Toronto -- The province is cracking down on impaired driving by introducing legislation that will impose stiffer penalties for those who drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs – including a lifetime licence suspension for those convicted of impaired driving causing death. Additionally, anyone convicted of impaired driving will have to install an ignition interlock device in their vehicle and undergo mandatory remedial education and treatment for first and second-time alcohol and drug-related offences respectively. The proposed legislation would also increase immediate roadside licence suspensions for first and second-time alcohol and drug-related offences. aIn response to increasing instances of cannabis-impaired driving, the government will also work to provide additional tools and training to help police officers detect drug-impaired driving and launch a province-wide campaign to highlight the dangers of drugimpaired driving, with a focus on cannabis and young drivers.One in three roadway fatalities in Ontario involves impaired driving. A 2022 roadside survey found one in five drivers tested positive for drugs, alcohol, or both. The percentage of drivers killed while under the influence of cannabis more than doubled between 2012 and 2020.
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Three moose collisions in Algonquin
Algonquin Park – A collision between a vehicle and amoose in Algonquin Park early Sunday morning sent one person to hospital with lifethreatening injuries and another with non-lifer-threaqtebning injuries.
The collision occurred just after 1 a.m. on Highway 60 near Tea Lake. Ontario Pr5ovgincvial Police at Killaloe said that after the car struck a moose, it left the roadway and then struck a tree.
The two occupants of the vehicle were residents of Quebec. They were transported to hospital in Huntsville and then the more critically injured person, a 40-year-old woman, was transferred to a Toronto traumka centre. The 45-year-old male remained in Huntsville in stable condition. A second collision occurred when one of the two Muskoka Paramedic Service ambulances responding to the scene also collided with a moose. It was extensively damaged, but no injuries were reported in that collision. Highway 60 was closed in the area to allow for the investigation by an OPP Collision Reconstructionist and members of the Technical Collision Investigation Team. Officers responding to this collision had just fished investigating another collision between a car and moose with no serious injuries.
Second attempt to oust councillor from committees fails
By R. Bruce McIntyre
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Renfrew – Conflict between Renfrew council’s two senior members of council and five newly-elected councillors was on full public display again last week when Reeve Peter Emon’s motion calling for the removal of Councillor Clint McWhirter from all committee assignments was tabled for debate. The motion was defeated at the May 14 meeting by a 4-2 vote and the two sides continued a pattern with Reeve Emon and Mayor Tom Sidney consistently voting together on issues and the five councillors forming a voting block in opposition.
Reeve Emon’s motion called into question Coun. McWhirter’s “desire or intent to ignore the sound advice of staff” as the reason for his removal from committees. In a recorded vote Mayor Sidney supported it while four of the five new councillors (Jason Legris, Kyle Cybulski, John McDonald and Andrew Dick) voted against. The divisive trend began after a third party review of the Ma-te-Way expansion project was released on March 21. Among the findings, the authors were critical of all members of the previous council for their collective lack of oversight and the
failure of all to protect taxpayers’ money. That lack of oversight contributed to out of control and unregulated spending that left Renfrew taxpayers on the hook for a $17 million debt for a project that went from a budget of $18.9 million to somewhere between $35 to $36 million.
That debt will be paid over a 30-year period including an added cost of $15 million in interest payments.
Although Reeve Emon issued a public apology relating to his role in the Ma-te-Way project, council reconvened for a meeting on March 26 and the five councillors voted to remove both he and Mayor Sidney from all committee assignments.
The motion was introduced by Coun. McDonald. They also passed a motion requesting the mayor resign, and for the second time in less than two months, he refused.
Previous Motion Demands Equal Treatment
One month after being stripped of all committee assignments, Reeve Emon introduced a motion at the April 26 meeting that sought the support of council to remove Coun. McDonald from all committee assignments. He said when Coun. McDonald introduced a motion to remove Reeve Emon from all committees at the
March 26 meeting, he accused the councillor of “misleading council and it reflects poorly on all of coun-
cil and the corporation.”
Reading from a prepared statement, the reeve accused the coun-
cillor of providing false or inaccurate information that questioned the reeve’s integrity. That was in addition to Coun. McDonald’s statement that Reeve Emon exhibited poor judgement as chair of the HR committee and showed poor leadership in terms of protecting taxpayer’s money as one of three members of the Ma-te-Way Ad-hoc committee.
Reeve Emon read aloud some of Coun. McDonald’s statements that included an accusation the reeve threatened the financial stability of the town when he was the chair of the HR committee. He claimed that as chair, Reeve Emon’s role in the wrongful termination of former Fire Chief Guy Longtin resulted in a lawsuit against the town in the amount of $103 million as part of his wrongful dismissal claim.
Coun. McDonald said Reeve Emon failed to reign in a “renegade former director” who went on to enjoy two-year’s salary as part of his retirement package when he resigned from the town. He also said the reeve’s actions left taxpayer’s on the hook for the former director’s financial settlement with the town.
Reeve Emon addressed all the accusations levelled against him by Coun. McDonald and provided a summary for each accusation listing
the details of each event citing what he described as inaccuracies made by Coun. McDonald. He said his reputation and character was publicly attacked. He said the accusation regarding Mr. Longtin’s lawsuit and suggesting the reeve was responsible for a $103 million lawsuit was false. He provided documentation that listed the lawsuit at $1.3 million. He also referenced a January, 2019 news release announcing the town and Mr. Longtin reached an agreement and the monetary amount was settled for an undisclosed amount. He quoted the release saying, “Mr. Longtin acknowledges that the Town’s decision to terminate his employment was carried out in good faith and in accordance with the Town’s understanding of its legal obligation to protect the safety of the community.”
At the time, Mayor Sidney spoke in favour of the reeve’s motion to remove Coun. McDonald from all committee assignments. He said all members of council must be treated equally in terms of disciplinary actions and council set a precedence when they voted in favour of removing himself and the reeve from their committee assignments one month earlier.
See Page A2
Renfrew Reeve Peter Emon’s motion calling for the removal of another town councillor last week failed to pass as did his first one.
Opeongo High School Senior Boys Gavin Recoksie, left, and Mykola Luty, speed out of the blocks in the 200-metre race at the Renfrew County high school championships in Pembroke last Thursday. Recoskie earned second in the 200 and 400-metre events. See Page B1 for story
photos. Photo: Alex Lambert
Opeongo students qualify for EOSSAA
tires and catch up on life in the collector car hobby
Bay Day attracts crowds
Reeve Emon’s second attempt to remove councillor fails
Renfrew council
From Front Mayor Sidney added he also suffered immense personal hardship after his character and integrity were publicly attacked when motions demanding his resignation and removal from committees were introduced. He said without the support of his family and friends, it would have been very difficult, if not impossible, to get through the negativity and personal attacks he endured since January 30. When a recorded vote was called, Reeve Emon’s motion to remove Coun. McDonald was defeated 5-1 with only Mayor Sidney voting in favour. Coun. McDonald did not vote on the motion.
Reeve’s Second Motion Defeated
Just as Coun. McDonald stepped away from the table prior to the clerk introducing the motion at the April 26 meeting, Coun. McWhiter also excused himself from the proceedings and sat among some visitors in the gallery during the May 14 council meeting.
Mayor Sidney read the motion: “That Renfrew Town Council remove Councillor Clint McWhirter from all committees, groups and boards in which he has been tasked to be a representative of the Town as a result of his actions which demonstrated a desire or intent to ignore the sound advice of staff and furthermore this will remain in effect from 11:59 pm May 14th, 2024 until 11:59 October 26, 2026.”
He asked for a seconder but none of the councillors raised their hand leading Mayor Sidney to say “I’ll second it if nobody else will, just to get it on the table.” Reeve Emon once again read from prepared notes.
“It’s unfortunate to have to bring this forward, but around March 2023, Councillor McWhirter convened a meeting with three other councillors which discussed municipal business,” he said. “The meeting could be described as a working lunch and to discuss changes about the duties of employees. I would suggest as a long-time municipal councillor that Councillor McWhirter should have known he was conducting a meeting as four councillors were in attendance.” He went on to cite Section 3.27 of the town’s municipal by-law and argued the meeting met the town’s definition of an official council meeting. He also referred to Section 238 of the Municipal Act stating “that any regular, special or other meeting of council that has a quorum of members is considered an official meeting if the business of the municipality is discussed. He added that proper public notice was not given and that denied members of the public to attend and no official minutes were recorded as required under the town’s procedural by-law.
Reeve Emon said because it was technically a meeting, there were several mandatory requirements that were not met including an announcement of the time and place of the meeting; the purpose and subject matter was unknown and a council meeting can only be held in regular council chambers or an alternative site so long as public notice is given. Reeve Emon reminded council they all took part in a November, 2022 orientation session when all the requirements he listed were presented to all those present, including Coun. McWhirter. He said the town’s procedural by-law states that only the mayor, acting mayor or CAO has the authority to schedule a meeting, an emergency meeting or off-site spe-
cial meeting where quorum is met.
“I would suggest to you that punishment would be appropriate given that it was a breach of the Code of Conduct and there was an education session prior to the calling of the meeting,” he said. “There’s no doubt there was quorum.”
Reeve Emon said because quorum was met and municipal business was discussed in violation of the town’s by-law, then the only recourse is to invoke sanctions.
“There’s no doubt there was a discussion of municipal business and the suggestion is that the standards that have been applied by council be applied here. There is no sliding scale and there is no recourse for appeal,” he said.
He concluded his statement by reminding his fellow councillors a majority of council previously voted in favour of sanctions against two members (himself and Mayor Sidney) and when they cast their votes, they said it was important to present to the general public that the council they voted in were transparent, fair and wanted to project an image of openness.
His message to them was that council set a precedent whereas any member who has failed in their duties as an elected official must be disciplined through sanctions. In his opinion, Coun. McWhirter knowingly violated the town’s procedural by-law and when he held a council meeting he went against the town’s Code of Conduct.
Therefore, as an equal to his fellow councillors, he is subject to the same sanctions applied to other members that council voted to invoke sanctions upon.
Council Responds
When Mayor Sidney asked council if they had any comments relating to the motion, Coun. McDonald im-
mediately raised his hand and began to read from a prepared statement. However, his statement began with him clarifying his previous statements.
He admitted his claim the reeve allowed the director to enjoy his retirement with a two-year salary was incorrect. He said the total amount was 63 weeks of pay, not 104 weeks.
As for the wrongful termination lawsuit, he maintains he wrote down $1.3 million on his prepared notes, but accidently stated the amount was $103 million.
Coun. McDonald offered no apology to Reeve Emon for his incorrect statements, but rather, he doubleddown on his rationale for previously demanding sanctions against the reeve.
“However, as the former chair of the HR Department, he mishandled both these situations and cost our town millions of dollars,” he said.
“What concerns me now is how the reeve has handled these noted mistakes. He is well aware there is an internal process to deal with these types of situations where mistakes are made.”
He accused the reeve of not using proper channels, such as raising a Point of Privilege, to resolve the issue, but instead he requested sanctions be invoked to remove him from committee assignments. He described Reeve Emon’s approach as “using the proverbial sledgehammer to kill a fly.”
Coun. McDonald continued his speech in a much more accusatory nature by stating the reeve was waging a war of “tit-for-tat” and was attempting to intimidate his fellow councillors. He accused him of using his 35 years of municipal experience to continue to bring forth motions of a disciplinary nature.
Coun. McDonald implied an email
sent out by the reeve to all of council included a veiled threat towards the new councillors. He said the reeve was warning he and the other councillors to stop blaming himself and the mayor for their role in the Ma-te-Way project.
“I have concerns how this plays out at the county level and I have concerns how the Town of Renfrew is being represented at the county level,” he said. “These motions are petty and he is enacting the punishment, sanctions and retribution that he promised.”
At this point, Coun. McDonald asked CAO Robert Tremblay if he could provide any information regarding the March 2023 meeting.
