of council, she said it was important for area residents to take the time to support continued funding of RCVTAC. Previously, municipalities had been asked to send a letter of support for continued funding.

The importance of ongoing funding to keep the virtual tirage and assessment centre functioning has been highlighted by Renfrew County

Warden Debbie Robinson. She noted there are 24,000 residents who don’t have family physicians and with upcoming retirements by more doctors, that number could reach as high as 30,000.

County residents who do not have a primary care provider or cannot access their primary care provider you can RC VTAC at 1-844-7276404.

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Some tips for safely navigating Halloween during COVID-19 Pembroke – The Renfrew County and District Health Unit (RCDHU) wants residents to be safe this Halloween.

Due to the significant increase in COVID-19 case counts in the county, the health unit is recommending that residents consider opting for safer alternative ways to celebrate Halloween. It is strongly recommending the cancellation of traditional organized community/municipal Halloween events where unmonitored or private social gatherings

occur and is encouraging Halloween parties or gatherings be hosted virtually, while other ideas for celebrating such as pumpkin carving, decorating windows, candy treasure hunts, or watching scary movies, can be done within your immediate household.

If you choose to go trick-or-treating, RCDHU recommends staying outdoors, starting earlier during daylight hours, staying in your local community and away from

A bonus day for golfers!

Temperatures rose to 22 degrees C last Friday, making golfing conditions ideal. Whitetail Golf Club was busy all day long as golfers from the Valley and beyond took advantage of the beautiful fall day to enjoy a round on one of Canada’s premier golf courses.

Whitetail has enjoyed its best season ever since it opened in 2002. While COVID-19 has affected many businesses, the opposite was true for golf courses as more people returned to the sport and many first-time golfers took to the links. The course will be closing soon for the winter but well remain open as long as weather conditions remain favourable.

busier areas, and go with members of your direct household.

“The health unit does not want to move into modified Stage 2 restrictions, similar to our counterparts,” Dr. Robert Cushman, Acting Medical Officer of Health, said.

“Therefore, everyone must do their part to stop the spread; stay home if you are sick, avoid contact with people who are ill, limit social activities, practice physical distancing

(2 metres), wear a mask/face covering when physical distancing cannot be maintained, wash your hands, and use the COVID Alert App. “I know that Halloween is a fun holiday and trick-ortreating, parties and gatherings, are popular activities, but we all must remember that we do not want to bring COVID home along with our treats. So be COVID smart and enjoy your Halloween.”

Pembroke -- In lieu of the traditional Santa Claus Parade, Pembroke will be hosting a drive-thru Santa Claus Parade at Riverside Park on Saturday, November 28 between 5 and 8 p.m.

Floats will be set up through the park lining the roads and vehicles will be able to drive-thru the park to see everything all lit up. The parade will transform Riverside Park into a winter wonderland in commemoration of the Christmas season.

This year’s parade theme is Retro Christmas. Float creators are encouraged to channel Christmas’ past and showcase their favourite Christmas memories. With this Christmas theme there are so many options to explore.

Participants can recreate scenes from their favourite Christmas classics, such as A Christmas Story or It’s a Wonderful life. Participants may also choose to channel a decade and feature a float from the 70s or 80s. Now is the time to break out all those old Christmas decorations in your attic and reminisce about Christmas’ past.

With COVID-19 restrictions there will be some changes to normal float procedure. Currently, due to gathering restrictions, there will be no one allowed on the floats but participants are encouraged to come up with safe and fun ways to get their families involved in creating their float or sharing a Christmas message. In addition, those attending with their families must stay in their vehicle and

follow the directed path.

“The Santa Claus Parade of Lights has always been a time of joy in Pembroke,” Sarah Frederick of the city’s Parks and Recreation Department said. “We encourage all of Pembroke’s residents to support our new parade model and enjoy the parade from the comfort of your vehicle with your family.”

For more information, to register a float, or to inquire about sponsoring this year’s parade, contact Ms. Frederick at sfrederick@pembroke.ca or 613-735-6821 ext. 1502.