Mr. Tremblay said he was informed by the previous town clerk that three of the four members who attended the March 2023 meeting notified the clerk a short while later.
He said each member told the clerk they realized after the fact they likely were in contravention of the town’s procedural by-law and Code of Conduct. They assured the previous clerk there would be no further discussion related to that meeting as it was not in their best interest to revisit the topic.
“There was an acknowledgement by the three councillors who attended the meeting that a line may have been crossed, but at the same time they had taken steps to notify the clerk and ensure that it did not happen again,” Mr. Tremblay said.
Councillor Andrew Dick said although he disagreed with Reeve Emon’s motion, he respected the reeve’s experience and he suggested all members are trying to move forward and put the Ma-te-Way blame-game behind them in their own particular way.
He said perhaps Reeve Emon believes his introduction of motions of
a disciplinary nature is his preferred method to try and move forward. Non-Confidence Vote Defeated During a January 30 council meeting, a majority of council passed a Vote of Non-Confidence in Mayor Sidney’s ability to lead council. The motion also demanded he resign immediately. A recorded vote was held and four of the five councillors voted in favour, while Councillor Cybulski joined Reeve Emon and Mayor Sidney voting against. Prior to voting against the NonConfidence motion, Reeve Emon foreshadowed the danger of unintended consequences if his fellow councillors voted in favour of the motion demanding the mayor’s resignation.
He cautioned all members against taking sanctions against an elected councillor because without a written policy in place, such measures could be abused.
He said a policy would provide the criteria for disciplinary action and would outline the process of how and when it can be used. Such a policy needs to clearly define when disciplinary action is warranted, and what level of sanctions can be administered against a sitting member. He argued that without a policy, any councillor can demand disciplinary action at any time for any reason. For example, he said if one member is upset at a fellow member for personal reasons, that member only needs to convince three councillors to vote alongside and disciplinary action can be taken. He said all councillors must be treated equally. Without a written policy, there is no safeguard in place to assure all members are treated equally and if any form of disciplinary action is taken, it must be based on the concept of fairness and equality for all.
Willy Levair’s pristine 1988 Chrysler 5th Avenue sedan sits beside dad Richard and mom Lynn’s lovingly reconstructed 1971 teal coloured Fargo D200 truck. In total, 87 classic cars and trucks graced the streets and sidewalks of downtown Barry’s Bay during Saturday’s annual Bay Day celebration.
A total of 87 vehicles were registered for Bay Day with participants from as far away as Ottawa, Peterborough, Deep River, Quebec and Kitchener. Dozens of local car enthusiasts brought their friends and family to show off their vehicles, kick
Sheila Flowers showed off her ‘55 Chevrolet at the Bay Day vintage car show in Barry’s Bay on Saturday.
Tom Harber and his wife, Rachel, drew lots of attention with their 1940s Ford on display at the vintage car show at Bay Day
Kelly Milne proudly adorns her 1978 Volkswagen Westfalia camper van during Bay Day festivities
Saturday. The gently-used camper has over 400,000 miles on the odometer and has taken she and her family across Canada three times, to California, the Yukon and the Cabot Trail. The Westfalia’s have also become very collectible in recent years. Photos by Kent Waddington
Neil McClement’s
and is a very collectible vehicle.
Some of the 87 classic cars and trucks that showed up to celebrate during Bay Day 2024.
RCMP detachment featured in exhibit at Heritage Centre
By Terry Fleurie Staff Writer
Pembroke – The Upper Ottawa Valley Heritage Centre (UOVHC) celebrated the launch of a new exhibit last Thursday recognizing the important role the Renfrew County detachment of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) played for over 54 years.
Retired members and staff from the detachment who organized the exhibit welcomed retirees from other detachments and the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), local dignitaries, friends, family and the public to the launch ceremony.
David Blaney, President of the UOVHC, said it was always exciting to get a new exhibit at the centre.
“And it’s even more exciting when those who are attached to the exhibit show up for the opening,” he remarked.
Pierre Dube, a former detachment commander of the RCMP’s Pembroke detachment, who helped spearhead the exhibit, thanked the Upper Ottawa Valley Heritage Centre for the opportunity to showcase the work the RCMP did in Renfrew County from 1942 to 1996.
“I’d like to mention, in particular, the support we received from David Blaney, president, Sylvia Whitmore, director, and Julia Klimack, administrator, in the creation of this display,” Mr. Dube said. He acknowledged and thanked Kevin Lawton, the Executive Director of the RCMP Foundation, and active RCMP Constable Marcello Rimanelli, of the Ottawa Cyber Team, who was in review uniform, for attending. He also thanked the small working committee he was part of with retired members Al Bennett (Pembroke detachment) and Tammy Smith (Northern Ontario) and former Pembroke detachment clerk, Pat Bennett, who shared the memories and memorabilia.
“The RCMP has a proud 151year history of service they have provided across Canada and today we acknowledge the 54 years of service that the RCMP provided in Renfrew County,” Mr. Dube noted. “It is fitting that this exhibit is unveiled during Police Week, and I’m pleased to have Ontario Provincial Police Acting Staff Sergeant Sarah Darraugh to join us this afternoon.
“We worked very closely with provincial and municipal police departments over the years and we want to acknowledge that support,” he added.
Mr. Dube said the exhibit will remain on display for the balance of 2024.
Mayor Ron Gervais described
Thursday as a special day, saying the city was so fortunate to have an institution like the UOVHC to keep the local history alive.
“It’s just a true pleasure every time a new exhibit goes up and you get to learn a little bit more about the history of Pembroke and the surrounding communities,” he remarked.
He recalled how the former Pembroke Police Service (PPS) had been honoured for their many years of great service prior to its transition to the OPP in a similar exhibit at the musuem.
“So, too, it’s a pleasure to be here this afternoon to celebrate with all of you this excellent exhibit to commemorate the RCMP and what it did for our community.”
Mayor Gervais noted Bob Shep-
herd, who was the Federal Crown Attorney in the area for many years, had dropped in and shared with the mayor how the RCMP and PPS worked collaboratively to address various issues in the city.
“It’s so fitting that we heard from Mr. Dube about working collaboratively with the other forces, and that’s my understanding when I spoke with Mr. Shepherd, is that there was that collaboration, there was that unity in addressing different issues in the city of Pembroke,” he said.
He thanked Mr. Dube and his wife, Dawn, for putting the exhibit together, and for working with the UOVHC team to ensure it was a fitting exhibit to recognize and honour the RCMP.
Mr. Lawton said he was honoured to be representing the Foundation at the event.
“This exhibit, showcasing the RCMP Pembroke detachment, is a testament to the dedicated service, hard work and contributions of the RCMP in this community.”
He said the RCMP has played a vital role in shaping the fabric of communities across the nation since its inception in 1873.
“This exhibit provides an overview of the RCMP’s presence in Pembroke, highlighting the evolution of its detachment office and operations since its inception. The RCMP ‘s work in Pembroke has had a profound impact on this area, and this exhibit invites us to explore the journey of the RCMP in Pembroke and reflect on how their efforts have shaped our collective experiences here.”
He thanked Mr. Dube, retired members Al Bennett and Tammy Smith, and former clerk, Pat Bennett, for their work in preserving such an important piece of the local heritage.
“Their commitment to educate the public about the RCMP’s contributions is truly commendable,” he stated. “As we unveil this exhibit today, let us celebrate the rich history of the RCMP in Pembroke and
honour the sacrifice made by those who have served our communities with unwavered dedication.”
He explained the Foundation was created to commercialize use of the RCMP brand and is built on licencing royalties. The funds are then redistributed back into the communities where the members serve.
Mr. Lawton concluded with a presentation of RCMP gift sets to Mr. Blaney, Ms. Whitmore and Ms. Klimack, of the OVHC for their work in helping host the exhibit.
Acting Staff Sergeant Darraugh of the Upper Ottawa Valley OPP detachment, congratulated Mr. Dube and his committee on the unveiling of the display.
“The showcase celebrates the rich history of RCMP in Canada and in Renfrew County,” she said. “The OPP values the working relationship which we have had and continue to have with the RCMP.”
Renfrew-Nipissing Pembroke
MP Cheryl Gallant noted how the RCMP has evolved from its role in drug enforcement to cyber security, adding it would be nice to see a detachment back in the area. She noted there are a lot of people living in Pembroke today who had no idea there used to be an RCMP detachment in the community.
“It’s wonderful that you put the effort into having a special display and then promoting it so that more
people in the Valley know about it, and will perhaps make a special trip this year to see this presentation.”
Small Staff Covered Wide Area After the proceedings, Mr. Dube explained the idea for the display originated during a chance meeting between his wife, Dawn, and Mrs. Whitmore in the fall of 2023 at Schemecken Bakery in Pembroke.
“They started talking and Sylvia said they didn’t have much at the museum about the RCMP in Pembroke. So, that’ show it started basically.”
He noted Mr. Bennett was one of his constables, and his wife, Pat, was the clerk, so they gathered what they had and put it together for the display.
“And we met a retired female member who supplied us with the female uniform, and then I still had my red surge, the breaches and the boots, and the brown surge with the force cap.
“So, we borrowed mannequins from some of the clothing shops in Pembroke and put it together,” he added.
Mr. Dube said when the detachment was operating there were three officers, himself, and two constables.
“A lot of our work was drug work,” he said. “So, anytime we executed a search warrant outside of Pembroke, we’d call in the OPP for back-up.
“If it was in the City of Pembroke, at the time, it was Pembroke Police, we called on for back-up,” he added.
“Same thing with Deep River and Killaloe would be the OPP. We worked very closely with the municipal and provincial departments.”
The Pembroke detachment served all of Renfrew County and parts of Pontiac County in Quebec.
“It was over 10,000 square miles,” he noted.
Asked if there was any one thing he was especially proud of that the detachment had done during its time in Pembroke, he replied, “We got a lot of drugs off the street”.
“Some of the investigations took months to infiltrate and then, of course, when it was time to take them down, we’d execute five, six, 10 search warrants in different places. That was the highlight of my work.” He retired in 1988 and does not know why the decision was made to close the detachment eight years later.
“A lot of the detachments in the small towns were closed,” he stated.
Constable Marcello Rimanelli of the RCMP’s Cyber Crime Unit in Ottawa, represented the force at the exhibit launch on Thursday.
MP Cheryl Gallant, second from right, presented a certificate to exhibit creators, from left, Pat Bennett, Tammy Smith, Al Bennett, Dawn Dube, Mrs. Gallant, and Pierre Dube.
Kevin Lawton, Executive Director of the RCMP Foundation, second from right, presented gift sets to UOVHS members, from left, David Blaney, president, Sylvia Whitmore, curator, and Julia Klimack, administrator for hosting the display.
Current and past members of all law enforcement forces joined in this picture at the new RCMP display.
Front from left, Al Bennett and Tammy Smith, retired RCMP, and UOV Acting Staff Sergeant Sarah Darraugh. Back row, Jim McGregor, retired PPS, Mr. Gilmour and Pierre Dube, retired RCMP, Peter Graves, retired OPP, and Constable Marcello Rimanelli, RCMP Cyber Crimes, Ottawa.
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A/B allocates $2,000 to train new library CEO/librarian
By Terry Fleurie Staff Writer
Douglas – A request from the Admaston/Bromley Public Library (ABPL) Board for a $2,000 grant from Admaston/Bromley council generated a fair bit of discussion at the meeting held last Thursday evening.
The issue started when the original agenda had to be amended to include a request from the ABPL Board asking the township to provide up to $2,000 in one-time transition funding to cover the cost of training a new CAO/librarian by job shadowing the retiring Jane Wouda.
Mayor Michael Donohue explained the board had met two nights earlier (Tuesday) where they discussed the resignation of the long-serving CAO/librarian Jane Wouda at the end of June.
“So, the library board is engaged in a recruitment for a replacement,” he noted. “At the board meeting. They passed resolution in support of making this request of the township.”
Mayor Donohue noted the request was “quite time sensitive” because council was not meeting again for three weeks.
“So, in he interest of being able to give appropriate consideration
to this request, it was felt that it should be brought forward tonight,” he explained.
Deputy Mayor Brian Hamilton, council’s representative on the ABPL Board, noted Ms. Wouda had been with the library for almost 30 years and the board felt it would be beneficial if her replacement had an opportunity to shadow her for a month before she left.
“So the new library person would learn as much as she could about the operations of the library internally through osmosis, we hoped, while she’s sitting there working with Jane,” he said.
“That was the thought behind the request because it wasn’t something they had thought of in their budget and weren’t sure how they could accomplish it without the assistance of the township.”
Dpty-Mayor Hamilton added he supported the request.
Councillor Keith Gourley questioned if the $2,000 reflected two weeks of shadowing, with Coun. Angela Field clarifying the request covered 12 hours per week for the four weeks of June.
“That’s their plan,” she said, “until Jane Wouda is officially retired at the end of June.”
Coun. Field asked if the board had someone in mind, with Mayor
Donohue cautioning the recruitment process was still in the works.
CEO Jennifer Charkavi stressed no names could be mentioned, with Mayor Donohue said he believed the board felt the recruitment process was showing promise of finding a replacement. She added the existing motion did not include where the funds would come from if the council agreed to the request.
Treasurer Kelly Coughlin suggested the amount be taken from either the working fund reserve. She said a possible alternative would be to advance the ABPL the amount up to $2,000 with a commitment to try to repay that amount by year’s end. If the amount was not paid in full, the balance would then be taken off the library’s 2025 levy contribution from council.
Coun. Gourley questioned if the full 48 hours was required to train the new CAO/librarian. Dpty-
Mayor Hamilton said the request included the five hours of administrative work that Ms. Wouda does over and above her office hours.
“The board was hoping for the flexibility to work with that internally, with the board, the chair, the CAO and the person with the new position,” he remarked. He reminded council the request
was for up to $2,000 and any amount not used would be returned to the township.
Mayor Donohue said he would not support the request for a $2,000 grant, noting the library received a 23 per cent increase in its grant from the township in 2024, adding an additional $2,000 is another 8.4 per cent.
“I recognize the challenge that confronts the library, board, but those are the same challenges that confront any public agency. And the challenge confronts us if we should have to replace any of the senior leadership that’s in the room right now.”
He suggested the library board re-allocate some of the funds in their current budget to pay for the training. He noted in 2023 they spent $2,000 more than budgeted on collections, and the re-allocation of funds could perhaps be done. Coun. Kevin LeGris suggested he liked Ms. Coughlin’s idea of the advance, which the mayor said he would support. Councillors Field and Gourley agreed and the original request for the $2,000 grant was read and defeated. A new recommendation to provide a $2,000 advance from the working reserves, with repayment by the end of 2024, was approved.
Hwy. 17 crash sends two to hospital
Two occupants of this vehicle involved in a collision Saturday night on Highway 17, west of Doran Road, were taken to hospital in Pembroke and one of them was later airlifted to Ottawa with life-threatening injuries. The accident occurred at 9:40 p.m. west of Doran Road. The Petawawa Fire Department extricated both occupants of one of the two vehicles. OPP reported both vehicles were travelling eastbound when one rear-ended the other. The highway was closed for approximately five hours.
The driver of a motorcycle involved in a collision during the noon hour on Monday with a car at the intersection of Bruce and Bonnechere Street West in Eganville is treated by County of Renfrew paramedics. The driver was transferred to hospital for assessment of his injuries.
Photo: Mike Yeas
Permits no longer needed on ATV trails in MV
By Terry Fleurie Staff Writer
Barry’s Bay – ATV
enthusiasts who previously had to purchase a permit to use the trails in Madawaska Valley (MV) Township will be pleased to know it is one cost they will not be faced with this season.
Recently MV council voted to discontinue an agreement the municipality had with the Renfrew County ATV Club (RCATV) that regulated anyone using the trails in MV had to purchase a permit from the club.
Recreation and Com -
munity Development
Coordibator Hannah Gutoskie provided some background information explaining the township entered into an agreement with the RCATV in the spring of 2021 to allow the club to access trails, and maintain, sign and enforce permitting on those trails for recreational purposes.
The current agreement restricts recreational use from May to November to those who carry permits with RCATV.
“Permits are required under this agreement to
anyone using the trails recreationally,” she added.
“Those without them are subject to fines sunder the Trespass to Property Act and can be ticketed by trail wardens.”
She said there had been conversations between the township and the RCATV about allowing residents of MV to travel the trails without permits, but that was never formalized in a by-law.
Last year the RCATV and a couple of snowmobile clubs visited council and that inspired her to look into the matter fur-
ther. She pointed out that unlike snowmobiles, which are covered under the Motorized Snow Vehicles Act and must carry permits, there is no requirement for a person to purchase or display a trail permit to operate an ATV on public trails.
“And trail wardens do not have any authority to stop ATVs on public trails unless the warden has been given permission by the landowner, which is what this agreement has done,” she noted. She said confusion has
been reported by the residents, Ontario Provincial Police officers and other users about the enforcement and the requirement for passes on trails that are widely considered to be public use, like the old CN trail.”
Ms. Gutoskie said the agreement only covers the trails in MV and riders may be under a totally different set of rules in connecting townships.
“So after these discussions, as well as meeting with OPP representatives, I feel there may not be an appetite for the township to continue being a part of this group, and to remove our trails from the requirement to have users carry permits.”
She stressed this action
was in no way to be construed as a lack of support for the RCATV to promote ATVing in the region.
“It’s just specifically about that requirement for permits,” she said. She said the RCATV required 60 days’ notice to terminate the agreement.
Councillor Mary Blank thanked Ms. Gutoskie for her detailed report.
Councillor Shelley Maika said she was in favour of terminating the agreement, adding she was not in favour of it initially.
“I certainly don’t believe our residents should have to purchase a pass from an outside organization to drive on trails that basically, are their trails. It’s public land; they own the trails.”
Gale Crepin of Barry’s Bay and granddaughter Lyric Dore enjoyed their visit to Bay Day last Saturday. The main street in Barry’s Bay was closed off as close to 90 classic and antique vehicles were on display. There were also many other activities for people of all ages to enjoy. Mrs. Crepin and her husband, Mike, retired to the Bay area two years ago.
Bay Day fun
A great start
The May holiday weekend was a great start to the summer season as visitors, cottagers and those who make one of the many tent and trailer parks in the area their seasonal home for the next several months descended on the area.
Of course, the weather was excellent, one of the nicest May holiday weekends in many years. Warm temperatures, very little rain and plenty of sunshine.
People were busy installing docks and boat lifts, putting boats in the water, cutting grass and doing yard maintenance at the summer properties, and getting everything opened for Summer 2024
Seasonal businesses, including fast-food stands, were busy with patrons, as were grocery and variety stores, hardware and recerational outlets and restaurants, all going to show how sales increase dramatically for many businesses because we live in such a beautiful area that is a magnet for many.
Barry’s Bay was on fire Saturday as large crowds attended Bay Day, the day when close to 100 antique and classic vehicles line up on main street and hundreds of visitors marvel at these beauitully restored vehicles. And the event offers much more than chrome. Music, food and children’s activities provide plenty of enterrtainment as the main street is closed to through traffic.
Red Pine Camp at Golden Lake was the venue for this year’s annual Fish Fry, sponsored by the Golden Lake and Area Propertty Owners’ Association, and upwards of 250 people enjoyed a meal of smelts and walleye all for a good cause which is to raise funds for the walleye restocking project on the lake.
The event attracts a mix of full-time residents around the lake, cottagers and visitors from other lakes and nearby communities.
Despite the high cost of living, including food and fuel prices which have never been higher for such a prolonged time, people just seemed to want to get out and enjoy themselves. The beauty about living in these parts is that so many things can be enjoyed without any big cost …. enjoying the lakes and rivers, walking the trails of Shaw Woods and other locations, cycling country roads that offer spectatuclar scenery and wildlife.
Highway 60 from Ottawa through to Algonquin Park is like a railway on a Friday afternoon. The train is heading west to a variety of destinations, and then on Monday, the traffic train returns to the Capital. At one point Monday afteroon, traffic on Highway 17 was moving at about 40 km an hour from Storyland Road, west of Renfrew, to the split where the highway widens to four lanes west of Arnprior. Thus our analogy of a traffic train. It seems Summer 2024 is off to a great start and despite the times, Canadians are ready to forget about the many things they have no control over and just enjoy themselves.
Market is opening June 7
W eddings, Baptisms, First Communions and Confirmations were the momentous celebrations of our church-going childhood at Our Lady of the Angels in Brudenell and later at St. James the Less in Eganville.
As the eldest of seven, I was the ‘practice child’ for our family traditions, but also got to witness those momentous events over and over as my younger siblings endured the rituals of a good solid Catholic upbringing.
I do not of course remember my baptism, but I have a photo of my Godparents, Tommy and Marie Walsh, holding me in the white baptismal gown which was treasured and well used in most large families. Had I been old enough to speak, I would have said that the reason babies cry when being baptized is because the gown is itchy and it’s no fun having a generous dipper of Holy Water poured over your unsuspecting head. The Sacraments were taken seriously. Lots of water to wash away your Original Sin, stern warnings about not chewing the Communion wafer, a long penance for sinful seven-year-olds in the Confessional.
Most feared was the ‘slap’ from the Bishop during Confirmation. The older boys at school loved scaring us with exaggerated versions of the Catholic ritual of making the newly confirmed child a ‘valiant combatant in enduring all adversities in
the name of Christ’ and we dreaded Confirmation as we were expecting a good slap upside the head from mild-mannered Bishop Smith. Most of what we feared did not live up to the stories. The witch in the swamp was an ‘old maid’ living alone, the ‘murderers’ were a pair of bachelor brothers too shy to even talk to children. Without television and movies to create excitement, we simply made our own.
No one voiced those distinctively voiced childhood memories better than Canadian writer Alice Munro who just died at age 92. In stories like ‘Royal Beatings’ she captured the literal interpretations that children bring to their mundane experiences. Would there be a fanfare
of drums and courtiers in uniform standing by during the royal beating wondered Munro’s disobedient young heroine? The reality was mundane and consisted of a good walloping with a belt in the unused front room. It was Alice Munro’s talent to disguise the unspoken traumas of young lives in the details of ordinary life.
Our Dutch childhood held no royal beatings, but we were regularly threatened with ‘een pak ransel’ which is an old Dutch expression that means ‘a good whipping’. We were never whipped of course, but the mere threat was enough to keep us on the straight and narrow. Our normal punishment was being sent to sit in the corner and, on particularly difficult days, there weren’t enough corners to hold all of us. We all speak English now but those old expressions still come forth at times and we have several young nephews who wanted to know why they weren’t getting the promised ‘pak ransel’ which they thought was a treat of some sort.
A treat or a threat? The Bishop and our Confirmation held both.
The Church held incredible power in those days but also provided reasons for celebrating life’s milestones and for acknowledging the mystery and majesty of human existence. A Royal Beating, een pak ransel, a slap on the cheek by a Prince of the Church, all part of a good old-fashioned Ottawa Valley childhood.
for the EFM
Appreciation for music,
Dear Editor:
As the warmer spring-like conditions turn into our next season and the ground wakes up for planting, I find myself reflecting on my music and stories, drawing on my heritage and culture that I have inherited with reverence and humility. I have a special appreciation for our last generation, what they left us, and to where the words in the stories and songs point. Historians tell us that without heritage and tradition, we lose our identity and sense of belonging which, for the most part, is being lost in our new modern world. It is brought to my attention by many I converse with at the various functions I attend, it is notable how we have done very well in preserving our cultures and way of life, but changes are emerging. I like taking on a role in preserving a proud heritage and past, without being asked. It’s just what I do. It brings with it a responsibility but also tremendous benefits as well. Growing up I thought everybody learned these shanty songs. I thought we got them by default like they came with a birth certificate or something. I’m constantly aware that in many cases the first thing people visiting our Valley might hear about is our land, how our shanty songs and stories tell of our rich past and I take this seriously. I think that’s important and I don’t want to let them down. As I begin another season, I look forward to telling and selling our story in hopes it can make a difference in how we connect and grow, but in a way that does so with a strong connection to our past. The timber era story has been told and retold in many ways..its historical significance in the valley defines who we are ..we are a timber people no matter how many generations removed from the days of the drive, the shanty days..songs and stories..