More information can also be found on our website at www.pembroke.ca.

Pembroke planning a drive-thru Santa Claus Parade of Lights

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KHR news briefs -- walls are up for Killaloe’s new fire station Killaloe -- Asset Manager Dale Thompson reported the new Killaloe fire station project is moving along “really good” and the contractor was starting to stand the walls (October 20) He said the under-slab plumbing and electrical was either completed or very close to completion and there was a possibility the floor might be poured last week. In addition, they were hoping to get Greenwood Paving in soon to do their preparation work for the paving at the site.

He also reported water issues at the municipally-owned courthouse building appear to be resolved but they are still waiting on a new water heater to be installed.

Mr. Thompson said he was expecting a quote on the security cameras for Station Park by the end of the week.

He noted there had been more vandalism done to the slide in the play area the previous weekend.

Fire Chief Bob Gareau reported that during a progress meeting on the new fire hall on October 7, Tyler Peters of Greenview Environmental of Bancroft, which is overseeing the project, said work is about seven days behind schedule, but the lost time would be made up. ****** Council approved the hiring of new volunteer firefighter Brandon Prince, effective immediately, with the standard one-year probationary period. ****** High Number of Building Permits Issued Chief Building Official Tyler Mask reported the township has issued over 80 building permits in 2020 with an estimated value over $5 million. ****** Works Superintendent Dean Holly advised council all

the wing blades, plows, sanders and sidewalk plow have been inspected for the coming winter season and the plow wings would be installed the following week. The dock at the Round Lake boat launch has been removed as well as the burn stops in the village of Killaloe. Mr. Holly added the ditching was completed on Lisk Street and culvert installations were occurring on Jane Street, Mountainview Road and Gorman Road, weather permitting. ****** Council agreed to an old compactor truck would be “retired” after Councillor Stanley Pecoskie reported attempts by the works department personnel to get it operational were unsuccessful. It was estimated the repair costs would be expensive, so it was agreed the truck would be sold for scrap metal. Mr. Holly estimated the truck was acquired in the late 1990s or early 2000s.

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Municipalities work on Community Safety and Well-being Plan

By Debbi Christinck

Staff Writer Killaloe – A joint effort to prepare a Community Safety and Well-being Plan (CSWB) is moving into the consultation phase with a survey of area residents.

The four municipalities of Brudenell, Lyndoch and Raglan; Killaloe, Hagarty and Richards; Madawaska Valley and South Algonquin have been working collaboratively to develop and implement a (CSWB) plan for their municipalities. Killaloe, Hagarty and Richards Mayor Janice Tiedje said working together on a project like this just made sense.

“When this came out I wasn’t happy

about us having to do the plan,” she admitted. “I felt it was just another download. Having three or four municipalities doing it together makes more sense.”

She credited the area CAOs for working on developing a joint initiative to do the plan together.

“The CAOs found we could do it collaboratively with other municipalities,” she said. “There would be cost savings and there would be continuity.”

When area municipalities were approached the group of four got together and a consultant was hired for the project.

“It worked really well,” Mayor

Tiedje said. “We are all on the same page.”

This type of collaboration makes sense for small municipalities to share the cost of somethings that has been mandated by the province, she said.

“It is an expensive study,” she noted.

Mayor Tiedje said having these four municipalities working together makes sense because all are part of the Killaloe OPP Detachment area.

“People who are driving through, they don’t know our borders,” she said. “It is better to work together and be consistent.”

The first phase of the process, which included the establishment of

a co-ordinating committee including CAO/Clerks from each municipality, the creation of a new multi-sector advisory committee with community partners, and local service providers survey has been completed. However, because of COVID-19, planning was temporarily suspended in March. It was also agreed that the planning deadline be extended until July 1, 2021.

After several months’ postponement, the initiative is now moving forward, and planners want to hear from area residents. The second phase of planning focuses upon public consultation. The CSWB co-ordinator, Dr. Meara Sullivan, said the commit-

tee is looking forward to hearing from community residents.