Gillan Rutz, Petawawa
Dear patient readers, I have learned the hard way that we can never be too old to cause a wee bit of confusion, maybe just on my part?
In the Leader that we received on May 10th, it contained pages from two different articles that I sent to Nora in the same envelope.
One was about Holy St. Peter making a new arrival in heaven feel comfortable. The other one was about an unusual happening on earth, a patient cow giving birth to four happy calves. (I guess Nora preferred the cow story.)
Sorry, dear readers for asking you to read stories written by a forgetful old man.
We can never forget our visit to an abandoned convent near Limerick, Ireland. On one of the walls still standing there was a plaque that read: ‘When bad things happen to good people, remember that God always sends an extra Angel, or two.’
On Saturday, May 11th, St. James Church in Eganville was filled with people whom Father Ken
O’Brien had helped to become angelic. It took him 50 years, but the time was well spent. Even our MPP John Yakabuski was wearing a holy smile. In his early years in the priesthood, Father Ken spent as much time in hospital as in church. I recall a visit to Pembroke hospital
when Holy Man, Bishop Mulhall was ahead of me. A nurse who happened to be a cousin of mine and Father Ken, walked past our door reminding me of her visit to Father Denny Harrington, after he had been visited by another bishop. She told Father Denny he must be important to be visited by a bishop. His answer was “Important, like hell! He left the damn gate open and the cattle are all over Hell’s hundred acres!”
Father Don Donohue attended St. Paul’s Seminary where he learned the French language. His first assignment was curate with Father Denny. Their first visitor was Sylvester Raymond whom Father Denny asked to teach the young priest how to hunt moose. The next evening Sylvester arrived with rifle, ammunition and a moose call. They had just arrived in moose country when they heard brush breaking and the bull moose snorting. Sylvester tapped the novice hunter on the shoulder telling him “Remember Father, shoot first, fill your pants later.”
Cobden water project doomed from the start
Dear Editor: What happened to derail a simple project such as the $13 million Cobden Wastewater Treatment Plant? We realize this project was, in my opinion, doomed from the start. Why? Because it was never managed. It started out with a completely unrealistic budget and went south from there. In this article we need answers as to why the engineering consultant went from a “Lump Sum Fee Basis” contract of $425,424 to a final payout, according to Whitewater Region staff, of $1,725,163. On February 7, 2018, Whitewater Region council passed By-law #18-021039 increasing the contract amount to $859,906 to cover the cost of the detailed engineering for the project. In a report from the engineering consultant, dated June 20, 2018, it stated the contract amount had increased to $868,566, HST extra. In that same report, they stated their contract was 100 per cent complete, except for the Project Administration cost of about $111,943, which would be invoiced over the next 28 months. Up to the end of June 2018, Whitewater had paid the engineering consultant $756,623 plus HST. Council members of Whitewater Region, the contract between Whitewater Region and the engineering consultant for the new plant was a “Lump Sum Fee Basis” contract. That means the fee is not to be increased without your authorization. In the Whitewater Administration second quarter report for fiscal 2019, it states that as of the end of June 2019, Whitewater had spent $961,005 on engineering and contract administration, HST not included. This, of course, is more than the “Lump Sum Fee Basis” contract amount authorized by Whitewater Region council by by-law of February 7, 2018. The interesting thing is that the last by-law that was authorized by council was the by-law of February 7, 2018. There is nothing in the public record, council minutes of meeting or special council minutes, that I could find, indicating the “Lump Sum Fee Basis” contract had been authorized by council to be increased to $961,005. Mr. Mayor and Council, when the engineering consultant makes an error on piping size and concrete footings/ piles, which they did, that’s not something Whitewater Region is obligated to pay the engineering cost for. See change order #6 and #32. Normally on a project there are several change orders that are backcharged to the engineering consultant. Of the $587,701.56 in change-orders, were there any on this project that should have been back-charged to the engineering consultant? Unfortunately, when the fox is in charge of the chicken coop, we may never know.
In a memo dated February 19, 2020, Whitewater staff member Janet Collins, stated the estimated Project Management costs at that time were $1,236,726, excluding HST, and yet there was still no by-law authorizing that amount in the list of by-laws and nothing that I could find in the minutes of council meetings or special council meeting or any public document authorizing it. This begs the question: “If council didn’t authorize the payments then who did?”
Prior to fiscal 2019, the engineering consultant issued periodic status reports and these were included in the council minutes of meeting. Finally a status report from the consultant was attached in the February 19, 2020 council meeting agenda. Where do we go from here? The people of Cobden deserve a complete independent audit of this project.
Donald Deer, Ottawa
100 Years Ago - May 23, 1924
Farmhand Found Shot
Renfrew, May 20 – A Cornoer’s inquest will be held to investigate the death of Herman Price, a farmhand employed by Duncan and William Wallace, who died last night from the effect of a bullet wound. The Wallace farm is three miles from here. Price was found in a tottering condition, with a revolver on the ground beside him. He expired a few minutes after the arrival of the doctor, without saying anything.
* * * * * *
Mr. J.R. Booth Goes To Madawaska Farm
Mr. John R. Booth, veteran lumberman, who is now in his 98th year, left Ottawa last week to spend his annual vacation on his large farm, 10 miles from Madawaska. Mr. Booth, unlike many men, particularly of his age, spends his time in planning the summer’s activities on the farm. He will personally supervise the erection of necessary buildings and will map out the policy to be followed by the employees. The farm is modern in every way and immense quantities of beef, pork and grains are produced. The quest of game, whether in the water or the woods, apparently has no appeal for Mr. Booth. He enjoys a vacation much better when there is work to be done. The aged lumberman left Ottawa in his private car, which was switched off the main line at Madawaska. At that point, J.R. Booth Ltd. has a short standard-gauge line running into the timber limits. The company uses the line to haul pulp to the main line. Mr. Booth’s private car was hauled by his own locomotive. He sleeps and sometimes eats in
the car, but when awake passes most of his time in the open air. Only the attendants necessary to ensure reasonable comfort have accompanied him. Mr. Booth will return to Ottawa just prior to “fly time”. – Journal * * * * * *
District News
A number of provincial constables – seven in all – assembled in Renfrew on Saturday evening, and motored down to Arnprior for a raid on a pool room there where intoxicating beverages were supposed to be sold. The raid was duly made, but a search of the premises together with a look through the pockets of different persons who happened to be there failed to reveal any contraband goods. The affair caused quite a sensation in the lumber town, and a large crowd gathered.
* * * * * *
Double Drowning In Northern Quebec
Late Saturday evening word reached Pembroke of the drowning of Mr. Harry Fitzpatrick, and a companion named Johnston in a northern lake, but that the bodies had not been recovered. Mr. Fitzpatrick was a well-known and respected resident of Pembroke. He leaves a wife and five children.
Kirkland Lake, May 19 – Details of the fate of Henry Fitzpatrick and Charles Johnston, Kirkland Lake men said to have drowned near Amos, Quebec, are yet not known. A message to Fitzpatrick’s brother, at the Sylvanite Mine here, told of the tragedy, and it stated that the canoe in which the men were travelling on a prospecting trip was found floating bottom upward, but no further information has been received.
Hon. Mr. Low Does Not Agree
With Manner of Appointments
Hon. T.A. Low, Minister of Trade and Commerce, in the House of Commons, Monday night, questioned the method under which Canadian trade commissioners are appointed by the Civil Service Commission.
“I cannot say,” he said, “I agree with the way they are appointed.”
The qualifications were that applicants had to be university graduates and under 32 years of age.
Mr. Low referred to one case of a graduate of a Scottish university coming to Canada and after only two years residence here securing an appointment as trade commissioner. Mr. Low did not think the man possessed the requisite knowledge of Canadian business conditions. He thought applicants should have business knowledge and not be debarred by the present age limit.
* * * * * *
Eganville Student Wins Governor General’s Medal
At the commencement exercises at the University of St. Francis Xavier, Antigonish, N.S. held on May 14th, the degree of B.A. was conferred on John J. Quinn and Thomas J. Reynolds, both students of the Eganville Continuation School who graduated with matriculation here in 1920. Mr. Quinn had also the special distinction of winning the Governor-General’s silver medal for the highest aggregate in senior year. To him was awarded too the gold medal for history. John J. Quinn is a son of Mr. and Mrs. James Quinn of Grattan and Thomas J. Reynolds, a son of Mr. and Mrs. John Reynolds of Madawaska.
75 Years Ago - May 27, 1949
Eganville Legion Holds
Another Successful Bingo Members of the Eganville Branch of the Canadian Legion, assisted by members of the Renfrew Lions Club, held their annual bingo party in the town hall on Wednesday evening. Patrons by the hundreds assembled and there was spirit and zest manifested as the holders of the cards were favoured with good fortune or met their disappointments with wry smiles.
The rich jackpot prize, a Chesterfield Suite, was won by Mr. William Whalen of Brudenell. The semi-jackpot, Rogers Silverware, by Mr. R.O. Hunt of Eganville, and the mystery prize – gift of Mr. Chas R. Lett, a pair of young pigs, became the property of Mr. George Hein of Eganville. Mr. Patrick Foran, R.R. #2, Eganville, was also given a pair in order to straighten out a problem that had arisen.
* * * * * *
Eganville Firm Buys
Pembroke Business
Announcement has been made of the sale of the factory of the Estate of Walter Beatty to R.G. Reinke Sons of Eganville, who will carry on the business in Pembroke under the name of Pembroke Builders’ Supplies. The new owners took possession Tuesday, reports The Standard “Sale of the plant, one of the oldest businesses in Pembroke, following the recent death of the owner, H.J. Beatty. The purchasers are well-known here and throughout the county, having been in business many years at Eganville where they operate a planing mill and factory and do a lot of building. The head of the firm, R.G. Reinke, is virtually retired and the active management is
largely in the hands of his sons, two of whom, Oscar and Roland, have been in Pembroke in connection with taking over the Beatty property. The Reinke firm, young, aggressive, and favourably known over a wide area, will be welcomed in Pembroke’s business and industrial life”.
* * * * * * Discussing Future of The Dionne Quints Callander, May 26 – Oliva Dionne, father of the quintuplets, said today he would not be surprised if one or more of his famous daughters become nuns.
He emphasized that the girls, who celebrate their 15th birthday Saturday, have complete freedom of choice in their vocations. Since birth the quints have received their religious and scholastic education from the Sisters of the Immaculate Concepcion.
It is rumoured here that Mrs. Dionne is encouraging her daughters to enter an Order. One rumour has all five considering the idea..
* * * * * * Camp Cassulla At Mink Lake Destroyed By Fire
On Saturday evening last, a fire of unknown origin destroyed the summer cottage “Camp Cassulla” that belonged to the late Very Rev. Father Quilty.
The fire was noticed about 5:30 in the evening, but by that time had made considerable headway. A large crowd quickly gathered but were unable to do more than keep the flames from spreading to the nearby bush. Both the cottage and garage were completely destroyed. The camp was a frame building about 30 by 40 feet in size, and contained several rooms, a large
verandah and sleeping porch, and a beautiful chapel finished in white, and large enough to accommodate about 50 worshippers. A few feet away from the site of Camp Cassulla is a tiny building about 14 feet square, the cottage first occupied by the late Rev. Father Marion. This little cottage, moved to its present site and kept in repair by Fr. Quilty, by some happy chance escaped the fire. The loss of Camp Cassulla recalls some of the fine work done by the late Fr. Quilty in regard to the youth of the parish. On the shore of Mink Lake, not far from his cottage, he purchased several acres of ground, and, with the help of parishioners, converted it into a fine athletic field.
*
* * * * * Music Recital
Well chosen and artistically performed numbers presented at the recital given by Mrs. E. Hilderbrandt’s music pupils in the Town Hall Friday evening gave a great deal of pleasure to a large audience. The program included selections by the school choirs, vocalists and instrumentalists, who carried off prizes, many of them firsts, in the recent Renfrew and Pembroke music festivals.
Those who took part were: Denton Hoffman, Eleanor Sack, Dolores Passaw, Betty Lett, Morley Weber, Mrs. Hildebrandt, Carl Brose, Alton McKibbon, Rodney Wilcox, David Porter, Yvonne Kosmack, Peggy Lisk, Dixon Warren, Dawnalda Davis, Marie Hoffman, Lois Bimm, Magdalene Kumm, Sheila Sterling, Mary Shane, Sterling Hunt, Marie Brose, Yvonne McEwen, Marion Zummach, Elaine Knuth, Dorothey Shane, Jack Bimm, Eileen Brasch, Lorraine Shane, Adele Mooney, Elaine Freitag and Ada McDonald.
50 Years Ago - May 22, 1974
Streaker Strikes!
Spectators at the first ladles softball game in Eganville Monday night got an unexpected bonus as Eganville’s first streaker made an appearance. With only a white t-shirt donned over his head, observers said he made his way from third base through the infield to the first base foul line and then disappeared into the night.
The game was being played between the Eganville ladies and the Pembroke women and when the streaker made his appearance, the Pembroke ladies were in the field.
One witness said the game came to a sudden halt.
About 45 spectators witnessed the event.
* * * * * * $18 Million Children’s Hospital Opened
The new 300-bed Eastern Ontario Children’s Hospital was officially opened Friday by Premier William Davis. The hospital will serve Ottawa, the Pembroke area and parts of eastern Ontario and western Quebec. It cost $18 million. A wide range of out-patient services will be provided, enabling children to receive treatment with-
out being admitted to hospital, officials said.
Suggests Alternate Uses For Base
Henry Fleguel, Reeve of Brudenell and Lyndock township, has suggested an alternate use for Foymount after the Department of National Defence abandons it in September. He would like to see the homes on the base sold to retirement couples who are now living in the city and who would appreciate rural living.
Mr. Fleguel first made the suggestion at a meeting in Eganville last fall following the announcement the base would close in September. His idea apparently fell on deaf ears but he hasn’t given up hope.
Since that time he has been doing a lot of lobbying at county council and says that he is gradually getting support from a few county colleagues on the idea.
Mr. Fleguel’s township borders the township of Sebastopol in which township the base is situated, and is about 1000 feet from the base. The veteran reeve said he is confident that if no government—federal, provincial or municipal—can find a use for the 24-year-old base, that Sebastopol or several other town-
ships could band together to obtain and operate the base as a townsite on a paying basis.
“Sold” rumours squelched If you have heard lately that Opeongo High School has been sold to a university or college, it’s not true. Rumours have been circulating about for the past month or so the school has been sold to the University of Ottawa, Algonquin College and even the Department of Education. However, a check with Renfrew County School Board Chairman Mrs. Jean Beauprie has squelched all possibilities of the school being sold.
“We haven’t had any discussion with anyone,” said Mrs. Beauprie. “We have heard the rumours too but where they started we don’t know.” Mrs. Beauprie said the University of Ottawa uses the school now for night courses and summer courses and there was a suggestion at one time they wanted to use it more but she said that was two years ago.
Principal Don Whillans has also heard the rumours on several occasions and says “they are the most absurd, ridiculous thing he has ever heard”.
25 Years Ago - May 27, 1999
Hwy. 17 Closed As Collision
Results In Another Fatality
Renfrew – Tragedy struck again on Highway 17 on Saturday, claiming the life of a 38-year-old Quebec man.
Members of the Renfrew detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police were called to a serious motor vehicle collision shortly after 5 a.m., 10 kilometres west of Arnprior on May 24.
Witnesses indicated to police the westbound car driven by MugurelLeonard Alecu, crossed over into the oncoming lane and struck the trailer portion of a tractor trailer travelling eastbound. Mr. Alecu’s car then continued back into the westbound lane where it then hit a guard rail.
Mr. Alecu, from Pierrefonds, Que., was the sole occupant in his car. He received extensive injuries and was removed by McNab Township firefighters from the wreck. He was rushed by ambulance to Arnprior Hospital and subsequently flown to Ottawa Civic Hospital.
The victim did not survive the injuries sustained in the collision and was pronounced dead at 3 p.m. Saturday afternoon.
* * * * * *
Vacant Building Destroyed By Fire
Barry’s Bay – Provincial Police are investigating a fire that destroyed an old building that once housed the planning mill and lumber sorting shed for Murray Bros. Lumber Co.
The fire, at the end of Lane Steet, off Paugh Lake Road, was reported at 5 a.m. Monday. Both the Sherwood, Jones, and Burns and Barry’s Bay fire departments responded to the blaze, but the building was totally engulfed in flames.
SJ&B deputy fire chief David
Afelskie said that all that remained from the fire was the steel roof and any metal from old machinery inside. The fire did not pose a threat to any nearby buildings.
* * * * * * Youth Charged In Connection With Fire
Renfrew OPP have charged two persons with arson following a fire which did approximately $20,000 damage to the Cobden and District Public School during the night of May 15 to 16.
The two accused, ages 16 and 17, cannot be named because their identity is protected under the Young Offenders Act. The arrests were made on May 20 after police received a number of calls from residents including one Crime Stoppers hint.
The fire was set in a garbage bin next to the school. Flames shot up to the eaves and were threatening to spread to the roof when firefighters arrived.
* * * * * * Official Opening of Newly-Expanded Hemodialysis Unit
Renfrew – The expanded hemodialysis unit at the Victoria Hospital was officially opened Friday morning when Cam Jackson, the Minister of Long Term Care with Responsibility for Seniors, cut the ribbon to mark the occasion. Close to 75 people attended the event including Lanark-Renfrew MPP Leo Jordan, who worked closely with the hospital board, to see the expansion to fruition, and Renfrew North MPP Sean Conway. Mr. Jordan said he had worked with the hospital board and CEO Randy Penney for several years to convince the NDP government of the need for the dialysis unit in
Renfrew and as a result three stations were opened in 1993 with a fourth being added two years later.
* * * * * * Hundreds Celebrate the 80th Anniversary of Kitts’ Store Cormac – It didn’t take long for the 300 buttons to disappear that John and Anna Mary Kitts had custom-made to mark the 80th anniversary of Kitts’ General Store Sunday.
A capacity crowd attended a Mass of Thanksgiving at St. Ann’s Church at noon and during the course of the afternoon more than 500 people dropped by to extend best wishes to the couple celebrating this milestone. The day was filled with nostalgia, emotion and gratitude as family, friends, neighbours and acquaintances paid tribute to the couple who have contributed so much time and energy to their community. Arlene Felhaber, Reeve of Sebastopol Township, described John and Anna Mary Kits as Mr. and Mrs. Cormac.
“The Kitts family has given so generously and unselfishly of themselves to the community over the years, and what a privilege to be able to proudly proclaim that this wonderful couple resides in Sebastopol Township,” she said.
Dr. Jack Kitts, a nephew of John who resides in Ottawa, spoke on behalf of the nieces and nephews who John played the role of father following the death of his brother, Charlie, who died at the age of 48.
“Uncle John and Anna Mary’s kindness is not limited to their nieces and nephews or their grand nieces and nephews. Their kindness and generosity extend to the entire community of Cormac.”
A/B awards contracts for new $365,000 sand dome
By Terry Fleurie Staff Writer
Douglas – A Cobden-based company has been awarded the contract to erect a new sand dome for the Admaston/Bromley Township operations department, which, when completed, will cost just over $365,000, plus applicable taxes.
Last Thursday evening, council approved the recommendation from operations manager Steve Visinski to purchase a rectanglestyle sand/salt dome through the LAS Canoe Procurement Program for $115,088.30, plus taxes, from Calhoun Super Structures Ltd. Council also awarded the contract for the construction and installation of the shed to the certified installer, Wren Construction of Cobden, at a cost of $250,000 plus taxes. The contract includes the installation of the foundation walls, steel structure and tarp-style roof.
Mayor Michael Donohue noted there was a more extensive discussion at the operations committee meeting earlier that day.
“Ultimately, this is a sole sourcing to Wren, as the constructor of this shed,” he explained, adding Wren was the only certified company by
Calhoun to erect the building in this area.
“Wren Construction is the certified dealer for Calhoun,” Mr. Visinski verified. “The other company was Clear Span, that came in at $160,000 U.S, compared to $115,000, just for the building alone.
“And they did not have a certified installer in this area,” he continued. “And that would void warranty issues as well.”
His report showed the Clear Span building would require engineering costs of between $10,000 to $40,000, and the concrete and rebar costs were approximately $200,000. The cost of the installation was not included in those figures.
“Staff are recommending that Wren Construction be the contractor chosen to complete the project and feel they are very well qualified for this project as they have installed many similar structures for municipalities and organizations,” the report recommended. “In addition, this will provide the township with a full 25-year warranty for the building.”
In other operations department
news, Mr. Visinski noted there were quite a few road signs that were stolen or went missing last month.
“We did report it to the OPP,” he noted. “We had eight stop signs, which can be quite dangerous at times, two or three road signs, a few corner signs.
“It was quite a blitz that went on,” he added. “Also, financially, we’ve kind of been struggling in our sign budget. But we have reported it to the OPP and are waiting to hear back.”
Mr. Visinski said the A/B signs carry a bar code so if the OPP find any, they can determine if they are theirs or not.
Councillor Keith Gourley suggested something be posted on the social media about the signs, noting the culprits are sometimes young people whose parents might come across them hidden in a barn/shed somewhere.
Mayor Michael Donohue agreed, adding the issue creates real safety concerns and that needed to be added to the message as well.
“I would certainly encourage that there be notation of the risk this presents to the driving public in our township,” he said.
Bonnechere Valley Township firefighter Emma Normoyle was one of several firefighters working at the boot toll from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. last Friday. The fundraiser earned $14,000, a portion of which will be donated for muscular dystrophy. Firefighters were set up in two locations in Eganville capturing the busy holiday weekend traffic.
Proposed federal tax on vacant land creates concerns in BV
By Debbi Christinck Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Eganville – A proposed tax on vacant land in the federal budget is not sitting well with
Bonnechere Valley Mayor Jennifer Murphy.
“I think our residents already pay enough property tax,” she told council last Tuesday.
The 2024 federal budget addresses land which is developable, and the owners are not using it. The budget notes owners of vacant land need to unlock unused lands for homes and the federal government is considering a tax on residential zoned vacant land and there will be consultation, according to the document she read to council.
“I have all sorts of challenges with this,” she said. While there is an assumption it is more on urban land, this could impact the township as well, she said.
“We definitely need our voices heard if it does apply to us,” she said.
It is also important to note this
federal budget is tabled and has not passed, she said. Residents pay enough property tax and staff does not need to keep a vacant land registry.
“I would prefer we would not be administrators of this tax to be paid to the federal government,” she said.
“I know this has not passed.”
“The Crown owns 89 per cent of the land in Canada,” said Councillor Brent Patrick. “So, when you are talking about underutilized land…” People should not be taxed for unused private property when the Crown is sitting on land, he said.
“The Crown owns 89 percent of the land. Are you telling us you have no developable land in that portfolio?” he said.
Mayor Murphy questioned the figure of 89 per cent.
“How much is developable is what I would like to know,” she said.