“Public consultation is an extremely important part of planning and is necessary to ensure that the plan reflects the lived experiences and desires of community members,” she said. “The primary focus of this survey is on the local area while recognizing the need for partnerships across all areas of government.”

The goals of the community consultation are: to hear how local residents feel about their safety and well-being; to identify risk factors and gaps in services, and to continue to keep the public informed about the CSWB planning, and to obtain their support.

The Community Safety and Wellbeing survey is available online at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ P3B3R5Q Paper copies are also available through the four municipalities and select libraries. The survey is for adults aged 16 and older, it is voluntary, and anonymous. The survey will run until November 30th. Once all submissions have been received, they will be collectively analyzed, the results will be shared publicly, and will aid in directing the CSWB plan.

Anyone with questions or comments on the plan can also contact Meara Sullivan at mearasullivan@ hotmail.com.

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Please visit our website to view detailed job information, including qualifications. Please apply by e mail, quoting Job ID 155624, by Thursday, November 12, 2020, to: Ontario Clean Water Agency, Attention: Kelly Klein-Swormink. E-mail: kklein-swormink@ocwa.com.

Thank you for your interest; we will contact you only if we choose you for further screening or an interview.

Ontario Clean Water Agency is an equal opportunity employer We will accommodate your needs under the Ontario Human Rights Code

W H I T E WAT E R W E E K LY Curbside Waste Collection Changes

Small Business Funding

Starting October 5th, the collection contractor will now be collecting curbside garbage and recycling at the same time on your existing garbage collection day.

Week of Monday, October 5th – Thursday, October 8th Garbage & Comingled (tin, plastic, glass) Recyclables Week of Monday, October 12th – Thursday, October 15th Garbage & Fiber (paper and cardboard) Recyclables Recycling will alternate based on this schedule thereafter. Please sort accordingly.

A reminder that you can place up to two bags of garbage every week and unlimited recycling. An updated collection calendar will be provided to each household this month.

The Township encourages local businesses to visit the Province of Ontario’s new Small Business Recovery webpage at ontario.ca/smallbusiness and consider applying for the following funding programs through the Ontario Highlands Tourism Organization

Upcoming Council Meetings

Budget Meeting – Wednesday, October 28, 2020 at 4:45pm Regular Meeting – Wednesday, November 4, 2020 at 4:45pm Regular Meeting – Wednesday, November 18, 2020 at 4:45pm Council meetings are being conducted by zoom. You can watch live on the Township of Whitewater Regions youtube page https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr9xXfThhvMw1uCHatr NyFw/videos?view_as=subscriber

Ontario Highlands Tourism Organization: 1. Tourism Recovery and Innovation Program (TRIP) 2. Digital Marketing Support Program

Arena Operations The Township will be providing ice in the Cobden Astrolabe Arena for the 2020-2021 season will full operations to resume at all three township facilities, including Beachburg and Westmeath in the fall of 2021. Safety protocols are in place at the arena to ensure the safety of participants and staff.

For arena bookings or information please email dready@whitewaterregion.ca

The Eganville Leader Wednesday, October 28, 2020

Postal Agreement # 40005333

Page B9

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If you lose your keys with a War Amps tag attached, we can return them to you by courier, free of charge.

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Enjoying a beautiful fall day at Shaw Woods Tammy Hoffman and her son, Elijah, of Cobden, were two of the many visitors to the Shaw Woods Outdoor Education Centre on Friday enjoying the warm sunshine while exploring the trails and enjoying nature. The nature preserve has been a popular attraction with many people since the outbreak of COVID-19.

News briefs from Renfrew town council Sharing Facilities The Township of McNab/Braeside and Renfrew have entered into an agreement for the township to use the town’s animal impoundment facility for two years.

“This is another example of the Town of Renfrew partnering with other municipalities in sharing facilities for which we are paid,” said Renfrew Councillor Sandi Heins.

She said it’s a “good agreement” and “we are strengthening our relationship should there be more opportunities to share.” ****** Vacant Position To Be Filled Treasurer Keray O’Reilly received permission from council to fill the vacant position of compensation/ revenue clerk for the town. He noted Jen Eve left the position to become the Deputy-Treasurer for the City of Ottawa. Council also agreed, that if the position was filled internally, the position then left vacant could also be advertised.