“There is more developable there than there is in Bonnechere Valley or Renfrew County,” Coun. Patrick said.
The mayor said she doesn’t want to see the municipality collecting federal tax on properties.
The Ontario government wants more people on water and sewer, so possibly there could be an incentive for someone to buy land in Eganville, Coun. Patrick suggested. He would like to see development encouraged through incentives similar to what occurs in the United States instead of taxation.
“It is encouraging someone to come in and do something on land that is sitting vacant,” he said.
Mayor Murphy said she has challenges about incentivizing and bonusing for development.
The mayor said although this proposed tax has not passed, discussing the issue is important and there are times the municipality is involved in consultation and needs to be ready.
“This is one of those times with the feds when we need to say, ‘wait a minute’,” she said.
“It is ridiculous you are creating more tax,” said Coun. Patrick.
Emergency septic replacement increases taxes in Whitewater
By Marie Zettler
Journalism Initiative Reporter
Local
Cobden -- Whitewater Region (WWR) council has authorized an expenditure of almost $25,000 to replace the septic system at the municipally-owned building at 2022 Foresters Falls Road.
To cover this and several other unanticipated expenses, council also raised the property tax levy increase by 3.5 per cent up from the 2.93 per cent calculated in the 2024 budget which was passed in December of 2023.
The septic system failure occurred at what was the home of the Foresters Falls Branch of the Whitewater Region Public Library until its recent closure. The building previously served as the municipal office for the former Ross Township before it amalgamated to form the Township of Whitewater Region in 2000.
Whitewater Seniors Home Support and Active Living took over the space on May 1. While staff and volunteers were cleaning on May 6, the septic backed up. It was pumped out the following day, but the township’s Chief Building Official (CBO), Doug Schultz, inspected the system on May 10 and determined it is not in good working condition.
Public Works Manager Lane Cleroux told council May 15 the exact location of the septic field is unknown but a portion may be located under the asphalt parking lot.
“The age of the septic system is also unknown but repairs took place in 2014 to fix a crushed pipe,” he
said.
According to the township’s procurement policy, tenders are required for items costing $15,000 or more and all purchases must be within the approved township budget for the year in question.
“Unforeseen capital expenditures or significant operating expenditures must be brought to council for consideration,” he said. “Due to the unforeseen failure and the urgency to have a working system, staff recommends proceeding with a request for quotations to fast-track the installation of the septic system.”
Councillor Joey Trimm said there was really no choice but to make the necessary repairs.
“We need to maintain our assets, and we need the office space,” he said.
This project was not budgeted in the 2024 capital budget, and staff recommended the expenditure be unfinanced until the 2025 budget process.
However, in the next agenda item, which was to approve a by-law to set 2024 property taxation rates, Treasurer Kurtis McGonegal noted council still had the opportunity to include this project and several other unfinanced projects that either have already been, or are soon to be, incurred in the current year’s budget and tax rates. Besides the septic system replacement, these unfinanced projects include the community facility adaptive re-use at $23,000, the ice facility audit at $7,000, the employee/facility health and safety hearing assessments at approximately $4,000, and a review
of township in-kind contributions in 2025.
A 2.93 per cent increase in the budget had been approved initially, and WWR’s total tax increased the tax bill per $100,000 of residential assessment by $36.81. Treasurer McGonegal pointed out that to cover the new items the increase in the tax bill per $100,000 of residential assessment would be 3.5 per cent or $43.95. This amount includes the county and education levies, which the municipality is obliged to collect on its tax bill. A 2.93 per cent increase in the budget had been approved initially, and WWR’s total tax increased the tax bill per $100,000 of residential assessment by $36.81. Councillor Chris Olmstead commented council had asked staff to perform a “really challenging” task in keeping the increase in the township’s levy low, and that staff had delivered a budget with a 2.93 per cent increase. “That’s almost unheard of,” he said. “Looking at our neighbours some (percentage increases) are in the teens and others in the 20s. The closest one (to WWR) was sevensome per cent.
“We don’t want to get into a spot where we’re carrying forward unfinanced issues,” he added. “A 3.5 per cent increase will allow the treasurer to pay for these items that have just popped up.” Coun. Trimm agreed that “we should pay as we go.” The motion to approve a by-law that results in a 3.5 per cent increase on the municipality’s 2024 tax levy carried.
Historical society presenting Ottawa Valley History in Song
Osceola -- The Bromley Historical Society begins its 2024 series of events on a high note this Satureday, May 25 with an afternoon of song and history featuring Ottawa Valley singing and recording star, Marc Audet.
The get-together, which is the Society’s annual Dan Gorman memorial event, takes place in the Old Town Hall, 498 Micksburg Road in Osceola.
In his work, Mr. Audet, who
hails from Deep River, explores the heritage of the Ottawa Valley in songs that touch on farms, flooded villages, taken lands, and frontier roads. His most recent work, Those Days , was released in March of this year. A full 12-song folk music album, its songs range from traditional folk to Canadian roots and contemporary folk. It was recorded at Pembroke’s Bob’s Music Plus, and features some of the Ottawa Valley’s best-known musicians. Mr. Audet had previously released a debut album, The River, in 2015, followed by Forgotten Memories of the Ottawa Valley, in 2021, and Open Water, in December 2023.
“My hope is that many people across Canada will take an interest in learning and experiencing the rich history and long heritage of the Ottawa Valley,” he said. The event will be preceded by a short Annual General Meeting.
June Layman of Eganville purchases a plant from Eganville and Area Horticultural Society (EAHS) vol-
unteers Kathleen Kearney and Sharon Henry Saturday at the society’s annual spring plant sale.
Annual plant sale
Twenty-four Opeongo High athletes advance to EOSSAA
Pembroke – Twenty-four members of the Opeongo High School (OHS) track and field team will represent their school at the Eastern Ontario Secondary Schools Athletic Association (EOSSAA) championship in Brockville Thursday and Friday after qualifying to advance at the Renfrew County championship here last Thursday.
The Wildcats’ team was led by Senior Girl Quinn Coughlin, who captured first-place in three events – the 200 and 400-metres, and the 400-metre hurdles. These results earned her the title of Senior Girls athlete for the meet. She also set
a new county record in the 400m hurdles.
Adding to the team’s results with top finishes and heading to the EOSSAA championship are Novice Girls Ava Enright, 1st - 400m, 2nd - 300m hurdles; Delaney Dick, 1 st - 800m, 3 rd - 400m; Harley Hodgins, 1st - 3000m, 2nd -1500m; Kate O’Brien, 1st - long jump, 2nd triple jump, 3rd -80m hurdles; Taylor Limlaw, 2nd - 100m, 2nd - 200m; Isabella VanLindenberg,3rd - 3000m; Rebecca Egan, 3rd - shot put. Junior Girls: Carmendy Andrews, 4th - 200m; Alaina Matheson, 2nd 80m hurdles; Caileigh Warneford,
The Open Boys 4 x 400m team (Liam Copeland, Noah Baklinski, Andy Copeland, Gavin Recoskie) raised the eyebrows of the spectators with a spectacular race to end the meet.
“Liam set the stage by attaining a big lead and Noah, Andy and Gavin
maintained that gap to finish with a one-sided victory over the rest of the field,” noted coach Dennis Brash.
The Open Girls 4 x 400m effort (Delaney Dick, Marlo VanLindenberg, Laura Maggi, Ava Enright) almost matched the boys’ efforts as they sped to a convincing secondplace finish.
By Terry Fleurie Staff Writer
Micksburg – The Micksburg Twins entry in the Greater Ottawa Fastball League (GOFL) will kickoff their 2024 season at home on Thursday night as they host the Manotick Brewers at the diamond in the ’Burg.
The Twins, who had their two previously scheduled games cancelled, are anxious to get the season going and avenge their early exit from the play-offs last year when the Kars Aces swept them in two straight games.
Twin’s player/coach Jamie Mick said the team’s roster for 2024 is unchanged from last year with ace Joran Graham heading up the pitching staff that includes young throwers John Enright and Noah Fleurie. Joe Mick will handle the majority of the catching duties and be spared off by Scott Conroy. Jamie
“Opeongo athletes were in fine form as they responded to the excellent weather conditions and put out their best performances of the season,” Brash noted. Athletes who finished first to fourth will advance to Brockville for the EOSSAA championships on May 23-24.
Mick, Paul Griffith and Conroy will platoon at first, Matt McIntyre is at second, Andrew McIntyre at short and Jared Steege at the hot corner at third. Quinton Rook will anchor the outfield in center and be flanked by Nolan Rook, Nolan Costello, Fleurie and Enright.
“There’s really no changes again,” Mick said. “Everything is status quo; everybody’s back in the same roles.”
He said the two early cancellations have made the players even more eager to get back on the field.
“We’re ready to get at it, the guys are ready to go. We want to get back on top where we think we should be.”
Mick said it’s great to see the competition in the league getting stronger each year.
“I think it’s great to see,” he remarked. “We won three or four (championships) in a row and it’s
good for the league that Orleans won last year.
“The parity is really good in the league, which is what you want,” he added. There are seven teams in the GOFL this year. The teams are not split in divisions as in previous years. The teams are the Twins, Orleans Rebels, Kars Aces, Manotick Brewers, Osgoode Chiefs, West Carleton Electric and Quyon Flyers In addition to the games against the GOFL teams, each team will
OHS Junior Girl Alaina Matheson hugs an Arnprior opponent after
Opeongo High Novice Girl Kate O’Brien soars to her firstplace finish in the long jump. She also finished second in the triple jump.
Opeongo High Senior Boy Liam Davis placed first in the shot at the Renfrew County high school championships last week. He is one of 24 Opeongo athletes advancing to Eastern Ontario Secondary School Athletic Association (EOSSAA) meet this week.
Senior Girl Quinn Coughlin captured the top Senior Girl Athlete with wins in the 200 and 400-metre runs and the 400-metre hurdles. She also set a new record in the 400m hurdles.
The Grind: part of the solution, not the cause of problems
By Gerald Tracey News Editor
Pembroke
– It seems the agency that is doing the most to assist the homeless and vulnerable in Pembroke is also the target of much criticism, but despite that the board of directors operating The Grind Pembroke says it remains committed to working collaboratively with neighbours and other stakeholders regarding the safety of its operations.
“We are committed to ongoing discussion and dialogue and we are always open to suggestions and input from our neighbours,” said Board Chair and Executive Director Jerry Novack. “However, our agency also remains committed to working with multiple health and social service partners as part of a dedicated commitment to help Renfrew County’s most vulnerable members.”
As Pembroke’s homeless population continues to grow and incidents of drug abuse and overdoses occur frequently, The Grind does what it can to help within the mandate and resource base that constrains it. At its Victoria Street location, food is served to the vulnerable Tuesday to Friday, with access to washroom facilities, showers and laundry facilities. Clients are also connected with social and counselling services. Prior to the founding of The Grind, none of these services were available in a coordinated fashion, but now the agency serves as a triage and referral service, guiding people in need to agencies that provide lifesaving services. It also serves as a hub for social services and health agencies to directly reach out to those in need.
At a media conference in Pembroke last Thursday, Mr. Novack said residents in Pembroke and across Renfrew County have been shocked by the explosion of drug abuse in their cities, towns and villages.
“The primary driver behind this crisis is fentanyl,” he said. “According to the government of Canada, 82 percent of the overdose deaths in Canada during 2023 involved fentanyl.” He said people are also alarmed at the growing problem of homelessness and it’s not an exaggeration to say that without an agency like The Grind advocating for and helping these individuals, more lives would be lost.
Mr. Novack said The Grind has strict guidelines, procedures and protocols regarding the behaviour of those it serves.
“Those who violate those guidelines are banned from the premises,” he explained. “However, we cannot be responsible for actions and behaviours in the community that are simply beyond our control.
“To think that an agency like ours can somehow police the behaviours of anyone outside our doors is completely unrealistic.”