“Jen will be missed,” he said. “She’s been here fiveand-a-half years.”

Chuckling, he added, “Maybe this is not the time of year I should be taking vacation. Last year, the deputy-clerk left and this year it’s the compensation/revenue clerk who is leaving.”

However, he did note both were career advancement moves.

Reeve Peter Emon said he was glad town employees are trained and experienced that they are coveted by other municipalities.

Councillor Tom Sydney agreed.

“We seem to be a good training facility and we lose great people. It shows the good leadership we have.” ****** Store Hours Extended Council agreed to allow stores to open earlier and close

later until the end of January, 2021.

Letters were received from No Frills and Walmart asking that the extended hours that were agreed to earlier this year be continued. However, council also received an unsigned letter from an employee asking the hours not be extended.

Stores will continue to remain open until 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, as opposed to having to close at 6 p.m., and opening at 8 a.m. Sunday, as opposed to 10 a.m.

Clerk Kim Bulmer noted many municipalities no longer have store opening bylaws, and that the Renfrew by-law is 13 years old.

“Maybe we should take a look at the by-law and revisit it,” he suggested. “It’s functioned well and served us well for 13 years.” ****** Pilot Program To Dispose of Organic Waste Council agreed to a pilot program with FoodCycler, a Canadian-based company which provides municipalities with an alternative and environmentally friendly solution to disposing of organic material. The FoodCycler is an energy efficient, small compact appliance that reduces organic waste by 90 per cent, converting it into a fully dry and sterile soil, which is odourless, easy to store and can be added to plants and gardens or fed to animals (chickens, pigs).

Community Living has two residential homes and agreed to participate in the pilot program, at no cost, Reeve Peter Emon said.

If the program works, he said each unit is about $500, but could be less depending on how many are ordered.

It’s been studied, and 25 to 50 per cent of household waste is food, Reeve Emon said.

“The landfills are filling quickly,” he said.

He noted in Nelson, British Columbia, 15 tons of food waste was diverted through this program.

Renfrew County and District Health Unit

New Location Renfrew County and District Health Unit is relocating the Pembroke office, effective October 26, 2020.

You will find us at the Pembroke Mall at 1100 Pembroke Street East. This will be a temporary location until our Grand Opening at 141 Lake Street, Pembroke.

Please watch for an upcoming announcement to confirm the Grand Opening at our new location.

Stay connected by visiting www.rcdhu.com "Optimal Health for All in Renfrew County and District"

www.rcdhu.com

●

613-732-3629

●

1-800-267-1097

The Eganville Leader Wednesday, October 28, 2020

Postal Agreement # 40005333

PRH launches new inpatient Geriatric rehab program Pembroke – A new inpatient program that supports local seniors is being piloted at the Pembroke Regional Hospital (PRH).

The program is set up for the geriatric population who meet a particular set of criteria and wish to maintain their independence but are experiencing health issues which are making it difficult for them to live at home.

Modelled after the Geriatric Rehabilitation Service at Bruyère Continuing Care in Ottawa, the new program was launched in early July based on an identified need in the area.

“Based on demographics in hospital admissions and visits to emergency departments, we saw the need for specialized geriatric care and began working towards development of this new program last fall, with the intent of launching in March of this year,” said Beth Brownlee, director of Rehabilitation.

Co-located within the hospital’s general Rehabilitation and Integrated Stroke Unit, the Geriatric Rehabilitation program was deemed to be a good fit for available space.

With the goal of maintaining independence, Ms. Brownlee said patients are referred by a physician and on average, can expect to be admitted for approximately 21 days during which time they have access to a multi-disciplinary team of health care professionals who work with the individuals to achieve their identified goals.

Rehabilitation Manager Dean Quade said members of his team have received additional geriatric rehabilitation education, spent time working with staff from Bruyère and did site visits to learn best practices that support the geriatric population.