He said anyone witnessing criminal activity or other issues should contact the Ontario Provincial Police or Pembroke’s by-law department. The Grind is not a police force, although it works extensively and exhaustively to educate those we serve on the importance of courtesy and respect both within our agency and in the community,” Mr. Novack continued.
Town Hall Meeting Sparked Response City Councillor Ian Kuehl recently hosted a “town hall” meeting near The Grind at which many people living in the neighbourhood aired their grievances and shared disturbing stories of drug use, fighting, pet
abduction, defecation on private property and abuse issues.
Mr. Novack said no one from The Grind was invited to attend the meeting so there wasn’t an opportunity to clarify some of the criticisms, adding many of them were false. There was also information on social media The Grind is interested in purchasing the building it is located in (the old fire hall) but Mr. Novack added while there has been correspondence with the city, it remains confidential. Based on rumours, a petition was started asking the city not to sell to The Grind
“The details of our lease and what the next steps are, are confidential,” he said. “For me to say, yes we want to do this or maybe not do this, I don’t think that would be fair to the board. I am hoping we can work with the city. We haven’t had those conversations yet.”
One of the problems with the town hall meeting hosted by Coun. Kuehl is that many people believe it was a city-sanctioned meeting, but it was not. However, no one from the city or council has yet to issue a statement saying otherwise.
Mr. Novack said The Grind wants to work with its neighbours. He said their door is open and neighbours have been invited in to have some open dialogue.
“We are open to talking about how we can make things better in the community and I think there are always ways to improve,” he said. “I don’t think the community really understands the steps we have taken to make this a better place and a safer place.
“I think what is kind of disconcerting is when the focus is here. We run from Tuesday to Friday with a lunch program in addition to what the agencies do,” he said. “And then you look at what St. Vincent de Paul does, they do the same thing Saturday, Sunday and Monday. They are only a couple of blocks down the road and there is no issue with the same clientele having lunch there.
“So just putting some of that in perspective of where the focus and why it’s here … I don’t think it’s fair to make comments about the operation without the facts.”
Drug Problem Worsening Grind board member Rev. John Vaudry said when he read reports from Coun. Kuehl’s town hall meeting, he said it’s the drug problem that has gotten worse in the last several months.
“When I read the article I thought a lot of this is not really talking about The Grind , it’s talking about the
drug situation,” he said. “Some of the things that allegedly happened, some of them don’t sound too nice; they are happening in the evening or one o’clock in the morning. They are not happening from 10 until 2 when we are open.”
Mr. Novack said the importance of The Grind is identified in a community wellness report.
“If you read that I think you will realize how important this organization is to the community to support the homeless population,” he said.
“I think that speaks volumes to the importance. Personally, I would hate to see something happen that we can’t continue to do what we do here every day.”
On a recent day, 73 people were served lunch and Mr. Novack said the numbers are increasing. The age ranges from 16 to 82.
“There is such a need in the community besides just the focus on addiction.”
Problems created by some of the homeless and addicts is not the responsibility of The Grind, but rather the city. Complaints of finding used needles in the neighbourhoods close to the downtown as well individuals defecating on private property and overdosing is a matter for the city and police to deal with. Mr. Novack has suggested the city have a rapid response team to deal with such complaints but said it isn’t something The Grind is responsible for.
“We hear all these complaints but what is the city doing to deal with that?” he asked. “I think that’s the frustration with just what happened a few weeks ago (town hall meeting). They said a lot of things that were really hurtful and not true and we never had a chance to provide information to correct some of those accusations.”
Mr. Novack said The Grind is part of the solution, but not the cause of the problem.
“We are not creating the issue. It’s here,” he said.
The recent wellness plan identified the importance of The Grind and its services, but the recent town hall meeting was a slap in the face, he said.
“If they are talking that we are important and we are needed, then at least meet with us and say, ‘here are the concerns of the community’.”
He said instead of The Grind being criticized for undertaking a role, the city and Renfrew County should be asked what their strategy is moving forward, especially now that the warming centre which operated during the winter months closed
in April. It served 101 clients this past winter.
Goal To Ensure Safety and Security of Clients
Rev. Dave Henderson said The Grind is committed to a holistic approach and its over-arching goal is the safety and health of all the residents, especially the vulnerable.
“And any agency, any government organization, any non-government organization who shares our commitment is going to be welcome at our table and we’ll all work together
for a holistic solution,” he said.
“That’s our key goal ... to ensure the safety and security of all of our residents.”
Deacon Adrien Chaput said the organization knows there is a serious problem in the city, but they just want to keep people safe and at the same time help them.
“We don’t want to lose anybody else, believe me,” he said. “They’re part of our family. I just can’t say that enough.”
He said the board wants to move
forward to ensure it can take good care of everyone, to be respectful of the neighbours and their concerns and address the issue and bring the truth to light of the things that are happening in the community.
“The beautiful part is if they would come in and see what we do everyday and see how we’re here to take good care of everyone and see the other agencies and the partnerships that are here, to see that we are all working together for the same goal,” he said. “It’s not about The Grind, it’s about all of us working together. We happen to be the hub where everyone comes and why does everyone come here? Because they feel welcomed. They say it is a place of love, care and compassion and safety. It’s hope.”
Deacon Chaput said it is difficult for people who are going through issues in life and they don’t know who to turn to. “We can be that ear and be able to listen and be able to help navigate,” he said. It was also pointed out by board members that without the existence of The Grind, there would be no place for the homeless and addicts to have access
Members of the board of directors for The Grind Pembroke held a media conference last week to
collaboratively with neighbours and other stakeholders regarding the safety of its operations. The Grind was established
volunteers to help the homeless, those suffering from drug addiction and people who just need
is working to be part of the solution to a bigger problem in Pembroke is often accused of being the
of
From the left are executive director and board chair Jery Novack and board members John Vaudry, Rudy Huisman, Dave Henderson and Deacon Adrien Chaput.
Tour de BeaverTails brings ridersand walkers - to Killaloe, July 28
Killaloe -- A new bike rally will bring as many as 200 riders and hikers to Killaloe for a fund-raising rally with a sweet twist on July 28 in support of vision care in the Ottawa Valley. The first-ever Tour de BeaverTails offers routes for riders of all abilities plus a heritage walk through the friendly little town. Everyone who registers gets to celebrate at the end with a sweet treat. BeaverTails, which has become an international franchise corporation, was created in Killaloe in the late 1970s.
“We thought combining a treat with healthy exercise would be a great way to encourage participation,” organizer Ish Theilheimer, a director of Ottawa Valley Cycling and Active Transportation Alliance (OVCATA), said. “We found willing partners in the Killaloe and Area Lions Club and, of course, the BeaverTails folks.” He has been friends with BeaverTails founders Grant and Pam Hooker since the 1970s, when they started their food business at the Killaloe Craft and Community Fair.
The Lions Club was eager to partner with OVCATA on this, as they have a new project they are raising money for.
“Our Ottawa Valley Vision project will help identify people, especially school kids and seniors, with early detection of sight problems,” according to Lions’ Vice President Rachelle Clayton.
“There are a lot of Ottawa Valley residents, especially school kids, who struggle with sight problems and don’y realize it. Early detection in school age children can alleviate all sorts of learning problems.”
She said Killaloe Lions are raising money to purchase an eye refractor machine and train community volunteers to go into local schools, senior centres and other identified groups to conduct vision screening. One of the most
enthusiastic riders in the event will be Jeremy Steenberg, a blind athlete from BC who grew up in Killaloe. He works with the blind community to encourage participation in sports.
“I try to encourage visually-impaired people to get active,” he said. “Forty per cent of blind people don’t go out at all.”
Mr. Steenberg, who lost more than 95 per cent of his vision in 2017 after a bike collision with a vehicle, enjoys competi-
tive cross-country skiing as well as cycling, which he does on a tandem bike with a guide. The Lions have invited him to be their spokesperson for the Ottawa Valley Vision Project.
Everyone registering gets lunch and a BeaverTail after the ride, and riders get a commemorative t-shirt.
The cost of registration is $75 for adults and $35 for youth (13-18) and walkers. To get a t-shirt, riders must register a month in
advance. A crew of volunteers from OVCATA will lay out the rides and supervise them, with water stations along the way. The rides are:
* Around the Town Classic - a 5-km heritage walk or 11-km family ride;
* BeaverTails Beauty - a 63-km road ride through beautiful rolling terrain;
* Railroad Gravel-ARama, a 50-km. ride for gravel riders out the railway and then into the hills;
* Killaloe Sunrise Spectacular, a hilly, 97-km ride through Rockingham, Combermere, Foymount and Cormac. All rides start and end in Station Park in downtown Killaloe.
“This is some of the best riding anywhere, and we’re proud to share it with visitors,” Mr. Theilheimer said. “And the partnership wit BeaverTails and the Killaloe and Area Lions means the proceeds go to an extremely worthy cause.”
Jeremy Steenberg, Rachelle Clayton of the Killaloe and Area Lions Club and Ish Theilheimer of OVCATA make plans for the first-ever Tour de BeaverTails in Killaloe.
A beautiful day for a fish fry!
Golden Lake -- Organizers of the annual Fish Fry sponsored by the Golden Lake and Area Property Owners’ Association were quite pleased with the turnout at this year’s event which was held at Red Pine Camp.
About 225 people enjoyed a meal of walleye and smelts, along with the fixings, and more came to enjoy
the entertainment provided by Casey and Company – Rick and Casey Schroder and Mike Britton.
Proceeds from the event will go towards the Walleye Rehabilitation project in Golden Lake.
The event also included a children’s fish derby which was enjoyed by about 35 youngsters. It was organized by Jay Foran and Dr. Peter Heinermann. Whitewater Brewery from Cobden provided refreshments throughout the day.
Lake Steward Don Bishop, who heads up the rehabilitation project with Dr. Heinermann, said about 25 volunteers assisted at the event. This number included those who netted the smelts earlier in the year.
Megan Hundt and two-year-old son Theo enjoying the fishing derby on the docks at Red Pine Camp.
Jay Foran and Dr. Peter Heinermann organized the fishing derby. They are shown with participants, Cash and Daisy O’Marra of Golden Lake.
Brian and Dianna Yourth coordinated the fish fry and with the help of many volunteers they served about 225 meals Sunday afternoon.
Mario Briski and Kim (Kranz) Laforest sit down to enjoy their meal of walleye and smelts. Kim is a native of the area and the couple have recently moved from southern Ontario to enjoy their retirement.
Lake Steward Don Bishop, who co-chairs the walleye rehab project with Dr. Peter Heinermann expresses appreciation to everyone who supported the fundraiser. Mabel Etmanskie of Tramore Road won a prize for being the earliest angler Sunday.
Enjoying the fish fry, from left to right, are Gordon and Lorraine Huckabone of Cobden; Beth and Francis Foran and Roy Welk of Eganville.
Former Algonquin First Nation Chief Wendy Jocko enjoys a conversation with Golden Lake cottager Joan Holmes.
Casey and Company provided entertainment throughout the afternoon.
Two displaced in suspicious fire in Pembroke on weekend
Pembroke – Two residents of an Everett Street home were displaced early Sunday morning following a suspicious fire in the basement of the residence.
The Pembroke Fire Department (PFD) received a report of a fire alarm activation at 4:30 am.
Prior to response, an update was received indicating a possible basement fire and the department responded with one pumper truck and the three-member duty crew. The fire was quickly brought under control with minimal damage contained to the basement.
There were no injuries, but the two residents of the home were displaced. Red Cross and Victim Services were contacted to provide support to the affected individuals.
The Ontario Provincial Police attended the scene as well, providing support to PFD staff.
“We did the initial investigation and we determined the cause of the fire,” Chief Scott Selle said. “And from there, the OPP have taken over the investigation.”
The department was out again late at 5:15 that afternoon after receiving a report of a porch on fire on Hunter
St. One pumper truck and the threemember duty crew responded.
“It was really starting to roll when our crew showed up, but it didn’t get into the house,” Chief Selle said.
“The occupants were not displaced.”
The fire was quickly brought under control, with damage being contained to the porch.
There was no fire or smoke extension into the home, no injuries, and the occupants of the home were not displaced.
It is believed the cause of the fire was due to the improper discarding of smoking materials.
Property dispute leads to charges
Beachburg -- An individual from Beachburg is facing several criminal code charges after members of the Upper Ottawa Valley Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a dispute involving property outside a residence in the village.
The incident occurred during the noon hour on May 12 after a dispute led to an assault, threats and damage to a television. One of the involved parties wielded a knife during the incident. No serious injuries were reported, and police seized edged weapons during the investigation.
Justin Spencer McClelland, 23, was arrested and charged with five counts of uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm; two counts of mischief; assault and assault with a weapon, and passion of a weapon for a dangerous purpose. He was also charged with causing damage to a cell at the OPP detachment. The accused was held for a bail hearing.
Retiring
At its May 1 meeting, which was held on First Responders Day, Whitewater Region (WWR) council recognized Captain Roy Church who is retiring after a combined 40 years of service between the Ross and WWR Fire Departments. He has served in almost every rank, starting out specializing in vehicle extrication. He has performed countless extrications throughout his career and has trained past and present firefighters.
From the left are WWR Fire Chief Jonathan McLaren, Captain Church and Mayor Neil Nicholson.
Members of the Templar Knights Motorcycle Club stopped at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 353 in Eganville on Saturday as part of their Poker Run to raise funds for several Legion branches. The ride started in Renfrew where they received their first card and included stops in Arnprior, back to Renfrew, Eganville, and finished in Cobden.
firefighter honoured
Catch the Ace jackpot continues to grow
Barry’s Bay -- Teresa Foster of Barry’s Bay soared into the Victoria Day long weekend with an extra $2,368. Her ticket was picked in the Week 29 draw on Thursday, May 16. She bought the ticket at the Barry’s Bay Shell and chose envelope number 43 because that’s how many years she spent working at Murray Bros. piling lumber. She has been retired for three years now. Envelope number 43 revealed the Two of Hearts. Ms. Foster will put the money away for a rainy day. The Ace of Spades is still in play and the jackpot this Thursday is estimated at $2,600. If you find the Ace of Spades, you could be walking away with an estimated $67,247.
Tickets can be purchased online until Wednesday, May 22 at 11:59 p.m. or in person until Thursday, May 23 at 1 p.m. www.sfvhfcatchtheace.com or at Round Lake Centre Food Market, Round Lake Country Store, AJ’s Convenience, Killaloe Hardware, Wilno Building Supply, Barry’s Bay MacEwen, the Foundation office, Barry’s Bay Ultramar, Lorraine’s Pharmasave, Barry’s Bay Shell, CO Country Market, The Cottage Cup, Eganville Shell, Conway’s Pharmacy, Village Discount and Variety, Ramona’s Hairstyling, Whitney Pharmacy and Rainbow Valley Community Health Centre.
Thrift Shop donates to Camp Lau-Ren upgrades
Renfrew -- Supporters of Camp Lau-Ren are rallying to help raise nearly $300,000 for building new campers’ washrooms and upgrading septic systems.
“Over the years, we have had a special relationship with Camp LauRen,” said Linda Boldt, chair of the Thrift Shop committee. “The Thrift Shop has donated a total of $10,910 to Camp Lau-Ren since 2016.” Trinity-St. Andrew’s will also be giving all proceeds from its third annual plant sale on May 25 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the TSA Stewart Hall,” she said.
Camp Lau-Ren was chosen for the most recent quarterly charitable donation from the Thrift Shop of Trinity-St. Andrew’s United Church in Renfrew. A cheque for $2,900 was presented to David Forrest and Marilyn Eady, who are Camp Lau-Ren representatives. Barbara Moogk, a Thrift Shop volunteer, made the cheque presentation.
Many people throughout the Ottawa Valley have fond memories of attending this camp.
“Members of my own family have gone there and we all treasure our time spent at this unique camp,” Ms. Boldt said.
Operating since 1952, Camp LauRen is a summer sleepaway camp for youngsters. In the 2023 season, there were 472 campers over the summer. The property is on the Ottawa River, 10 km from Deep River.
TSA Thrift Shop volunteer Barb Moogk, center, presents the $2,900 cheque to Camp Lau-Ren representatives, David Forrest, left, and Marilyn Eady.
Teresa Foster of Barry’s Bay took home $2,368 in last Thursday’s Catch the Ace draw.
CRC’s Kidz Kastle team receives county award
By Terry Fleurie Staff Writer
Killaloe – The Community Resource Centre (CRC) operates three childcare and early learning centres in the Madawaska Valley area and recently the team from the Kidz Kastle Preschool were honoured with an award from the County of Renfrew.
On May 10th, the county hosted its 10th annual meeting of childcare and early years educators from across the Valley, at the Civic Centre in Petawawa, where Adriana and Ashlyn Tomasini and Diane O’Brien received the Early Learning Team of the Year Award
The trio were part of the 25-member strong CRC delegation at the meeting that attracted over 450 childcare and early years staff from across the county for a day of networking and discussions, highlighted by a guest speaker and awards ceremony. The CRC team was selected for the award from among the 160 nominees put forward by co-workers and parents at the facilities
where they are employed.
Bil Smith, executive director of the CRC, said this is the first time one of their childcare teams has received this award
“It’s really an honour,” he remarked. “It’s our Kidz Kastle Daycare and we run the pre-school room.
“We have about 15 children enrolled in that program,” he added. “And they’re really actively engaged in helping the kids explore the environment.”
He said the award speaks very highly not only for the three recipients but the CRC in general.
“They are outstanding; all of our educators are outstanding. It’s hard to pick just one group or just one classroom.”
The CRC operates three licenced childcare centre – the one in Killaloe, one in Barry’s Bay and one in Whitney.
“And we have an outstanding team of educators that are really providing good quality programs and care for children,” he stated. “We were pleased to be recognized, but we know how good that team is and how good all of our teams are.”
Nominations for the award are open to all the people who work in the system and all the families.
“This team received multiple nominations from coworkers and families,” he said.
One nomination read, “Incredible humans, go above and beyond to make sure every child is well cared for and always feel safe and loved and are having fun”.
Another nomination read, “They always go above and beyond for the kids, trying to make fun and engaging days. They are so thoughtful. For example, at Easter they sent home little gifts. In my son’s gift bag there was a little stuffed chick and someone took the time to make homemade glasses for it. My son wears glasses and it really touched our hearts”.
The judging is done by the County of Renfrew childcare team.
Mr. Smith said the kids from the Killaloe program are out and about in the town, are fully utilizing Killaloe Pathways Park, and staff are creating good learning opportunities for them. He said the children range from two-and-a-half years old to four, prior to them heading off to kindergarten.
He said the program is all about providing a readiness to learn in the children.
He noted several years ago, the Toy Bus team was honoured with an award as well.
Mr. Smith said the county dubbed the annual event, May Day, and was initiated to bring all the childcare and early years staff for a day of professional development.
“And a little bit of celebration involved in that as well,” he noted.
The CRC’s Kidz Kastle staff were named the recipients of the 2024 County of Renfrew Early Learning Team of the Year Award. They are, from left, Adrianna Tomasini, Diane O’Brien, and Ashlyn Tomasini.
Renfrew awards $4.37 million contract for O’Brien Road
By R. Bruce McIntyre
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Renfrew – Despite some opposition towards the installation of a new roundabout in Renfrew, town council has awarded a $4,373,744 contract to Thomas Cavanagh Construction for construction of O’Brien Road (Mask to Wrangler) including a roundabout.
During the May 14 meeting, council voted 5-2 in favour of accepting staff’s recommendation.
The project was already included in the 2024 capital budget in the amount of $6 million, including non-refundable HST and the town has been approved for $3 million in funding from the province through the Connecting Links program. Although nine tender packages were picked up, only two bids were submitted: Bonnechere Excavating Inc. (BEI) - $4,065,673.74 excluding contingency and HST, and Cavanagh - $3,907,361.91 excluding contingency and HST. The town enlisted the services of Jp2g to referee the tendering process and their evaluation and scoring of the bids resulted in a recommendation that Cavanagh be awarded the contract based not only on the lower bid, but the firm has had good experience with the town and has provided a good level of service on
past projects. The Cavanagh bid was $564,573 lower than BEI, representing a savings of about 13 per cent on the overall costs.
Debenture Worries Councillors Since the scathing Ma-te-Way Third Party Review was released in March, council has been apprehensive about entering into any longterm financing projects. The report highlighted an impending 30-year debenture agreement that will be required for the town to make good on the $17 million shortfall in construction costs for the 96,000 square foot expansion project. The town entered into agreements with some contractors without specific conditions in relation to cost overruns and which party is ultimately responsible to make up any shortfalls. One of the recommendations of the review was for town staff to attempt to enter any future contracts as a fixed price agreement that lays out the areas of responsibilities for both parties when it comes to overages and unexpected costs and which party is responsible in the event any additional costs are needed in excess of the 10 per cent contingency amount.
Councillor Andrew Dick said he was not in favour of debenturing another $4.3 million on top of an already high debt load the town will
be responsible for.
“Do we need a roundabout? Yes we do, but do we need it now? From what I am hearing on the street is that the majority of the public doesn’t want it,” he said. “I am going to go with what the taxpayers want in life right now. They don’t want the roundabout right now so I am not going to vote in favour of this tonight.”
Councillor Kyle Cybulski asked Andrea Bishop, the town’s Manager of Engineering and Asset Management, to confirm if the contract awarded to Cavanagh is a fixed contract, meaning the costs are set and any overages will be assumed by the company and not the town. She confirmed the contract is a fixed contract.
Both CAO Robert Tremblay and Treasurer Charlene Jackson explained to council the original budget was set at $6 million. The drawings and plans submitted by the partnership of Jp2g and Bytown Inc. outline the scope of construction and those plans cost approximately $500,000. With the submitted Cavanagh bid of $4.37 million added to the Jp2g fee of $500,000 the overall cost of the project, including a 10 per cent contingency, will bring the total cost to approximately $5 million, a full $1 million below the estimated
budget.
“This is good news,” Mr. Tremblay said. “We are in the range of $5 million which is about $1 million under and maybe we are getting back to pre-COVID construction costs.”
Ms. Jackson explained to council she was unsure if the Connecting Links commitment of $3 million will still be the contribution. The province made the $3 million commitment based on an original budget of $6 million. She said it may come down to a 50/50 cost share in which case the contribution from Connecting Links would be reduced to approximately $2.5 million to match the town’s contribution of $2.5 million. She said exact contribution amounts will be confirmed in early June, but she informed council that
if all numbers remain the same, the maximum amount of debenture costs to the town would be in the area of $2.5 and not $4 million. She added the roundabout is funded through the Connecting Links program and when the town submitted an application for O’Brien Road construction in 2023, the project was included in both the 2023 and 2024 budgets.
“This is the final award to get the project underway and we have already spent money ($500,000 to Jp2g) and if this fails then we have to go back out to design and if council doesn’t want a roundabout then all of those costs will be borne by us,” she said.
Reeve Peter Emon added the town has a very successful relationship
with MTO staff over the years and that has resulted in several successful awards and it might be difficult to have future successful applications if the current $3 million is rejected by council.
When Mayor Tom Sidney called for a vote, Councillors Dick and John McDonald voted against with Mayor Sidney, Reeve Emon and Councillors Cybulski, Jason Legris and Clint McWhirter voting in favour.
No exact date was given for the start of construction work to begin at the intersection of O’Brien and Mask Road (set of lights to the Tourist Information Centre) to Whitton Road (last turn-off before the intersection of O’Brien Road and Highway 17).
Volunteers Laura Hinrichson, Frances O’Malley and Shawn Henry represented the Eganville and Area Horticultural Society at their annual spring plant sale on May 18, last Saturday.