He added an individual could be admitted to the program for a multitude of reasons including frailty and mobility issues, trouble with multiple medications, frequency of admissions/visits to the emergency department, or other factors that are causing difficulty living in an independent setting with minimal to moderate assistance.

Dr. Linde Corrigan, the program’s lead physician who

is certified in Care of the Elderly said she’s very enthusiastic about being part of this new program with a focus on seniors’ health.

“Typically, with in-hospital care, we are always working reactively,” she said. “For example, a patient has a hip fracture from a fall due to weakness and then we start rehab to strengthen deconditioned muscles. Now, we can identify seniors who are falling and start rehab proactively to hopefully avoid the hip fracture in the first place.

“In addition, we can focus on issues specific to the elderly population. This includes a focus on medication use, loneliness, assisting family members with the stress of caring for their loved one, optimizing cognition, and mobility to promote independence and the ability to live at home for as long as possible with the best quality of life possible. I hope to be a senior one day and this high caliber interdisciplinary Rehab team is exactly the care I would want,” she said.

Through Dr. Corrigan’s involvement with the new program, she has also been able to provide education on geriatric care to other staff and physicians throughout the organization.

Sabine Mersmann, Vice-President of Clinical and Support Services – Partnerships and Integration said the first few patients were admitted directly from the hospital’s rehab unit with others now coming from the medical program, surgical unit and regional orthopaedics program.

Over time, the hospital is looking to expand admission to those from other county hospitals.

Physiatrist Dr. Debbie Timpson said she’s excited to be able to offer this increased service to patients.

“Many of the patients who require inpatient rehabilitation are seniors who have multiple medical problems above and beyond the issue that brought them in to hospital initially,” she said. “Patients who are admitted to the Geriatric Rehabilitation program will not only benefit from the usual care our rehab team provides, but also from the additional help Dr. Corrigan and our pharmacy team will add.”

Enjoying the last of the warm weather

Like many others, Gary and Sandy Ducharme of Eganville were outside Friday enjoying the warm, sunny weather. The Ducharmes reside in one of the units of a new triplex on Mill Street, near McRae Lookout Park.

Page B10

The Eganville Leader Wednesday, October 28, 2020

Postal Agreement # 40005333

Page B11

The fall market is still hot, we have buyers, we need properties to sell.

STATELY, GRACIOUS HOME AT AN AFFORDABLE PRICE!

WATERFRONT NEVER GOES OUT OF SEASON!

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4 bdrm/3 bth (3,400 sq.ft.) home, garage on one side & an oversized attached garage on the other, private sideyard.

Also features mudroom, stained glass windows & gleaming hardwood floors, fireplace, a solarium with skylights.

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FREE Home Inspection Before Listing Your Home for Sale Renfrew County, ON - According to industry experts, there are over 33 physical problems that will come under scrutiny during a home inspection when your home is for sale.

Whether you own an older home or a newer one, there are a number of things that can fall short of requirements during a home inspection. If not identified and dealt with, any of these items could cost you dearly in terms of repair and a sale.

That's why it's imperative that you have a PRE-LISTING HOME INSPECTION done BEFORE you list your home. If you wait until the building inspector flags these issues for you, you will almost certainly experience costly delays in the close of your home sale or, worse, turn prospective buyers away.

In most cases, having a preinspection will prevent little problems from growing into costly and unmanageable ones.

Especially when there is an offer on your house. And in multiple offers situations, it will almost always lead to higher sale prices.

To help home-sellers deal with this issue before their homes are listed, a FREE Pre-List Inspection is being offered.

For more information or to request a FREE Pre-List Inspection call/text: 613.312.9403 or email: patricia@patricianewman.ca anytime.

Get your free inspection NOW to ensure a home inspection doesn't cost you the sale of your home.

Not intended to solicit homeowners currently under contract.

Sponsored by: Patricia Newman [Real Estate Agent] Re/Max Pembroke Realty Ltd.

613-312-9403

The Eganville Leader Wednesday, October 28, 2020

Postal Agreement # 40005333

Page B12

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